Early dynamics of circulating tumor DNA predict chemotherapy responses for patients with esophageal cancer

We investigated whether early circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) changes, measured using digital PCR (dPCR), can predict later chemotherapy responses in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). We compared the dynamics of ctDNA and tumor volumes during chemotherapy in 42 ESCC. The accuracy of predictions of later chemotherapy responses was evaluated by the ratio of the variant allele frequency of ctDNA (post-/pre-ctDNA) and the total tumor volume (post-/pre-volume) before and after an initial chemotherapy cycle using a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Total positive and negative objective responses (ORs) were defined as either >50 or ≤50% reductions, respectively, in the total tumor volume at the end of first-line chemotherapy. Mutation screening of 43 tumors from 42 patients revealed 96 mutations. The pretreatment dPCR-ctDNA data were informative in 38 patients, using 70 selected mutations (1-3 per patient). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for the post-/pre-volume and post-/pre-ctDNA levels used in predicting the total OR were 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. The optimal cutoff value of post-/pre-ctDNA was 0.13. In 20 patients with post-/pre-volume ≥50%, the total OR could be predicted by the post-/pre-ctDNA with high accuracy; the AUC by post-/pre-ctDNA was higher than that by post-/pre-volume (0.85 versus 0.76, respectively). Patients with low post-/pre-ctDNA (n = 18) had a significantly better overall survival rate than those with high post-/pre-ctDNA (n = 20; P = 0.03). Early ctDNA changes after an initial cycle of chemotherapy predict later responses to treatment with high accuracy in ESCC patients.

Prognostic value of an echocardiographic index reflecting right ventricular operating stiffness in patients with heart failure

PURPOSE

We recently reported a noninvasive method for the assessment of right ventricular (RV) operating stiffness that is obtained by dividing the atrial-systolic descent of the pulmonary artery-RV pressure gradient (PRPGD_AC) derived from the pulmonary regurgitant velocity by the tricuspid annular plane movement during atrial contraction (TAPM_AC). Here, we investigated whether this parameter of RV operating stiffness, PRPGD_AC/TAPM_AC, is useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

We retrospectively included 127 hospitalized patients with HF who underwent an echocardiographic examination immediately pre-discharge. The PRPGD_AC/TAPM_AC was measured in addition to standard echocardiographic parameters. Patients were followed until 2 years post-discharge. The endpoint was the composite of cardiac death, readmission for acute decompensation, and increased diuretic dose due to worsening HF.

RESULTS

58 patients (46%) experienced the endpoint during follow-up. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses demonstrated that the PRPGD_AC/TAPM_AC was associated with the endpoint. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis, the event rate of the greater PRPGD_AC/TAPM_AC group was significantly higher than that of the lesser PRPGD_AC/TAPM_AC group. In a sequential Cox analysis for predicting the endpoint's occurrence, the addition of PRPGD_AC/TAPM_AC to the model including age, sex, NYHA functional classification, brain natriuretic peptide level, and several echocardiographic parameters including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion significantly improved the predictive power for prognosis.

CONCLUSION

A completely noninvasive index of RV operating stiffness, PRPGD_AC/TAPM_AC, was useful for predicting prognoses in patients with HF, and it showed an incremental prognostic value over RV systolic function.

Esophageal carcinosarcoma in which the sarcomatous element has sloughed off: A case report

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ECS is a rare tumor often treated in the same manner as esophageal cancer.

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ECS often presents as a polypoid tumor continuous with the superficial lesion.

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We encountered an ECS case in which a polypoid lesion sloughed off before surgery.

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Polypoid tumor exfoliation in ECS may lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

Introduction

Most esophageal carcinosarcoma (ECS) tumors present as a polypoid tumor that is continuous with the superficial lesion and suspended by a pedicle. Here, we report a case of ECS in which a polypoid lesion sloughed off before surgery.

Presentation of case

A 76-year-old man with dysphagia was admitted to our hospital. Esophagogastroscopy revealed a 20-mm polypoid tumor continuous with a superficial lesion and attached to the lesion by a thin pedicle in the mid-thoracic esophagus. Histopathological examination of the endoscopic biopsy showed that the superficial lesion was a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and that the polypoid tumor contained a sarcomatous element. He was diagnosed with ECS and underwent radical esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection. In the resected specimen, no polypoid tumor was found, and only a superficial lesion was observed. The histopathological findings revealed only squamous cell carcinoma, and the pathological diagnosis was esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, pT1bN0M0, pathological stage I. The patient was discharged from the hospital 22 days after surgery and did not experience any complications. He is currently alive and remained cancer-free for three years since surgery was performed.

Discussion

Due to the distinctive configuration in which the polypoid lesion was connected to the superficial cancerous lesion by a very thin pedicle, researchers suggested that the polypoid tumor, which consisted of a sarcomatous element, was sloughed off before surgery.

Conclusion

We encountered a rare case of ECS in which the sarcomatous element sloughed off prior to surgical resection.

Feasibility of totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy with intracorporeal gastro-gastrostomy for early gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been accepted as a function-preserving surgery for the treatment of early gastric cancer in East Asian countries. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of totally laparoscopic PPG (TLPPG) with intracorporeal anastomosis.

Methods

A total of 43 patients with early gastric cancer underwent laparoscopy-assisted PPG (LAPPG) with extracorporeal anastomosis between May 2006 and November 2012. The operative outcomes of 22 patients who underwent TLPPG between November 2012 and February 2019 were evaluated, and data were compared with that of the LAPPG group.

Results

No significant difference in the operative time was observed between the two groups. Blood loss was lower in the TLPPG group (18.5 mL) than in the LAPPG group (30.7 mL, p = 0.008), and the length of abdominal incision was shorter in the TLPPG group (3.8 cm) than in the LAPPG group (4.7 cm, p < 0.001). No significant difference in the complication rate was observed between the two groups (13.6% in the TLPPG vs. 9.3% in the LAPPG group, p = 0.594). No anastomosis-related complications occurred in either group. No significant between-group difference was observed in the delayed gastric emptying (TLPPG, 9.1 vs. LAPPG, 7%, p = 0.762). The initiation of postoperative fluid (TLPPG, 1.0 day vs. LAPPG, 3.0 days, p < 0.001) and meal (TLPPG, 3.0 days vs. LAPPG, 4.0 days, p < 0.001) intake was earlier in the TLPPG group than in the LAPPG group. No significant between-group difference was observed in the postoperative hospital stay.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that TLPPG with intracorporeal reconstruction not only is as feasible and safe as LAPPG for the treatment of patients with early gastric cancer but also provides certain advantages such as reduced blood loss and wound size.

[A Thoracic Aortic Dissection Case during Treatment with Ramucirumab plus Nab-Paclitaxel]

Ramucirumab(RAM)plus nab-paclitaxel(nab-PTX)therapy is a regimen that is recommended for the second round of chemotherapy in recurrent, progressive gastric cancer. We report the first case of a thoracic aortic dissection developed during RAM plus nab-PTX therapy. A 59-year-old male who had undergone a proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer had a recurrence of cancer 6 years later(metastasis to the para-aortic lymph node and left adrenal gland, local recurrence, and multiple bone metastases). He was treated with RAM plus nab-PTX therapy for second-line chemotherapy. On day 9 of the third cycle, he experienced sudden, severe neck pain and visited the outpatient emergency department. Computed tomography detected a Stanford type-A thoracic aortic dissection. However, the patient suffered from a myocardial infarction before the operation, and died. This is the first report of an aortic dissection associated with RAM. Clinicians must be aware of this complication.

Giant gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the mediastinum associated with an esophageal hiatal hernia and chest discomfort: a case report

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) grow relatively slowly and without specific symptoms; therefore, they are typically incidental findings. We report a rare gastric GIST in the mediastinum associated with chest discomfort and an esophageal hiatal hernia.

Case presentation

An 81-year-old woman with chest discomfort was admitted to the hospital, where barium esophagography showed a sliding esophageal hiatal hernia and a tumor of the lower esophagus and gastric wall. Esophagogastroscopy confirmed the presence of a huge submucosal tumor that extended from the lower esophagus to the gastric fundus. According to computed tomography, the mediastinal mass measured 12.7 cm and had heterogeneous low-density areas. A submucosal gastric tumor, which we suspected to be a GIST, was diagnosed in association with an esophageal hiatal hernia. Using thoracolaparotomy, we performed a total gastrectomy, a lower esophagectomy, and a Roux-en-Y reconstruction with the jejunum. The presumptive diagnosis was confirmed through immunohistochemical examination; immunostaining yielded results positive for CD34 and c-kit. The patient was discharged from the hospital 13 days after surgery with no complications and remained disease-free at follow-up 24 months after surgery.

Conclusions

GIST should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors growing in the mediastinum.

Low programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) expression in peripheral CD4(+) T cells in Japanese patients with autoimmune type 1 diabetes

Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is a co-stimulatory molecule that inhibits T cell proliferation. We aimed to clarify PD-1 expression in CD4(+) T cells and the association between PD-1 expression and the 7785C/T polymorphism of PDCD1, with a focus on the two subtypes of type 1 diabetes, type 1A diabetes (T1AD) and fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D), in the Japanese population. We examined 22 patients with T1AD, 15 with FT1D, 19 with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 29 healthy control (HC) subjects. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and real-time PCR were utilized to analyse PD-1 expression quantitatively. Genotyping of 7785C/T in PDCD1 was performed using the TaqMan method in a total of 63 subjects (21 with T1AD, 15 with FT1D and 27 HC). FACS revealed a significant reduction in PD-1 expression in CD4(+) T cells in patients with T1AD (mean: 4.2 vs. 6.0% in FT1D, P=0.0450; vs. 5.8% in T2D, P=0.0098; vs. 6.0% in HC, P=0.0018). PD-1 mRNA expression in CD4(+) T cells was also significantly lower in patients with T1AD than in the HC subjects. Of the 63 subjects, PD-1 expression was significantly lower in individuals with the 7785C/C genotype than in those with the C/T and T/T genotypes (mean: 4.1 vs. 5.9%, P=0.0016). Our results indicate that lower PD-1 expression in CD4(+) T-cells might contribute to the development of T1AD through T cell activation.

Interactions of the antitumor macrolide aplyronine A with actin and actin-related proteins established by its versatile photoaffinity derivatives

The antitumor and apoptogenic macrolide aplyronine A (ApA) is a potent actin-depolymerizing agent. We developed an ApA acetylene analog that bears the aryldiazirine group at the C34 terminus, which formed a covalent bond with actin. With the use of the photoaffinity biotin derivatives of aplyronines A and C, Arp2 and Arp3 (actin-related proteins) were specifically purified as binding proteins along with actin from tumor cell lysate. However, Arp2 and Arp3 did not covalently bind to aplyronine photoaffinity derivatives. Thus, actin-related proteins might indirectly bind to ApA as the ternary adducts of the actin/ApA complex or through the oligomeric actin.

Effect of motion imagery to counter rest-induced suppression of F-wave as a measure of anterior horn cell excitability

OBJECTIVE

To test if motor imagery prevents the rest-induced suppression of anterior horn cell excitability.

METHODS

Ten healthy subjects underwent two separate experiments, each consisting of stimulating the median nerve 100 times and recording F-waves from abductor pollicis brevis (APB) in three consecutive sessions: (1) after muscle exercise to standardize the baseline, (2) after immobilization of APB for 3h and (3) after muscle exercise to check recovery. We instructed the subject to volitionally relax APB in experiment 1 (relaxation task), and to periodically simulate thumb abduction without actual movement in experiment 2 (imagery task).

RESULTS

F-wave persistence and amplitude declined after relaxation task and recovered quickly after exercise, but changed little with imagery task. F-wave latencies showed no change when analyzed individually. The frequency distribution of collective F-waves recorded from all subjects remained the same after relaxation task, but showed a shift toward longer latencies after imagery task.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental imagery without overt motor output suffices to counter the effect of sustained volitional muscle relaxation, which would, otherwise, cause a reversible reduction in anterior horn cell excitability.

SIGNIFICANCE

This finding documents the importance of central drive for spinal excitability, which affects F-wave studies of a paretic muscle.

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic study of Ca2+-binding to osteocalcin

Osteocalcin, the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein, which is the most abundant noncollagenous protein of bone and dentin, is considered to play roles in bone formation and remodeling. It is unclear how the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid side-chains in osteocalcin coordinate to Ca2+, since the X-ray structure of osteocalcin is not available. Interactions between Ca2+ and the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid side-chains in osteocalcin were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In the region of the antisymmetric stretches, the loss of intensity at 1574 cm(-1) and gain of intensity at 1600 cm(-1) were observed due to Ca2+-binding to osteocalcin. The spectral changes indicate that the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid side-chains in osteocalcin coordinate to Ca- in the malonate chelation mode, where a Ca2+ interacts with two oxygen atoms, one from each of the two COO- groups of a single gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residue. Addition of Ca2+ does not cause any spectral change in the spectra of decarboxylated osteocalcin since the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues are converted to the glutamic acid residues by chemical modification.

N-terminal cleavage fragment of glycosylated Gag is incorporated into murine oncornavirus particles

Glycosylated Gag (Glycogag) is a transmembrane protein encoded by murine and feline oncornaviruses. While the protein is dispensible for virus replication, Glycogag-null mutants of a neurovirulent murine oncornavirus are slow to spread in vivo and exhibit a loss of pathogenicity. The function of this protein in the virus life cycle, however, is not understood. Glycogag is expressed at the plasma membrane of infected cells but has not been detected in virions. In the present study we have reexamined this issue and have found an N-terminal cleavage fragment of Glycogag which was pelleted by high-speed centrifugation and sedimented in sucrose density gradients at the same bouyant density as virus particles. Its association with virions was confirmed by velocity sedimentation through iodixanol, which effectively separated membrane microvesicles from virus particles. Furthermore, the apparent molecular weight of the virion-associated protein was different from that of the protein extracted from the plasma membrane, suggesting some level of specificity or selectivity of incorporation.

Proinflammatory cytokines induce liver and activation-regulated chemokine/macrophage inflammatory protein-3alpha/CCL20 in mucosal epithelial cells through NF-kappaB [correction of NK-kappaB]

Liver and activation-regulated chemokine (LARC)/CCL20 is expressed by surface-lining epithelial and epidermal cells, and is likely to link innate and acquired immunity by attracting immature dendritic cells, effector memory T cells and B cells via CCR6. Here we examined the mechanism of LARC expression in epithelial-type cells. Either IL-1beta or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha strongly induced LARC mRNA in intestinal cell lines Caco-2 and T84, while both were effective on HEK 293T cells. Induction of LARC was also demonstrated in the intestinal epithelium of BALB/c mice upon treatment with IL-1alpha or TNF-alpha. Transient transfection assays using murine LARC promoter-reporter constructs identified a region essential for IL-1beta- or TNF-alpha-induced promoter activation in Caco-2 and 293T cells. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrated that an NF-kappaB site located between -96 and -87 bp upstream from the transcriptional start site was both necessary and sufficient for IL-1beta- or TNF-alpha-induced promoter activation in Caco-2 and 293T cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that p50/p65 heterodimer and p65 homodimer of NF-kappaB bound to this site in 293T cells upon treatment with IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, and p50/p65 heterodimer bound to this site in Caco-2 cells upon treatment with IL-1beta. Co-expression of constitutively active p65 strongly activated the promoter construct carrying the intact NF-kappaB site in 293T and Caco-2 cells. Collectively, LARC expression in intestinal epithelial-type cells is induced by proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF-alpha primarily through activation of NF-kappaB.

Sex-related differences in the renal disposition of the acidic metabolite of clentiazem in rat

1. Sex-related differences in the renal excretion of the acidic compounds (+)-(2S,3S)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-oxo-1,5-benzothiazepin-5-acetic acid (MA4; one of the acidic metabolites of clentiazem), probenecid (PB) and methotrexate (MTX) have been investigated in the 7-week-old male and female Sprague-Dawley rat using an in vivo renal clearance technique. 2. The extent of plasma protein binding of MA4, PB and MTX was approximately 96, 95 and 65%, respectively, and it did not differ significantly between the male and female rat. On the other hand, the unbound renal clearance (CLrf) of MA4 in the female was approximately 300 times higher than that in male, and the ratio of this clearance to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was approximately 10, suggesting that MA4 undergoes extensive active renal secretion in the female. Furthermore, the CLrf/GFR ratio was significantly decreased by co-administration of PB. In contrast, no sex-related difference in the renal excretion of PB could be detected because its CLrf was very low and reabsorption contributed extensively to its renal disposition. The CLrf/GFR for MTX was approximately 2.5 but did not differ significantly between the male and female. 3. The renal organic anion transport systems in rat show sex-related differences and have different substrate-specific characteristics.

Human CC chemokine liver-expressed chemokine/CCL16 is a functional ligand for CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5, and constitutively expressed by hepatocytes

Liver-expressed chemokine (LEC)/CCL16 is a human CC chemokine selectively expressed in the liver. Here, we investigated its receptor usage by calcium mobilization and chemotactic assays using mouse L1.2 pre-B cell lines stably expressing a panel of 12 human chemokine receptors. At relatively high concentrations, LEC induced calcium mobilization and chemotaxis via CCR1 and CCR2. LEC also induced calcium mobilization, but marginal chemotaxis via CCR5. Consistently, LEC was found to bind to CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5 with relatively low affinities. The binding of LEC to CCR8 was much less significant. In spite of its binding to CCR5, LEC was unable to inhibit infection of an R5-type HIV-1 to activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells even at high concentrations. In human liver sections, hepatocytes were strongly stained by anti-LEC antibody. HepG2, a human hepatocarcinoma cell line, was found to constitutively express LEC. LEC was also present in the plasma samples from healthy adult donors at relatively high concentrations (0.3--4 nM). Taken together, LEC is a new low-affinity functional ligand for CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5, and is constitutively expressed by liver parenchymal cells. The presence of LEC in normal plasma at relatively high concentrations may modulate inflammatory responses.

Selective delivery of estradiol to bone by aspartic acid oligopeptide and its effects on ovariectomized mice

We have developed a novel osteotropic prodrug of estradiol (E(2)) conjugated with L-Asp-hexapeptide (E(2).3D(6)), which has very low affinity for estrogen receptors, and in this study, we examined its pharmacokinetic behavior and pharmacological potential. After a single iv injection of E(2) x 3D(6) to mice, the half-time for elimination from plasma was about 100 min; however, E(2) was selectively delivered to the bone and eliminated very slowly, declining to the endogenous level at about 7 days. After a single iv injection of E(2), the half-time in plasma was about 70 min, whereas E(2) was highly distributed to the uterus, and the bone concentration of E(2) was only slightly increased at 6 h. When E(2) (0.37 micromol/kg, sc, every third day) or E(2) x 3D(6) (0.11 to 1.1 micromol/kg, sc, every seventh day) was administered to OVX mice for 4 weeks, E(2) increased the bone mineral density (BMD) together with weights of liver and uterus, whereas E(2) x 3D(6) increased only the BMD, in a dose-dependent manner. E(2) x 3D(6) enhanced the expression of messenger RNAs of bone matrix proteins (osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, type I collagen alpha) of OVX mice at 4 h after administration, but E(2) did very slightly. These results indicate that the E(2) prodrug was delivered to the bone, where it gradually released E(2), thereby ameliorating bone loss. This acidic oligopeptide appears to be a good candidate for selective drug delivery to bone.

Intervention of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine attenuates the development of allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in mice

Thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC; CCL17) is a lymphocyte-directed CC chemokine that specifically chemoattracts CC chemokine receptor 4-positive (CCR4(+)) Th2 cells. To establish the pathophysiological roles of TARC in vivo, we investigated here whether an mAb against TARC could inhibit the induction of asthmatic reaction in mice elicited by OVA. TARC was constitutively expressed in the lung and was up-regulated in allergic inflammation. The specific Ab against TARC attenuated OVA-induced airway eosinophilia and diminished the degree of airway hyperresponsiveness with a concomitant decrease in Th2 cytokine levels. Our results for the first time indicate that TARC is a pivotal chemokine for the development of Th2-dominated experimental allergen-induced asthma with eosinophilia and AHR. This study also represents the first success in controlling Th2 cytokine production in vivo by targeting a chemokine.

Inducible expression of a CC chemokine liver- and activation-regulated chemokine (LARC)/macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3 alpha/CCL20 by epidermal keratinocytes and its role in atopic dermatitis

Liver-and activation-regulated chemokine (LARC)/macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3alpha/CCL20 is a CC chemokine which is constitutively expressed by follicle-associated epithelial cells in the mucosa, and attracts cells expressing CCR6 such as immature dendritic cells and alpha(4)beta(7)(high) intestine-seeking memory T cells. Here, we examine LARC/CCL20 expression in the skin. LARC/CCL20 mRNA and protein were induced in primary human keratinocytes upon stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. In mice, intradermal injection of IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha rapidly induced a local accumulation of transcripts for LARC/CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 with a lag of several hours in the latter. In humans, immunostaining of LARC/CCL20 was weak if any in normal skin tissues but strongly augmented in lesional skin tissues with atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, massive infiltration of cells with markers such as CD1a, CD3 or HLA-DR was present in atopic skin lesions. Many infiltrating cells were also found to be CCR6(+) by a newly generated monoclonal anti-CCR6. However, Langerhans cells residing within the epidermis were hardly stained by anti-CCR6 in normal and atopic skin tissues. Furthermore, plasma levels of LARC/CCL20 were found to be elevated in patients with atopic dermatitis. Collectively, our results suggest that epidermal keratinocytes produce LARC/CCL20 upon stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha, and attract CCR6-expressing immature dendritic cells and memory/effector T cells into the dermis of inflamed skin such as atopic dermatitis. LARC/CCL20 may not, however, play a major role in homeostatic migration of Langerhans cells into the skin.

The effect of carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (c-propeptide) on collagen synthesis of preosteoblasts and osteoblasts

Recently we found that the carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (c-propeptide) is a major secretory protein of osteoblasts. Mature osteoblasts secreted 64 nM c-propeptide, and it was reported that 40 nM c-propeptide inhibited collagen synthesis at 80% of the control level. In this study, we investigated the effect of c-propeptide on collagen synthesis of preosteoblasts and osteoblasts, and found that preosteoblasts downregulated collagen synthesis by 40 nM c-propeptide, but osteoblasts were not affected by the same condition. When the binding activities of c-propeptide for preosteoblasts and osteoblasts were compared, osteoblasts showed weak affinity to c-propeptide compared with preosteoblasts, and the number of receptors for c-propeptide decreased in osteoblasts. These results imply that a decrease of receptors in osteoblasts might reduce the sensitivity of osteoblasts to c-propeptide.

Roles of endogenous retroviruses and platelets in the development of vascular injury in spontaneous mouse models of autoimmune diseases

MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice spontaneously develop immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis, granulomatous arteritis, and thrombocytopenia. Recent genetic analyses in a few different strains of lupus-prone mice have pointed out a close correlation between autoantibodies reactive with the endogenous retroviral env gene product, gp70, and the development and severity of glomerulonephritis. We have also shown that autoantibodies reactive with endogenous retroviral gp70 are closely correlated with the development of necrotizing polyarteritis in another lupus-prone strain of mice, SL/Ni. However, suggested pathogenicity of anti-gp70 autoantibodies has not yet been directly tested. To examine if anti-gp70 autoantibodies induce glomerular and vascular pathology, we established from unmanipulated MRL/lpr mice hybridoma clones that secrete monoclonal antibodies reactive with endogenous xenotropic viral env gene products. As reported separately, a high proportion of these anti-gp70 antibody-producing hybridoma clones induced in syngeneic non-autoimmune and severe combined immunodeficiency mice proliferative or wire loop-like glomerular lesions with granular deposits of gp70, IgG, and C3 in affected glomeruli. Some mice transplanted with these anti-gp70 autoantibody-producing hybridoma cells also showed massive subendothelial deposition of electron-dense materials in small arterioles in the kidneys. Furthermore, we identified an IgG2a-producing anti-gp70 hybridoma clone that induced microvascular intraluminal platelet aggregation, thrombocytopenia, and amenia upon transplantation into syngeneic non-autoimmune mice. This anti-gp70 autoantibody bound onto the surfaces of mouse platelets, and specifically precipitated a platelet protein with an approximate relative molecular mass of 40000. Attachment of activated platelets to the intimal surfaces of small arteries was also observed by electron microscopy in mice transplanted with the pathogenic anti-gp70 IgG2a-producing hybridoma cells, suggesting an interaction between antibody-bound platelets and endothelial cells.

Carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (c-propeptide) modulates the action of TGF-beta on MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells

Previously we found that the carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (c-propeptide) is a major secretory protein of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. In this study, we found that c-propeptide suppresses collagen synthesis and alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells at the early-differentiated stage in a dose dependent manner. Mature osteoblasts did not respond to c-propeptide. These findings imply that c-propeptide modulates the function of osteoblasts at an early differentiation stage. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is stored in bone and released from bone matrix after the resorption by osteoclasts. We investigated the effect of c-propeptide on the action of TGF-beta, and found that it enhanced the effect of TGF-beta. We conclude that c-propeptide is a physiological modulator of TGF-beta in bone metabolism.

Type I collagen-induced osteoblastic differentiation of bone-marrow cells mediated by collagen-alpha2beta1 integrin interaction

Bone marrow cells are multipotent cells. When bone marrow cells were cultured with type I collagen matrix gels, they showed high alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and formed mineralized tissues. Furthermore, cells expressed osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein genes, which are osteoblast-specific genes. These findings indicate that type I collagen matrix gels induce osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow cells. Type I collagen interacts with the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin receptor on the cell membrane and mediates extracellular signals into cells. DGEA peptide is a cell-binding domain of type I collagen molecule. When collagen-integrin interaction was interrupted by the addition of Asp-Gly-Glu-Ala (DGEA) peptide to the culture, the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes of bone marrow cells was inhibited. Furthermore, anti-alpha 2 integrin antibody, which interacts with alpha subunit of integrin and blocks the binding of integrin with collagen, suppressed the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes. These findings imply that collagen-alpha 2 beta 1 integrin interaction is an important signal for the osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow cells.

Selective drug delivery system to bone: small peptide (Asp)6 conjugation

Targeting a drug on hydroxyapatite (HA) could be a promising way for selective drug delivery to bone, because HA, an inorganic component in hard tissues (bone and teeth), does not exist in soft tissues. Several bone noncollagenous proteins, which bind to HA, have repeating sequences of acidic amino acids in their structures as possible HA-binding sites. Thus, we think that a small peptide of repetitive acidic amino acid could work as a carrier for selective drug delivery to the bone. To test this hypothesis, we conjugated (Asp)6 to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), evaluated its affinity to HA in vitro, and examined its tissue distribution after injection into rats. Although fluorescein itself did not bind to HA, (Asp)6-FITC bound to HA as well as calceine and tetracycline. Twenty-four hours after intravenous injection of (Asp)6-FITC to rats, animals were killed, and ground sections of hard tissues and cryosections of soft tissues were made. Under a confocal laser scanning microscope, clear labeling lines were observed in bones and teeth, whereas no labeling was detected in soft tissues. In the rats administered with fluorescein alone, the fluorescent labeling was detected in neither hard nor soft tissues. Fluorescent analysis of blood, urine, and bones after (Asp)6-FITC administration revealed that biological half-life of FITC in blood was short (60 minutes) and that within 24 h, 95% of the administered FITC was excreted as urine whereas 2% of the FITC accumulated in bones. After subcutaneous administration of (Asp)6-FITC to mice, fluorescent intensity remaining in the femurs was measured periodically. In these mice the biological half-life of FITC in the femur was 14 days. Present results indicate that (Asp)6 is effective as a carrier for selective drug delivery to bone.

Establishment of monoclonal anti-retroviral gp70 autoantibodies from MRL/lpr lupus mice and induction of glomerular gp70 deposition and pathology by transfer into non-autoimmune mice

Several strains of mice, including MRL/MpJ mice homozygous for the Fas mutant lpr gene (MRL/lpr mice), F(1) hybrids of New Zealand Black and New Zealand White mice, and BXSB/MpJ mice carrying a Y-linked autoimmune acceleration gene, spontaneously develop immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. The involvement of the envelope glycoprotein gp70 of an endogenous xenotropic virus in the formation of circulating immune complexes and their deposition in the glomerular lesions have been demonstrated, as has the pathogenicity of various antinuclear, antiphospholipid, and rheumatoid factor autoantibodies. In recent genetic linkage studies as well as in a study of cytokine-induced protection against nephritis development, the strongest association of serum levels of gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes, rather than the levels of antinuclear autoantibodies, with the development and severity of glomerulonephritis has been demonstrated, suggesting a major pathogenic role of anti-gp70 autoantibodies in the lupus-prone mice. However, the pathogenicity of anti-gp70 autoantibodies has not yet been directly tested. To examine if anti-gp70 autoantibodies induce glomerular pathology, we established from unmanipulated MRL/lpr mice hybridoma clones that secrete monoclonal antibodies reactive with endogenous xenotropic viral env gene products. Upon transplantation, a high proportion of these anti-gp70 antibody-producing hybridoma clones induced in syngeneic non-autoimmune and severe combined immunodeficiency mice proliferative or wire loop-like glomerular lesions. Furthermore, deposition of gp70 in glomeruli and pathological changes were observed after intravenous injection of representative clones of purified anti-gp70 immunoglobulin G, demonstrating pathogenicity of at least some anti-gp70 autoantibodies.

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a crucial factor for the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes of bone marrow cells cultured on type I collagen matrix

In this study, we demonstrated that type I collagen matrix induced the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes of bone marrow cells, and that antibone sialoprotein (BSP) monoclonal antibody suppressed the expression of these phenotypes. On the other hand, BSP accelerated the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes of bone marrow cells. The adherent bone marrow cells were harvested from rat femur and cultured on type I collagen matrix gels in medium containing 15% fetal calf serum, neither beta-glycerophosphate nor glucocorticoid. Cells showed osteoblastic phenotypes (high alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin synthesis, and responsiveness against parathyroid hormone) on collagen matrix gels at week 3 after the inoculation, and simultaneously, BSP was detected in the conditioned medium by Western blotting using an anti-BSP monoclonal antibody. However, cells in the conventional culture dishes did not show osteoblastic phenotypes during the experimental period. To investigate the physiological function of BSP in osteoblastic differentiation, bone marrow cells were cultured on collagen matrix with an anti-BSP monoclonal antibody for 3 weeks. This treatment suppressed the expression of the osteoblastic phenotypes, and the effect of the antibody was abolished by the addition of bovine bone BSP. Furthermore, bovine bone BSP stimulated the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes of bone marrow cells. Our results indicate that BSP plays a crucial role in the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes of bone marrow cells.

Increased chemokine receptor CCR7/EBI1 expression enhances the infiltration of lymphoid organs by adult T-cell leukemia cells

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is characterized by infiltration of various tissues by circulating ATL cells, a finding often associated with a poor prognosis. Leukocyte migration from the circulation into tissues depends on integrin-mediated adhesion to the endothelium, and integrins are tightly regulated by several factors, such as chemokines. In this study, we focused on the interaction between chemokines and chemokine receptors on ATL cells to understand factors involved in ATL cell infiltration of lymphoid organs. We compared freshly isolated ATL cells from patients with and without lymphoid organ involvement for the expression of the chemokine receptor CCR7/EBI1, the functional receptor for secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine (SLC), which is expressed at high levels by high endothelial venules of lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometric analysis, using anti-CCR7 monoclonal antibody (CCR7.6B3), revealed that ATL cells from patients with lymphoid organ involvement expressed significantly more CCR7/EBI1 than control CD4(+)CD45RO(+) T cells and ATL cells from patients without lymphoid organ involvement. Consequently, significantly more ATL cells from patients with lymphoid organ involvement than control CD4(+)CD45RO(+) T cells and ATL cells from patients without lymphoid organ involvement adhered to surfaces coated with ICAM-1 and SLC or EBI1-ligand chemokine (ELC), another ligand for CCR7/EBI1, under static and flow conditions and migrated toward SLC or ELC at a low concentration (30 ng/ml). These findings suggest that increased CCR7/EBI1 expression plays a role in lymphoid organ infiltration of ATL cells. (Blood. 2000; 30-38)

Induction of microthrombotic thrombocytopenia in normal mice by transferring a platelet-reactive, monoclonal anti-gp70 autoantibody established from MRL/lpr mice: an autoimmune model of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice spontaneously develop immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis and thrombocytopenia. Although the presence of cross-reactive anti-phospholipid antibodies in sera of MRL/lpr mice has been demonstrated, possible relationships between detected autoantibodies and the development of thrombocytopenia have not been elucidated. Recent genetic analyses in a few different strains of lupus-prone mice have pointed out a close correlation between autoantibodies reactive with endogenous retroviral env gene product, gp70, and the development and severity of glomerulonephritis. In the process of establishing possibly nephritogenic anti-gp70 autoantibody-producing hybridoma cells from MRL/lpr mice, we identified an IgG2a-producing anti-gp70 hybridoma clone that induced microvascular intraluminal platelet aggregation, thrombocytopenia, and amenia upon transplantation into syngeneic non-autoimmune mice. This and two other anti-gp70 antibodies bound onto the surface of mouse platelets, and purified IgG2a of the anti-gp70 autoantibody induced glomerular lesions with characteristics of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura when injected into non-autoimmune mice. The pathogenic anti-gp70 autoantibody specifically precipitated a platelet protein with an approximate relative molecular mass of 40 000.

Anti-cytoplasmic autoantibodies reactive with epithelial cells of the salivary gland in sera from patients with Sjögren's syndrome: their disease- and organ-specificities

To test whether the autoantibodies reactive with epithelial cells of the salivary gland in sera from Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients are specific for the organ and the disease, tissue reactivities of serum IgG obtained from the patients with SS and oral lichen planus (OLP), another immune-mediated oral mucosal disease, were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. IgG purified from the sera of SS patients specifically localized not only on the nuclei but also on the cytoplasm of the salivary gland epithelial cells. On the other hand, no convincing staining of the epithelial cells was observed when IgG purified from the sera of OLP patients or those from healthy controls were used for immunohistochemistry. No cytoplasmic staining was observed when sections of kidneys and pancreas were stained with SS patients' IgG. In Western blotting performed by using lysates of a submandibular gland as antigens, all the IgG prepared from the SS patients reacted prominently with several protein bands, including those specific for the disease and the organ. These results suggest that production of autoantibodies reacting with the cytoplasm of salivary gland epithelial cells is a characteristic of SS, and may play a role in the pathogenesis of the sialadenitis.

The neuroinvasiveness of a murine retrovirus is influenced by a dileucine-containing sequence in the cytoplasmic tail of glycosylated Gag

The tempo and intensity of retroviral neuropathogenesis are dependent on the capacity of the virus to invade the central nervous system. For murine leukemia viruses, an important determinant of neuroinvasiveness is the virus-encoded protein glycosylated Gag, the function of which in the virus life cycle is not known. While this protein is dispensable for virus replication, mutations which prevent its expression slow the spread of virus in vivo and restrict virus dissemination to the brain. To further explore the function of this protein, we compared two viruses, CasFrKP (KP) and CasFrKP41 (KP41), which differ dramatically in neurovirulence. KP expresses high early viremia titers, is neuroinvasive, and induces clinical neurologic disease in 100% of neonatally inoculated mice, with an incubation period of 18 to 23 days. In contrast, KP41 expresses early viremia titers 100- fold lower than those of KP, exhibits attenuated neuroinvasiveness, and induces clinical neurologic disease infrequently, with a relatively long incubation period. The genomes of these two viruses differ by only 10 nucleotides, resulting in differences at five residues, all located within the N-terminal cytoplasmic tail of glycosylated Gag. In this study, using KP as the parental virus, we systematically mutated each of the five amino acid residues to those of KP41 and found that substitution mutation of two membrane-proximal residues, E53 and L56, to K and P, respectively produced the greatest effect on early viremia kinetics and neurovirulence. These mutations disrupted the KP sequence E53FLL56, the leucine dipeptide of which suggests the possibility that it may represent a sorting signal for glycosylated Gag. Supporting this idea was the finding that alteration of this sequence motif increased the level of cell surface expression of the protein, which suggests that analysis of the intracellular trafficking of glycosylated Gag may provide further clues to its function.

[Bone matrix proteins]

Bone matrix is composed of collagen and non-collagenous proteins. The collagen is mainly type I collagen. Characteristics of bone collagen are in posttranslational modifications and utilization of transcriptional elements in the promoter. The non-collagenous proteins are acidic Ca-binding proteins: bone Gla protein(BGP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin, osteonectin etc. BGP and BSP are specific to bone, and other proteins are present also in non-mineralized tissues. BGP functions in suppression of excessive mineralization. BSP and osteopontin are sialoproteins containing a RGD cell-attachment sequence and poly(acidic amino acid) sequences. BSP is present in sites of bone formation. Osteopontin is involved in attachment of osteoclasts to bone surface.

Conformation of dentin phosphophoryn adsorbed on hydroxyapatite crystals

Phosphophoryn, the major noncollagenous protein of dentin, was adsorbed on synthetic hydroxyapatite crystals and analyzed by high-resolution solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Binding of the protein was inhibited by acidic polypeptides, especially by a phosphorylated peptide. After phosphophoryn was incubated with the crystals, the crystals were collected and analyzed by 13C-cross-polarization magic-angle-spinning NMR. Several signals could be assigned to carbons of aspartic acids, taking advantage of the unique amino acid composition of this protein. Chemical shifts of signals of aspartic acids are known to reflect secondary structure of the polypeptide. The chemical shifts obtained from the phosphophoryn indicate that the secondary structure of this protein on the crystal was near to a beta-sheet structure. This result is consistent with the result for poly(Asp) adsorbed on the crystals. The beta-sheet-like structure enables phosphophoryn to extend on the crystal surface and to cover the surface with only a small number of the molecules, resulting in the high inhibitory effect of this protein on crystal growth.

Characterization of glycosylated Gag expressed by a neurovirulent murine leukemia virus: identification of differences in processing in vitro and in vivo

The neuroinvasiveness of a chimeric murine retrovirus, CasFrKP (KP), is dependent on the expression of glycosylated Gag (gp85gag). This viral protein is the product of alternate translation initiation 88 codons upstream of and in frame with the initiation codon of pr65gag, the precursor of the viral core proteins. Although expression of glycosylated Gag affects virus spread in the spleen, it appears not to affect virus spread in vitro in fibroblast cell lines (J. L. Portis et al., J. Virol. 68:3879-3887, 1994). The differential effects of this protein in vitro and in vivo have not been explained, and its function is unknown. We have here compared the in vitro processing of this molecule with that expressed in spleens of infected mice. In vitro, gp85gag was cleaved near the middle of the molecule, releasing the C-terminal half (containing capsid and nucleocapsid domains of pr65gag) as a secreted glycoprotein. The N-terminal half of the protein was associated with the plasma membrane as a approximately 55-kDa glycoprotein bearing the matrix domain of pr65gag as well as the N-terminal 88 residue L domain. This processing scheme was also observed in vivo, although two differences were seen. There were differences in N-linked glycosylation of the secreted form of the protein expressed in the spleen. In addition, whereas the membrane-associated species assumed the orientation of a type II integral membrane protein (N(cyto) C(exo)) in fibroblasts in vitro, a subpopulation of spleen cells was detected in which the N terminus of the protein was exposed at the cell surface. These results suggest that the differential effects of glycosylated Gag expression in vivo and in vitro may be related to differences in posttranslational processing of the protein.

Attachment of osteoblastic cells to hydroxyapatite crystals by a synthetic peptide (Glu7-Pro-Arg-Gly-Asp-Thr) containing two functional sequences of bone sialoprotein

We investigated activity of bone sialoprotein (BSP) to mediate attachment of cells to hydroxyapatite using a model peptide, Glu7-Pro-Arg-Gly-Asp-Thr, which contains a putative hydroxyapatite-binding site (poly-Glu) and a cell-attachment site. The peptide has affinity to hydroxyapatite with a dissociation constant of 13.5 microM. The peptide affected in vitro mineralization in a gel system, indicating interaction between this peptide and calcium phosphate. The osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 was incubated with hydroxyapatite powder coated with the peptide or proteins. Attachment of the cells was observed on the powder coated with BSP, but not on the powder coated with serum albumin. The cells were attached to the powder coated with the peptide. The cells were flattened on the powder, and pseudopods developed. The attachment of the cells was inhibited by an excessive amount of Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser peptide. In conclusion, BSP mediated attachment of osteoblastic cells to hydroxyapatite, and this activity could be accomplished only by the poly-Glu sequence and the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence.

Restriction of Friend virus-induced erythroid cell proliferation by CD4+ T-lymphocytes that recognize a single gp70 epitope

Friend murine retrovirus complex induces acute and fatal erythroleukemia when inoculated into immunocompetent adult mice. The development of leukemia after inoculation of Friend virus complex is controlled by several host genes. Some of the host genes influence immune responses against the viral antigens. Both CD4-positive T helper cells and CD8-positive cytotoxic T-lymphocytes specific for Friend viral antigens are required for spontaneous resistance against the virally induced leukemia. We have identified two separate T helper cell epitopes in the gp70 envelope glycoprotein encoded by the helper component of Friend virus complex. Immunization of mice with a synthetic peptide that represented one of the two T helper cell epitopes by a single injection with an adjuvant induced potent protective immunity against Friend virus-induced leukemia, even in the absence of CD8-positive T lymphocytes. In the immunized mice, virus-infected erythroid progenitor cells were rapidly eliminated from the spleen within two weeks after inoculation of the Friend virus. These data indicate unexpected importance and efficacy of CD4-positive T helper cells in immunity against retrovirus infections.

Male to male transmission of supernumerary nipples

We report on a father and his son with supernumerary nipples. No male-to-male transmission has previously been described with this trait. This observation confirms that this trait is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion.

The glycosylated gag protein of MuLV is a determinant of neuroinvasiveness: analysis of second site revertants of a mutant MuLV lacking expression of this protein

Neuroinvasiveness is a property of all neurovirulent murine retroviruses, although the factors which facilitate infection of the CNS are not understood. We previously showed that mutant MuLV which lack expression of an accessory protein, glycosylated gag, had lost neurovirulence, indicating that this protein may be involved in promoting CNS infection. The mutations were located in the "Kozak" consensus sequence of the initiation codon for this protein. Here it is shown that shortly after inoculation of mice with one of these mutant viruses, revertants emerged which had regained expression of glycosylated gag and had also regained the neuroinvasiveness and neurovirulence exhibited by the wild-type virus. The phenotypic revertants retained the mutations in the "Kozak" consensus sequence but exhibited a G-->A mutation 12 codons downstream from the mutated start site, creating a new initiation codon and a glycosylated gag protein, which was truncated at its N-terminus. Using antibodies specific for glycosylated gag it is shown that the frequency of splenic infectious centers expressing revertant virus increased progressively during the 2 months following inoculation of mutant virus until > or = 50% of the virus-producing cells in the spleen expressed revertant virus. In contrast, although phenotypic revertants were detectable at low frequency after cell-free passage in vitro in M. dunni fibroblasts, there was no evidence for selection. These results indicate that glycosylated gag facilitates virus spread within the spleen and to extra-splenic sites, such as the CNS, and suggest that the protein may function through its interaction with the host.

Bone chondroadherin promotes attachment of osteoblastic cells to solid-state substrates and shows affinity to collagen

Chondroadherin, which is reported to be synthesized by chondrocytes and to promote their attachment, was purified from bovine bone. It was a minor component of bone organic matrix, and was present in the 4 M guanidine extract of demineralized bone. Chondroadherin promoted attachment of osteoblastic cells to solid-state substrates, and bound to collagen. Binding of chondroadherin to collagen was significantly higher than that of osteonectin or decorin. These findings imply that chondroadherin may play a role in maintaining bone cells on the collagen matrices of bone.

Electrophoretic gels of dentin matrix proteins as diffusion media for in vitro mineralization

Non-collagenous proteins of dentin and bone have important effects on mineralization which have been studied by various in vitro systems. We developed an in vitro mineralization system using electrophoretic gels as diffusion media of calcium and phosphate ions. Calcium and phosphate ions were diffused naturally or propelled by electric potential. Calcium phosphate was precipitated in the gel, and the precipitation was affected by proteins in the gel which had been separated by electrophoresis. We applied this system to analysis of non-collagenous proteins of dentin. Among the proteins, phosphophoryns promoted calcium phosphate precipitation in the natural-diffusion system. A non-collagenous protein having a molecular mass of 60 kDa inhibited precipitation. The results were different, however, in the electric-diffusion system, in which phosphophoryns had a negative effect. The present system enabled us to compare the effects of plural proteins rapidly, even using unpurified material.

Acidic amino acid-rich sequences as binding sites of osteonectin to hydroxyapatite crystals

Osteonectin, an acidic noncollagenous protein of bone and dentin, has affinity to hydroxyapatite crystals. Binding sites to hydroxyapatite of this protein were determined by a proteolytic experiment and an in vitro binding experiment using synthetic peptide analogues. Osteonectin was adsorbed on hydroxyapatite crystals and digested with trypsin. A peptide was left adsorbed on the crystal even after the digestion. The peptide was identified as an amino terminal peptide containing glutamic acid-rich sequences, which have been assumed to be possible hydroxyapatite-binding sites. Poly glutamic acid sequences were synthesized as models of the binding sites. Glu6 peptide was bound to the hydroxyapatite with a dissociation constant of 2.4 microM. Peptides containing fewer glutamic acids had lower affinity to the crystal. Effects of these peptides on in vitro mineralization were examined by a gel system in microtiter plates. The Glu6 peptide had a positive effect on the mineralization in this system, whereas Asp6 peptide had a negative effect. These effects indicate the presence of an interaction between these peptides and mineral crystals.

Detection and comparison of viral antigens in measles and rubella rashes

Measles and rubella skin lesions were immunocytochemically compared by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method for detecting viral antigens. Cryostat sections of biopsied specimens of the skin were stained with mouse monoclonal antibodies to P protein of measles virus and to E1 protein of rubella virus. The measles virus antigen was concentrated in the corneal layer and the keratinocytes of the epidermis and in the surface part of the dermis in the biopsy secimens taken within 6 days after the onset of rash. On the other hand, the rubella virus antigen was dispersed in all parts of the dermis and the subcutaneous layer but not in the epidermis in the biopsy specimens taken within 2 days after the onset of rash. The differences in the distribution and density of the viral antigen and in the times of its detection suggest distinct patterns of spread of infection with each virus in the skin.

Protective efficacy of nonneutralizing monoclonal antibodies in acute infection with murine leukemia virus

We have used an experimental retrovirus infection to study the roles played by different antibodies in resistance to both infection and disease. A molecularly cloned chimeric murine leukemia virus was used to induce acute lethal neurological disease in neonatal mice. A panel of monoclonal antibodies directed against the Gag and Env proteins was tested for protective efficacy. In vitro neutralization assays demonstrated that anti-Env antibodies gave different degrees of neutralization, while no anti-Gag neutralized the virus. In vivo experimental endpoints were onset of clinical signs and premoribund condition. As expected, different anti-Env antibodies demonstrated different degrees of protection which correlated with their neutralizing abilities. Surprisingly, anti-Gag antibodies directed against both p15 (MA protein) and p30 (CA protein) were also protective, significantly delaying the onset of disease. No protection was seen with either of two control antibodies. The protection with anti-Gag was dose related and time dependent and was also produced with Fab fragments. Treatment with anti-Gag did not prevent viremia but resulted in a slight slowing in viremia kinetics and decreased levels of virus in the central nervous systems of mice protected from disease. These data indicate that nonneutralizing antiretroviral antibodies can influence the outcome of retroviral disease. The data also suggest a functional role for cell surface expression of Gag proteins on murine leukemia virus-infected cells.

A single retroviral gag precursor signal peptide recognized by FBL-3 tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Several dominant T-cell receptors of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) clones specific for FBL-3 tumor antigen were clonally amplified in mixed lymphocyte tumor cell cultures derived from an individual immune mouse. Every CTL clone analyzed had a common specificity for a single epitope in the precursor to cell membrane-associated nonstructural gag-encoded protein, Pr75gag, which can be minimally identified by nine amino acid residues, SIVLCCLCL. This epitope is located within the hydrophobic signal sequence motif that mediates translocation of the protein into the endoplasmic reticulum. These novel observations suggest that expression of Pr75gag in FBL-3 tumor cells led to the amplification of CTLs which recognize the signal sequence of the nonstructural gag-encoded glycoprotein precursor.

Immunization with a single T helper cell epitope abrogates Friend virus-induced early erythroid proliferation and prevents late leukemia development

Synthetic peptide vaccines containing a single Th cell epitope identified in the gp70 envelope glycoprotein of Friend murine leukemia helper virus induced potent protective immunity against Friend virus infection. H-2a/b mice immunized by a single s.c. injection of the CFA emulsion containing a peptide that represented the N-terminal gp70 epitope recovered slowly from initial development of splenomegaly, and most did not develop late leukemia, whereas most of the control mice given an injection of CFA alone showed sustained leukemic splenomegaly after the challenge with Friend virus. The mice of the same genetic background immunized with the C-terminal Th cell epitope by a single injection of a separate synthetic peptide eliminated virus-producing cells from the spleen within 12 days after inoculation of Friend virus complex, and did not develop early splenomegaly or polycythemia. H-2a/a mice were not protected by immunization with either one of the two synthetic peptides. Earlier production and more rapid class switching of virus-neutralizing Abs were observed in H-2a/b mice immunized with the peptide vaccines after the challenge with Friend virus, compared with the responses of the control mice. Detailed kinetic and immunohistopathologic analyses suggested that Th cells might be directly involved in the growth inhibition and elimination of virus-infected erythroid precursor cells.

Immunization with a single T helper cell epitope abrogates Friend virus-induced early erythroid proliferation and prevents late leukemia development

Synthetic peptide vaccines containing a single Th cell epitope identified in the gp70 envelope glycoprotein of Friend murine leukemia helper virus induced potent protective immunity against Friend virus infection. H-2a/b mice immunized by a single s.c. injection of the CFA emulsion containing a peptide that represented the N-terminal gp70 epitope recovered slowly from initial development of splenomegaly, and most did not develop late leukemia, whereas most of the control mice given an injection of CFA alone showed sustained leukemic splenomegaly after the challenge with Friend virus. The mice of the same genetic background immunized with the C-terminal Th cell epitope by a single injection of a separate synthetic peptide eliminated virus-producing cells from the spleen within 12 days after inoculation of Friend virus complex, and did not develop early splenomegaly or polycythemia. H-2a/a mice were not protected by immunization with either one of the two synthetic peptides. Earlier production and more rapid class switching of virus-neutralizing Abs were observed in H-2a/b mice immunized with the peptide vaccines after the challenge with Friend virus, compared with the responses of the control mice. Detailed kinetic and immunohistopathologic analyses suggested that Th cells might be directly involved in the growth inhibition and elimination of virus-infected erythroid precursor cells.

Stimulation by bone sialoprotein of calcification in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) containing an Arg-Gly-Asp cell-binding sequence was purified from bovine bone 4 M guanidine-HCl extract after HCl demineralization by a series of chromatographic procedures. When this protein was coated on culture dishes in the presence of type I collagen, it increased both DNA content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and stimulated calcification in the cells, whereas fibronectin, another cell-binding protein, showed a marked increase in the DNA content but had little effect on the ALP activity. These findings suggest that BSP is mitogenic for preosteoblasts and differentiating the cells into osteoblasts, thereby stimulating bone calcification.

Adult-onset xanthogranuloma appearing symmetrically on the ear lobes

Clinical backgrounds of patients with adult-onset xanthogranuloma are somewhat different from those of patients with juvenile xanthogranuloma, but the histologic findings of both forms of the disease are identical. The lesions of the adult form are usually asymmetric. We describe a patient with adult-onset xanthogranuloma that appeared symmetrically on the ear lobes. This case suggests a possible role for mechanical stimuli (e.g., earrings) in the pathogenesis of adult-onset xanthogranuloma.