The usefulness of the retinal sensitivity measurement with a microperimetry for predicting the visual prognosis of branch retinal vein occlusion with macular edema

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of the retinal sensitivity in branch retinal vein occlusion (BVO) with macular edema (ME) following the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment.

Methods

Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements were carried out in 20 patients with BVO with ME, at baseline and 1 month after the anti-VEGF treatment. The relationships among BCVA, mean retinal sensitivity (MS), macular volume (MV), central retinal thickness (CRT), integrity of ellipsoid zone (EZ), mean retinal sensitivity in the most affected quadrant (qMS), and macular volume in the most affected quadrant (qMV) were investigated. In addition, the relationships among the change in BCVA at 1 month (ΔBCVA1m), mean sensitivity in the most affected quadrant at 1 month (ΔqMS1m), MV in the most affected quadrant at 1 month (ΔqMV1m), and CRT at 1 month (ΔCRT1m) were analyzed. The optimal model for BCVA at 3 months after the treatment (BCVA3m) was identified.

Results

There was not a significant difference in BCVA (paired Wilcoxon test, p = 0.058) between at baseline and after the treatment, but there were significant differences in MS, MV, CRT, qMS, and qMV (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between ΔqMS1m and ΔMV1m, ΔCRT1m, and ΔqMV1m, respectively. ΔMS1m or ΔqMS1m and BCVA at baseline and ΔBCVA1m were selected as explanatory variables in the optimal model for BCVA3m.

Conclusion

Retinal sensitivity was related to retinal structure, whereas this was not the case with BCVA. In addition, retinal sensitivity was useful to predict BCVA after anti-VEGF therapy.

Unilateral pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy with retinitis pigmentosa in the contralateral eye: A case report

Purpose

We describe a sporadic case of unilateral pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in the contralateral eye.

Observations

a 24-year-old female aware of the narrowing of visual field was examined at our hospital. Funduscopic examination revealed left eye showing retinochroidal atrophy along the retinal veins with pigment accumulation while right eye showing peripheral diffuse retinal pigmented epithelium atrophy with bone spicule pigmentation. Fundus autofluorescence, electroretinogram, visual field test and optic coherent tomography were also performed and obtained results were compatible with funduscopic observation.

Conclusions and importance

Simultaneous manifestation of PPRCA and RP observed in this case is rare and supports a shared genetic basis between the two diseases. Further genetic investigations are needed to elucidate the etiology and to properly manage PPRCA.

Meta-analysis of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer using the magnetic technique

BACKGROUND

The standard for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), the dual technique (radiolabelled tracer and blue dye), has several drawbacks. A novel magnetic technique without these drawbacks has been evaluated in a number of clinical trials. It uses a magnetic tracer and a handheld magnetometer to identify and excise sentinel lymph nodes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the performance and utility of the magnetic in comparison to the standard technique.

METHODS

MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane online literature databases were used to identify all original articles evaluating the magnetic technique for SLNB published up to April 2016. Studies were included if they were prospectively conducted clinical trials comparing the magnetic with the standard technique for SLNB in patients with breast cancer.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included. The magnetic technique was non-inferior to the standard technique (z = 3·87, P < 0·001), at a 2 per cent non-inferiority margin. The mean identification rates for the standard and magnetic techniques were 96·8 (range 94·2-99·0) and 97·1 (94·4-98·0) per cent respectively (risk difference (RD) 0·00, 95 per cent c.i. -0·01 to 0·01; P = 0·690). The total lymph node retrieval was significantly higher with the magnetic compared with the standard technique: 2113 (1·9 per patient) versus 2000 (1·8 per patient) (RD 0·05, 0·03 to 0·06; P = 0·003). False-negative rates were 10·9 (range 6-22) per cent for the standard technique and 8·4 (2-22) per cent for the magnetic technique (RD 0·03, 0·00 to 0·06; P = 0·551). The mean discordance rate was 3·9 (range 1·7-6·9) per cent.

CONCLUSION

The magnetic technique for SLNB is non-inferior to the standard technique, with a high identification rate but with a significantly higher lymph node retrieval rate.

PDGF and TGF-β promote tenascin-C expression in subepithelial myofibroblasts and contribute to intestinal mucosal protection in mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tenascin-C (TnC) is a multi-domain extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is expressed at a high level during embryogenesis but is almost absent during normal postnatal life. This multi-domain complex molecule is reported to associate with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signalling cascades. In this study, we examined how TnC modulated intestinal inflammation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

TnC pathophysiology was evaluated in cultures of rat intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (ISEMF) and intestinal epithelial cells. Wild-type and TnC(-/-) mice were treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to induce colitis.

KEY RESULTS

DSS-induced colitis in mice markedly increased TnC in the damaged mucosal areas and up-regulated mRNA for TnC, pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors (PDGF-B and TGF-β1). In addition, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis and SAMP1/Yit mice, a model of spontaneous Crohn's disease, also exhibited increased mucosal TnC in colon and ilea respectively. PDGF receptor-α (PDGFRα) positive ISEMF were the primary TnC-producing cells in colon tissues. Accordingly, ISEMF collected from the rat colon constitutively expressed both TnC and PDGFRα. PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 up-regulated both TnC mRNA and protein levels in ISEMF. Knock-down of TnC gene increased susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis, compared with TnC(+/+) littermates. TnC(-/-) mice showed marked abrasion of intestinal mucosal barrier and increased inflammatory scores. Moreover, TnC accelerated both trans-well migration and wound healing in epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The pharmacological profiles of PDGF-BB and TGF-β in colitis tissues and ISEMF suggest that increased TnC production during inflammation contributed to epithelial cell migration, remodelling and protection of intestinal barriers.

Speciation in ninespine stickleback: reproductive isolation and phenotypic divergence among cryptic species of Japanese ninespine stickleback

Although similar patterns of phenotypic diversification are often observed in phylogenetically independent lineages, differences in the magnitude and direction of phenotypic divergence have been also observed among independent lineages, even when exposed to the same ecological gradients. The stickleback family is a good model with which to explore the ecological and genetic basis of parallel and nonparallel patterns of phenotypic evolution, because there are a variety of populations and species that are locally adapted to divergent environments. Although the patterns of phenotypic divergence as well as the genetic and ecological mechanisms have been well characterized in threespine sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, we know little about the patterns of phenotypic diversification in other stickleback lineages. In eastern Hokkaido, Japan, there are three species of ninespine sticklebacks, Pungitius tymensis and the freshwater type and the brackish-water type of the P. pungitius-P. sinensis species complex. They utilize divergent habitats along coast-stream gradients of rivers. Here, we investigated genetic, ecological and phenotypic divergence among three species of Japanese ninespine sticklebacks. Divergence in trophic morphology and salinity tolerance occurred in the direction predicted by the patterns observed in threespine sticklebacks. However, the patterns of divergence in armour plate were different from those previously found in threespine sticklebacks. Furthermore, the genetic basis of plate variation may differ from that in threespine sticklebacks. Because threespine sticklebacks are well-established model for evolutionary research, the sympatric trio of ninespine sticklebacks will be an invaluable resource for ecological and genetic studies on both common and lineage-specific patterns of phenotypic diversification.

[Lung cancer operation in situs inversus totalis patient]

Situs inversus totalis represents a complete mirror image anatomy of the normal arrangement of the thoracic and abdominal viscera. This rare condition may pose possible surgical problems due to anatomical abnormality. There were few reports of surgical treatment for lung cancer patient with situs inversus totalis. In this case report, we describe a 74-year-old patient with situs inversus totalis and primary lung cancer who underwent successful left upper lobectomy and systemic lymph node dissection. For this rare condition, detail preoperative evaluation of mirror image anatomy with computed tomography and bronchofiber optic examination was thought to be a key to carry out safe operative procedure.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Increased F<inf>I</inf>O<inf>2</inf>for Enhancing Driver's Activation State Using Simulated Monotonous Driving

Lowering of what we term a driver's Activation State (AS) during monotonous driving conditions may increase the risk of an accident. To develop an in-car environment that allows active driving - "Biofee dforward System" - we have investigated the effects of applying a stimulus of increased inspired oxygen fraction (F<inf>I</inf>O<inf>2</inf>) supply on a driver's AS, using simulated monotonous driving. We used our previously substantiated index of As derived from beat-by-beat blood pressure (BP) response following an electrical stimulus. We have made physiological measurements including BP and found that the increased F<inf>I</inf>O<inf>2</inf>stimulus is effective in enhancing the AS. This finding was also confirmed in terms of the autonomic activity balance as well as the lengthening in time for active, safer, driving.

Physiological investigation of automobile driver's activation index using simulated monotonous driving

Monotonous automobile operation in our daily life may cause the lowering of what might be termed an activation state of the human body, resulting in an increased risk of an accident. We therefore propose to create a more suitable environment in-car so as to allow active operation of the vehicle, hopefully thus avoiding potentially dangerous situations during driving. In order to develop such an activation method as a final goal, we have firstly focused on the acquisition of physiological variables, including cardiovascular parameters, during presentation to the driver of a monotonous screen image, simulating autonomous travel of constant-speed on a motorway. Subsequently, we investigated the derivation of a driver's activation index. During the screen image presentation, a momentary electrical stimulation of about 1 second duration was involuntarily applied to a subject's shoulder to obtain a physiological response. We have successfully monitored various physiological variables during the image presentation, and results suggest that a peculiar pattern in the beat-by-beat change of blood pressure in response to the involuntary stimulus may be an appropriate, and feasible, index relevant to activation state.

Changes in mRNAs encoding steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, steroidogenic enzymes and receptors for gonadotropins during spermatogenesis in rainbow trout testes

In vertebrates, sperm development and maturation are directly regulated by gonadal steroid hormone secretion. The relationships among the expression of genes encoding steroidogenic proteins and receptors for gonadotropins, and testicular steroid production have not yet been comprehensively determined in male teleosts. In this study, the changes in levels of mRNAs encoding follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-4-isomerase, cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, cytochrome P450 11beta-hydroxylase, 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 20beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were determined by real-time, quantitative PCR assays and related to changes in serum steroid levels throughout the reproductive cycle in male rainbow trout. Serum 11-ketotestosterone and 17alpha,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one levels were measured by RIA. Although the pattern of change in the mRNA levels for the enzymes was variable, the increases in steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs started prior to a significant increase of serum steroid levels. The patterns of transcript levels of FSH and LH receptors suggest that changes in StAR and steroidogenic enzyme transcripts are largely mediated by the FSH receptor during early and mid-spermatogenesis and by the LH receptor during late spermatogenesis and spermiation. Levels of StAR (10-fold) and P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (sevenfold) transcripts changed with the greatest magnitude and were closely related to the changes in serum steroids, suggesting that changes in StAR and P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase abundance are likely to be the major influences on overall steroidogenic output during the reproductive cycle in male rainbow trout.

Volumetric coronary angiography using the 256-detector row computed tomography scanner: comparison in vivo and in vitro with porcine models

PURPOSE

To investigate the feasibility of volumetric cine imaging in human cardiac studies by comparing in vivo and in vitro coronary angiography using a 256-detector row computed tomography (CT) without ECG gating.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The left and right coronary arteries of two domestic pigs were scanned in vivo and in vitro in cine mode using the 256-detector row CT. The device scanned approximately 100 mm in the cranio-caudal direction with one rotation, with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm.

RESULTS

The coronary arteries could be observed to the third-degree branches in vitro, but could be visualized clearly only to the proximal portion (first-degree or second-degree branches) in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Application of cardiac volumetric cine imaging with 256-detector row CT may be a promising means of obtaining diagnostic information and has potential for adoption to human studies.

Mutation induction by heavy-ion irradiation of gpt delta transgenic mice

Using the new transgenic mice produced by mating gpt delta with p53 knockout, mutation induction by heavy-ion irradiation and the effect of p53 background on such induction were studied. After the whole body irradiation with 10 Gy of 135 MeV/u carbon-ion beam, the genomic DNA was isolated from the different organs and the lambda DNA was rescued as a phage. Mutations in the transgene on the lambda DNA were determined by the spi(-) selection (deletion assay). The spi(-) mutation was induced by the above irradiation, but enhancement of the mutant frequency by the knockout of p53 gene was found not in the phages recovered from liver but in those from kidney. We are now making an effort to determine the nature of spi(-) mutation to confirm such p53 effect.

[A case of multiple liver metastases from sigmoid colon cancer effectively treated by hepatic intra-arterial administration of levoforinate and 5-fluorouracil]

A 62-year-old female patient, who was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer with multiple liver metastases, was admitted to our hospital. She underwent sigmoidectomy with D3 lymph node dissection on January 31, 2000. In addition to that, she received hepatic intra-arterial infusion of levoforinate (l-LV) 250 mg and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 500 mg for combined multiple hepatic metastases starting on postoperative day 14, and these medications were administered over 48 hours once weekly by infuser pump. The tumor diminished by 59% 2 months after the start of administration and further diminished at 4 months. PR was achieved. Cancer metastasis to the cerebellum and metastasis to the lung were detected at month 9 and month 11, respectively, but the liver metastatic tumor continued to diminish in size, ultimately becoming undetectable by CT scan at month 10. Surgery and radiotherapy were performed for the cerebellar metastasis, and intravenous administration of a combination of l-LV and 5-FU was performed systemically for the pulmonary metastatic tumor. At present, the patient receives regular outpatient treatment continuously. To our knowledge, there has been no report on the combination therapy with l-LV and 5-FU through the hepatic artery. Since good antitumor efficacy was demonstrated in the present patient, this case is described in this report together with four other cases of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer.

Immunohistochemical characterization of hepatoblastomas in B6C3F1 mice treated with diethylnitrosamine and sodium phenobarbital

Hepatoblastomas (HBs) were induced in B6C3F1 male mice by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and sodium phenobarbital (PB). Six-week-old mice received a single intraperitoneal dose of DEN followed by a continuous treatment with PB in diet at a concentration of 0 (group 1) or 500 (group 2) ppm for 50 weeks. HBs were observed in 13 of 21 (62%) group 2 mice, with typical histologic features as reported previously, while no such tumors were observed in group 1. Seven of 13 (54%) HBs were found in and/or adjacent to hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) or hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Immunohistochemically, all HBs were positive for S-100 protein but negative for keratin, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), albumin (ALB) and vimentin, while HCC cells occasionally reacted positively for AFP with a mosaic pattern. HCC and HCA cells were occasionally positive for ALB. Non-neoplastic hepatocytes and normal bile ducts were positively stained for ALB and keratin/S-100 protein, respectively. S-100 protein is known to be expressed in many mesenchymal tissues and neoplasms including neuroectodermal elements but negative in cells of the hepatic lineage. Thus, the present immunohistochemical results suggested that mesenchymal differentiation occurs in mouse HB cells as observed in human HBs, one of the most frequent infant liver tumors in humans. Although the susceptibility of mouse HBs to PB-promotion suggests a hepatocytic histogenesis, the present immunohistochemical results support the hypothesis that the mouse HB is derived from pluripotent endodermal stem-like cells.

Xenopus FRS2 is involved in early embryogenesis in cooperation with the Src family kinase Laloo

FRS2 has been identified in mammalian cells as a protein that is tyrosine phosphorylated and binds to Grb2 and Shp2 in response to fibroblast growth factor (FGF) or nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation. But neither its existence in other vertebrate classes or invertebrates nor its function during embryonic development has been defined. Here we have identified and characterized a Xenopus homolog of FRS2 (xFRS2). xFRS2 is tyrosine phosphorylated in early embryos, and overexpression of an unphosphorylatable form of xFRS2 interferes with FGF-dependent mesoderm formation. The Src family kinase Laloo, which was shown to function in FGF signaling during early Xenopus development, binds to xFRS2 and promotes tyrosine phosphorylation of xFRS2. Moreover, xFRS2 and Laloo are shown to bind to Xenopus FGF receptor 1. These results suggest that xFRS2 plays an important role in FGF signaling in cooperation with Laloo during embryonic development.

Greater expression of transforming growth factor alpha and proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining in mouse hepatoblastomas than hepatocellular carcinomas induced by a diethylnitrosamine-sodium phenobarbital regimen

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) is a potent stimulator of normal hepatocyte proliferation, considered to have relationship to the liver regeneration or carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated immunohistochemically the association between expression of TGF-alpha and cell proliferation activity in mouse hepatoblastomas (HBs) and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) induced in B6C3F1 mice by diethylnitrosamine and sodium phenobarbital. The TGF-alpha-positive rate in HBs (29.2%) was significantly higher than that in HCCs (12.7%). Likewise, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive rate (22.2%) was higher than the HCC value (14.5%). On the individual data for both TGF-alpha and PCNA, most of the HBs showed higher positive rates than HCCs. In HBs, TGF-alpha was localized only in the nuclei, whereas some HCC cells stained positive both in their nuclei and cytoplasm (0.6%). These results suggest expression of TGF-alpha and its localization might be linked to cell proliferation and play a role in malignant progression of mouse HBs.

Delineating developmental and metabolic pathways in vivo by expression profiling using the RIKEN set of 18,816 full-length enriched mouse cDNA arrays

We have systematically characterized gene expression patterns in 49 adult and embryonic mouse tissues by using cDNA microarrays with 18,816 mouse cDNAs. Cluster analysis defined sets of genes that were expressed ubiquitously or in similar groups of tissues such as digestive organs and muscle. Clustering of expression profiles was observed in embryonic brain, postnatal cerebellum, and adult olfactory bulb, reflecting similarities in neurogenesis and remodeling. Finally, clustering genes coding for known enzymes into 78 metabolic pathways revealed a surprising coordination of expression within each pathway among different tissues. On the other hand, a more detailed examination of glycolysis revealed tissue-specific differences in profiles of key regulatory enzymes. Thus, by surveying global gene expression by using microarrays with a large number of elements, we provide insights into the commonality and diversity of pathways responsible for the development and maintenance of the mammalian body plan.

Loss of cortical and thalamic neuronal tenascin-C expression in a transgenic mouse expressing exon 1 of the human Huntington disease gene

A transgenic mouse containing the first exon of the human Huntington's disease (HD) gene has revealed a variety of behavioral and pathophysiological anomalies reminiscent of certain aspects of human Huntington's disease (HD). The present study has found that expression of the extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-C appears to be unaffected in astroglial cells in wild-type and R6/2 transgenic mice that express the mutant huntingtin protein but that it is conspicuously absent in two neuronal populations within the cerebral cortex and thalamus of the R6/2 mice. Loss of tenascin-C expression begins between the fourth and eighth postnatal weeks, coincidental with the onset of abnormal behavioral phenotype and the appearance of intranuclear inclusion bodies and neuropil aggregates. By 12 weeks, R6/2 mice exhibit a complete absence of tenascin-C neuronal immunolabeling, a disappearance of cRNA probe-positive neurons across discrete cytoarchitectonic regions of the dorsal thalamus (e.g., the ventromedial, parafascicular, lateral posterior, and posterior thalamic groups) and frontal cortex, and an accompanying thalamic astrogliosis. The loss of neuronal tenascin-C expression includes structures that are known to send converging excitatory axonal projections to the caudate-putamen, the structure that is most at risk for neurodegeneration in HD. Altered neuronal expression of tenascin-C in R6/2 mice implicates altered transcriptional activities of the mutant huntingtin protein. The abnormal biochemistry and possibly abnormal activity of thalamostriate and corticostriate projection neurons may also affect abnormal neuronal activities in their primary connectional target, the neostriatum, which is severely compromised in HD.

Flow-cytometric separation and enrichment of hepatic progenitor cells in the developing mouse liver

Stem cells responsible for tissue maintenance and repair are found in a number of organs. However, hepatic stem cells assumed to play a key role in liver development and regeneration remain to be well characterized. To address this issue, we set up a culture system in which primitive hepatic progenitor cells formed colonies. By combining this culture system with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), cells forming colonies containing distinct hepatocytes and cholangiocytes were identified in the fetal mouse liver. These cells express both CD49f and CD29 (alpha6 and beta1 integrin subunits), but do not mark for hematopoietic antigens such as CD45, TER119, and c-Kit. When transplanted into the spleen, these cells migrated to the recipient liver and differentiated into liver parenchymal cells. Our data demonstrate that hepatic progenitor cells are enriched by FACS and suggest approaches to supplanting organ allografting and improving artificial-organ hepatic support.

A hyperthermostable bacterial histone-like protein as an efficient mediator for transfection of eukaryotic cells

Gene delivery has shown potential in a variety of applications, including basic research, therapies for inborn genetic defects, cancer, AIDS, tissue engineering, and vaccination. Most available systems have serious drawbacks, such as safety hazards, inefficiency under in vivo-like conditions, and expensive production. When using naked DNA, for instance, a large amount of ultrapure DNA has to be applied as a result of degradation by nucleases. Similarly, the use of eukaryotic histones, synthetic peptides, or peptide nucleic acids may be limited by high production costs. We have demonstrated a biotechnologically feasible and economical approach for gene delivery using the histone-like protein from the hyperthermostable eubacterium Thermotoga maritima, TmHU as an efficient gene transfer reagent. HU can be easily isolated from recombinant Escherichia coli, is extraordinarily stable, and protects dsDNA from thermal denaturation. This study demonstrates its use as an inexpensive tool for gene delivery.

Human peptidylarginine deiminase type III: molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of the cDNA, properties of the recombinant enzyme, and immunohistochemical localization in human skin

Peptidylarginine deiminase catalyzes the post-translational modification of proteins through the conversion of arginine to citrulline in the presence of calcium ions. In rodents, peptidylarginine deiminase has been classified into four isoforms, types I, II, III, and IV, which are distinct in their molecular weights, substrate specificities, and tissue localization. Of these isoforms, only type III was detected in epidermis and hair follicles. Although the role of this enzyme in these tissues is not yet clear, indirect data have shown that several structural proteins such as filaggrin, trichohyalin, and keratin are substrates for peptidylarginine deiminase. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA of human peptidylarginine deiminase type III (3142 bp) from cultured human keratinocytes by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and by rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods. This cDNA contained a 1995 bp open reading frame encoding 664 amino acids (Mr = 74 770). To explore the physicochemical and enzymatic properties of human peptidylarginine deiminase type III, we constructed a plasmid for producing a recombinant human peptidylarginine deiminase type III in bacteria. The enzymatic characteristics of the recombinant enzyme were very similar to those of the rodent peptidylarginine deiminase type III. The recombinant enzyme showed the catalytic activities toward structural proteins of epidermis and hair follicle, filaggrin and trichohyalin, in which the deiminations maxima of about 60% and 13% arginine residues were observed in filaggrin and trichohyalin, respectively. An immunohistochemical study of human scalp skin with a monospecific anti-peptidyl-arginine deiminase type III antibody revealed that the type III enzyme was localized to the inner root sheath and outer root sheath of hair follicles. Peptidylarginine deiminase type III in the inner root sheath was notable between supramatrix and keratogenous zone and was scarcely detected in cornified hair zone. The enzyme was also expressed in the cuticle layer of hair. On the other hand, expression of the enzyme in the epidermis was very low. These data imply that human peptidylarginine deiminase type III is the predominant isoform in hair follicles and may function as a modulator of hair structural proteins, including trichohyalin during hair and hair follicle formation.

Mutation induction by heavy ion irradiation of gpt delta transgenic mice

Using the new transgenic mice produced by mating gpt delta with p53 knockout, mutation induction by heavy-ion irradiation and the effect of p53 background on such induction were studied. After the whole body irradiation with 10 Gy of 135 MeV/u carbon-ion beam, the genomic DNA was isolated from the different organs and the lambda DNA was rescued as a lambda phage. Mutations in the transgene on the lambda DNA were determined by the spi(-) selection (deletion assay). The spi(-) mutation was induced by the above irradiation, but enhancement of the mutant frequency by the knockout of p53 gene was found not in the phages recovered from liver but in those from kidney. We are now making an effort to determine the nature of spi(-) mutation to confirm such p53 effect.

Tissue-specific carcinogenesis in transgenic mice expressing the RET proto-oncogene with a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A mutation

Germ line mutations of the RET proto-oncogene are responsible for the development of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A), an inherited cancer syndrome characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and parathyroid hyperplasia. To study the mechanism of tissue-specific tumor development by RET with a MEN2A (cysteine 634-->arginine) mutation, we generated transgenic mice by introducing the RET-MEN2A gene fused to Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat. Expression of the transgene and its product was detected at variable levels in a variety of tissues including thyroid, heart, liver, colon, parotid gland, and brain. All of 29 mice analyzed developed thyroid C-cell hyperplasia or medullary carcinoma, accompanying high levels of serum calcitonin. In addition, development of mammary or parotid gland adenocarcinoma was observed in one-half of the transgenic mice. RET dimerization and its complex formation with Shc and Grb2 adaptor proteins were detected in tumor tissues. Unexpectedly, no tumor formation was found in other tissues despite RET-MEN2A expression where RET dimerization was undetectable. Because these tissues but not tumors expressed glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha (GFR alpha) at high levels, this suggested that GFR alpha expression may interfere in the dimerization of the RET-MEN2A mutant proteins, leading to tissue-specific tumor development in vivo.

Immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor alpha in chemically induced rat hepatocellular carcinomas with reference to differentiation and proliferation

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) were induced in male Fischer 344 rats with dietary 3'-methyl-4-(dimethylamino)-azobenzene treatment and were classified into solid, glandular (well- or poorly differentiated), and trabecular types. Investigation of cell proliferation kinetics and immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) demonstrated all solid (n = 24) and poorly differentiated glandular type (n = 6) HCCs to have TGF-alpha-positive nuclei. Nuclear staining of TGF-alpha was also observed in 13 of 28 (46%) trabecular-type HCCs, whereas 12 (43%) exhibited cytoplasmic staining, and 3 (11%) were negative. As for well-differentiated glandular HCCs, 7 of 20 (35%) were positively stained in their nucleus, another 7 (35%) demonstrated antibody binding in the cytoplasm, and 6 (30%) were negative. The order for growth rate evaluated by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling was solid (38.22%), poorly differentiated glandular (26.82%), trabecular (7.98%), and well-differentiated glandular (2.57%) types. For trabecular HCCs with nuclear, cytoplasmic, or negative TGF reactions, values were 13.39% (n = 13), 3.61% (n = 12), and 2.01% (n = 3), respectively. Likewise, BrdU-labeling indices for the counterpart groups of well-differentiated glandular type HCCs were 4.53, 1.91, and 1.29%, respectively. The results indicate that TGF-alpha expression might be linked to histopathological differentiation and cell proliferation in rat HCCs.

Postoperative delirium in patients with chronic lower limb ischaemia: what are the specific markers?

OBJECTIVES

we determined the incidence and specific markers of postoperative delirium in elderly patients with chronic lower limb ischaemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

since April, 1995, 110 patients aged 60 years or older (mean: 71.6+/-6.6 years) who underwent bypass surgery were assessed regarding aetiological factors of delirium: age, sex, dementia, body-mass index, hypertension, diabetes, cerebral disease, laboratory test results, severity of limb ischaemia, type of arterial occlusion, operative time, and blood transfusion.

RESULTS

discriminant analysis showed statistical significance in the following five variables: age >/=70 years; critical limb ischaemia (and/or ankle pressure <40 mmHg); dementia; duration of operation >/=7 hours; low serum albumin. The overall percentage of cases correctly classified was 78.2% (Wilks>> Lambda=0.695, p<0.001); the standardized regression coefficients of the five variables were 0.648, 0.500, 0.329, 0.218, and 0.200, respectively. In logistic regression, the regression coefficients for old age and critical limb ischaemia were 2.646 (14.1 of odds ratio; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-72.0) and 1.337 (3.8; 1.3-10.9), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients with chronic lower-limb ischaemia was as high as 42.3%, and an age of over 70 years and critical limb ischaemia were identified as specific markers, with 14.1 times and 3.8 times the odds of suffering from delirium after bypass surgery.

The TGF-beta family member derrière is involved in regulation of the establishment of left-right asymmetry

Although a number of genes that are involved in the establishment of left-right asymmetry have been identified, earlier events in the molecular pathway developing left-right asymmetry remain to be elucidated. Here we present evidence suggesting that the transforming growth factor-beta family member derrière is involved in the development of left-right asymmetry in Xenopus embryos. Ectopic expression of derrière on the right side can fully invert cardiac and visceral left-right orientation and nodal expression, and expression of a dominant-negative form of derrière on the left side can partially randomize the left-right orientation and nodal expression. Moreover, while expression of the dominant-negative derrière does not inhibit the activity of Vg1 directly, it can rescue the altered left-right orientation induced by Vg1. Vg1 can induce derrière in animal cap explants. These results suggest that derrière is involved in earlier molecular pathways developing the left-right asymmetry.

Mouse strain susceptibility to diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocarcinogenesis is cell autonomous whereas sex-susceptibility Is due to the micro-environment: analysis with C3H <--> BALB / c sexually chimeric mice

In man, liver cancer is on the increase, especially in males. Sex differences also exist in rodent models. To elucidate the mechanisms, chimeric mice were produced by amalgamation of early embryos from high and low hepatocarcinogen-susceptible strains, C3H and BALB / c. Tumor formation was initiated with 10 mg / kg of diethylnitrosamine at the ages of 7 and 14 days and mice were sacrificed at 30 and 45 weeks. The chimeras were classified into XY <--> XY, XY <--> XX, XX <--> XY, and XX <--> XX in terms of sex chromosomes by means of polymerase chain reaction-simple sequence length polymorphism analysis (SSLP) using Y chromosome-specific Sry primers in combination with the D3Mit21 marker. Liver lesions were analyzed histopathologically, by immunostaining using a C3H strain-specific antibody and by DNA in situ hybridization with the Y chromosome-specific digoxigenin-labeled Y353 / B probe. Sex and strain genotyping by SSLP analysis matched histological observations, confirming the reliability of our system. The strain differences in liver tumor numbers of each strain type in XY <--> XY and XX <--> XX subtypes of C3H <--> BALB / c chimeras were retained well (P < 0. 0001 and P < 0.001, respectively), indicating a minimum influence of the C3H or BALB / c surrounding milieu on development of individual lesions. On the other hand, significant promotion of XX cell tumors was evident in phenotypically male sexually chimeric XY <--> XX and XX <--> XY chimeras for both C3H (P < 0.02) and BALB / c (P < 0.01) lesions compared to the XX <--> XX case. The results suggest the presence of hormonal or micro-environmental factors specific for males, which are not caused cell-autonomously. Basic strain differences, however, are determined by intrinsic genetic factors rather than the strain-dependent micro-environment.

Tumor formation suppressed in gammadeltaT knock-out mice

Tumor formation was examined in mice in which the beta-chain gene of alphabetaT was knocked out (alphabetaT-KO mice) or the delta-chain gene of gammadeltaT was knocked out (gammadeltaT-KO mice). Development of Hepa 1-6 cell hepatoma was observed in six of six alphabetaT-KO mice, in four of six wild-type mice, and in only one of six gammadeltaT-KO mice. These results imply that gammadeltaT cells play a role in suppression of killer cell activity in tumor-bearing mice.

The cell cycle control gene ZAC/PLAGL1 is imprinted--a strong candidate gene for transient neonatal diabetes

We describe a screen for new imprinted human genes, and the identification in this way of ZAC (zinc finger protein which regulates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest)/ PLAGL1 (pleomorphicadenoma of the salivary gland gene like 1) as a strong candidate gene for transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM). To screen for imprinted genes, we compared parthenogenetic DNA from the chimeric patient FD and androgenetic DNA from hydatidiform mole, using restriction landmark genome scanning for methylation. This resulted in identification of two novel imprinted loci, one of which (NV149) we mapped to the TNDM region of 6q24. From analysis of the corresponding genomic region, it was determined that NV149 lies approximately 60 kb upstream of the ZAC / PLAGL1 gene. RT-PCR analysis was used to confirm that this ZAC / PLAGL1 is expressed only from the paternal allele in a variety of tissues. TNDM is known to result from upregulation of a paternally expressed gene on chromosome 6q24. The paternal expression, map position and known biological properties of ZAC / PLAGL1 make it highly likely that it is the TNDM gene. In particular, ZAC / PLAGL1 is a transcriptional regulator of the type 1 receptor for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, which is the most potent known insulin secretagog and an important mediator of autocrine control of insulin secretion in the pancreatic islet.

Internalization and down-regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in cerebellar granule cells of tenascin-gene deficient mice

The expression of tenascin-C on oligodendrocytes parallels the migration of granule cells in the developing cerebellum, indicating a role for tenascin-C as a guide for granule neurons to find their proper locations. In this study, cultured cerebellar granule neurons from tenascin-C-knockout mice were used to examine the role of tenascin-C in agonist-induced muscarinic acetylcholine receptor down-regulation. Exposure of granule cells from wild-type or tenascin-C-negative mice to the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist carbachol (1 mM) resulted in normal sequestration of cell-surface muscarinic acetylcholine receptors as assessed by [3H]N-methylscopolamine binding; however, down-regulation of total muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, measured with [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate, was inhibited in granule cells from tenascin-C-negative mice. Remarkably, incubation of the tenascin-C-negative cells with the microtubule stabilizer taxol (10 microM) restored down-regulation of total muscarinic acetylcholine receptors to normal levels. We speculate that agonist-induced down-regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors is functionally associated with tenascin-C-regulated microtubule structures in the developing cerebellum.

Methylation and downregulated expression of mac25/insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 is associated with liver tumorigenesis in SV40T/t antigen transgenic mice, screened by restriction landmark genomic scanning for methylation (RLGS-M)

Restriction landmark genomic scanning for methylation (RLGS-M) was used to detect alterations in DNA methylation associated with murine SV40 T/t antigen-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. An altered locus/spot (S130) was cloned and found to correspond to sequences in the 5' flanking region and 5' portion of the cDNA for the murine mac25/insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (Igfbp-7) gene. IGFBPs are believed to be capable of binding insulin, Igf1, and Igf2 and modulating mitogenic effects. Previous studies have shown that Igf2 has an important role in promoting liver tumorigenesis. Quantitative PCR was used to access the methylation status of the NotI site just 5' to the coding region and the expression level of the mac25/igfbp-7 gene. The results indicated that the degree of methylation was inversely related to the expression level and is consistent with a role for DNA methylation in silencing mac25/Igfbp-7 gene expression and function for mac25/Igfbp-7 as a tumor suppressor gene.

Spatiotemporal changes of fibronectin, tenascin-C, fibulin-1, and fibulin-2 in the skin during the development of chronic contact dermatitis

In order to elucidate how chronic inflammation affects the organization of the extracellular matrix in the skin, a prolonged allergic contact dermatitis was induced in a mouse by repeated application to the ear of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene every 3 d for 66 d. Subsequently, the spatiotemporal changes of fibronectin, tenascin-C, fibulin-1, and fibulin-2 in the skin were examined. In the acute phase of inflammation (day 3-day 12), the amount of fibronectin and tenascin-C increased markedly and were degraded, whereas the amount of fibulin-2 changed slightly. Abundant deposition of tenascin-C was observed in the connective tissue. Fibulin-1 and fibulin-2 distributed as fine fibrils. In contrast, the amounts of fibronectin and tenascin-C decreased and their degradation was suppressed in the chronic phase (day 15-day 66), but the amount of fibulin-2 increased. Tenascin-C was observed mainly at and underneath the epidermal basement membrane. In the subepidermal region, many fibulin-2-positive microfibrils were distributed. The amount and distribution of fibulin-1 did not change markedly in either phase. MMP-like enzymes of 62 kDa, probably activated MMP-2, were upregulated in the chronic phase, whereas components of 92, 85, or 67 kDa were highly induced in the acute phase. These results suggest that chronic inflammation in allergic contact dermatitis is associated with temporal changes in the expression, deposition, and degradation of inducible extracellular matrix components.

Clonality of urogenital organs as determined by analysis of chimeric mice

Though the first mammalian chimera was reported in 1961, suitable markers for different animal strains which are easily detectable in histological sections of all or most organs have not existed. Chimeric mice were produced having an excellent histological marker, the C3H antigen, which is strain-specific and fulfills all the criteria for an ideal strain-specific histological marker. Using male and female C3H-Balb/c chimeric mice we examined epithelial cells of urogenital organs and their morphological or functional units, such as the glomerulus, to determine whether individual organs and their morphological subunits were monoclonal or polyclonal in origin. We found that the epithelial parenchyma of most male and female urogenital organs (the prostate, seminal vesicle, epididymis, ovaries, vagina, kidney, ureter and bladder) and their morphological subdivisions were derived from cells of both input strains, indicating a polyclonal origin for each organ and/or organ component. A notable exception was the uterus in which all individual uterine glands examined (n = 403) were found to be either entirely Balb/c or entirely C3H, indicating a monoclonal origin. The clonality of urogenital structures is discussed in terms of the morphogenesis of the urogenital system.

Identification and immunohistochemical localization of annexin II in rat cornea

PURPOSE

We have identified annexin II mRNA expression in the rat cornea and demonstrated immunolocalization of annexin II in normal and injured corneas. Furthermore, to investigate possible interaction between annexin II and its extracellular ligand tenascin during corneal wound healing, we also examined tenascin expression simultaneously.

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from the corneal tissue of male Wistar rats as well as from the cell cultures of corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes. cDNA was obtained by reverse transcription (RT). Annexin II mRNA expression was examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Western blot analysis of annexin II protein was performed with protein samples that were obtained from the corneal tissue and cell cultures. In addition, the localization of annexin II and that of tenascin were clarified by immunohistochemical analysis, using both uninjured and epithelial scraped corneas.

RESULTS

RT-PCR analysis revealed that annexin II mRNA was expressed in corneal tissues, epithelial cells and keratocytes. Western blot analysis of corneal epithelium and keratocytes showed a 38kDa band that corresponded to the molecular weight of annexin II. Immunohistochemical study showed that annexin II was present in keratocytes as well as the basal cells of corneal epithelium in the central cornea, and basal/suprabasal cells of the limbal epithelium. Positive annexin II immunoreactivity is translocated from cytoplasm to the cell periphery/extracellular position during the epithelial wound healing process. Annexin II and tenascin are coexpressed on the basal surface of limbal epithelium and the leading edge of the healing epithelium. The reappearance of cytoplasmic annexin II staining at the periphery of the cornea correlated with the epithelial cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Annexin II is abundantly expressed in corneal tissue. The translocalization of annexin II protein suggests its role in the corneal epithelial migration during wound healing. The colocalization of annexin II and tenascin in migrating and proliferating corneal epithelial cells suggests that annexin II-tenascin interaction may play a role in epithelial wound healing.

Cone-beam CT angiography of the thorax: an experimental study

The authors recently developed a cone-beam computed tomography (CT) scanner and this report presents their evaluation of its potential for thoracic vascular imaging. An X-ray tube and a video-fluoroscopic system were rotated around the objects and 360 projected images were collected in a 12-s scan. Each image was digitized and a 3 dimensional (D) image (256x256x256 voxel volume with a voxel dimension of 0.9x0.9x0.9 mm) was reconstructed. Two different 3D-CT angiographies were investigated in 2 pigs: right atriography and thoracic aortography. Each pig was anesthetized, mechanically ventilated and positioned within the scanner. Contrast agent was infused through the right atrium or the aortic root at a rate of 3 ml/s during the scan. The right atriography scan clearly delineated the anatomy of the pulmonary artery, heart chambers and thoracic aorta. The thoracic aortography scan also clearly delineated the aortic anatomy including the internal thoracic and intercostal arteries. In conclusion, cone-beam CT angiography is potentially useful for thoracic vascular imaging.

Development of vascular networks during the morphogenesis of intestinal villi in the fetal mouse

The formation of villi was investigated in the proximal small intestine of fetal mice between 12 and 19 days of gestation in association with the development of vascular networks. Three-dimensional vascular networks were observed with confocal laser scanning microscopy after perfusing the fetuses with RITC-labelled gelatin. Some specimens were simultaneously stained for laminin by immunofluorescence to examine the epithelio-mesenchymal boundary. At 12 and 13 days of gestation, the epithelium of small intestine formed cylindrical tubes, and a loose plexus of large vessels formed in the mesenchyme. At 14 days of gestation, a dense plexus of smaller vessels was formed inside of the loose plexus and some capillary branches from this dense plexus developed beneath the epithelium. The epithelium began to make ingrowths in places where no capillaries were situated beneath the epithelium. The capillaries formed a loop in a concavity made between the ingrowths. As development proceeded, this concavity deepened and formed a villus. The top of the capillary loop always places at the top of the mesenchyme in the villus and the capillary loop then developed into a capillary network within the villus. These results suggest that the initial formation of intestinal villi in the fetal mouse occurs by an ingrowth of the epithelium and the developing vascular nets appear to play some role in villi formation. Throughout the villus formation, the top of the capillary loop in a villus would be anchored to the epithelial basement membrane or to the adjoining matrixes.

Chromosomal localization of a gene responsible for vestibulocochlear defects of BUS/Idr mice: identification as an allele of waltzer

Mice of the bustling mutant strain BUS/Idr have vestibulocochlear defects. bus/bus homozygotes, but not heterozygotes, are hyperactive and display an abnormal behavior such as circling, head bobbing and head tilting. To characterize BUS mice further, the auditory brain-stem response of the mutant was examined. In +/bus heterozygotes as well as control animals, the auditory brain-stem response was developmentally first recorded as early as 11 days of age and heterozygous and normal adults showed typical auditory brain-stem responses with five peaks in a threshold of 40-45 dB SPL. In contrast, bus/bus homozygotes showed no auditory brain-stem response at any age in response to stimuli up to 130 dB SPL, indicating that they are deaf throughout life. Linkage analysis revealed that the responsible gene, originally designated as bus, maps on chromosome 10, 1.09+/-0.9 cM distal to D10Mit127 and D10Mit59, and 0.72+/-0.51 cM proximal to three markers, D10Mit48, D10Mit112 and D10Mit258, at a site indistinguishable from that of the Albany waltzer, v(A/b). The results of allelism tests between BUS and Albany waltzer indicated that bus is allelic with v(Alb). From these data, we propose here that the bus mutation could represent another allele of waltzer, now designated v(bus).

Corneal wound healing in tenascin knockout mouse

PURPOSE

Tenascin (TN) is a large hexameric extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is expressed in developing organs and tumors. It has also been reported that TN is expressed in the embryonic cornea and during corneal wound healing. However, the role of TN in the cornea is not fully known. In this study, the role of TN in corneal wound healing was examined using the TN knockout (KO) mouse.

METHODS

Two different injuries (a linear perforation wound and two 10-0 nylon suture wounds) were made separately on the corneas of both TNKO and congenic wild-type mice. The corneal wound healing was compared histologically, and the expression of TN and fibronectin (FN) on the injured cornea was examined immunohistochemically and by immunoblot analysis.

RESULTS

Based on histologic analysis, there was no significant difference in the wound healing process between wild-type and TNKO mice in the linear incision experiment. However, the corneal stromata of TNKO mice were compressed prominently and devoid of migrating keratocytes in suture injury, which induced a more significant amount of TN than perforation wounds. Although FN expression on the sutured corneas of TNKO mice was upregulated during suture injury, the amount of FN protein was smaller than that of wild-type mice at the same time points after injury.

CONCLUSIONS

In suture wounds, TN appears to enhance the amount of FN expression, and a lack of TN may impair stromal cell migration. TN plays a significant role in corneal wound healing, especially for wounds with mechanical stress.

Identification of two Smad4 proteins in Xenopus. Their common and distinct properties

Smad family proteins have been identified as mediators of intracellular signal transduction by the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Each member of the pathway-restricted, receptor-activated Smad family cooperates and synergizes with Smad4, called co-Smad, to transduce the signals. Only Smad4 has been shown able to function as a common partner of the various pathway-restricted Smads in mammals. Here we have identified a novel Smad4-like molecule in Xenopus (XSmad4beta) as well as a Xenopus homolog of a well established Smad4 (XSmad4alpha). XSmad4beta is 70% identical to XSmad4alpha in amino acid sequence. Both of the Xenopus Smad4s can cooperate with Smad1 and Smad2, the pathway-restricted Smads specific for bone morphogenetic protein and TGF-beta, respectively. However, they show distinct properties in terms of their developmental expression patterns, subcellular localizations, and phosphorylation states. Moreover, XSmad4beta, but not XSmad4alpha, has the potent ability to induce ventralization when microinjected into the dorsal marginal region of the 4-cell stage of the embryos. These results suggest that the two Xenopus Smad4s have overlapping but distinct functions.

Tenascin-C in the cochlea of the developing mouse

Tenascin-C is a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix that acts in vitro as both a permissive and a nonpermissive substrate for neurite growth. We analyzed, by immunocytochemistry, the distribution of tenascin-C along neural growth pathways in the developing mouse cochlea. In the spiral lamina, tenascin-C coexists in a region where nerve bundles arborize. In the organ of Corti, tenascin-C lines the neural pathways along pillar and Deiters' cells before and during the time of nerve fiber ingrowth. By embryonic day 16, tenascin-C is abundant on the pillar side of the inner hair cell but does not accumulate on the modiolar side until about birth, a time after the arrival of afferent fibers. The synaptic zones beneath outer hair cells are strongly labeled during the time when early events in afferent synaptogenesis are progressing but not during the time of efferent synaptogenesis. At the age when most neural growth ceases, tenascin-C immunoreactivity disappears. Faint tenascin-C immunolabeling of normal hair cells, strong tenascin immunolabeling in pathological hair cells of Bronx waltzer (bv/bv) mice, and staining for beta-galactosidase, whose gene replaces tenascin in a "knockout" mouse, indicate that hair cells supply at least part of the tenascin-C. The changing composition of the extracellular matrix in the synaptic region during afferent and efferent synaptogenesis is consistent with a role for tenascin in synaptogenesis. The presence of tenascin-C along the growth routes of nerve fibers, particularly toward the outer hair cells, raises the possibility that growth cone interactions with tenascin-C helps to guide nerve fibers in the cochlea.