Change in systemic steroid use and surgery rate in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a Japanese real-world database analysis

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids are recommended only for induction of remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate the change in pharmacologic treatment use, particularly systemic corticosteroids, over approximately 30 years, and the impact of biologics on IBD treatment since their appearance in the 2000s.

METHODS

This retrospective study conducted in Japan used data from the Phoenix cohort database (January 1990 to March 2021). Patients with disease onset at age ≥ 10 years who received treatment for UC or CD between January 1990 and March 2021 were included. Outcome measures were change in IBD treatments used, total cumulative corticosteroid doses, initial corticosteroid dose, duration of corticosteroid treatment, and surgery rate.

RESULTS

A total of 1066 and 579 patients with UC and CD, respectively, were included. In UC, the rate of corticosteroid use as initial treatment was relatively stable regardless of the year of disease onset; however, in CD, its rate decreased in patients who had disease onset after 2006 (before 2006: 14.3-27.8% vs. after 2006: 6.6-10.5%). Compared with patients with disease onset before biologics became available, cumulative corticosteroid doses in both UC and CD, and the surgery rate in CD only, were lower in those with disease onset after biologics became available.

CONCLUSIONS

Since biologics became available, corticosteroid use appears to have decreased, with more appropriate use. Furthermore, use of biologics may reduce surgery rates, particularly in patients with CD. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry; UMIN000035384.

Evaluation of a lattice Boltzmann method in a complex nanoflow

In order to establish a cost-effective strategy to simulate complex flows in continuum to slip and transitional regimes, the present study assesses the performance of a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) formerly discussed by the present authors' group [Niu, Phys. Rev. E 76, 036711 (2007)]. This LBM is based on a diffuse scattering wall boundary condition, a regularization procedure, and an effective relaxation time associated with the Knudsen number. The present assessment is on its regularization procedure and third-order truncated system based on the two-dimensional twenty-one discrete velocity (D2Q21) model for the Cartesian lattices. The test flow cases are force-driven Poiseuille flows, the Couette flows and a flow around a square cylinder situated in a nanochannel. For producing the reference data of the square cylinder flow, the molecular dynamics simulation using Lennard-Jones potential is also performed. Although the flow profiles and the slip velocities of the Poiseuille flows and the Couette flows are more accurately predicted by the third-order truncated system, the general velocity profiles around the square cylinder are also well predicted by the second-order truncated system based on the two-dimensional nine discrete velocity (D2Q9) model. It is also confirmed that without the regularization process, the entire flow field prediction suffers unphysical momentum oscillations around the square cylinder.

Detection of autoantibodies against NMDA-type glutamate receptor in a patient with recurrent optic neuritis and transient cerebral lesions

We describe the case of a Japanese girl with recurrent optic neuritis and transient cerebral lesions. Antibodies against N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors were detected in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Results of this case study suggest that the development of autoantibodies against NMDA-type glutamate receptors may play a role in the pathogenesis of central nervous system demyelinating diseases.

Ghrelin stimulates phagocytosis and superoxide production in fish leukocytes

To clarify the role of ghrelin in the fish immune system, the in vitro effect of ghrelin was examined in phagocytic leukocytes of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Administration of trout ghrelin and des-VRQ-trout ghrelin, in which three amino acids are deleted from trout ghrelin, increased superoxide production in zymosan-stimulated phagocytic leukocytes from the head kidney. Gene expression of growth hormone (GH) secretagogue-receptor (GHS-R) was detected by RT-PCR in leukocytes. Pretreatment of phagocytic leukocytes with a GHS-R antagonist, [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6, abolished the stimulatory effects of trout ghrelin and des-VRQ-trout ghrelin on superoxide production. Ghrelin increased mRNA levels of superoxide dismutase and GH expressed in trout phagocytic leukocytes. Immunoneutralization of GH by addition of anti-salmon GH serum to the medium blocked the stimulatory effect of ghrelin on superoxide production. These results suggest that ghrelin stimulates phagocytosis in fish leukocytes through a GHS-R-dependent pathway, and also that the effect of ghrelin is mediated, at least in part, by GH secreted by leukocytes.

Expression of prolactin-releasing peptide and prolactin in the euryhaline mudskippers (Periophthalmus modestus): prolactin-releasing peptide as a primary regulator of prolactin

Prolactin (PRL)-releasing peptide (PrRP) is a strong candidate stimulator of pituitary PRL transcription and secretion in teleosts. However, the role in control of extrapituitary PRL expression is unclear even in mammals. To study the possible presence of PrRP-PRL axes not only in the brain-pituitary but also in peripheral organs, the expression patterns of PrRP, PRL and growth hormone (GH) were characterized in amphibious euryhaline mudskippers (Periophthalmus modestus). PrRP mRNA is abundantly expressed not only in the brain but also in the liver, gut and ovary, while less abundant expression was also detected in the skin and kidney. Corresponding to the distribution of PrRP mRNA, PRL mRNA was also detectable in these organs. During adaptation to different environments, the changes in mRNA levels of PrRP paralleled those in PRL in the brain-pituitary, liver and gut in an organ-specific manner. Brain PrRP mRNA and the pituitary PRL mRNA increased under freshwater and terrestrial conditions (P < 0.05); expression of PrRP and PRL in the gut of freshwater fish was higher (P < 0.05) than those in sea-water fish although there were no changes in fish kept out of water; no significant change was seen in the liver. Expressions of GH were not correlated with PrRP. In the gut, PrRP and PRL appear to be co-localized in the mucosal layer, especially in the mucous cells. Thus, PrRP may also be a local modulator of extrapituitary PRL expression and the PrRP-PRL axes in various organs may play an organ-specific role during environmental adaptation.

Molecular identification and immunohistochemical localization of atrial natriuretic peptide in the heart of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Atrial and B-type natriuretic peptide (ANP and BNP) are cardiac hormones synthesized and secreted by the myoendocrine cells of the heart. They exert potent actions on body fluid balance. Since various body organs including the heart are under high physiological stress during water and food deprivation in the desert nomads, we intended to perform molecular biological and histological studies of ANP in the heart of the dromedary camel Camelus dromedarius. Initially, we isolated cDNAs encoding ANP from the atrium and BNP from the atrium and ventricle of the dromedary camel. Putative mature ANP, deduced from the cDNA sequence, was identical to that of human and pig ANP, but the putative mature BNP was more diverse and was most similar to pig BNP (94% identity). Thus, we used antisera raised against human ANP that did not cross-react with pig BNP in the subsequent immunohistochemical studies. The ANP-expressing myoendocrine cells are most concentrated in the right atrium, to a lesser extent in the left atrium, and almost absent in the left ventricle. The immuno-positive cells are scattered uniformly in each region and are characterized by the presence of immunoreactive granular deposits around the nucleus. The left atrium comprises some ramifications of conductive cells (Purkinje fibers), some of which also contained ANP-immunoreactive granules. At the electron microscopic level, myoendocrine cells possessed secretory granules primarily in the perinuclear zone and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. The present study is the first comprehensive report dealing with the molecular cloning and immunohistochemical localization of ANP in the heart of a desert dwelling mammal.

Natriuretic peptide guanylyl cyclase receptors in the kidney of the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica

Natriuretic peptides are linked to osmoregulation, cardiovascular and volume regulation in fishes. The peptides bind to two guanylyl-cyclase-linked receptors, natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A) and NPR-B, to elicit their effects. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) binds principally to NPR-A, whereas C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) binds to NPR-B. The teleost kidney has an important role in the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance; therefore, the location of NPR-A and NPR-B in the kidney could provide insights into the functions of natriuretic peptides. This study used homologous, affinity purified, polyclonal antibodies to NPR-A and NPR-B to determine their location in the kidney of the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica. Kidneys from freshwater and seawater acclimated animals were fixed overnight in 4% paraformaldehyde before being paraffin-embedded and immunostained. NPR-A immunoreactivity was found on the apical membrane of proximal tubule 1 and the vascular endothelium including the glomerular capillaries. In contrast, NPR-B immunoreactivity was located on the smooth muscle of blood vessels including the glomerular afferent and efferent arterioles, and on smooth muscle tissue surrounding the collecting ducts. No difference in the distribution of NPR-A and NPR-B was observed between freshwater and seawater kidneys. Immunoreactivity was not observed in any tissue in which the antibodies had been preabsorbed. In addition, there was no difference in NPR-A and NPR-B mRNA expression between freshwater-acclimated and seawater-acclimated eels. These results suggest that, although utilizing the same second messenger system, ANP and CNP act on different targets within the kidney and presumably elicit different effects.

Four natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP, VNP and CNP) coexist in the sturgeon: identification of BNP in fish lineage

The natriuretic peptide (NP) family is composed of three members: atrial, brain/ventricular and C-type NPs (ANP, BNP/VNP and CNP respectively) in tetrapods and teleostean fish, but only CNP in elasmobranch fish. In order to trace the process of divergence of the NP family in early vertebrate evolution, we attempted to detect NPs in the primitive ray-finned fish, the sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus). Unexpectedly, we isolated four distinct NP cDNAs from the heart and brain of this chondrostean fish. The single NP from the brain was CNP, as judged from the lack of C-terminal 'tail' sequence extending from the intramolecular ring. Two of the three cardiac NPs were ANP and VNP, as judged by the presence of an amidation signal at its C-terminus (ANP) and a long and conserved C-terminal tail sequence (VNP) respectively. The third cardiac NP was most probably BNP because it possessed all the features characteristic of BNP including: (1) the presence of dibasic amino acids within the intramolecular ring; (2) the presence of AUUUA repeats in the 3'-untranslated region of its mRNA; (3) equivalent expression of its mRNA in the atrium and ventricle and appreciable expression in the brain. Based on the sturgeon BNP sequence, we further isolated BNP cDNA from the heart of tilapia and pufferfish for the first time in teleostean fish. Phylogenetic analysis of the precursors showed that newly identified NPs belong to each group of the four NPs. The current identification of both VNP and BNP in the sturgeon clearly showed that BNP and VNP are coded by distinct genes, and that the NP family consists of at least four members in the ray-finned fish. VNP has not been molecularly identified in mammals but its presence is suggested from physiological studies; heterologous fish VNP exhibited more potent vasorelaxant activity than homologous mammalian ANP in the isolated coronary artery of dogs.

A single and novel natriuretic peptide is expressed in the heart and brain of the most primitive vertebrate, the hagfish (Eptatretus burgeri)

In teleost fish and tetrapods, the natriuretic peptide (NP) family consists of ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) and VNP (ventricular natriuretic peptide) that are secreted from the heart, and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) that is found in the brain. However, CNP is the only NP identified in the heart and brain of elasmobranchs, suggesting that it is the ancestral type of the NP family and that ANP, BNP and VNP appeared later in the vertebrate phylogeny. To delineate more clearly the molecular evolution of this hormone family, we determined the sequence of NP molecule(s) in evolutionarily the oldest vertebrate group, the cyclostomes. We have cloned a novel NP cDNA from the heart and brain of hagfish, Eptatretus burgeri, using the RACE method and degenerate primers that amplify all known types of NP cDNAs. The novel NP, named EbuNP after the scientific name of this hagfish, appears to be the only NP in the heart and brain, as no other NP cDNAs were amplified even after specific removal of the cloned EbuNP mRNA from the mRNA pool, except for a minor alternatively spliced EbuNP cDNA with a truncated 3'-untranslated sequence. The EbuNP was equally similar to known NPs but was not considered to be a CNP because of the presence of a C-terminal tail sequence. The EbuNP gene was abundantly expressed in the cardiac atrium, ventricle, portal heart and brain but scarcely in the intestine; no expression was observed in the gill and kidney. Mass spectrometry of affinity-purified EbuNP in plasma, heart and brain revealed a 68 amino acid peptide circulating in the blood and stored in the heart, which is cleaved at the typical cleavage signal of a processing enzyme, furin, as observed in mammalian BNP. The C-terminal Gly residue was used for amidation as is the case in eel ANP. The immunoreactive EbuNP was not detected in the brain, suggesting the presence of a different processing form in the brain. These results show that the molecular evolution of the NP family in vertebrates is more complex than previously thought.

Schwannoma in the sigmoid colon: report of a case

Schwann cell tumor occurring in the intestines is rare. A 68-year-old female came to our hospital because of hematemesis. Barium enema and colonoscopic examination revealed submucosal tumor in the sigmoid colon. Laboratory data showed mild anemia. No other abnormal finding was found in the blood chemistry. Tumor marker levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA19-9, alpha feto protein (AFP) and neuron specific enolase (NSE) were within normal limits. The exploratory laparotomy confirmed a large sigmoid colon tumor. She received sigmoid colectomy. The resected specimen was a submucosal tumor with central depression, measuring 4.7 x 3.5 x 3.0 cm in size. The cut surface of the tumor was yellowish hue with necrosis. Histological examination showed spindle-shaped tumor cells with palisading comma-shaped nuclei and the nuclear pleomorphism. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the tumor was positive for S-100 protein staining, and negative for Actin and for H.H.F. staining. These findings showed that this tumor was of Schwann cell origin. We report here the case in detail of a schwannoma in the sigmoid colon.

Cloning of pro-vasotocin and pro-isotocin cDNAs from the flounder Platichthys flesus; levels of hypothalamic mRNA following acute osmotic challenge

Sequences coding for pro-vasotocin and pro-isotocin have been identified by screening a flounder (Platichthys flesus) hypothalamic cDNA library. The 1074-bp proVT and 727-bp proIT sequences contain a signal peptide and hormone, connected to a neurophysin by a Gly-Lys-Arg sequence. Both sequences also have an elongated carboxyl-terminal with a leucine-rich core resembling copeptin but lacking the amino terminal Arg residue. The levels of pro-vasotocin and pro-isotocin mRNA in the hypothalamus were measured concomitantly with pituitary AVT content and plasma AVT concentration following acute transfer of fish between freshwater and seawater. Three days after transfer from seawater to freshwater there appears to be a down regulation of the AVT hormone system with a fall in hypothalamic pro-vasotocin mRNA levels, an increase in pituitary AVT content, and a fall in plasma levels, but these changes did not achieve statistical significance compared to controls. No change in the AVT system was detected 3 days following the transfer of fish from freshwater to seawater. Hypothalamic isotocin mRNA levels did not change following hypo- or hyperosmotic challenge.

Expression of the vasotocin gene in the hypothalamus of intact and osmotically stimulated bullfrogs during metamorphosis

To study the ontogeny of the vasotocin (VT) system and its contribution to anuran metamorphosis, VT mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis in metamorphosing bullfrog tadpoles. Effects of osmotic stimulation on VT mRNA levels were also analyzed in order to follow the development of osmotic responsiveness of VT neurons. The intensity of hybridization signals for VT mRNA gradually increased during prometamorphic development. The increase became marked thereafter until metamorphic climax. Plasma osmolality and hematocrit remained unchanged before metamorphosis, and increased after metamorphic climax, indicating that climactic tadpoles in a semi-terrestrial environment were in a dehydrated condition. These increases correlated well with the increase in VT mRNA level. Immersion of tadpoles in 30% seawater (approximately 350 mOsmol) for 3 days increased plasma osmolality at all stages. No significant changes were observed in the VT mRNA level in response to this treatment during premetamorphic stages. The VT mRNA levels were significantly higher in the treated tadpoles after preclimax stages. Hyperosmotic treatment also increased hematocrit until early metamorphic climax, but did not alter it in tadpoles at late metamorphic climax. These results suggest that the responsiveness of VT-producing neurons to hyperosmotic or hypovolemic stimulation, or both, is established by the time of the metamorphic climax in bullfrog. The marked increase in VT mRNA levels at metamorphic climax stages of intact individuals is probably induced by dehydration. VT-stimulated water absorption and reabsorption in the target organs probably prevented the increase in hematocrit at late metamorphic climax. Thus VT may contribute importantly to osmoregulatory mechanisms in relation to adaptation to a semi-terrestrial habitat through the metamorphosis.

Is the primitive regulation of pituitary prolactin (tPRL177 and tPRL188) secretion and gene expression in the euryhaline tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) hypothalamic or environmental?

We examined the effects of environmental salinity on circulating levels of the two prolactins (tPRL177 and tPRL188) and levels of pituitary tPRL177 and tPRL188 mRNA in the euryhaline tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Fish were sham-operated or hypophysectomized and the rostral pars distalis (RPD) autotransplanted onto the optic nerve. Following post-operative recovery in (1/4) seawater, tilapia were transferred to fresh water (FW), (1/4) seawater (SW) or SW. Serum tPRL177 and tPRL188 levels in sham-operated and RPD-autotransplanted fish were highest in FW and decreased as salinity was increased. tPRL177 and tPRL188 mRNA levels in RPD implants as well as in pituitaries from the sham-operated fish were also highest in FW and decreased with increasing salinity. Serum osmolality increased with salinity, with the highest levels occurring in the seawater groups. We conclude that some plasma factor (probably plasma osmolality), in the absence of hypothalamic innervation, exerts a direct regulatory action on prolactin release and gene expression in the pituitary of O. mossambicus. This regulation is in accord with the actions of the two prolactins in the freshwater osmoregulation of the tilapia.

Australian lungfish neurohypophysial hormone genes encode vasotocin and [Phe2]mesotocin precursors homologous to tetrapod-type precursors

In view of the well-established role of neurohypophysial hormones in osmoregulation of terrestrial vertebrates, lungfishes are a key group for study of the molecular and functional evolution of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system. Here we report on the primary structure of the precursors encoding vasotocin (VT) and [Phe2]mesotocin ([Phe2]MT) of the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri. Genomic sequence analysis and Northern blot analysis confirmed that [Phe2]MT is a native oxytocin family peptide in the Australian lungfish, although it has been reported that the lungfish neurohypophysis contains MT. The VT precursor consists of a signal peptide, VT, that is connected to a neurophysin by a Gly-Lys-Arg sequence, and a copeptin moiety that includes a Leu-rich core segment and a glycosylation site. In contrast, the [Phe2]MT precursor does not contain a copeptin moiety. These structural features of the lungfish precursors are consistent with those in tetrapods, but different from those in teleosts where both VT and isotocin precursors contain a copeptin-like moiety without a glycosylation site at the carboxyl terminals of their neurophysins. Comparison of the exon/intron organization also supports homology of the lungfish [Phe2]MT gene with tetrapod oxytocin/MT genes, rather than with teleost isotocin genes. Moreover, molecular phylogenetic analysis shows that neurohypophysial hormone genes of the lungfish are closely related to those of the toad. The present results along with previous morphological findings indicate that the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system of the lungfish has evolved along the tetrapod lineage, whereas the teleosts form a separate lineage, both within the class Osteichthyes.

[Successful neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a patient with advanced gastric cancer with periaortic lymph node metastasis]

We described a case of advanced gastric cancer accompanied by metastasis to the periaortic lymph node. Two cycles of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of 5-FU and low-dose CDDP (FP therapy) were given. 5-FU (800mg/body/day) was administered as a continuous intravenous infusion for five days, and CDDP (10mg/body/day) was given as an intravenous infusion for an hour on days 1-5. The FP therapy resulted in a significant effect in the metastatic periaortic lymph node. Then, total gastrectomy with combined resection of spleen was done. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed the histological effect showing Grade 3 in the primary site and Grade 2 in the periaortic lymph node. The patient is alive with no evidence of recurrence 13 months after operation. Thus, FP therapy is thought to be effective against advanced gastric cancer.

Cytophysiology of gonadotropin-releasing-hormone neurons in chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) forebrain before and after upstream migration

Cytophysiology of gonadotropin-releasing-hormone neurons in chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) was examined before and after upstream migration by an immunocytochemical technique with a specific antiserum to salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone and an in situ hybridization technique with an oligonucleotide encoding salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone precursor (pro-salmon gonadotropin- releasing hormone). In the forebrain (olfactory nerve, olfactory bulb, telencephalon, and preoptic area), salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone-immunoreactive neurons and neurons showing signals for pro-salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone mRNA were compared between fish from the coastal sea and those from the spawning ground. Neurons in the dorsal region of the olfactory nerve and in the ventral region of the transitional area between olfactory nerve and olfactory bulb showed strong salmon gonadotropin-releasing-hormone immunoreactivity and strong hybridization signals in fish from the coastal sea, but these activities and signals were not observed or were decreased in number in fish from the spawning ground. The neurons in the olfactory bulb, telencephalon, and preoptic area consistently revealed salmon gonadotropin-releasing-hormone immunoreactivity and hybridization signals, and the hybridization signals of salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the telencephalon and the preoptic area were stronger in fish from the spawning ground than in those from the coastal sea. These findings suggest that salmon gonadotropin-releasing-hormone neurons in the olfactory nerve and the transitional area between olfactory nerve and olfactory bulb have different patterns of hormone production than those in the telencephalon and the preoptic area.

Salmon GnRH synthesis in the preoptic area and the ventral telencephalon is activated during gonadal maturation in female Masu Salmon

Changes in salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) synthetic activity in the brain during gonadal maturation were examined by in situ hybridization in 2-year-old female masu salmon. Oncorhynchus masou. During gonadal maturation, the numbers of neurons expressing sGnRH mRNA increased in the preoptic area and the ventral telencephalon, but not in the olfactory bulbs and the terminal nerve ganglion. The numbers of silver grains per neuron also increased in the preoptic area and the ventral telencephalon. These results indicate that sGnRH has multiple physiological functions according to the location of the neurons in the brain; neurons in the preoptic area and the ventral telencephalon are involved in gonadal maturation possibly by stimulating gonadotropin synthesis and release, whereas neurons in the olfactory bulbs and the terminal nerve ganglion may have different roles.

Short photoperiod accelerates preoptic and ventral telencephalic salmon GnRH synthesis and precocious maturation in underyearling male masu salmon

The temporal relationship between testicular maturation and salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) mRNA expression was investigated in underyearling precocious male masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou. Testicular maturation could be experimentally manipulated by changing the length of the light-dark photoperiod; maturation was accelerated in the short photoperiod group (8L-16D) and delayed in the long photoperiod group (16-8D). sGnRH mRNA and total silver grains in these loci in individual fish, increased with advancing testicular maturation. They were maximal in the short photoperiod group in August and in the long photoperiod group in September, when spermiation occurred. In contrast, marked changes in sGnRH synthetic activity in relation to testicular maturation were not observed in the terminal nerve ganglion or in the olfactory bulbs. sGnRH neurons in the preoptic area and the ventral telencephalon are clearly influenced by photoperiod and are involved in the control of gonadal maturation probably via gonadotropin secretion.

Androgen regulates gene expression of cytoskeletal proteins in adult rat motoneurons

Expression of beta-actin and beta-tubulin mRNA was examined in androgen-sensitive motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) in adult male rats by in situ hybridization histochemistry using complementary DNAs encoding chick beta-actin and mouse beta-tubulin, respectively. Both hybridizable beta-actin and beta-tubulin mRNAs were localized in the somata and proximal dendrites of SNB motoneurons. Removal of androgen by castration significantly reduced the expression levels of both beta-actin and beta-tubulin mRNAs in the SNB motoneurons, whereas the changes were prevented by testosterone treatment. In contrast, castration or testosterone treatment induced little or no change in the expression levels of these mRNAs in the much less androgen-sensitive motoneurons of the retrodorsolateral nucleus (RDLN). These results suggest that androgen regulates the expression of beta-actin and beta-tubulin genes in the SNB motoneurons and may provide evidence for the molecular mechanisms of hormonally induced neuronal plasticity in the SNB motoneurons.

Activation of salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone synthesis by 17 alpha-methyltestosterone administration in yearling masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou

Juvenile salmonid pituitary gonadotropin (GTH) contents are elevated after steroid hormone treatment, but the involvement of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is unclear. Activation of salmon GnRH (sGnRH) synthesis by 17 alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) administration has been examined in the brain of yearling masu salmon (future precocious males and immature females) using an in situ hybridization technique combined with radioimmunoassay. Oral MT application markedly increased pituitary GTH II beta, but not GTH I beta, contents in both sexes. In future precocious males, MT treatment increased the number of cells expressing sGnRH mRNA in the preoptic area about threefold, whereas there were no significant differences in the olfactory bulbs and the ventral telencephalon. No significant changes were observed in cell sizes nor the numbers of silver grain per 100 microns2 cell in any of the brain regions. Thus, in future precocious males, preoptic sGnRH neurons may be activated by sex steroids. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in sGnRH mRNA levels of immature females after MT treatment. These differences in responses to sex steroids of sGnRH cells in the preoptic area between future precocious males and immature females suggest that MT has indirect actions via sGnRH and/or direct actions on the pituitary in the former, and that MT acts directly on the pituitary in the latter.

Androgenic regulation of expression of beta-tubulin messenger ribonucleic acid in motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus

Expression of beta-tubulin mRNA was examined in androgen-sensitive motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) in adult male rats by in situ hybridization histochemistry using cDNA encoding mouse beta-tubulin. Hybridizable beta-tubulin mRNA was localized in the somata and proximal dendrites of SNB motoneurons. Removal of androgen by castration significantly reduced the expression level of beta-tubulin mRNA in the SNB motoneurons, whereas the change was prevented by testosterone treatment. On the contrary, castration or testosterone treatment did not induce any changes in the expression level of beta-tubulin mRNA in the androgen-insensitive motoneurons of the retrodorsolateral nucleus. These results suggest that androgen regulates the expression of beta-tubulin gene in the SNB motoneurons and may provide evidence for the molecular mechanisms of hormonally-induced neuronal plasticity in the SNB motoneurons.

[Dose escalation study of high dose etoposide in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Eight cases with poor prognosis hematological malignancies (non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 6 cases; acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, 2 cases) and nine cases with non-hematological malignancies were treated with high dose etoposide (VP16) containing regimen followed by autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation. Results were as follows; 1) all of three chemotherapy sensitive relapse patients with hematological malignancies continue complete remission without any cyto-reductive therapy 2) one of four refractory relapse patients continue remission 3) partial anti-tumor effect was noted in non-hematological malignancies, however, only two cases continue complete remission. Remission duration of other responders was not so long. The results disclosed the dose-limiting factor of high-dose VP16 therapy as reversible stomatitis with no related mortality, and maximal tolerated dose appears to be 60 mg/kg over 72 hr with 45 mg/kg as a safe and recommended therapeutic dose in future clinical trial. The clinical effect of dose escalation was not clearly demonstrated.

[Changes in cardiorespiratory function after radical esophagectomy by bilateral thoracotomy approach in dogs]

Eighteen dogs (8-21 kg) were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium, buprenorphine and pancuronium bromide followed by endotracheal intubation in the supine position. Eighteen dogs were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 9) underwent thoracic esophagectomy with regional lymph nodes dissection under the right thoracotomy. Group 2 (n = 9) underwent the same manner of Group 1, and then left thoracotomy was additionally performed in the 5th intercostal space to completely dissect the left side mediastinal lymph nodes. During surgical procedure, lactated Ringer's solution (L-R) were continuously administered and Dextran 40 were given according to surgical bleeding. For postoperative fluid therapy, L-R were given at 4 ml/kg/hr under spontaneous breathing. Central venous pressure (CVP), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP), mean arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (PR), cardiac output (CO), extravascular lung water (EVLW), blood gas, lung resistance (RL), dynamic lung compliance (CL) and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) were measured at preoperative phase and three days after surgery. Significant differences were found in the PaO2, Qs/Qt, respiratory index (RI) and the dosage of Dextran 40 between Group 1 and Group 2. There are no significant differences in the tracheal ischemic changes between the two groups, but peripheral atelectasis in Group 2 seemed to be severe as compared to that in Group 1. From these results, extended radical esophagectomy by bilateral thoracotomy approach for clinical cases seems to be possible under the exact indication and intensive perioperative care.

Localization of mRNAs for a pair of prolactins and growth hormone in the Tilapia pituitary using in situ hybridization with oligonucleotide probes

Oligonucleotide probes were synthesized for the mRNAs of a pair of tilapia prolactins (tPRL177 and tPRL188) and growth hormone (tGH) based on cDNAs for the hormones of Oreochromis niloticus and amino acid sequences for the hormones of O. mossambicus. The three 45mer probes were labeled with 35S for hybridization studies on pituitary sections of O. mossambicus adapted to fresh water (FW) or seawater (SW). Expression of tPRL mRNA in the rostral pars distalis was clearly evident with either PRL probe in adjacent sections in PRL cells of the rostral pars distalis; mRNAs of both PRLs were colocalized in the same cells. In addition, the tGH probe demonstrated expression of tGH mRNA specifically in GH cells in the proximal pars distalis. The hybridization signals for both PRLs were significantly greater in the rostral pars distalis of FW fish than in that of SW fish, as judged by computer-aided analysis. In addition, grain concentration for both PRLs was significantly greater over centrally located PRL cells of FW fish. In addition, although overall grain concentrations were lower in SW fish, there were significantly more grains over the centrally located PRL cells with the tPRL177 probe, whereas there was no difference with the tPRL188 probe. There was no detectable difference in the occurrence of tGH mRNA between FW and SW fish.

Characterization and localization of mRNA encoding the salmon-type gonadotrophin-releasing hormone precursor of the masu salmon

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is considered to have an important role in the control of reproduction in salmonid fish, although we do not have any direct evidence. To clarify this problem by molecular techniques, we first determined the nucleotide sequence of the mRNA encoding the precursor of salmon-type GnRH (sGnRH) from the masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou. The masu salmon sGnRH precursor was composed of a signal peptide, sGnRH and a GnRH-associated peptide (GAP) which was connected to sGnRH by a Gly-Lys-Arg sequence. The amino acid sequence of sGnRH and Gly-Lys-Arg were highly conserved when compared with the corresponding regions of African cichlid sGnRH and mammalian GnRH precursors. However, the GAP region was markedly divergent, with a 66% amino acid similarity to African cichlid GAP and an 8.3-15% similarity to mammalian GAPs. Northern blot analysis indicated the presence of a single mRNA species of about 600 bases in the olfactory bulb and telencephalon and in the diencephalon. The signal was more intense in the former regions. An in-situ hybridization study further revealed that sGnRH neurones were distributed in the olfactory nerve, the ventral part of the olfactory bulb, the ventral part of the telencephalon, the lateral preoptic area and the preoptic nucleus. The sGnRH neurones were thus longitudinally scattered between the olfactory nerve and the lateral preoptic area in the rostroventral part of brain. The intensity of the hybridization signals and the size of hybridization-positive somata were much greater in the olfactory nerve and the rostral olfactory bulb than in the other regions. Preoptic sGnRH neurones were scarcely detected in immature masu salmon, whereas they were more frequently observed in maturing animals. It is possible that the olfactory and the preoptic sGnRH neurones have different physiological roles in salmonid fish.

Effect of androgen on the expression of gap junction and beta-actin mRNAs in adult rat motoneurons

Expression of gap junction and beta-actin mRNAs was examined in androgen-sensitive motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) in adult male rats by in situ hybridization histochemistry using complementary DNAs encoding rat liver gap junction protein (connexin 32) and chick beta-actin. Hybridizable gap junction and beta-actin mRNAs were localised on the somata and proximal dendrites of SNB motoneurons. Removal of androgen by castration significantly reduced the expression levels of both gap junction and beta-actin mRNAs in the SNB motoneurons, whereas these changes were prevented by testosterone treatment. On the contrary, castration or testosterone treatment did not induce any changes in the expression levels of gap junction and beta-actin mRNAs in the motoneurons of the retrodorsolateral nucleus (RDLN), which accumulate androgen less frequently and sparsely than those in the SNB. These results suggest that androgen regulates the expression of both gap junction and beta-actin genes in the SNB motoneurons and may provide evidence for the molecular mechanisms of hormonally induced neuronal plasticity in the SNB motoneurons.

Cloning and sequence analyses of vasotocin and isotocin precursor cDNAs in the masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou: evolution of neurohypophysial hormone precursors

We have cloned and determined the nucleotide sequences of cDNAs encoding precursors of neurohypophysial hormones, vasotocin (VT) and isotocin (IT), from the hypothalamus of masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou. The deduced amino acid sequences of masu salmon VT and IT precursors (proVT-I and proIT-I) are highly homologous to those of chum salmon proVT-I and proIT-I, respectively. The VT and IT precursors are composed of a signal peptide, hormone and neurophysin (NP), the middle portion of which is highly conserved among vertebrates. Both the NPs extend about 30 amino acids at the C-terminal. The extended C-terminals have a leucin-rich segment in the carboxyl-terminal, as copeptin of vasopressin precursor. Southern bot analysis showed the presence of two types of proVT genes (proVT-I and proVT-II) and proIT genes (proIT-I and proIT-II) in an individual masu salmon, as in a chum salmon. Southern blot analysis with proVT probes further suggested that at least two different types of proVT-I genes exist in a single masu salmon. Northern blot analysis indicated that proVT-I and proIT-I genes are expressed in the hypothalamus, whereas proVT-II and proIT-II genes are not expressed. Evolutionary distance between proVT-I and proIT-I genes was statistically estimated based on synonymous nucleotide substitution in the coding region of the cDNAs. The magnitude of distance between masu salmon proVT-I and proIT-I genes suggested that the highly conserved central portion of NPs resulted from a gene conversion event. Between masu salmon and chum salmon, evolutionary distance for proVT-I genes is about 6-fold larger than that for proIT-I genes.

Expression of provasopressin gene during ontogeny in the hypothalamus of developing mice

We investigated the ontogeny of provasopressin gene expression in neurosecretory neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of developing mice by semi-quantitative in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques in combination with stereometry of vasopressin-immunoreactive neurons. Provasopressin mRNA was detected in paraffin sections using a mixture of radiolabeled synthetic oligonucleotide probes complementary to the mRNA loci encoding vasopressin (2-9) and vasopressin neurophysin (1-8). Vasopressin immunoreactivity was located with a polyclonal anti-vasopressin antiserum and a monoclonal anti-vasopressin-neurophysin antibody either with or without enhancing technique for the diaminobenzidine reaction. Autoradiographic hybridization signals that indicate the localization of provasopressin mRNA were first detected on embryonic day 15 in the supraoptic nucleus and embryonic day 18 in the paraventricular nucleus. Vasopressin immunoreactivity was first found in the median eminence on embryonic day 14, and then in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei on embryonic days 15 and 16, respectively. The provasopressin mRNA levels were markedly increased in both the supraoptic and the paraventricular nuclei just after birth. The immunoreactivity of vasopressin neurons was drastically decreased in both nuclei on postnatal days 1 and 2, suggesting marked vasopressin release in the neonates. Cross-sectional areas of vasopressin-immunoreactive somata and their cell nuclei gradually increased in both the supraoptic and the paraventricular nuclei during the perinatal period by day 5, and then attained adult size between days 10 and 20. During this phase, the level of provasopressin mRNA remained low compared with that in the adult magnocellular neurosecretory cells. These results indicate that the expression of provasopressin gene is markedly increased in both the supraoptic and the paraventricular nuclei soon after birth. Secretory activity of vasopressin neurons is elevated in neonatal mice. Vasopressin may have an important osmoregulatory role in neonatal mice undergoing drastic changes in water metabolism following birth.

Changes in expression of provasotocin and proisotocin genes during adaptation to hyper- and hypo-osmotic environments in rainbow trout

The physiological roles of neurohypophysial hormones, vasotocin (VT) and isotocin (IT), are not yet clear in teleosts. Since information on responsiveness of hypothalamic neurosecretory neurons to environmental stimuli may contribute to an understanding of their physiological roles, effects of environmental hyper- and hypo-osmotic stimuli on expressions of VT and IT precursor (proVT and proIT) genes in rainbow trout were investigated, using an in situ hybridization technique in which 46 mer synthetic oligonucleotides were used as hybridization probes. The probes corresponded to the mRNA loci encoding chum salmon proVT (-5 to 11) and proIT (-5 to 11), and were labeled at the 3'-end with 35S. Autoradiographic silver grains which represent the hybridization signals of proVT and proIT mRNAs were localized in both magnocellular and parvocellular neurons in the nucleus preopticus magnocellularis (NPOmg). Localizations of proVT and proIT hybridization signals coincided with those of VT- and IT-immunoreactive neurons in adjacent sections, and showed that proVT and proIT genes are expressed in separate neurons. The intensity of proVT hybridization signals as determined by grain counting in magnocellular neurons in the NPOmg was conspicuously decreased after transfer from fresh water (FW) to 80% seawater (SW). The proVT mRNA levels in SW trout were consistently lower than those of FW trout for up to 2 weeks. After return from 80% SW to FW, the proVT mRNA level increased, attaining the initial FW level. The proIT mRNA levels in SW trout were not statistically different from those in FW trout, except for the 1st day after transfer to SW.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Androgen regulates gap junction mRNA expression in androgen-sensitive motoneurons in the rat spinal cord

Expression of gap junction mRNA was examined in the androgen-sensitive motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) by in situ hybridization histochemistry using cDNA encoding rat liver gap junction protein (connexin 32). Hybridizable gap junction mRNA was localized on the somata and proximal dendrites of SNB motoneurons. The removal of androgen by castration dramatically reduced the expression level of gap junction mRNA in the SNB motoneurons, whereas this change was prevented by testosterone treatment. These results are the first demonstration of hormonal regulation of gap junction mRNA expression in the central nervous system.

Cellular localization of gap junction mRNA in the neonatal rat brain

Cellular localization of grap junction mRNA was examined in the neonatal rat brain by in situ hybridization histochemistry using cDNA of rat liver gap junction (connexin 32). Hybridizable gap junction mRNA was localized on neural cells in the hippocampus. Gap junction mRNA was also found to be localized on neural cells of the parenchyma and ependymal layers in many other regions. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural observations of the hippocampus supported the presence of gap junctions in the examined region. These results are the first demonstration of morphologically identified gap junctions and cellularly localized gap junction mRNA in the neonatal rat brain.

Cloning and sequence analyses of cDNAs encoding vasotocin and isotocin precursors of chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta: evolutionary relationships of neurohypophysial hormone precursors

The nucleotide sequences of cloned cDNAs were used to determine the primary structures of the precursors of vasotocin (sVT) and isotocin (sIT) from the hypothalamus of the chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta. Two different cDNAs were obtained for each of sVT and sIT precursors (sVT-I and sVT-II; sIT-I and sIT-II). Both sVT and sIT precursors were found to contain a signal peptide and hormone that is connected to a neurophysin by a Gly-Lys-Arg sequence. Northern and Southern blot analyses showed that the sVT and sIT genes are expressed by the same chum salmon hypothalamus, but not by the liver and kidney. Microheterogeneity was found in the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of sVT precursors between our results and the previously reported data (Heierhorst et al. 1990). The conspicuous difference is the occurrence of a stop codon in the middle of sVT-II cDNA. The carboxyl termini of both sVT and sIT neurophysins are about 30 amino acids longer than neurophysins of toad and mammalian neurohypophysial hormone precursors. Although these extended regions do not contain a glycosylation site, they show striking similarity with the glycopeptide moiety (copeptin) of toad vasotocin and mammalian vasopressin precursors. The central portion of the neurophysins shows highest homology among corresponding regions of sVT and sIT precursors. Moreover, calculation of nucleotide substitution rates suggests that a recent gene conversion may have occurred which encompasses the exon that encodes the central segment of the sVT and sIT precursors. A possible pathway for the evolution of precursor molecules of neurohypophysial hormones is discussed.

Serological classification of Pseudomonas cepacia by somatic antigen

Ten samples of antiserum against Pseudomonas cepacia were prepared by the intravenous immunization of rabbits with heat-killed organisms. Ten P. cepacia strains used for immunization were proven unique antigenic strains. Using these antisera, we serogrouped 127 strains of P. cepacia, and 114 strains (89.8%) fell under one of the ten serogroup. The most prevalent serogroup was C (26.8), the second most prevalent being D (18.1%). When we compared our serogroups with the serogroups of Monteil et al. (H. Monteil, C. Richard, and A. Heidt, Med. Mal. Infect. 11:544-547, 1981) and Heidt et al. (A. Heidt, H. Monteil, and C. Richard, J. Clin. Microbiol. 18:738-740, 1983), five out of seven of their serogroups were represented by our antisera.

Inhibition by adenine of in vitro immunological functions of normal and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase-deficient human lymphocytes

Exogenous adenine strongly inhibited mitogen-stimulated transformation, cytoplasmic immunoglobulin production, and natural killer activity of human mononuclear leukocytes at the high concentration of 1.0 mM. These inhibitions by adenine were not due to cytotoxicity, because the viability of cultured cells was not affected by adenine up to 1.0 mM. As the magnitude of inhibition by adenine of these in vitro immunological functions was similar in normal and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase-deficient cells, its inhibition was not mediated by corresponding nucleotides. Adenine at the concentration of 0.1 mM caused 50% inhibition of cytoplasmic immunoglobulin production without alternating cell proliferation or viability. This suggests that an appropriate concentration of adenine may inhibit the differentiation of B cells to plasma cells rather than affecting cell proliferation. Understanding the mechanisms of adenine inhibition may lead to new approaches for the regulation of immune responses.

Weight reduction of thymus and depletion of lymphocytes of T-dependent areas in peripheral lymphoid tissues of mice infected with Francisella tularensis

When BALB/c mice (young and adult animals of both sexes) were infected intraperitoneally with 10(3) viable cells of Francisella tularensis (10(2) 50% lethal dose), all mice in these groups died on day 4. Reductions in thymus weights and in numbers of thymic cortex lymphocytes were observed in all the groups, but the decline was not so severe in the young females. Increases of plasma corticosterone in the adult males began 1 day after infection, but in the young females, the levels did not increase until day 3, the same days on which the respective thymus weights began to decline. Depletion of the thymus weights in the infected mice was prevented by adrenalectomy. The lymphocytes of the thymus (T)-dependent areas in peripheral lymphoid tissues in all groups were destroyed. By using an electron microscope, we found a large quantity of F. tularensis within the macrophages in the T-dependent areas but not in the thymus. The destruction of lymphocytes in the T-dependent areas was not prevented by adrenalectomy. Therefore, it was concluded that the weight reduction of the thymus is due to the stress of the F. tularensis infection. However, we think other mechanisms are responsible for the depression of lymphocytes in the T-dependent areas of peripheral lymphoid tissues.

Natural killer activity in two cases of ataxia telangiectasia

We report two cases of ataxia telangiectasia in which a small number of T cells and a slightly diminished response to phytohaemagglutinin or concanavalin A were observed. In one case, serum IgA was undetectable. In spite of T and/or B cell involvement, natural killer activity and the percentage of natural killer cells determined by monoclonal antibodies Leu 7 were normal in both cases.

LPF-induced T cell colony formation: effect of PMA and interleukin-2, and surface marker analysis

We demonstrated that a primary exposure to the lymphocytosis promoting factor (LPF) of Bordetella pertussis-induced T cell colony formation. Colony formation was observed when mononuclear cells (MNC) were cultured at concentrations of more than 1 X 10(6)/ml, and reached a peak on day 8. However, the number of colonies generated with LPF was about one-third induced with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Removal of monocytes from MNC or T cells resulted in the failure of colony formation, but colony growth could be restored by the addition of monocytes or B enriched cells, indicating that they were required for the optimal colony growth induced by LPF. In the absence of accessory cells, optimal colony growth from monocyte depleted T cells could be obtained when an appropriate concentration of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or interleukin-2 (IL-2) was added in the cultures with LPF. PMA did not enhance LPF-induced colony formation in the cultures containing a sufficient amount of exogeneous IL-2. These findings suggest that IL-2 is essential to LPF-induced colony formation. Surface marker analysis showed that most of LPF-induced colony cells were T cells. The percentages of T4+ and T gamma cells of LPF-induced colony cells were more, and T8+ cells less, than those of PHA-induced colony cells. Ia1, T9 and Tac antigens were detected on many colony cells induced by LPF or PHA. These results indicate that the phenotype of LPF-induced colony cells differs from those of PHA, but the sequential antigen expression on lymphocytes triggered by IL-2 might be similar in both LPF- and PHA-induced colony formation.

Hyperphenylalaninaemia due to impaired dihydrobiopterin biosynthesis: leukocyte function and effect of tetrahydrobiopterin therapy

We have described the clinical and biochemical status of two patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency due to impaired dihydrobiopterin biosynthesis. BH4 administration appeared to improve the mental and psychological status more than did neurotransmitter replacement therapy alone. This enhancement of activities of daily life was seen with a dose of BH4 as low as 1.25 mg kg-1 day-1. Granulocyte adherence capacity was below normal and recovered after BH4 therapy in both patients. B-cell differentiation capacity was altered either before or after therapy.