Air pollution and airborne infection with mycobacterial bioaerosols: a potential attribution of soot

Atmospheric pollutants are hypothesized to enhance the viability of airborne microbes by preventing them from degradation processes, thereby enhancing their atmospheric survival. In this study, Mycobacterium smegmatis is used as a model airborne bacteria, and different amounts of soot particles are employed as model air pollutants. The toxic effects of soot on aerosolized M. smegmatis are first evaluated and excluded by introducing them separately into a chamber, being sampled on a filter, and then cultured and counted. Secondly, the bacteria-soot mixture is exposed to UV with different durations and then cultured for bacterial viability evaluations. The results show that under UV exposure, the survival rates of the low-, medium-, and high-soot groups are 1.1 (±0.8) %, 70.9 (±4.3) %, and 61.0 (±17.6) %, respectively. This evidence significantly enhanced survival rates by soot at all UV exposures, though the combinations of UV exposure and soot amounts revealed a changing pattern of survival rates. The possible influence by direct and indirect effects of UV-damaging mechanisms is proposed. This study indicates the soot-induced survival rate enhancements of M. smegmatis under UV stress conditions, representing the possible relations between air pollution and the extended pathogenic viability and, therefore, increased airborne infection probability.

Negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers in a 5 nm thin 12C diamond film

We report successful introduction of negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV(-)) centers in a 5 nm thin, isotopically enriched ([(12)C] = 99.99%) diamond layer by CVD. The present method allows for the formation of NV(-) in such a thin layer even when the surface is terminated by hydrogen atoms. NV(-) centers are found to have spin coherence times of between T2 ~ 10-100 μs at room temperature. Changing the surface termination to oxygen or fluorine leads to a slight increase in the NV(-) density, but not to any significant change in T2. The minimum detectable magnetic field estimated by this T2 is 3 nT after 100 s of averaging, which would be sufficient for the detection of nuclear magnetic fields exerted by a single proton. We demonstrate the suitability for nanoscale NMR by measuring the fluctuating field from ~10(4) proton nuclei placed on top of the 5 nm diamond film.

Distinction between some saccharides in scattered optical sum frequency intensity images

Using an optical sum frequency (SF) microscope with visible and infrared light pulses for excitation, we have attempted to distinguish among four saccharide species. The saccharides we studied were d-glucose, amylopectin, beta-cyclodextrin, and amylose. The wavelength of the infrared light was resonant to CH vibration. Amylose showed very weak sum frequency scattering for CH vibration among the four saccharides. As for the other three saccharides, we found a big difference in the sum frequency spectra of their CH stretching vibration near 2900 cm-1, when the incident visible and infrared light pulses were p- and s-polarized, respectively. Based on these facts, we have demonstrated a distinction between these three saccharides in the scattered SF intensity images.

Percutaneous transvenous embolisation through the occluded sinus for transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistulas with sinus occlusion

We report six cases of transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistulae (TS DAVF) treated with percutaneous transvenous embolisation through the occluded sinus. All patients had sinus occlusive lesions: an isolated sinus in five cases and a distal occlusion of the affected sinus in one. Leptomeningeal retrograde venous drainage via the vein of Labbé or the sylvian vein was observed in all patients with an isolated sinus. In five patients a microcatheter was easily passed through the occluded sinus. In four of them, a complete angiographic cure was achieved by packing the sinus with coils. However, in one, sinus packing was ineffective and surgical excision of the affected sinus was necessary. The microcatheter could not be passed through the occluded sinus in one case, and direct packing of the isolated sinus was later required. In all cases, complete cure was achieved without complications. This safe, not very invasive and highly effective treatment for TS DAVF with sinus occlusion is thus worth trying when the occluded segment is relatively short.

Prognosis of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is excellent in children, when adequately diagnosed

BACKGROUND

Recently, the prognosis of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) has been reported as improved, compared with the results of previous studies. In an attempt to clarify this, we analyzed the clinical course of patients with APSGN.

METHODS

A total of 220 children with acute nephritic syndrome were treated in the affiliated hospitals of our department, between January 1988 and December 1997. Among them, 138 children who were diagnosed with APSGN according to the presence of hematuria, transient hypocomplementemia and evidence of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, were studied.

RESULTS

Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels at onset were 0.5 +/- 0.2 mg/dL and 20 +/-12 mg/dL, respectively. There were no patients with renal dysfunction (serum creatinine level > or = 1.5 mg/dL), but one patient with nephrotic syndrome. Blood pressure was well controlled in all patients and there were no patients with persistent hypertension. Serum complement levels were normalized within 12 weeks (100%), hematuria disappeared within 4 years (100%) and proteinuria disappeared within 3 years (100%) from the onset.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the prognosis of APSGN during childhood is excellent, when adequately diagnosed and treated.

Angiographic findings and clinical significance of the anterior and posterior spinal arteries in therapeutic parent artery occlusion for vertebral artery aneurysms

SUMMARY

Three of 16 patients with vertebral artery (VA) aneurysms treated by parent artery occlusion suffered ischemic complications. The cause of the ischemic complications was brain stem or upper cervical spinal cord infarction due to occlusion of the anterior spinal artery (ASA), posterior spinal artery (PSA) and perforating arteries arising from the VA. Angiographic detection of ASA and PSA was studied in 71 consecutive patients (142 VAs) with various diseases who underwent digital subtraction angiography. The ASA and PSA originated from the bilateral VAs in 14% and 9%, unilateral VA in 73% and 35%, and were not detected in 13% and 56%, respectively. These results indicate that the rate of angiographic detection of the ASA originating from the bilateral VAs is considerably lower than that of previously reported anatomical studies. Special attention must be paid to the ASA, PSA and perforating arteries on preoperative vertebral angiography to prevent ischemic complications associated with therapeutic parent artery occlusion for VA aneurysms.

Characterization of 5'-flanking region of rat somatostatin receptor sst2 gene: transcriptional regulatory elements and activation by Pitx1 and estrogen

The sst2 somatostatin receptor mediates the inhibitory effects of somatostatin on secretive and proliferative processes. We previously showed that sst2 is one of the major subtypes expressed in the rat pituitary, and its messenger RNA level is up-regulated by chronic treatment with estrogen. To investigate the molecular mechanisms regulating sst2 gene expression, we cloned the upstream region (9.5 kb) from the translation initiation codon of the rat sst2 gene. It contained a single intron (5.0 kb) at the 5'-untranslated region, lacked TATA and CCAAT boxes, and had multiple transcriptional start sites. Transient transfection analysis with deleted mutants of a luciferase reporter construct showed that the promoter activity was regulated negatively and positively in the distal and proximal promoter regions, respectively. The promoter activity of each construct was more efficient in GH(3) pituitary cells than in nonpituitary cells. The construct (-77/+172/luc) containing a cAMP response element (CRE; -54/-47) provided maximum promoter activity, but a further 5'-deleted construct dramatically reduced the activity. Competitive gel shift and supershift assays indicated that Sp2 and Sp3 were bound to an Sp1 site (-40/-31), and activating transcription factor-2 and c-Jun were bound to a CRE site. Both Sp1 and CRE sites were essential for the full promoter activity. Overexpression of the pituitary homeoprotein Pitx1 activated the promoter activity of the -4066/+172/luc construct, and mapping analysis indicated the existence of two Pitx1 response sites, including the CRE site. Estrogen also increased the promoter activity of -77/+172/luc in GH(3) cells or in HeLa cells overexpressing both the estrogen receptor and c-Jun. These studies demonstrated the nature of the rat sst2 gene and the functional importance of both Sp1 and CRE sites in regulating sst2 gene expression and suggest that the CRE site mediates, at least partly, the promoter activity activated by Pitx1 or estrogen.

Influence of age at onset on the outcome of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome

To investigate whether age at onset of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) is predictive of subsequent relapses, or influences outcome, we retrospectively studied 60 patients who were under 10 years of age at onset and were followed for over 10 years. They were divided into three groups according to age at diagnosis: group 1-3 (1.0-3.9 years at onset, n=24), group 4-6 (4.0-6.9 years at onset, n=22), and group 7-9 (7.0-9.9 years at onset, n=14). In the 51 patients with long-term remission, defined as remaining relapse-free over 3 years, the total number of relapses was significantly more in group 1-3 (n=18) than in group 4-6 (n=19), and the interval between onset and long-term remission was significantly longer. Group 4-6 and group 7-9 had fewer patients with active disease at 10 years, follow-up than group 1-3, as assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. These data suggest that the age at onset of SSNS influences the clinical course (i.e., frequency of relapses) and the time to reach long-term remission. An age of less than 4 years at onset of SSNS is associated with greater likelihood for frequent relapses and a greater time interval to attain long-term remission.

Difference in topology and numbers of barosensitive catecholaminergic and cholinergic neurons in the medulla between SHR and WKY rats

We hypothesized that there may be a significant difference in the neuronal composition of the baroreceptor reflex pathway between normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive SHR rats. Using the double-immunoreactive (IR) method, the topology and numbers of barosensitive neurons that contain glutamate (Glu), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were compared between the two strains. The control rats were sham-operated only for cannulation of the trachea and femoral artery/vein. The test rats were injected with the pressor agent phenylephrine to raise blood pressure and stimulate arterial baroreceptors. In both the control and test experiments, the c-Fos/Glu-, GAD-, TH- and PNMT-IR neurons were found in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and ventrolateral medulla (VLM), while the FosB/ChAT-IR neurons were found in the NTS, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMX) and nucleus ambiguus (AMB). In the control experiment, no significant difference in numbers was recognized in any of the double-IR neurons between the two strains. In the test experiment, the numbers of FosB/ChAT-IR neurons in the NTS, DMX and AMB were significantly smaller in SHR than in WKY. The numbers of c-Fos/TH-IR neurons in the caudal VLM were significantly larger in SHR than in WKY. These results suggest that a smaller number of barosensitive cholinergic neurons in the DMX and AMB in SHR causes the weaker baroreceptor-cardiac vagal reflex in SHR, and that a larger number of barosensitive catecholaminergic neurons in the caudal VLM in SHR are involved in the stronger baroreceptor-vasopressin reflex in SHR.

Chronic treatment with estrogen up-regulates expression of sst2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) but down-regulates expression of sst5 mRNA in rat pituitaries

We previously showed that 17beta-estradiol (E2) induces the somatostatin (SRIF) responsiveness of the rat anterior pituitary, which leads to inhibition of PRL secretion through E2-dependent SRIF receptors. To examine receptor subtypes regulated by E2, we determined the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of all subtypes using a semiquantitative RT-PCR and characterized pituitary membrane receptors using subtype-preferential SRIF analogs. Most of the SRIF receptor subtype mRNAs were sst5 and sst2A in ovariectomized rat pituitaries [sst5/glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) = 1.4 x 10(-2), sst2A/GAPDH = 0.4 x 10(-2)]. The expression pattern of the subtypes in ovariectomized rat pituitaries was similar to that of normal male and female rat pituitaries, although the mRNA levels of sst5 and sst2A in male rat pituitaries were higher than in females. Chronic administration (4 weeks) of E2 to the ovariectomized rats increased mRNA expression of sst2A, sst2B, sst3, and sst1 and drastically decreased expression of sst5; the transcripts of sst2 isoforms constituted 87% of total SRIF receptor subtype mRNAs (sst2A/GAPDH = 1.2 x 10(-2)), whereas the sst5 mRNA level was less than 1%. Receptor-binding studies revealed that in pituitaries from both ovariectomized rats and male rats, heterogeneous receptor types, probably sst5 and sst2, were expressed, whereas receptors from E2-treated rat pituitaries mostly exhibited characteristics of the sst2 subtype. The results demonstrated that sst5 and sst2A were the major subtypes expressed in normal rat pituitaries with a sex-dependent difference and that whereas E2 up-regulates the expression of sst2 isoforms, it down-regulates the expression of sst5, suggesting roles for these subtypes in the control of pituitary functions.

Lipoprotein glomerulopathy: a pediatric case report

We report an 8-year-old girl with lipoprotein glomerulopathy who may have developed this condition as young as 4 years of age. To our knowledge this is the youngest reported case of this disease. Lipid studies of the patient and her family members revealed elevated concentrations of apolipoprotein E (apo E), the apo E phenotype E2/3, and the genotype E3/3. However, other families revealed no urinary abnormalities. Our findings suggest that an apo E abnormality may be responsible for the development of lipoprotein glomerulopathy. Genetic analysis of apo E is needed to clarify the pathogenesis.

Separated ossicles of the lateral malleolus

Sixty ankles of 59 patients with symptomatic ossicles of the lateral malleolus were studied. All patients underwent clinical and radiographic examinations. Stress arthrography was performed on 58, arthroscopy on 48, operative treatment on 52, and histologic examination on 23. The ossicles were classified into 3 sizes (small, medium, and large) and 2 levels (A and B) by location. The relationship between the ossicle and fibular tip was classified into 3 grades according to arthrography results (Grade 1, little inflow [< 1 mm] of the contrast medium; Grade 2, an apparent space [1-2 mm]; Grade 3, a large gap [> 2 mm]) and to operative and arthroscopic findings (Type A, a fibrous union; Type B, a partial continuity; Type C, a lax thin scar tissue; Type D, no continuity). There were significant differences in talar tilt angles on stress radiography between the 3 grades. Chronic symptoms had a tendency to increase from Grade 1 to Grade 3 and from Type A to Type C or D, with instability occurring more than pain. The size and level did not correlate with instability. Acute or chronic inversion forces may act on the connection between the ossicle and fibular tip, and damage to this structure may cause symptoms.

[Crystal forms, improvements of dissolution and absorption of poorly water-soluble (R)-1-[2,3-dihydro-1-(2'-methylphenacyl)-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1, 4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-3-(3-methylphenyl)urea (YM022)]

Polymorphs of (R)-1-[2,3-dihydro-1-(2'-methylphenacyl)-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-3-yl]-3-(3-methylphenyl)urea (YM022) were investigated. Two crystalline forms (alpha- and beta-forms) of YM022 were confirmed by powder X-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry. alpha- And beta-forms were obtained by recrystallization from ethanol and ethanol: water (5:1), respectively. Amorphous YM022 was obtained by spray drying of YM022 methanol solution. Since both crystalline and amorphous YM022 were sparingly soluble in water, solubilization of YM022 by solid dispersion and wet grinding methods were performed. In vitro dissolution study and in vivo absorption study in dogs were carried out using spray-dried solid dispersion, heat-treated solid dispersion and mechanical mixture. Spray-dried solid dispersion and heat-treated solid dispersion showed enhanced bioavailability, whereas mechanical mixture showed no improvement.

C9 deficiency in a patient with poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis

The case of a 10-year-old girl with congenital C9 deficiency and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is presented. Although her clinical symptoms mimicked those of Henoch-Schönlein purpura, histological examination of a renal biopsy specimen revealed the features commonly described in PSGN.

Purification of two types of TNF inhibitors in the urine of the patient with chronic glomerulonephritis

In order to clarify whether TNF inhibitory activity in the urine of glomerulonephritis (GN) patients depends on the existence of TNF inhibitors/soluble TNF receptors, we purified two types of TNF inhibitors from the urine of chronic renal failure (CRF) with GN patient. Using four steps of chromatography (anion exchange chromatography, preparative reverse phase chromatography, TNF affinity chromatography, analytical reverse phase chromatography), two types of 99% pure TNF inhibitors were purified. Amino terminal amino acid sequence revealed that one inhibitor was identical to soluble TNF receptor, p55, however, the other was homologous but not identical to soluble TNF receptor, p75. Our experiments demonstrated that TNF inhibitory activity in the urine of CRF patients depended partly on the existence of soluble TNF receptors in the urine.

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for analysis of urinary proteins: diagnostic significance of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein

In order to analyze urinary proteins from patients with various renal diseases, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with IPG PACK ODS column packed with polyporous glass was employed. The peak areas of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (alpha 1-AGP), beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) and albumin were measured by a chromato-integrator. The alpha 1-AGP/albumin ratio was regarded as the marker of glomerular damage, while the beta 2-MG/albumin ratio indicated tubular dysfunction. As a result, the alpha 1-AGP/albumin ratio in the urine from patients with either various glomerulonephritis (GN) or idiopathic nephrotic syndrome was significantly higher than that from either patients with postural proteinuria or healthy children. However, the beta 2-MG/albumin ratio in the urine from patients with GN was the same level as controls. The beta 2-MG/albumin ratio was elevated only in urine from patients with tubular dysfunctions. These data suggest that the urinary alpha 1-AGP/albumin ratio could be a beneficial indicator in locating patients with GN from among children with asymptomatic proteinuria.

Fatal pulmonary haemorrhage and crescentic glomerulonephritis without autoantibodies: a paediatric case report

The case of an 8-year-old girl who had a fatal pulmonary haemorrhage and crescentic glomerulonephritis without autoantibodies is presented. Circulating anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies, circulating immune complexes and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies were not detected. To our knowledge this is the youngest reported case of the disease.

Inhibition of vascular permeability factor production by ciclosporin in minimal change nephrotic syndrome

In order to ascertain whether ciclosporin (Cs) has an inhibitory effect on the vascular permeability factor (VPF) production, various quantities of Cs were added to T lymphocyte cultures from 8 children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and the VPF activity of culture supernatants was assayed. As a result of the addition of Cs, a dose-dependent inhibition of VPF production was seen. VPF production was inhibited by a level of between 100 and 250 ng/ml of Cs in vitro. The reduction of proteinuria by Cs in MCNS might be due to the inhibition of VPF production.

[A case of pulmonary embolism following acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia]

A 18-year-old boy was admitted to hospital in an unconsciousness state as a result of taking a large dose of several psychotropic drugs simultaneously in an attempt to commit suicide. Blood studies revealed hypoxia (55.7 mmHg) and hypercapnia (59.7 mmHg). Hypoxia (74.3 mmHg) and hypercapnia (46.7 mmHg) were still present on the fourth day after admission, and the patient was becoming lethargic. Reduced vascular markings in the right upper lung field on chest roentgenogram in spite of hypercapnia suggested that the persistent hypoxia was the result of a pulmonary embolism. This diagnosis was supported by a perfusion defect on 99mTc-MAA scintigram and arterial obstruction in right pulmonary angiogram. Hypercapnia is an unusual finding in pulmonary embolism, and in this case was considered due to depression of respiration by psychotropic drugs.

Differences in level and avidity of secretory IgA antibodies in breast milk of Swedish, Indian and Japanese mothers to soybean protein

Colostrum was collected from Swedish, Indian and Japanese mothers. The samples were as a mean, collected 4.00-4.25 days after delivery of term infants. The level of specific IgA antibody to 2S, 7S and crude soybean antigen were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The avidity of the IgA antibodies to 7S soybean antigen was also measured with an ELISA system using different molarities of potassium thiocyanate for elution of the specific IgA antibody from solid phase-bound antigen. The level of specific IgA antibody to 7S and crude soybean antigen in the milk of the Indian mothers was significantly higher than in the milk of the Japanese mothers (p less than or equal to 0.01). In contrast, the avidity expressed as the molarity of KSCN for 50% elution of IgA antibody to 7S soybean antigen in the milk of the Japanese mothers was significantly higher than in the milk of the Indian mothers (p less than 0.01).

[The role of thoracoscopy in pleural biopsy in cases with pleural effusion]

Between April 1985 and July 1989, 125 cases with pleural effusion were admitted to our department. The causes of pleural effusion were carcinomatous pleurisy in 47 cases, infection without tuberculosis in 34 cases, tuberculous pleurisy in 17 cases, cardiac insufficiency and hypoproteinemia in 11 cases, trauma and pneumothorax in nine cases, collagen disease in two cases and unknown origin in five cases. Carcinomatous pleurisy and tuberculous pleurisy, the differential diagnosis of which is very important, comprised 37% and 14% of all cases, respectively. These diseases can be definitively diagnosed by pleural biopsy, effusion cytology and/or effusion culture. In July 1987, we introduced thoracoscopy to improve the ratio of definitive diagnoses. The ratio for carcinomatous pleurisy in the previous term, when thoracoscopy was not being used, was 59%, while that in the latter term, when it was used, was 73%. The ratio for all cases with tuberculous pleurisy was 47%. Prior to June 1987, pleural biopsies in our department were performed with a Cope needle. Using that procedure, a low positive ratio of 50% was obtained. For thoracoscopic pleural biopsies, a high positive ratio of 84% was achieved (in carcinomatous pleurisy, 13 out of 15 cases; in tuberculous pleurisy, three out of four cases). This procedure was performed with minimal patient discomfort and no serious complications. Therefore, thoracoscopic pleural biopsy is recommended as a diagnostic procedure for cases with pleural effusion.

[Clinical evaluation of fluconazole in patients with mycotic infection]

Fluconazole, a triazole antifungal agent newly developed by Pfizer Inc.. was given orally to 4 patients with deep mycosis. Fluconazole was markedly effective against septicemia due to Candida and oral candidiasis accompanied with lingual ulcer in spite of seriousness of these underlying disease. In 2 patients with aspergilloma, eradication or contraction of fungus ball was observed and the drug was judged to be effective. In vitro MICs of fluconazole against clinically isolated Aspergillus spp. were much higher than its serum levels leaving a large discrepancy between in vitro activity and clinical efficacy. Although the dosage was 100-300 mg daily for 8 days to 6 months, neither adverse reactions nor laboratory parameter abnormalities were observed. The above results suggest that fluconazole is a useful agent in the treatment of fungal infections.

Effect of supernatants derived from T lymphocyte culture in minimal change nephrotic syndrome on rat kidney capillaries

The effect on the kidney capillaries of T lymphocyte culture supernatants from patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome was studied by infusion into the left renal artery of rats. The supernatants of T lymphocyte cultures from nephrotic patients induced significant proteinuria and a reduction of anionic sites in the glomerular basement membrane of the kidneys in the rats. These changes were not produced in rats receiving equivalent supernatants from healthy controls.

Demonstration of the presence of digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (DLIS) in the serum and urine in children with nephrotic syndrome

Longitudinal changes of digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (DLIS) in serum and urine from nephrotic children have been studied. The magnitude of DLIS in samples was measured by digoxin RIA kit. The binding activity to the ouabain receptor was measured by radioreceptor assay using crude rat brain synaptosomal fraction. In five cases of nephrosis, the mean value of DLIS in diuresis was significantly higher than during other stages (p less than 0.05). It was also higher than the levels recorded for six patients with nephritis (p less than 0.05). The presence of DLIS in the urine followed a similar pattern. The positive correlation between urine DLIS and ouabain-like substance (OLS) corrected by creatinine was observed for one month after the onset of nephrosis. The present study indicates the presence of DLIS in the serum and urine from patients with nephrosis which have the binding activity to the ouabain receptor. DLIS may be involved in natriuresis and may regulate active sodium transport in nephrotic children.

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against Tamm-Horsfall protein in acute pyelonephritis

The cytotoxic activity of leukocytes from humans and rats with pyelonephritis were examined in an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity assay (ADCC) with CrCl3-treated erythrocytes coated with Tamm-Horsfall (TH) as target cells. The specificity of the ADCC was confirmed by absorption with TH urinary glycoprotein and inhibition of the ADCC activity seen with polyclonal rabbit anti-TH antisera by monoclonal mouse antibodies. The ADCC activity detected in children with acute pyelonephritis was low in the initial phase of the disease, but increased significantly 9 days after the start of antibacterial treatment. In rats with experimental pyelonephritis, ADCC activity decreased significantly with increased duration of infection. Depletion of cells adhering to carbonyl iron led to higher ADCC activity. During the course of the infection the difference in ADCC activity between effector cell preparations depleted using carbonyl iron and those not depleted decreased. The decreased ADCC activity demonstrated during acute pyelonephritis may point to mechanisms operating to diminish the risk of tissue damage.

Studies of vascular permeability factor derived from T lymphocytes and inhibitory effect of plasma on its production in minimal change nephrotic syndrome

Peripheral T lymphocytes from patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and controls were treated for their ability to produce vascular permeability factors (VPF) without concanavalin A stimulation. In vitro cultures of T lymphocytes from active MCNS produced VPF in the supernatant, whereas T lymphocytes from inactive MCNS or normal subjects did not. Furthermore, the plasma from patients with active MCNS markedly inhibited VPF production when compared with plasma taken from inactive MCNS or fetal calf serum alone. However, the plasma from MCNS in neither the active nor the inactive stage had any direct blocking effect on VPF activity. These results seem to suggest that the plasma from patients with MCNS in the active stage inhibits VPF production, but does not neutralize T lymphocytes derived VPF activity.

Induction of intestinal tumors in rats by dextran sulfate sodium

The carcinogenicity of dextran sulfate sodium was studied in inbred ACI rats. In group 1, 10 male rats were fed a 10% dextran sulfate sodium diet; in group 2, 14 male and 12 female rats were fed a 5% dextran sulfate sodium diet; and in the control group, 9 male and 9 female rats were given the basal diet without dextran sulfate sodium. After the start of the feeding regimen, all rats given the 10% dextran sulfate sodium diet died of severe diarrhea and anemia within 14 days and 15 of 23 surviving rats fed a 5% dextran sulfate sodium diet developed intestinal tumors between 134 and 215 days. These tumors were induced in the colon and cecum and consisted of adenomas, adenocarcinomas, and papillomas.

Inhibitory action of the combination of aminopyrine and secobarbital on EEG activation, neocortical recruiting and augmenting responses in rabbits

The effect of the combination of aminopyrine and secobarbital at a molar ratio of 2:1, the mixture and molecular compound, on rabbit EEG activation was examined. Secobarbital 40 mg/kg p.o. elevated threshold voltages in the neocortical and hippocampal EEG activation by high frequency electrical stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation (MRF), nucleus centralis medialis (CM) of the thalamus, and posterior hypothalamus (PHA) by 40, 40 and 80% respectively. Aminopyrine 80 mg/kg p.o. alone did not affect the arousal responses. The molecular compound 120 mg/kg p.o. has more potent and long-lasting actions in inhibiting the arousal responses induced by the stimulation of MRF (80%) and CM (50%) than with secobarbital alone. The inhibitory action of the mixture 120 mg/kg p.o. on the PHA-arousal response (40%) was significantly weaker than that of the molecular compound (80%). Secobarbital and the molecular compound slightly inhibited the neocortical augmenting and recruiting responses. Our findings suggest that although aminopyrine exerts a synergistic effect with secobarbital in inhibiting the EEG activation produced by MRF stimulation, in inhibiting the PHA-arousal response, there is no synergistic effect of the two drugs when they were given as the mixture. Moreover, the molecular compound rather than the mixture has a more potent inhibitory action on the EEG activation, particularly with PHA stimulation.

Transport of dextran sulfates to rat livers

Liver subcellular distributions of three different dextran sulfates (DSs) with average molecular weight (AMW) of 3000, 20,000, and 200,000, and sulfur content of 18%, anticoagulants and antilipemic agents, were examined in rats after intravenous administration of 50 mg/kg. About 20% of the injected radioactivity was taken up by liver 15 min-3 hr after 35S-DS administration, but the uptake of 35S-DS with AMW of 200,000 was slower than that of the other DSs. About half of the radioactivity distributed in livers was found in the cytosol fraction. The cytosol fraction/liver ratio of the radioactivity gradually decreased with the increase in the nuclear fraction/liver ratio. The specific radioactivity of the lysosomal fraction was 5--20 times as large as that of the other fractions. Unchanged forms of 35S-DSs with AMW of 3000 and 20,000 were found in the lysosomal and the cytosol fractions. Administration of DSs with AMW of 20,000 and 200,000 significantly enhanced the Na+-K+-dependent ATPase activity of lysosomal fraction which has been considered to be an index of endocytosis. These findings suggest that DSs are probably transferred into liver cells by transmembrane and endocytotic transports.

Studies of T lymphocyte function and inhibitory factors in minimal change nephrotic syndrome

Plasma obtained from patients with MCNS in active stage suppressed the 3H-TdR incorporation of autologous or homologous lymphocytes stimulated with PHA-P and E rosette formation, while plasma from patients in remission did not. The depressed mitogenic response of lymphocytes from patients in the active stage significantly improved when the patient's plasma was substituted for the plasma from inactive MCNS or healthy persons and fetal calf serum. In the preliminary experiment, it was seen that the inhibitory factors were heat stable at 56 degrees C, unadsorbable to charcoal powder and retained in both the permeable and impermeable fractions of collodion bag.