Ultrafast Creation of Overlapping Rydberg Electrons in an Atomic BEC and Mott-Insulator Lattice.

We study an array of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice (Mott insulator) excited with a coherent ultrashort laser pulse to a state where single-electron wave functions spatially overlap. Beyond a threshold principal quantum number where Rydberg orbitals of neighboring lattice sites overlap with each other, the atoms efficiently undergo spontaneous Penning ionization resulting in a drastic change of ion-counting statistics, sharp increase of avalanche ionization, and the formation of an ultracold plasma. These observations signal the actual creation of electronic states with overlapping wave functions, which is further confirmed by a significant difference in ionization dynamics between a Bose-Einstein condensate and a Mott insulator. This system is a promising platform for simulating electronic many-body phenomena dominated by Coulomb interactions in the condensed phase.

Single-dose infusion ketamine and non-ketamine N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists for unipolar and bipolar depression: a meta-analysis of efficacy, safety and time trajectories.

BACKGROUND: Ketamine and non-ketamine N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists (NMDAR antagonists) recently demonstrated antidepressant efficacy for the treatment of refractory depression, but effect sizes, trajectories and possible class effects are unclear. METHOD: We searched PubMed/PsycINFO/Web of Science/clinicaltrials.gov until 25 August 2015. Parallel-group or cross-over randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing single intravenous infusion of ketamine or a non-ketamine NMDAR antagonist v. placebo/pseudo-placebo in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and/or bipolar depression (BD) were included in the analyses. Hedges' g and risk ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was depressive symptom change. Secondary outcomes included response, remission, all-cause discontinuation and adverse effects. RESULTS: A total of 14 RCTs (nine ketamine studies: n = 234; five non-ketamine NMDAR antagonist studies: n = 354; MDD = 554, BD = 34), lasting 10.0 ± 8.8 days, were meta-analysed. Ketamine reduced depression significantly more than placebo/pseudo-placebo beginning at 40 min, peaking at day 1 (Hedges' g = -1.00, 95% CI -1.28 to -0.73, p < 0.001), and loosing superiority by days 10-12. Non-ketamine NMDAR antagonists were superior to placebo only on days 5-8 (Hedges' g = -0.37, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.09, p = 0.01). Compared with placebo/pseudo-placebo, ketamine led to significantly greater response (40 min to day 7) and remission (80 min to days 3-5). Non-ketamine NMDAR antagonists achieved greater response at day 2 and days 3-5. All-cause discontinuation was similar between ketamine (p = 0.34) or non-ketamine NMDAR antagonists (p = 0.94) and placebo. Although some adverse effects were more common with ketamine/NMDAR antagonists than placebo, these were transient and clinically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: A single infusion of ketamine, but less so of non-ketamine NMDAR antagonists, has ultra-rapid efficacy for MDD and BD, lasting for up to 1 week. Development of easy-to-administer, repeatedly given NMDAR antagonists without risk of brain toxicity is of critical importance.

Regulation of somatostatin receptor 4-mediated cytostatic effects by CD26 in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm arising from mesothelial lining of pleura. CD26 molecules preferentially expressed on epithelioid type of MPM. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of CD26 regulating MPM cells in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Biochemical and cell biological approaches were used for identifying a novel molecular target of MPM. Its contribution to tumour expansion has been also assessed using animal models. The clinical samples of MPM were also assessed for its expression. RESULTS: We identify that cytostatic effects in MPM are mediated by somatostatin (SST) receptor 4 (SSTR4), being inhibited by the interaction of CD26 molecules. We also indicates that SSTR4-mediated cytostatic effects are regulated by SHP-2 PTP, and that this inhibitory effect by SST agonist is enhanced via lipid raft clustering of associated molecules following crosslinking of anti-CD26 antibody. Finally, using an in vivo xenograft model, we demonstrate that the anti-tumour effect of anti-CD26 mAb is enhanced when combined with SSTR4 agonist treatment, and that SSTR4 is highly coexpressed with CD26 on epithelioid or biphasic types of MPM tissues obtained from patients' surgical specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with humanised anti-CD26 mAb and SSTR4 agonist may therefore potentiate anti-tumour effect on MPM.

Relapse prevention in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of second-generation antipsychotics versus first-generation antipsychotics.

Few controlled trials compared second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) with first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) regarding relapse prevention in schizophrenia. We conducted a systematic review/meta-analysis of randomized trials, lasting 6 months comparing SGAs with FGAs in schizophrenia. Primary outcome was study-defined relapse; secondary outcomes included relapse at 3, 6 and 12 months; treatment failure; hospitalization; and dropout owing to any cause, non-adherence and intolerability. Pooled relative risk (RR) (±95% confidence intervals (CIs)) was calculated using random-effects model, with numbers-needed-to-treat (NNT) calculations where appropriate. Across 23 studies (n=4504, mean duration=61.9±22.4 weeks), none of the individual SGAs outperformed FGAs (mainly haloperidol) regarding study-defined relapse, except for isolated, single trial-based superiority, and except for risperidone's superiority at 3 and 6 months when requiring ≥3 trials. Grouped together, however, SGAs prevented relapse more than FGAs (29.0 versus 37.5%, RR=0.80, CI: 0.70-0.91, P=0.0007, I(2)=37%; NNT=17, CI: 10-50, P=0.003). SGAs were also superior regarding relapse at 3, 6 and 12 months (P=0.04, P<0.0001, P=0.0001), treatment failure (P=0.003) and hospitalization (P=0.004). SGAs showed trend-level superiority for dropout owing to intolerability (P=0.05). Superiority of SGAs regarding relapse was modest (NNT=17), but confirmed in double-blind trials, first- and multi-episode patients, using preferentially or exclusively raw or estimated relapse rates, and for different haloperidol equivalent comparator doses. There was no significant heterogeneity or publication bias. The relevance of the somewhat greater efficacy of SGAs over FGAs on several key outcomes depends on whether SGAs form a meaningful group and whether mid- or low-potency FGAs differ from haloperidol. Regardless, treatment selection needs to be individualized considering patient- and medication-related factors.

Increased ratio of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells/CD3+ T cells in skin lesions in drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug rash with eosinophilia with systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe drug eruption accompanied by multiorgan disorders. Several unique aspects of DIHS/DRESS, including herpesvirus reactivation, liver dysfunction and hypogammaglobulinaemia, have similarities to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). AIM: In this study, we focused on the dynamics of regulatory T cells (Tregs) infiltrating into the skin lesions of DIHS/DRESS and GVHD. METHODS: Skin biopsies were taken from patients with DIHS/DRESS, GVHD, or maculopapular drug eruption. Tregs were detected using immunostaining with anti-FoxP3. RESULTS: The ratio of FoxP3+ T cells to CD3+ T cells was significantly higher in the skin lesions of patients with DIHS/DRESS than in those of patients with GVHD, and was positively correlated with the number of days from disease onset in the acute phase. CONCLUSIONS: The dynamics of Tregs in skin lesions are different between DIHS/DRESS and GVHD, despite there being many similarities between these conditions.

Differences in indicators of malignancy between luminal epithelial cell type and myoepithelial cell type of simple solid carcinoma in the canine mammary gland.

Routinely diagnosed simple solid carcinoma (SSC) of the canine mammary gland comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors. Seventy-two cases that had been diagnosed as SSC based on hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections were reclassified immunohistochemically on the basis of myoepithelial markers p63 and α-smooth muscle actin, as well as a luminal epithelial marker cytokeratin 8. Only 23 cases (32%) were true SSC, composed only of luminal epithelial cells, whereas 11 cases (15%) were malignant myoepithelioma (MM), composed predominantly of myoepithelial cells, and 38 cases (53%) were biphasic carcinoma (BC), characterized by biphasic proliferation of luminal epithelial and basal/myoepithelial components. As the pathological parameters were compared between the reclassified tumor types, infiltrative potential, vascular/lymphatic invasion, lymph node metastasis, and Ki-67 labeling index were higher in true SSC compared with MM and BC, suggesting that the former may exhibit a poorer prognosis compared with the latter two.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic resection for nonampullary duodenal high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal carcinoma.

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of endoscopic resection of 26 sporadic (i. e., not associated with polyposis syndrome) nonampullary duodenal lesions representing high-grade dysplasia or intramucosal carcinoma (duodenal HGD/IMC) in 23 patients. No severe complications such as perforation were observed, but three cases of delayed bleeding were seen. The use of endoscopic clips significantly decreased the delayed bleeding rate (0/19, 0%) compared with cases in which clips were not used (3/7, 42.9%; P = 0.013, χ2 test). Eighteen lesions (69.2%) were removed by en bloc resection. The follow-up period after resection was 25.5 ± 23.3 months. Two lesions (7.7%) that recurred locally were detected at the first surveillance endoscopy 3 months after resection. These lesions were 22 and 15 mm in size respectively and were resected piecemeal. Endoscopic resection is an effective and safe procedure for treating duodenal HGD/IMC. En bloc resection and prophylactic clip usage are encouraged.

Condyloma acuminata induces focal intense FDG uptake mimicking vaginal stump recurrence from uterine cervical cancer: a case report.

The 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose position emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) findings of condyloma acuminata in a patient with FIGO Stage IB1 cervical cancer who had previously been treated with radical hysterectomy, pelvic chemoradiotherapy, and consolidation chemotherapy is described in this article. This case highlights the importance of considering condyloma acuminata during the differential diagnosis of abnormal vaginal FDG uptake in patients who have been treated for gynecological cancer.

Deletion of crhr2 reveals an anxiolytic role for corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor-2.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh), a 41-residue polypeptide, activates two G-protein-coupled receptors, Crhr1 and Crhr2, causing (among other transductional events) phosphorylation of the transcription factor Creb. The physiologic role of these receptors is only partially understood. Here we report that male, but not female, Crhr2-deficient mice exhibit enhanced anxious behaviour in several tests of anxiety in contrast to mice lacking Crhr1. The enhanced anxiety of Crhr2-deficient mice is not due to changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, but rather reflects impaired responses in specific brain regions involved in emotional and autonomic function, as monitored by a reduction of Creb phosphorylation in male, but not female, Crhr2-/- mice. We propose that Crhr2 predominantly mediates a central anxiolytic response, opposing the general anxiogenic effect of Crh mediated by Crhr1. Neither male nor female Crhr2-deficient mice show alterations of baseline feeding behaviour. Both respond with increased edema formation in response to thermal exposure, however, indicating that in contrast to its central role in anxiety, the peripheral role of Crhr2 in vascular permeability is independent of gender.

Sex-specifics of ECT outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for patients with severe major depressive disorder (MDD). Given the known sex differences in MDD, improved knowledge may provide more sex-specific recommendations in clinical guidelines and improve outcome. In the present study we examine sex differences in ECT outcome and its predictors. METHODS: Clinical data from 20 independent sites participating in the Global ECT-MRI Research Collaboration (GEMRIC) were obtained for analysis, totaling 500 patients with MDD (58.6 % women) with a mean age of 54.8 years. Severity of depression before and after ECT was assessed with validated depression scales. Remission was defined as a HAM-D score of 7 points or below after ECT. Variables associated with remission were selected based on literature (i.e. depression severity at baseline, age, duration of index episode, and presence of psychotic symptoms). RESULTS: Remission rates of ECT were independent of sex, 48.0 % in women and 45.7 % in men (X2(1) = 0.2, p = 0.70). In the logistic regression analyses, a shorter index duration was identified as a sex-specific predictor for ECT outcome in women (X2(1) = 7.05, p = 0.01). The corresponding predictive margins did show overlapping confidence intervals for men and women. CONCLUSION: The evidence provided by our study suggests that ECT as a biological treatment for MDD is equally effective in women and men. A shorter duration of index episode was an additional sex- specific predictor for remission in women. Future research should establish whether the confidence intervals for the corresponding predictive margins are overlapping, as we find, or not.

Peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide synergistically enhance bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Peptidoglycan (PGN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are bacterial cell wall constituents that are able to induce bone resorption by stimulating Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4, respectively. The fragments of PGN also stimulate inflammatory responses via nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) 1 and NOD2, although there are differences in the NOD-stimulatory activities between gram-positive and gram-negative PGNs. The TLR and NOD signaling pathways are known to engage in cross-talk to enhance the production of inflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we investigated the effects of gram-negative and gram-positive PGNs on bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis in the presence or absence of LPS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We injected Escherichia coli PGN or Staphylococcus aureus PGN with or without LPS into mouse gingiva, and histopathologically assessed alveolar bone resorption by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. We also stimulated osteoclast precursors from mouse bone marrow macrophages with these PGNs in vitro and assessed osteoclastogenesis. The cells were also stimulated with synthetic ligands for NOD1; γ-D-glutamyl-meso-DAP NOD2; muramyl dipeptide or TLR2; Pam(3) CSK(4) with or without LPS to analyse the signaling cross-talk. RESULTS: S. aureus PGN, but not E. coli PGN, induced alveolar bone resorption, as did LPS. However, PGN from both sources significantly enhanced the bone resorption in the mice co-injected with LPS. Both types of PGNs induced osteoclastogenesis and accelerated osteoclastogenesis when the cells were co-stimulated with LPS in vitro. All synthetic ligands synergistically induced osteoclastogenesis by co-stimulation with LPS. CONCLUSION: Gram-positive or gram-negative PGN worked synergistically with LPS to induce bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis, possibly by co-ordinating the effects of TLR2, NOD1, NOD2 and TLR4 signaling.

Narrow-linewidth light source for a coherent Raman transfer of ultracold molecules.

We describe a tunable two-color CW light source sufficient for realizing a coherent Raman transfer between two molecular states that are more than 0.5 eV (120 THz) apart. The simultaneous frequency stabilization of 901 nm and 655 nm light was achieved by locking diode lasers to a single ultralow expansion cavity with dual wavelengths coating. By utilizing offset-locking and optical phase-locked loop (OPLL), we ensured a large mode-hop free tuning range (> 2 GHz). The obtained short term linewidth (<10 Hz) and the linear drift of frequency (65 mHz/s) were both sufficient to eliminate the influence of laser linewidths on the efficiency of coherent Raman transition.

Membrane-bound CD40 ligand on T cells from mice injected with lipopolysaccharide accelerates lipopolysaccharide-induced osteoclastogenesis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: T cells infiltrate the inflammatory site of periodontitis and consequently stimulate the loss of periodontal bone. We previously reported that T cells from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected mice (LPS-T cells) accelerated osteoclastogenesis in the presence of LPS. Ηowever, the detailed mechanism of this acceleration is still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of osteoclastogenesis accelerated by LPS-T cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined the mechanism of osteoclastogenesis acceleration. First, to determine the effect of cell-to-cell contact, we co-cultured T cells and bone marrow macrophages, prestimulated with RANKL for 48 h (R-BMMs), in the presence of LPS for 24 h, in a Transwell. Second, to determine the effect of CD40 ligand (CD40L), we co-cultured T cells and R-BMMs in the presence of LPS and anti-CD40L immunoglobulin. Third, we examined the effect of recombinant mouse CD40L (rCD40L) in the presence of LPS in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, we examined the expression of membrane-bound CD40L (mCD40L) by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). RESULTS: Blocking cell-to-cell contact between LPS-T cells and R-BMMs completely inhibited the acceleration of osteoclastogenesis. Anti-CD40L immunoglobulin also completely inhibited the acceleration of osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, rCD40L accelerated osteoclastogenesis in the presence of LPS in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the expression of mCD40L on LPS-T cells was higher than that on T cells isolated from mice not injected with LPS. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that CD40L accelerates osteoclastogenesis in the presence of RANKL and LPS. The results also suggest that mCD40L on LPS-T cells accelerates osteoclastogenesis.

Locally administered interferon-γ accelerates lipopolysaccharide-induced osteoclastogenesis independent of immunohistological RANKL upregulation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) potently inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. In contrast, previous studies have shown that an increase in IFN-γ expression is correlated with an increase in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced bone loss in vivo. However, it is not clear whether local IFN-γ accelerates osteoclastogenesis or not in vivo. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify the role of local IFN-γ in LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We induced bone loss in calvaria by injecting LPS. One group of mice received an IFN-γ injection together with LPS injection, while another group received IFN-γ 2 d after LPS injection. Bone resorption was observed histologically. Next, we stimulated murine bone marrow macrophages with macrophage-colony stimulating factor and RANKL in vitro. We added different doses of IFN-γ and/or LPS at 0 or 48 h time points. Cells were stained with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase at 72 h. RESULTS: Local administration of IFN-γ together with LPS injection did not affect osteoclast formation. However, IFN-γ injected after LPS injection accelerated osteoclast formation. Also, we confirmed that IFN-γ added at 0 h inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. However, inhibition by IFN-γ added at 48 h was reduced compared with that by IFN-γ added at 0 h. Interestingly, IFN-γ together with a low concentration of LPS accelerated osteoclast formation when both were added at 48 h compared with no addition of IFN-γ. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that local IFN-γ accelerates osteoclastogenesis in certain conditions of LPS-induced inflammatory bone loss.

Blockade of interleukin 6 trans signaling suppresses T-cell resistance against apoptosis in chronic intestinal inflammation: evidence in crohn disease and experimental colitis in vivo.

The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 (refs. 1-5) can bind to cells lacking the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) when it forms a complex with the soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) (trans signaling). Here, we have assessed the contribution of this system to the increased resistance of mucosal T cells against apoptosis in Crohn disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. A neutralizing antibody against IL-6R suppressed established experimental colitis in various animal models of CD mediated by type 1 T-helper cells, by inducing apoptosis of lamina propria T cells. Similarly, specific neutralization of sIL-6R in vivo by a newly designed gp130-Fc fusion protein caused suppression of colitis activity and induction of apoptosis, indicating that sIL-6R prevents mucosal T-cell apoptosis. In patients with CD, mucosal T cells showed strong evidence for IL-6 trans signaling, with activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, bcl-2 and bcl-xl. Blockade of IL-6 trans signaling caused T-cell apoptosis, indicating that the IL-6-sIL-6R system mediates the resistance of T cells to apoptosis in CD. These data indicate that a pathway of T-cell activation driven by IL-6-sIL-6R contributes to the perpetuation of chronic intestinal inflammation. Specific targeting of this pathway may be a promising new approach for the treatment of CD.

T cell receptor V gene usage of islet beta cell-reactive T cells is not restricted in non-obese diabetic mice.

Five islet-reactive T cell clones were established from islet-infiltrating T cells of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. All clones expressed CD4, but not CD8, and responded to islet cells from various strains of mice in the context of I-ANOD. They could induce insulitis when transferred into disease-resistant I-E+ transgenic NOD mice. The T cell receptor (TCR) sequences utilized by the clones were determined. Their usage of TCR V and J segments was not restricted but was rather diverse. One of the clones utilized V beta 16. The expression of V beta 16 was significantly reduced in I-E+ transgenic NOD, suggesting the possibility that the islet-reactive T cell clone expressing V beta 16 may be deleted or inactivated by I-E molecules. This clone might be one of the candidates that triggers insulitis.

Mutational analysis of the membrane-proximal cleavage site of L-selectin: relaxed sequence specificity surrounding the cleavage site.

L-selectin expression is regulated in part by membrane-proximal cleavage from the cell surface of leukocytes and L-selectin-transfected cells. The downregulation of L-selectin from the surface of neutrophils is speculated to be a process involved in the adhesion cascade leading to neutrophil recruitment to sites of inflammation. We previously reported that L-selectin is cleaved between Lys321 and Ser322 in a region that links the second short consensus repeat (SCR) and the transmembrane domain. We demonstrate that replacing this cleavage domain of L-selectin with the corresponding region of E-selectin prevents L-selectin shedding, as judged by inhibiting the generation of the 68-kD soluble and 6-kD transmembrane cleavage products of L-selectin. Unexpectedly, we found that point mutations of the cleavage site, as well as mutations of multiple conserved amino acids within the cleavage domain, do not significantly affect L-selectin shedding. However, short deletions of four or five amino acids in the L-selectin cleavage domain inhibit L-selectin downregulation. Mutations that appeared to inhibit L-selectin shedding resulted in higher levels of cell surface expression, consistent with a lack of apparent proteolysis from the cell membrane. One deletion mutant, I327 delta N332, retains the native cleavage site yet inhibits L-selectin proteolysis as well. Restoring the amino acids deleted between I327 and N332 with five alanine residues restores L-selectin proteolysis. Thus, the proteolytic processing of L-selectin appears to have a relaxed sequence specificity at the cleavage site, and it may depend on the physical length or other secondary structural characteristics of the cleavage domain.

Accelerated Nerve Regeneration in Mice by upregulated expression of interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-6 receptor after trauma.

In this study we aimed to examine a role for interleukin 6 (IL-6) and its receptor (IL-6R) in peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo. We first observed that cultured mouse embryonic dorsal root ganglia exhibited dramatic neurite extension by simultaneous addition of IL-6 and soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R), a complex that is known to interact with and activate a signal transducing receptor component, gp130. After injury in the hypoglossal nerve in adult mice by ligation, immunoreactivity to IL-6 was upregulated in Schwann cells at the lesional site as well as in the cell bodies of hypoglossal neurons in the brain stem. In the latter, upregulation of the immunoreactivity to IL-6R was also observed. Regeneration of axotomized hypoglossal nerve in vivo was significantly retarded by the administration of anti-IL-6R antibody. Surprisingly, accelerated regeneration of the axotomized nerve was achieved in transgenic mice constitutively expressing both IL-6 and IL-6R, as compared with nontransgenic controls. These results suggest that the IL-6 signal may play an important role in nerve regeneration after trauma in vivo.

Induction and properties of cytoplasmic factor(s) which enhance nuclear nonhistone protein phosphorylation in lymphocytes stimulated by anti-Ig.

An increased in vitro phosphorylation of nonhistone nuclear proteins (NHP) was observed in the nuclei isolated from rabbit lymphocytes which had been stimulated with anti-Ig for 4 h. No concomitant increase of phosphorylation in histones or 0.14 M NaCl-soluble proteins was observed. The increase of in vitro phosphorylation of NHP was also observed in the nuclei isolated from nonstimulated cells when these nuclei were preincubated for 2 h with cell-free extracts from anti-Ig-stimulated cells. The active substance in cell-free extracts was maximally induced when lymphocytes were stimulated with anti-Ig for 2 h. The induction of an increased phosphorylation of NHP in nonstimulated nuclei with the cell-free extracts was not due to decrease of the adenosine triphosphate pool in the extracts from anti-Ig-stimulated cells. The active substance in cell-free extracts was not NHP-protein kinase itself, but it probably activated NHP-protein kinase in quiescent nuclei. The active substance was nondialyzable and probably protein. It was resistant against heating at 56 degrees C for 30 min, but the activity was completely destroyed by heating at 90 degrees C for 30 min. The active substance may be responsible for the transduction of the membrane-mediated signals given through Ig receptors to nuclei.

Receptors for B cell stimulatory factor 2. Quantitation, specificity, distribution, and regulation of their expression.

B cell stimulatory factor 2 receptors (BSF-2-R) were studied using radioiodinated recombinant BSF-2 with a specific activity of 6.16 X 10(13) cpm/g. Kinetic studies showed that binding of 125I-BSF-2 to CESS cells reached maximum level within 150 min at 0 degrees C. There was a single class of receptors with high affinity (Kd 3.4 X 10(-10) M) on CESS, and the number of receptors was 2,700 per cell. Binding of 125I-BSF-2 to CESS was competitively inhibited by unlabeled BSF-2 but not by IL-1, IL-2, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, and G-CSF, indicating the presence of the receptors specific for BSF-2. EBV-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines (CESS, SKW6-CL4, LCL13, and LCL14) expressed BSF-2-R, whereas Burkitt's lines did not. EBV or EBNA2 did not induce the expression of the receptors on Burkitt's cells. The plasma cell lines (ARH-77 and U266) expressed BSF-2-R, fitting the function of BSF-2 as plasma cell growth factor. Several other cell lines, the histiocytic line U937, the promyelocytic line HL60, the astrocytoma line U373 and the glioblastoma line SK-MG-4, in which BSF-2 was inducible with IL-1 or TPA, displayed BSF-2-R with Kd in the range of 1.3-6.4 X 10(-10) M, suggesting the autocrine mechanism in BSF-2 function. The four T cell lines (CEM, HSB, Jurkat, and OM 1) did not express a detectable number of receptors, but normal resting T cells expressed 100-1,000 receptors per cell. BSF-2-R were not present on normal resting B cells but expressed on activated B cells with a Kd of 3.6-5.0 X 10(-10) M, fitting the function of BSF-2, which acts on B cells at the final maturation stage to induce immunoglobulin production.