Schistosoma mansoni: Demonstration of two circulating antigens in infected hamsters

In this study the presence of two circulating schistosome derived antigens, probably both polysaccharides, was demonstrated in hamsters heavily infected with Schistosoma mansoni. One antigen was an anodic, heat-stable, high molecular weight substance; it was demonstrated in serum, adult worm antigen and in the excretory and secretory products of adult worms. The antigen was demonstrated in the epithelial cells of the schistosome gut. A second antigen, cathodic, heat-stable and a low-molecular weight substance (MW < 30,000), was demonstrated in hamster serum, hamster urine, adult worm antigen, and in the excretory and secretory products of adult worms. Two additional schistosome derived antigens, both heat-labile, were demonstrated in hamster urine.     

Changes in hematological and serum biochemical parameters in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) after inoculation with dengue virus

Background Marmosets are susceptible to dengue virus (DENV) infection. However, blood parameter data and clinical signs of DENV-infected marmosets are limited. Methods Blood hematological and serum biochemical values were obtained from twelve DENV-inoculated and four mock-infected marmosets. Additionally, body temperature and activity level were determined. Results Five DENV-inoculated marmosets demonstrated thrombocytopenia, nine demonstrated leucopenia, and five demonstrated an increase in the levels of AST, ALT, LDH, and BUN. Additionally, seven DENV-inoculated marmosets demonstrated clinical signs including fever and decreases in activity. None of the four mock-inoculated marmosets demonstrated changes in either hematological or biochemical parameters. Conclusions Marmosets inoculated with DENV exhibited clinical signs and changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. The results suggest that blood parameter data and clinical signs could potentially be useful markers for understanding the progress of DENV infection in studies using marmosets.     

Cryogenic changes in proteases and antiprotease activities of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle (Bos taurus) semen

The postthaw motility and fertility of buffalo and cattle semen is reduced when they are cryopreserved for artificial insemination. In the present study, an attempt was made to characterize the cryogenic changes in proteases and antiprotease activities (APA) of buffalo and cattle semen because these proteolysis regulators have been reported to be associated with sperm motility and fertility. Buffalo sperm demonstrated at least two major proteases of 45 and 42 kDa and three minor proteases of 95, 52, and 33 kDa. Similarly, cattle sperm demonstrated three major proteases of 62, 45, and 42 kDa and two minor proteases of 85 and 78 kDa. Buffalo seminal plasma demonstrated at least three major proteases of 78, 68, and 62 kDa and one minor protease of 98 kDa and cattle seminal plasma demonstrated one major protease of 68 kDa and two minor proteases of 78 and 75 kDa. Except for the 45 kDa protease, most of the previously mentioned proteases were found to be metalloproteinases. Compared with fresh sperm, cryopreserved buffalo and cattle sperm demonstrated a major protease band of 52/49 kDa and the activity of this protease reduced progressively with the duration of cryopreservation. On the contrary, compared with the fresh seminal plasma, cryopreserved buffalo and cattle semen extenders displayed the presence of a new protease band of 45 kDa and demonstrated that this protease activity was leaked from buffalo and cattle cryopreserved spermatozoa. Buffalo and cattle seminal plasmas displayed at least two major APA of 86 and 26 kDa. Compared with buffalo, cattle seminal plasma demonstrated significantly greater APA. Thus, the present study demonstrated the presence of an array of proteases and APA in buffalo and cattle semen and the activities of which changed during cryopreservation. The leakage of the specific protease activity and changes in the proteases and APA might be attributed to reduced motility and fertility of cryopreserved semen in these species.     

Antigen-specific xenogeneic CTL activity in the Syrian hamster

Previous studies of the Syrian hamster have demonstrated a lack of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity in vaccinia virus-infected animals. Our laboratory has reexamined CTL activity in both the classical inbred strains, MHA, CB, and LSH, as well as the recently inbred strain MIT. Primary and secondary CTL specific for the immunizing antigen have been detected after in vitro culture in MIT but were not demonstrable in the classical strains. Only lymph node cells of the responding animal demonstrated this activity, spleen cells being phenotypically devoid of such a response. Identification of the cell responsible for cytolysis as a T cell was demonstrated by nylon wool nonadherence, specificity on Con A blasts, and the lack of surface immunoglobulin, as demonstrated by cell-sorter analysis.     

Ultrastructural phosphatase histochemistry of submandibular and parotid salivary glands of man

Summary Thiamine pyrophosphatase was demonstrated in the Golgi complex and acid phosphatase in the GERL of acinar cells of submandibular and parotid glands and were previously demonstrated in cells of intercalary ducts. Thiamine pyrophosphatase was also demonstrated in the Golgi complex of cells of striated and excretory ducts and myoepithelial cells. Acid phosphatase was also demonstrated in lysosomes. Alkaline phosphatase was rarely demonstrated light microscopically at luminal surfaces of striated and excretory ducts and electron microscopically in luminal vesicles in cells of striated ducts. The demonstration of the phosphatases in Golgi complexes and GERLs indicates that investigations on these structures in experimental animals are relevant to human salivary glands and supports the opinion that ductal cells as well as acinar cells secrete organic material. The presence of alkaline phosphatase at luminal surfaces of striated and excretory ducts suggests that resorption as well as secretion may occur in them.     

Leukocyte-migration inhibition in guinea pigs. I. Correlation with skin test reactivity and macrophage-migration inhibition.

Fifteen guinea pigs, immunized with one of three soluble antigens, repeatedly demonstrated inhibition of leukocyte migration and positive skin tests to the immunizing antigens. An additional five animals immunized with ovalbumin demonstrated inhibition of macrophage migration as well as direct and indirect inhibiton of leukocyte migration. Only one of fifteen animals demonstrated inhibition of leukocyte migration and none had a positive skin test with an antigen to which it had not been sensitized, indicating that the assay is antigen specific.     

Histochemical distribution of delta5-3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in hamster trophoblast.

The histochemical distribution of delta5-3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases was demonstrated in hamster trophoblast between Days 8 and 15 of pregnancy. The delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the ectoplacental trophoblast of 8-day embryos was demonstrated by use of delta5-pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone as substrates; between Days 11 and 15, activity was demonstrated in the trophoblastic giant cells of the placenta and in the intra-arterial trophoblast cells when delta5-pregnenolone was the substrate. Between Days 11 and 15, 17beta-hydroxysteroid activity was present in the spongiotrophoblast, labyrinth, placental giant cells and intra-arterial trophoblast cells, as shown by use of testosterone and oestradiol as substrates. Both enzymes were demonstrated in ectopic trophoblast cells, indicating that these activities are autonomous.     

Rhythm of protein concentration and incorporation of 3H-lysine into hepatocytes in vitro]

"In vitro" incubated slices of the rat liver, by the method of interferometry combined with radioautography, have demonstrated hour's rhythmic fluctuations in protein concentration and 3H-lysine incorporation into proteins. The biochemical method has demonstrated fluctuations in protein synthesis rate in the same cells with an average period of about one hour. The possibility to apply the interferometric method in combination with radioautography for revealing quantitative changes of protein in slices of organic cultures is demonstrated.     

Isoelectric focusing of ten strains of Giardia duodenalis

Ten strains of human- and animal-source Giardia duodenalis were evaluated using an isoelectric focusing technique. Banding patterns obtained from total cell proteins of trophozoites demonstrated both similarities and differences between strains. This confirms the heterogeneity of this morphological group of Giardia sp. demonstrated by others. Heterogeneity was demonstrated among the strains retrieved from human and animal hosts and from hosts within the same geographical region.     

4-Alkyl and 4,4'-dialkyl 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazolidine-3,5-dione derivatives as new inhibitors of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis

Over 195 4-alkyl and 4,4-dialkyl 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazolidine-3,5-dione derivatives were synthesized, utilizing microwave accelerated synthesis, for evaluation as new inhibitors of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. Many of them demonstrated good activity against MurB in vitro and low MIC values against gram-positive bacteria, particularly penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP). Derivative 7l demonstrated antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Derivatives 7f and 10a also demonstrated potent nanomolar Kd values in their binding to MurB.     

Cellular immune response of SIV-infected rhesus macaques

Optimal conditions for the assessment of T cell proliferation and cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses specific for primate lentivirus were established. CTL and T cell proliferative responses were demonstrated as early as two weeks post-infection. Although the majority of CTL were CD8+, MHC class I-restricted, this study demonstrated CD4+, MHC class II-restricted CTL. Experiments also demonstrated that CTL were CD16 negative. Target cell generation could be blocked with CD4 mAb specific for the SIV binding site.     

Cushing's syndrome due to unilateral adrenal nodular hyperplasia with incomplete inhibition of the contralateral gland

A 57-year-old woman was demonstrated to be affected by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing's syndrome. Computed-axial tomography of the abdomen demonstrated an expansion of the left adrenal. In apparent contrast with these findings, adrenal scintigraphy demonstrated radiocholesterol uptake also by the right gland. At surgery, the left adrenal was found to be hard and enlarged and was excised, while the right gland was found of normal appearance and left in place. Histologic examination of the excised gland demonstrated nodular hyperplasia. Early after surgery, plasma cortisol returned to normal values with a normal circadian rhythm and complete inhibition by low dose dexamethasone; the response of plasma cortisol to ACTH was normal. The patient represents a rare case of unilateral adrenal nodular hyperplasia. Radiocholesterol uptake by the contralateral gland and early recovery from adrenal atrophy after surgery are exceptional findings and suggest incomplete inhibition of endogenous ACTH.     

Comparison of the ultrastructural demonstration of cytochrome oxidase activity with three Bis(Phenylenediamines)

Summary Three bis(phenylenediamines) are compared in formaldehyde-fixed rat liver and rat heart. Diaminobenzidine (DAB) demonstrated cytochrome oxidase on mitochondrial cristae, BAXD demonstrated both mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase and a terminal oxidase in endoplasmic reticulum and sarcoplasmic reticulum and BED demonstrated a terminal oxidase only on endoplasmic reticulum and sarcoplasmic reticulum.This investigation was supported by a research grant (CA-02478) from the National Cancer Institute, U.S. Public Health Service.Acknowledgement for technical assistance is due Miss Dale Seligman.     

Up-regulated expression of Ezrin and c-Met proteins are related to the metastasis and prognosis of gastric carcinomas

Recent publications demonstrated that abnormal expression of Ezrin and c-Met proteins were related to carcinogenesis, metastasis and prognosis of various sorts of tumors. In this study we detected the expressions of Ezrin and c-Met proteins in normal gastric mucosa, chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and gastric carcinoma and analyzed the correlations with metastasis and prognosis of gastric carcinomas. The results demonstrated that both Ezrin and c-Met overexpression were related to the occurrence and progression of gastric carcinoma. Our findings also demonstrated that combined detection of these two tumor-specific biomarkers in gastric carcinomas can provide additional efficacy in predicting the patients' outcomes.     

Docetaxel and thalidomide as a treatment option for androgen- independent, nonmetastatic prostate cancer

Prostate cancer usually presents with early-stage disease, yet a significant proportion of patients present or will progress to androgen-independent, nonmetastatic prostate cancer (AIPC). Chemotherapy has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in palliation of AIPC. Docetaxel in particular has demonstrated high response rates as a single agent. Thalidomide is effective in treating many malignancies, including prostate cancer. Thalidomide may act synergistically with docetaxel through their antiangiogenic effects. We performed a phase II trial of docetaxel with or without thalidomide in patients with AIPC and demonstrated encouraging response rates with combination therapy. We advocate further investigation of this promising combination regimen.     

PTHrP and cytokeratins in human epidermis

We have demonstrated the presence of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) in cells of human epidermis, employing immunocytochemical techniques. Cells of human epidermal layers demonstrated variable intensity of the reaction. The least pronounced reaction was detected in cells of the basal and the most pronounced reaction in cells of the granular layer. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated that gold particles labeled bundles of keratin filaments. Therefore, at the subsequent stage of the studies we examined the type of filaments to which PTHrP was bound, using immunocytochemical reactions with antibodies against cytokeratins 10, 14, 16 and 19. Positive reaction was obtained for cytokeratins 10, 14 and 16. The reaction pattern obtained for cytokeratins 10 and 16 most closely resembled that of PTHrP. Double labeling with colloidal gold was performed at the ultrastructural level. The results obtained in this way demonstrated that PTHrP most probably binds to filaments built of cytokeratin 16. By binding to the cytokeratin, PTHrP may possibly affect growth and differentiation of keratinocytes.     

Angiotensin binding to rat adrenal capsular cell suspensions

Adrenal cell suspensions obtained by collagenase digestion of rat adrenal capsules was demonstrated to bind tritiated angiotensin II. The binding was rapid and reversible and was temperature dependent. Saturation of binding sites of a low order of capacity could be demonstrated by the addition of unlabeled angiotensin II. Specificity for this binding was demonstrated using several peptide analogues. Specificity was also observed with respect to cell type. These studies suggest the presence of a biologically significant receptor for angiotensin in cells of the zona glomerulosa of rat adrenal glands.     

Characterization of a noncyst-forming isolate of Trichinella from a wild boar in Yugoslavia.

An isolate of Trichinella obtained from a wild boar in Yugoslavia did not form cysts in the musculature of its natural host. Subsequent inoculation into experimental hosts demonstrated that some larvae became encysted only after extended time periods, whereas others remained unencapsulated. Histological staining of larvae in the musculature demonstrated no deposition of collagen typically seen for Trichinella spiralis spiralis, Trichinella spiralis nativa, or Trichinella spiralis nelsoni. The Yugoslavian isolate, given the name of Zagreb isolate after the University where it was first studied, had low infectivity for pigs and mice. Isozyme analysis demonstrated greater homology with T. s. nelsoni than with other subspecies of Trichinella. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms and dot blot analyses further demonstrated the distinctive nature of this isolate. These results suggest that lack of cyst formation might be characteristic of isolates other than those designated Trichinella pseudospiralis and that this character might be important in the classification of Trichinella.