Commensal microbiota modulate murine behaviors in a strictly contamination-free environment confirmed by culture-based methods

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence suggesting the existence of an interaction between commensal microbiota, the gut and the brain. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of commensal microbiota on the host behaviors in a contamination-free environment, which was verified by culture-based methods.

METHODS

Open-field and marble-burying tests were used to analyze anxiety-like behaviors and locomotor activity in gnotobiotic BALB/c mice with a common genetic background in a sterile isolator. The monoamine levels in several regions of the brain were measured in germfree (GF) mice and commensal fecal microbiota-associated mice (EX-GF).

KEY RESULTS

A 24-h exposure to the environment outside the sterile isolators rendered GF mice less anxious than those not contaminated, while there was no change in the locomotion. EX-GF mice, the gnotobiotic mice with normal specific pathogen-free microbiota, were less anxious and active than GF mice using open-field and marble-burying tests. The norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin turnover rates were higher in the EX-GF mice than in the GF mice in most regions of the brain, suggesting that monoaminergic neurotransmission might increase in the EX-GF mice comparing the GF mice. Monoassociation with Brautia coccoides reduced the anxiety level, but it did not affect the locomotor activity. In contrast, colonization with Bifidobacterium infantis decreased the locomotor activity, while having little effect on the anxiety level.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

These results strongly support the current view that gut microorganisms modulate brain development and behavior.

Prior oral exposure to environmental immunosuppressive chemicals methoxychlor, parathion, or piperonyl butoxide aggravates allergic airway inflammation in NC/Nga mice

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressive environmental chemicals may increase the potency of allergens and thereby play a role in the development of respiratory tract allergies, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association between environmental immunosuppressive chemicals and the allergic airway inflammation development.

METHODS

We used a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation. NC/Nga mice were exposed orally to pesticides parathion (an organophosphate compound) or methoxychlor (an organochlorine compound), or to an insecticide synergist piperonyl butoxide, prior to OVA intraperitoneal sensitization and inhalation challenge. We assessed serum IgE levels, B-cell counts, cytokine production, IgE production in hilar lymph nodes, eosinophil counts, chemokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and cytokine gene expression in the lung.

RESULTS

Exposure to environmental immunosuppressive chemicals markedly increased serum IgE - IgE-positive B-cells, IgE and cytokines in lymph nodes - eosinophils and chemokines in BALF - IL-10a and IL-17 in the lung.

CONCLUSIONS

Allergic airway inflammation can be aggravated by prior exposure to immunosuppressive environmental chemicals.

[Local advanced lung cancer invaded thoracic vertebral bodies with unruptured cerebral aneurysm]

A 57-year-old man presented with the chief complaint of left shoulder pain in June 2001, and paridrosis of left upper trunk and left upper limb in July 2001. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed 8 mm sized unrupture aneurysm of left middle cerebral artery, and chest computed tomography (CT) showed the lung tumor invaded thoracic vertebral bodies. The local advanced lung carcinoma (cT4N0M0) and unrupture aneurysm of left middle cerebral artery was diagnosed. The prevented clipping of unrupture aneurysm was performed at 11th September 2001, and left upper lobectomy, hemivertebrectomy and reconstruction of thoracic vertebral body (Th 3-5) with Modul' ICS at 12th October 2001. The pathological findings revealed squamous cell carcinoma. The staging was pT4N0M0, IIIB. The postoperative course was uneventful. After the radiotherapy (50 Gy), chemotherapy (gemcitabine and vinorelbine) was performed. But the radiation pneumonia was occurred and chemotherapy was intermitted. The steroid was administrated due to the radiation pneumonia, and the complication was improved. He discharged at 17th April 2002 and had no recurrence. The prevented clipping of unrupture cerebral aneurysm and the reconstruction of thoracic vertebral body (Th 3-5) with Modul' ICS were useful for the radical operation of the local advanced lung cancer.

Gestational choriocarcinoma whose responsible pregnancy was a complete hydatidiform mole identified by PCR analysis with new sequence tagged site primers

We report a case where the pregnancy responsible for a gestational choriocarcinoma was not the antecedent pregnancy or the second normal term delivery, but a complete hydatidiform mole that had advanced to clinically invasive mole. This responsible pregnancy was identified by polymerase chain reaction analysis (PCR). PCR analysis was performed by using five new sets of sequence-tagged site (STS) primers on four chromosomes (chr. 1, D1S225; chr. 3, D3S1744; chr. 12, D12S1090; chr. 18, D18S849 and D18S877). The constitution of alleles of choriocarcinoma was shown to be almost identical with that of the husband on every marker. The allele patterns of choriocarcinoma on D3S1744 and D12S1090 were not observed with DNA from the patient. The band pattern originating from molar DNA was also identical with those of the husband and choriocarcinomas on D18S849 and D1S225.

[A case of Churg-Strauss syndrome presented as right thalamic hemorrhage]

Intracerebral hemorrhage is an uncommon sequel of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). We report the first case of CSS accompanied by right thalamic hemorrhage. The patient was 59-year-old male who experienced a sudden onset of left hemiplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed right thalamic hemorrhage. Although several reports had pointed out a close relationship between hypertension and cerebral hemorrhage in patients with CSS, this patient had no apparent prior history of hypertension. The cause of thalamic hemorrhage in this patient might be probably due to cerebral vasculitis and an effect of abnormal coagulation and fibrinolytic agents.

Serial serum thrombopoietin levels in a pregnant woman with essential thrombocythaemia

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a ligand for c-mpl, which regulates the differentiation and maturation of megakaryocytes. Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder. It has been reported that the platelet count declines during pregnancy in ET patients. We examined serial changes in the serum TPO level during the course of pregnancy in a patient with ET. The serum TPO level showed significant negative correlation with the platelet count. Although it mimicked the normal feed back system, the TPO levels were consistently higher than the normal upper limit. Accumulation of these data will be helpful in revealing the pathogenesis of ET and the decline in the platelet count during pregnancy.

Dietary balance chart for an on-line computerized graphical support system in MHTS

Dietary habits are believed to play an important role in the etiology of adult disease. For this reason, it is necessary to include effective dietary guidance in multiphasic health testing and services (MHTS) programmes for primary disease prevention. We have developed such a programme of simple dietary advice, using a computer system for the MHTS. Examinees' dietary habits are checked using optical character record (OCR) questionnaire forms, and the results are displayed on the screen of a colour display terminal. They are required to prepare a menu of their usual daily dietary intake in terms of quantity and type of food. Thus the data collected relate to the nutritional composition of the examinee's usual diet. Nutritional requirements of the Japanese according to sex, height, and level of physical activity, in accordance with criteria set by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare, are fed into the computer in advance. For each examinee, these criteria and the results of the assessment of the diet are displayed together on the screen in the form of colour graphs for comparison.

Dietary Balance Chart for an On-line Computerized Graphical Support System inMHTS

Dietary habits are believed to play an important role in the etiology of adult disease. For this reason, it is necessary to include effective dietary guidance in multiphasic health testing and services (MHTS) programmes for primary disease prevention. We have developed such a programme of simple dietary advice, using a computer system for the MHTS. Examinees' dietary habits are checked using optical character record (OCR) questionnaire forms, and the results are displayed on the screen of a colour display terminal. They are required to prepare a menu of their usual daily dietary intake in terms of quantity and type of food. Thus the data collected relate to the nutritional composition of the examinee's usual diet. Nutritional requirements of the Japanese according to sex, height, and level of physical activity, in accordance with criteria set by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare, are fed into the computer in advance. For each examinee, these criteria and the results of the assessment of the diet are displayed together on the screen in the form of colour graphs for comparison.

The acceptability of prenatal diagnosis in Japan

Prenatal diagnosis has been performed more frequently in Japan recently, but is still less popular than in the United States or Europe. Legal arrangements, insufficient economic support, and insufficient medical information provided to future parents may explain this difference. The acceptability of prenatal diagnosis, based on the concept of the cost of side effects and elective abortion, was found to be similar when examined through decision analysis and direct survey. Amniocentesis was considered useful for more than half of couples in Japan when the incidence of chromosomal abnormality is more than 0.5% and proper information about the decision to undergo this examination is provided to the pregnant woman and her family.

[The role of signal transduction systems in the regulation of production and secretion of TA-4 by cultured cervical epidermoid carcinoma cells (CaSki)]

The CaSki cell line derived from an epidermoid carcinoma of the uterine cervix produces and releases a tumor associated-antigen, TA-4. The authors have already reported that EGF stimulated the production and secretion of TA-4 by the CaSki cells. EGF receptor is known to be one of the proteins phosphorylated by C-kinase. In order to elucidate a possible role of signal transduction systems (cAMP-A-kinase, diacyglycerol-C-kinase and Ca(2+)-calmodulin) in the regulation of TA-4 production and secretion by human cervical epidermoid carcinoma cells, the effects of cholera toxin (CT), an activator of adenylate cyclase, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C activator, and Ca2+ ionophore A23187, an activator of Ca2+ modulation on TA-4 production and secretion by CaSki cells were evaluated. TA-4 in the cultured cells and media were measured with a SCC RIA-Kit. The addition of PMA or Ca2+ ionophore to the medium caused increases in the cellular levels of TA-4 and TA-4 levels in the medium in a dose-dependent manner shortly after the addition. Combined treatment with PMA and Ca2+ ionophore did not cause additive increases in TA-4 levels in the cells and medium compared to the treatment with PMA alone or Ca2+ ionophore alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The role of signal transduction systems in the regulation of the production and secretion of hCG (alpha, beta) by cultured human choriocarcinoma cells (BeWo)]

The BeWo cell line, derived from choriocarcinoma, produces and releases human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and its alpha- and beta-subunits. The authors have already reported that cAMP and EGF stimulated the production and secretion of hCG and its subunits by cultured BeWo cells. Therefore, in order to elucidate the role of signal transduction systems (cAMP-A-kinase system, DG-C-kinase system and Ca(2+)-calmodulin system) in the regulation of hCG (alpha, beta) synthesis by human choriocarcinoma cells, effects of cholera toxin (CT), an activator of adenylate cyclase, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C activator, and Ca2+ ionophore A23187, an activator of Ca2+ modulation on hCG (alpha, beta) production and secretion by BeWo cells cultured in a serum-free condition were evaluated. Immunoreactive hCG alpha, hCG beta and hCG in the media and cultured cells were measured by each homologous RIA for hCG alpha, hCG beta and hCG, respectively. Addition of CT at a concentration of 100 ng/ml into the medium caused extreme increases in the cellular levels of hCG alpha, hCG beta and hCG together with remarkable increases in hCG alpha, hCG beta and hCG levels in the medium. This stimulatory effect of CT was first observed on the increase of hCG alpha levels in cultured BeWo cells and medium at 3h, then observed on the increase of hCG beta levels at 6h and was last detectable on the increase of hCG levels in the cultured cells and medium at 12h. Addition of PMA at a concentration of 100 ng/ml into the medium caused an increase in the cellular and medium levels of hCG alpha, hCG beta and hCG shortly (3h) after the exposure to PMA. Addition of A23187 at a concentration of 100 ng/ml into the medium caused a slight increase in hCG alpha levels in the medium at 6h without accompanying the increase in those cellular levels. When added together, PMA potentiated the stimulatory effect of CT on hCG alpha, hCG beta and hCG levels in the cultured BeWo cells and medium, while PMA did not potentiate the effect of A23187 in this experimental condition. These findings suggest that cAMP-A-kinase system plays a major role in the signal transduction of hCG (alpha, beta) synthesis and secretion by BeWo choriocarcinoma cells, and that DG-C-kinase system interacts synergistically with cAMP-A-kinase system in the regulation of hCG (alpha, beta) synthesis and secretion by BeWo cells. Ca(2+)-calmodulin system appears to participate in the regulation of hCG alpha secretion without affecting the synthesis of hCG (alpha, beta) in BeWo cells.

[Cytological and histological effects of regional hyperthermia and radiation in cancer of the uterine cervix]

Hyperthermia is known to produce tumor-specific effect. Its combination with radiotherapy has been found to enhance antitumor effect and hyperthermia is a new modality of cancer treatment. Here, we report a cytological and histopathological study of the effects of hyperthermia on uterine cervical cancer. Our subject cases were 63 patients with cervical cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). Thirteen cases were treated with hyperthermia. Of these, the clinical stage was I b in 2, stage II in 10, stage III in 1. Before radical operation, external irradiation was given at 40Gy. with Lineac. During this period, the lesion was treated with hyperthermia at 42-45 degrees C for 30-60 min. with a 13.56 MHz RF capacitive heating system "Endoradiotherm 100A" (Kureha Chemical Industry CO. Ltd.) and an intraluminal applicator designed for uterine cervix. The control cases received radiotherapy alone before radical operation. There were 15 cases in Stage I b, 19 in stage II, and 16 in stage III. After the completion of radiotherapy, radical hysterectomy was performed in all cases. The effects of irradiation on the lesion were compared cytologically and histologically for different doses. The evaluation of the irradiation damage in cancer cells in the cytological study was based on findings such as intracytoplasmic vacuolation, the formation of giant nuclei, intranuclear vacuolation and formation of polynuclei. The degree of irradiation damage was classified into 5 grades from Do (little irradiation effect) to Dx (no viable cancer cells remaining), and the irradiation effect in the histopathological study was classified in to 8 grades from Grade 0 to Grade IVC according the Oboshi and Shimosato's classification. Cytological changes at 10Gy. were rated as D3 (relatively extensive irradiation damage in cancer cells) in 38.5% of the hyperthermia group, as compared to about 20% in the control groups. The cases rated Grade II B histologically made up 38.5% of the hyperthermia group: this grade was about 10% in the control groups. This suggests that radiation was more effective in the hyperthermia group than in the control groups, as was also suggested by the cytological results. With irradiation at 30Gy., cytological changes were rated as Dx in 61.5% of the hyperthermia group, as compared to 25.0-26.7% of the control groups. Histological results were Grade III, with only cancer cells regarded as non-viable observed, in 38.5% of the hyperthermia group and Grade IV, with no cancer cells, in another 23.1%. In the control groups, there were no cases with Grade IV, and those with Grade III totalled 12.5-26.7%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cleft hand in Silver-Russell syndrome

A case of Silver-Russell Syndrome with a typical cleft hand is presented. The association of cleft hand with this syndrome has never been reported before.

Cleft Hand in Silver–Russell Syndrome

A case of Silver-Russell Syndrome with a typical cleft hand is presented. The association of cleft hand with this syndrome has never been reported before.

Induction of differentiated trophoblast function by epidermal growth factor: relation of immunohistochemically detected cellular epidermal growth factor receptor levels

The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the production and secretion of hCG and human placental lactogen (hPL) by cultured placental tissues were investigated in relation to immunohistochemical measurements of cellular EGF receptor levels in the placenta. Explants of trophoblastic tissues obtained from normal early and term placentas were cultured in the presence or absence of EGF (100 ng/mL) with or without processing inhibitors (bacitracin, 1 mg/mL; colchicine, 100 microM; chloroquine, 100 microM) for 5 days, with EGF present for the first 2 days. Addition of EGF to the medium increased the release of hCG, hCG alpha, and hPL by the cultured early placental tissues. This EGF-stimulated hCG, hCG alpha, and hPL release was markedly inhibited by concomitant treatment with processing inhibitors. The time course of EGF effects indicated that the EGF-stimulated increase in hCG alpha secretion required a lag period of approximately 1 day, whereas significant increases in hCG and hPL secretion became apparent only after 3 days of EGF treatment. By contrast, in term placental tissues EGF stimulated only hCG alpha and hPL release, with a lag period of approximately 3 days. A possible direct action of EGF on the cultured placental tissues was reinforced by the immunohistochemical demonstration of EGF receptors in the placenta. When determined using the avidin/biotin immunoperoxidase method with monoclonal antibody to the mouse EGF receptor, EGF receptors were found predominantly on the syncytiotrophoblasts. Immunohistochemical measurements of cellular EGF receptor levels in the syncytiotrophoblasts revealed remarkably higher levels in early placenta compared to those in midterm and term placentas. Since EGF is likely to interact with its receptor, the lesser biological effects of EGF in cultures of term placental tissues may be due to the lower cellular EGF receptor levels in term placenta. These results demonstrate that EGF, via its receptors on the syncytiotrophoblasts, stimulates the release of both hCG and hPL in normal early placenta. They also suggest that EGF may play a significant role in the induction and regulation of the differentiated function of trophoblasts.

Discordant induction of tumor-associated antigen, TA-4 and chorionic gonadotropin beta in cultured cervical carcinoma cells

The CaSki cell line derived from an epidermoid carcinoma of the uterine cervix produces and releases two types of tumor-associated antigen. One is a eutopic antigen, TA-4 and the other is an ectopic antigen, hCG beta-like material. The aim of the present investigation was to elucidate a possible difference in the induction mechanism of production of TA-4 and hCG beta-like material in the CaSki cells in relation to cellular differentiation and gene modulation. The exposure to epidermal growth factor (EGF, 100ng/ml) for two days greatly increased TA-4 production by the cultured CaSki cells without affecting cell growth and immunoreactive hCG beta production. The EGF-stimulated increase in TA-4 production required a lag period of approximately 24 hours. The exposure to sodium butyrate (2.5mM) stimulated immunoreactive hCG beta production by the cells, but decreased TA-4 production. The stimulatory effect of sodium butyrate on immunoreactive hCG beta production occurred only during the exposure to the agent. These discrepant effects of EGF and sodium butyrate on the production of TA-4 and hCG beta-like material by the CaSki cells suggest that a fundamental difference exists in the induction mechanism for the expression of these two types of tumor-associated antigen in cervical squamous carcinoma cells.

Brachymesomelia-renal syndrome

We have studied a male Japanese infant with severe upper limb brachymesomelia, glomerulocystic renal dysplasia, abnormalities of the cranium and face, corneal opacities, and a possible congenital heart defect. He was born at term and died on the 10th day of heart and kidney failure. Review of the literature failed to show a similar case. Glomerulocystic renal dysplasia has been reported in association with a variety of the nonskeletal malformations but has not previously been described in association with bony malformations.

Sudden death due to infantile pancreatitis

The autopsy of a 10-month-old infant girl who died suddenly after a 2-day illness revealed acute pancreatitis and DIC. While the definitive etiology remains unknown, retention of pancreatic juice accompanying proliferation of papillary epithelium within the pancreatic duct adjacent to the ampulla Vater was suggested. Acute interstitial pancreatitis was assumed to have resulted from suppurative inflammation of the pancreatic duct. DIC was probably caused by the release of pancreatic enzymes.

[Clinical experience with ampicillin-cloxacillin (Viccillin S 'Meiji') by intravenous drip infusion in gynecological infections (author's transl)]

Ampicillin-cloxacillin (Viccillin S 'Meiji') by intravenous drip infusion was used in gynecological infections, with the following satisfactory results. 1) The drug was markedly effective in 2 out of 6 cases, effective in 4, being the efficacy rate 100%. 2) No abnormal laboratory findings and side effects were observed in our study.