T929I and K1774N mutation pair and M918L single mutation identified in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene of pyrethroid-resistant Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Japan

Pyrethroid-resistance in onion thrips, Thrips tabaci, has been reported in many countries including Japan. Identifying factors of the resistance is important to correctly monitoring the resistance in field populations. To identify pyrethroid-resistance related genes in T. tabaci in Japan, we performed RNA-Seq analysis of seven T. tabaci strains including two pyrethroid-resistant and five pyrethroid-susceptible strains. We identified a pair of single point mutations, T929I and K1774N, introducing two amino acid mutations, in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene, a pyrethroid target gene, in the two resistant strains. The K1774N is a newly identified mutation located in the fourth repeat domain of the sodium channel. Genotyping analysis of field-collected populations showed that most of the T. tabaci individuals in resistant populations carried the mutation pair, indicating that the mutation pair is closely associated with pyrethroid-resistance in Japan. Another resistance-related mutation, M918L, was also identified in part of the resistant populations. Most of the individuals with the mutation pair were arrhenotokous while all individuals with the M918L single mutation were thelytokous. The result of differentially expressed gene analysis revealed a small number of up-regulated detoxification genes in each resistant strain which might be involved in resistance to pyrethroid. However, no up-regulated detoxification genes common to the two resistant strains were detected. Our results indicate that the mutation pair in the sodium channel gene is the most important target for monitoring pyrethroid-resistance in T. tabaci, and that pyrethroid-resistant arrhenotokous individuals with the mutation pair are likely to be widely distributed in Japan.

Alterations of cellular physiology in Escherichia coli in response to oxidative phosphorylation impaired by defective F1-ATPase

The physiological changes in an F1-ATPase-defective mutant of Escherichia coli W1485 growing in a glucose-limited chemostat included a decreased growth yield (60%) and increased specific rates of both glucose consumption (168%) and respiration (171%). Flux analysis revealed that the mutant showed approximately twice as much flow in glycolysis but only an 18% increase in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, owing to the excretion of acetate, where most of the increased glycolytic flux was directed. Genetic and biochemical analyses of the mutant revealed the downregulation of many TCA cycle enzymes, including citrate synthase, and the upregulation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in both transcription and enzyme activities. These changes seemed to contribute to acetate excretion in the mutant. No transcriptional changes were observed in the glycolytic enzymes, despite the enhanced glycolysis. The most significant alterations were found in the respiratory-chain components. The total activity of NADH dehydrogenases (NDHs) and terminal oxidases increased about twofold in the mutant, which accounted for its higher respiration rate. These changes arose primarily from the increased (3.7-fold) enzyme activity of NDH-2 and an increased amount of cytochrome bd in the mutant. Transcriptional upregulation appeared to be involved in these phenomena. As NDH-2 cannot generate an electrochemical gradient of protons and as cytochrome bd is inferior to cytochrome bo3 in this ability, the mutant was able to recycle NADH at a higher rate than the parent and avoid generating an excess proton-motive force. We discuss the physiological benefits of the alterations in the mutant.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-6 inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation: implication for anticancer effect of diethylstilbestrol in hormone refractory prostate cancer

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic oestrogen, and its anticancer effects are exerted in androgen-dependent prostate cancer. The administration of DES decreases serum testosterone to castration levels. However, in androgen-independent prostate cancer patients, who are already orchiectomised, the administration of DES improves symptoms and decreases prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The mechanisms responsible for these direct inhibitory effects have been explained as biological actions not mediated by oestrogen receptors. We assessed the gene expression profiles of prostate cancer cells treated with DES, and investigated direct inhibitory effects of DES. DES inhibited the proliferation of LNCaP and PC-3 cells. cDNA microarray analysis showed that expression of many genes was downregulated by DES. However, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 (IGFBP-6) gene expression levels were upregulated in PC-3 cells. IGFBP-6 gene expression and protein levels significantly increased after DES treatment. Recombinant IGFBP-6 inhibited cell proliferation, and the inhibitory effect of DES was neutralised by anti-IGFBP-6 antibody. From the immunohistochemical analysis of IGFBP-6 using biopsy samples from androgen-independent prostate cancer, we found IGFBP-6 expression in androgen independent prostate cancer, and that DES treatment increased the IGFBP-6 staining intensity of the cancer cells in one sample. These findings suggested that DES induces IGFBP-6, which inhibits cell proliferation in an androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line, PC-3. IGFBP-6 therefore might be involved in the direct effects of DES in androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Moderate dose diethylstilbestrol diphosphate therapy in hormone refractory prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To examine the efficacy and toxicity of a moderate dose (250 mg/day) of diethylstilbestrol diphosphate (DES-DP) intravenously administered to patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) as well as the influence of this agent on the endocrine system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients with HRPC were treated with a daily intravenous injection of 250 mg of DES-DP for 28 days. Eastern Cooperation Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and pain score were used for subjective evaluation and PSA was used for objective evaluation. Testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were used for hormonal parameters.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were eligible. The mean patient age was 75.2 years. With respect to the ECOG pain score, 5 patients scored 1 or higher, in 4 patients, the pain completely disappeared, and in 1 patient, the pain score improved from 4 to 1. The PSA level decreased significantly from 528 +/- 556 ng/ml (mean +/- SD) to 154 +/- 197 ng/ml. The DHEA level was not changed during DES-DP administration. The DHEA-S level decreased significantly from 882 +/- 430 ng/ml to 480 +/- 236 ng/ml. Testosterone and free testosterone were in the castration level before and during the treatment. Toxicity was minimal. None of the patients developed cardiovascular disorder.

CONCLUSION

A moderate dose (250 mg/day) of DES-DP decreased PSA levels and relieved pain without causing serious toxicity in patients with HRPC. It is suggested that the mechanism of the DES-DP effect on the decrease in PSA and pain relief involves a decrease in DHEA-S.

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder: a case report

We present a 66-year old female patient with pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder. We performed transabdominal needle biopsy of the tumor without suspicion of pheochromocytoma because of her well-controlled blood pressure and no characteristic symptoms following administration of antihypertensive medication. Hypertensive crisis (260/130 mmHg) occurred just after the needle insertion. The diagnosis was pheochromocytoma. The norepinephrine level in the serum and her blood pressure normalized without antihypertensive medication after partial cystectomy. Pheochromocytoma should be suspected in cases of intramural bladder tumors, especially in a normotensive patients receiving antihypertensive medication.

[PSA doubling time in prostate cancer relapsed after endocrine therapy]

PURPOSE

The PSA level of prostate cancer patients generally declines after endocrine therapy, but elevates when the cancer relapses in most cases. However, the rate of elevation differs with the case. We investigated the PSA doubling time (PSA-DT) of the prostate cancer patients whose PSA declined after endocrine therapy and later re-elevated, and investigated the relationship with other parameters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated 55 prostate cancer patients who underwent endocrine therapy between 1991 and 1998. Their PSA re-elevated continuously after their PSA fell below 10 ng/ml after the endocrine therapy as the first line treatment. First, the correlation coefficients with time and PSA were calculated in order to decide whether their PSA elevation was exponential or linear. PSA-DT was calculated thereafter, and compared with the clinical stage, pathological differentiation, clinical relapse style, time from the beginning of the therapy to PSA relapse, pre-treatment PSA value, and prognosis. The relationship between PSA-DT and each clinical parameter was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Differences in survival rates and PSA-DT were calculated using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

PSA elevated exponentially after cancer relapsed. PSA-DT in all cases ranged from 0.5 to 26.3 months, with an average of 4.4 +/- 4.8 (S.D.) months and the median was 2.5 months. PSA-DT was significantly (p < 0.01) short when the pre-treatment clinical stage was high, the time from the beginning of the therapy to PSA relapse was short, or the pre-treatment PSA value was high. PSA-DT tended to be short when the pre-treatment pathological differentiation was low, but not significantly. PSA-DT tended to be short when the cancer relapsed as distant metastasis rather than regional relapse, but not significantly. Prognosis from the initial treatment and PSA relapse was significantly poor when the PSA-DT was short.

CONCLUSIONS

PSA elevated exponentially in the relapsed prostate cancer patients after the endocrine therapy. PSA-DT was distributed in a very wide range, and this value was considered to reflect the malignant potential and prognosis of the cancer. PSA-DT may be useful for determining the strategy after relapse.

[Clinical features of multiple primary cancers including prostate cancer]

We analyzed the clinical features of multiple primary cancers (MPCs) that included prostate cancer. MPCs were observed in 93 (15.2%) of the patients suffering from prostate cancer. In the MPC group, the organ most commonly involved was the stomach, followed by bladder, colon and lungs. The median age at diagnosis of the first, second and third cancers was 72, 74, and 75 years old, respectively, and the duration between the first and second cancers (median: 20 months) was longer than that between the second and third cancers (median: 8 months). In the 37 MPC patients whose cause of death was obvious, 29 (78.4%) died of a cancer; prostate cancer was not so common (6 patients) as the cause of death. Age at diagnosis and grade distribution of prostate cancer were not significantly different between the MPC and single primary cancer (SPC) groups. However, the proportion of earlier stage was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the MPC group than in the SPC group, and this trend was more obvious in patients whose prostate cancer was diagnosed as the second cancer. The prostate cancer-specific survival rates were significantly higher in the patients with MPC, and this trend was more obvious in the patients with stage D or moderately differentiated cancer. It is important in the follow up of prostate cancer patients to be aware of the possibility of the occurrence of a second cancer.

[Statistics of the operations at the Department of Urology, Tone Chuo Hospital during a six-year period (June 1993-May 1999)]

A clinical statistic survey was made on the operations performed at the Department of Urology, Tone Chuo Hospital between June 1993 and May 1999. The total number of operations was 1296, consisting of 97 (7.5%) operations of the kidney, 67 (5.2%) operations of the ureter, 190 (14.7%) operations of the bladder, 454 (35.0%) operations of the prostate, 63 (4.9%) operations of the urethra, 92 (7.1%) operations of the penis, 149 (11.5%) operations of the scrotum and 184 (14.2%) other operations. With the aging society, the number of operations for those over 60 years old has exceeded 60%.

[The result of mass screening of 1997 for prostatic cancer in Isesaki City]

PURPOSE

Screening by only prostate specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer was started since PSA had been added to mass screening as one of check lists in 1997 in Isesaki city, Gunma pref. We expected PSA screening to be introduced into other areas. We therefore studied how to perform a screening procedure for prostate cancer as well as discussed our result of the screening conducted lately.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1,382 out of 1,423 Isesaki citizens who took mass screening aged 40 to 64 were chosen. Regardless of age, men with a serum PSA level equal or larger than 4.1 ng/ml (Tandem R) were selected for second screening since we determined it was a cut-off level for further check-up. Of those men, 38 were requested for second screening and actually only 24 took it. All these men took PSA check-up again, furthermore 23 took transrectal examination (TRE) and/or transrectal ultra sonography (TRUS) except for one of them. The next screening was requested for sixteen of them. Prostate biopsy was conducted for all of them.

RESULTS

More old men took screening and were diagnosed prostate cancer. The findings derived from such diagnosis showed one of them aged 50 to 59 and six of them aged 60 to 64 had the cancer. Moreover, four out of twenty with PSA level ranging 4.1 to 10.0 ng/ml and all of three with PSA level over 20.0 ng/ml had the cancer. Five out of sixteen with a positive sign for further PSA check-ups had the cancer. All the three suspect of the cancer by TURS and DRE had prostate cancer. Two of seven with PSA negative showed suspicion of prostate cancer and had the cancer. No neo-adjuvant and total prostatectomy was conducted for four with 4.0 to 10.0ng/ml diagnosed T2N0 M0. One of them with PSA equal or over 20.0 ng/ml was diagnosed T3N0M0. After hormone therapy its PSA decreased to that equal or under 0.5 ng/ml. Total prostatectomy was conducted for it.

CONCLUSION

It is not proved that only PSA mass screening for prostatic cancer contributes to detect early cancer and better prognosis cure case. For the proof, it will be nessary that PSA mass screening is examined more people in the wide area. We conclude men aged 65 to 69 also should take PSA check-up based on epidemiological feature of prostatic cancer.

Backward movements of cross-bridges by application of stretch and by binding of MgADP to skeletal muscle fibers in the rigor state as studied by x-ray diffraction

The effects of the applied stretch and MgADP binding on the structure of the actomyosin cross-bridges in rabbit and/or frog skeletal muscle fibers in the rigor state have been investigated with improved resolution by x-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation. The results showed a remarkable structural similarity between cross-bridge states induced by stretch and MgADP binding. The intensities of the 14.4- and 7.2-nm meridional reflections increased by approximately 23 and 47%, respectively, when 1 mM MgADP was added to the rigor rabbit muscle fibers in the presence of ATP-depletion backup system and an inhibitor for muscle adenylate kinase or by approximately 33 and 17%, respectively, when rigor frog muscle was stretched by approximately 4.5% of the initial muscle length. In addition, both MgADP binding and stretch induced a small but genuine intensity decrease in the region close to the meridian of the 5.9-nm layer line while retaining the intensity profile of its outer portion. No appreciable influence was observed in the intensities of the higher order meridional reflections of the 14.4-nm repeat and the other actin-based reflections as well as the equatorial reflections, indicating a lack of detachment of cross-bridges in both cases. The changes in the axial spacings of the actin-based and the 14.4-nm-based reflections were observed and associated with the tension change. These results indicate that stretch and ADP binding mediate similar structural changes, being in the correct direction to those expected for that the conformational changes are induced in the outer portion distant from the catalytic domain of attached cross-bridges. Modeling of conformational changes of the attached myosin head suggested a small but significant movement (about 10-20 degrees) in the light chain-binding domain of the head toward the M-line of the sarcomere. Both chemical (ADP binding) and mechanical (stretch) intervensions can reverse the contractile cycle by causing a backward movement of this domain of attached myosin heads in the rigor state.

Structure of the monomeric actin-myosin head complex as revealed by X-ray solution scattering

In order to study the structure of a complex of monomeric actin and myosin head (S1) in the presence of nucleotide, non-polymerizable G-actin was prepared by the reaction of G-actin with m-maleimidobenzoic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS) and diazonium(1H)tetrazole (DHT). Although singly-modified MBS-actin forms a 2:1 complex with S1, doubly-modified DHT/MBS-G-actin forms a 1:1 complex with a dissociation constant of approximately 10(-6) M and can activate Mg-ATPase of S1 by 2-fold. Using a synchrotron X-ray source, we have measured X-ray solution scattering from reversible acto-S1 complexes obtained by mixing rabbit skeletal S1 and DHT/MBS-G-actin in the absence of nucleotide or in the presence of MgADP. The Guinier plots of the scattering intensity showed straight lines indicating no large aggregates and gave the radii of gyration of the complexes to be 49 and 46 A in the absence and presence of ADP, respectively. The analysis of the scattering curves showed that a monomeric actin binds to a tip of S1, and that the complex undergoes substantial rearrangement resulting in a more compact structure when it binds ADP.

Extensibility of the actin and myosin filaments in various states of skeletal muscle as studied by X-ray diffraction

The effects of length changes applied to resting, contracting and rigor muscles on the reflection spacings of the X-ray diffraction patterns were summarized. The spacing changes of the actin- and myosin-based meridional reflections as a function of tension relative to an isometric tension of active muscle (P0) were linear and almost identical in the active and rigor states, showing that the extension of both filaments is Hookenian and does not depend upon the states of muscle. In addition to their length changes caused by tension generation, there are small but significant length changes of both filaments due purely to activation of muscle. The actin and myosin filaments are elongated by approximately 0.36% and approximately 0.43%, respectively under the maximum active tension. The results indicate that a large part of the sarcomere compliance of an active muscle is caused by the extensibility of the myofilaments. Inspection of the behavior of the meridional and layer-line reflection spacings reveals that there is a close relationship between the extensibility and helical twisting of the actin filaments under active and passive forces. The extension caused by tension is associated with an unwinding of right-handed helices following the actin monomers in the filament. At the pointed end of the filament could rotate anticlockwise through one fifth the complete turn during contraction.

Noncancerous pulmonary lesions in patients with metastatic testicular germ cell cancer

By thoracoscopic surgery, we confirmed pulmonary noncancerous lesions in two patients with metastatic nonseminomatous testicular germ cell cancer. The purpose of thoracoscopic surgery was complete resection of postchemotherapeutic residual tumour in one patient or a biopsy for new lesions during chemotherapy. Histological findings were normal lymph node and pulmonary fibrosis. We demonstrated CT findings of these lesions and made some discussion on management of disseminated testicular cancer.

Rational drug design and synthesis of a highly selective nonpeptide delta-opioid agonist, (4aS*,12aR*)-4a-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methyl- 1,2,3,4,4a,5,12,12a-octahydropyrido[3,4-b]acridine (TAN-67)

We designed highly selective non-peptide agonists for the delta-opioid receptor. On the basis of the "message-address" concept in this field and the accessory site hypothesis, a novel class of heterocycle-fused octahydroisoquinoline derivatives were synthesized. One of these compounds [(4aS*,12aR*)-4a-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,12, 12a -octahydropyrido[3,4-b]acridine, TAN-67 (2)] showed high selectivity for the delta-opioid receptor (Ki = 1.12 nM) in guinea-pig cerebrum with a 2070-fold lower affinity for the mu-opioid receptor and a 1600-fold lower affinity for the kappa-opioid receptor. TAN-67 was a potent delta-opioid receptor agonist with an IC50 value of 6.61 nM in the mouse vas deferens assay that was reversed by naltrindole (NTI) (Ke = 0.21). Moreover, TAN-67 was shown to have antinociceptive activity following subcutaneous administration in the mouse acetic acid abdominal constriction assay that was antagonized by NTI (delta 1- and delta 2-antagonist) and 7-benzylidinenaltrexone (delta 1-antagonist), but not by naltriben (delta 2-antagonist). This systemically applicable non-peptide agonist will be useful for elucidating the pharmacological properties of the delta-opioid receptor.

X-ray diffraction studies on the structural changes of rigor muscles induced by binding of phosphate analogs in the presence of MgADP

To clarify the structure of the ATP hydrolysis intermediates (ADP.Pi bound state) formed by actomyosin crossbridges, the effects of various phosphate analogs in the presence of MgADP on the structures of the thin and thick filaments in glycerinated rabbit psoas muscle fibers in the rigor state have been investigated by X-ray diffraction with a short exposure time using synchrotron radiation. When MgADP and phosphate analogs such as metallofluorides (BeFx = 3,4 and AlF4) and vanadate (VO4(Vi)) were added to rigor fibers in the presence of the ATP-depletion backup system, the intensities of the actin-based layer lines were markedly weakened. The greatest effect (approximately 50% decrease in intensity) was observed in the presence of BeFx among the analogs examined. The intensity distribution of the 5.9 nm actin-based layer line shifted towards that observed in the Ca(2+)-activated fibers, while the first actin layer line at approximately 1/36.7 nm-1 retained a rigor-like profile with an intensity weakened by approximately 50%. The intensity of the equatorial 10 reflection increased while that of the 11 reflection changed little, resulting in only a small increase (approximately 1.7 fold) in the intensity ratio of the 10 to the 11 reflection. No resting-like pattern appeared upon the addition of MgADP and BeFx. These results indicate that a substantial fraction (approximately 40%) of the myosin heads dissociate from actin but the detached heads remain in the vicinity of the actin filaments when MgADP and BeFx bind. The states produced by binding phosphate analogs to a rigor muscle differ from the resting-like state produced by adding them to a contracting muscle (Takemori et al., J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 117 (1995) 603-608). Our conclusion put forward to explain the data is that one of the two heads of a crossbridge is detached and the other retains a rigor-like attachment.

[Evaluation of transition zone biopsy in systematic prostate biopsy]

We evaluated the systematic biopsies performed on 83 patients suspected of having prostate cancer. In the systematic biopsy, 6 cores were from the peripheral zone and 2 cores from the transition zone. Cancer was detected in 25 patients (30.1%). The percentage of patients who had abnormal digital rectal examination and transrectal echo findings, average PSA and PSA density, and the number of examinations which suggested cancer were higher in the cancer group than in the non-cancer group, although the mean prostate volume was smaller. Cancer was more frequently detected in the peripheral zone than in the transition zone. Cancer was detected only in the transition zone in only 1 of the 25 cancer patients. We conclude that biopsy of the transition zone to all the patients is not always needed in systematic biopsy.

[Prostate specific antigen doubling time in prostate cancer before treatment and in refractory status]

Prostate-specific antigen(PSA) increases exponentially in prostate cancer patients before treatment and in refractory status. PSA increases in 68-86% of prostate cancer patients before treatment, and that of the remaining 14-32% of the patients is stable. Those patients with a higher pre-treatment PSA level are more likely to have a shorter PSA-doubling time(PSA-DT). The relationship between pre-treatment stage, grade and PSA-DT is controversial. PSA-DT in biochemical failure patients predicts the risk of clinical recurrence. PSA-DT was correlated well with time to clinical recurrence after biochemical failure. Distant recurrence was associated with short PSA-DT. Higher clinical stage and lower differentiation before treatment correlated with shorter PSA-DT in recurrent cancer patients. PSA-DT is an important parameter for judging malignant potential of each cancer.

High-Resolution X-ray Diffraction of Muscle Using Undulator Radiation from the Tristan Main Ring at KEK

High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Japan.High-resolution X-ray diffraction studies on striated muscle fibres were performed using a hard X-ray undulator installed in the Tristan main ring at KEK, Tsukuba, Japan. The performance of the undulator, along with an example experiment which exploited the unique characteristics of undulator radiation, are reported. The vertical divergence angle of the first harmonic of the undulator was approximately 10 micro rad under 8 GeV multi-bunch operating conditions and the peak photon flux density was estimated to be approximately 3 x 10(16) photons s(-1) mrad(-2) (0.1% bandwidth)(-1) (10 mA)(-1). The well collimated X-ray beam from the undulator made it possible to resolve clearly, with high angular resolution ( approximately 700 nm), the closely spaced diffraction peaks on the meridional axis in the X-ray patterns arising from the thick filaments of a striated muscle under static conditions. By fitting the meridional intensity pattern, a model for the molecular arrangement of the constituent proteins in the thick filaments is proposed. These studies of muscle demonstrate the promise of undulator radiation from third-generation sources for high-resolution diffraction studies.

Discovery of a structurally novel opioid kappa-agonist derived from 4,5-epoxymorphinan

A new type of kappa-agonist, 17-cyclopropylmethyl-3, 14 beta-dihydroxy-4,5 alpha-epoxy-6 beta-[N-methyl-trans-3-(3-furyl) acrylamido]morphinan hydrochloride (1, TRK-820), was discovered by a new working hypothesis. The "message-address concept" for opioid antagonists and the "accessory site" for general antagonists were applied to design TRK-820. A unique structural feature of TRK-820, which is different from other prototypical kappa-opioid receptor agonists, is the existence of the 4,5-epoxymorphinan structure with a tyrosine-glysine moiety for endogenous opioid peptides such as dynorphins. TRK-820 exhibited high potency and high kappa-selectivity in guinea pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) preparations. In the mouse acetic-acid-induced writhing model and mouse tail flick model of antinociception, TRK-820 was 85-140 times more potent than morphine and 85-350 times more potent than U-50488H. This structurally novel kappa-agonist showed neither aversion nor preference in the Conditioned Place Preference test, in spite of the fact that prototypes of kappa-agonists (U-50488H derivatives) demonstrated aversion.

Carcinogenesis in accessory sex organs of rats induced by 3,2'-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl: response to androgen deprivation

It is generally accepted that early human prostate cancers reveal higher androgen dependency than do advanced ones. In the present study, we examined whether the animal model of prostate cancer has already lost androgen dependency at the early stages of carcinogenesis. At experimental week 46, androgen deprivation was induced in rats and the incidences of atypical hyperplasia and cancer were examined in the ventral, dorsolateral prostate, coagulating glands, and seminal vesicles. Androgen deprivation significantly lowered the incidence of atypical hyperplasia in all four organs. As for the incidence of cancer, no significant differences were observed in the coagulating glands and seminal vesicles. Regarding atypical hyperplasia, androgen deprivation significantly decreased the proliferative cell nuclear antigen labeling index in the coagulating gland and seminal vesicles. The presence of cancer was also decreased in the coagulating gland but not in the seminal vesicles. With control group specimens, more intense staining of androgen receptor was observed in atypical hyperplasias than in cancers. Compared with the atypical hyperplasias, the cancers revealed low androgen dependency at the early stages of carcinogenesis. The cancers in the seminal vesicles also revealed higher androgen independency than did those in the coagulating gland.

[Tissue polypeptide antigen as a biological marker of malignant pleural mesothelioma]

To evaluate the role of tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) as a biological marker of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), we used immunohistochemical techniques to detect TPA in tumor cells, and we measured the content of TPA in serum from patients with MPM. In 14 of 16 patients with MPM, TPA was detected in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Epithelial-type cells from 11 of 12 patients were stained positively (91.7%), and sarcomatous-type cells from 7 of 8 patients were stained positively (87.5%). Serum TPA levels were abnormally high in 7 of 9 patients. Two of three patients with stage-I disease had normal serum TPA levels, and all patients whose disease was at stage II or higher had abnormal serum TPA levels. Serum TPA levels increased as MPM progressed. These results suggest that the serum TPA level can be used as a biological marker of MPM.

Small-Angle X-ray Diffraction of Muscle Using Undulator Radiation from the Tristan Main Ring at KEK

Time-resolved X-ray diffraction of muscle has demanded ever-increasing flux into small sample volumes with low beam divergence. Results are reported of static and time-resolved small-angle X-ray diffraction studies on muscle fibers using a hard X-ray undulator installed in the Tristan main ring at KEK, Tsukuba, Japan, as an innovative source of synchrotron radiation more intense and better collimated than that available with the Photon Factory bending-magnet beamline. Static studies used the low divergence of the source to obtain detailed high-quality diffraction patterns of stable muscle states. The diffraction patterns from live skeletal muscles showed the numerous (over 100) meridional reflections. The well collimated beam from the undulator made it possible to clearly resolve, with an angular resolution of ca 700 nm, the closely spaced diffraction peaks arising from the two halves of the thick filaments centred on the M lines in a sarcomere, in addition, the diffraction peaks from the thin filaments on opposite sides of the Z bands could be resolved with an angular resolution of ca 1000 nm. The detailed structure of the meridional pattern defines the nature of the molecular packing in the thick and thin filaments. Time-resolved experiments using a focusing mirror aimed to prove cross-bridge states in striated muscle fibers by collecting X-ray diffraction data at a 0.185 ms time resolution from sinusoidally oscillating chemically skinned rabbit muscle fibers during active contraction and in rigor. When sinusoidal length changes at 500 Hz with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 0.6% of the muscle length were applied to a small fiber bundle, the tension showed a simple elastic response during the length oscillation. In the active muscle the intensity of the 14.5 nm myosin-based meridional reflection changed out of phase with the tension change during the oscillating length change. In contrast, in the rigor muscle it occurred in phase with the tension change. The high time-resolved experiments provide an insight into the coupling between conformational changes and force generation of the actomyosin cross-bridges. These studies provide a preview of the expected gains for muscle studies from the more widespread use of undulator radiation at third-generation synchrotron sources.

Acute renal failure in a patient with chronic glomerulonephritis after the administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue given for rectal obstruction due to prostate cancer

We report a case in which rectal obstruction due to prostate cancer was exacerbated due to an ileus after the administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue. The obstruction to led to copious vomiting, dehydration and renal failure which necessitated hemodialysis. Improvement of the patient was noted four weeks after the start of hormonal treatment with a decrease in rectal obstruction concomitant with decreases in testosterone and prostate specific antigen levels.

Effects of a new steroidal antiandrogen, TZP-4238 (17 alpha-acetoxy-6-chloro-2-oxa-4, 6-pregnadiene-3, 20-dione), on spontaneously developed canine benign prostatic hyperplasia

The effects of the new steroidal antiandrogen, TZP-4238 on spontaneously-developed canine prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were studied in comparison with those of chlormadinone acetate (CMA), a steroidal antiandrogen used for the treatment of BPH and prostatic cancer in Japan. Aged beagle dogs (5-9 years old) with spontaneously developed BPH (mean prostate volume, 17.7ml) were treated orally with a placebo, TZP-4238 (0.1 mg/kg/day, 0.01 mg/kg/day), or CMA (3 mg/kg/day), for 25 weeks. Prostate volume was measured by transrectal ultrasonography before treatment and every 5 weeks during treatment. TZP-4238 produced a regression in spontaneously developed canine BPH, its effects being more potent than those of CMA. TZP-4238 reduced the content of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androgen receptor in the prostates of these animals, suggesting antiandrogenic mechanisms of the agent. TZP-4238 also appeared to reduce 5 alpha-reductase activity by prevention of the androgen action in prostate as described above.

[The effects of antiandrogen TZP-4238 on plasma testosterone and LH and steroidogenesis in rat and canine testis]

TZP-4238 suppresses plasma testosterone in humans, but its action on the androgen biosynthesis pathway has not been established. Therefore, we researched the testicular testosterone level and the testosterone biosynthesis pathway in vitro in rats before and after receiving a single or continuous oral dose of TZP-4238. The total testosterone fell to 60% of the basal level within 3-8 hr (p < 0.05) and then returned to the control concentration by 24 hr after a single administration of 32 mg/kg. The alteration of the plasma testosterone level correlated well with that of the intratesticular level, which was decreased to 50% at 3-8 hr and recovered to the control level by 24 hr. However, the decrement of the plasma LH level at 3-8 hr after a single oral administration was slight and it then returned to the original level at 12 hr. During the 8 weeks of daily administration of 0.5 mg/kg of TZP-4238 or chlormadinone acetate to dogs, the plasma testosterone levels were slightly lower than the basal extent. In vitro experiments were conducted on the rat testis using the exogenous precursor steroids 20 alpha-hydroxycholesterol, pregnenolone and progesterone, in various steps leading to the biosynthesis of testosterone. Trilostane acted at 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (50% inhibition concentration, IC50 was 1 microM), ketoconazole inhibited the 17 alpha-hydroxylase, and C20, 22- and C17, 20-lyase activities, with an IC50 of 1-50 microM. Cyproterone acetate inhibited both the 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (IC50;50 microM) and C17, 20-lyase. On the other hand, TZP-4238 exhibited a weaker inhibition of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (IC50; 100 microM) than cyproterone acetate, but not of hydroxylase and lyase. Though TZP-4238 did not inhibit the increased testosterone level induced by hCG, trilostane markedly inhibited the effect induced by hCG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Clear cell sarcoma extending into the inferior vena cava]

A 6-year-old boy who had been diagnosed as having Wilms tumor at the prior hospital was admitted to our hospital for investigation of a right flank mass and macrohematuria in October 1990. Magnetic resonance imaging showed Wilms tumor of the right kidney extending into the inferior vena cava. Right radical nephrectomy, lymphadenectomy and thrombectomy were done on October 30th, 1990. Pathological findings indicated clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. One week after the operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with actinomycin D (ACTD), vincristine sulfate (VCR), doxorubicin hydrochloride (DXR) and cyclophosphamide (CPM)) were started according to the protocol by National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS) III. However, he died of bone metastases and pneumomycosis on October 13th, 1992. Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) is a rare tumor accounting for about 4-5% of Wilms tumors. This is the first report on CCSK with tumor thrombus in Japan.

[Clinical analysis of ureteral injuries]

Six cases of ureteral injuries were analyzed. Two cases were male and 4 cases were female. The right side was affected in 1 case and the left in 5 cases. The affected portion was the uretero-pelvic junction in 1 case and lower iliac vessels in the other cases. Five cases were iatrogenic injuries in surgical or gynecological pelvic operation, and the other was due to blunt trauma. Intraoperative diagnosis was made in 4 cases. Drain leakage led to diagnosis in one case and pyelonephritis in another. Ureteroureterostomy was performed in 2 cases, pyeloureterostomy in 1 case, ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch in 1 case, Boari bladder flap in 1 case and simple suture in 1 case. 4-0 or 5-0 Dexon with an atraumatic needle was used for all anastomoses. Except for case 1, who died of the recurrence of carcinosarcoma, renal functions were preserved in all patients during the follow-up period ranging from 5 months to 7 years 8 months.

Conformational changes of the myosin heads during hydrolysis of ATP as analyzed by x-ray solution scattering

We have shown for the first time that the myosin head (subfragment-1, S1), the energy-transducing component in the actomyosin motor system undergoes a distinct shape change during hydrolysis of ATP using x-ray solution scattering techniques. Among various analogs for intermediate states of the S1 ATPase cycle, the complexes with MgADP and vanadate (S1.ADP.Vi), MgADP and beryllium fluoride (S1.ADP.BeF3), or MgADP and aluminum fluoride (S1.ADP.AIF4) showed a shape change similar to that in the presence of MgATP, but the complexes with ATP gamma S (S1.ADP gamma S) and MgADP trapped by cross-linking with pPDM (S1.ADP-pPDM) seemed to have a shape similar to that of nucleotide-free S1. These results indicate that the shape of an S1**.ADP.Pi state is more rounded or bent than in other intermediate states of the S1 ATPase cycle. Such changes occur in light chain 2-deficient S1 and also in smooth muscle S1. However, MgADP-fluoride complexes with smooth muscle S1 (without phosphorylation of a regulatory light chain) seemed to have a structure similar to that of nucleotide-free S1. Analysis of x-ray scattering data indicated that a conformational change of S1 in the presence of MgATP might be caused by a hinge-like bending movement between the catalytic and regulatory domains. The global change of S1 is correlated with some specific changes of a nucleotide-binding moiety.

X-ray diffraction evidence for the extensibility of actin and myosin filaments during muscle contraction

To clarify the extensibility of thin actin and thick myosin filaments in muscle, we examined the spacings of actin and myosin filament-based reflections in x-ray diffraction patterns at high resolution during isometric contraction of frog skeletal muscles and steady lengthening of the active muscles using synchrotron radiation as an intense x-ray source and a storage phosphor plate as a high sensitivity, high resolution area detector. Spacing of the actin meridional reflection at approximately 1/2.7 nm-1, which corresponds to the axial rise per actin subunit in the thin filament, increased about 0.25% during isometric contraction of muscles at full overlap length of thick and thin filaments. The changes in muscles stretched to approximately half overlap of the filaments, when they were scaled linearly up to the full isometric tension, gave an increase of approximately 0.3%. Conversely, the spacing decreased by approximately 0.1% upon activation of muscles at nonoverlap length. Slow stretching of a contracting muscle increased tension and increased this spacing over the isometric contraction value. Scaled up to a 100% tension increase, this corresponds to a approximately 0.26% additional change, consistent with that of the initial isometric contraction. Taken together, the extensibility of the actin filament amounts to 3-4 nm of elongation when a muscle switches from relaxation to maximum isometric contraction. Axial spacings of the layer-line reflections at approximately 1/5.1 nm-1 and approximately 1/5.9 nm-1 corresponding to the pitches of the right- and left-handed genetic helices of the actin filament, showed similar changes to that of the meridional reflection during isometric contraction of muscles at full overlap. The spacing changes of these reflections, which also depend on the mechanical load on the muscle, indicate that elongation is accompanied by slight changes of the actin helical structure possibly because of the axial force exerted by the actomyosin cross-bridges. Additional small spacing changes of the myosin meridional reflections during length changes applied to contracting muscles represented an increase of approximately 0.26% (scaled up to a 100% tension increase) in the myosin periodicity, suggesting that such spacing changes correspond to a tension-related extension of the myosin filaments. Elongation of the myosin filament backbone amounts to approximately 2.1 nm per half sarcomere. The results indicate that a large part (approximately 70%) of the sarcomere compliance of an active muscle is caused by the extensibility of the actin and myosin filaments; 42% of the compliance resides in the actin filaments, and 27% of it is in the myosin filaments.

[Clinical analysis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection]

In 14 patients from which methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated at the Department of Urology, Tone Chuo Hospital June, 1992 and October, 1993, the site of infection, background of patients, and drug resistance were analyzed. The 14 patients consisted of 11 males and 3 females between 45 and 85 years old with a mean of 71.6 years. The site from which MRSA was isolated was urine in 11, wound in 2, nasal cavity in 1, pharynx in 1, and renal fistula in 1 (detected at 2 or more sites in 2). The underlying condition was prostate hyperplasia in 2, prostate cancer in 4 (after radical prostatectomy in 1, complicated by bladder stone in 1), bladder tumor in 3, (during bladder instillation of BCG in 1), perirenal abscess in 2, renal pelvic tumor in 1, neurogenic bladder in 1, and after Boari's operation in 1. Urethral catheterization had been performed in 3. A fewer of 38 degrees C or above was noted in 3. Mixed infection was observed in 10, and was caused by Escherichia coli in 2, Proteus mirabiris in 1, Candida in 1, Klebsiella in 2, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 2, and Serratia in 2. Four patients has previously been administered antibiotics, which were third generation cephems in 3 and penicillin in 1. The drug sensitivity was 100% for vancomycin (VCM), 30% for imipenam (IMP), 31% for minomycin (MINO), 31% for amikacin (AMK), and 7% for fosfomycin (FOM). As for chemotherapy, VCM+FOM+sulbactam/cefoperazone were administered to 6, and ceftazidime+ MINO were administered to 1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Effects of antiandrogen TZP-4238 on the prostatic androgen receptor and prostatic androgen in rat]

TZP-4238, a new steroidal antiandrogen, is an orally active drug in rats and dogs. The effects of TZP-4238 on the androgen receptor and androgen content were examined in comparison with other antiandrogens in rats. The prostate DHT levels decreased markedly within 4-8 hr after a single oral administration of TZP-4238 8mg/kg. The prostatic testosterone concentrations fell below the detection limit (5pg/g of tissue) at 4-12 hr after the initiation of treatment. The plasma testosterone level also fell to 60% of the control level after 4-8 hr and then returned to the normal range. Eight percent of DHT present in normal prostatic tissue was located in the nuclear fraction. TZP-4238 reduced the concentration of DHT in nuclei to 50% of the normal level. The concentration of the plasma drug which induced a 50% decrease in the prostatic DHT, the IC50, was about 10ng/ml, while the IC50 value for plasma testosterone was 30-50ng/ml. After oral administration of 15-OH TZP-4238, the main metabolite, the level of plasma testosterone was significantly elevated above the control level. The androgen receptor level was markedly reduced at 24 hr following castration and returned to the normal range within 5 hr of a single injection of testosterone. TZP-4238 reduced the nuclear androgen receptor level to 60% at 24 hr after a single oral dose and then, the receptor content returned to its original level. Both 15-OH TZP-4238 and cyproterone acetate also reduced the androgen receptor and DHT contents to 50%. A series of in vivo studies demonstrated that TZP-4238 inhibited the uptake of testosterone and the decrease of DHT and testosterone, and decreased the nuclear androgen receptor in the rat prostate.

Synergistic effects of estrogen with androgen on the prostate--effects of estrogen on the prostate of androgen-administered rats and 5-alpha-reductase activity

To clarify the effects of estrogen on the prostate of androgen-treated rats, we administered estradiol (E2; 0.01 mg/day) to testosterone (T; 1 mg/day)-treated Wistar rats under various conditions. There were three variable factors: the age of the rat, the untreated period after castration, and the presence of testes. Under all conditions, E2 stimulated the growth of the prostate in T-treated rats compared with growth in rats in treated with T only. To analyze the mechanism underlying this enhancement of prostate growth by estrogen, we measured 5-alpha-reductase activity and calculated its kinetic parameters, i.e., both Vmax and Km. The Vmax of the nuclear fraction was higher in E2-administered T-treated rats than in T only-treated rats. In contrast, the Vmax of the microsomal fraction was lower in E2-administered rats. Km values in the two groups showed no significant differences. Elevation of the nuclear fraction of 5-alpha-reductase activity could explain the synergistic effects of estrogen on the prostate growth of androgen-treated rats.

[Marked effectiveness of the LH-RH analogue in a case of prostate cancer with large lymph node metastasis]

A 78-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of pollakisuria, dysuria, and edema of lower extremities. Physical examination revealed a hard, fixed and fist size mass in the abdomen Lymph nodes of left supraclavicular fossa were hardly palpable. His prostate was larger than a hen's egg, stony hard and fixed in the pelvis on digital rectal examination (DRE). The prostate specific antigen (PSA) level was elevated to 584 ng/ml. Computerized tomography (CT) revealed enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Bone scan showed multiple abnormal uptake. Prostate biopsy showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Treatment with the LH-RH analogue was very effective. The retroperitoneal lymph nodes were no longer enlarged on CT. The prostate had become soft and was reduced to walnut size on DRE. The PSA level had decreased to within the normal range. The multiple abnormal uptake on the bone scan decreased. This is the 21st case of prostate cancer with large lymph node metastasis in Japan.

Lupus cystitis. report of a case

A 42-year-old female with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) visited the Department of Internal Medicine at our hospital complaining of anorexia. Hydronephrosis was diagnosed, and she was referred to our department for further evaluation. Intravenous pyelography (IVP) revealed bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureters. Computerized tomography (CT) showed retention of ascitic fluid and thickening of the intestinal and bladder walls with contrast effects in the serosa and mucosa. Lasix-loaded renography showed that both kidneys were normal. Examination of a biopsy specimen revealed interstitial edema, fibrosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Cystometry showed normal intravesical pressure. A diagnosis of lupus cystitis was made and administration of 40mg of prednisolone was started. The anemia was ameliorated, and thickening of the bladder and intestinal walls was no longer seen on CT. Hydronephrosis of the left kidney was less prominent. However, aggravation of the right ureteral stenosis was noted, and a stent was inserted in the stenosed ureter. Stenosis was successfully relieved by the stent, and internal drainage was established. The patient is still receiving steroids and is being followed at our department. Twenty-two reported cases of lupus cystitis in Japan are reviewed.

[Concentrations of new quinolone agents in serum and prostate tissue]

Twenty five patients with benign prostate hypertrophy were administered ofloxacin (OFLX) simultaneously with norfloxacin (NFLX) in 6 patients, ciprofloxacin (CPFX) in 10, tosfloxacin (TFLX) in 5 and enoxacin (ENX) in 4 patients. The dose of these new quinolones was 100 mg (except 150 mg of TFLX). Their concentrations in the serum and the prostate tissue were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The serum concentration of OFLX was significantly higher than that of NFLX, CPFX, TFLX or ENX. The prostate tissue concentration of OFLX was significantly higher than that of CPFX or TFLX. The ratio of tissue versus serum concentration of each new quinolone agent was not significantly different. The high OFLX tissue concentration appeared to be caused by the high serum concentration.

Low excess losses in a Y-branching plastic optical waveguide formed through injection molding

We have demonstrated low excess losses (1.9 dB at 660-nm wavelength) in a Y-branching plastic optical waveguide (POWG) that was fabricated using an injection-molding method. The waveguide had an amorphous vinyl polymer as the core and transparent polyolefin as the cladding. We then studied a method for isolating the excess loss in the Y-branching POWG, and with that method we estimated the lower limit of the loss to be 1.41 dB at 660 nm. The sample had a heat-resistant plastic optical fiber (POF) with a core composed of crosslinked poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) copolymer, and a cladding composed of poly (tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene). The POWG has sufficient reliability for ordinary uses below 100 °C. A model for a bidirectional wavelength-division multiplexing opticalcommunication system with the developed Y-branching POWG and the POF was also demonstrated.

[Measurement of serum PSA by DELFIA PSA kit and its application for mass screening. The Gunma Urological Oncology Study Group]

The significance of prostate specific antigen (PSA) measured by DELFIA PSA kit in the 1,177 serum samples examined by mass screening for prostate cancer was evaluated. All subjects were examined by questionnaire, digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and the subjects in whom prostate cancer was suspected from abnormal DRE and/or elevated PAP were recommended to receive the secondary screening for the presence of prostate cancer. All serum specimens used for this study were kept in our serum bank. The cut-off value was investigated between non-cancer subjects (diagnosed as normal, voiding disturbance or BPH) and prostate cancer patients. When the cut-off value was 2.89 ng/ml, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy as prostate marker was 80.6%, 90.0% and 89.4%, respectively. Therefore, the cut-off value was determined as 3.0 ng/ml. The significance of PSA was retrospectively evaluated compared to PAP in the subjects examined by our mass screening. Twenty eight of the 39 palpable prostate cancers which could not be detected from the PAP level were detected from the PSA level, namely the sensitivity of the detection using the PSA level is more excellent than that using PAP. However, the false negative rate obtained using PSA was high (30.3%) in the patients with stage B disease. The relationship among serum PSA concentration, prostate size estimated by DRE and age was investigated. PSA was increased with age and prostate size. This estimation should be confirmed by using an ultrasonography because the prostate size obtained by DRE is inaccurate as compared with that obtained by ultrasonography.

[Clinical evaluation of Augpenin (clavulanic acid-ticarcillin) in urinary tract infections: especially against beta-lactamase producing strains]

Augpenin contains ticarcillin (TIPC) and clavulanic acid (CVA), at a ratio of 15:1. The beta-lactamase inhibitor, CVA, has been added to protect the TIPC from inactivation by beta-lactamase. To investigate the drug efficacy and safety against urinary tract infections (UTI), Augpenin was administered to 33 patients with chronic complicated UTI and 7 patients with acute pyelonephritis. Thirty two cases were evaluable by the UTI criteria. Excellent results were obtained in 6 of the cases of acute pyelonephritis, and moderate results in 1 case, with an overall effectiveness rate of 100%. Excellent results were obtained in 14 of the cases of chronic complicated UTI, moderate results in 9 cases, and poor results in 2 cases, with an overall effectiveness rate of 92%. No adverse reactions were noted, but a transient elevation of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase levels was observed in 2 cases.