Purification and Characterization of Anti-A Agglutinin from Euhadra callizoma amaliae

Abstract. Snail agglutinin (anti-AEc, anti-A₁ of cold agglutinin type) from the albumin gland of Euhadra callizona amaliae was purified by affinity chromatography (meconium-A aminoethyl cellulose). Its physicochemicl properties are as follows: S_{20, w}: 5.3S. Isoelectric point: pH 3.6. Molecular weight: 8.9 × 10⁴. Hexose content: 5.1%. The amino acid composition is that of an acidic protein.
The agglutination is inhibited by GalNAc, GNAc, raffinose, and melibiose at low concentration. It does not agglutinate B- and O-RDE-treated human red cells. Some blood group A-active substances (secretor A saliva and hog gastric mucin A + H) have low potency to inhibit the agglutination. Anti-ABC has no ability to release the cell-fixed anti-Eorssman haemolysin and the cell-fixed blood group A-decomposing enzyme. The significance of the antigen distribution on the limited area of the erythrocyte and protein surface is also discussed. Precipitin reaction of this agglutinin with various blood group-active substances has shown that anti-AEc is directed to a narrow-range spectrum of determining antigenicity.     

The incidence and risk factors of cholesterol embolization syndrome,a complication of cardiac catheterization: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: Cholesterol embolization syndrome is a systemic disease caused by distal showering of cholesterol crystals after angiography, major vessel surgery, or thrombolysis. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated a total of 1,786 consecutive patients 40 years of age and older, who underwent left-heart catheterization at 11 participating hospitals. The diagnosis of CES was made when patients had peripheral cutaneous involvement (livedo reticularis, blue toe syndrome, and digital gangrene) or renal dysfunction. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (1.4%) were diagnosed as having CES. Twelve patients (48%) had cutaneous signs, and 16 patients (64%) had renal insufficiency. Eosinophil counts were significantly higher in CES patients than in non-CES patients before and after cardiac catheterization. The in-hospital mortality rate was 16.0% (4 patients), which was significantly higher than that without CES (0.5%, p < 0.01). All four patients with CES who died after cardiac catheterization had progressive renal dysfunction. The incidence of CES increased in patients with atherosclerotic disease, hypertension, a history of smoking, and the elevation of baseline plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) by univariate analysis. The femoral approach did not increase the incidence, suggesting a possibility that the ascending aorta may be a potential embolic source. As an independent predictor of CES, multivariate regression analysis identified only the elevation of pre-procedural CRP levels (odds ratio 4.6, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cholesterol embolization syndrome is a relatively rare but serious complication after cardiac catheterization. Elevated plasma levels of pre-procedural CRP are associated with subsequent CES in patients who undergo vascular procedures.     

Characterization of mucin in whole-gut lavage fluid obtained from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Whole-gut lavage fluid, collected by administering an electrolyte lavage solution orally, was found to be an excellent and easily collectable source of abundant mucin. Furthermore, the biochemical features of the mucin from patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease were investigated. The mucin was separated into four fractions by Sepharose CL-4B, Sepharose CL-2B, and DEAE Sephacel chromatography. Compared with healthy subjects, the total yields of mucin from ulcerative colitis patients were low due to a deficiency of neutral mucin, whereas those from Crohn's disease patients were high, which was attributable mainly to high-molecular-weight mucin. The fucose and sulfate contents were low in ulcerative colitis, but only the former was low in Crohn's disease. The different biochemical features of the mucin obtained from whole gut lavage fluid appear to reflect mucosal pathological changes associated with inflammatory bowel disease.     

Acetylcholine regulates glucagon secretion from human glucagonoma cells

Human glucagonoma cells were isolated and maintained in vitro. Incubation experiments showed that carbachol (Cch) induced the simultaneous release of glucagon, VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) at levels significantly higher than basal levels. Atropine abolished the stimulatory effect of Cch on glucagon, VIP, and PP release. An immunohistological study of the tumor tissues revealed that the cells contained glucagon, VIP, and PP. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, the in vitro release of glucagon from glucagonoma cells by Cch stimulation.     

Cholecystokinin and cholecystokinin receptors

Journal of Gastroenterology -     

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus: continued association of circulating prolactin levels with disease activity over a 4-year follow-up period

Circulating prolactin levels in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were measured over a period of 4 years, and her hyperprolactinemia remained associated with disease activity throughout. Circulating prolactin could thus be a better practical marker than standard parameters such as anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and serum complement in some patients with SLE.