cDNA cloning, characterization and stable expression of novel human brain carboxylesterase.

The DNA sequence encoding a novel human brain carboxylesterase (CES) has been determined. The protein is predicted to have 567 amino acids, including conserved motifs, such as GESAGG, GXXXXEFG, and GDHGD which comprise a catalytic triad, and the endoplasmic reticulum retention motif (HXEL-COOH) observed in CES families. Their gene products exhibited hydrolase activity towards temocapril, p-nitrophenyl-acetate and long-chain acyl-CoA. Since the molecular masses of these gene products are similar to those that exist in capillary endothelial cells of the human brain [Yamamda et al. (1994) Brain Res. 658, 163-167], these CES isozymes may function as a blood-brain barrier to protect the central nervous system from ester or amide compounds.

Experimentally induced periodontitis in beagle dogs causes rapid increases in osteoclastic resorption of alveolar bone.

This study was undertaken to observe osteoclast differentiation related to inflammatory progression in aggressive periodontitis induced in beagle dogs by ligature of the gingival sulcus. To monitor osteoclastic activity, we used histochemical methods (staining for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP]) to visualize osteoclasts and their TRAP-positive precursors and biochemical methods (ELISA assay of pyridinium crosslinks) to detect bone matrix degradation products in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), serum, and urine. For histochemical study, tissue specimens were prepared from 3 adult female beagle dogs induced with experimental periodontitis by silk ligature placement below the gingival margin of mandibular molars ligated for 3, 7, and 21 days. For biochemical study for pyridinoline measurement, the 24 mandibular molars of 4 male beagle dogs were ligated. GCF, urine, and serum were collected at day 0 and at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after ligation. In the early inflammatory phase of ligature-induced periodontitis (day 3), TRAP+ mononuclear and TRAP+ multinucleated cells were present in the gingival connective tissue, and active bone-resorbing cells were found in excavated lacunae at the alveolar crest, but osteoclasts were not infiltrating the periodontal ligament during this early phase. During later stages of the inflammatory process (7 and 21 days), osteoclasts appeared at both the gingival and ligament side of the alveolar bone. Osteoclastic bone resorption appeared to be more severe on the bone surface at the gingival side than on the bone surface of the periodontal ligament side. Measurement of pyridinoline significantly increased in GCF and urine 3 days after ligation. The results suggested that bone at the crest of the alveolar bone is rapidly resorbed within 3 days of inducing experimental periodontitis.

Pancreatic pseudocyst in the left hepatic lobe: a report of two cases.

The ultrasound and computed tomographic imaging features in a rare pancreatic pseudocyst of the liver are described in two patients. The pseudocysts occurred in the left lobe in both cases, one after a traumatic injury and the other after alcoholic pancreatitis. The possible topographical sequences with which pancreatic secretions entered the left hepatic lobe to form a cyst are discussed.