FLJ10849, a septin family gene, fuses MLL in a novel leukemia cell line CNLBC1 derived from chronic neutrophilic leukemia in transformation with t(4;11)(q21;q23)

A t(4;11)(q21;q23) has been described in 50-70% of cases of infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia and, less frequently, in cases of pediatric and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In t(4;11)(q21;q23) leukemias, the AF4 gene has been cloned as a fusion partner of the MLL gene. A human myeloid leukemia cell line, chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL)BC1, was established from a peripheral blood specimen of a patient with CNL in leukemic transformation. As with the original leukemia cells, the established line had a t(4;11)(q21;q23). We showed that the MLL gene on 11q23 was fused to the FLJ10849 gene on 4q21. The protein encoded by FLJ10849 belongs to the septin family, sharing highest homology with human SEPT6, which is one of the fusion partners of MLL in t(X;11)(q13;q23) AML. Our results suggest that FLJ10849 might define a new septin family particularly involved in the pathogenesis of 11q23-associated leukemia. The established cell line, CNLBC1, could provide a useful model for analyzing the pathogenesis of MLL-septin leukemias and chronic neutrophilic leukemia.

Achievement of ultralow emittance beam in the accelerator test facility damping ring

For high luminosity in electron-positron linear colliders, it is essential to generate low vertical emittance beams. We report on the smallest vertical emittance achieved in single-bunch-mode operation of the Accelerator Test Facility, which satisfies the requirement of the x-band linear collider. The emittances were measured with a laser-wire beam-profile monitor installed in the damping ring. The bunch length and the momentum spread of the beam were also recorded under the same conditions. The smallest vertical rms emittance measured at low intensity is 4 pm at a beam energy of 1.3 GeV, which corresponds to the normalized emittance of 1.0x1.0(-8) m. It increases by a factor of 1.5 for a bunch intensity of 10(10) electrons. The measured data agreed to the calculation of intrabeam scattering within much better than a factor of 2.

T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia occurring after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

A 61-year-old man with angioimmunoblastic lymphoma in first complete remission underwent autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. At 1 month post transplant, asymptomatic large granular lymphocytosis developed. The surface marker profile of the cells was CD3+CD8+CD56-CD57+. The disease course was chronic and indolent. The patient remains in complete remission from angioimmunoblastic lymphoma more than 6 months post transplant with persistent large granular lymphocytosis (lymphocyte count, 5-15 x 10(9)/l). Although post transplantation T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders have mostly occurred in allogeneic transplantation recipients and presented as aggressive lymphomas/leukemias, we suggest that chronic indolent T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia can occur after autologous stem cell transplantation.

Significance of cancer detection in the anterior lateral horn on systematic prostate biopsy: the effect on pathological findings of radical prostatectomy specimens

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the significance of cancer detection in the anterior lateral horn (ALH) on systematic prostate biopsy in relation to its effect on the pathological findings from retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) specimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 84 consecutive patients who underwent RRP at our institution between January 1999 and December 2002, after being diagnosed as having prostate cancer, based on systematic prostate biopsies that included the areas taken by standard sextant biopsies and the bilateral ALHs. Several clinicopathological factors of these patients were analysed in relation to the presence or absence of cancer in the ALH on systematic biopsy.

RESULTS

Of the 84 patients, cancer was detected in the ALH in 44 (group A), but not in the remaining 40 (group B). There were no significant differences in age, preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level, or prostate volume between the groups. However, the incidence of bilateral positive cores and the percentage of positive biopsy cores in group A were significantly higher than those in group B. Pathological examinations of RRP specimens showed no significant differences in the incidence of lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion and perineural invasion, or Gleason score between the groups, but group A had a significantly larger tumour volume and higher incidence of extraprostatic disease than group B.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similar biological tumour characteristics and irrespective of the cancer location in the ALH, advanced and extensive disease frequently involves the ALH. Therefore, more aggressive treatment should be considered if cancer is detected in the ALH by systematic prostate biopsy.

Polarimetry of short-pulse gamma rays produced through inverse Compton scattering of circularly polarized laser beams

We have developed a polarimetry of ultrashort pulse gamma rays based on the fact that gamma rays penetrating in the forward direction through a magnetized iron carry information on the helicity of the original gamma rays. Polarized, short-pulse gamma rays of (1.1+/-0.2)x10(6)/bunch with a time duration of 31 ps and a maximum energy of 55.9 MeV were produced via Compton scattering of a circularly polarized laser beam of 532 nm off an electron beam of 1.28 GeV. The first demonstration of asymmetry measurements of short-pulse gamma rays was conducted using longitudinally magnetized iron of 15 cm length. It is found that the gamma-ray intensity is in good agreement with the simulated value of 1.0x10(6). Varying the degree of laser polarization, the asymmetry for 100% laser polarization was derived to be (1.29+/-0.12)%, which is also consistent with the expected value of 1.3%.

Extremely low vertical-emittance beam in the accelerator test facility at KEK

Electron beams with the lowest, normalized transverse emittance recorded so far were produced and confirmed in single-bunch-mode operation of the Accelerator Test Facility at KEK. We established a tuning method of the damping ring which achieves a small vertical dispersion and small x-y orbit coupling. The vertical emittance was less than 1% of the horizontal emittance. At the zero-intensity limit, the vertical normalized emittance was less than 2.8 x 10(-8) rad m at beam energy 1.3 GeV. At high intensity, strong effects of intrabeam scattering were observed, which had been expected in view of the extremely high particle density due to the small transverse emittance.

Lung image changes during bronchopulmonary lavage estimated using transoesophageal echocardiography

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is often treated with bronchopulmonary lavage. Transoesophageal echocardiography has been used to detect lung atelectasis in critical situations. A 68-yr-old male with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis underwent bronchopulmonary lavage and was examined using transoesophageal echocardiography. His dependent left-lung area was observed through the descending aorta. Following saline infusion, no bright areas containing air were observed. The average area of the air-free region following instillation was 37.4 +/- 1.8 cm2, which decreased to 22.8 +/- 2.6 cm2 after drainage (P < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between the percentage venous admixture and air-free area during lavage (P < 0.05, r = -0.76). The image of the right lung was unclear. Transoesophageal echocardiography can yield useful information about the lung during bronchopulmonary lavage.

Type-specific regulation of adenylyl cyclase. Selective pharmacological stimulation and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase isoforms

Crystallographic studies have elucidated the binding mechanism of forskolin and P-site inhibitors to adenylyl cyclase. Accordingly, computer-assisted drug design has enabled us to identify isoform-selective regulators of adenylyl cyclase. After examining more than 200 newly synthesized derivatives of forskolin, we found that the modification at the positions of C6 and C7, in general, enhances isoform selectivity. The 6-(3-dimethylaminopropionyl) modification led to an enhanced selectivity for type V, whereas 6-[N-(2-isothiocyanatoethyl) aminocarbonyl] and 6-(4-acrylbutyryl) modification led to an enhanced selectivity for type II. In contrast, 2'-deoxyadenosine 3'-monophosphate, a classical and 3'-phosphate-substituted P-site inhibitor, demonstrated a 27-fold selectivity for inhibiting type V relative to type II, whereas 9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl) adenine, a ribose-substituted P-site ligand, showed a markedly increased, 130-fold selectivity for inhibiting type V. Consequently, on the basis of the pharmacophore analysis of 9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl) adenine and adenylyl cyclase, a novel non-nucleoside inhibitor, 2-amino-7-(2-furanyl)-7,8-dihydro-5(6H)-quinazolinone (NKY80), was identified after virtual screening of more than 850,000 compounds. NKY80 demonstrated a 210-fold selectivity for inhibiting type V relative to type II. More importantly, the combination of a type III-selective forskolin derivative and 9-(tetrahydro-2-furyl) adenine or NKY80 demonstrated a further enhanced selectivity for type III stimulation over other isoforms. Our data suggest the feasibility of adenylyl cyclase isoform-targeted regulation of cyclic AMP signaling by pharmacological reagents, either alone or in combination.

Phospholipase Cbeta4 and protein kinase Calpha and/or protein kinase CbetaI are involved in the induction of long term depression in cerebellar Purkinje cells

Activation of the type-1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) signaling pathway in the cerebellum involves activation of phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC) for the induction of cerebellar long term depression (LTD). The PLC and PKC isoforms that are involved in LTD remain unclear, however. One previous study found no change in LTD in PKCgamma-deficient mice, thus, in the present study, we examined cerebellar LTD in PLCbeta4-deficient mice. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses of cerebellum from wild-type mice revealed that PLCbeta1 was expressed weakly and uniformly, PLCbeta2 was not detected, PLCbeta3 was expressed predominantly in caudal cerebellum (lobes 7-10), and PLCbeta4 was expressed uniformly throughout. In PLCbeta4-deficient mice, expression of total PLCbeta, the mGluR1-mediated Ca(2+) response, and LTD induction were greatly reduced in rostral cerebellum (lobes 1-6). Furthermore, we used immunohistochemistry to localize PKCalpha, -betaI, -betaII, and -gamma in mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells during LTD induction. Both PKCalpha and PKCbetaI were found to be translocated to the plasmamembrane under these conditions. Taken together, these results suggest that mGluR1-mediated activation of PLCbeta4 in rostral cerebellar Purkinje cells induced LTD via PKCalpha and/or PKCbetaI.

[A case of polyarteritis nodosa limited to both calves with a low titer of MPO-ANCA]

A-57-year-old woman had suffered from high fever, general malaise, and loss of weight (6 kg) since January, 2000. She was admitted to our hospital in May, 2000, because of gait disturbance following to swelling of bilateral calves with severe pain beside the above symptoms. Laboratory data showed leukocytosis (WBC 10,000/microliter), high ESR (98 mm/hr), positive CRP (3.43 mg/dl), positive ANA (x160), high titer of RA (266 IU/l), and a low titer of MPO-ANCA (18 EU). T 2-weighted magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed intensity area of the M. gastrocnemius. Skin biopsy specimens of the right leg demonstrated necrotizing arteritis of small-sized arteries. These findings supported the diagnosis of limited type of polyarteritis nodosa (PN). In this report, we demonstrate a rare case of PN limited to both calves with characteristic MRI findings and a low titer of MPO-ANCA.

Development of interferon-alpha resistant subline from human chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line KT-1

OBJECTIVE

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is one of the most effective therapeutic agents for a number of hematological malignancies, including chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Nevertheless, its efficacy is limited because of the development of resistance to IFN-alpha therapy. Previously, we established the novel human CML cell line KT-1, which is sensitive to the antiproliferative effects of IFN-alpha. Here, we report the establishment of an IFN-alpha-resistant subline, KT-1/A3R alpha 1000, by culturing KT-1/A3 cells (IFN-alpha-sensitive subline of KT-1) with increasing concentrations of IFN-alpha, in order to analyze the mechanism of acquisition of IFN-alpha resistance in CML cells after IFN-alpha therapy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We developed an IFN-alpha-resistant tumor cell variant, KT-1/A3R alpha 1000, from the KT-1/A3 cell line by culturing cells with increasing concentrations of IFN-alpha. This subline was examined for its ability to proliferate and its resistance to apoptosis in high concentrations of IFN-alpha. The induction of the ISGF3 complex in response to IFN-alpha alpha in KT-1/A3R alpha 1000 was compared with that in the parental cell.

RESULTS

The levels of interferon-stimulated gene factor 3 components (STAT1, STAT2, and p48) proteins and STAT2 tyrosine phosphorylation induced after IFN-alpha treatment were unchanged, but formation of the ISGF3 complex was remarkably reduced in KT-1/A3R alpha 1000 cells compared to parental cells.

CONCLUSION

The KT-1/A3R alpha 1000 subline is a useful model for studying the mechanism of IFN-alpha resistance after IFN-alpha therapy.

Ketamine and midazolam kinetics during continuous hemodiafiltration in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) on ketamine and midazolam kinetics in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Consecutive clinical study in a general intensive care unit of a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Twelve adult patients with MODS requiring CHDF.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

A total of 68 samples were collected during CHDF for ketamine, norketamine, and midazolam assays. The clearance values for ketamine and norketamine were 10.8 +/- 6.6 and 10.9 +/- 11.5 ml/min and their daily extractions were 21.4 +/- 7.1 and 10.2 +/- 11.5 mg/day, respectively. Midazolam was not eliminated through the filter during CHDF. There were no changes in Ramsay Sedation Score or Glasgow Coma Scale during CHDF.

CONCLUSIONS

Small fractions of ketamine and norketamine were eliminated during CHDF in MODS. Midazolam was not eliminated during CHDF. CHDF did not affect the sedation using ketamine and midazolam even in MODS patients.

Expression of the Gfi-1 gene in HTLV-1-transformed T cells

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) is the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and immortalizes human T cells interleukin-2 (IL-2)-dependently in vitro. Protracted culture of HTLV-I-infected T cells enables them to grow IL-2-independently. Although acquisition of IL-2-independent growth has been correlated with activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), the precise mechanism of IL-2-independent growth is unknown. We found that expression of the Gfi-1 (growth factor independence-1) gene was elevated in most HTLV-I-transformed IL-2-independent cell lines but in few HTLV-I-infected IL-2-dependent cell lines. We also found elevated expression of Gfi-1 in fresh leukemic cells of ATLL patients. Although expression of Gfi-1 is correlated with activation of STAT3, induction of the dominant negative form of STAT3 in the HUT102 cell line does not alter the level of Gfi-1 expression. Furthermore, MT2 cells treated with Gfi-1 antisense oligonucleotide had reduced [3H]thymidine uptake compared with MT2 cells treated with Gfi-1 sense oligonucleotide. These findings indicate that Gfi-1 activation is involved in the IL-2-independent growth of HTLV-I-transformed T cells in vitro and in the development of ATLL in vivo, but is not induced by STAT activation.

Density detection in dependent left lung region using transesophageal echocardiography

BACKGROUND

Densities in dependent lung regions worsen oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Identification of these densities requires examination using computed tomography (CT). In this study, the authors evaluated the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to estimate densities in the dependent lung.

METHODS

Forty consecutive patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome who underwent CT and TEE examination were included in this study. Densities in the lower left lung area were detected through the descending aorta by TEE. Density areas observed by TEE were compared with those obtained by CT. The effect of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) application on density area was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Density areas in the dependent lung region measured by TEE were 12.0+/-6.1 cm2 (mean +/- SD) at mid esophageal position. Density areas evaluated using TEE in the left lung correlated significantly with those estimated with CT in the left and right lungs (P < 0.01 in both lungs). In addition, the authors observed a significant correlation between PaO2/FIO2 and density areas estimated using TEE (P < 0.05). During positive end-expiratory pressure application, the area of density estimated with TEE decreased and PaO2 improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors clearly demonstrated that it is possible to estimate the density area of the dependent left lung regions in patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome using TEE. It is also possible to observe the changes of density areas during application of positive end-expiratory pressure.

[Early detection of hypoxia with BIS monitoring during percutaneous cardiopulmonary support]

We report a patient in whom hypoxia developed during percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass (PCPS) and was detected with the lowering of the bispectral index (BIS) values. A 7-yr-old boy was managed with PCPS for the treatment of cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery. His circulation was dependent on PCPS and pulse pressure was nearly zero. Signals by pulse oxymetry were undetectable and periodical blood gas analysis was performed to confirm proper oxygenation. BIS was monitored, and a gradual decrease in the value was observed. Careful observation also revealed darkening of the blood in the PCPS circuit and blood gas analysis showed severe hypoxia. Oxygen concentration of the gas to a PCPS oxygenator was increased immediately and new PCPS circuit was prepared. It took almost two minutes to exchange the circuit. Near circulatory arrest might have occurred during the procedure and BIS and suppression ratio (SR) became below 10 and above 90, respectively. Both returned to the previous values 30 min after the replacement of the circuit. Severe hypoxia, otherwise overlooked, was detected with BIS monitoring and BIS reflected the circulatory status of the patient, especially of the brain. This monitoring is useful to confirm proper oxygenation during PCPS.

Presence of aldose reductase inhibitors in tea leaves

Water extract from commercial English tea has a potent inhibitory activity against human placenta aldose reductase (NADPH oxidoreductase, E.C.1.1.1.21.). Inhibitory activity was separated into five major fractions by one-step chromatography with a C-18 reverse phase column. The most active fraction was further subjected to reverse phase column chromatography. As a result, a well-known flavone-glycoside, isoquercitrin, was isolated as the most potent chemical. The inhibitory character of isoquercitrin for aldose reductase was a mix of uncompetitive and noncompetitive inhibitions, and its IC50 was 1 x 10(-6) M. In rat sciatic nerve tissue preparations, sorbitol accumulation in the presence of high concentrations of glucose (30 mM) was inhibited by 38% at 5 x 10(-4) M of isoquercitrin. The flavone-glycoside isoquercitrin is the active inhibitor of aldose reductase inhibitor present in English tea. Given the ability of aldose reductase inhibitors to prevent diabetic complications, an epidemiological study of the effect of tea consumption on the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic complications would be interesting.

X-ray induced reduction of rare earth ion doped in Na2O-Al2O3-B2O3 glasses

5Na2O-10Al2O3-85B2O3 glasses doped with 0.05 mol% Sm2O3 or 0.05 mol% Eu2O3 turn to orange after irradiation by focussed femtosecond pulsed laser or x-ray irradiation. To know the mechanism of photo-induced coloring, the glasses were studied by Sm or Eu L(III) XANES before and after x-ray or UV irradiation. XANES in both edges showed that a part of trivalent ion converted to divalent ion upon the irradiation of x-ray. These facts reveal that photoreduction of rare earth ion is the mechanism of photo-induced coloring. However no photoreduction upon UV irradiation occurred in both glasses.

Sensitivity to interferon-alpha and interferon-stimulated gene factor 3 binding activity in human chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line KT-1

The mechanism of responsiveness of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells to interferon (IFN)-alpha was examined by using two subclones of CML cell line KT-1 which exhibited significantly different sensitivities to the antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of IFN-alpha. IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) formation by IFN-alpha was reduced in the IFN-alpha-resistant subclone compared to the IFN-alpha-sensitive subclone. We conclude that the level of ISGF3 formation is responsible for the difference in IFN-alpha responses between these subclones.

Transcriptional down-regulation of CXC chemokine receptor 4 induced by impaired association of transcription regulator YY1 with c-Myc in human herpesvirus 6-infected cells

We have recently reported that down-regulation of CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4 in CD4(+) T lymphocytes is induced by human herpesvirus (HHV) 6 infection. In this study, we further studied the mechanisms of HHV-6-induced CXCR4 down-regulation, focusing on the regulation of CXCR4 transcription. Down-regulation of CXCR4 transcription was detected in HHV-6A-infected JJHAN and HHV-6B-infected MT-4 cell lines, as we had previously reported for HHV-6-infected peripheral blood CD4(+) T lymphocytes. Luciferase assays revealed that a YY1-binding site around -320 relative to the transcription start site is important for down-regulation of CXCR4 transcription in HHV-6-infected cells. The binding activity of YY1, which is a repressor of CXCR4 transcription, to the CXCR4 promoter appeared to significantly increase in HHV-6-infected cells compared with the binding activity in mock-infected cells. Immunoprecipitation assays showed that in HHV-6-infected cells association of c-Myc with YY1 was decreased and that of Max with c-Myc was increased, whereas association of Mad with Max appeared to be decreased. The amounts of each of YY1, c-Myc, Max, and Mad proteins synthesized in cells were not altered by HHV-6 infection. These data indicate that the decreased association of YY1 with c-Myc that is caused by impaired interaction in the c-Myc/Max/Mad network results in increased binding activity of YY1 to the CXCR4 promoter, mediating down-regulation of CXCR4 production in HHV-6-infected cells.

CD20-positive adult T-cell leukemia

A 67-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of lymphadenopathy and lymphocytosis. Monoclonal integration of HTLV-I provirus DNA was detected, and a diagnosis of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) was made. Flow cytometry revealed that the ATL cells expressed CD20 as well as T-cell-associated antigens, and expression of CD20 mRNA was also demonstrated. A novel T-cell subpopulation expressing CD20 molecules has recently been identified. This is the first report of CD20-positive ATL, suggesting that HTLV-I can infect and transform CD20-positive T cells.

The initial distribution volume of glucose rather than indocyanine green derived plasma volume is correlated with cardiac output following major surgery

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether the initial distribution volume of glucose (IDVG) rather than plasma volume or blood volume is correlated better with cardiac output during the 4 days following major surgery.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective clinical investigation in the general intensive care unit of a university hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

31 consecutive patients who underwent radical surgery for esophageal carcinoma were enrolled. Continuous thermodilution cardiac output monitor was placed in the operating room. Indocyanine green (ICG; 25 mg) and glucose (5 g) were administered simultaneously to calculate IDVG and plasma volume determined using the ICG dilution method. Blood volume was also calculated from plasma volume ICG and hematocrit. Those volumes were measured on admission to the ICU and daily on the first 3 postoperative days. The relationships between each volume and cardiac index (CI), and between routine clinical variables and CI were evaluated.

RESULTS

IDVG had a linear correlation with CI in the early postoperative days (r = 0.71, n = 124, p < 0.000001). Measurements of neither the plasma volume nor the blood volume yielded a better correlation with CI than did IDVG (r = 0.45, n = 124, p < 0.000001, and r = 0.23, n = 124, p < 0.01, respectively). No correlation was found between pulmonary artery wedge pressure and CI or between central venous pressure and CI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that IDVG rather than intravascular volume is correlated with cardiac output. We suggest that IDVG has potential as an alternative indicator of cardiac preload following major surgery.

[Subcutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma with chromosomal abnormalities and large granular lymphocytes morphology]

A 72-year-old woman was admitted because of a subcutaneous hip tumor. A biopsy specimen of the tumor showed a mixture of medium-sized and large lymphocytes infiltrating the subcutaneous fat tissue with a lobular panniculitis-like pattern--a histologic feature of subcutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL). May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained cytospin slides of freshly isolated neoplastic cell explants showed that the cells had the characteristics of large granular lymphocytes. Immunophenotypic analysis showed that the cells expressed CD56--a natural killer-associated antigen--as well as the cytotoxic T-cell phenotype CD3+ CD4- CD8+. Southern blot analysis revealed rearrangement bands of the TCR-beta chain gene. Chromosome analysis showed complex abnormalities including t(1;6) (q11; p21). The present case may shed some light on the origin and pathogenesis of SPTCL.

Galectin-1 regulates initial axonal growth in peripheral nerves after axotomy

The signals that prompt the axons to send out processes in peripheral nerves after axotomy are not well understood. Here, we report that galectin-1 can play an important role in this initial stage. We developed an in vitro nerve regeneration model that allows us to monitor the initial axon and support cell outgrowth from the proximal nerve stump, which is comparable to the initial stages of nerve repair. We isolated a factor secreted from COS1 cells that enhanced axonal regeneration, and we identified the factor as galectin-1. Recombinant human galectin-1 (rhGAL-1) showed the same activity at low concentrations (50 pg/ml) that are two orders of magnitude lower than those of lectin activity. A similarly low concentration was also effective in in vivo experiments of axonal regeneration with migrating reactive Schwann cells to a grafted silicone tube after transection of adult rat peripheral nerve. Moreover, the application of functional anti-rhGAL-1 antibody strongly inhibited the regeneration in vivo as well as in vitro. The same effect of rhGAL-1 was confirmed in crush/freeze experiments of the adult mouse sciatic nerve. Because galectin-1 is expressed in the regenerating sciatic nerves as well as in both sensory neurons and motor neurons, we suggest that galectin-1 may regulate initial repair after axotomy. This high activity of the factor applied under nonreducing conditions suggests that galectin-1 may work as a cytokine, not as a lectin.

[Isolation of type-A blood group active glycoproteins from salivas and their reaction with monoclonal antibodies]

We have previously examined several ABO blood grouping antibodies with whole saliva and observed that there were two types of antibodies. One group of antibodies reacted with both secretory and non-secretory saliva, and the other with only secretory saliva. In order to clarify the differences in reaction of the antibodies with saliva, we needed to analyze of antigens in secretory and non-secretory saliva. Therefore, we prepared blood group active glycoproteins from secretory and non-secretory saliva by affinity chromatography and gel filtration. The secretory saliva gave three active peaks, one large peak in the void volume and two small peaks in fractions of smaller molecular weights on Sepharose-CL6B after the affinity chromatography. From the non-secretory saliva, a single active peak in the void volume, which corresponded to the major peak in the secretory saliva, was found. Most blood group activities were found in those void volume fractions. Moreover, capillary electrophoresis showed that these blood group active glycoproteins were identical, and that there were immunological differences between secretory and non-secretory salivary blood group substances.

Comparative therapeutic evaluation of intrathecal versus epidural methylprednisolone for long-term analgesia in patients with intractable postherpetic neuralgia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of intrathecal versus epidural methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) in patients with intractable postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

METHODS

We studied 25 patients with a duration of PHN of more than 1 year. The patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups: an intrathecal group (n = 13) and an epidural group (n = 12). Sixty milligrams of MPA was administered either into the intrathecal or the epidural space four times at 1-week intervals depending on the treatment group. Continuous and lancinating pain and allodynia were evaluated by a physician unaware of group assignment with a 10-cm visual analogue scale before treatment, at the end of treatment, and 1 and 24 weeks after treatment. In addition, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained for measurement of interleukin (IL)-1beta, -6, and -8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha before and 1 week after treatment.

RESULTS

We found marked alleviation of continuous and lancinating pain and allodynia in the intrathecal group (P < .001). The improvements were much greater in the intrathecal group than in the epidural group at all time points after the end of treatment (P < .005). IL-8 in the CSF decreased significantly in the intrathecal group as compared to the epidural group at the l-week time point (P < .01), whereas the other cytokines were undetectable.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest the effectiveness of intrathecal as compared to epidural MPA for relieving the pain and allodynia associated with PHN. Also, our findings, together with the decrease in IL-8, may indicate that intrathecal MPA improves analgesia by decreasing an ongoing inflammatory reaction in the CSF.

Down-regulation of CXCR4 by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and HHV-7

Recent studies have demonstrated that human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and HHV-7 interact with HIV-1 and alter the expression of various surface molecules and functions of T lymphocytes. The present study was undertaken to clarify whether coreceptors for HIV-1, CXCR4 and CCR5, are necessary for HHV-6 and HHV-7 infection. Although CXCR4 and CCR5 appeared not to be the coreceptors for these viruses, marked down-regulation of CXCR4, but not CCR5, was detected in HHV-6 variant A (HHV-6A)-, HHV-6 variant B (HHV-6B)-, and HHV-7-infected cells. Down-regulation of CXCR4 resulted in impairment of chemotaxis and a decreased level of elevation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in response to stromal cell-derived factor-1. Northern blot analysis of mRNAs extracted from HHV-6A-, HHV-6B-, and HHV-7-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes demonstrated a markedly decreased level of CXCR4 gene transcription, but the posttranscriptional stability of CXCR4 mRNA was not significantly altered. These data demonstrate that unlike HIV-1, HHV-6 and HHV-7 infections do not require expression of CXCR4 or CCR5, whereas marked down-regulation of CXCR4 is induced by these viruses, suggesting that HHV-6 and HHV-7 infections may render CD4+ T lymphocytes resistant to T lymphocyte-tropic HIV-1 infection.

Relation of serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose to colorectal carcinoma in situ

BACKGROUND

No one has previously examined the relation of serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose to colorectal carcinoma in situ.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed with 129 cases of colorectal carcinoma in situ and 258 matched controls among examinees undergoing a health check-up in Tokyo from January 1991 to March 1993.

RESULTS

There was a significant, positive association between serum total cholesterol levels and the risk of colorectal carcinoma in situ after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status and alcohol consumption. Serum triglyceride levels were significantly and positively associated with colorectal carcinoma in situ risk regardless of adjustment for the above covariates. Although there was no clear relation between colorectal carcinoma in situ and fasting plasma glucose levels, a modest increase of colorectal carcinoma in situ risk was observed in the highest category (> or =116 mg/dl) of fasting plasma glucose levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest a positive association between serum total cholesterol levels and the risk of colorectal cancer, rather than an inverse relation. The strong association with serum triglyceride levels and the weak association with fasting plasma glucose levels support the hypothesis that hyperinsulinaemia may play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Ratio of indocyanine green and glucose dilutions detects capillary protein leakage following endotoxin injection in dogs

This study was designed to determine whether endotoxin-induced generalized capillary protein leakage can be detected using the ratio of indocyanine green (ICG) and glucose dilutions. Plasma volume determined by the ICG dilution method (Vd-ICG) and the initial distribution volume of glucose (IDVG) were assessed simultaneously before and after either the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 0.3 mg kg-1 or equal amounts of isotonic saline in two groups of eight dogs, using a one-compartment model after simultaneous infusions of both ICG 0.5 mg kg-1 and glucose 100 mg kg-1. The IDVG has been shown to indicate the extracellular fluid volume of highly perfused organs including plasma. All post-treatment values decreased compared with the pre-treatment values (P < 0.05), except Vd-ICG in the LPS group, even though the post-treatment total plasma protein concentration of the LPS group decreased significantly compared with the pre-treatment value (P < 0.05). The post-treatment Vd-ICG/IDVG ratio of the saline group remained unchanged compared with that of the pre-treatment, and the post-treatment ratio of the LPS group increased significantly (P < 0.01). It can be concluded that overestimation of the Vd-ICG can occur after endotoxin injection, which can be detected by simultaneous measurements of the Vd-ICG and the IDVG.

Measurements of extracellular fluid volume in highly perfused organs and lung water in hypo- and hypervolaemic dogs

The purpose of this study was to identify whether the central extracellular fluid volume status following hypo- and hypervolaemia can be measured by the initial distribution volume of glucose or by the extravascular lung water. These two estimates were compared with the initial distribution volume of sucrose which has been used as an indicator for the measurement of the extracellular fluid volume. The above three estimates were determined by the administration of glucose, chilled saline and sucrose solutions, before and after haemorrhage (30 mL kg-1), and subsequent fluid load (lactated Ringer's solution 90 mL kg-1). The distribution volumes of glucose and sucrose decreased after haemorrhage and increased after fluid load compared with normovolaemic values, and a linear correlation was obtained between these two distribution volumes (r = 0.93, P < 0.001, n = 36). However, the extravascular lung water remained statistically unchanged throughout the procedure, despite a weak linear correlation with the sucrose distribution volume (r = 0.38, n = 33, P < 0.05). These results indicate that the initial distribution volume of glucose is more useful as an indicator of the central extracellular fluid volume status than the extravascular lung water.

[An autopsy case of Goodpasture syndrome preceded with membranous glomerulonephritis]

Goodpasture syndrome (GS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the association of pulmonary hemorrhage and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The pathogenesis of GS is still unknown, but was shown to be the result that antibodies directed against glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigens could injure both glomerular and pulmonary alveolar basement membrane. And membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is a glomerular disease characterized by epimembranous immune deposits and basement membrane thickening. MGN typically presents with the onset of nephrotic syndrome, but it often presents with only asymptomatic proteinuria. We reported an autopsy case of GS preceded with MGN. A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with acute renal failure in May 2, 1996. Percutaneous renal biopsy demonstrated a crescentic glomerulonephritis associated with MGN and linear immunofluorescent staining of the basement membrane with antibodies to IgG. Two weeks later on admission he began to develop slight hemoptysis and chest X-ray showed pulmonary hemorrhage, Furthermore, his serum anti-GBM antibodies titer was very high. He was diagnosed as GS associated with MGN and treated with plasma exchange, glucocorticoid, and cyclophosphamide. Though his symptom was improved for intensive support, he suddenly died on June 22. Autopsied lungs showed focal pulmonary hemorrhage, but were not considered to be life-threatening. The cause of the death remained unclear.

Case-control study of colorectal carcinoma in situ and cancer in relation to cigarette smoking and alcohol use (Japan)

A case-control study was performed in order to examine the relation of cigarette smoking and alcohol use to colorectal carcinoma in situ and cancer, separately. Study subjects consisted of 129 colorectal carcinoma in situ cases, 66 colorectal cancer cases, and 390 controls recruited from health check-up examinees in Tokyo from January 1991 to March 1993. Smoking status and alcohol habit were ascertained from a self-administered questionnaire. Both cumulative cigarette smoking and current smoking status were associated significantly with an increased risk of carcinoma in situ. A statistically nonsignificant increase in the risk of colorectal cancer was noted only among those with the heaviest exposure category of these measures of smoking. The cumulative exposure to cigarette smoking within recent 20 years was associated significantly with an increased risk of carcinoma in situ, whereas smoking until 20 years before the diagnosis was associated significantly with an increase of cancer risk. A significant and positive association was observed between cumulative alcohol drinking and colorectal cancer. These findings suggest that cigarette smoking may act as an initiator in colorectal carcinogenesis and also provide weak evidence that alcohol drinking is related to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

IL-1 beta enhances neurite regeneration from transected-nerve terminals of adult rat DRG

We clarified the roles of IL-1 beta in peripheral neural regeneration after axotomy in a three-dimensional collagen gel culture system ranging from a single neurone to a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explant with its associated nerve bundles. Application of 30 U/ml IL-1 beta to the culture systems clearly enhanced neural regeneration. This regeneration was evident in transected nerve terminals of DRG explants with or without associated nerve bundles, but not in dissociated single neurones. Neural survival was not affected by IL-1 beta in any of these culture systems. These results suggest that IL-1 beta stimulates surrounding non-neuronal cells to secrete neurotrophic factors, thus enhancing neurite regeneration from transected nerve terminals in cultured adult DRG explants.

The kinase domain of Jak2 mediates induction of bcl-2 and delays cell death in hematopoietic cells

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-3, and IL-5 stimulate DNA synthesis and proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in hematopoietic cells. Multiple signal pathways are activated by binding of these ligands to their receptors, which share a common beta subunit. Janus protein kinase 2 (Jak2) binds to the membrane proximal domain of the beta chain and is phosphorylated on receptor ligation. To explore the role of Jak2 in the regulation of specific signal transduction pathways, we constructed fusion proteins with a CD16 external domain, a CD7 transmembrane region, and a Jak2 cytoplasmic domain. This cytoplasmic domain consisted either of wild type Jak2 (CD16/Jak2-W) or Jak2 mutations with deletions of (a) the amino terminus (CD16/Jak2-N), (b) kinase-like domain (CD16/Jak2-B), (c) kinase domain (CD16/Jak2-C), or (d) amino-terminal and kinase-like domains, leaving the kinase domain (CD16/Jak-K) intact. In contrast to the CD16/Jak2-W fusion protein, which requires cross-linking for activation, CD16/Jak2-N, CD16/Jak2-B, and CD16/Jak2-K were constitutively phosphorylated, and they stimulated Shc phosphorylation and increased binding of STAT to DNA in Ba/F3 cells. Cell lines derived from IL-3-dependent Ba/F3 cells stably transfected with CD16/Jak2-W, CD16/Jak2-N, or CD16/Jak2-B mammalian expression vectors died at a rate similar to that of the parental cells on IL-3 deprivation. In contrast, CD16/Jak2-K cell lines exhibited increased expression of bcl-2 and pim-1 mRNA and maintained their viability when compared with control cell lines. Thus, activation of tyrosine phosphorylation by creating a CD16/Jak2-K fusion is sufficient to activate pathways that prevent cell death.

Induction of apoptosis in various tumor cell lines by geranylgeraniol

We have found that GGO is a potent inducer of apoptosis in various human tumor cell lines, including a myeloid multipotential leukemia K562 cell line which is resistant to the induction of apoptosis by various apoptosis-inducing agents and conditions. Polyprenylalcohols with isoprenyl units shorter than the geranylgeranyl group or longer than farnesyl group were less effective in inducing apoptosis in myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells and polyprenylketones had no apoptosis-inducing activity. The fragmentation of DNA in HL-60 cells by GGO was so rapid, no significant effect on the cell cycle was observed. [3H]GGO was taken up by HL-60 cells in 3 h and was incorporated into several proteins. The expression of c-myc and bcl-2 decreased significantly within 3 h of the start of the treatment of HL-60 cells with 50 microM GGO.

Analgesic effect of a herbal medicine for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea--a double-blind study

We evaluated the analgesic effect of Toki-shakuyaku-san (TSS) in women who had a combination of "deficiency," of "Yin," "cold," and "stagnated blood" syndromes, and were suffering from dysmenorrhea. A diagnostic scoring system was used for determination of these conditions. We treated patients with either TSS or placebo during 2 menstrual cycles with a double-blind technique, and we followed them for 2 additional cycles. A significant alleviation of dysmenorrhea was observed in patients treated with TSS as compared to those treated with placebo. Our results suggest that TSS is effective for treatment of dysmenorrhea in patients with the above-mentioned conditions.

[Acute cardiac failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid antibody]

A 33-year-old man presented malar rash in April, 1992. The rash had gradually developed and he was admitted to our hospital in February, 1994. Laboratory findings showed proteinuria of 0.5-0.8 g/ day, thrombocytopenia (4.8 x 10(4)/mm3), false positive serologic test for syphilis, anti-nuclear antibody with a speckled type at a titer of 1 : 80. Activated partial thromboplastin time was prolonged (41.3 s), and anti-beta 2-GPI antibody was strongly positive (56.6 U/ml on enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid syndrome was made and prednisolone 60 mg/day improved his manifestations. He could be discharged in July, 1994. Nine months after the discharge he developed dyspnea, and he was admitted to our hospital again. On admission the blood pressure was 212/170 mmHg, Levine III/VI systolic murmur was noted at the apex of heart. Significant laboratory findings showed as follows: WBC 15, 110/mm3 (Neu 73%, Lym 18%), RBC 380 x 10(4)/mm3, Hb 10.2 g/dl, Plt 20.0 x 10(4)/mm3, GOT 23 IU/l, GPT 21.

Geranylgeraniol causes a decrease in levels of calreticulin and tyrosine phosphorylation of a 36-kDa protein prior to the appearance of apoptotic features in HL-60 cells

It was demonstrated recently that geranylgeraniol (GGO) has potent apoptosis-inducing activity in various lines of tumor cells, including HL-60 cells. In the present study, we found that GGO markedly inhibited the expression of a calcium-binding protein, calreticulin, prior to the induction of apoptosis in HL-60 cells. Furthermore, we also observed a significant decrease in the tyrosine phosphorylation of a 36-kDa protein that is a major tyrosine-phosphorylated protein in HL-60 cells. These findings suggest that decreases in levels of calreticulin and in the tyrosine phosphorylation of the 36-kDa protein might be associated with the induction of apoptosis by GGO in HL-60 cells.

[A case of Sjögren's syndrome with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia]

A 73-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in January 1995 because of dry cough and dyspnea. A diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome with distal renal tubular acidosis and Hashimoto's disease had been made in 1984. Dry cough developed and a chest X-ray showed bilateral reticulo-nodular shadows in the lower lung field in 1992. Her symptoms had gradually became more severe and the reticulo-nodular shadows on her chest X-ray had spread to both upper lung fields. We performed transbronchial lung biopsy. Biopsy specimens showed lymphocytic infiltration of the aleveolar walls. These lymphocytes were almost CD3-positive and CD19-negative in immunohistopathological studies. CD4-positive cells and CD8-positive cells were present in almost equal numbers. A diagnosis of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) associated with Sjögren's syndrome was made. The patient was treated with prednisolone, 40 mg daily. Her dry cough and dyspnea improved slightly but her chest X-ray remained unchanged. We suggest that immunohistopathological analysis of biopsy specimens may show a difference between lymphocytic infiltration of labial salivary glands and of the lung.

[A case of eosinophilic fasciitis with excessive increase of muscle enzyme]

A sixty-year old woman had muscle pain of her extremities and stiffness in her fingers after unusual physical exertion. On admission she developed indurative swellings of the upper extremities and flexion contractures of her fingers. Laboratory data showed peripheral blood eosinophilia and excessive increase of muscle enzymes. Electromyography showed a myopathic pattern and magnetic resonance imaging showed findings of myositis. We performed a full thickness biopsy from skin to muscle. In histopathologic studies, collagenous hypertrophy of the fascia and perifascicular atrophy of muscle fibers and infiltrates on eosinophiles in the interstitial tissue were found. She was treated with prednisolone (60 mg/day). Clinical symptoms showed improvement and her peripheral blood eosinophiles and serum muscle enzymes deminished quickly. In this case, we suggest that the characteristic histopathologic findings in eosinophilic faciitis is not fascia alone, but includes muscle. We stress that eosinophilic faciitis and polymyositis are closely related.

Signal transduction by a CD16/CD7/Jak2 fusion protein

The addition of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to hormone-dependent cells induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Janus protein kinase 2 (Jak2) and activates its in vitro kinase activity. To explore the role of Jak2 in IL-3/GM-CSF-mediated signal transduction, we constructed a CD16/CD7/Jak2 (CD16/Jak2) fusion gene containing the external domain of CD16 and the entire Jak2 molecule and expressed this fusion protein using a recombinant vaccinia virus. The clustering of CD16/Jak2 fusion protein by cross-linking with an anti-CD16 antibody induced autophosphorylation of the fusion protein but did not induce the phosphorylation of either the endogenous Jak2 or the beta chain. Cross-linking of CD16/Jak2 stimulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of a large group of proteins that are also phosphorylated after the addition of IL-3 or GM-CSF and include proteins of 145, 97, 67, 52, and 42 kDa. Closer analysis demonstrated that the CD16/Jak2 phosphorylates Shc, a 52-kDa protein, and the 145-kDa protein associated tightly with Shc, as well as mitogen-associated protein kinase (pp42). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrate that CD16/Jak2 activates the ability of signal transduction and activation of transcription (STAT) proteins to bind to an interferon-gamma-activated sequence oligonucleotide in a manner similar to that seen after IL-3 treatment. Cross-linking of the CD16/Jak2 protein stimulated increases in c-fos and junB similar to IL-3 but did not cause major changes in the levels of the c-myc message, which normally increases after IL-3 treatment. Thus, a transmembrane CD16/Jak2 fusion is capable of activating protein phosphorylation and mRNA transcription in a manner similar but not identical to hematopoietic growth factors.

Regions of the JAK2 tyrosine kinase required for coupling to the growth hormone receptor

Growth hormone (GH) treatment of cells promotes activation of JAK2, a GH receptor (GHR)-associated tyrosine kinase. We now explore JAK2 regions required for GHR-induced signaling. Wild-type (WT) JAK2 and JAK2 molecules with deletions of the amino terminus (JAK2ATD), carboxyl terminus (JAK2CTD), or kinase-like domain (JAK2PKD) were each transiently coexpressed in COS-7 cells with the rabbit GHR. The following responses were assayed: GH-induced transactivation of a luciferase reporter governed by a c-fos enhancer element; GH-induced shift in the molecular mass of a cotransfected epitope-tagged extracellular signal-regulated kinase molecule; and GH-induced antiphosphotyrosine immunoprecipitability of the transfected JAK2 form. In each assay, WTJAK2 and JAK2PKD allowed GH-induced signaling, whereas JAK2ATD and JAK2CTD did not. Anti-GHR serum coimmunoprecipitated WTJAK2, JAK2PKD, and JAK2CTD, but not JAK2ATD. Finally, a chimera in which the JAK2 kinase domain replaced the GHR cytoplasmic domain signaled GH-induced transactivation. We conclude: 1) kinase-like domain deletion eliminates neither physical nor functional interaction between JAK2 and the GHR; 2) kinase domain deletion eliminates functional but not physical coupling of JAK2 to the GHR; 3) interaction with the GHR appears dependent on the NH2-terminal one-fifth of JAK2; and 4) a GH-responsive signaling unit can include as little as the GHR external and transmembrane domains and the JAK2 kinase domain.

The modified method of two-step differential extraction of sperm and vaginal epithelial cell DNA from vaginal fluid mixed with semen

This investigation was undertaken as an efficient method for isolating sperm DNA from a mixed fluid sample which contains vaginal epithelial cells in a greater amount. The modified method of the two-step differential extraction procedure was found to be suitable for separating sperm DNA and vaginal epithelial cell DNA from the mixed stains. As the first step of digestion, vaginal epithelial cells in the mixed stains were lysed with Proteinase K and SDS, and sperm heads remaining in the lysed solution were collected by centrifugation. As the second step digestion, the sperm heads were lysed with the buffer containing Proteinase K, SDS and DTT as reducing agent. DNA fractions extracted from the two lysed solutions were enriched, one with sperm DNA and the other with vaginal epithelial cell DNA. MCT118(D1S80), ApoB VNTR and HLADQ alpha types of sperm DNA were detected and were confirmed by matching with corresponding male blood DNA. In the case of vaginal secretion mixed with semen of two males, the mixture of MCT118 types of the two males was detected in sperm DNA fraction.