Properties of ^{187}Ta Revealed through Isomeric Decay

Mass-separated ^{187}Ta_{114} in a high-spin isomeric state has been produced for the first time by multinucleon transfer reactions, employing an argon gas-stopping cell and laser ionization. Internal γ rays revealed a T_{1/2}=7.3±0.9  s isomer at 1778±1  keV, which decays through a rotational band with perturbations associated with the approach to a prolate-oblate shape transition. Model calculations show less influence from triaxiality compared to heavier elements in the same mass region. The isomer-decay reduced E2 hindrance factor f_{ν}=27±1 supports the interpretation that axial symmetry is approximately conserved.

Study of Quasielastic Barrier Distributions as a Step towards the Synthesis of Superheavy Elements with Hot Fusion Reactions

The excitation functions for quasielastic scattering of ^{22}Ne+^{248}Cm, ^{26}Mg+^{248}Cm, and ^{48}Ca+^{238}U are measured using a gas-filled recoil ion separator. The quasielastic barrier distributions are extracted for these systems and are compared with coupled-channel calculations. The results indicate that the barrier distribution is affected dominantly by deformation of the actinide target nuclei, but also by vibrational or rotational excitations of the projectile nuclei, as well as neutron transfer processes before capture. From a comparison between the experimental barrier distributions and the evaporation residue cross sections for Sg (Z=106), Hs (108), Cn (112), and Lv (116), it is suggested that the hot fusion reactions take advantage of a compact collision, where the projectile approaches along the short axis of a prolately deformed nucleus. A new method is proposed to estimate the optimum incident energy to synthesize unknown superheavy nuclei using the barrier distribution.

First Direct Mass Measurements of Nuclides around Z=100 with a Multireflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrograph

The masses of ^{246}Es, ^{251}Fm, and the transfermium nuclei ^{249-252}Md and ^{254}No, produced by hot- and cold-fusion reactions, in the vicinity of the deformed N=152 neutron shell closure, have been directly measured using a multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph. The masses of ^{246}Es and ^{249,250,252}Md were measured for the first time. Using the masses of ^{249,250}Md as anchor points for α decay chains, the masses of heavier nuclei, up to ^{261}Bh and ^{266}Mt, were determined. These new masses were compared with theoretical global mass models and demonstrated to be in good agreement with macroscopic-microscopic models in this region. The empirical shell gap parameter δ_{2n} derived from three isotopic masses was updated with the new masses and corroborates the existence of the deformed N=152 neutron shell closure for Md and Lr.

High photosensitivity few-layered MoSe2 back-gated field-effect phototransistors

In this paper, we report on the fabrication and optoelectronic properties of high sensitive phototransistors based on few-layered MoSe2 back-gated field-effect transistors, with a mobility of 19.7 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ at room temperature. We obtained an ultrahigh photoresponsivity of 97.1 AW⁻¹ and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22 666% using 532 nm laser excitation at room temperature. The photoresponsivity was improved near the threshold gate voltage; however, the selection of the silicon dioxide as a gate oxide represents a limiting factor in the ultimate performance. Thanks to their high photoresponsivity and external quantum efficiency, the few-layered MoSe2-based devices are promising for photoelectronic applications.

Mesenteric phlebosclerosis associated with long-term oral intake of geniposide, an ingredient of herbal medicine

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is a rare disease, characterised by thickening of the wall of the right hemicolon with calcification of mesenteric veins. However, the aetiology remains unknown.

AIM

To investigate the possible association of herbal medicines with IMP.

METHOD

The clinical data of four of our own patients were collected. Furthermore, we searched for previous reports about similar patients with detailed descriptions of herbal prescriptions that they had taken. We compared herbal ingredients to identify the toxic agent as a possible aetiological factor.

RESULTS

Clinical data on a total of 25 patients were summarised. Mean age was 61.8 years and there was female predominance (6 men and 19 women). The used Kampo prescription, the number of cases, and the mean duration of use were as follows: kamisyoyosan in 12 cases for 12.8 years, inshin-iseihaito in 5 cases for 13.4 years, orengedokuto in 4 cases for 14.3 years, inchinkoto in 1 case for 20 years, kamikihitou in 1 case for 19 years, seijobofuto in 1 case for 10 years and gorinsan in 1 case for an unknown duration. Only one ingredient, sansisi, was common to the herbal medicines of all 25 patients. This crude drug called geniposide in English is a major constituent of the Gardenia fruits.

CONCLUSION

The long-term use of geniposide in herbal medicines appears to be associated with mesenteric phlebosclerosis.

High frequency of pro-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults with secondary leukemia with 11q23 abnormalities

To evaluate the frequency and cytogenetic and immunophenotypic features of therapy-related, precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 152 cases of immature B-cell ALL were reviewed. These were compared to the frequency of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) during the same time period. Eight ALL cases with a prior diagnosis of malignancy were identified, including six (4.0%) with prior therapy considered to be therapy-related ALL (t-ALL). The t-ALL cases followed treatment for breast carcinoma (two cases), lung carcinoma (two cases), lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's disease and follicular lymphoma with a latency period of 13 months to 8 years. All t-ALL cases had a pro-B (CD10-negative) immunophenotype with significantly higher expression of CD15 and CD65, compared to the de novo CD10-positive ALL cases. All six t-ALL cases had MLL abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and four showed t(4;11)(q21;q23). These represented half of all 11q23-positive adult ALL cases. During the same time period, 4.9% of all AML cases were considered t-AML. There was a 16.7% frequency of 11q23 abnormalities in the t-AML group. Despite the similar frequency in therapy-related disease among ALL and AML cases, there were differences in the frequency of the diseases and t-ALL represented 12% of all therapy-related leukemias. However, t-ALL represented 46% of all 11q23-positive therapy-related leukemias. The immunogenetic features of t-ALL appear distinct and may aid in identifying more cases of this disease type in the future.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the ascending colon in a patient with becker muscular dystrophy: report of a case

We herein present the findings of a 10-year-old boy with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the ascending colon which caused intussusception and intestinal bleeding. He had a history of Becker muscular dystrophy. However, he had neither hypertrophic calves nor cardiomyopathy, and his serum creatine kinase (CK) level always exceeded 2000 IU/l. Preoperatively, a laboratory examination revealed high serum levels of CK (2038IU/l), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the blood hemoglobin level was 7.0g/dl. A barium enema examination revealed an intussusception in his ascending colon, which was found to be a highly vascular tumor on Doppler ultrasound scans. A right hemicolectomy was performed. Macroscopically, the 5 x 6 x 8-cm solid tumor of the ascending colon resembled a submucosal tumor and had two ulcerous lesions at the tip. The tumor was histologically diagnosed to be a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the ascending colon. General examinations revealed no involvement of lymphoma postoperatively. At 13 months after surgery, the CK (37861U/l), AST (110lU/l), ALT (1381U/ l), and LDH (420lU/l) levels are still high, and the patient is doing well without any signs of recurrence.

Study on the role of G1 cyclins in Epstein-Barr virus-associated human lymphomas maintained in severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice

Five Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive human lymphoma cell lines maintained in severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice were used to investigate the role of G1 cyclins in EBV-induced lymphomagenesis. All the primary tumors had been negative for EBV but became positive after establishment in SCID mice, with monoclonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangement and EBV monoclonality. To compare the expression status of G1 cyclins, these EBV-associated lymphoma lines (6 EBV[-] human SCID mouse lymphoma lines, 13 human B cell lymphomas and 8 samples of human tonsil tissue) were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-Southern blotting, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. mRNA expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1), cyclin D2 (CCND2), cyclin E (CCNE), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and 4 (CDK4) was found in all 3 types of lymphomas. Western blotting demonstrated identical results. Immunohistochemistry revealed CCND1 to be negative in all lymphomas. CCND2 was positive and restricted to the nuclei in all EBV(+) SCID mouse lymphoma lines, whereas it was limited to the cytoplasm in half of the EBV(-) counterparts. CCNE was positive in the nuclei in all EBV(+) but negative in all EBV(-) SCID mouse lymphoma lines. Immunoprecipitation of EBV(+) and (-) SCID mouse lymphomas for CCND1, CCND2 and CCNE vs. p21, PCNA and CDK2 or CDK4 demonstrated that, in EBV(+) SCID lines, CCND2/CDK4 complexes were present without binding to p21, suggesting independence from p21 regulation. In EBV(-) SCID mouse lymphomas, half of the cases showed complex formation of CCND2/CDK4 without binding of p21. In contrast, CCND1/CDK4 and CCNE/CDK2 were under regulation of p21 in both EBV(+) and (-) lymphomas. These results suggest that differential expression of CCNDs, CCNE and CDKs, as well as variation in their subcellular localization and association with CDK-inhibitor protein, could explain differences in cell proliferation between EBV(+) and EBV(-) lymphomas.

[Systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma initially presented with visual disturbance due to intrasellar lymphoma--a case report]

A case with systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the sella turcica and kidney is reported. A 69-year-old man presented with a progressive two month history of visual disturbance and headache. Neurological examination revealed bilateral visual disturbance and right optic atrophy. MRI showed a contrast-enhancing mass in the sella turcica. The tumor extended to the right optic nerve. Without extensive studies for systemic disease, the patient immediately underwent transsphenoidal surgery. The slightly firm, fibrous and vascular-rich tumor was subtotally removed. The histopathological examination revealed a malignant lymphoma, diffuse-large-cell type with B-cell phenotype. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient's symptoms subsided gradually. The patient received radiation therapy and the tumor disappeared. Postoperative CT examinations of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a large mass at the upper portion of the left kidney. Ga-scan also suggested the mass to be consistent with the abdominal CT. However, the patient suddenly died of acute heart failure with unknown cause just before starting chemotherapy for systemic lymphoma. Patients presenting primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) may have systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma. To exclude systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma, systemic investigation is essential for the initial management of patients presenting PCNSL.

Tumor regression by inductive hyperthermia combined with hepatic embolization using dextran magnetite-incorporated microspheres in rats

We formulated a novel preparation of microspheres incorporating dextran magnetite complex (DM-MS), which enable magnetic field-induced heating for the induction of hyperthermia. Using a 500 kHz magnetic field combined with arteriolar embolization of DM-MS, inductive hyperthermia was performed for the treatment of liver tumors in rats. Three days after treatment, the percentage increase of tumor volume in the embolo-hyperthermia, embolization alone, and control groups were 28%, 124%, and 385%, respectively, with the embolo-hyperthermia group differing significantly from the remaining groups. This study demonstrated the feasibility of combining embolization of DM-MS with hyperthermia as an antitumor therapy.

Primary adenocarcinoma in the urethrorectal fistula

A 60-year-old Japanese man was hospitalized because of urinary leakage from the anus on October 3, 1994. Retrograde urethrography detected a fistula between the bulbous urethra and the rectum. Urethrocystoscopy revealed a tumor on the urethrorectal fistula. Tumor biopsy showed a well differentiated adenocarcinoma. Cystourethrectomy with fistulectomy, and ileal conduit urinary diversion were performed. Pathological examination revealed primary adenocarcinoma in the fistula with invasion to the prostatic urethra and bladder wall. The patient showed no evidence of a recurrence as of August, 1996.

Malignant mesenchymoma arising from the prostate in Gardner's syndrome

The first case of a primary malignant mesenchymoma arising from the prostate in Gardner's syndrome is reported. The neoplasm occurred in a 40-year-old man with a chief complaint of urinary retention. Biopsy findings were primary malignant mesenchymoma. Total cystectomy and lymphadenectomy were performed, but the patient died due to multiple metastases within 6 months. He had undergone a colectomy for polyposis coli 17 years earlier and had mandibular osteomas. This was the first case of malignant mesenchymoma arising from the prostate in Gardner's syndrome.

Identification of a cis-acting element that is responsible for cadmium-mediated induction of the human heme oxygenase gene

Heme oxygenase is an essential enzyme in heme catabolism and is inducible by various environmental derangements such as cadmium. The activity and mRNA levels of heme oxygenase were remarkably increased in HeLa cells by the treatment with cadmium. As a first step in studying the molecular mechanisms of this induction, we performed transient expression assays in four human cell lines including HeLa to analyze the cadmium-mediated inducibility of the fusion genes, containing the firefly luciferase gene as a reporter under the human heme oxygenase gene promoter. By determining the luciferase activity expressed in the transfected cells, we found the region between about 4.5 and 4 kilobase pairs upstream from the transcriptional initiation site of the heme oxygenase gene which confers cadmium-mediated inducibility on the fusion gene. The region was then subjected to further functional analysis in HeLa cells, which allowed us to localize the cadmium-responsive element to 20 base pairs. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that this 20-base pair element is specifically bound by nuclear protein(s) of HeLa cells, the binding activities of which were however unchanged by the treatment with cadmium. Using the synthetic cadmium-responsive elements containing various base changes, we have identified a 10-base pair sequence, TGCTAGATTT, required for the cadmium-mediated inducibility and in vitro protein binding. We thus suggest that this binding protein(s) is involved in the cadmium-mediated activation of the heme oxygenase gene. Incidentally, the consensus sequence of AP-1 binding site, TGAGTCA, is present downstream of this cadmium-responsive element. However, we provide evidence that AP-1 is not directly involved in the cadmium-mediated induction of the human heme oxygenase gene.

[A case of small cell carcinoma of the stomach with multiple liver metastases]

We report a very rare case of small cell carcinoma of the stomach. A 69-year-old man, complaining of epigastric discomfort, was admitted to our hospital. Gastric endoscopy showed a Borrmann type 3 tumor at the lesser curvature of the cardia. Multiple liver metastases were observed in CT-scan, and total gastrectomy and cannulation to the hepatic artery were carried out. Macroscopically it was gastric cancer with P0H3N1T3M0, Stage IV b, histologically small cell carcinoma, intermed, INF gamma, ss, ly1, v3, n1(+), ow(-), aw(-). Immunochemotherapy was carried out, but liver metastases developed. The prognosis of this disease is very poor, resulting from rapidly developing metastases and invasion, in spite of treatments such as gastrectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. More effective treatments are needed.

Histological features of palatine tonsils in pustulosis palmaris et plantaris: a morphometric study

The morphological expression of the immune response of palatine tonsils obtained from patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP) was investigated by morphometry in conjunction with immunohistochemistry. First, to differentiate the histological features of tonsils between PPP and habitual tonsillitis, each extent of the T cell dependent areas (T nodules), B cell dependent areas (lymph follicles), germinal centers, mixed areas of T cells and B cells, and lacunar epithelium was measured and compared on 38 patients with PPP and 47 with habitual tonsillitis, respectively. The most remarkable findings in PPP were enlargement of the secondary T nodules, and atrophy of the lymph follicles with a decrease in number of the germinal center cells and fibrosis. These changes of lymph follicles were similar to those in the older patients with habitual tonsillitis, which suggests the intensely advanced stage of the immune response within the tonsils. Second, the histological structures of the tonsils of 15 tonsillectomy effective cases (88.2%) was compared with those of two non-effective cases in curing skin lesions. The histological structure in the non-effective cases was very similar to that in habitual tonsillitis cases. This indicates that the histological findings may be useful in predicting the effects of tonsillectomy on PPP.

Elevated complement activities of sera from patients with high density lipoprotein deficiency (Tangier disease): the presence of normal level of clusterin and the possible implication in the atherosclerosis

Clusterin (apolipoprotein J, SP-40,40), as well as apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) and apolipoprotein A-II (apo A-II), are apolipoprotein components of high density lipoprotein (HDL), but not of low density lipoprotein. In spite of the deficiencies of apo A-I, apo A-II and HDL in the sera of patients with Tangier disease, clusterin was found in them at normal level. While clusterin was present as the component of HDL with apo A-I in sera of normal donors, it was present as a protein which did not form a complex in sera of Tangier patients. SC5b-9 made from the sera of Tangier patients contained normal amounts of clusterin and was deficient in apo A-I, indicating that clusterin could be incorporated into the SC5b-9 complex without apo A-I. The complement activities of the sera of the patients were higher than those of normal donors. These results may be explained by the deficiencies of apo A-I, apo A-II and HDL in the patients, because they were suggested to be the inhibitors of the reactive haemolysis of complement. The elevated complement activities of the patients might be related to the severe atherosclerotic lesions in Tangier disease.

Expanded primary T nodules in the palatine tonsils from patients with IgA nephropathy

We designed a study to investigate the morphological expression of immune responses in the palatine tonsils from patients with IgA nephropathy. To distinguish between the histological characteristics of the tonsils in habitual tonsillitis (47 patients) and IgA nephropathy (11 patients), we studied the T nodules, B-lymphoid follicles, germinal centers, areas of mixed T and B lymphocytes, lacunar epithelium and connective tissues; then we compared patients with habitual tonsillitis and IgA nephropathy. The T nodules in patients with IgA nephropathy were enlarged, and this change was not accompanied by atrophy of B-lymphoid follicles. Morphologically, primary T nodules were predominant. In reactive lymph nodes, T nodules generally play an important role in the extra-follicular maturation of stimulated B lymphocytes into Ig-secreting plasma cells. Therefore the enlarged primary T nodules remind us that this maturation may occur more frequently in the tonsils of patients with IgA nephropathy than in those with habitual tonsillitis. This suggests that some immunoregulatory dysfunction exists in the secretory immune system of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Interaction of upstream stimulatory factor with the human heme oxygenase gene promoter

Upstream stimulatory factor (USF), originally identified in HeLa cells, interacts with the upstream promoter sequence of adenovirus 2 major late promoter (Ad2MLP) and activates its transcription. USF is present in uninfected HeLa cells and appears to be involved in the transcription of cellular genes related to stress. Recently, we have proposed that the rat heme oxygenase gene, newly identified heat-shock protein gene, is regulated at least in partly by a rat homolog of USF [Sato, M., Fukushi, Y., Ishizawa, S., Okinaga, S., Muller, R.M. & Shibahara, S. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 10251-10260]. We therefore confirm that the heme oxygenase gene is expressed in HeLa cells and its expression is increased by cadmium, suggesting that human heme oxygenase is a stress protein similar to the metallothioneins. Using partially purified USF from HeLa cells, we show that USF binds to the human heme oxygenase gene promoter and stimulates its cell-free transcription. The cis-acting element, identified as CACGTGACCCG, is located 34 bp upstream from the transcription initiation site, and contains the core sequence of the upstream promoter sequence of Ad2MLP. We propose that USF contributes to the transcription of the human heme oxygenase gene.

[Prophylactic therapy for liver metastasis of gastrointestinal carcinomas using biological response modifiers (BRM): fundamental studies on the inhibition of experimental liver metastasis by intraportal administration of OK-432]

For prophylactic therapy to inhibit hepatic metastatic recurrence after surgical treatment of gastro-intestinal carcinomas, the effects of OK-432, a biological response modifier (BRM), were examined with inoculation of tumor cells and administration of OK-432 via portal vein. Experiments with the inhibition of liver metastasis were performed as follows. The animals were divided into five groups. Group 1: 1.0 KE of OK-432 was given intraportally 5 minutes after injection of 5.0 X 10(6) tumor cells per rat via the portal vein. Group 2: Non-medicated group, only 5.0 X 10(6) tumor cells per rat were injected into portal vein, as the control for group 1. Group 3: 0.5 KE of OK-432 and 2.5 X 10(6) tumor cells per rat were used. Group 4: 1.0 KE of OK-432 and 2.5 X 10(6) tumor cells were used. Group 5: Non-medicated group, injected with 2.5 X 10(6) tumor cells as the control group for groups 3 and 4. Colonies of metastases in the liver of each group were examined by autopsy on the 30th day after treatment. Metastases were observed in 75% of group 1, 100% of group 2, 58.8% of group 3, 64.3% of group 4 and in 90% of group 5. For the investigation of the mechanisms to inhibit these liver metastases, 51Cr labeled AH60C tumor cells were injected into the portal vein, and the remained of radioactivity in rat liver was examined. The result showed that OK-432 injected into the portal vein did not directly kill the lodging tumor cells. To prove the morphological evidence of inhibition of hepatic metastasis, the changes of tumor cells were microscopically observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transcriptional control of the rat heme oxygenase gene by a nuclear protein that interacts with adenovirus 2 major late promoter

Induction of rat heme oxygenase is mediated by at least two factors: its substrate heme and heat shock (Shibahara, S., Müller, R.M., and Taguchi, H. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 12889-12892). We have identified the cis-acting element of the rat heme oxygenase gene (HO gene), that was specifically bound by a nuclear protein prepared from rat glioma cells. We have termed this protein as heme oxygenase transcription factor (HOTF), whose estimated molecular weight is about 40,000. The element identified is CCACCACGTGACTCGAG (-51/-35) located just upstream of TATA-like sequence. The functional studies indicate that this sequence is required for the accurate and efficient initiation of transcription from the HO gene promoter. Since the HOTF-binding element is similar to the upstream promoter sequence (UPS) of the adenovirus 2 major late promoter (Ad2MLP), we examined whether rat HOTF is homologous to the upstream stimulatory factor (USF) or major late transcription factor previously identified in HeLa cells, which interacts with the UPS and activates the transcription from the Ad2MLP. HOTF specifically binds to the UPS of Ad2MLP, whereas HOTF failed to form a stable complex with the mutated HOTF-binding element lacking a GTGA sequence (-44/-42 of the HO gene), the sequence of which is identical to a core sequence of the USF-binding sites. Moreover, we show that like USF, HOTF is heat stable. These results suggest that HOTF may be homologous to USF or the major late transcription factor. Since USF is present in uninfected cells, it is conceivable that the expression of the HO gene is regulated at least in part by USF.

Relation of H-2 expression on murine RCT(+) sarcoma cells to lung colonization and sensitivity to NK cells

Murine RCT(+) sarcoma cells were sorted using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter with regard to the expression of H-2 antigens and then an increased H-2-expressing subclone was established, and named RCT(+)H-2+. The experimental metastasis of RCT(+) cells was compared with that of RCT(+)H-2+ cells by counting pulmonary colonies on the 21st day after i.v. inoculation of tumor cells (5-10 x 10(4)/mouse). When mice were inoculated with RCT(+) cells, mean numbers of pulmonary colonies were 2.1(range 0-6), 2.8(range 0-7) using 5 x 10(4) and 1 x 10(5) cells, respectively. On the other hand, in the mice inoculated with RCT(+)H-2+ cells, figures obtained were 7.0(range 4-16), 31.9(range 13-79), using 5 x 10(4) and 1 x 10(5) cells, respectively. The survival rate of RCT(+)H-2+ cells was higher than that of RCT(+) cells, when this was assayed in the early stage after i.v. injection of 51Cr-labeled cells (1 x 10(5) cells/mouse). In addition, RCT(+)H-2+ cells were more resistant than RCT(+) cells to lysis mediated by natural killer cells. These data suggest that an increase in metastatic ability was paralleled by an increase in the H-2 antigen expression and a decrease in sensitivity to the natural killer cells.

[Character of a human cholangiocarcinoma CHGS, serially transplanted to nude mice]

With the progress in surgical technique, remarkable improvement has been noted in the treatment of bile duct carcinoma. However, in the cholangiocarcinoma at porta hepatis or in the progressive carcinoma, many cases have been reported, for which radical surgery is not achievable. In recent years, discussion has been concentrated on the necessity of multidisciplinary treatment for the bile duct carcinoma, but fundamental research has not been done enough. In the present paper, the process for obtaining CHGS strain implantable to the nude mouse derived from a human cholangiocarcinoma as achieved in our department was discussed, and its biological characteristics-above all, the sensitivity to carcinostatic agents and to radiation-were evaluated. The doubling time of CHGS strain is 6.2 days, and nude mice showed stable proliferation with 100% viability. Histologically, it was tubular adenocarcinoma similar to the primary tumor. It has high mucin producing ability, and necrosis hardly occurs. The search for DNA ploidy by flow cytometry revealed the presence of two types of cells: The cells of diploid pattern and aneuploid pattern. In the tests to determine the sensitivity of CHGS strains to carcinostatic in MMC, ADR, 5-FU and CDDP groups, and to radiation according to the Battele Columbus Laboratories Protocol, the regression of tumor was observed in MMC, ADR, CDDP groups. Particularly, in MMC group, some of the tumors had disappeared. Recurrence was also noted in this case, but the survival, was still recognized nearly four years after the operation through the postoperative auxiliary therapy. This was regarded as the case, where the sensitivity test using the nude mouse implantable tumor strain was reflected well in clinical application.

[Inhibition of pulmonary metastases in mice by beta-cyclodextrin-benzaldehyde]

The effect of beta-cyclodextrin-benzaldehyde (CDBA) on the pulmonary metastasis in C3H/He mice was examined. When mice were treated daily with CDBA, 3 weeks later the number of lung nodules developed after i.v. inoculation of 1 X 10(6) RCT (+) cells was significantly decreased. The mean numbers of the lung nodules were 69.9 and 73.4 in the water-and cyclodextrin (CD)-treated mice, respectively. However, these were 17.8, 9.8 and 2.9 in 0.5, 5 and 25 mg/mouse per day CDBA-treated mice, respectively. And also, daily treatment of CDBA prolonged the survival time of the tumor bearing mice in both experimental and spontaneous metastasis studies. Two or three weeks after subcutaneous inoculation of RCT (+) cells (1 X 10(6) cells) to the foot pad, left hindlimbs were amputated and then mice were daily treated or untreated with CDBA. Five weeks after tumor inoculation, the number of lung nodules was counted. Twenty eight point six and 100% of untreated mice had lung metastases when amputation was carried out 2 (earlier operation group) and 3 (latero peration group) weeks after tumor inoculation. However, in CDBA-treated mice, these values were noticeably decreased, that is, 6.7% and 60% in earlier and later operation groups, respectively. Furthermore, in the later operation group, mean number of the lung nodules in CDBA-treated mice was only 2.7 while this was 12.9 in untreated mice. These data suggest that CDBA improve the survival time of tumor bearing mice through the inhibition of the lung metastasis.

Quantitative study on phagocytosis of human tonsillar adherent cells by the flow cytometric and immunocytochemical methods

An in vitro phagocytosis assay of adherent cells of 12 palatine tonsils (7 children's and 5 adults' cases with persistent angina) was performed by use of flow cytometry (FCM), using fluorescent latex particles (FLP). The mean value of the percentages of phagocytic cells in the children's group (81.4%) was higher than that in the adults' group (64.0%). In addition, separate immunocytochemical stainings with each antibody--Anti-Leu-M5, OKDR, OKT6, S-100, and lysozyme--were made on smear preparations of a child's and an adult's tonsillar adherent cells after incubation with FLP. By use of the light microscope, the percentages of phagocytic cells in relation to positive cells for each antibody were calculated. The lysozyme positive cell proved to have the highest percentage of phagocytic cells. Then, the average number of phagocytized FLP in one positive cell for each antibody were calculated. With regard to the lysozyme positive cell, this cell proved to have the highest average number of FLP.

Nystagmus and subnormal electroretinographic response in nonketotic hyperglycinemia

We examined ophthalmologically two siblings with nonketotic hyperglycinemia who had negligible activities of glycine cleavage system in the liver. Both had jerky nystagmus. The elder brother had a normal electroretinographic response, while the younger brother's response was subnormal. There may be a close association of subnormal electroretinographic response and hyperglycinemia, because glycine can act as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the retina.

Induction of heme oxygenase in rat liver. Increase of the specific mRNA by treatment with various chemicals and immunological identity of the enzymes in various tissues as well as the induced enzymes

A specific antibody was prepared against rat liver heme oxygenase which had been induced by bromobenzene treatment. Immunochemical studies with this antibody (IgG) revealed that heme oxygenases from livers of rats treated with hemin, Cd2+, Co2+, or bromobenzene from rat spleen and also from kidney of Sn2+-treated rats were all immunochemically identical. Cell-free synthesis of heme oxygenase was performed in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system using polysomes isolated from livers of rats treated with either hemin, Cd2+, or bromobenzene, and it was found that translatable mRNA specific for heme oxygenase was actually increased in the liver of rats treated with any of those inducers. Also, the ability of liver polysomes to direct cell-free synthesis of heme oxygenase was apparently proportional to the activity of heme oxygenase in the liver from which polysomes were prepared. The heme oxygenase protein synthesized either in vivo or in vitro showed a molecular weight of 31,000 when examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis and fluorography. This value is essentially identical with the molecular weight of heme oxygenase purified from rat liver and indicates that a precursor form of heme oxygenase may not be involved in the heme oxygenase synthesis.

Erythrocyte aging changes evaluated by the deoxyuridine suppression test

Many hematologic studies have shown that the erythrocyte count decreases while the size of the individual cell increases in the aged. This study was performed in order to (1) evaluate changes in the blood erythrocyte level and mean erythrocyte size in the elderly and (2) evaluate use of the deoxyuridine (dU) supression test to determine whether deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate plays any role in age-related changes of hematopoiesis. Selected for study were 102 healthy men whose ages ranged from 20 to 79 years. The erythrocyte count and hemoglobin level decreased significantly, whereas the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin increased after 70 years of age. Fresh bone-marrow cells were obtained from 10 young (20-38 yr) and 10 aged (70-82 yr) men. Wickramasinghe's dU suppression test was modified by application of an automatic cell harvester. The results were normal in both groups. Thus, the route of dU to dTMP in a DNA synthetic pathway appeared intact, and there was no evidence of B12 or folate deficiency in the aged to explain the observed macrocytosis. However, 3H-thymidine uptake by nucleated bone-marrow cells was significantly decreased, and the ratio of 3H-uridine to 3H-thymidine uptake was greater in the old group than in the young group. These results could be explained by altered nucleic acid metabolism (unbalanced cell growth) or by a change in the proportion of the different fractions of nucleated cells.

Macro creatine kinase: a study on CK-linked immunoglobulin

We describe three cases in which creatine kinase (CK, EC 2.7.3.2) was linked to immunoglobulin in serum. In this study, its prevalence was 0.8%. Enzyme-immunofixation electrophoresis revealed that the heavy chain of CK-linked immunoglobulins was of class alpha in all cases. The light-chain type was identified as lambda in two cases and as both lambda and kappa in one case. The complexes were dissociated at pH 3.4 and re-formed with CK isoenzymes MM and MB at pH 7.4. The complex fraction obtained by gel filtration was not inhibited by anti-CK-M antibodies. Treatment of the serum with urea after heating shows residual CK-MM activity; in contrast, normal CK activity disappeared entirely after this treatment. The present study suggests that CK-linked immunoglobulins may be one of the circulating immune complexes and must be distinguished from other macro-CK in the strict sense. The results obtained show that the presence of the complexes results in false-positive CK-B activity in the immuno-inhibition test, and they may provide interesting insights into the mode of binding of the CK-linked immunoglobulins.

Macro creatine kinase: a study on CK-linked immunoglobulin

We describe three cases in which creatine kinase (CK, EC 2.7.3.2) was linked to immunoglobulin in serum. In this study, its prevalence was 0.8%. Enzyme-immunofixation electrophoresis revealed that the heavy chain of CK-linked immunoglobulins was of class alpha in all cases. The light-chain type was identified as lambda in two cases and as both lambda and kappa in one case. The complexes were dissociated at pH 3.4 and re-formed with CK isoenzymes MM and MB at pH 7.4. The complex fraction obtained by gel filtration was not inhibited by anti-CK-M antibodies. Treatment of the serum with urea after heating shows residual CK-MM activity; in contrast, normal CK activity disappeared entirely after this treatment. The present study suggests that CK-linked immunoglobulins may be one of the circulating immune complexes and must be distinguished from other macro-CK in the strict sense. The results obtained show that the presence of the complexes results in false-positive CK-B activity in the immuno-inhibition test, and they may provide interesting insights into the mode of binding of the CK-linked immunoglobulins.