A Novel and Efficient Method for Enzymatic Synthesis of High Purity Maltose Using Moranoline (1-Deoxynojirimycin)

A transglycosylation reaction with moranoline (1-deoxynojirimycin) was done with soluble starch as the glucosyl donor and Bacillus macerans amylase as a cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase [EC 2.4.1.19]. The resultant transglycosylation products with moranoline, obtained by treating the reaction mixture with a strong cation exchange resin, were hydrolyzed by beta-amylase [EC 3.2.1.2] from sweet potatoes. The hydrolysate was treated with a strong cation exchange resin, and high purity maltose was obtained.

Changes in the axonal membrane potential and Ca2+ concentration associated with peripheral nerve grafting after spinal cord injury

We performed peripheral nerve allografting in rats with spinal cord injury, and measured motor function and axonal membrane potential as well as Ca(2+) concentration of the nerve grafting spinal cord area by using a behavior observation system and a confocal laser-scanning microscope, respectively. In our experiments, we produced a model of peripheral nerve grafting after spinal cord injury by peripheral nerve allografting (sciatic nerve) in rats with spinal cord injury (thoracic cord hemisection). The group with spinal cord injury that underwent peripheral nerve grafting showed improvement in motor function, a significant increase in the axonal action potential, and a slight increase in the Ca(2+) concentration compared with the group that did not undergo nerve grafting.

Bone and soft tissue tumours of the foot: review of 83 cases

PURPOSE

To review cases of bone and soft tissue tumours of the feet managed at the Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya and Takarazuka Municipal Hospital, Takarazuka, Japan.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 83 patient records treated for bone and soft tissue tumours of the feet between 1974 and 2000.

RESULTS

There were 33 benign bone tumours, one primary malignant bone tumour, and 2 metastatic bone cancer. Marginal resection was performed in cases of osteochondroma and curettage in cases of other benign bone tumour. Despite below-knee amputation in the case of chondrosarcoma, the patient died because of pulmonary metastasis. Two patients with metastatic cancer also died, and 2 cases of osteochondroma and one of benign chondroblastoma recurred. There were 47 cases of soft tissue tumour. Treatment for benign soft tissue tumours was marginal resection; no cases recurred. In contrast, all patients with soft tissue sarcoma died after surgery. The majority of bone tumours were located in the toe and hindfoot areas, in the first and second decades of life, whereas soft tissue tumours occurred mainly in the midfoot area and in patients aged between 20 and 50 years. The sex distribution was almost even for bone tumours (male: female ratio, 19:17), whereas about half as many males as females had soft tissue tumours (14:33).

CONCLUSION

Bone and soft tissue tumours of the feet are uncommon. Most bone tumours are chondrogenic, but differential diagnosis of malignant from benign disease is difficult and prognosis is poor. Management of benign tumours by marginal resection has good prognosis, whereas prognosis of soft tissue sarcomas is very poor.

Replacement of the Epstein-Barr virus plasmid with the EBER plasmid in Burkitt's lymphoma cells

Transfection of an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded plasmid containing EBER caused a substantial decrease in the level of plasmid containing EBV in Akata and Mutu Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) lines, but failed to do so in other BL lines. The results suggest that EBER could replace the role of EBV, but other EBV products also play a role in the growth of BL.

The role of imaging modalities in the diagnosis of primary dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma

Dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma (dd-POS) is defined as high-grade sarcomatous components coexisting with low-grade POS components. With regard to the histological diagnosis of dd-POS, the sampling of a small area of dedifferentiation through the densely mineralized POS can be a problem. In this situation, imaging is important to identify the area with the highest possibility of dedifferentiation. We report a patient in whom dedifferentiation was shown by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT revealed a radiolucency in a highly mineralized area. T2-Weighted MRI showed a relatively high signal intensity, corresponding to the radiolucency, surrounded by a very low signal intensity area. Furthermore, gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI showed marked enhancement. Based on these imaging techniques, the condition was diagnosed as most likely to be a dd-POS, although a representative sample was not accessible by incisional biopsy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered, followed by wide resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. Four years after the surgery, partial lobulectomy was required because of a pulmonary metastasis. Three years after the second surgery, the patient remained well without evidence of metastases. Based on the initial diagnosis and, consequently, the optimal treatment of combined chemotherapy and wide resection, our patient showed a good clinical outcome.

Epstein-Barr virus-encoded poly(A)(-) RNA supports Burkitt's lymphoma growth through interleukin-10 induction

Akata and Mutu cell lines are derived from Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and retain the in vivo phenotype of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) expression that is characterized by expression of EBV-determined nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1), EBV-encoded RNAs (EBERs) and transcripts from the BAM:HI A region (BARF0). We found that EBV-positive Akata and Mutu cell clones expressed higher levels of interleukin (IL)-10 than their EBV-negative subclones at the transcriptional level. Transfection of an individual EBV latent gene into EBV-negative Akata cells revealed that EBERs were responsible for IL-10 induction. Recombinant IL-10 enabled EBV-negative Akata cells to grow in low (0.1%) serum conditions. On the other hand, growth of EBV-positive Akata cells was blocked by treatment either with an anti-IL-10 antibody or antisense oligonucleotide against IL-10. EBV-positive BL biopsies consistently expressed IL-10, but EBV-negative BL biopsies did not. These results suggest that IL-10 induced by EBERs acts as an autocrine growth factor for BL. EBERs, EBER1 and EBER2, are non-polyadenylated RNAs and are 166 and 172 nucleotides long, respectively. The present findings indicate that RNA molecules could regulate cell growth.

CD21-mediated entry and stable infection by Epstein-Barr virus in canine and rat cells

We developed an adenovirus vector for transduction of the human CD21 gene (Adv-CD21), the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific receptor on human B lymphocytes, to overcome the initial barrier of EBV infection in nonprimate mammalian cells. Inoculation of Adv-CD21 followed by exposure to recombinant EBV carrying a selectable marker resulted in the successful entry of EBV into three of seven nonprimate mammalian cell lines as evidenced by expression of EBV-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA). The EBV-susceptible cell lines included rat glioma-derived 9L, rat mammary carcinoma-derived c-SST-2, and canine kidney-derived MDCK. Subsequent selection culture with G418 yielded drug-resistant cell clones. In these cell clones, EBV existed as an episomal form, as evidenced through the Gardella gel technique. Among the known EBV latency-associated gene products, EBV-encoded small RNAs, EBNA1 and transcripts from the BamHI-A rightward reading frame (BARF0), and latent membrane protein 2A were expressed in all EBV-infected cell clones. The viral lytic events could be induced in these cell clones by simultaneous treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and n-butyric acid, but they were abortive, and infectious virus was not produced. These results indicate that once the initial barrier for attachment is overcome artificially, EBV can establish a stable infection in some nonprimate mammalian cells, and they raise the possibility that transgenic animals with the human CD21 gene could provide an animal model for EBV infection.

Effects of tension at the site of coaptation on recovery of sciatic nerve function after neurorrhaphy: evaluation by walking-track measurement, electrophysiology, histomorphometry, and electron probe X-ray microanalysis

The effects of tension at the site of coaptation on recovery of sciatic nerve function after neurorrhaphy were studied by evaluating walking-track measurements, nerve conduction velocity measurements, histomorphometry, and electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Forty adult male Lewis rats underwent right sciatic nerve (SN) transection followed by one of four different nerve repair procedures (N = 10 rats per group). In Group 1, the gap was repaired by end-to-end epineural coaptation. In Group 2, a 5-mm segment of SN was resected, and the defect was repaired under high tension by epineural neurorrhaphy. In Group 3, a 5-mm segment of SN was resected, and the defect was repaired with a 5-mm interposition nerve graft. In Group 4, a 5-mm segment of SN was resected. Then, to lessen the tension that follows neurorrhaphy, an anchoring suture was added. Finally, end-to-end coaptation was performed. Walking-track analysis showed better functional recovery in Group 1 than in Group 2, and better recovery in Group 3 than in Group 2. Group 4 showed a tendency toward better recovery comparing with Group 2. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis revealed higher Na, Cl, and K peaks in axoplasm accompanied by increase in the endoneural fluid pressure (EFP) in Group 2 than those of Group 1. This higher level of Na, Cl and K may be due to impairment of axonal sodium and potassium transport mechanism in Group 2. Increase in EFP may affect nerve regeneration.

Oncogenic role of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNAs in Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Akata

Our previous reports indicated that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) contributes to the malignant phenotype and resistance to apoptosis in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell line Akata (N. Shimizu, A. Tanabe-Tochikura, Y. Kuroiwa, and K. Takada, J. Virol. 68:6069-6073, 1994; J. Komano, M. Sugiura, and K. Takada, J. Virol. 72:9150-9156, 1998). Here we report that the EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) are responsible for these phenotypes. Transfection of the EBER genes into EBV-negative Akata clones restored the capacity for growth in soft agar, tumorigenicity in SCID mice, resistance to apoptotic inducers, and upregulated expression of bcl-2 oncoprotein that were originally retained in parental EBV-positive Akata cells and lost in EBV-negative subclones. This is the first report which provides evidence that virus-encoded RNAs (EBERs) have oncogenic functions in BL cells.

Immunocytochemical localization of a cell adhesion molecule, integrin alpha5beta1, in nerve growth cones

It is well-known that nerve growth cones, the growing tips of nerves, play a central role in determining the direction taken by regenerating peripheral nerves though neurotropism and contact guidance. In order to identify the molecules expressed on growth cones that are responsible for contact guidance, we investigated the possible involvement of integrins as sensors for the extracellular matrix. In cultured rat PC-12i cells and chick dorsal root ganglion cells, we found that integrin alpha5beta1 was concentrated in the filopodia and central regions of the growth cones. These integrin alpha5beta1-rich regions corresponded well with the sites where the growth cones came into contact with and adhered to the extracellular matrix. Integrin alpha5beta1 has been reported to bind with fibronectin in the extracellular matrix. When examined by triple staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we found that the distribution of integrin alpha5beta1 in the growth cones was very similar to that of actin filaments. Integrin alpha5beta1 was also expressed by Schwann cells. On immuno-electron microscopy, integrin alpha5beta1 was also identified in regenerating axons in vivo. These results suggest that integrin alpha5beta1 expressed on growth cones may function as a sensor for the extracellular matrix and Schwann cells, and thus mediate functionally important interactions in the development and regeneration of peripheral nerves.

Clinical usefulness of serum tartrate-resistant fluoride-sensitive acid phosphatase activity in evaluating bone turnover

This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical validity and usefulness of serum tartrate-resistant fluoride-sensitive acid phosphatase (TrFsACP) activity using 2,6-dichloro-4-acetylphenyl phosphate as substrate at pH 6.2 in metabolic bone diseases. The mean Z-scores of TrFsACP activity in patients on hemodialysis were higher than in healthy subjects (male: 2.04+/-1.98, n = 49, P < .05; female: 1.49+/-2.43, n = 39, P < .05) and increased with duration of hemodialysis (r = .516, P < .01). Bone alkaline phosphatase also was found to be significantly higher in hemodialysis patients (male: 0.93+/-1.49, P < .05; female: 1.66+/-2.42, P < .05) compared with normal subjects: but had lower correlation with duration of hemodialysis than TrFsACP (r = .277, P < .05). Ulcerative colitis (1.37+/-2.21, n = 15) in males showed a significantly higher Z-score of TrFsACP compared with control subjects (P < .05). The relationship of TrFsACP activity and ultrasound findings (stiffness; speed of sound [SOS]; broadband ultra sound attenuation [BUA]) in healthy women aged 30-75 years (n = 95) were inversely and significantly correlated with stiffness (r = -.465, P < .01 ), SOS (r = -.484, P < .01), and BUA (r = -.366, P < .01), but were age dependent. TrFsACP activity significantly correlated with stiffness (r = -.521, P < .05) and SOS (r = -.527, P < .05) only in the age group of 46-55 years. BUA (r = -.313, P > .05) did not correlate significantly in any subject in the present study. We conclude that serum TrFsACP activity is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of bone turnover.

Monoclonal expansion of synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a stronger growth ability than those from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and to determine whether these synoviocytes clonally expand in situ.

METHODS

Synovial tissues from 13 RA patients and 4 OA patients were cultured, and their ability to form colonies in soft agarose was examined. RA and OA synoviocytes were also examined in varying concentrations of fetal calf serum (FCS)-containing medium to test the effects of FCS on colony formation. DNA was extracted from clones with colony-forming ability in nonpannus lesions and from synoviocytes in pannus lesions. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was used to examine phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK-1) gene patterns. Production of cytokines by these cells was also assessed.

RESULTS

All 13 RA synoviocytes exhibited colony formation, whereas none of the 4 OA synoviocytes did. This tendency was also seen with all of the concentrations of FCS examined, although growth varied in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast to OA synovial clones, cloned RA synoviocytes obtained from colonies exhibited a partial RFLP PGK-1 gene pattern, suggesting that the clones originated from monoclonal cells. Of note, 3 of 7 noncloned synoviocytes from pannus lesions exhibited a monoclonal pattern. Pannus cells produced high levels of transforming growth factor beta and platelet-derived growth factor.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that synoviocytes with a strong growth ability are present in the rheumatoid synovium, and that these cells expand monoclonally, particularly in pannus lesions.

B cell-mediated down-regulation of IFN-gamma and IL-12 production induced during anti-tumor immune responses in the tumor-bearing state

Unfractionated spleen cells taken from tumor-bearing mice contained tumor-primed T cells which produced lymphokines such as IFN-gamma and IL-2 through collaboration with antigen-presenting cells (APC) binding tumor antigens when cultured in vitro. Here, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms underlying IFN-gamma production by T-APC interactions. Elimination of B cells from a splenic population of tumor-bearing mice resulted in enhanced IFN-gamma production. Adding B cells back into cultures down-regulated IFN-gamma production to almost the same levels as those induced by unfractionated spleen cells. IL-2 production was not enhanced by B cell depletion, but rather was significantly suppressed. IFN-gamma-selective up-regulation was due to an enhancement of IL-12 production because IL-12 was detected in B cell-depleted cultures and enhanced IFN-gamma production was prevented by addition of anti-IL-12 mAb or anti-CD40 ligand (CD40L) mAb capable of inhibiting CD40L-induced IL-12 production. These results indicate that B cells interfere with IFN-gamma production induced through interactions between anti-tumor T cells and APC, and this suppressive effect is based on the capacity of CD40+ B cells to down-regulate the CD40L-induced IL-12 production by APC.

Dynorphin mRNA expression in dorsal horn neurons after traumatic spinal cord injury: temporal and spatial analysis using in situ hybridization

Dynorphin, an endogenous opioid, may contribute to secondary nervous tissue damage following spinal cord injury. The temporal and spatial distribution of preprodynorphin (PPD) mRNA expression in the injured rat spinal cord was examined by in situ hybridization. Rats were subjected to traumatic spinal cord injury at the T13 spinal segment using the weight-drop method. Motor function of these rats was evaluated by their ability to maintain their position on an inclined plane. Two double-labeling experiments revealed that increased PPD mRNA and dynorphin peptide expression were found exclusively in dorsal horn neurons. Neurons exhibiting an increase in the level of PPD mRNA were concentrated in the superficial laminae and the neck of dorsal horn within several spinal segments from the epicenter of the injury at 24 and 48 h after injury. A number of neurons showing increased PPD mRNA were found in gray matter adjacent to the injury areas. Segments caudal to the injury site exhibited a long-lasting elevation of PPD mRNA in neurons, compared to the rostral segments. The number of neurons expressing PPD mRNA in each rat was significantly positively correlated with its motor dysfunction. These findings suggest that increased expression of dynorphin mRNA and peptide in dorsal horn neurons occurs after traumatic spinal cord injury. This also supports the hypothesis that the dynorphin has a pathological role in secondary tissue damage and neurological dysfunction after spinal cord injury.

A critical role for IL-18 in the proliferation and activation of NK1.1+ CD3- cells

Like IL-12, IFN-gamma-inducing factor/IL-18 has been shown to stimulate T cells for IFN-gamma production and growth promotion. Considering the NK-stimulatory capacity of IL-12, we investigated the effect of IL-18 on NK lineage cells. A CD4- CD8- surface Ig- Ia- fraction of freshly prepared C57BL/6 spleen cells proliferated strikingly in response to combinations of IL-12 + IL-18 or IL-2 + IL-18, but not to the individual cytokines or IL-2 + IL-12. Cells proliferating in response to IL-2 + IL-18 were NK1.1+ CD3-, whereas IL-12 + IL-18-responsive cells were NK1.1- CD3-. Restimulation of the former cells with IL-12 + IL-18 or the latter cells with IL-2 + IL-18 resulted in the generation of NK1.1- CD3- or NK1.1+ CD3- cells, respectively. Moreover, a NK1.1+ CD3- CD4- CD8- surface Ig- Ia- population isolated from spleen cells was found to form NK1.1+ CD3- or NK1.1- CD3- blasts by stimulation with IL-2 + IL-18 or IL-12 + IL-18, respectively, and the NK1.1 positivity on these blasts was again reversed after restimulation with an alternative combined stimulus. Both types of blasts produced enormously large amounts of IFN-gamma in response to IL-12 + IL-18 and exhibited strikingly high levels of NK activity. These results indicate that IL-18 plays an obligatory role in inducing proliferation and activation of NK1.1+ CD3- CD4- CD8- cells and that the expression of the NK1.1 marker is reversible, depending on the cytokine used for stimulation in combination with IL-18.

Differential capacities of CD4+, CD8+, and CD4-CD8- T cell subsets to express IL-18 receptor and produce IFN-gamma in response to IL-18

IL-12 and IL-18 have the capacity to stimulate IFN-gamma production by T cells. Using a T cell clone, we reported that IL-18 responsiveness is generated only after exposure to IL-12. Here, we investigated the induction of IL-18 responsiveness in resting CD8+, CD4+, and CD4-CD8- T cells. Resting T cells respond to neither IL-12 nor IL-18. After stimulation with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 mAbs, CD8+, CD4+, and CD4-CD8- T cells expressed IL-12R, but not IL-18R, and produced IFN-gamma in response to IL-12. Cultures of T cells with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 in the presence of rIL-12 induced IL-18R expression and IL-18-stimulated IFN-gamma production, which reached higher levels than that induced by IL-12 stimulation. However, there was a substantial difference in the expression of IL-18R and IL-18-stimulated IFN-gamma production among T cell subsets. CD4+ cells expressed marginal levels of IL-18R and produced small amounts of IFN-gamma, whereas CD8+ cells expressed higher levels of IL-18R and produced more IFN-gamma than CD4+ cells. Moreover, CD4-CD8- cells expressed levels of IL-18R comparable to those for CD8+ cells but produced IFN-gamma one order higher than did CD8+ cells. These results indicate that the induction of IL-18R and IL-18 responsiveness by IL-12 represents a mechanism underlying enhanced IFN-gamma production by resting T cells, but the operation of this mechanism differs depending on the T cell subset stimulated.

Improved method for measuring tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in serum

We describe an improved method for the kinetic measurement of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TrACP; EC 3.1.3.2) activity in serum. Of the TrACP derived from erythrocytes, platelets, and macrophages (osteoclasts and others), that from the first two sources is also resistant to fluoride, whereas skeletal TrACP is sensitive to fluoride. Thus, osteoclast-derived TrACP can be measured specifically by exploiting its sensitivity to fluoride. We measured the activity of tartrate-resistant and fluoride-sensitive acid phosphatase (TrFsACP) by using 2,6-dichloro-4-acetylphenyl phosphate as substrate at pH 6.2. The activity of TrFsACP in serum was increased by adding hexadimethrine bromide (Polybrene) to the reaction mixture. This method was not influenced by hemolysis with hemoglobin concentrations as great as 0.9 g/L. The mean +/- SD values of TrFsACP activity by this method were 20.4 +/- 2.8 and 16.4 +/- 2.3 U/L for young (ages 20-29 years) men (n = 34) and women (n = 50), respectively. The highest mean TrFsACP activity was found among children younger than 15 years, followed by that in elderly subjects (older than 60).

Ceramic unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee joint

Unicompartmental replacement with a ceramic knee prosthesis was performed in 10 patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis. The follow-up period averaged 42 months, with a range of 24 to 68 months. All of the knees received a Kyocera unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and all patients were evaluated using The Knee Society Clinical Rating System. The mean knee score increased from 50.6 to 90.8 at the last follow-up, showing no deterioration with time. All of the patients showed marked improvement of pain and excellent or good results were obtained in all cases. None of the patients had progressive radiolucency wider than 2 mm at the final follow-up. Ceramic unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is an acceptable treatment for spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee joint; a satisfactory postoperative range of motion can be achieved, there are few complications, and a high initial success rate.

Multibeam scanning optics with single laser source for full-color printers

In the novel optical system described here, four-color toners can be developed in one rotation of the photoconductor, and the color control information is given when the intensities of the laser power levels are changed and the two polarization directions are switched. A polarizing beam splitter between the common scanning optics and the photoconductor enables the laser beam to pass through a common scanning system and to illuminate two positions on the photoconductive material. The laser beam polarization direction is controlled by an electro-optical device immediately behind the laser. In each illuminated position, two-color toners are developed by a three-level (trilevel) photographic process. This simplified optical system eliminates the registration errors that occur with four-color information items and can be useful in high-speed printing systems.

A mechanism underlying synergy between IL-12 and IFN-gamma-inducing factor in enhanced production of IFN-gamma

IL-12 and IFN-gamma-inducing factor (IGIF) have the capacity to stimulate IFN-gamma production by T cells. Using an IL-12-responsive T cell clone, 2D6, we investigated how these two cytokines collaborate for IFN-gamma production. 2D6 obtained from cultures containing rIL-12 produced IFN-gamma in response to rIGIF. 2D6 from cultures deprived of IL-12 for 24 h produced only marginal levels of IFN-gamma production following stimulation with either rIL-12 or rIGIF alone. However, simultaneous stimulation of these 2D6 cells with both cytokines resulted in strikingly enhanced levels of IFN-gamma production. 2D6 could also be maintained in the presence of rIL-2 instead of rIL-12. 2D6 lines maintained with rIL-12 (2D6(IL-12)) or rIL-2 (2D6(IL-2)) exhibited differential IGIF responsiveness: both lines responded similarly to rIL-2 or rIL-12, whereas the 2D6(IL-12) or 2D6(IL-2) exhibited high or marginal IGIF responsiveness, respectively. The 2D6(IL-12) line expressed IGIF receptor (IGIFR), whereas the 2D6(IL-2) did not. Overnight exposure of the 2D6(IL-12) to rIL-2 reduced IGIFR expression and conversely, exposure of the 2D6(IL-2) to rIL-12 restored IGIFR expression. IGIFR expression by these 2D6 lines correlated with the capacity to produce IFN-gamma in response to rIGIF. Purified naive T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 mAb and subsequently cultured with rIL-12 were also found to express IGIFR and induce enhanced IFN-gamma production following IGIF stimulation. These results indicate that the induction of IGIFR by IL-12 represents one of the mechanisms underlying the synergy between IL-12 and IGIF in IFN-gamma production.

A mechanism underlying synergy between IL-12 and IFN-gamma-inducing factor in enhanced production of IFN-gamma

IL-12 and IFN-gamma-inducing factor (IGIF) have the capacity to stimulate IFN-gamma production by T cells. Using an IL-12-responsive T cell clone, 2D6, we investigated how these two cytokines collaborate for IFN-gamma production. 2D6 obtained from cultures containing rIL-12 produced IFN-gamma in response to rIGIF. 2D6 from cultures deprived of IL-12 for 24 h produced only marginal levels of IFN-gamma production following stimulation with either rIL-12 or rIGIF alone. However, simultaneous stimulation of these 2D6 cells with both cytokines resulted in strikingly enhanced levels of IFN-gamma production. 2D6 could also be maintained in the presence of rIL-2 instead of rIL-12. 2D6 lines maintained with rIL-12 (2D6(IL-12)) or rIL-2 (2D6(IL-2)) exhibited differential IGIF responsiveness: both lines responded similarly to rIL-2 or rIL-12, whereas the 2D6(IL-12) or 2D6(IL-2) exhibited high or marginal IGIF responsiveness, respectively. The 2D6(IL-12) line expressed IGIF receptor (IGIFR), whereas the 2D6(IL-2) did not. Overnight exposure of the 2D6(IL-12) to rIL-2 reduced IGIFR expression and conversely, exposure of the 2D6(IL-2) to rIL-12 restored IGIFR expression. IGIFR expression by these 2D6 lines correlated with the capacity to produce IFN-gamma in response to rIGIF. Purified naive T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 mAb and subsequently cultured with rIL-12 were also found to express IGIFR and induce enhanced IFN-gamma production following IGIF stimulation. These results indicate that the induction of IGIFR by IL-12 represents one of the mechanisms underlying the synergy between IL-12 and IGIF in IFN-gamma production.

Resolution enhancement printing with a variable spot-size laser diode

We demonstrate enhanced resolution printing using a variable spot-size laser diode. The near-field spot size of the laser diode can be changed by controlling the refractive-index distribution in the laser stripe through the injected current. The ratio of the minimum-to-maximum spot size is 2.1:1. This technology provides high-resolution printing without increasing the scanning frequency. Smoother character outlines that consist of finer steps are produced with this laser diode. An effective resolution of 1200 dots /in. (dpi) can be obtained by a printer system with 600-dpi resolution.

Evanescent-wave holography by use of surface-plasmon resonance

We report a method for evanescent-wave holography using surface-plasmon resonance from the illumination light. The device we have made consists of three layers: a prism of high refractive index, a thin metallic film, and a grating. Evanescent waves generated by the surface plasmons are diffracted with a prerecorded grating to reconstruct a three-dimensional image. The possibility of white-light illumination and the application to a flat display system with waveguides in the proposed method are discussed.

Establishment of an IL-12-responsive T cell clone: its characterization and utilization in the quantitation of IL-12 activity

We previously demonstrated that proliferation of terminally differentiated Th1 clones depends primarily on an interleukin-12 (IL-12)-paracrine mechanism mediated by their interactions with antigen-presenting cells (APC) rather than on an IL-2-autocrine mechanism. Such a Th1 clone (4-86, C57BL/6 origin) was cultured with recombinant IL-12 (rIL-12) in the absence of either antigen or APC. Some cells survived for several passages of culture with only rIL-12, and by limiting dilution, several clones highly reactive to rIL-12 alone were obtained. One of these clones, designated 2D6, was found to proliferate strongly in response to less than 1 pg/mL of rIL-12. This clone exhibited the following surface phenotypes: CD3+, T cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta+, Vbeta11+, NK-1.1-; CD4-CD8-; LFA-1+, ICAM-1+; and CD28+, CD80+, CD86+, CTLA-4-. In accordance with high responsiveness to IL-12, 2D6 cells were also found to express IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) as detected by incubation with rIL-12 and then staining with anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Stimulation of 2D6 with rIL-12 resulted in the expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and IL-10 mRNAs and production of these cytokines. The 2D6 clone responded to IL-2 (vigorously), IL-7 (moderately), and IL-4 (mildly) in addition to IL-12. However, the Ab capture assay using anti-IL-12 mAb enabled us to quantify IL-12-specific activity contained in a given sample. Thus, this study describes the unique features of the IL-12-responsive T cell clone and demonstrates the utilization of this clone in the quantitation of a specific IL-12 activity.

Three-dimensional microfabrication with two-photon-absorbed photopolymerization

We propose a method for three-dimensional microfabrication with photopolymerization stimulated by two-photon absorption with a pulsed infrared laser. An experimental system for the microfabrication has been developed with a Ti:sapphire laser whose oscillating wavelength and pulse width are 790 nm and 200 fs, respectively. The usefulness of the proposed method has been verified by fabrication of several kinds of microstructure by use of a resin consisting of photoinitiators, urethane acrylate monomers, and urethane acrylate oligomers.

B cells regulate CD40 ligand-induced IL-12 production in antigen-presenting cells (APC) during T cell/APC interactions

Although stimulation of freshly isolated murine spleen cells with anti-CD3 mAb or Con A failed to generate IL-12 production, the same cell preparations depleted of B cells produced IL-12. Addition of normal B cells inhibited IL-12 production in a cell number-dependent manner. IL-12 production was dependent on the presence of CD4+, but not of CD8+, T cells, and inhibited by addition of anti-CD40 ligand (CD40L) mAb. Anti-CD3 or Con A stimulation induced CD40L expression only on CD4+ T cells, which was inhibited in the presence of B cells. IL-12 production was also induced by interactions between CD40L-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and splenocytes depleted of T and B cells, but not of APC, indicating CD40L-induced IL-12 production by APC. The involvement of CD40 molecules was examined by comparing the ability of cells from CD40-deficient (CD40 -/-) and wild-type mice (CD40 +/+) to produce IL-12. Spleen cells from CD40 -/- and CD40 +/+ mice produced comparable amounts of IL-12 in response to bacterial stimuli. However, the B cell-depleted fraction from CD40 -/- mice failed to produce IL-12 when stimulated with anti-CD3 or Con A or when cocultured with CD40L-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells. These results indicate that CD40L expressed on activated T cells induces APC to produce IL-12 through CD40/CD40L interaction, but this pathway is competitively inhibited by CD40+ B cells incapable of producing IL-12 upon stimulation with CD40L. Thus, this might represent a novel mechanism underlying the regulation of cell-mediated and humoral immunity.

Regulation of T cell-dependent and -independent IL-12 production by the three Th2-type cytokines IL-10, IL-6, and IL-4

The production of IL-12 by macrophages/dendritic cells (Mphi/DC) is mediated either by a T cell-dependent pathway that is induced primarily by the interaction of CD40 ligand (CD40L) on activated T cells with CD40 on IL-12-producing cells or by a T cell-independent pathway that is induced by bacteria or bacterial products and enhanced by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In this study we investigated the ability of the Th2-type cytokines interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, and IL-4 to modulate IL-12 production in Mphi/DC induced through the two pathways. IL-12 production was induced in Mphi/DC from normal mice by stimulation with the combination of IFN-gamma plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (a model for the T cell-independent pathway) or by co-culture with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the CD40L (a model for the T cell-dependent pathway). The effects of three Th2-type cytokines on IL-12 production by Mphi/DC through the two pathways were examined. IL-10 inhibited IL-12 production induced through both pathways, although the inhibitory effect was more potent on the (IFN-gamma + LPS)-induced pathway. IL-6 inhibited only (LPS + IFN-gamma)-induced IL-12 production. The effect of IL-4 was particularly noteworthy: this cytokine inhibited (LPS + IFN-gamma)-induced IL-12 production, whereas it potentiated the production of IL-12 induced by CD40L. Regulation of IL-12 protein production by IL-10 and IL-4 was found to correspond to the levels of mRNA accumulation for the p40 and p35 IL-12 genes, whereas the presence of IL-6 during stimulation decreased IL-12 protein production without affecting steady-state mRNA levels. These results indicate that IL-12 production in Mphi/DC induced through a T cell-dependent or -independent pathway is positively or negatively regulated by particular cytokines at various control levels.

B cells regulate CD40 ligand-induced IL-12 production in antigen-presenting cells (APC) during T cell/APC interactions

Although stimulation of freshly isolated murine spleen cells with anti-CD3 mAb or Con A failed to generate IL-12 production, the same cell preparations depleted of B cells produced IL-12. Addition of normal B cells inhibited IL-12 production in a cell number-dependent manner. IL-12 production was dependent on the presence of CD4+, but not of CD8+, T cells, and inhibited by addition of anti-CD40 ligand (CD40L) mAb. Anti-CD3 or Con A stimulation induced CD40L expression only on CD4+ T cells, which was inhibited in the presence of B cells. IL-12 production was also induced by interactions between CD40L-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells and splenocytes depleted of T and B cells, but not of APC, indicating CD40L-induced IL-12 production by APC. The involvement of CD40 molecules was examined by comparing the ability of cells from CD40-deficient (CD40 -/-) and wild-type mice (CD40 +/+) to produce IL-12. Spleen cells from CD40 -/- and CD40 +/+ mice produced comparable amounts of IL-12 in response to bacterial stimuli. However, the B cell-depleted fraction from CD40 -/- mice failed to produce IL-12 when stimulated with anti-CD3 or Con A or when cocultured with CD40L-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells. These results indicate that CD40L expressed on activated T cells induces APC to produce IL-12 through CD40/CD40L interaction, but this pathway is competitively inhibited by CD40+ B cells incapable of producing IL-12 upon stimulation with CD40L. Thus, this might represent a novel mechanism underlying the regulation of cell-mediated and humoral immunity.

Spinal fractures resulting from the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake of the Kobe-Osaka area of Japan

One of the worst earthquakes hit the Hanshin area between Kobe and Osaka, in the early morning at 5:46 AM on January 17th 1995. The destructive force with MG 7.2 severely damaged buildings, houses, roads and railways, leaving 6500 dead, and 34,900 injured. Hyogo College of Medicine located in this area was also severely damaged, thus there was a major challenge to provide post-quake medical support. A post-quake investigation in this area was done by 50 affiliated hospitals. More than 15,000 victim-patients were treated at these hospitals during the first 3 days after the quake. Major injuries were spinal fractures, and other trunk fractures, including rib or pelvis fractures, but fractures of long bones were uncommon, because the quake hit this area in the early morning when most people were asleep. In this study, the mechanisms of these major injuries were analysed by direct interview soon after the quake, with 230 victim-patients who had 140 spinal fractures, and 100 with rib or pelvis fractures. Most of those who had a spinal fracture had either sat up or stood up on their 'Futon' mattresses without bed frames and were struck on their backs by falling furniture or ceilings. On the other hand, patients who had fractures of the ribs or the pelvis had been lying in the supine or lateral position and were hit on their chest or pelvis. This characteristic lifestyle pattern of the Japanese people to lie down on the floor directly beside furniture, resulted in these injuries. From these results, we will emphasize the following precautions:- If an earthquake occurs during sleeping hours at home, do not stand up or sit up. The best position is to crouch on the 'Futon' mattress.

Enzymatic synthesis of 4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline and 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline by using beta-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans

A transgalactosylation reaction from lactose to moranoline (1-deoxynojirimycin) was accomplished by using beta-galactosidase [EC 3.2.1.23] from Bacillus circulans. The enzyme formed 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline and 4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline as major products, together with 2-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline and 6-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-moranoline as minor ones.

IL-12 produced by antigen-presenting cells induces IL-2-independent proliferation of T helper cell clones

We investigated the role of IL-12 in proliferation of various Th cell clones (class II-alloreactive (4-86 and 4-55) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin + self I-Ek-reactive (9-16)) following stimulation with Ag on APCs. These clones proliferated in response to stimulation with rIL-2, rIL-12, or Ag/APC. The proliferation induced by Ag/APC stimulation was not affected by anti-IL-2 Ab but was markedly inhibited by anti-IL-12 Abs. Consistent with this finding was the absence of detectable IL-2 activity in culture supernatants 12 to 48 h after Ag/APC stimulation, and the detection of significant levels of IL-12 in an Ab-capture bioassay. IL-12 was produced within 12 h after Ag/APC stimulation, reaching a peak after 18 to 24 h. The production of IL-12 in cultures of Th clones and APC contrasted with the production of IL-2 but not IL-12 upon allostimulation of primary T cells and the inhibition of their proliferation exclusively by anti-IL-2 Abs. Analysis of the expression of IL-12-binding sites on Th cells revealed low levels of IL-12 receptors in resting Th clones but high IL-12R levels 2 to 3 days after Ag/APC stimulation, declining gradually thereafter. The changes in IL-12R expression levels correlated closely with the IL-12 responsiveness of Th populations at various times after Ag/APC stimulation; Th populations obtained 3 and 10 days after Ag/APC stimulation exhibited very high and weak or marginal responsiveness to rIL-12, respectively, whereas the responses to rIL-2 were comparable in both Th populations. These results indicate that the Ag/APC-stimulated proliferation of terminally differentiated Th clones, in contrast to naive T cells, depends on the production of IL-12 by APC and on the simultaneous up-regulation of IL-12R on Th cells rather than on an IL-2 autocrine mechanism.

IL-12 produced by antigen-presenting cells induces IL-2-independent proliferation of T helper cell clones

We investigated the role of IL-12 in proliferation of various Th cell clones (class II-alloreactive (4-86 and 4-55) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin + self I-Ek-reactive (9-16)) following stimulation with Ag on APCs. These clones proliferated in response to stimulation with rIL-2, rIL-12, or Ag/APC. The proliferation induced by Ag/APC stimulation was not affected by anti-IL-2 Ab but was markedly inhibited by anti-IL-12 Abs. Consistent with this finding was the absence of detectable IL-2 activity in culture supernatants 12 to 48 h after Ag/APC stimulation, and the detection of significant levels of IL-12 in an Ab-capture bioassay. IL-12 was produced within 12 h after Ag/APC stimulation, reaching a peak after 18 to 24 h. The production of IL-12 in cultures of Th clones and APC contrasted with the production of IL-2 but not IL-12 upon allostimulation of primary T cells and the inhibition of their proliferation exclusively by anti-IL-2 Abs. Analysis of the expression of IL-12-binding sites on Th cells revealed low levels of IL-12 receptors in resting Th clones but high IL-12R levels 2 to 3 days after Ag/APC stimulation, declining gradually thereafter. The changes in IL-12R expression levels correlated closely with the IL-12 responsiveness of Th populations at various times after Ag/APC stimulation; Th populations obtained 3 and 10 days after Ag/APC stimulation exhibited very high and weak or marginal responsiveness to rIL-12, respectively, whereas the responses to rIL-2 were comparable in both Th populations. These results indicate that the Ag/APC-stimulated proliferation of terminally differentiated Th clones, in contrast to naive T cells, depends on the production of IL-12 by APC and on the simultaneous up-regulation of IL-12R on Th cells rather than on an IL-2 autocrine mechanism.

CD28 co-stimulatory signals induce IL-2 receptor expression on antigen-stimulated virgin T cells by an IL-2-independent mechanism

Intravenous sensitization of C57BL/6 (B6) mice with class II H-2-disparate B6-C-H-2bm12(bm12) resting B cells induced anti-bm12 CD4+ T cell tolerance as shown by hyporesponsiveness in the anti-bm12 mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). The present study investigated the mechanism(s) of the failure of bm12 B cells to stimulate the proliferation of B6 anti-bm12 CD4+ T cells. While stimulation in vitro to B6 splenic T cells with bm12 antigen-presenting cells (APC) induced IL-2 mRNA expression and IL-2 production, T cells stimulated with bm12 B cells expressed much less IL-2 mRNA and secreted very low but detectable levels of IL-2. Moreover, the T cells stimulated with the bm12 B cells did not proliferate and this was not corrected by the addition of rIL-2 responsiveness. Further, whereas IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) alpha chain expression was significantly induced on B6 T cells stimulated with bm12 APC; stimulation with bm12 B cells did not induce IL-2R expression over background levels. However, virgin T cells stimulated with both bm12 B cells and anti-CD28 mAb proliferated and displayed a dramatic increase in IL-2 production as well as IL-2R expression to levels commensurate with those resulting from bm12 B cells plus anti-CD28 mAb even in the presence of sufficient amounts of anti-IL-2 mAb for neutralizing produced IL-2; while levels of IL-2R were significantly lower compared to those induced in the absence of anti-IL-2 mAb, increased frequencies of IL-2R+ cells were comparable. Conversely, IL-2R was not induced by bm12 B cell stimulation in the presence of IL-2. Moreover, IL-2R expression and proliferation induced by stimulation with bm12 APC was inhibited by CTLA-4-Ig, a soluble recombinant fusion protein capable of blocking the CD28 co-stimulatory signals not only stimulate IL-2 production but also induce IL-2R expression by an IL-2-independent mechanism.

Utilization of intravenously infused maltooligosaccharides in rabbits

The utilization of intravenously infused maltotriose, maltotetraose and maltopentaose was investigated in rabbits. Rabbits were infused with isotonic solutions of each maltooligosaccharide for 2 h and the utilization was assessed by the 24-h urinary loss of carbohydrates. The utilization of these maltooligosaccharides was good (> or = 87.5%) at a rate of 1 ml/kg/h (< or = 250 mg/kg/h) and poor (< or = 36.2%) at a rate of 5 ml/kg/h (> 250 mg/kg/h). Furthermore, these maltooligosaccharides infused as 5% solution showed good utilization (> or = 86.2%) at a rate of 5 ml/kg/h (250 mg/kg/h). These results suggest the existence of a threshold dose in the utilization of intravenously infused maltooligosaccharides, and this threshold value in rabbits is estimated to be nearly 250 mg/kg/h.

Effects of moranoline, 4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosylmoranoline and their N-substituted derivatives on thermostability of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase, glucoamylase, and beta-amylase

In repeated glycosylmoranolines synthetic reaction at 55 degrees C, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGT-ase, EC 2.4.1.19) from Bacillus stearothermophilus retained its activity for more than 600 days. A main stabilizing compound was found to be 4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosylmoranoline. The thermostabilizing activities of moranoline, 4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosylmoranoline, and their N-substituted derivatives were studied. Moranoline and its N-substituted derivatives stabilized glucoamylase. 4-O-alpha-D-Glucopyranosylmoranoline and its N-substituted derivatives stabilized CGT-ase and beta-amylase.

[Population pharmacokinetic analysis of indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes]

Using the population pharmacokinetic (Bayesian) method, we investigated the indocyanine green (ICG) retention rate at 15 minutes (R 15) in patients with liver disease. For the Bayesian analysis, the mean and variance of parameters, the disappearance rate (K) and the distribution volume, were calculated by the one compartment analysis with data of inpatients. The mean value of the disappearance rate (K) was shown to be smaller and the variances of parameters of the patients were larger than normal values reported, so that it was suggested that the studied group included patients with various kinds of liver diseases. Accordingly, the Bayesian analysis was performed using above statistical results. The distribution volumes, calculated from three points measurements by Bayesian method, were estimated smaller and the initial concentrations higher than those obtained by the one compartment analysis. However, the retention rate (R 15) were well correlated the results of one compartment analysis. The Bayesian analysis using one point measurement at 15 minutes, resulted that the values of retention rate (R 15) were shown about 17% lower, but well correlated with the coefficient gamma = +0.9972 to those obtained by usual method. The disappearance rate (K), which calculated simultaneously from the one point analysis, showed the lowest value on liver cirrhosis. So that, the application of Bayesian analysis to the one point measurement of ICG test was useful to clinical evaluation of liver disease.

Autoimmune thyroiditis induced in mice depleted of particular T cell subsets. III. Analysis of regulatory cells suppressing the induction of thyroiditis

It has previously been demonstrated that T cell clones with potentials to induce autoimmune thyroiditis exist in lymphoid organs from normal healthy individuals. The present study investigates the nature of regulatory cells co-existing in a normal lymphoid cell population to prevent the activation of these thyroiditis-inducing T cells. T cell-depleted (C57BL/6 x C3H/He) F1 mice (B cell mice) were prepared by adult thymectomy and injection of anti-thymocyte serum, followed by lethal X-irradiation and bone marrow reconstitution. Typical thyroiditis was induced in these B cell mice by i.v. administration of Lyt-1dull T cells but not of whole T cells from normal syngeneic mice. Additional injection of normal thymocytes into B cell mice which had been transferred with the Lyt-1 dull T cells resulted in complete prevention of thyroiditis induction. Mature thymocytes were responsible for this regulatory function and such regulatory cell activity was also found in peripheral lymphoid cells such as spleen cells. These regulatory cells exerted their capacity to prevent thyroiditis in cell dose-dependent and injection timing-dependent manners; thyroiditis was prevented when they were injected in cell doses of greater than 1.5 x 10(7)/mouse and before the initiation of the thyroiditis lesion. Most interestingly, the phenotypes of regulatory cells were Thy-1+ and L3T4+. Since the thyroiditis-inducing Lyt-1 dull T cells has previously been shown to be of L3T4+, these results indicate that there exist functionally heterogeneous subsets in an L3T4+ T cell population and that some L3T4+ T cells function as regulatory cells to prevent the activation of thyroiditis-inducing L3T4+ T cells co-existing in the normal lymphoid cell population.

T cell clones are killed by a thymic stromal cell monolayer following stimulation of T cell receptor with antigen and/or H-2 molecules on the monolayer

A thymic stromal cell clone, MRL104.8a, expressed class I and class II H-2k antigens after exposure to gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) and produced thymic stroma-derived T cell growth factor (TSTGF) irrespective of gamma-IFN exposure. Culturing the keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-specific, I-Ek-restricted 9-16 helper T cell (Th) clone on an Ia (I-Ak and I-Ek)-expressing MRL 104.8a monolayer induced potent proliferation of the 9-16 cells by virtue of the TSTGF produced by the monolayer. In contrast, the addition of KLH to cultures resulted in lethal growth inhibition of the 9-16 Th clone. Such a phenomenon was also observed for various Th as well as cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones, and the following were revealed: (i) the growth of the ovalbumin (OVA)-or bovine thyroglobulin (BTg)-specific Th clone on the la-expressing MRL 104.8a monolayer was also inhibited by addition of the relevant antigen. The fact that these Th clones required antigen-presenting cells (APC) capable of processing antigen for the recognition of the respective target antigen suggested the potential of MRL 104.8a cells for antigen-processing; (ii) the lethal growth inhibition of KLH-specific, I-Ak (23-1-8)- or I-Ek (9-16)-restricted Th clone was prevented selectively by anti-I-Ak or anti-I-Ek antibody respectively; (iii) the I-Ek-alloreactive Th clone (2-13) was supported for its growth on a gamma-IFN-unexposed MRL 104.8a monolayer, whereas this clone was killed on an I-Ek-expressing monolayer; and (iv) when I-Ak-reactive CTL clones were cultured on an Ia- or Ia+ monolayer, CTL clones failed to exhibit cytotoxic effect on either the Ia- or the Ia+ monolayer, but were conversely killed by the Ia+ monolayer. Its killing was also prevented by an antibody which inhibits the recognition of Ia antigen on the monolayer by CTL clones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autoimmune thyroiditis induced in mice depleted of particular T cell subsets. II. Immunohistochemical studies on the thyroiditis lesion

The intravenous (i.v.) administration of Lyt-1dull T cells into syngeneic (C57BL/6 x C3H/He)F1 T cell-depleted B cell mice resulted in the induction of typical thyroiditis exhibiting massive cellular infiltration. The present study investigated which types of lymphoid cells infiltrate in the thyroiditis lesion and whether immunohistologic change takes place on epithelial cells of thyroid follicles. Both L3T4+ and Lyt-2+ T cells were found in the lesion, although the frequency of infiltration was higher in the former than in the latter. Thyroiditis was also induced by injection of Lyt-1dull L3T4+ but not of Lyt-1dull Lyt2+ T cells, indicating the critical role of a part of L3T4+ T cell subset (Lyt-1dull L3T4+ T cell subpopulation) in inducing thyroiditis. Only rare Lyt-2+ T cells were seen in such a thyroiditis lesion. Infiltrating T cells were predominantly of L3T4+, and these L3T4+ T cells formed cellular infiltrating lesion together with moderate number of B cells and relatively small number of macrophages. Importantly, class II MHC antigens were detected on epithelial cells of thyroid follicles. Such class II MHC expression was observed in coincidence with the area of cellular infiltration in the thyroid. These results demonstrate that: (1) a part of L3T4+ T cells which is required for the induction of thyroiditis by adoptive cell transfer infiltrates into the inflammatory lesion, (2) the induction of the thyroiditis lesion is formed by these L3T4+ T cells as well as B cells and macrophages, but does not necessarily depend on the participation of Lyt-2+ T cell subset, and (3) the aberrant expression of class II MHC antigens on thyroid epithelial cells coincides with cellular infiltration.

Model for clonal elimination in the thymus

A thymic stromal cell clone, MRL104.8a, expresses class I as well as class II H-2k antigens after exposure to gamma-interferon. This clone also produces thymic stroma-derived T-cell growth factor (TSTGF), which is distinct from other known interleukins and is capable of promoting the growth of various antigen-specific helper T cell (Th) clones without requiring a specific antigen or interleukin 2. When the keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-specific, I-Ek-restricted Th clone 9-16 was cultured on an Ia (I-Ak and I-Ek)-expressing MRL104.8a monolayer, potent proliferation of the 9-16 cells was induced by TSTGF produced by the monolayer. In contrast, the addition of KLH resulted in lethal growth inhibition of Th clone 9-16 cells. Another Th clone that is KLH-specific but I-Ab-restricted was capable of proliferating on the Iak-expressing MRL104.8a monolayer whether or not KLH was present. More importantly, death of Th clone 9-16 cells cultured on a MRL104.8a monolayer in the presence of KLH was almost completely prevented by the addition of anti-I-Ek or anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies, which are capable of blocking antigen recognition by the T-cell receptor. However, when Th clone 9-16 cells were cultured in the presence of KLH but on a monolayer of MRL28.8a cells, another thymic stromal clone that expresses a comparable amount of I-Ek antigen but produces a marginal amount of TSTGF, cells did not die; a lethal effect was induced by adding TSTGF. These results indicate that the TSTGF-producing and Ia-expressing thymic stromal cells induce the continuous proliferation or selective elimination of each T-cell clone, depending on whether the T-cell receptor is stimulated by the relevant antigen associated with Ia molecules expressed on the stromal cell surface.

[Paraplegia caused by vertebral compression fractures in senile osteoporosis]

Paraplegia followed spontaneous deformed osteoporotic spine is very rare. Our own 3 cases treated conservatively in two and operatively in one with success and 11 cases reported in the literatures were analyzed. All patients were recovered from paraplegia. One patient was died one and a half year after the recovery of her paralytic episode. Thorough autopsy study of this patient showed no organic lesion in the regarded spinal cord due to such kind of spine deformity.

Biomechanical behavior of the posterior elements of the lumbar spine under loading--a study of stress analysis by means of three dimensional photoelastic experiments

To investigate the biomechanical behavior of the lumbar posterior elements under loading, stress analysis was carried out. The three dimensional photoelastic method was used for stress analysis in this study. The forces applied to the superior and the inferior articular facets were concentrated on the pars interarticularis and transmitted to the pedicle. However, almost no stress was generated in the lamina. Highly stressed areas were found in the pars interarticularis and around the lateral recess. The highest compressive stress was present in the pars interarticularis. The deformation pattern of the lumbar spinal canal was recognized and it became flat as the lateral recess was narrowed and deepened. These results very interestingly correspond to the fact that spondylolysis and lumbar canal stenosis are found in the above-mentioned areas clinically.

[The pathologico-anatomic study of the metastatic tumor of the spine (author's transl)]

The radiological and histological studies were performed on the three spinal column obtained at autopsy from cases with metastatic tumors to the spine with complete paralysis treated surgically. These three cases consisted of a maxillary carcinoma with metastasis to the cervical spine, a seminoma with metastasis to the thoracic spine and a metastasized renal cell carcinoma to the thoracic spine. All patients died without recovery from the paralysis, in spite of the immediate tumor resection and spinal fusion were done immediately after the appearance of complete paralysis. The histological examination of cross section of these spinal column showed that tumor cells infiltrated in the vertebral body and spinal canal, and spinal cord was remarkably compressed by the tumor. Therefore, various degrees of degeneration were seen in the spinal cord. In addition, many tumor-cell emboli were seen in veins of vertebral body and spinal canal in two cases, and also tumor cell infiltration to an intradural space and marked deformity of the spinal cord were seen in one case. These above findings would suggest that tumor cells, which metastasized to vertebral body through venous plexus from the primary lesion, infiltrated into the spinal canal, compressed spinal cord and caused paralysis.