Detection and characterization of simian retroviruses homologous to human T-cell leukemia virus type I

Lymphoid cell lines were established from five different species of monkeys which were positive in antibodies cross-reactive with human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) and were shown to contain provirus sequences homologous to HTLV-I. Gene-specific probes of HTLV-I, gag, pol, env, pX, and LTR, hybridized efficiently with monkey DNAs from these cell lines under stringent conditions, indicating that the proviruses are very similar to HTLV-I along with whole viral genomes. However, the preliminary restriction mapping turned out the difference between simian retroviruses and HTLV-I and also among simian retroviruses. These findings suggest a common ancestor of simian and human retroviruses, but exclude the recent interspecies transmission between monkeys and humans.     

Ultrastructural observations on the vincristine-induced neuronal crystalloid inclusion in young rats

Summary Vincristine-induced crystalloid inclusions were examined in the neurons and neuronal processes of young rats by the electron microscope (EM) equipped with a tilting stage. Using a computer system that reproduces three-dimensional organization, an optical transformation method was applied to the microtubules and neurofilaments in an attempt to clarify the morphological appearance and internal pattern of crystalloid inclusions. The dimensional models obtained were compared with actual EM photographs, and the characteristic ultrastructural component and morphology were drawn out.Basically, a crystalloid inclusion is composed of four strands of intermediate 10 nm neurofilaments connected to one another by four side-arms producing a circular profile on a transverse section. These four side-arms seemed to arise from nodules within the filaments at regular intervals simulating a bead-like appearance. These data did not significantly differ from those obtained from EM images. Characteristically, these crystalloid inclusions began to appear 6 h after the administration of 10^–3 M vincristine sulfate and persisted up to a period of 6 days. Beyond that, however, these inclusions were no longer demonstrable suggesting a transient state. This was in contrast to neurofibrillary tangles which appeared to be permanent changes.     

The association between renal elasticity evaluated by Real-time tissue elastography and renal fibrosis

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology - The progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) depends on the extent of fibrosis in the kidneys; however, a renal biopsy is necessary to evaluate the...     

HTLV-I uveitis in a rabbit

An animal model of HTLV-I associated uveitis was created. One rabbit developed bilateral uveitis 3,5 years after being injected with blood from an HTLV-I-infected rabbit. The proviral DNA of HTLV-I was detected by polymerase chain reaction and dot-blot hybridization in the aqueous humor of the anterior chamber and the vitreous body. Histopathological examination revealed marked corneal opacity with neovascularization and infiltration of inflammatory cells, mainly plasma cells, into the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Complicated cataracts were also seen. The retinas were destroyed and replaced by gliosis. This is the first animal model of HTLV-I-associated disease to be reported.     

Distinctions between microglial cells and peripheral macrophages with regard to adhesive activities and morphology.

Activated microglial cells and peripheral macrophages are hardly distinguishable from the viewpoints of morphology and function. There are various immunological markers common to both microglial cells and peripheral macrophages. In the present study, however, we found that microglial cells have distinct characters in terms of adhesion and morphology. By using a "rheoscope," that is an apparatus to rheologically measure the strength of cell adhesion to substrates, rat microglial cells were found to attach to polystyrene dishes much more weakly than alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) strengthened the adhesion of alveolar and peritoneal macrophages, whereas it weakened that of microglial cells. Morphological changes of microglial cells induced by IFNgamma were also different from those of peripheral macrophages. Furthermore, alveolar and peritoneal macrophages produced NO in response to IFNgamma, while microglial cells did not. When cultured on astrocyte-derived extracellular matrix (AsECM) in serum-free medium, only microglial cells extended multiple ramified processes. Conversely, alveolar and peritoneal macrophages on AsECM shrunk their ruffling membrane and rounded up. These distinctions between microglial cells and macrophages may reflect differences in cell lineages as well as environments in which individual cells reside.     

Establishment of an Epstein-Barr virus-negative B-cell lymphoma line from a Japanese Burkitt's lymphoma and its serial passage in hamsters.

An Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative lymphoma line (JBL) was established in vitro from pleural effusion of an EBV-seropositive 29-year-old Japanese female with Burkitt's lymphoma. JBL cells as well as her original lymphoma cells bore monoclonal surface IgM with lambda light chains. The JBL line grew in single cell suspension with a doubling time of 30 hours. Attempts were made to serially transplant JBL cells in antilymphocyte serum-treated newborn hamsters; intraperitoneal implantation of 1-3 X 10(7) cells gave rise to invasive tumors in all recipients with death after 10 to 14 days. The hamster-passage line, now in the 9th passage, has been converted to an ascitic form with progression to leukemia in some animals. A "starry sky" pattern closely resembling the human tumor material was preserved in every tumor through serial animal passage.     

A Japanese patient with frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism by a tau P301S mutation

The authors report a patient carrying a missense mutation in exon 10 of tau that causes a substitution at codon 301 (P301S). Although the patient shares the rapidly progressive frontotemporal dementia of the other reported pedigrees with P301S, the clinical phenotype is unique in that parkinsonism was a major symptom in the early stage and because behavioral symptoms with dementia became prominent 2 years after the onset of the disease. This study substantiates the notion that tau mutations at codon 301 can show various phenotypes.     

Induction of partial protection in mice after oral administration of Lactococcus lactis producing Brucella abortus L7/L12 antigen.

The Brucella abortus ribosomal protein L7/L12 is an immunodominant antigen and an interesting candidate for the development of oral live vaccines against brucellosis. Here, a recombinant Lactococcus lactis strain producing L7/L12 under the control of nisin inducible promoter was orally administered to BALB/c mice. Significant levels of anti-L7/L12 specific IgA detected in feces revealed an induced local humoral immune response. However, serum analysis did not reveal any anti-L7/L12 antibodies suggesting the absence of a systemic response. Nevertheless, the vaccinated mice showed a partial protective immunity against B. abortus virulent strain (S2308) challenged by intraperitoneal inoculation.