The lower the renal function in patients with chronic renal disease, the greater the improvement in the renal function cardiac rehabilitation provides

Background

Our previous study suggested that cardiac rehabilitation (CR) resulted in a significant improvement in the renal function in cardiac vascular disease (CVD) patients with chronic renal disease (CKD), using cystatin C. However, whether the difference in the severity of the renal impairment at the beginning of the CR affects the degree of the improvement in the renal function after CR is unknown.

Methods

We studied 203 CVD patients (155 males; 73 y/o) with CKD (15≤estimated glomerular filtration rate based on the serum cystatin C concentration [eGFRcys]<60 ml/min/1.73m2) who participated in our 3-month CR program. The eGFRcys was examined at the beginning and end of the CR. In addition, the patients were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of the renal impairment at the beginning of the CR: CKD G3a group (45≤eGFRcys<60 ml/min/1.73m2, n=122), CKD G3b group (30≤eGFRcys<45 ml/min/1.73m2, n=60), and CKD G4 group (15≤eGFRcys<30 ml/min/1.73m2, n=21). We compared the renal function at the beginning and end of the CR in each of the 3 groups. Moreover, we evaluated the correlation between the eGFRcys at the beginning of the CR and the change in the eGFRcys (%ΔeGFRcys).

Results

In all the study patients, the eGFRcys improved after the CR (45.5 to 47.7 ml/min/1.73m2, p<0.001). In the CKD G3b and G4 groups, the eGFRcys also improved (38.4 to 41.5 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.001; 23.2 to 28.0 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.016). However, in the CKD G3a group, the eGFRcys did not improve after the CR (52.9 to 54.2 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.074) (Figure 1). The univariate analysis results showed that the %ΔeGFRcys was significantly negatively correlated with the eGFRcys at the beginning of the CR (p=0.016, r=−0.26, Figure 2).

Conclusion

The greater the renal dysfunction in the CVD patients with CKD was, the greater the improvement in the renal function after participating in the CR program.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Influence of ABCB1 and ABCG2 polymorphisms on the antiemetic efficacy in patients with cancer receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy: a TRIPLE pharmacogenomics study

Resistance to antiemetic treatment with 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist is an issue. This study evaluated the potential roles of ABCB1 and ABCG2 polymorphisms in antiemetic treatment resistance in patients with cancer previously enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. A total of 156 patients were evaluated for their responses to antiemetic therapy and then subdivided into granisetron or palonosetron groups. The genotypes were evaluated for their association with antiemetic efficacy in each treatment groups. Additional risk factors associated with complete response (CR) were examined using a multivariate regression analysis. No significant associations were identified for genetic polymorphisms in the palonosetron group. In the granisetron group, patients with ABCB1 2677TT and 3435TT genotypes had higher proportion of CR. In addition to ABCB1 polymorphisms, gender and cisplatin dose were associated with granisetron response by univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the ABCB1 3435C>T polymorphism and cisplatin dose were significant predictors of CR.

Signatures of Quantum-Tunneling Diffusion of Hydrogen Atoms on Water Ice at 10 K

Reported here is the first observation of the tunneling surface diffusion of a hydrogen (H) atom on water ice. Photostimulated desorption and resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization methods were used to determine the diffusion rates at 10 K on amorphous solid water and polycrystalline ice. H-atom diffusion on polycrystalline ice was 2 orders of magnitude faster than that of deuterium atoms, indicating the occurrence of tunneling diffusion. Whether diffusion is by tunneling or thermal hopping also depends on the diffusion length of the atoms and the morphology of the surface. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of elementary physicochemical processes of hydrogen on cosmic ice dust.

Nitrogen and phosphorus effluent loads from a paddy-field district adopting collective crop rotation

Japanese paddy rice systems commonly adopt the rotation of vegetables, wheat and soybeans with paddy rice. Crop rotation may, however, increase the nutrient load in effluent discharged from the district because more fertilizer is applied to the rotation crops than is applied to paddy crops. We investigated a paddy-field district subject to collective crop rotation and quantified the annual nutrient load of effluent from the district in three consecutive years. The total annual exports of nitrogen and phosphorus over the investigation period ranged from 30.3 to 40.6 kg N ha(-1) and 2.62 to 3.13 kg P ha(-1). The results suggest that rotation cropping increases the effluent nutrient load because applied fertilizer is converted to nitrate, and surface runoff is increased due to the absence of shuttering boards at the field outlets.

Mucosal eosinophilia and recurrence of nasal polyps - new classification of chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophils and nasal polyps are believed to affect the surgical outcome of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). CRS is classified based on the presence of nasal polyps in western countries. The majority of patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRS with NP) are characterized by predominantly eosinophilic inflammation. However, Asian patients with CRS with NP show characteristics indicative of neutrophilic inflammation. Therefore, are eosinophils or nasal polyps more important for the classification of CRS?

METHODS

A prospective cohort study conducted from April 2007 to March 2008 classified patients with CRS based on the presence of nasal polyps and mucosal eosinophilia. The recurrence rate of nasal polyps was compared between the groups. Recurrence rate was analysed as a time-dependent variable by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Eosinophilic inflammation was found in 59.6% of patients with CRS with NP. Patients with mucosal eosinophilia had higher polyp recurrence rate than patients without mucosal eosinophilia, whereas patients with nasal polyps did not have higher polyp recurrence rate than patients without nasal polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of mucosal eosinophilia is a more important factor than nasal polyps for classifying CRS in terms of the surgical outcome.

Pupillary autonomic dysfunction in multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease: an assessment by eye-drop tests

PURPOSE

To compare pupillary autonomic dysfunction in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS

We administered eye-drop tests to 40 MSA patients, 40 PD patients with similar disease duration, and 20 age-matched healthy controls. Pupillary supersensitivity to a parasympathomimetic agent (0.05% pilocarpine hydrochloride) and to a sympathomimetic agent (0.02% dipivefrine hydrochloride) was examined by assessing changes in pupil diameter.

RESULTS

Pupillary supersensitivity to a parasympathomimetic agent (0.05% pilocarpine hydrochloride) and to a sympathomimetic agent (0.02% dipivefrine hydrochloride) was examined by assessing changes in pupil diameter. Pupillary supersensitivity to 0.05% pilocarpine was greatest among the PD patients (PD -23.1 +/- 14.4%, MSA -12.4 +/- 11.5%, control -9.5 +/- 8.2%, p < 0.05) but was not correlated with disease duration. Pupillary sensitivity to 0.02% dipivefrine was significantly greater in the PD and MSA patients versus controls (PD 10.5 +/- 12.0%, MSA 11.8 +/- 11.0%, control 3.1 +/- 5.8%, p < 0.05). MSA patients had pupillary sympathetic dysfunction from an early stage, whereas in PD patients it tended to gradually accelerate as the disease advanced. In MSA patients, pupillary sympathetic sensitivity to 0.02% dipivefrine was correlated with the severity of orthostatic hypotension during a head-up tilt test and with the elevation of systolic blood pressure during a noradrenaline infusion test. In PD patients, pupillary sympathetic sensitivity to 0.02% dipivefrine was correlated with a reduction of the heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratio using delayed-phase iodine-123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine ((123)I-MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that eye-drop tests can reveal differences in the progression of pupillary autonomic dysfunction in patients with MSA and PD.

An electroluminescence device for printable electronics using coprecipitated ZnS:Mn nanocrystal ink

Electroluminescence (EL) devices for printable electronics using coprecipitated ZnS:Mn nanocrystal (NC) ink are demonstrated. The EL properties of these devices were investigated along with the structural and optical properties of ZnS:Mn NCs with an emphasis on their dependence on crystal size. Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction studies revealed that the NCs, with a crystal size of 3-4 nm, are nearly monodisperse; the crystal size can be controlled by the Zn(2+) concentration in the starting solution for coprecipitation. The results of optical studies indicate the presence of quantum confinement effects; in addition, the NC surfaces are well passivated, regardless of the crystal size. Finally, an increase in the luminance of EL devices with a decrease in crystal size is observed, which suggests the excitation mechanism of ZnS:Mn NC EL devices.

Preoperative evaluation of the extrahepatic bile duct structure for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The incidence of aberrant bile duct injury associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has not yet been adequately examined. This study aimed to clarify the types of normal cystic ducts and the incidence of aberrant extrahepatic bile ducts, and to search for a method of avoiding injuries during LC.

METHODS

Aberrant hepatic ducts were retrospectively categorized into five types according to the pattern of the cystic ducts and the accessory hepatic ducts by preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography or multidetector three-dimensional computed tomography using drip infusion cholangiography. The aberrant bile ducts were classified as type A (merging at the right side of the common bile duct), type B (merging at the anterior side), or type C (merging at the posterior left side).

RESULTS

The intrahepatic bile ducts and cystic duct were clearly shown for 1,044 of the 1,278 patients who underwent LC. Secondary branches of aberrant cystic ducts were observed in 37 cases (3.5%), and accessory hepatic ducts were observed in 30 cases (2.9%). A comparison of the difficulties encountered with LC for each type based on the merging patterns of cystic ducts showed that type C needed a much longer operation time for LC than the other types.

CONCLUSIONS

A preoperative evaluation of the bile duct tract and the accessory hepatic duct before LC is important. Patients with a cystic duct merging normally into the posterior left side of the common hepatic duct (type C) experienced difficulty when undergoing LC. The authors have safely performed LC with the use of an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube in type D cases (cystic duct merging with the right hepatic duct), in type IV cases (cystic duct merging with an accessory hepatic duct).

Gender differences in postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Some evidence suggests that females have a lower pain threshold and a lower tolerance to painful stimuli. This study investigated gender differences in postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) on the basis of visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores and the clinical course.

METHODS

The 100 patients in this study (46 males and 54 females) underwent LC for cholecystolithiasis or gallbladder polyps without intraoperative complications. An 8-mm Penrose drain was retained for 42 h below the liver bed. All the patients were hospitalized for 4 days after LC, and the pain reported by patients, the time course of changes in the highest body temperature, the leukocyte count, and the C-reactive protein level were studied comparatively for the male and female patients.

RESULTS

The VAS scores were significantly higher for the female patients than for the male patients at 24 h (62.7 +/- 24.6 vs 47.0 +/- 23.3; p = 0.0015) and at 48 h (39.2 +/- 24.3 vs 28.3 +/- 19.1; p = 0.0137) after LC. The female patients used analgesics more frequently and had significantly higher body temperatures than the male patients on day 1 (37.2 +/- 0.6 vs 36.9 +/- 0.4; p = 0.0037) and day 2 (36.9 +/- 0.6 vs 36.6 +/- 0.4; p = 0.0037) after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Early postoperative pain after LC was more severe in female patients, and patients with high VAS scores tended to use analgesics more frequently.

Identification and molecular cloning of a novel brain-specific receptor protein that binds to brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide. Possible role for neuronal survival

Brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide (BINP) is a synthetic 13-mer peptide that supports neuronal survival and protects hippocampal neurons in primary cultures from cell death caused by glutamate. We have developed a monoclonal antibody named mAb 6A22 against the 40-kDa BINP-binding protein, p40BBP. mAb 6A22 inhibits binding between BINP and rat brain synaptosomes and abolishes the protective effect of BINP. The antigen of mAb 6A22 should be the BINP-binding protein that mediates the neuroprotective action of BINP. Using an expression cloning approach with mAb 6A22, we isolated a cDNA encoding a novel receptor protein that shows binding activity of BINP. COS7 cells transfected with the cloned cDNA show binding of BINP and cell surfaces that are stained by 6A22. The mRNA for p40BBP is specific for the rat brain and is increased after birth. From immunohistochemical studies using mAb 6A22, p40BBP increased after kainic acid treatment in rat hippocampal neurons.

Flavonoid glucuronides from Helicteres isora

Five flavonoid glucuronides were obtained from the fruit of Helicteres isora, three of which were previously unknown compounds: isoscutellarein 4'-methyl ether 8-O-beta-D-glucuronide 6"-n-butyl ester. isoscutellarein 4'-methyl ether 8-O-beta-D-glucuronide 2", 4"-disulfate and isoscutellarein 8-O-beta-D-glucuronide 2",4"-disulfate. The structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopy and hydrolysis experiments.

Development of an antibody against a 40,000 mol. wt brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide-binding protein and identification of a 40,000 mol. wt brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide-binding protein in hippocampal neurons

Brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide is a 13-amino acid peptide derived from a 15,000 mol. wt neurotrophic factor released from sites of mechanical injury in neonatal rat brain. This peptide promotes survival of septal cholinergic neurons and mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, and protects hippocampal neurons from glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. In this study, we have developed a monoclonal antibody against a brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide-binding protein by immunizing mice with septal synaptosomes from five-week-old rat brain. Monoclonal antibodies were screened for inhibition of the binding of a 125I-labeled analogue of brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide to rat brain synaptosomes. The monoclonal antibody 6A22 suppressed the biological activity of brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide and abolished the protective effect of the neurotrophic peptide against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. This monoclonal antibody recognized a 40,000 mol. wt brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide-binding protein, which was also identified by cross-linking experiments. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the 6A22 antibody bound to the cell surfaces of a subpopulation (about 60%) of hippocampal neurons in culture. These results are consistent with the possibility that the 40,000 mol. wt protein belongs to brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide receptors.

[Simple evaluation of CT findings in the paranasal sinuses for chronic sinusitis]

The CT scores and scoring for improvement based on them, which we proposed previously, is a simple and highly reproducible method of evaluation of sinus units before and after an operation for chronic sinusitis. We compared this evaluation method with the results of quantitative assay and showed its advantages and disadvantages. The subjects were 258 sinuses in patients who underwent endonasal sinus surgery (ESS) in the department of otolaryngology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Hospital from April 1996 to April 1997. The subjects were evaluated according to the following 4 grades negligible shadow in the paranasal sinus CT scored 0, less than 50% shadow scored 1, more than 50% of shadow scored 2, and mostly filled with shadow scored 3. Furthermore, the preoperative and postoperative CT scores were compared and the rate of improvement was rated in the following 3 grades: score 0 for unchanged or aggravated subjects, score 1 for subjects showing improved CT score by 1 grade, and score 2 for those showing improved CT score by 2 grades or a postoperative CT score of 0. Quantitative image analysis was input into a personal computer and the ratio occupied by the shadow was calculated, as the shadow ratio. While some discrepancies were seen in parts in the comparison of the quantitative image analysis and CT scores as the former captures minute shadows, a positive correlation was obtained overall. Attention is needed to accurately evaluate small paranasal sinuses such as the frontal sinus, and small amounts of shadow, which are areas where errors may occur. A satisfactory correlation was obtained between the score for the improvement rate and the difference in the shadow ratios before and after surgery. The CT scores and the scores for the improvement rate showed no difference from the results of other evaluation methods reported in the past, and evaluation of similar precision was possible. It was thought that this simple evaluation method of CT findings in the paranasal sinuses, which we examined in the present study, was quite useful as a simple stage-classification method that could be utilized in everyday practice considering its facility, reproducibility and satisfactory precision.

Exposure to Japanese cedar pollen in early life and subsequent sensitization to Japanese cedar pollen

The effect of exposure to Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) in early life on subsequent sensitization to it was evaluated. Specific IgE antibody to JCP was examined in 440-504 school children in a rural town each year during 1995-98. The amount of dispersed pollen measured by a Durham sampler widely ranged from 165 to 5941 grains/cm2/year during this period. The amount had been measured during the period of 1982-91 in which these children were born, and it also widely ranged from 148 to 8566 grains/cm2/year. Children born during November to January, who were exposed to JCP within 6 months of age, increased at the risk of sensitization to JCP, especially severe sensitization, relative to those born in the other months. Age-adjusted prevalence rate ratio (RR) of having a JCP-IgE > or = 15 U/ml (control; < 0.35 U/ml) for children born in December to February relative to children born in the other months was 1.74 (95% confidence interval; 1.06-2.87, examined in 1998), and for those born in November to January was 1.57 (95% CI; 1.00-2.46, examined in 1997). The risk of sensitization to JCP was low for those born in May to July (RR = 0.42, 95% CI; 0.19-0.93, examined in 1998). There was also a strong correlation between the amount of the dispersed pollen during the period of 2-6 months after birth and the prevalence of sensitization to JCP.

Different recognition by peroxisome proliferator structures in rat peroxisomal induction: application of sandwich ELISA using monoclonal antibody against rat peroxisomes

A novel assay for a peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzyme by sandwich ELISA using a monoclonal antibody (RPX-5) against purified rat liver peroxisomes was developed. Immunoblot analysis revealed that RPX-5 recognized a 78 Kd protein, which is a peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme (PBE) in the beta-oxidation pathway. Immunoprecipitation by RPX-5 and the resulting reduction of PBE activity were dependent on RPX-5 concentrations. Sandwich ELISA using RPX-5 could be used to assay PBE in the range of 30 to 2000 ng protein/ml. In rat hepatocyte cultures, the PBE amount by this assay correlated well with PBE activity, with correlation coefficients of 0.965. Studying the mechanisms of peroxisomal induction, patterns of peroxisomal induction were examined by co-treatment of rat hepatocytes with various peroxisome proliferators (PxPs). Treatment with clofibrate and bezafibrate resulted in neither an additive nor synergistic effect on PBE level. On the other hand, co-treatment with either bezafibrate-Wy-14,643 or clofibrate-MEHP(mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) both resulted in an additive effect. From these results, it is suggested that PxPs of the fibrate group may exert their functions via a common process, and non-fibrate PxPs via a different process in hepatocytes. The cognition site for peroxisome proliferators, therefore, might not involve a single site for inducing peroxisomal enzymes.

Characteristics of brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide-binding sites on rat brain synaptosomes and neurons in culture

Brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide is the fragmental 13-mer peptide of the novel neurotrophic factor which was extracted and purified from Sponge Gelform made of gelatin implanted at the mechanically-induced injury site in neonatal rat brains. Brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide supports survival of septal cholinergic and mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in culture, and rescues hippocampal neurons in culture from glutamate neurotoxicity. Here we studied the binding characteristics of brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide to synaptosomes from normal adult rat brains and neurons in culture from neonatal rat brains. [125I]Asp-[Tyr11]-brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide binding to rat brain synaptosomes was specific and saturable. Equilibrium binding studies revealed that [125I]Asp-[Tyr11]-brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide bound to 1.1 pmol/mg protein with a Kd (dissociation constant) of 0.17 microM in hippocampal synaptosomes and to 2.0 pmol/mg protein with a Kd of 0.38 microM in septal synaptosomes. [125I]Asp-[Tyr11]-brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide could bind to a subpopulation of hippocampal neurons in culture from embryonic rat brains. Affinity cross-linking with the carboxyl-reactive cross-linking reagent 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide-HCl and [125I]Asp-[Tyr11]-brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide produced radiolabeled bands corresponding to 100,000, 50,000 and 40,000 mol. wt molecules on hippocampal neurons in culture. These results suggest that the 13-mer sequence of brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide plays a crucial role in expressing the neurotrophic properties of the factor.

Real time in situ confocal imaging of calcium wave in the perfused whole heart of the rat

To understand the calcium handling in whole heart having automaticity of the sinus node, we have developed a system of in situ imaging the intracellular calcium ion concentration in the perfused whole heart of the rat. The system consists of a stage-fixed upright microscope equipped with a real-time confocal laser scanning device of a multipinhole type with a water-immersion objective lens for observation. This in situ imaging system rendered observations and analyses of the rapidly changing images of intracellular calcium dynamics possible in the whole rat heart loaded with fluo-3. The scanning was conducted at a video rate of 30 frames per second, and the confocal effects included both X and Y planes. Calcium waves were frequently interrupted by calcium transients from either external electro-stimulation pulses or spontaneous sinus rhythm. Our findings suggest that abnormal calcium waves in minute areas cannot disturb the excitation-contraction coupling in the whole heart if the myocardial cells have orderly end-on-end intercellular electric paths.

Duodenal obstruction by gallstone: case report of Bouveret's syndrome

Bouveret's syndrome involves gastric outlet obstruction by gallstone. Herein we describe an unusual case of duodenal bulb obstruction by gallstone. An 80-year-old woman was hospitalized with a fifteen-day history of vomiting. Computed tomography (CT) showed pneumobilia and a round calcified mass in the second portion of the duodenum. Upper gastrointestinal tract series demonstrated the same sized oval radiolucency between the bulbus and the second portion of the duodenum. Endoscopic examination revealed a round black mass in the second portion of the duodenum, totally occupying the lumen. Endoscopic removal and destruction of the gallstone was attempted using a dye-laser, but the stone was too hard to crush. Eventually surgical enterolithotomy was successfully performed without cholecystectomy or closure of the fistula. Improved preoperative systemic management and prompt examination allowed earlier surgical intervention and reduced the morbidity. Surgical approach whether fistula closure should be performed remains controversial.

Synthesis and antinociceptive activity of [D-Ala2]Leu-enkephalin derivatives conjugated with the adamantane moiety

Based on the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of drugs having an adamantane skeleton, an adamantane-based moiety was evaluated as a drug carrier for poorly absorbed compounds, including peptides, active towards the central nervous system (CNS). Seven [D-Ala2]Leu-enkephalin derivatives conjugated with an adamantane-based moiety at the C-terminus or N-terminus were prepared by the solution-phase method and their biological activities were examined. The compounds derivatized at the C-terminus through an ester or amide linkage were much more lipophilic than the parent peptide and exhibited moderate in vitro opioid activity (guinea-pig ileum assay). Among them, four derivatives (1, 2, 4, 5), exhibited significant antinociceptive effects in an in vivo assay (mouse tail-pressure test) after subcutaneous administration. This result suggests that the introduction of the lipophilic adamantane moiety into [D-Ala2]Leu-enkephalin would improve the permeation of the poorly absorbed parent peptide through the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) without loss of antinociceptive effect.

Temporal and spatial expression of distinct troponin T genes in embryonic/larval tail striated muscle and adult body wall smooth muscle of ascidian

During development of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi, the tadpole larva hatched from the tailbud embryo metamorphoses to the adult with a body wall muscle. Although the adult body wall muscle is morphologically nonsarcomeric smooth muscle, it contains a troponin complex consisting of three subunits (T, I, and C) as do vertebrate striated muscles. Different from vertebrate troponins, however, the smooth muscle troponin promotes actin-myosin interaction in the presence of high concentration of Ca2+, and this promoting property is attributable to troponin T. To address whether the embryonic/larval tail striated muscle and the adult smooth muscle utilize identical or different regulatory machinery, we cloned troponin T cDNAs from each cDNA library. The embryonic and the adult troponin Ts were encoded by distinct genes and shared only < 60% identity with each other. These isoforms were specifically expressed in the embryonic/larval tail striated muscle and the adult smooth muscle, respectively. These results may imply that these isoforms regulate actin-myosin interaction in different manners. The adult troponin T under forced expression in mouse fibroblasts was unexpectedly located in the nuclei. However, a truncated protein with a deletion including a cluster of basic amino acids colocalized with tropomyosin on actin filaments. Thus, complex formation with troponin I and C immediately after the synthesis is likely to be essential for the protein to properly localize on the thin filaments.

Amphiphilic helix is essential for the activity of brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide (BINP)

To study the structure-activity relationships of brain injury-derived neurotrophic peptide (BINP), 12 analogs were synthesized by replacing each amino acid residue with Gly. BINP showed CD spectra typical of an alpha-helical conformation in TFE solution which mimics the membrane environment. In the alpha-helical conformation, BINP showed an amphiphilic profile. Neurotrophic activities of BINP and its analogs were estimated from the effects on supporting septal cholinergic neurons and on rescuing hippocampal neurons from injury caused by glutamate. Both assays showed that the residues on the hydrophobic side of the amphiphilic helix were essential for the neurotrophic activity.

Distinct troponin T genes are expressed in embryonic/larval tail striated muscle and adult body wall smooth muscle of ascidian

During development of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi, the tadpole larva hatched from the tailbud embryo metamorphoses to the sessile adult with a body wall muscle. Although the adult body wall muscle is morphologically nonsarcomeric smooth muscle, it contains troponin complex consisting of three subunits (T, I, and C) as do vertebrate striated muscles. Different from vertebrate troponins, however, the smooth muscle troponin promotes actomyosin Mg2+-ATPase activity in the presence of high concentration of Ca2+, and this promoting property is attributable to troponin T. To address whether the embryonic/larval tail striated muscle and the adult smooth muscle utilize identical or different regulatory machinery, we cloned troponin T cDNAs from each cDNA library. The embryonic and the adult troponin Ts were encoded by distinct genes and shared only <60% identity with each other. Northern blotting and whole mount in situ hybridization revealed that these isoforms were specifically expressed in the embryonic/larval tail striated muscle and the adult smooth muscle, respectively. These results may imply that these isoforms regulate actin-myosin interaction in different manners. The adult troponin T under forced expression in mouse fibroblasts was unexpectedly located in the nuclei. However, a truncated protein with a deletion including a cluster of basic amino acids colocalized with tropomyosin on actin filaments. Thus, complex formation with troponin I and C immediately after the synthesis is likely to be essential for the protein to properly localize on the thin filaments.

Acute expression of the PRL receptor gene after ovariectomy in midpregnant mouse mammary gland

In order to examine the time-dependent expression of the PRL receptor (PRL-R) gene at lactogenesis, the level of PRL-R mRNA was determined following ovariectomy in pregnant mouse mammary gland. Following reverse transcription, the quantity of mRNA was measured by the competitive polymerase chain reaction. The casein (a 22,000 molecular weight component) mRNA level was measured as a marker for milk synthesis. Following ovariectomy, the onset of abortion occurred mostly at 22-23 h and the level of casein mRNA began to increase at 12 h. The long and short forms of PRL-R mRNAs were detected in a molar ratio of 1:0.2 on day 12 of pregnancy. Eight h after ovariectomy, the long form of PRL-R mRNA began to increase, showing a bell-shaped profile with the highest peak at 16 h. The short form of PRL-R mRNA was at low levels and remained constant. The levels of the long form of PRL-R mRNA decreased similarly in the presence and absence of foster pups from 24 to 48 h. Conversely, casein mRNA were maintained at high levels by supplying foster pups. The level of the long form of PRL-R mRNA reached a maximum prior to abortion. The present experiments demonstrated that the acute expression of the PRL-R gene occurred in the mammary gland at lactogenesis.

A 13-Mer peptide of a brain injury-derived protein supports neuronal survival and rescues neurons from injury caused by glutamate

Neuronal survival is mediated by several kinds of proteins. Among these, neurotrophic factors play important roles in the nervous system by supporting neuronal activity and survival. It has been suggested recently that certain factors promote neuronal survival in the case of brain injury. To examine this possibility, we purified a novel neurotrophic factor from Gelfoam that was implanted at the site of injury caused in neonatal rats. During amino acid sequence analysis, we found that a fragmental peptide of this neurotrophic protein consisting of 13 amino acids showed neurotrophic activity. This 13-mer peptide promoted survival of septal cholinergic and mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in culture and rescued hippocampal neurons from injury caused by glutamate in culture. This peptide rescued neurons from cell death caused by glutamate, even when added 4.5 h after glutamate exposure.

Amino acids and peptides. XXV. Preparation of fibronectin-related peptide poly(ethylene glycol) hybrids and their inhibitory effect on experimental metastasis

Hybrids of fibronectin-related peptides [Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD), Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS)] and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared and their inhibitory effects on experimental metastasis in mice were examined. The inhibitory effect of RGD was markedly potentiated by hybrid formation with poly(ethylene glycol) #6000. As to inhibitory effect, RGD was more potent than RGDS and RGD PEG hybrids were superior to RGDS PEG hybrids. Hybrid formation with PEG #6000 was more effective than that with PEG #4000.

Presence of beta-citryl-L-glutamic acid in the lens: its possible role in the differentiation of lens epithelial cells into fiber cells

The beta-CG concentration in the chicken brain was high during embryonic development and decreased rapidly to a lower level close to hatching, while the concentration in the eyeball which was also high during the embryonic life retained a fairly high level after hatching. The distribution of beta-CG in the bovine eye was determined. About 95% of total beta-CG content in the whole eye was localized in the lens. However, the distribution of beta-CG in the eye varied depending on species. beta-CG was exclusively localized in the lens in the eyes of fish and mammals, but distributed in both lens and retina in frogs. The molecule was localized in the retina rather than the lens in the chicken eye, although the concentrations was extremely low compared to those in the mammalian, amphibian and fish eyes. It was found that beta-CG is present ubiquitously in the lens or retina in various species. The distribution of beta-CG in the bovine lens was determined in the three cortex regions and nucleus. beta-CG was present at the highest concentration in the equatorial cortex, at a moderate concentration in the posterior and anterior cortex, and at the lowest concentration in the nucleus. Similar distribution patterns were also found in the rabbit and rat lens. When embryonic chick lens epithelial cells were cultured in the presence of fetal calf serum, the cells elongated, differentiated into fiber cells and formed lentoid bodies. The cells of lentoid bodies were stained strongly by the anti-beta-CG antibody, while cells around the structures were not. In addition, the beta-CG content in the lenses from the galactose cataractous rat decreased to about 20-30% of that in the normal lens. These findings suggest that beta-CG may play a role in the differentiation of epithelial cells into fiber cells.

Purification and properties of beta-citryl-L-glutamate-hydrolysing enzyme from rat testis particulate

beta-Citryl-L-glutamate-hydrolysing enzyme (beta-CGHE) was purified from rat testis particulate fraction 13,000-fold, at a yield of 7%. The enzyme was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, hydroxyapatite, chelating Sepharose, beta-CG-Sepharose affinity chromatography and Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration. The purified enzyme usually migrated as two periodic acid Schiff's-stained bands on native polyacrylamide gel-electrophoresis (PAGE) with molecular weights of 350 and 420 kDa. Both bands hydrolyzed beta-citryl-L-glutamate (beta-CG) to citrate and glutamate. The 420 kDa band was changed by digestion with N-glycosidase F, into a 350 kDa band on native PAGE. The purified enzyme was composed of 90, 100, 115 and 130 kDa subunits on SDS-PAGE under non-reduced conditions. The purified enzyme was pharmacologically similar to the beta-CGHE activity partially purified from rat testis. This enzyme required manganese ions for full activity and it was strongly inhibited by nucleotides such as ATP or GTP and phosphate ions. beta-CGHE was also potently inhibited by an excitatory amino acid agonist, L-quisqualate, but not by another agonists, N-methyl-D-aspartate and kinate. It had high substrate specificity for beta-CG. The antibodies against the purified enzyme reacted mainly to the 115 kDa band on the SDS-PAGE and precipitated the enzyme activity from the crude and purified enzyme solution.

Adamantane as a brain-directed drug carrier for poorly absorbed drug. 2. AZT derivatives conjugated with the 1-adamantane moiety

Five AZT (azidothymidine) prodrugs conjugated with the 1-adamantane moiety via an ester bond were synthesized to improve the transport of AZT into the central nervous system (CNS). In in vitro degradation studies with rat and human plasma, it was demonstrated that the prodrugs were degraded enzymatically and converted quantitatively to their parent drug. AZT. As assessed by octanol-buffer partitioning, the prodrugs were much more lipophilic than AZT and were expected to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) readily. In in vivo studies, in which the prodrugs were administered intravenously to rat, the prodrugs in brain tissue were detected at 7-18 times higher concentrations than AZT in spite of the negligible amount of the prodrug in the cerebrospinal fluid. These results indicate that the introduction to AZT of the 1-adamantane moiety results in the enhancement of the BBB penetration. This pharmaceutical approach would be beneficial for the efficient treatment of the CNS infection by human immunodeficiency virus.

Amino acids and peptides. XX. Preparation of beta-cyclododecyl aspartate and its application to synthesis of fibronectin- and laminin-related peptides

beta-Cyclododecyl aspartate was prepared and its application to peptide synthesis was examined. Derivatives of beta-cyclododecyl aspartate are more likely to crystallize and should be useful for peptide synthesis. The cyclododecyl ester was much stable to bases than the benzyl ester and rather more stable than the cyclohexyl ester. It was removable by HF treatment and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid treatment. beta-Cyclododecyl aspartate was used for synthesis of laminin- and fibronectin-related peptides by solid phase and liquid phase methods.

Amino acids and peptides. XXI. Laminin-related peptide analogs including poly(ethylene glycol) hybrids and their inhibitory effect on experimental metastasis

Laminin-related peptides, Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg analogs, were prepared and their inhibitory effects on experimental metastasis were examined. Of the amino acids in the Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg sequence, L-Arg was very important and Ile was not essential for the inhibitory effect. To obtain a potent inhibitor of metastasis, hybrids of Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg-Gly and 2 types of poly(ethylene glycol) were prepared. The inhibitory effects of the hybrids were more potent than that of Tyr-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg-Gly.

Flow cytometric analysis of mouse sperm using monoclonal anti-sperm antibody A-1

We have previously prepared an anti-mouse sperm monoclonal antibody (A-1) which inhibited sperm penetration into the egg zona pellucida. By indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), the A-1 antibody was shown to recognize an antigen localized in the acrosomal area of sperm. This antibody bound negligibly to fresh sperm, while binding to methanol-fixed sperm was almost complete. After methanol fixation, no sperm that penetrated into the zona were immunoreactive for this antibody. In the present study we examined the localization and fate of A-1 antigen during the acrosome reaction by IIF and flow cytometry (FCM). Cauda epididymal sperm were treated with either calcium ionophore A23187 or zona solution, immunostained indirectly, and subjected to FCM. Treatment with A23187 reduced the percentage of immunoreactive sperm to 59% from the 80% obtained in the untreated sperm. The treatment also reduced the average fluorescence intensity per fluorescence-positive spermatocyte to 65 channels, while this intensity was 89 channels in the untreated sperm. A similar result was obtained from treatment with zona solution. The proportion of sperm that was immunoreactive with A-1 antibody was reduced to 55% by incubation in zona-containing media from the 80% obtained in zona-free media. On the other hand, neither A23187 nor the zona solution affected the immunoreactivity or the fluorescence intensity of caput epididymal sperm, while the A-1 antigen was present in both the immature sperm from the caput epididymis of adult mice and in the mature sperm from the cauda epididymis of the same mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell and tissue distribution and developmental change of neuron specific 14 kDa protein (phosphoneuroprotein 14)

In the present paper, the distribution of a neuron-specific phosphoneuroprotein 14 (PNP 14) in cell and tissue was investigated in detail by the immunoblot method using affinity-purified antibody against this protein. The immunoblot of the supernatant fractions of various tissue homogenates of rat clearly demonstrated that PNP 14 was enormously rich in the brain. The content in rat brain was as much as 0.1% of the homogenate. The immunocytochemical study showed that the protein was localized at nerve endings in the cerebellum. Existence of the protein was also confirmed in cultured neuronal cells from postnatal rat midbrain, but not in glial cells. Examination of subcellular localization of PNP 14 indicates that the protein was present in synaptic plasma membranes and synaptic supernatant fractions, but not in synaptic vesicles. During the development of rat brain, PNP 14 came into existence after birth and it's amount linearly increased to a maximum at 21-28 days after birth. The content of the protein then remained at the same level for more than 10 months. We concluded that this protein is neuron specific and supposed that it may be involved in neuronal formation and function.

[Treatment of hemifacial spasm with botulinum toxin]

We injected botulinum toxin to treat hemifacial spasm, and investigated the effects and the patient's impression of this treatment. Average duration of improvement lasted about 3.5 months in both the initial treatment group and the recurrent group. However the patients in the recurrent group received fewer units of botulinum toxin than those in the initial treatment group. Except for local paralysis that disappeared within a month, there were very few complications. Most patient were satisfied with this treatment. We conclude that the treatment of hemifacial spasm with botulinum toxin is both simple and useful.

Evidence for serum factors modulating antibody production in normal and macular mice

The macular mutant mouse is a model of Menkes' kinky hair disease, which is characterized by a deficiency of ceruloplasmin in the serum. In hemizygotic mice (ml/y), the antibody production against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was decreased. Treatment with normal (+/y) mouse serum increased in a dose-dependent manner the antibody response of ml/y mouse spleen cells in vitro. However, +/y mouse serum had no effect on +/y mouse spleen cells, even at high doses up to 5%. In contrast, ml/y mouse serum decreased antibody production in +/y mouse spleen cells in a dose-dependent manner. Antibody production in +/y mouse spleen cells decreased with time, after pretreatment with ml/y mouse serum. However, serum from ml/y mice injected with ceruloplasmin did not decrease antibody production in +/y mouse spleen cells but rather increased it in ml/y mouse spleen cells. Ceruloplasmin had no effect on the production of antibodies against SRBC in ml/y and +/y mouse spleen cells in vitro. These findings suggest that one or more enhancers of antibody production exist in normal mouse serum and that one or more suppressors of normal antibody production exist in ml/y mouse serum. It is proposed that the activities of these factors in serum may be regulated by ceruloplasmin.

The relationship between induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation and long-chain fatty acid composition in rat liver

The long-chain fatty acid composition in rat liver, by which peroxisomal beta-oxidation system was induced, was analyzed in vitro and in vivo. In primary culture of hepatocytes, treatment with 0.4 mM clofibrate or long-chain fatty acids caused an increase in the peroxisomal beta-oxidation activity, in addition the oleic acid [18:1(n-9)] content in the cells was increased two-fold by addition of very long-chain fatty acids to the culture medium, but clofibrate had no effect. A two-fold of increase in 18:1(n-9) content was observed in the hepatic subcellular fractions from rats fed a diet containing 0.25% clofibric acid. The ratio of cis-vaccenic acid [18:1(n-7)] to total 18:1 content decreased by more than half compared with control in clofibric acid treated liver. The level of 18:1(n-7) was not changed in all experiments. It is suggested that perturbation of C-18 chain length fatty acids occurs in peroxisomal beta-oxidation induced liver.

Recovery of decreased antibody production by ceruloplasmin in the macular mutant mouse

The macular mutant mouse is a murine model of Menkes' kinky hair disease, characterized by a serum copper and ceruloplasmin deficiency. The hemizygote (ml/y) had a decreased antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). 1) In vivo; the administration of ceruloplasmin recovered antibody production in ml/y mice, but, had no effect on that of normal mice (+/y). The administration of heat treated ceruloplasmin did not increase antibody production in ml/y mice, whereas the administration of various concentrations of copper suppressed the anti-SRBC plaque-forming response in both ml/y and +/y mice. 2) in vitro; ceruloplasmin had no effect upon antibody production against SRBC in both ml/y and +/y mouse spleen cells. In contrast to ceruloplasmin, 1 microgram/ml of copper inhibited the antibody production in spleen cells from both +/y and ml/y mice as well as in vivo. These findings suggested that the decreased antibody production in ml/y mice was considered to be due the decreased ceruloplasmin.