Granulocytic sarcoma presenting with lymph node infarction at disease onset

A completely infarcted lymph node is an unusual event. However, lymph node infarction should alert the pathologist to the considerable likelihood of malignant lymphoma. We report two unusual cases of acute myeloid leukemia presenting with granulocytic sarcoma at disease onset with a lymph node lesion exhibiting extensive lymph node infarction. The infarcted tissue contained numerous eosinophilic cell ghosts. There were some islands of degenerated, pyknotic medium-sized nuclei resembling lymphoblasts present in the necrotic area. By immunohistochemistry, these medium sized cells were CD3-, CD20-, CD34+, CD43+, CD45RO-, CD68-, CD79a- and myeloperoxidase+ in both cases. Differentiation of granulocytic sarcoma from malignant lymphomas is important for adequate therapy. The present cases indicate that granulocytic sarcoma should be added to the list of differential diagnoses for lymph node infarction.     

Spontaneous and secretagogue-induced changes in cytosolic free Ca concentration measured by microfluorimetry with fura-2 on single bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca]in) was examined in single bovine adrenal chromaffin cells by monitoring fura-2 fluorescence with microspectrofluorimetry. To see the correlation between [Ca]in and secretion, we also measured the rates of catecholamine (CA) secretion and 45Ca efflux from populations of cells. [Ca]in was constant in the majority of single cells, but the small oscillatory changes in [Ca]in were observed in a population of cells. These spontaneous Ca oscillations, when observed, disappeared either after removal of extracellular Ca2+ or by addition of D-600 or Mn2+, but still persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) or after removal of extracellular Na+. In the silent cells the Ca fluctuations were often induced by Bay-K-8644. The characteristics of Bay-K-8644-induced Ca fluctuations were very similar to those of spontaneous ones. Low concentrations of nicotine (1 microM), acetylcholine (ACh; 1-2 microM), or KCl (12.5 mM) often induced oscillations riding on a steady rise in [Ca]in. These changes were rapidly suppressed by removal of either extracellular Ca2+ or Na+, or by addition of either D-600 (methoxyverapamil) or TTX. A low concentration of ACh (1 microM) or KCl (12.5 mM) also increased the rate of 45Ca efflux, but substantial secretion was not detected. On the other hand, the sustained rise in [Ca]in was evoked by 0.1 mM ACh, 20 microM nicotine, or 30 mM KCl, which was suppressed by removal of extracellular Ca2+, but was little affected by TTX. A sustained increase in 45Ca efflux upon exposure to ACh was observed, possibly reflecting the sustained rise in [Ca]in. ACh also stimulated CA secretion, which was faded out during the prolonged application. Veratridine, a Na channel activator, caused repetitive sequence of Ca transients followed by a sustained rise in [Ca]in. These results, together with the previous electrophysiological findings, suggest that: (1) the spontaneous Ca fluctuations are closely associated with occurrence of spontaneous Ca2+ and Na+ action potentials; (2) the rise in [Ca]in induced by a low concentration of nicotinic agonists of KCl is mediated by Na+ action potentials as well as gradual membrane depolarizations; (3) the oscillatory changes subsequent to a rise in [Ca]in reflect fluctuations in Ca2+ influx through the Ca2+ channels; (4) the critical [Ca]in needs to be attained before the CA secretion takes place.     

Hepatitis C virus down-regulates insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 through up-regulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3

The pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated insulin resistance remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated mechanisms for HCV-associated insulin resistance. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance was increased in patients with HCV infection. An increase in fasting insulin levels was associated with the presence of serum HCV core, the severity of hepatic fibrosis and a decrease in expression of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 1 and IRS2, central molecules of the insulin-signaling cascade, in patients with HCV infection. Down-regulation of IRS1 and IRS2 was also seen in HCV core-transgenic mice livers and HCV core-transfected human hepatoma cells. Carbobenzoxy-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l-leucinal, a potent proteosomal proteolysis inhibitor, blocked down-regulation of IRS1 and IRS2 in HCV core-transfected hepatoma cells. In human hepatoma cells, HCV core up-regulated suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 3 and caused ubiquitination of IRS1 and IRS2. HCV core-induced down-regulation of IRS1 and IRS2 was not seen in SOCS3(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Furthermore, HCV core suppressed insulin-induced phosphorylation of p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt, activation of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase, and glucose uptake. In conclusion, HCV infection changes a subset of hepatic molecules regulating glucose metabolism. A possible mechanism is that HCV core-induced SOCS3 promotes proteosomal degradation of IRS1 and IRS2 through ubiquitination.     

Identification and characterization of PDZRN3 and PDZRN4 genes in silico

NUMB and NUMBL are implicated in cell fate determination through the inhibition of Notch signaling. LNX, binding to NUMB and CXADR (CAR), functions as E3 ubiquitin ligase at least for NUMB. LNX is the paralog of PDZRN1 (PDZ domain containing RING finger 1). Here, we identified two novel homologs of LNX and PDZRN1 by using bioinformatics, which were designated PDZRN3 (LNX3 or SEMCAP3) and PDZRN4 (LNX4 or SAMCAP3L), respectively. KIAA1095 cDNA (AB029018) was the representative PDZRN3 cDNA. Complete coding sequence of PDZRN4 cDNA was determined by assembling nucleotide sequences of ESTs (BF059062 and AW297403), FLJ33777 cDNA (AK091096) and IMAGE5767589 cDNA (BC040922). PDZRN4 gene, consisting of 11 exons, was found to encode two isoforms with N-terminal divergence (PDZRN4 and PDZRN4S) due to an alternative promoter. PDZRN3-CNTN3 locus at human chromosome 3p13-p12.3 and PDZRN4-CNTN1 locus at human chromosome 12q12 were paralogous regions within the human genome. PDZRN3 (1066 aa) and PDZRN4 (1036 aa) showed 59.9% total-amino-acid identity. Two bipartite nuclear localization signals (NLS) were located within the C-terminal region of PDZRN3 and PDZRN4. PR34H1 and PR34H2 domains were identified as the regions conserved among PDZRN3, PDZRN4 and Drosophila CG1783. PDZRN3 and PDZRN4 consist of RING, two PDZ, PR34H1, PR34H2 domains and two NLS, while PDZRN1 and LNX consist of RING and four PDZ domains. PDZRN family proteins were classified into the LNX-PDZRN1 subfamily and the PDZRN3-PDZRN4 subfamily. This is the first report on the PDZRN3 and PDZRN4 genes.     

Primary pulmonary low-grade marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type with prominent hyalinosis. A case report

We report a case of primary pulmonary low-grade marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type with prominent sclerosis, which morphologically resembled pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma (PHG) or inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the lung. The patient, a 66-year-old Japanese female with a history of Sj?gren's syndrome and primary biliary cirrhosis, presented with a lower left lobe mass 6.8 cm in diameter. Histologically, the lesion is characterized by dense bundles of collagen with scattered plasma cells, mature small lymphocytes, and histiocytes among the collagen bundles. Only the peripheral area of the nodule contained dense lymphoplasmacytoid and histiocytoid infiltrates. A few centrocyte-like cells were obscured by the numerous plasma cells and plasmacytoid cells. In addition, lymphoepithelial lesions and colonalized lymphoid follicles were identified by immunohistochemistry alone. Although PHG and IPT are unlikely to be confused with pulmonary MALT-type lymphomas, the present case suggests that MALT-type lymphoma should be added to the list of differential diagnoses for PHG and IPT.     

Enhancement of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression and prostaglandin E2 production in gingival fibroblasts from individuals with Down syndrome

It is well known that Down syndrome (DS) is a premature ageing syndrome. Periodontal disease in individuals with DS develops rapidly and extensively in a relatively younger age bracket compared with that in healthy controls. The mechanisms involved in the periodontal inflammatory processes in DS patients are not fully understood. In the present study, the non-inflamed gingival fibroblasts isolated from seven patients with DS (DGF) and seven healthy controls (NDGF) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A. a.). We measured the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by DGF and NDGF by radioimmunoassay, and also measured the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by using the real-time PCR method. We found the higher levels of LPS-stimulated COX-2 mRNA expression and PGE2 production in DGF when compared with those in NDGF. This study may indicate that overexpression of LPS-stimulated COX-2 induced a greater ability of DGF to produce PGE2, and that these phenomena may be responsible for the severer periodontal disease in DS patients.     

Identification and characterization of mouse Ppfia1 gene in silico

Array CGH combined with mRNA microarray analyses was successfully applied for genome-wide screening of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in 2002. The CCND1-ORAOV1-FGF19-FGF4-FGF3-FLJ10261-FADD-PPFIA1-EMS1 locus on human chromosome 11q13 is one of the most frequently amplified regions within the human genome. Here, we identified and characterized mouse Ppfia1 gene by using bioinformatics. Nucleotide sequence of mouse Ppfia1 cDNA was determined in silico by assembling nucleotide sequences of ESTs BY727670, CA327608, BU708520, BQ886535, and a 5'-truncated partial cDNA BC038349. Mouse Ppfia1 gene, consisting of 28 exons, was located between Fadd and Ems1 (also known as Cttn) genes on mouse chromosome 7. Mouse Ppfia1 (1201 aa) and human PPFIA1 (1202 aa), showing 95.8% total-amino-acid identity, were found to consist of MAH (myosin heavy chain tail and ATPase homologous) domain and three SAM (sterile alpha motif) domains. MAH domain is implicated in the homo- or hetero-oligomer formation through the coiled-coil interaction, while SAM domain is implicated in the interaction with other proteins. Mouse Ccnd1-Ems1 locus and human CCND1-EMS1 locus were evolutionarily conserved in the order and the orientation of genes therein. Nucleotide and amino-acid substitution rates of Ccnd1, Ppfia1 and Ems1 genes located near both ends of the Ccnd1-Ems1 locus were relatively lower than those in the middle part of the locus. This is the first report on mouse Ppfia1 gene as well as comprehensive comparison of CCND1-EMS1 locus within the human and mouse genomes.     

Overexpression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1/CCL2 in beta-amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice show accelerated diffuse beta-amyloid deposition

Microglia accumulation at the site of amyloid plaques is a strong indication that microglia play a major role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. However, how microglia affect amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) deposition remains poorly understood. To address this question, we developed a novel bigenic mouse that overexpresses both amyloid precursor protein (APP) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1; CCL2 in systematic nomenclature). CCL2 expression, driven by the glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter, induced mononuclear phagocyte (MP; monocyte-derived macrophage and microglial) accumulation in the brain. When APP/CCL2 transgenic mice were compared to APP mice, a fivefold increase in Abeta deposition was present despite increased MP accumulation around hippocampal and cortical amyloid plaques. Levels of full-length APP, its C-terminal fragment, and Abeta-degrading enzymes (insulin-degrading enzyme and neprilysin) in APP/CCL2 and APP mice were indistinguishable. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-insoluble Abeta (an indicator of fibrillar Abeta) was increased in APP/CCL2 mice at 5 months of age. Apolipoprotein E, which enhances Abeta deposition, was also increased (2.2-fold) in aged APP/CCL2 as compared to APP mice. We propose that although CCL2 stimulates MP accumulation, it increases Abeta deposition by reducing Abeta clearance through increased apolipoprotein E expression. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these events could be used to modulate microglial function in Alzheimer's disease and positively affect disease outcomes.     

FLORID DUCT LESIONS AND EXTENSIVE BILE DUCT LOSS OF THE INTRAHEPATIC BILIARY TREE IN CHRONIC LIVER DISEASES OTHER THAN PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS

Intrahepatic biliary tree with either florid duct lesions or a moderate to severe degree of the duct loss in four livers with chronic hepatic diseases other than primary biliary cirrhosis were studied with histometric and serial section observations. Florid duct lesions, distributed segmentally in the liver, were found in one case with incomplete septal cirrhosis and one case with idiopathic portal hypertension. The florid duct lesions including marked plasma cell infiltration and occasional periductal granulomas, were not associated with any bile duct loss in the two cases. The duct lesions were reversible in one case during a long clinical course. On the other hand, a moderate to severe bile duct loss with biliary epithelial degeneration and necrosis was associated with no or little periductal inflammatory cell infiltration in one other case with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis, probably drug-induced, and in one case with idiopathic portal hypertension. Although florid duct lesions and bile duct loss were important diagnostic features of primary biliary cirrhosis, one of them was observed to develop independently in severely diseased livers, not consistent with a diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis or intrahepatic bile duct paucity syndrome.     

Effects of ruthenium red on membrane ionic currents in urinary bladder smooth muscle cells of the guinea-pig

 Three major ionic currents, Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ current (I _K-Ca), delayed rectifier type K⁺ current (I _kd) and Ca²⁺ current (I _Ca), were activated by depolarization under whole-cell clamp in single smooth muscle cells isolated from guinea-pig urinary bladder. Externally applied ruthenium red (RuR) reduced the amplitude of I _K-Ca and I _Ca at 0 mV (IC₅₀ values were 4.2 and 5.6 μM, respectively), but did not affect I _Kd. Spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) and caffeine-induced outward currents (I _caf) at –30 mV were reduced by external 10 μM RuR. When 10 μM RuR was added to the pipette solution, I _K-Ca during depolarization, STOCs and I _caf significantly decreased with time. RuR did not change the unitary current amplitude of the large-conductance Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ (BK) channels, but reduced the open probability of the channel under excised patch-clamp recording mode. RuR reduced the channel activity more effectively from the cytosolic face than from the other. This inhibition decreased when the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration was increased. These results indicate that RuR blocks BK and Ca²⁺ channels in urinary bladder smooth muscle cells. The decrease in I _K-Ca, STOCs and I _caf by RuR is attributable to the direct inhibition of BK channel activity, probably in addition to the inhibition of Ca²⁺ release from storage sites. The direct inhibition of BK channel activity by RuR may be related to the interaction of RuR with the Ca²⁺-binding sites of the channel protein. Received: 15 October 1997 / Received after revision and accepted: 25 November 1997