Showing papers by "Texas Medical Center published in 1984"

Septal neurons containing glutamic acid decarboxylase immunoreactivity project to the hippocampal region in the rat brain.

Abstract: Injections of the fluorescent dyes Fast Blue or Granular Blue into either the hippocampus (volume approximately 50 nl) or the entorhinal area (100-150 nl) resulted in labeling by retrograde axonal transport of cells in the diagonal band of Broca (dbB) and the medial septum (MS). A large number (approximately 30%) of these cells contained glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-like immunoreactivity, as determined by combined retrograde fluorescent tracing and GAD-immunohistochemistry. Not all GAD positive cells in the dbB and MS were labeled by fluorochromes in a single experiment. The GAD-stained and fluorochrome-containing cells were present at all rostro-caudal levels of the septum and appeared not to belong to any single morphological class of cells. Double staining experiments showed that the GAD-positive cells did not contain acetylcholinesterase reaction product. These findings provide evidence that a significant portion of the septo-hippocampal projection may utilize gamma-aminobutyric acid as a neurotransmitter.

Antigenic structures of proteins. Their determination has revealed important aspects of immune recognition and generated strategies for synthetic mimicking of protein binding sites.

Abstract: Studies in this laboratory have resulted in the delineation and synthetic verification of several complete protein antigenic structures that are recognized by antibodies More recently, for the first time, the full profiles of the sites that are recognized by T cell have been localized and confirmed by synthesis for two proteins, myoglobin and lysozyme These have thus far constituted the only complete antigenic strutures to be determined The availability of these antigenic structures has enabled us to investigate in detail the molecular and cellular parameters responsible for immune recognition, responses to, and control and regulation of these responses to protein antigens at the molecular and submolecular levels Moreover, these investigations have afforded general strategies for the synthetic mimicking of not only antigenic sites, but also protein binding sites involved in other biological activities

An immunohistochemical study on the location of GABAergic neurons in rat septum

Abstract: Antisera against L-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the synthesizing enzyme of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were used to locate GABAergic neurons and nerve terminals in the septal complex of the rat by using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Varying densities of immunoreactive terminals were observed in saline-treated rats but nerve cell bodies were only demonstrated after intraventricular or intraseptal injections of colchicine. Small and medium-sized GAD-positive neurons were found in lateral septal nuclei, the largest number of these cells being in the pars dorsalis, and in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Several GAD-immunoreactive neurons were located in the medial septal nucleus and the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca (DB), where the cells were larger in the ventral than dorsal parts of the region. In the medial septal nucleus and in DB the GAD-positive cell bodies were distributed similarly to cholinergic neurons. Large GAD-positive neurons were also found in the septofimbrial nucleus. Intense immunoreactivity in nerve terminals was observed in the lateral septal nucleus, around the island of Calleja magna, between the DB and nucleus accumbens, and in the septofimbrial and triangular septal nuclei. In contrast, the medial septal nucleus, the DB, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis only showed weak to moderate immunoreactivity. These results provide direct morphological evidence for the presence of neurons capable of synthesizing GABA in septal nuclei. We suggest that there are two different GABAergic neuronal systems operating in the septum: a population of small cells in the lateral septal nucleus and a group of large cells in the medial septum and DB.

Compound kinetochores of the Indian muntjac. Evolution by linear fusion of unit kinetochores.

Abstract: The chromosomes of the Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis) are unique among mammals due to their low diploid number (2N=6♀, 7♂) and large size. It has been proposed that the karyotype of this small Asiatic deer evolved from a related deer the Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) with a diploid chromosome number of 2n= 46 consisting of small telocentric chromosomes. In this study we utilized a kinetochore-specific antiserum derived from human patients with the autoimmune disease scleroderma CREST as an immunofluorescent probe to examine kinetochores of the two muntjac species. Since CREST antiserum binds to kinetochores of mitotic chromosomes as well as prekinetochores in interphase nuclei, it was possible to identify and compare kinetochore morphology throughout the cell cycle. Our observations indicated that the kinetochores of the Indian muntjac are composed of a linear beadlike array of smaller subunits that become revealed during interphase. The kinetochores of the Chinese muntjac consisted of minute fluorescent dots located at the tips of the 46 telocentric chromosomes. During interphase, however, the kinetochores of the Chinese muntjac clustered into small aggregates reminiscent of the beadlike arrays seen in the Indian muntjac. Morphometric measurements of fluorescence indicated an equivalent amount of stained material in the two species. Our observations indicate that the kinetochores of the Indian muntjac are compound structures composed of linear arrays of smaller units the size of the individual kinetochores seen on metaphase chromosomes of the Chinese muntjac. Our study supports the notion that the kinetochores of the Indian muntjac evolved by linear fusion of unit kinetochores of the Chinese muntjac. Moreover, it is concluded that the evolution of compound kinetochores may have been facilitated by the nonrandom aggregation of interphase kinetochores in the nuclei of the ancestral species.

Sex chromosome positions in human interphase nuclei as studied by in situ hybridization with chromosome specific DNA probes

Abstract: Summary. Two cloned repetitive DNA probes, pXBR and CY1, which bind preferentially to specific regions of the human X and Y chromosome, respectively, were used to study the distribution of the sex chromosomes in human lymphocyte nuclei by in situ hybridization experiments. Our data indicate a large variability of the distances between the sex chromosomes in male and female interphase nuclei. However, the mean distance observed between the X and Y chromosome was significantly smaller than the mean distance observed between the two X-chromosomes. The distribution of distances determined experimentally is compared with three model distributions of distances, and the question of a non-random distribution of sex chromosomes is discussed. Mathematical details of these model distributions are provided in an Appendix to this paper. In the case of a human translocation chromosome (Xqter---~ Xp22.2: :Yq11--->Yqter) contained in the Chinese hamster x human hybrid cell line 445 x 393, the binding sites of pXBR and CY1 were found close to each other in most interphase nuclei. These data demonstrate the potential use of chromosome-specific repetitive DNA probes to study the problem of interphase chromosome topography.

Singlet oxygen as a possible factor in human senile nuclear cataract development.

Abstract: The effects of photodynamically generated singlet oxygen on lens crystallins were investigated. This highly reactive oxidant can produce in crystallins in vitro the oxidative modifications characteristic of proteins from aging and cataractous lens. Additionally species capable of producing singlet oxygen in the presence of near UV radiation are shown to be present in human lenses. These findings are discussed with respect to a possible role of singlet oxygen in the etiology of human senile nuclear cataracts.

Nuclear magnetic resonance in schizophrenia: A preliminary study

Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) scans were performed in nine patients with schizophrenia and five control subjects. NMR scans allowed multiple-plane views of the brains of schizophrenic patients and demonstrated much greater detail of morphological structure than computed tomographic (CT) scans. This small sample of subjects, however, showed no significant differences in several quantitative measurements between schizophrenic patients and control subjects. Problems in the interpretation of image intensity measures of NMR scans are discussed.

The pathophysiology of neurofibromatosis: IX. Paternal age as a factor in the origin of new mutations

Abstract: Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis is characterized by a relatively large proportion of apparently nonfamilial cases, presumed spontaneous mutations. This paper analyzes the distribution of paternal and maternal ages for 187 patients with von Recklinghausen disease representing the first definite case in their respective families. Mean paternal age was 32.8 years and mean maternal age was 27.4 years, both being significantly greater than for control populations (P equal to or less than .001). The advanced paternal age was not accounted for by the increase in maternal age. The methodology of controlling the general population paternal ages for each patient's birth year is described.

Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma of the tonsil .A clinicopathologic study of 65 cases

Abstract: Sixty-five patients presenting to M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute with Stages IE and IIE primary tonsillar lymphoma between 1954 and 1981 were reviewed. All cases were non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, with the majority being diffuse large cell lymphoma (85%). Initial therapy was radiotherapy alone in 54 patients, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy in 8 patients, and chemotherapy alone in 3 patients. Stage was the most important prognostic factor, with 86% and 41% 5-year survivals for Stages IE and IIE, respectively (P = 0.006). Lymphangiography was crucial in staging patients with clinically positive cervical lymph nodes because 94% of clinically staged IIE patients developed recurrent disease, in comparison with only 50% of lymphangiogram-staged IIE patients. The incidence of large cell lymphoma was so high as to preclude analysis of survival by histologic type. From this limited series, radiotherapy alone would appear to be sufficient initial therapy for Stage IE patients, whereas Stage IIE patients probably benefit from the addition of prophylactic chemotherapy. Relapses were most common in nonirradiated lymph-node-bearing areas, with the majority presenting in the first 2 years following initial therapy. The salvage of relapsing patients has been disappointing, with the best hope residing in combination chemotherapy.

Conservation surgery and irradiation as an alternative to mastectomy in the treatment of clinically favorable breast cancer

Abstract: The combination of conservation surgery and radiation therapy for early breast cancer is gaining acceptance as an alternative to radical mastectomy. This article reviews the results of randomized trials showing that there is no advantage to a radical mastectomy in patients with early breast cancer. In addition, the article will review multiple reports concerning the local and regional tumor control and survival of patients treated with conservation surgery and irradiation as well as a comparison of 1073 patients with TIS T1 T2 N0 N1 breast cancer treated at University of Texas (UT) M. D. Anderson Hospital between 1955 and 1980, of whom 345 were treated with conservation surgery and irradiation and 728 were treated with radical or modified radical mastectomy alone. The locoregional recurrence in the patients treated with an intact breast is 4.9%, and 5.6% in patients treated with radical or modified radical mastectomy. There is no significant difference in the 10-year disease-free survival rates between the two groups of patients. In addition, a comparison of 2467 patients with Stage I and Stage II breast cancer treated at the UT M. D. Anderson Hospital shows no significant difference in the incidence of consecutive second breast carcinoma as a result of the use of radiation therapy in the treatment of the first breast cancer.

Natural killer cell cytotoxic potential of patients with ovarian carcinoma and its modulation with virus-modified tumor cell extract.

Abstract: We have demonstrated that cancer patients with ovarian carcinoma display deficient peripheral blood NK-cell cytotoxic potential against the K-562 target cell line. Furthermore, no NK-cell activity against the same tumor was detected in ascitic fluids of these patients. The inferior peripheral blood NK-cell cytotoxicity of ovarian carcinoma patients was significantly augmented after ID inoculation with virus-modified tumor cell extract. Similarly, NK-cell activity in the ascitic fluids was dramatically increased after IP in vivo therapy with the same tumor extract preparation. Interestingly, in some of the cancer patients the augmentation of NK-cell activity in ascitic fluids after IP injection of virus-modified tumor cells extract was associated with a clinical response of the patients, as demonstrated by regression of ascitic tumors. These studies indicate, first, that virus-modified tumor extract displays immunopotentiating activity, as reflected by its marked NK cell-augmenting potential, and secondly, that regional activation of NK cells could underlie the mechanism of regression of ascitic tumors.

Physicochemical characterization of the androgen receptor from hyperplastic human prostate

Abstract: In this manuscript we have characterized the androgen receptor from human benign prostatic hypertrophied (BPH) tissue. BPH tissue was obtained fresh from surgery, ground, and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Tissue was homogenized in 10 mM Tes buffer (pH 7.4 at 25 degrees C) containing 0.25 M sucrose, 20 mM Na2MoO4, 12 mM monothioglycerol, and 1.5 mM EDTA. Cytosol was labeled with (3H)-R1881 (0.5-10 nM) +/- a 100-fold excess of R1881 and a 500-fold excess of triamcinolone acetonide to identify specific androgen receptor sites. An exchange assay was developed, whereby maximum binding was achieved by raising the temperature to 30 degrees C for 15 min. A high-affinity binding protein was detected (Kd = 1.3 +/- 0.8 nM) which had a binding capacity of 15 +/- 7 fmol/mg protein. Binding was specific for androgens with the following Ki (nM) values: R1881 (0.09), dihydrotestosterone (6), testosterone (50), progesterone (92), estradiol (100), epitestosterone (860), and cortisol (greater than 1,000). Under high ionic conditions the sedimentation coefficient of the receptor was 4.1 S. Higher S values were not observed in the presence of the following protein inhibitors: leupeptin (20 or 150 microM), iodoacetamide (10 mM), DFP (5 mM), PMSF (1 mM), bacitracin (0.1 mM), antipain (0.1 mM), aprotinin (1 TIU/ml). Gel filtration analysis revealed a Stokes radius of 6.5 nm. These data indicate a Mr of 120,000 and a f/fo of 2.01. The receptor eluted from a chromatofocusing column at a pH of 6.8. The receptor bound to phosphocellulose and DNA cellulose after being heat-treated for 15 min at 30 degrees C. These results suggest that BPH tissue contains an androgen receptor which is similar to receptors in other androgen-responsive tissues.

Combined modality therapy in stage III and stage IIIE diffuse large cell lymphomas

Abstract: Combined modality therapy consisting of CHOP-Bleo (cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin [doxorubicin], vincristine (Oncovin), prednisone, and bleomycin) and limited-field radiotherapy was given to 47 patients with Stage III and IIIE diffuse large cell lymphomas. Overall 5-year survival and disease-free survival figures are 64% and 53%, respectively. Twenty-nine patients achieved and maintained a complete remission during treatment; 92% of these patients are alive at 5 years, and 87% are disease-free. Prognostic factors were assessed for the entire group. Age, "B" symptoms, extranodal involvement, and extensive abdominal involvement had little effect on survival. However, the presence of mediastinal involvement and extensive abdominal involvement was associated with a poor response rate and survival.

Pharmacotherapy of the chronic patient: gender and diagnostic factors.

Abstract: Clinical data from 1752 patients in five, ambulatory community mental health centers were used to test hypotheses about the diagnosis and psychopharmacotherapy of chronic patients. Analysis focused upon the interrelationships among gender, diagnosis, and the number of medications and dosages prescribed. Men and women differed in their age distributions and in the diagnoses received. Women were more often diagnosed with affective disorders than were men. There were also notable interaction effects with ethnicity. There was little evidence of differential drug prescribing practices, although women were somewhat more likely than men to be prescribed anti-psychotics and anti-depressants in the absence of an appropriate diagnosis.

Potassium-wasting nephropathy secondary to chemotherapy simulating Bartter's syndrome

Abstract: A patient with a potassium wasting nephropathy secondary to chemotherapy simulating Bartter's syndrome is described. A 64-year-old woman with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma developed persistent hypokalemia following a course of Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Adriamycin (doxorubicin), vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)-Bleo. The diagnosis of a functional Bartter's syndrome was concluded following evaluation of serial plasma renins, aldosterone levels, and urinary electrolytes. Evidence is suggestive that a subpopulation of patients receiving chemotherapy may develop a functional Bartter's syndrome, and it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop hypokalemia subsequent to chemotherapy introduction.

Use of Imugard IG500 Filters for Preparation of Leukocyte-Poor Blood for Cancer Patients

Abstract: In order to determine the efficiency of Imugard IG500 filters in producing leukocyte-poor blood (LPB), 109 units of red cell concentrates were processed using cold (4 degrees C) or room temperature saline solution without the application of pressure to the blood bag. The results obtained in terms of red blood cell recovery, white blood cell removal, residual white blood cells, and free hemoglobin in the supernatant of the filtered units are comparable to those processed with the IBM 2991. LPB processed without pressure application to the blood bag and room temperature saline solution can be rapidly, efficiently and safely prepared in any size blood bank/transfusion service. This technique is definitely cost-saving in terms of equipment, software, space and personnel training.