Morphological lymphocytic reaction, patient prognosis and PD-1 expression after surgical resection for oesophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as antibody against programmed cell death protein (PD-1), have demonstrated antitumour effects in patients with malignancies, including oesophageal cancer. A lymphocytic reaction observed by pathological examination is a manifestation of the host immune response to tumour cells. It was hypothesized that a stronger lymphocytic reaction to tumours might be associated with favourable prognosis in oesophageal cancer. METHODS: Using a database of resected oesophageal cancers, four morphological components of lymphocytic reactions (peritumoral, intranest, lymphoid and stromal) to tumours were evaluated in relation to clinical outcome, PD-1 expression by immunohistochemistry and total lymphocyte count in blood. RESULTS: Resected oesophageal cancer specimens from 436 patients were included in the study. Among the four morphological components, only peritumoral reaction was associated with patient prognosis (multivariable P for trend <0·001); patients with a higher peritumoral reaction had significantly longer overall survival than those with a lower reaction (multivariable hazard ratio 0·48, 95 per cent c.i. 0·34 to 0·67). The prognostic effect of peritumoral reaction was not significantly modified by other clinical variables (all P for interaction >0·050). Peritumoral reaction was associated with total lymphocyte count in the blood (P < 0·001), supporting the relationship between local immune response and systemic immune competence. In addition, higher morphological peritumoral reaction was associated with high PD-1 expression on lymphocytes in tumours (P = 0·034). CONCLUSION: These findings should help to improve risk-adapted therapeutic strategies and help stratify patients in the future clinical setting of immunotherapy for oesophageal cancer.

ANTECEDENTES: Los inhibidores de los puntos de control inmunitario (checkpoints) (p.ej. los anticuerpos anti-PD-1) han demostrado efectos antitumorales en pacientes con tumores malignos, incluido el cáncer de esófago. La reacción linfocítica detectada en estudios anatomopatológicos es una manifestación de la respuesta inmune del huésped a las células tumorales. Se estableció la hipótesis de que una mayor reacción linfocítica a los tumores podría asociarse con un mejor pronóstico en el cáncer de esófago. MÉTODOS: Usando una base de datos de 436 cánceres de esófago resecados, se evaluaron cuatro componentes morfológicos (peritumoral, intra-epitelial, linfoide y estromal) de las reacciones linfocíticas a tumores en relación con los resultados clínicos, la expresión inmunohistoquímica de PD-1 y el recuento total de linfocitos en sangre. RESULTADOS: De los cuatro componentes, solamente la reacción peritumoral se asoció con el pronóstico del paciente (P multivariable para tendencia < 0,001): los pacientes con mayor reacción peritumoral presentaron una supervivencia global significativamente más prolongada que aquellos pacientes con menor reacción peritumoral (cociente de riesgos instantáneos multivariable, hazard ratio, HR: 0,48; i.c. del 95%: 0,34 -0,67; P <0,001). El efecto pronóstico de la reacción peritumoral no se modificó significativamente por otras variables clínicas (todas las P para la interacción > 0,05). La reacción peritumoral se asoció con el recuento total de linfocitos en la sangre (P < 0,001), lo que respalda la relación entre la respuesta inmune local y la competencia inmune sistémica. Además, una elevada reacción morfológica peritumoral se asoció con una alta expresión de PD-1 en linfocitos tumorales (P = 0,034). CONCLUSIÓN: Estos hallazgos deberían ayudar a mejorar las estrategias terapéuticas adaptadas al riesgo y contribuir a estratificar a los pacientes en el entorno clínico futuro de la inmunoterapia para los pacientes con cáncer de esófago.

Effectiveness of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel plus carboplatin in non-small lung cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion.

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication occurring in cancer patients, and its management affects the prognosis of these patients. Preclinical and clinical studies have reported that treatment with nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) plus carboplatin (CBDCA) is effective against intraperitoneal malignant tumors. To investigate the effectiveness of nab-paclitaxel plus CBDCA therapy for MPEs arising in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics of 40 patients with stage IIIb or IV NSCLC who were treated with nab-paclitaxel plus CBDCA from 2013 to 2016. Out of 26 patients with MPEs who were treated with nab-paclitaxel plus CBDCA in this study, 21 patients (80.8%) had effective responses in MPEs; 6 of 21 patients exhibited complete responses (23.1%) and 15 of 21 had partial responses (57.7%). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests to evaluate the effectiveness of nab-paclitaxel plus CBDCA therapy against MPEs showed longer median progression-free survival (323 days vs. 26 days; p=0.009) and overall survival (not reached vs. 199 days; p=0.047) in patients with complete responses compared with those who achieved no response. There were no statistical differences between therapeutic effects on MPEs and those on systemic lesions. Nab-paclitaxel plus CBDCA therapy may be a preferred therapeutic option for patients with NSCLC who experience MPEs, and its effectiveness in treatment of MPEs may need to be evaluated separately from its therapeutic responses in systemic lesions.

Nanoscopic analysis of oxygen segregation at tilt boundaries in silicon ingots using atom probe tomography combined with TEM and ab initio calculations.

We have developed an analytical method to determine the segregation levels on the same tilt boundaries (TBs) at the same nanoscopic location by a joint use of atom probe tomography and scanning transmission electron microscopy, and discussed the mechanism of oxygen segregation at TBs in silicon ingots in terms of bond distortions around the TBs. The three-dimensional distribution of oxygen atoms was determined at the typical small- and large-angle TBs by atom probe tomography with a low impurity detection limit (0.01 at.% on a TB plane) simultaneously with high spatial resolution (about 0.4 nm). The three-dimensional distribution was correlated with the atomic stress around the TBs; the stress at large-angle TBs was estimated by ab initio calculations based on atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy data and that at small-angle TBs were calculated with the elastic theory based on dark-field transmission electron microscopy data. Oxygen atoms would segregate at bond-centred sites under tensile stress above about 2 GPa, so as to attain a more stable bonding network by reducing the local stress. The number of oxygen atoms segregating in a unit TB area NGB (in atoms nm-2 ) was determined to be proportional to both the number of the atomic sites under tensile stress in a unit TB area nbc and the average concentration of oxygen atoms around the TB [Oi ] (in at.%) with NGB ∼ 50 nbc [Oi ].

Atom probe tomographic assessment of the distribution of germanium atoms implanted in a silicon matrix through nano-apertures.

Ion implantation through nanometer-scale apertures (nano-apertures) is a promising method to precisely position ions in silicon matrices, which is a requirement for next generation electronic and quantum computing devices. This paper reports the application of atom probe tomography (APT) to investigate the three-dimensional distribution of germanium atoms in silicon after implantation through nano-aperture of 10 nm in diameter, for evaluation of the amount and spatial distribution of implanted dopants. The experimental results obtained by APT are consistent with a simple simulation with consideration of several effects during lithography and ion implantation, such as channeling and resist flow.

Specific clinical signs and symptoms are predictive of clinical course in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Akinetic mutism is thought to be an appropriate therapeutic end-point in patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD). However, prognostic factors for akinetic mutism are unclear and clinical signs or symptoms that precede this condition have not been defined. The goal of this study was to identify prognostic factors for akinetic mutism and to clarify the order of clinical sign and symptom development prior to its onset. METHODS: The cumulative incidence of akinetic mutism and other clinical signs and symptoms was estimated based on Japanese CJD surveillance data (455 cases) collected from 2003 to 2008. A proportional hazards model was used to identify prognostic factors for the time to onset of akinetic mutism and other clinical signs and symptoms. RESULTS: Periodic synchronous discharges on electroencephalography were present in the majority of cases (93.5%). The presence of psychiatric symptoms or cerebellar disturbance at sCJD diagnosis was associated with the development of akinetic mutism [hazard ratio (HR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-1.99, and HR 2.15, 95% CI1.61-2.87, respectively]. The clinical course from cerebellar disturbance to myoclonus or akinetic mutism was classified into three types: (i) direct path, (ii) path via pyramidal or extrapyramidal dysfunction and (iii) path via psychiatric symptoms or visual disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of psychiatric symptoms or cerebellar disturbance increased the risk of akinetic mutism of sCJD cases with probable MM/MV subtypes. Also, there appear to be sequential associations in the development of certain clinical signs and symptoms of this disease.

Transportation of sublingual antigens across sublingual ductal epithelial cells to the ductal antigen-presenting cells in mice.

BACKGROUND: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has proven to be safe and efficient for the treatment of type I allergies. However, the mechanisms underlying allergen transportation within the sublingual compartment, the localization of antigens, and the identities of the cells responsible for this immunization remain incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we focused on the sublingual ductal system and analysed the localization and transportation of antigens after their sublingual application. METHODS: In mice given adjuvant-free antigens sublingually, tissues were removed at 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 h after the application and subjected to immunohistochemistry. Cells isolated from the sublingual duct and mucosa were analysed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Substantial immunoreactivity to ovalbumin (OVA) was evident in sublingual ductal epithelial cells at 30 min and 1 h after sublingual administration of OVA, but it had disappeared at 2 h. The ductal epithelial cells incorporated not only OVA, but also particulate antigens such as latex or silica beads and microbes. MHC class II (MHCII)(+) antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were located around the sublingual ductal system, and MHCII(+) cells were co-localized with, and around, antigen-incorporated sublingual duct cells. CD11b(+) CD11c(-) cells were present among CD45(+) MHCII(+) cells at greater frequency in the sublingual duct than in the sublingual mucosa, and they were the main contributors to the incorporation of OVA in vitro. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study reveals that sublingual antigens can be transported across sublingual ductal epithelial cells to the ductal APCs. If the system is the same in humans as in mice, the ductal APCs may prove to be important target cells for SLIT.

Temporal and regional variations in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Japan, 2001-2010.

The objective of this study was to examine temporal and regional variations of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) in a retrospective study using Japanese national surveillance data from 2001 to 2010. We calculated the incidence of sCJD by age and sex, derived the standardized incidence in each of the 47 prefectures, and performed spatial disease clustering analysis. The average annual incidence of sCJD was 1.026 per million in men (637 patients) and 1.132 per million in women (733 patients), a significant sex difference after adjustment for age (P = 0.001). The ratios of familial CJD to sCJD apparently increased between 2001-2005 and 2006-2010, possibly as a result of the nationwide introduction of genetic testing after 2006. Based on the data of 2006-2010, certain geographical clusters of sCJD were identified. The incidence of sCJD was higher in several specific prefectures compared to the national average. Thus, sCJD appears to have regional variations, suggesting the existence of genetic or region-specific factors affecting the incidence of the disease.

Modulation of Treg function improves adenovirus vector-mediated gene expression in the airway.

Virus vector-mediated gene transfer has been developed as a treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease, a lethal inherited disorder caused by somatic mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. The pathological proinflammatory environment of CF as well as the naïve and adaptive immunity induced by the virus vector itself limits the effectiveness of gene therapy for CF airway. Here, we report the use of an HDAC inhibitor, valproic acid (VPA), to enhance the activity of the regulatory T cells (T(reg)) and to improve the expression of virus vector-mediated gene transfer to the respiratory epithelium. Our study demonstrates the potential utility of VPA, a drug used for over 50 years in humans as an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizer, in controlling inflammation and improving the efficacy of gene transfer in CF airway.

Phase III placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial of radiotherapy for stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer with or without immunomodulator Z-100: a JGOG study.

BACKGROUND: Based on the result of our previous study showing better overall survival (OS) at the lower dose (0.2 µg) of immunomodulator Z-100 than higher dose (40 µg) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who received radiotherapy, we conducted a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients of stages IIB-IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were randomly assigned to receive Z-100 at 0.2 µg (Z) or placebo (P). The study agent was given subcutaneously twice a week during the radiotherapy, followed by maintenance therapy by administering once every 2 weeks until disease progression. Primary end point was OS, and secondary end points were recurrence-free survival, and toxicity. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients were randomized. Death events occurred extremely slower than expected, and Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended to analyze the survival result prematurely. The 5-year OS rate was 75.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 66.4% to 82.8%] for Arm Z and 65.8% (95% CI 56.2% to 73.8%) for Arm P (P = 0.07); hazard ratio was 0.65 (95% CI 0.40-1.04). Survival benefit in Arm Z was observed regardless of chemoradiation or radiation alone. There was no trend in recurrence-free survival between the two arms. Side-effects were not different between two arms. CONCLUSION: Z-100 showed a trend of improvement on OS in locally advanced cervical cancer, although the statistical power was less than anticipated because survival rates were unexpectedly higher than expected for both arms. Validation of potential survival benefit of immune modulation should be made. TRIAL REGISTRATION: umin.ac.jp/ctr Identifier: C000000221.

Differing effects of liraglutide on gastric emptying in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

This study was performed to clarify the influence of liraglutide on gastric emptying in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. In 16 patients, the [(13) C]-acetate breath test was performed to compare gastric emptying before and after liraglutide treatment. We found two patterns of response, with gastric emptying being delayed by liraglutide in seven patients (delayers) and not delayed in nine patients (non-delayers). The mean increase of the maximum gastric emptying time was 31 ± 4 min (p < 0.01 vs. baseline) in the delayers, while it was only 2 ± 3 min (p = 0.60 vs. baseline) in the non-delayers. The delayers showed a greater early decrease of AUC-PG from 0 to 60 min, despite no increase of the plasma insulin level compared with non-delayers. In conclusion, the effect of liraglutide treatment on gastric emptying shows heterogeneity, and patients can be classified as delayers or non-delayers.

Malignant female adnexal tumor of Wolffian origin (FATWO) positive for CD56: a possible diagnostic role for the biomarker.

Female adnexal tumors of Wolffian origin (FATWOs) are rare tumors that arise in the broad ligament from the remnants of the mesonephric duct. Most FATWOs behave in a benign fashion, and there are only 14 case reports worldwide describing malignant FATWOs. The authors report herein the case of a 69-year-old woman with a malignant FATWO, positive for CD56. The mass was composed mainly of solid neoplastic epithelial cells, closely packed, branching, and anastomosing in slender tubules. There was an eosinophilic secretion within the lumens of some of the cysts and tubules. The number of mitoses was somewhat high in the active areas, numbering five to seven per ten high-power fields. The tumor cells were strongly positive for glutathione S-transferase π, and positive for cal- retinin, vimentin, c-Kit, CD99, and CD56; neuron-specific enolase was also partially expressed. The tumor cells were negative for inhibin α, estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, B-cell lymphoma 2, and S100. Taken together, these immunohistochemical and pathological findings gave the diagnosis of malignant FATWO. The patient experienced a recurrence one year after her initial surgery. CD56 immunostaining was negative in two benign FATWO cases at the present institution. These findings suggest that CD56-positivity may be a diagnostic biomarker to differentiate malignant FATWOs from benign lesions.

Adipose tissue hypoxia induces inflammatory M1 polarity of macrophages in an HIF-1α-dependent and HIF-1α-independent manner in obese mice.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: As obesity progresses, adipose tissue exhibits a hypoxic and inflammatory phenotype characterised by the infiltration of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs). In this study, we examined how adipose tissue hypoxia is involved in the induction of the inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 polarities of ATMs. METHODS: The hypoxic characteristics of ATMs were evaluated using flow cytometry after the injection of pimonidazole, a hypoxia probe, in normal-chow-fed or high-fat-fed mice. The expression of hypoxia-related and inflammation-related genes was then examined in M1/M2 ATMs and cultured macrophages. RESULTS: Pimonidazole uptake was greater in M1 ATMs than in M2 ATMs. This uptake was paralleled by the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß. The expression level of hypoxia-related genes, as well as inflammation-related genes, was also higher in M1 ATMs than in M2 ATMs. The expression of Il6, Il1ß and Nos2 in cultured macrophages was increased by exposure to hypoxia in vitro but was markedly decreased by the gene deletion of Hif1a. In contrast, the expression of Tnf, another inflammatory cytokine gene, was neither increased by exposure to hypoxia nor affected by Hif1a deficiency. These results suggest that hypoxia induces the inflammatory phenotypes of macrophages via Hif1a-dependent and -independent mechanisms. On the other hand, the expression of inflammatory genes in cultured M2 macrophages treated with IL-4 responded poorly to hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Adipose tissue hypoxia induces an inflammatory phenotype via Hif1a-dependent and Hif1a-independent mechanisms in M1 ATMs but not in M2 ATMs.

Aberrant activation of the mTOR pathway and anti-tumour effect of everolimus on oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein is important for cellular growth and homeostasis. The presence and prognostic significance of inappropriate mTOR activation have been reported for several cancers. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, such as everolimus (RAD001), are in development and show promise as anti-cancer drugs; however, the therapeutic effect of everolimus on oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unknown. METHODS: Phosphorylation of mTOR (p-mTOR) was evaluated in 167 resected OSCC tumours and 5 OSCC cell lines. The effects of everolimus on the OSCC cell lines TE4 and TE11 in vitro and alone or in combination with cisplatin on tumour growth in vivo were evaluated. RESULTS: Mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation was detected in 116 tumours (69.5%) and all the 5 OSCC cell lines. Everolimus suppressed p-mTOR downstream pathways, inhibited proliferation and invasion, and induced apoptosis in both TE4 and TE11 cells. In a mouse xenograft model established with TE4 and TE11 cells, everolimus alone or in combination with cisplatin inhibited tumour growth. CONCLUSION: The mTOR pathway was aberrantly activated in most OSCC tumours. Everolimus had a therapeutic effect both as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin. Everolimus could be a useful anti-cancer drug for patients with OSCC.

RPN2 expression predicts response to docetaxel in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy - often using docetaxel in various combinatorial regimens - is a standard treatment choice for advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Japan. However, no useful markers exist that predict docetaxel's effects on ESCC. Ribophorin II (RPN2) silencing, which reduces glycosylation of P-glycoproteins and decreases membrane localisation, promotes docetaxel-dependent apoptosis. We investigated whether RPN2 expression in ESCC biopsy specimens could be a predictive biomarker in docetaxel-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: We evaluated RPN2 expression immunohistochemically in biopsy specimens from 79 patients with node-positive ESCC, who received docetaxel-based adjuvant chemotherapy, and compared clinical and pathological responses between the RPN2-positive and RPN2-negative groups. We also studied susceptibility of RPN2-suppressed ESCC cells to docetaxel. RESULTS: The RPN2-negative group had better clinical and pathological responses to docetaxel than the RPN2-positive group. We also found RPN2 suppression to alter docetaxel susceptibility in vitro. CONCLUSION: Expression of RPN2 in biopsy specimens could be a useful predictive marker for response to docetaxel-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ESCC.

Influence of 50-nm polystyrene particles in inducing cytotoxicity in mice co-injected with carbon tetrachloride, cisplatin, or paraquat.

The toxicity of nanomaterials has yet to be fully investigated. In particular, the interactions between nanomaterials and therapeutic drugs require further study. We investigated whether nano-sized polystyrene particles affect drug-induced toxicity. The particles, which are widely used industrially, had diameters of 50 (NPP50), 200 (NPP200) or 1000 (NPP1000) nm. The toxic chemicals tested were carbon tetrachloride, cisplatin (a popular anti-tumor agent), and a widely used herbicide, paraquat. Mice were treated intraperitoneally with either carbon tetrachloride (0.01 ml/kg), cisplatin (100 micromol/kg) or paraquat (50 mg/kg), with or without intravenous administration of polystyrene particles. All treatments in the absence of the nanoparticles were non-lethal and did not result in severe toxicity. However, when mice were injected with paraquat or cisplatin together with polystyrene particles, synergistic, enhanced toxicity was observed in mice injected with NPP50. These synergic effects were not observed in mice co-injected with NPP200 or NPP1000. These findings suggest that further evaluation of the interactions between polystyrene nano-particles and drugs is a critical prerequisite to the pharmaceutical application of nanotechnology.

Passive dual-probe near-field microscopy.

Accurate and simultaneous multiposition near-field measurements are essential to study the time-dependent local dynamics, including heat and carrier transfer. The existing passive long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) systems with a single probe cannot perform precise near-field measurements of the heat or carrier transporting process at the nanoscale level. Therefore, in this study, we developed a passive LWIR s-SNOM system with two probes. To test the effectiveness of the proposed passive LWIR dual-probe s-SNOM system, each probe was precisely controlled using a shear-force feedback system, and the mechanical interference between the probes was used to monitor the distance between the probes. We achieved simultaneous near-field measurements at two different positions 500 nm apart using the proposed passive LWIR dual-probe s-SNOM system. The simultaneously detected near-field signals from two different points were extracted individually, making this technique an effective nanoscale analysis tool for local carrier dynamics.

Knockdown of the gene encoding Drosophila tribbles homologue 3 (Trib3) improves insulin sensitivity through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) activation in a rat model of insulin resistance.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Insulin action is purportedly modulated by Drosophila tribbles homologue 3 (TRIB3), which in vitro prevents thymoma viral proto-oncogene (AKT) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) activation. However, the physiological impact of TRIB3 action in vivo remains controversial. METHODS: We investigated the role of TRIB3 in rats treated with either a control or Trib3 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO). Tissue-specific insulin sensitivity was assessed in vivo using a euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp. A separate group was treated with the PPAR-γ antagonist bisphenol-A-diglycidyl ether (BADGE) to assess the role of PPAR-γ in mediating the response to Trib3 ASO. RESULTS: Trib3 ASO treatment specifically reduced Trib3 expression by 70% to 80% in liver and white adipose tissue. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin concentrations and basal rate of endogenous glucose production were unchanged. However, Trib3 ASO increased insulin-stimulated whole-body glucose uptake by ~50% during the euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp. This was attributable to improved skeletal muscle glucose uptake. Despite the reduction of Trib3 expression, AKT2 activity was not increased. Trib3 ASO increased white adipose tissue mass by 70% and expression of Ppar-γ and its key target genes, raising the possibility that Trib3 ASO improves insulin sensitivity primarily in a PPAR-γ-dependent manner. Co-treatment with BADGE blunted the expansion of white adipose tissue and abrogated the insulin-sensitising effects of Trib3 ASO. Finally, Trib3 ASO also increased plasma HDL-cholesterol, a change that persisted with BADGE co-treatment. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These data suggest that TRIB3 inhibition improves insulin sensitivity in vivo primarily in a PPAR-γ-dependent manner and without any change in AKT2 activity.

The expression of CD36 in vessels with blood-brain barrier impairment in a stroke-prone hypertensive model.

AIMS: The class B scavenger receptor CD36, the receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein, mediates free radical production and brain injury in cerebral ischaemia. Free radical production is known to be involved in the remodelling of the cerebral vasculature of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Accordingly, we examined whether the expression of CD36 is increased in the vasculature with blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment and collagen deposition of SHRSP. METHODS: The gene and protein expression of CD36 was examined in the vessels of the hippocampus of SHRSP with BBB impairment and those of Wistar Kyoto rats without the impairment, by real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: The gene and protein expression of CD36 was increased in the hippocampus of SHRSP compared with that of Wistar Kyoto rats. Confocal microscopic examination revealed CD36 immunoreactivity in perivascular microglial cells immunopositive for ED1. Immunoelectron microscopic examination revealed that the immunosignals for CD36 were located mainly in the cytoplasm of perivascular cells in vessels showing increased vascular permeability and a few in the cytoplasmic membranes of endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the expression of CD36 was increased in vessels with BBB impairment in the hippocampus of SHRSP and was mainly seen in the cytoplasm of perivascular microglial cells, suggesting a role of CD36 in cerebrovascular injury.

Cross-reactivity among some metals in a murine metal allergy model.

BACKGROUND: Information concerning cross-reactivity among metal allergens is scarce. We previously devised a murine metal allergy model using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an adjuvant. LPS reduces the minimum allergy-inducing concentration (MAIC) of metals at both the sensitization and the elicitation steps. OBJECTIVES: Here, we examined allergic cross-reactivity among some metals in this murine model, and compared the effects of ultrapure (99·99% or more) and low purity (93-99%) metal salts. METHODS: A mixture of a metal salt and Escherichia coli LPS was injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice (0·25 mL per mouse). Ten days later, metal salts (with or without LPS) were challenged to ear pinnas (20 µL per ear), and ear swelling was measured. RESULTS: Among the ultrapure metals tested (Ni, Pd, Co, Cr, Cu and Au), only Ni and Pd cross-reacted. In this cross-reaction, their MAICs were at the same level. Combined challenge with Ni and Pd at sub-MAICs (but not at higher concentrations) produced an additive effect. Surprisingly, mice sensitized with low purity Ni reacted to all the tested low purity metals (Ni, Pd, Co and Cr), and the low purity metals were shown to contain contaminant metals. CONCLUSIONS: In our model: (i) Ni and Pd (members of the same group in the periodic table of elements) cross-react with each other, (ii) this cross-reaction may depend on true and false antigens forming metal-protein complexes with similar spatial geometries, (iii) Co, Cr, Cu and Au do not cross-react with each other, (iv) in low purity materials, trace contaminant metals may be sufficient to evoke allergy, and thus (v) high purity metal salts should be considered for use in clinical patch testing.