吉野 正

We have attempted to clarify the characteristics of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) detecting lymphocyte subsets in fixed materials. We examined by means of flow cytometric technique influences of fixatives and reactivity with malignant lymphomas (MLs). Specific markers for T-cells were UCHL1 and OPD4, which reacted especially with helper/inducer T-cells. MT1 recognized almost all of T-cells from peripheral blood and tonsils, but reacted with a part of B-MLs. As for B-cell markers, L26 was the most reliable marker for B-MLs. L26 and MB1 antigens could not be detected on living cells flow cytometrically. LN1 reacted with a part of T-cells as well as B-cells, but fluorescent intensity of the former was apparently stronger than that of the latter. Although LN2 antigen was located mainly in the cytoplasm close to the nuclear membrane immunohistochemically, it could be detected on living cells flow cytometrically. LN2 positive cells belonged to B-cells in peripheral blood and tonsils. When fixed for relatively short time, B5 and buffered formalin were better for examining MAbs than non-buffered formalin and ethanol.

A rare gastrointestinal tract neoplasm, primary non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma in a 39-year-old, asymptomatic woman is described. The tumor was originally localized in the rectum without evidence of any other lymphoma-involved organ and treated by curative surgical procedure associated with postoperative chemotherapy.

<P>Reed-Sternberg cells (RS cells) of Hodgkin's disease (HD) are frequently infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and express EBV-encoded nonpolyadenylated RNA transcripts (EBER)-1. EBV latency has been classified into three distinct forms: Latency I, expressing only one of the latent proteins, EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA)-1, latency II, coexpressing EBNA-1 and LMPs, and latency III, expressing all latent viral proteins. RS cells express LMP-1 in addition to EBNA-1 and are considered to be EBV latency II frequently encountered in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We examined 13 cases of EBV-infected HD by combined EBER-1 in situ hybridization and immunostaining for LMP-1. All of the RS cells expressed EBER-1, but a substantial number of EBER-1+ RS, cells were negative for LMP-1. The percentage of LMP-1+ RS cells out of EBER-1+ RS cells varied from 7% to 100% (average 69%). In this study, we showed that all EBV-infected RS cells were not restricted to latency II, and some belonged to latency I.</P>

Circulating hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles can be fractionated by means of differential flotation centrifugation. It is reported that in the bottom fraction HCV is in the form immune complexes, whereas in the top, it is free of antibodies. We evaluated the significance of circulating complex and free HCV in chronic hepatitis C, and assessed the relationship in terms of the response to interferon (IFN) therapy. We examined sera before, just after, and 1 year after administering IFN to 18 patients with chronic hepatitis C, 10 of whom responded (group CR), and 8 did not (group NR). The amounts of virus were similar between both groups before therapy. After differential flotation centrifugation with 1.063 g/ml of NaCl, the top and bottom fractions were assayed for HCV RNA. Before therapy, HCV RNA was detected in the top fraction in 1 of 10 in group CR, and in 6 of 8 in group NR (P < 0.05, chi-square test). HCV RNA was positive in the bottom fraction of all samples. In a follow-up study of group NR, HCV RNA was detected in the top fraction in 3 of 8 just after IFN therapy, and in 7 of 8 after 1 year. This study suggests that the presence of HCV in the top fraction can predict a poor response to IFN therapy.

A simian cell line, Si-IIA, harboring Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV) -related herpesvirus (Si-IIA-EBV), produces malignant lymphoma in rabbits when administered by intravenous inoculation. In this study, we analyzed the Si-IIA-EBV genome and compared it with human EBV and herpesvirus macaca fascicularis 1 (HVMF 1 ), which is associated with B-cell lymphoma developing in SIV-infected immunosuppressed monkeys. DNA from Si-IIA-EBV was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using three different primer pairs complementary to human EBV (B95-8) DNA; two of the primer pairs covered part of the long internal repeat 1 region (IR 1) and the third covered part of the BRRF 1 region. Direct sequencing of the three PCR products revealed that Si-IIA-EBV DNA had about 82% nucleotide homology to the human EBV DNA in all three regions and 92.4% homology to HVMF1 in the IR1 region. The blotting pattern by Southern blot analysis was different between Si-IIA-EBV and human EBV.

In the human lymphoreticular system, the alpha and beta subunits of S-100 protein are found in ordinary monocyte-macrophages and non-phagocytic histiocytes such as Langerhans cells and interdigitating reticulum cells, respectively. The beta subunit is also present in some CD8+ T cells. In the present study, we investigated the ontogeny of these histiocytes and lymphocytes in humans. Yolk sacs and 4 to 21-week fetuses were examined immunohistochemically for the presence of S-100 protein subunits using antisera monospecific to each subunit. S-100 alpha + macrophages were present in the yolk sacs and the hepatic sinusoids of the 4th week embryos prior to bone marrow hematopoiesis. These macrophages later appeared in other lymphoid organs when anlagen of these organs were formed. No S-100 beta + cells were found in the yolk sacs. S-100 beta+ histiocytes were first detected in the hepatic sinusoids of the 5th week embryo, and after the 8th week of gestation, they were distributed in other lymphoid organs. S-100 beta+ lymphocytes were not found in the liver. They were first detected in the thymus at the 12th week of gestation, and were subsequently distributed in other lymphoid organs. These results suggest that S-100 beta+ lymphocytes and histiocytes may belong to different cell lineages, and the former may not be the precursor of the latter.

Co-cultivation of thymus and spleen cells of Fisher and Lewis rats with lethally irradiated MT-2 cells harboring human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) resulted in the establishment of lymphoid cell lines, FIRT-1, FIRS-1, LERT-1, and LERS-1, respectively. Cells of these cell lines had rat T-cell characters as demonstrated by the positive reaction to monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to rat T cell antigens (Thy 1 and pan T). They lacked surface immunoglobulins and strongly expressed rat interleukin-2 receptor antigen (Tac) and Ia antigen. Karyotypic analysis revealed that they had the normal rat karyotype in early cultures, but showed marked aneuploidy after long cultivation. None of them expressed HTLV gag proteins (p19 and p24) or virus particles, but they contained HTLV-I proviral DNA monoclonally and weakly expressed pX gene products (p40x). They were not transplantable into syngeneic newborn rats.

The sensitivity and specificity of single cell polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were studied. Its high sensitivity enabled detection of a single-copy gene, such as human T-lymphotropic virus type I genome in paraffin sections. The rate of obtaining positive signals with this method was affected by the number of copies of the gene in the target cell. Specificity was satisfactory if the procedure was properly and carefully followed. Since the single cell PCR is a time-consuming method which requires skill and experience to pick up the target cells accurately, the applicability of this method is limited. It works best when it is used to analyze a single or a few copy genes in histologically identified cells.

Previously, we reported that interleukin-2 (IL-2)-stimulated helper T cells produced an unknown soluble factor which induced dendritic cell-like differentiation in primary cultures of monocytic leukemia cells and we referred to this factor as dendritic cell differentiation factor (DCDF). In this study, we attempted to purify and characterize DCDF and investigated its biological effect on normal human monocytes. Gel filtration chromatography indicated that the molecular weight of DCDF is approximately 30-35 kDa. Chromatofocusing indicated that the isoelectric point of DCDF is approximately 5.0. DCDF, partially purified by subsequent gel filtration, chromatofocusing, and hydrophobic chromatography, significantly enhanced the HLA-DR expression of normal human monocytes and a human monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1. This biological activity was not neutralized by any known antibodies to human cytokines. DCDF significantly amplified the T-cell stimulatory activity of monocytes in the allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). Moreover, DCDF significantly enhanced IL-1 beta and IL-6 production by monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that DCDF is a novel human cytokine which stimulates the accessory cell function of monocytes.

Endoscopical segmental piecemeal tumorectomy (ESPT) for nodular elevation of colorectal tumor is advantageous in terms of minimizing both surgical invasion and postoperative burden to the patients. Nodular elevation of colorectal tumors is said to occur when the body of the tumor is adenomatous and the surface of the focal cancer grows more horizontally into the lumen than vertically. We report here four cases of nodular elevation of colorectal tumors which were each treated by different surgical procedures.

Lymphocyte adhesion molecules defined by anti-CD44 antibody (Hermes-3) may be involved in lymphocyte binding to high endothelial venules at sites where lymphocytes exist the blood. CD44 expression was immunohistochemically examined in 167 well characterized cases of malignant lymphomas (MLs). None of 12 nodal follicular lymphomas (FLs) were CD44+, whereas 3 of 4 extranodal ones showed distinct CD44 expression. In contrast to nodal FLs, 28 of the 38 (74%) nodal diffuse B-cell lymphomas were CD44+ (p < 0.0001). T-cell lymphomas showed a significantly higher expression of CD44 antigen than diffuse B-cell lymphomas in the nodal cases (p < 0.04), but not in the extranodal ones. In nodal diffuse lymphomas, 3 of 5 stage I lymphomas (60%) were CD44+ in contrast to 53 of 63 stage II-IV lymphomas (84%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Of 14 Hodgkin's diseases, 9 cases were CD44+ with no significant correlation with clinical stage. The data of flow cytometric analysis confirmed the results of immunohistochemical analysis. In conclusion, CD44 expression is relevant to primary sites of distinctive MLs originating in the mucosal regions (MALToma) and some histological subtypes, but the relation with clinical stage was not defined. Some other adhesion molecules or different mechanisms must also be taken into account concerning the genesis and the expansion of MLs.

The distribution of lectin receptors in the human tonsil was studied using 16 biotinylated lectins. The avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method was used on frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Cell suspensions were also analysed by dual flow cytometry using respective fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated lectins and phycoerythrin-labeled anti-CD3 and anti-human immunoglobulin. Frozen sections fixed with acetone and paraffin-embedded materials fixed in three solutions were compared for lectin affinity; ethanol-fixed sections gave best results followed by frozen and buffered formalin-fixed ones, then nonbuffered formalin. Con-A, RCA-1, LcH, WGA, MPA, PHA, PSA, PNA, SJA and GSA-1 reacted with all tissue components of the tonsil in immunohistochemical studies, but binding intensity was fixative dependent. Binding of Lotus and BPA to lymphocytes was limited to germinal center lymphocytes. Other tissue components were also reactive but staining intensity was weaker in Lotus compared with BPA. SBA and DBA did not react with lymphocytes, but reacted with macrophages/histiocytes, vascular endothelia, and epithelial cells. LBA and LPA were constantly negative with all tissue components irrespective of fixatives. Flow cytometric analyses showed that all but three (DBA, LBA and LPA) partially or totally stained lymphocyte surfaces. Lotus receptors were expressed exclusively on B-lymphocytes.

Corticoids are well known for their immunosuppressive properties. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an intrinsic antiinflammatory peptide in immune diseases, originally identified as cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor. We examined the effect of hydrocortisone sodium succinate (HSS) on the production of IL-10 by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs from healthy volunteers and cancer-burden patients were preincubated separately with or without HSS for 1 h, then stimulated with 5 microg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Production of IL-10 by human PBMCs was detected with LPS stimulation and its production was higher in cancer-burden patients than in normal volunteers, although this was not statistically significant. HSS suppressed production of IL-10 by LPS-stimulated PBMCs in a dose-dependent manner both in normal volunteers and in cancer-burden patients. These results indicate that, in addition to their antiinflammatory properties, corticoids act to restore the immunosuppressive states even in cancer-burden states

Metaplastic bony tissue along with hyperplastic mucosal epithelium showing no atypism was detected in biopsy materials from a Yamada type I gastric polyp. The tissue was metaplastic woven bone associated with calcification. Histogenesis of the bone formation is as yet unknown. This is the first reported case of the presence of metaplastic bone accompanied by hyperplastic gastric mucosa so far.

Reportedly, thyroid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is closely associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, it remains unknown which antigen is closely associated with thyroid MALT lymphoma. We examined whether B cell response to thyroglobulin (Tg), which is a common thyroid-specific autoantigen, is related etiologically to the pathogenesis of thyroid MALT lymphoma. Expression of human Tg antigens and Cluster of differentiation (CD) 35 was examined immunohistochemically in 15 cases of thyroid MALT lymphoma using paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue specimens. In all cases of thyroid MALT lymphoma, human Tg was detected immunohistochemically in the follicular epithelial cells and follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). These FDCs were positive by double immunostaining for anti-human Tg rabbit polyclonal antibody (Ab) and for CD35. Results showed that the Tg, a thyroid autoantigen, had immunostained the germinal center of the thyroid MALT lymphoma. The Tg was present in the FDCs, as revealed by the staining pattern of the germinal center;this fact was confirmed by double immunostaining of anti-human Tg mouse monoclonal Ab and anti-CD35 mouse monoclonal Ab. The results of our study suggest that Tg is an autoantigen that is recognized by thyroid MALT lymphoma cells.

The present study was performed to clarify the effect of hypertonic saline infusion into the lung parenchyma on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lungs. A total of 20 ablation zones were created in 3 pigs. The ablation zones were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n6) consisted of ablation zones created by applying smaller radiofrequency (RF) power without saline infusion;group 2 (n5) zones were created by applying greater RF power without saline infusion;and group 3 (n9) zones were created by applying greater RF power with saline infusion. The techniques of saline infusion included administration of hypertonic saline 1ml before RFA, followed by continuous administration at a rate of 1ml/min during the first 2min after the initiation of RFA. The ablation parameters and coagulation necrosis volumes were compared among the groups. Group 3 had a tendency toward smaller mean impedance than group 1 (p0.059) and group 2 (p0.053). Group 3 showed significantly longer RF application time than group 2 (p0.004) and significantly greater maximum RF power than group 1 (p0.001) and group 2 (p0.004). Group 3 showed significantly larger coagulation necrosis volume (mean, 1,421mm3) than group 2 (mean, 858mm3, p0.039) and had a tendency toward larger necrosis volume than group 1 (mean, 878mm3, p0.077). Although this small study had limited statistical power, hypertonic saline infusion during RFA appeared to enlarge coagulation necrosis of the lung parenchyma.

FKHRL1 (FOXO3a), a member of the Forkhead family of genes, has been considered to be involved in the development of breast tumors; however, the in vivo expression and activation status of FKHRL1 in breast tumors still remains unclear. We immunohistochemically demonstrated the expression and intracellular localization of FKHRL1 in human breast tumors by the novel anti-FKHRL1 antibody which is available for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. In a total of 51 cases of benign tumors, FKHRL1 was diffusely expressed in all cases, and its intracellular localization was revealed to be cytoplasmic (inactive form) in 94% of cases of intraductal papillomas (16/17) and 91% cases of fibroadenomas (31/34), with a similar pattern to normal glandular epithelium. In invasive ductal carcinomas, 83% of the cases (93/112) diffusely expressed FKHRL1; however, unlike benign tumors, 71% of the cases (66/93) showed the nuclear-targeted, active form of FKHRL1. Moreover, activated FKHRL1 was predominantly observed in scirrhous (29/36, 81% of the cases) and papillotubular (30/38, 79% of the cases) subtypes, compared to the solid-tubular subtype (7/19, 37% of the cases). Furthermore, the cases with nuclear-targeted FKHRL1 showed a tendency to have lymph nodal metastasis with statistical significance (P < 0.0001). Thus, the activation of FKHRL1 seems to be recognized as one of the specific features of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related herpesvirus (Si-IIA-EBV) was serially transmitted for 3 passages from rabbit to rabbit of the opposite sex by blood transfusion, which subsequently induced virus-associated rabbit lymphomas. The virus could be transmitted by transfusion with 15-20 ml of whole blood (7/7) or irradiated blood (1/6) from the EBV-related virus-infected rabbits, but there was no transmission with transfusion of cell-free plasma (0/6) from the infected rabbits. Passive anti-EBV-VCA IgG (x 20 approximately x 10) titers decreased during the first 1-2 weeks in the transfused rabbits. The virus-transmitted rabbits showed a gradual increase in antibody titers ranging from peak titers of x 640 to x 2560 after 3 weeks of transfusion. The recipient origin of malignant lymphoma that developed in the first rabbit transfused by infected blood was confirmed by chromosomal analysis. This rabbit model thus shows that EBV-related herpesvirus is serially transmissible by blood transfusion and that transmission can not be completely prevented by irradiation of blood, but removal of blood cells is the best way to prevent transmission of EBV-related virus. Therefore, this animal model provides a convenient in vivo system for studies of the prevention and therapy of transfusion-related transmission of EBV and EBV-associated lymphoproliferative diseases in immunocompromised human beings.

A 46-year-old woman with acromegaly and hyperthyroidism due to a pituitary adenoma. She had high serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and very high serum growth hormone (GH) levels. Transsphenoidal removal of the tumor, post-operative irradiation, frontal craniotomy for removal of residual tumor and large-dose bromocriptine therapy were carried out consecutively. After therapy, serum GH levels gradually decreased, but not to the normal range, and serum TSH levels remained at inappropriately normal levels. Using immunoperoxidase techniques, GH-, TSH- and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-containing cells were demonstrated in the adenoma. A long-acting somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995, 600 micrograms/day) suppressed the serum GH level to the normal range with a concomitant suppression of TSH. Furthermore, the paradoxical serum GH responses to TRH and LH-RH were slightly improved. No important subjective side-effects were noted. Therefore, SMS 201-995 appeared to be a very effective drug in this patient with a GH- and TSH-producing pituitary tumor.</P>

A monoclonal antibody (MAb), OPT1, reactive with T cells in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, has been identified through immunization with activated T cells from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). The antibody is an IgG1 antibody as demonstrated by the Ouchterlony technique. By cytofluorometric analysis, almost all CD3+ lymphocytes and only a few CD20+ lymphocytes of peripheral blood expressed the OPT1 antigen. Nonhematolymphoid cell lines were negative for OPT1 by the immunoperoxidase staining using acetone-fixed cell lines. On the contrary, peripheral T cells, cells of two T cell lines out of four and a part of the cells of one B cell line out of two were positive for OPT1. The immunoperoxidase staining of paraffin-embedded tissue sections revealed that most of lymphocytes in T cell areas of lymph nodes expressed OPT1 antigen. Some lymphocytes in both cortex and medulla of the thymus and erythroid precursors of the bone marrow were OPT1+. In the malignant lymphoma series, approximately 90% of T cell lymphomas and 6% of B cell lymphomas reacted with OPT1. None of the Reed-Sternberg cells nor Hodgkin cells in Hodgkin's disease were positive. Consequently, OPT1 may be useful for the diagnosis and study of malignant lymphomas and other related lesions.</P>