The IL-13/periostin/IL-24 pathway causes epidermal barrier dysfunction in allergic skin inflammation

BACKGROUND

Barrier dysfunction is an important feature of atopic dermatitis (AD) in which IL-4 and IL-13, signature type 2 cytokines, are involved. Periostin, a matricellular protein induced by IL-4 or IL-13, plays a crucial role in the onset of allergic skin inflammation, including barrier dysfunction. However, it remains elusive how periostin causes barrier dysfunction downstream of the IL-13 signal.

METHODS

We systematically identified periostin-dependent expression profile using DNA microarrays. We then investigated whether IL-24 downregulates filaggrin expression downstream of the IL-13 signals and whether IL-13-induced IL-24 expression and IL-24-induced downregulation of filaggrin expression are dependent on the JAK/STAT pathway. To build on the significance of in vitro findings, we investigated expression of IL-24 and activation of STAT3 in mite-treated mice and in AD patients.

RESULTS

We identified IL-24 as an IL-13-induced molecule in a periostin-dependent manner. Keratinocytes are the main IL-24-producing tissue-resident cells stimulated by IL-13 in a periostin-dependent manner via STAT6. IL-24 significantly downregulated filaggrin expression via STAT3, contributing to barrier dysfunction downstream of the IL-13/periostin pathway. Wild-type mite-treated mice showed significantly enhanced expression of IL-24 and activation of STAT3 in the epidermis, which disappeared in both STAT6-deficient and periostin-deficient mice, suggesting that these events are downstream of both STAT6 and periostin. Moreover, IL-24 expression was enhanced in the epidermis of skin tissues taken from AD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The IL-13/periostin pathway induces IL-24 production in keratinocytes, playing an important role in barrier dysfunction in AD.

Ir(iii) complex-based oxygen imaging of living cells and ocular fundus with a gated ICCD camera

Phosphorescence lifetime imaging methods using oxygen-sensitive probes are very useful for visualizing the oxygen status of living cells and tissues with high spatial resolution. We aim to develop a useful oxygen detection technique combining a phosphorescent oxygen probe and an optimal detection method. Herein we present a biological oxygen imaging method using a microscope equipped with a gated intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera as a detector and an Ir(iii) complex as a phosphorescent oxygen probe. Microscopic luminescence images of monolayer HT-29 cells (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells) obtained using the cell-penetrating Ir(iii) complex BTPDM1 and an inverted microscope demonstrated that this method allowed visualization of the oxygen gradient produced in a monolayer of cultured cells when the monolayer is covered with a thin coverslip. Furthermore, combining the IR-emitting Ir(iii) complex DTTPH-PEG24 with a macrozoom microscope equipped with a gated ICCD camera enabled both the visualization of retinal vessels near the optic disc and the monitoring of oxygen level changes in a rabbit retina upon changing the inhaled oxygen content.

Natural attenuation of Fukushima-derived radiocesium in soils due to its vertical and lateral migration

Processes of vertical and lateral migration lead to gradual reduction in contamination of catchment soil, particularly its top layer. The reduction can be considered as natural attenuation. This, in turn, results in a gradual decrease of radiocesium activity concentrations in the surface runoff and river water, in both dissolved and particulate forms. The purpose of this research is to study the dynamics of Fukushima-derived radiocesium in undisturbed soils and floodplain deposits exposed to erosion and sedimentation during floods. Combined observations of radiocesium vertical distribution in soil and sediment deposition on artificial lawn-grass mats on the Niida River floodplain allowed us to estimate both annual mean sediment accumulation rates and maximum sedimentation rates corresponding to an extreme flood event during Tropical Storm Etau, 6-11 September 2015. Dose rates were reduced considerably for floodplain sections with high sedimentation because the top soil layer with high radionuclide contamination was eroded and/or buried under cleaner fresh sediments produced mostly due to bank erosion and sediments movements. Rate constants of natural attenuation on the sites of the Takase River and floodplain of Niida River was found to be in range 0.2-0.4 year^-1. For the site in the lower reach of the Niida River, collimated shield dose readings from soil surfaces slightly increased during the period of observation from February to July 2016. Generally, due to more precipitation, steeper slopes, higher temperatures and increased biological activities in soils, self-purification of radioactive contamination in Fukushima associated with vertical and lateral radionuclide migration is faster than in Chernobyl. In many cases, monitored natural attenuation along with appropriate restrictions seems to be optimal option for water remediation in Fukushima contaminated areas.

Heat stress-induced phosphorylation of FoxO3a signalling in rat skeletal muscle

AIM

A recent study demonstrated that FoxO3a was directly induced by the overexpression of Hsp72 in rat soleus muscle. However, whether heat stress treatment induces FoxO3a phosphorylation in rat skeletal muscle remains unclear. This study examined the effects of heat stress on the regulation of the FoxO3a signalling pathway in rat skeletal muscle.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar rats (15 weeks old) were randomly assigned into two groups; sedentary control group (Sed, n = 8) and experimental group (n = 24). After an overnight fast, one leg of each rat (HS leg) in the experimental group was immersed in hot water (43 °C) for 30 min, and the soleus and plantaris muscles in both legs were removed immediately (0 min), 30 min, 60 min, or 24 h after the heat stress (n = 6 each group). The contralateral, non-heated leg in the experimental group served as an internal control (CT leg).

RESULTS

Heat stress treatment resulted in a significant increase in FoxO3a phosphorylation (Ser253) in the soleus and plantaris muscles of heat-stressed legs after 24 h. Hsp72 expression in heat-stressed legs was significantly higher at 60 min and 24 h in these muscles. Activation of the PTEN/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways was also observed in these muscles immediately after stress, but not at 24 h. There were no differences in FoxO1 and AMPKα phosphorylation in either muscle.

CONCLUSION

Heat stress in rat skeletal muscle induces phosphorylation of FoxO3a signalling, and it may be related to Hsp72 upregulation, and the activation of the PTEN/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways.

Sesquiterpenoids from the Roots of Solanum aethiopicum

, 2001 Three new sesquiterpenoids, lubiminoic acid, epilubiminoic acid and aethione, and six known sesquiterpenoids, solavetivone, 3β-hydroxysolavetivone, 13-hydroxysolavetivone, an-hydro-β-rotunol, epilubimin and lubimin, were isolated from roots of S. aethiopicum L. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data.

Heat stress activates the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway in rat skeletal muscle

AIM

It is well known that various stimuli, such as mechanical stress and nutrients, induce muscle hypertrophy thorough the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, which is a key mediator of protein synthesis and hypertrophy in skeletal muscle. It was recently reported that heat stress also induces an increase in muscle weight and muscle protein content. In addition, heat stress enhances Akt/mTOR signalling after one bout of resistance exercise. However, it remains unclear whether increased temperature itself stimulates the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.

METHODS

Forty-two male Wistar rats (279.5 ± 1.2 g) were divided into a control group (CON) or one of five thermal stress groups at 37, 38, 39, 40 or 41 °C (n = 7 each group). After overnight fasting, both legs were immersed in different temperatures of hot water for 30 min under sodium pentobarbital anaesthesia. The soleus and plantaris muscles were immediately removed from both legs after the thermal stress.

RESULTS

The phosphorylation of mTOR or 4E-BP1 and heat shock protein (HSP) expression levels were similar among groups in both the soleus and plantaris muscles. However, Akt and p70S6K phosphorylation significantly increased at 41 °C in the soleus and plantaris muscles. Moreover, we observed a temperature-dependent increase in Akt and p70S6K phosphorylation in both muscles.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that the altered temperature increased phosphorylation in a temperature-dependent manner in rat skeletal muscle and may itself be a key stimulator of Akt/mTOR signalling.

Effects of ageing and endurance exercise training on alpha-actinin isoforms in rat plantaris muscle

AIM

We recently reported that α-actinin adaptation occurs at the isoform level. This study was undertaken to clarify the effects of: (1) ageing-induced shift of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition and (2) endurance exercise training on α-actinin isoforms in rat plantaris muscle.

METHODS

Adult (18 mo) and old (28 mo) male Fischer 344 rats were assigned to either sedentary control or endurance exercise training groups. Animals in the training groups ran on a treadmill for 8 week with training intensity adjusted to be equal for adult and old groups. After the training was completed, the plantaris muscles were taken for analyses of α-actinin-2, α-actinin-3, and MyHC composition and metabolic enzyme activities.

RESULTS

The proportion of type IIb MyHC was lower, and that of type I MyHC was higher in old animals than in adult animals. α-actinin-3 was significantly lower in old animals than in adult animals. No significant difference was found in α-actinin-2 and citrate synthase (CS) activity between adult and old animals. Citrate synthase activity was higher in trained animals than in sedentary animals. Endurance training produced a fast-to-slow shift within type II MyHC isoforms in both adult and old animals. α-actinin-2 was significantly higher in trained animals than in sedentary animals. No significant difference was found in α-actinin-3 between trained and sedentary animals.

CONCLUSION

These results support the α-actinin adaptation at the isoform level and show that the α-actinin-3 expression depends on the amount of type II MyHC, whereas α-actinin-2 expression is associated with improvement of muscular aerobic capacity.

Phosphorus uptake by pigeon pea and its role in cropping systems of the Indian subcontinent

Pigeon pea was shown to be more efficient at utilizing iron-bound phosphorus (Fe-P) than several other crop species. This ability is attributed to root exudates, in particular piscidic acid and its p-O-methyl derivative, which release phosphorus from Fe-P by chelating Fe(3+). Pigeon pea is normally intercropped with cereals under low-input conditions in the Indian subcontinent. Although pigeon pea can utilize the relatively insoluble Fe-P, intercropped cereals must rely on the more soluble calcium-bound phosphorus. This finding suggests that cultivation of pigeon pea increases total phosphorus availability in cropping systems with low available phosphorus.

Oxytocin signal and social behaviour: comparison among adult and infant oxytocin, oxytocin receptor and CD38 gene knockout mice

Oxytocin in the hypothalamus is the biological basis of social recognition, trust, love and bonding. Previously, we showed that CD38, a proliferation marker in leukaemia cells, plays an important role in the hypothalamus in the process of oxytocin release in adult mice. Disruption of Cd38 (Cd38 (-/-)) elicited impairment of maternal behaviour and male social recognition in adult mice, similar to the behaviour observed in Oxt and oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) gene knockout (Oxt (-/-) and Oxtr (-/-), respectively) mice. Locomotor activity induced by separation from the dam was higher and the number of ultrasonic vocalisation calls was lower in Cd38 (-/-) than Cd38( +/+) pups. However, these behavioural changes were much milder than those observed in Oxt (-/-) and Oxtr (-/-) mice, indicating less impairment of social behaviour in Cd38 (-/-) pups. These phenotypes appeared to be caused by the high plasma oxytocin levels during development from the neonatal period to 3-week-old juvenile mice. ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity was markedly lower in the knockout mice from birth, suggesting that weaning for mice is a critical time window of plasma oxytocin differentiation. Breastfeeding was an important exogenous source of plasma oxytocin regulation before weaning as a result of the presence of oxytocin in milk and the dam's mammary glands. The dissimilarity between Cd38 (-/-) infant behaviour and those of Oxt (-/-) or Oxtr (-/-) mice can be explained partly by this exogenous source of oxytocin. These results suggest that secretion of oxytocin into the brain in a CD38-dependent manner may play an important role in the development of social behaviour.

Isolated relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the breast of a young female

A 20-year-old female developed a relapse of B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as a mass in her left breast after 6 years of maintained continuous complete remission. No leukemic lesions were identified in other sites such as the bone marrow or cerebrospinal fluid. The relapsed leukemic cells in the breast revealed the same immunophenotypes (CD10(+), CD19(+), CD20(+), HLA-DR(+), CD34(+)) as those of the onset ALL cells in the bone marrow. A literature survey found 10 other cases of ALL relapse in the breast without bone marrow involvement, mostly consisting of adolescent girls. Including the present report, a total of 11 cases were analyzed; the onset ages of ALL were a median of 16.5 (range 5-50) years old and the ages of relapse in the breast a median of 20 (range 12-51) years old. Data suggest that, although rare, the breast could become one of the extramedullary relapse sites of ALL developed in adolescent girls.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after isolated central nervous system relapse: our experiences and review of the literature

The prognosis of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and central nervous system (CNS) relapse has historically been very poor. Although chemo-radiotherapy has improved outcomes, some patients still have a poor prognosis after CNS relapse. Therefore, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) has recently become an option for treatment of CNS leukemia; however, information, particularly on the long-term outcome of transplant recipients, is limited. We performed allo-SCT in eight pediatric patients with ALL (n=7) or T-cell type non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n=1), who had isolated CNS relapse. All patients survived for a median of 70.5 (range, 13-153) months after SCT. Sequelae developed late in some patients: mental retardation (IQ=47) in one patient, severe alopecia in two patients, limited chronic graft-versus-host-disease in three patients, and amenorrhea and/or hypothyroidism in three patients. Except for a pre-school child with post transplant CNS relapse, six out of seven patients show normal school/social performance. Our results clearly indicate a high cure rate of isolated CNS relapse by allo-SCT in pediatric lymphoid malignancies; however, there needs to be further studies to determine which are the appropriate candidates for transplantation and what is the best transplant regimen to achieve high cure rate and maintain good quality of life.

Randomized scheduling feasibility study of S-1 for adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasible adjuvant therapy administration schedule of S-1 for locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Patients receiving definitive treatments were randomly assigned to either arm A (51 cases) receiving oral S-1 of 2-week administration followed by 1-week rest for 6 months, or arm B receiving S-1 of 4-week administration followed by 2-week rest for 6 months. Planned treatment was given in 40% of patients in arm A and 29% in arm B. The cumulative rates of the relative total administration dose of S-1 at 100% were 54.9% (95% CI: 40.1–69.7%) in arm A and 34.3% (95% CI: 21.1–47.4%) in arm B, respectively (P=0.054). Adverse events were recorded in 41 patients (82.0%) in arm A and 48 patients (94.1%) in arm B (P=0.060). The incidences of diarrhoea (10 vs 28%; P<0.05) and skin toxicities (18 vs 37%; P<0.05) were significantly higher in arm B. One-year disease-free survival was similar in both arms: arm A 81.2% (95% CI: 70.0–92.4%); arm B 77.0% (95% CI: 65.0–89.0%). The schedule of 2-week administration followed by 1-week rest seems to be more feasible for oral 6-month administration of S-1 in adjuvant chemotherapy of locoregionally advanced SCCHN.

Anti-babesial ellagic acid rhamnosides from the bark of Elaeocarpus parvifolius

Bioassay-guided investigation of the bark of Elaeocarpus parvifolius led to the isolation of three new ellagic acid derivatives, 4-O-methylellagic acid 3'-alpha-rhamnoside (2), 4-O-methylellagic acid 3'-(3''-O-acetyl)-alpha-rhamnoside (3), and 4-O-methylellagic acid 3'-(4''-O-acetyl)-alpha-rhamnoside (4) in addition to the known ellagic acid derivative, 4-O-methylellagic acid 3'-(2'',3''-di-O-acetyl)-alpha-rhamnoside (1). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of analysis of 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HMQC, HMBC and MS spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their growth-inhibitory effect on Babesia gibsoni in vitro. Compounds 2 and 4 showed very weak activity, while compounds 1 and 3 showed moderate activity, with IC50 values of 28.5 and 52.1 microg/ml, respectively.

Numerous nonclonal chromosomal aberrations arising in residual recipient hematopoietic cells following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

A young female patient in a second remission of acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent bone marrow transplantation after total body irradiation and high-dose cytarabine from her HLA-matched brother. Following successful engraftment, mixed chimerism was seen 75 days post transplant. The karyotype contained numerous abnormalities in residual recipient cells. Chromosomes 1, 7, 13, and X were significantly more affected than other chromosomes. The high-frequency breakpoints identified were 1p22.2, 5q31.2, and 13q14.2. Some karyotypes specific for leukemia, such as t(9;22)(q34.1;q11.2) and t(8;21)(q22.2;q22.2), not seen with the original disease, were also present. As the frequency of aberrant chromosomes increased markedly with time, donor leukocytes were infused 14 months after BMT, which effectively eradicated the abnormal karyotypes.

Adenoviral infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: early diagnosis with quantitative detection of the viral genome in serum and urine

Early diagnosis and prompt introduction of effective therapy are imperative to manage systemic, often fatal adenoviral (AdV) disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). We evaluated the usefulness of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of AdV disease in SCT recipients. Seven SCT recipients, including three with AdV disease, were retrospectively evaluated for AdV genome detection. In serum specimens, the AdV genome was detected at >10(3) copies/ml in the pre-SCT period in two of the five recipients studied. These two patients subsequently developed AdV disease. The three patients with AdV disease had high levels of >10(5) copies/ml during the 4-6 weeks post-SCT period. In none of these patients was the AdV genome detected in urine specimens in pre-SCT period. However, three recipients with detectable urinary levels during the period 1-2 weeks post-SCT subsequently developed AdV disease. Regarding the outcome, two of the three patients with AdV disease died of progressive renal failure. Our results suggest that quantitative determination of the AdV genome in serum and urine is useful to identify patients at high risk of developing AdV disease. Prospectively applied, these measures are expected to improve the dismal outcome of AdV disease in SCT recipients.

Hippocampal N-methyl-d-aspartatereceptor-mediated encoding and retrieval processes in spatial working memory: Delay-interposed radial maze performance in rats

In order to clarify the role of hippocampal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptors in different stages of spatial working memory, we first assessed the rats' performance in a delay-interposed eight-arm radial maze task (experiment 1). When a delay was interposed after the first four correct choices, rats showed more errors in the second-half performance depending on the length of delay; however, they did not show any significant increase of error choices until the delay was beyond 2 h. We then tested the effect of 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), a competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, and 2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide (NBQX)-disodium, an AMPA receptor antagonist, on a standard (no delay-interposed) radial maze task (experiment 2). The drug effect was maintained 15-30 min but it completely disappeared 60 min after dorsal hippocampal microinjection. Based on these findings we finally investigated the effects of hippocampal AP5 and NBQX administered at different stages of 2 h delay-interposed radial maze task on the second-half performance (experiment 3). AP5 immediately before the first-half and before the second-half performance significantly impaired the correct choices, but the treatment immediately after the first-half performance did not, while NBQX impaired them in all three conditions. Results suggest that hippocampal NMDA receptors play an important role in encoding and retrieval processes of spatial working memory, while AMPA receptor activation is necessary not only in these processes but also in consolidation/retention process.

Acute renal failure due to adenovirus-associated obstructive uropathy and necrotizing tubulointerstitial nephritis in a bone marrow transplant recipient

Management of post-transplant complications caused by severe adenoviral infection remains a major therapeutic challenge. A 17-year-old male who had undergone bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed complete anuria following hemorrhagic cystitis 34 days after the transplant procedure. The computed tomogram scan revealed bilateral hydronephrosis, indicating acute renal failure because of obstructive uropathy. The emergency procedure of percutaneous nephrostomy caused massive bleeding in the left kidney, which eventually required a nephrectomy. Adenovirus-positive severe necrotizing tubulointerstitial nephritis was the histopathological diagnosis. Post-transplant acute renal failure because of hydronephrosis, which could be complicated by adenovirus-induced renal parenchymal disease, is of great concern and may cause significant problems with interventional treatment.

Radiotherapy with concurrent docetaxel and carboplatin for head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to evaluate the concomitant use of docetaxel and carboplatin for radiosensitization in head and neck cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One dose of docetaxel at 10 mg/m2 and five doses of carboplatin at AUC of 0.4 per week were administered to patients during the first two weeks of radiotherapy. Sixteen patients were treated with this regimen. Radiotherapy was given to a total dose of 64.8 to 82.0 Gy. Altered fractionation radiotherapy was performed in 12 patients with untreated advanced tumors.

RESULTS

The complete response (CR) rate was 81%, with a partial response (PR) rate of 19%. Toxicities included grade 3 mucositis in 69% of patients and grade 2 dermatitis in 56% of patients.

CONCLUSION

This schedule of docetaxel and carboplatin combined with radiotherapy may become a useful approach for the management of head and neck cancer with proper management of mucositis.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated T-lymphoproliferative disease with hemophagocytic syndrome, followed by fatal intestinal B lymphoma in a young adult female with WHIM syndrome. Warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis

A rare association of Epstein-Barr virus-associated T- and B-lymphoproliferative disease (EBV(+) T- and EBV(+) B-LPD) in a patient with WHIM (warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis) syndrome is reported. A 26-year-old Japanese female, who had been treated for WHIM syndrome since early childhood, developed hemophagocytic syndrome associated with EBV(+) T-LPD at the lymph nodes and spleen. The disease rapidly resolved in response to prednisolone therapy. However, 6 weeks later, fatal EBV(+) B lymphoma unresponsive to chemotherapy occurred in the intestine and other organs. Caution must be exercised that the patient with WHIM syndrome may be at risk for EBV-LPD.

Adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I uterine endometrial carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

We have assessed prognostic factors and the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I uterine endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS

251 primary surgically treated stage I patients were studied. Prognostic factors were evaluated and 5-year and 10-year survival rates were compared in patients with lymph-vascular space invasion to investigate whether adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 94% and 93%. Multivariate analysis indicates that lymph-vascular space invasion is the most significant prognostic factor in both 5- and 10-year survival rates (P<0.001 at both times) and stage/depth of invasion is significant for the 10-year survival rate (P=0.04). Of 54 patients with lymph-vascular space invasion, statistically significant differences were observed in 10-year survival rate (P=0.02) between patients who had surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (n=23) and patients who had surgery alone (n=31). Toxicities were mild to moderate (30%).

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical importance of lymph-vascular space invasion and the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy were confirmed. This observation warrants a larger comparative study with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Ultracytochemical localization of Ca2+-ATPase activity in the endolymphatic sac of the chick

The localization of Ca2+-ATPase activity was examined ultracytochemically in the endolymphatic sac (ES) of the 1-day-old chick. The reaction products showing Ca2+-ATPase activity were localized along the microvilli and the apical cell membranes of the epithelial cells of the ES. The lateral cell membranes also showed mild activity. These reactions were completely abolished when either Ca2+ or ATP was omitted from the incubation medium. The results suggest that Ca2+-ATPase plays a significant role as a Ca2+ pump for regulation of the Ca2+ concentration in the endolymph of the ES.

Mechanisms responsible for increase in circulating inhibin levels at the time of ovulation in mares

In female mammals, inhibin is secreted by the granulosa cells and selectively inhibits secretion of FSH. Although circulating immunoreactive (ir)-inhibin levels decrease after ovulation as a result of the disappearance of its main source, they abruptly increase at the time of ovulation in mares. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for this increase, 50 ml of equine follicular fluid (eFF) was administered into the abdominal cavity of mares during the luteal phase (eFF, n = 4). One hour after treatment, plasma levels of ir-inhibin and inhibin pro-alphaC (but not estradiol-17beta) were significantly higher in eFF-treated mares than in control mares (n = 4). The hormone profiles in eFF-treated mares were similar to those in mares with the spontaneous or hCG induced ovulations. The present study demonstrates that the release of follicular fluid into the abdominal cavity when the follicle ruptures is responsible for the ovulatory inhibin surge in the mare. These findings also suggest that circulating inhibin pro-alphaC may be useful for determining the time of ovulation in the mare.

Horse lumbrical muscle: possible structural and functional reorganization in regressive muscle

An anatomical study of horse lumbrical muscle (Lm) was carried out by light and electron microscopy in combination with immunochemical and cytochemical methods. Paraffin sections were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and Masson's trichrome staining for morphometric analysis. Paraffin sections were also used for immunostaining by anti-PGP 9.5 for reaction with nerve-protein associated-structures, anti-heat-shock protein 70 (hsp 70) for detection of gene expression changes, anti-fast myosin for the determination of muscle fibre types, and for detection of apoptotic gene expression of muscle fibres by the TUNEL method. The distribution of muscle fibre types on frozen sections was also examined by assaying ATPase (pH 4.2). We found that the proximal end of the tendon of the unipennate-shaped Lm binds to the deep digital flexor tendon, and the distal end of the Lm tendon connects to the medial surface of the palmar annular ligament. The Lm was not always present, but when found it varied in length greatly, up to 8 cm (muscle part alone), and weighed less than 1 g. The Lm was white, pale, or reddish in colour depending on the ratio of muscle fibre and connective tissue contents. The semi-tendinized regressive Lm was composed of rich vasculature, peripheral nerves, and nerve-like organs similar to the neuromuscular spindle (NMS). The extrafusal muscle fibres (e-lm) that surround the NMS were replaced with a thick outer capsule of connective tissues (CT) in the Lm nerve-like organ, which we named the neurotendinous capsule (NTC) organ. NTC organs exist alone or as multiple structures (up to eight) surrounded by a common outer capsule at the outermost CT ring. The NTC possesses several intrafusal muscle fibres (ifm) just as the NMS does. That the ifm was associated with nerve endings was confirmed by anti-PGP 9.5 and electron microscopic observation. Some muscle fibres in ifm and e-lm reacted with anti-fast twitch myosin and with anti-hsp 70. The e-lm exhibited at least two fibre types, determined by ATPase (pH 4.2) assay. The ifm exhibited mainly type I (slow twitch) fibres. No apoptotic gene expression was detected in either ifm or e-lm, suggesting the Lm is a vital organ. The degenerating fibres observed in ifm and e-lm indicate that the turnover rate of cytoplasmic components is accelerated. We attribute this phenomenon to the necessity for adaptation to new environmental demands. The surprising finding of tubular aggregates (TAs) in ifm of the NTC organ suggests that the Lm is continuously adapting. Some results related to variation in diameter of the collagen fibrils, isolation of the NTC organ and the myofibrillar protein constituents are also discussed. In conclusion, the so-called regressive Lm has rich vasculature, many peripheral nerves, and newly described NTC organs. The induction of heat-shock protein, lack of apoptotic gene expression in ifm and e-lm fibres, and TA formation in ifm suggest that horse Lm responds to environmental stress through reorganization and/or remodelling of cell constituents. We hypothesize that the horse Lm has lost its original role as a contractile element and changed to another function, likely as a vital nerve organ.

Avian dark cells

Dark cells (DCs) of mammalian and non-mammalian species help to maintain the homeostasis of the inner ear fluids in vivo. Although the avian cochlea is straight and the mammalian cochlea is coiled, no significant difference in the morphology and/or function of mammalian and avian DCs has been reported. The mammalian equivalent of avian DCs are marginal cells and are located in the stria vascularis along a bony sheet. Avian DCs hang free from the tegmentum vasculosum (TV) of the avian lagena between the perilymph and endolymph. Frame averaging was used to image the fluorescence emitted by several fluorochromes applied to freshly isolated dark cells (iDCs) from chickens (Gallus domesticus) inner ears. The viability of iDCs was monitored via trypan blue exclusion at each isolation step. Sodium Green, BCECF-AM, Rhodamine 123 and 9-anthroyl ouabain molecules were used to test iDC function. These fluorochromes label iDCs ionic transmembrane trafficking function, membrane electrogenic potentials and Na+/K+ ATPase pump's activity. Na+/K+ ATPase pump sites, were also evaluated by the p-nitrophenyl phosphatase reaction. These results suggest that iDCs remain viable for several hours after isolation without special culturing requirements and that the number and functional activity of Na+/K+ ATPase pumps in the iDCs were indistinguishable from in vivo DCs. Primary cultures of freshly iDCs were successfully maintained for 28 days in plastic dishes with RPMI 1640 culture medium. The preparation of iDCs overcomes the difficulty of DCs accessability in vivo and the unavoidable contamination that rupturing the inner ear microenvironments induces.

Time-resolved infrared spectroscopic study of the switching dynamics of a surface-stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal

The orientation dynamics of a ferroelectric liquid crystal with a naphthalene ring (FLC-3) during the electric-field-induced switching between two surface-stabilized states was investigated by means of time-resolved Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Time-resolved infrared spectra of the planar-aligned cell of FLC-3 were measured as a function of the polarization angle ranging from 0 degree to 180 degrees under a rectangular electric field +/-40 V with a 5-kHz repetition rate in the smectic-C* (Sm-C*) phase at 137 degrees C. From these spectra details about the mutual arrangement of different molecular segments at all the delay times in the Sm-C* phase were derived. It was found that the C=O group in the core moiety exhibits a dynamical behavior different from that in the chiral moiety during the electric-field-induced switching between the two surface-stabilized states. The most important finding in the present study is that during the electric-field-induced switching the FLC molecule not only rotates around the layer normal, but also revolves around its own long axis. Furthermore, time-resolved infrared spectroscopy revealed that each group in the core moiety passes almost simultaneously through the projection of the layer normal in the cell window during the dynamic switching.

Occlusal disharmony affects plasma corticosterone and hypothalamic noradrenaline release in rats

Few neuro-endocrinological studies have examined the relationship between occlusal disharmony and stress. To determine the effect of occlusal disharmony on the central nervous system, we measured plasma corticosterone and extracellular noradrenaline in the vicinity of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in rats both with and without incisal caps. After the caps were set, plasma corticosterone and extracellular noradrenaline levels gradually increased, reaching a peak at 8.5 and 6.5 hours, respectively, after which they decreased. Furthermore, plasma corticosterone and extracellular noradrenaline levels increased in a circadian fashion around the onset of the dark phase in rats without caps, but not in rats with caps. These results suggest that occlusal disharmony causes chronic stress in the rat.

Risk factors for cytomegalovirus retinitis following bone marrow transplantation from unrelated donors in patients with severe aplastic anemia or myelodysplasia

Two cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis following bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from unrelated donors are reported. 1 patient had been treated for severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and the other for hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Because first line therapy with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporin A (CsA) had failed, BMT was performed following a conditioning regimen of ATG, cyclophosphamide, and total lymphoid irradiation. Treatment for CMV retinitis was successfully carried out with gancyclovir (systemic and intraocular injection), foscarnet, and photocoagulation (Case 1) and gancyclovir and foscarnet (Case 2). Both patients also developed Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disease (EBV-LPD). We compared these 2 cases with 14 SAA patients who did not develop CMV retinitis after BMT using marrow from either HLA-identical siblings (n = 9) or from unrelated donors (n = 5). Unlike the retinitis patients, the latter 5 patients received ATG only once. The retinitis patients had significantly lower CD4+ T-cell levels in their peripheral blood than the 14 patients who did not develop CMV retinitis. We believe that repeated treatment with ATG and transplantation from unrelated donors may lead to immune dysfunction that could increase the likelihood of CMV retinitis, as well as LPD. For such BMT patients, regular ophthalmic examinations and careful testing for CMV antigenemia are recommended.

Expression of rolB in apomictic Hieracium piloselloides Vill. causes ectopic meristems in planta and changes in ovule formation, where apomixis initiates at higher frequency

The effects of the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolB oncogene on apomixis were examined in the facultative apomictic plant Hieracium piloselloides because the oncogene has been shown to alter plant growth, morphogenesis and cellular sensitivity to auxin. Introduction of rolB under the control of either its own promoter or the CaMV35S promoter induced ectopic meristem formation from the inflorescence, confirming in planta a meristem-inducing role for this oncogene previously observed only in tissue culture. These ectopic meristems formed vegetative rosettes and floral plant organs. Upon immersion in water these meristems generated roots, suggesting that meristem commitment towards the generation of a specific organ type is a separate and later event that is dependent upon the developmental context. Ovule identity and form was altered in ectopically induced florets in plants expressing the CaMV35S::rolB construct. In contrast to the ovules of untransformed apomictic plants, the sexual process ceased earlier, prior to meiosis, yet surprisingly, apomixis initiated from a greater number of cells, and embryos and endosperm continued to develop in the structurally altered ovules. The alternative possibilities that the effects on reproduction might result from rolB influencing cellular response to auxin, or from alterations in cell signaling caused by changes in ovule morphology that are induced because of the expression of the oncogene are discussed.

Histoplasmosis in the lung of a race horse with yersiniosis

A 4-year-old female thoroughbred race horse died of acute peritonitis caused by necrotizing granulomatous duodenitis. Yersinia enterocolitica was immunohistochemically demonstrated in macrophages in granulomas developed in the duodenum, lung, liver and abdominal lymph nodes. The yeast-like fungi were found in the cytoplasmic vacuoles of macrophages in the lung that infiltrated into the granulomas and surrounding alveoli with congestive edema. The yeast-like fungi were positively stained by Gomori-Grocott chromic acid methenamine silver stain and immuno-histochemically stained with anti-histoplasma antibody. In this case, it was considered that granulomas formed in the duodenum, lung, liver and abdominal lymph nodes were primarily caused by Yersinia enterocolitica due to idiopathic weakening of the immune system. Yeast-like fungi immunohistochemically identified as histoplasmas secondarily infected the lung. This is the first case regarded as equine histoplasmosis capsulati in Japan.

Sesquiterpenoids in root exudates of Solanum aethiopicum

Five known sesquiterpenoids, solavetivone, lubimin, lubiminoic acid, aethione and lubiminol were isolated from the root exudates recovered from Solanum aethiopicum by a newly proposed method using charcoal. Quantitative analysis of the sesquiterpenoids in the root exudates of S. aethiopicum and S. melongena suggested that relatively large amounts of the sesquiterpenoids were exuded from the roots. Antifungal activity of the sesquiterpenoids against Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae was also examined.

Liquid meal attenuates meal anticipation in rat adrenocortical activity

Effects of dietary consistency were examined on the development and persistence of meal anticipation in adrenocortical activity in rats under restricted daily feeding (RF), in which food supply was restricted to a fixed time of day. Restricted daily solid meal produced the anticipatory hormone peak in 8 days, whereas restricted daily liquid meal produced the peak in 12 days. The developed hormone peak was less prominent by liquid meal than by solid. The anticipatory corticosterone peak developed by solid meal persisted throughout the period examined (3 weeks) after the termination of RF, whereas the peak developed by liquid meal disappeared after the first week. It is concluded that liquid meal attenuates the meal anticipation in the adrenocortical activity in rats under RF.

Localization of cytosolic NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase in the peroxisomes of rat liver cells: biochemical and immunocytochemical studies

Two types of NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenases (ICDs) have been reported: mitochondrial (ICD1) and cytosolic (ICD2). The C-terminal amino acid sequence of ICD2 has a tripeptide peroxisome targeting signal 1 sequence (PTS1). After differential centrifugation of the postnuclear fraction of rat liver homogenate, approximately 75% of ICD activity was found in the cytosolic fraction. To elucidate the true localization of ICD2 in rat hepatocytes, we analyzed the distribution of ICD activity and immunoreactivity in fractions isolated by Nycodenz gradient centrifugation and immunocytochemical localization of ICD2 antigenic sites in the cells. On Nycodenz gradient centrifugation of the light mitochondrial fraction, ICD2 activity was distributed in the fractions in which activity of catalase, a peroxisomal marker, was also detected, but a low level of activity was also detected in the fractions containing activity for succinate cytochrome C reductase (a mitochondrial marker) and acid phosphatase (a lysosomal marker). We have purified ICD2 from rat liver homogenate and raised a specific antibody to the enzyme. On SDS-PAGE, a single band with a molecular mass of 47 kD was observed, and on immunoblotting analysis of rat liver homogenate a single signal was detected. Double staining of catalase and ICD2 in rat liver revealed co-localization of both enzymes in the same cytoplasmic granules. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed gold particles with antigenic sites of ICD2 present mainly in peroxisomes. The results clearly indicated that ICD2 is a peroxisomal enzyme in rat hepatocytes. ICD2 has been regarded as a cytosolic enzyme, probably because the enzyme easily leaks out of peroxisomes during homogenization. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:1123-1131, 2001)

Polarized infrared spectroscopic study on the orientation of the molecules in the smectic-C* phase of a ferroelectric liquid crystal with a naphthalene ring: alternative theory for the analysis of polarization-angle-dependent intensity changes

A theory to explain the polarization-angle dependence of polarized infrared spectra of a ferroelectric liquid crystal in the surface-stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal state is proposed. It describes the relationship between the intensity of the absorption bands and the polarization angle of the infrared radiation. Using this theory the polarization-angle dependence of the infrared band intensities was analyzed for a ferroelectric liquid crystal with a naphthalene ring and two phenyl rings with a stacked layer structure in the smectic-C* phase. The polarization-angle-dependent spectra were measured at 137 degrees C under external dc electric fields of +40 and -40 V to investigate the orientation of the molecules. Plots of the infrared absorbance versus polarization angle for representative bands were subjected to a curve fitting procedure by a least squares method. From the curves obtained the orientation of the transition dipole moments with respect to the molecular long axis and the orientation of the molecular long axis with respect to the rubbing direction of the cell were estimated based upon the suggested theory. The polarization-angle-dependent infrared spectra obtained were also analyzed by two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectroscopy. The 2D correlation analysis clearly detects a slight phase difference in the polarization-angle dependence which is hardly recognized in ordinary plots of the intensity changes in the infrared bands. The 2D correlation analysis allows us to separate asymmetric and symmetric stretching bands due to the chiral methyl group from those arising from other methyl groups in the alkyl chains.

Structural confirmation of 15-norlubiminol and 15-norepilubiminol, isolated from Solanum aethiopicum, by chemical conversion from lubimin and epilubimin, and their antifungal activity

15-Norlubiminol and 15-norepilubiminol were obtained from Solanum aethiopicum as an inseparable 1:1 mixture in a relatively poor yield to that of the major phytoalexins, lubimin and epilubimin. Their structures were confirmed by chemical conversion starting from lubimin and epilubimin. Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of the protected lubimins with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid provided the desired formates. Deoxygenation with triphenylphosphine selenide and subsequent methanolysis provided 15-norlubiminols, whose 1H-NMR spectra were respectively identical with that of the corresponding isomer in the natural 15-norlubiminol mixture. The antifungal activity of 15-norlubiminols would be weaker than that of lubimins.

Gasless hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: an option for poor cardiopulmonary reserve

Gasless hand-assisted surgery, an alternative technique for colorectal cancer, is described. The abdomen is lifted by two metal disks especially designed for this procedure. The gasless condition evokes no hazard from pneumoperitoneum, and the procedure is greatly simplified by the hand assistance.