Scanning electron microscopic study of the capillary loops in the dermal papillae. Skin of the hand of the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata)

The microvasculature of the skin of the hand of Japanese monkeys was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts. The vasculature of all areas of the skin of the hand was examined and divided into three structures excluding the nail bed: (1) In the ball of the finger, the typical structure of the capillary loops was studied. Capillary loops were formed out of not just one capillary vessel, but two or three vessels. Each capillary vessel arose and divided into several branches at the papilla, and they became descending limbs. After the loop passed a hairpin turn, the descending limbs were 1.5 times larger than the ascending limbs in the intrapapillary portion, and they became extrapapillary venules. The descending limbs connected with the postcapillary venules in the postpapillary portion and with the horizontal network. The postcapillary venules fused with each other (1-5 loops) to form the primary and secondary venous arcades. (2) In the thenar eminence, the capillary loops were a little lower, and their grooves were wider than in the ball of the finger. The characteristic structure in this area was the interpapillar capillary network. (3) In the lateral side of the finger, the number of capillary loops formed by the arterial capillary network of the subepidermal layer was smaller. The capillary loops here had the lowest height and a simple structure.

Thoracic spinal stenosis: experience with seven cases

The authors report seven cases of thoracic spinal stenosis caused by thickening of the laminar arch and facet joints. Claudication was a prominent clinical feature of this disorder. Motor and sensory abnormalities were found in all cases with either segmental or peripheral distribution. Diagnosis was best made from the computerized tomography scans. Treatment consisted of extensive posterior decompression including medial facetectomy, resulting in satisfactory improvement in five of the seven patients. A review of the literature regarding this disorder is presented.

[Combination chemotherapy concurrent with small-dose radiation therapy of small cell carcinoma of the lung]

Forty consecutive patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung were treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both. Of 34 patients treated with chemotherapy, 24 were treated with combination chemotherapy, containing cyclophosphamide vincristine methotrexate and procarbazine, concurrent with small dose radiation therapy (500cGy/5 fraction) as a chemosensitizer (COMPrt). The response rate to this regimen was 81% (29% complete) and the 2 year survival rate was 28.6%. These results have been superior to other regimens and the toxicity was not see to be any higher. After completion of COMPrt regimen, 10 patients were treated with intrathoracic radiation therapy (average dose 3000cGy) and 3 received surgical treatment. Radiation therapy improved the 2-year survival rate (42.2%) when compared with those patients who received no radiation therapy (18.2%). Three patients received surgical treatment were considered to be disease-free for 23, 17, and 9 months respectively, after induction of chemotherapy.

[Isolation of Ureaplasma urealyticum from patients with chronic prostatitis]

Ureaplasma urealyticum has been considered to be a pathogen of nongonococcal urethritis. To elucidate the pathogenicity of this microorganism in chronic prostatitis, U. urealyticum was isolated from patients with chronic prostatitis and prostatodynia. Using the Taylor-Robinson's method, U. urealyticum was detected in expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) or urine voided after prostatic massage (VB3) in 40 (41.2%) out of 97 patients with chronic prostatitis and 6 (20.0%) out of 30 patients with prostatodynia. Seventeen patients with U. urealyticum-positive chronic prostatitis, 13 of whom had failed to respond to the treatment by other antimicrobial agents, were treated with minocycline. In 16 (94.1%) of the 17 patients, U. urealyticum was eradicated and in 14 patients (82.4%), the elevated white blood cell count was markedly lowered in EPS or VB3. U. urealyticum may prove to be an etiological microorganism of chronic prostatitis.

A case of intrasellar craniopharyngioma

A 71-year-old man was referred to Tokai University Hospital because of cold intolerance, slow speech and slowing down of his intellectual and motor activities. Free thyroxine index, and free T-4 and T-3 levels were low (1.4, 0.7 ng/dl and 0.4 ng/ml, respectively) with normal TSH (2.5 microIU/ml). A skull X-ray showed enlargement of the sella turcica and his CT scan revealed an intrasellar mass. LH, FSH, ACTH and PRL did not rise in response to the intravenous administration of LH-RH and insulin. A diagnosis of pan-hypopituitarism due to a pituitary tumor was established. The release of ACTH and cortisol was restored under stimulation of CRF or lysine vasopressin. TSH responded to TRH in a delayed manner. The pituitary tumor was removed by a transsphenoidal operation and diagnosed histologically as craniopharyngioma. Our hospital has experienced nine cases of craniopharyngioma in the last 10 years but the present case was the only intrasellar craniopharyngioma.

Detection of some retinoid radicals using high-performance liquid chromatography with electron spin resonance spectroscopy or electrochemical detection

Radical species were detected in the incubation mixtures of some retinoids (retinoic acid, retinal, retinol and retinyl acetate) by using the spin-trapping technique. The spin-adducts were resolved by high-performance liquid chromatography on a reversed-phase column with isocratic elution and detected by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and electrochemical detection. The spin-adducts were eluted in the order retinoic acid, retinol, retinyl acetate, in a similar manner to the retinoids themselves. These results suggest that the spin-adducts are products of nitrosobenzene with retinoid radicals in which the retinoid radicals retain their original chemical structures.

Detection of radical species in mixtures of some retinoids with hematin by using the ESR spin-trapping technique

Radical species were detected in mixtures of some retinoids with hematin by using the ESR spin-trapping technique. The rates of radical formation were approximately proportional to the oxygen consumption during the incubation of the retinoids with hematin. HPLC analyses of the incubation mixtures of the retinoids with hematin showed that 5,6-epoxides of the retinoids were formed. The amounts of the epoxides formed were proportional to both oxygen consumption and the amounts of radicals formed. These results suggest that the 5,6-epoxidations proceed via radical intermediates.

Pharmacokinetics and depressor effect of delapril in patients with essential hypertension

The pharmacokinetics and depressor effect of a nonsulfhydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, delapril, was assessed by administering a single dose of 30 mg to nine patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. Orally administered delapril is a prodrug and must be deesterified to its active metabolites, delapril diacid and 5-hydroxy delapril diacid. The pharmacokinetic parameters for delapril, delapril diacid, and 5-hydroxy delapril diacid were, respectively: t 1/2 0.30, 1.21, and 1.40 hours; Cmax 489, 635, and 229 ng/ml; AUC 572, 1859, and 948 ng X hr/ml. Delapril produced significant decreases in systolic blood pressure and angiotensin-converting enzyme activity 24 hours after dosing. There were no significant changes in the endogeneous creatinine clearance after the drug. Thus delapril may represent a useful antihypertensive agent for control of blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.

Chemotactic factors present in the supernatants of cultured sarcoid granulomas

The present study was undertaken to test whether cultured lymphocytes and epithelioid cells from sarcoid granulomas obtained from patients with active stage 2 sarcoidosis produced chemotactic factors (CF) for leukocytes as assessed by modified Boyden's method. The results indicate that: (1) CF for mononuclear cells and for neutrophils were detected in supernatants from cultured sarcoid granulomas; (2) similar activity was detected in culture supernatants from both lymphocytes and epithelioid cells; (3) CF present in the supernatants of cultured epithelioid cells were similar physically to those which other investigators have disclosed to be released by alveolar macrophages, (4) CF in the supernatants of cultured lymphocytes were similar to the lymphokines based on an estimation of molecular size; (5) neutrophils from patients with sarcoidosis were less responsive to zymosan-activated sera and did not respond well to CF derived from their own granuloma, whereas mononuclear cells from sarcoid patients responded well to CF. In conclusion, CF are present in the supernatants of cultured sarcoid granulomas and they appear to preferentially attract mononuclear cells from sarcoid patients.

Infantile acute subdural hematoma

A retrospective analysis of the infantile acute subdural hematoma was made with special reference to its pathogenesis. In 11 of 15 cases, the hematomas were bilateral or a contralateral subdural fluid collection was present. In 7 of 11 patients who underwent operation the collection was bloody fluid and/or clotted blood. In 3 patients, a subdural membrane, as seen in adult chronic subdural hematoma, was found. In only 1 patient with unilateral hematoma was clotted blood present without subdural membrane. The thickest collection of clotted blood was in the parasagittal region. It is postulated that in most cases hemorrhage occurs after minor head injury, from the bridging veins near the superior sagittal sinus, into a pre-existing subdural fluid collection such as chronic subdural hematoma or subdural effusion with cranio-cerebral disproportion, and that infants without intracranial disproportion are unlikely to have acute subdural hematoma caused by minor head injury.

Inhibition by chlorogenic acid of haematin-catalysed retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation

Chlorogenic acid (3-O-caffeoylquinic acid) inhibited haematin- and haemoglobin-catalysed retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation. Some other phenol compounds (caffeic acid and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid) also showed inhibitory effects on the haematin- and haemoglobin-catalysed epoxidation, but salicylic acid did not. Of the above compounds, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid were potent inhibitors compared with the other two, suggesting that the o-hydroquinone moiety of chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid is essential to the inhibition of the epoxidation. Although caffeic acid inhibited retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation requiring the consumption of O2, formation of retinoic acid radicals was not inhibited on the addition of caffeic acid to the incubation mixture. The above results suggest that caffeic acid does not inhibit the formation of retinoic acid radicals but does inhibit the step of conversion of retinoic acid radical into the 5,6-epoxide.

Immunoblastic lymphadenopathy-like T-cell lymphoma with multiple cutaneous and visceral involvements

Morphologic and immunological findings found in a patient with immunoblastic lymphadenopathy (IBL)-like T-cell lymphoma (IBL-T) are presented. Though the initial clinical features were suggestive of IBL, multiple cutaneous and visceral tumors appeared later in his course. The cutaneous lesion is considered to be unique, because the neoplastic T cells with suppressor/cytotoxic (S/C) phenotype showed focal epidermotropism, resulting in necrosis and ulceration of the overlying epidermis. An interesting feature in IBL-T is the frequent association of polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, yet the neoplastic T cells show S/C phenotype. Since Ia-like antigen was expressed on the neoplastic T cells, it is stressed that antigen-presenting and contrasuppressor cells should also be included in the cell populations which have a possibility to be a normal counterpart of IBL-T.

Detection of radical species in haematin-catalysed retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation by using h.p.l.c.-e.p.r. spectrometry

E.p.r. signals were detected in an all-trans-retinoic acid/haematin incubation mixture by using an e.p.r. spin-trapping technique. The spin adducts are presumably attributable to some intermediates in haematin-catalysed retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation, since addition of nitrosobenzene to the reaction mixture dose-dependently inhibited the epoxidation. Analysing the reaction mixture by h.p.l.c.-e.p.r. spectrometry resulted in the detection of three peaks (III-1, III-2, IV) ascribable to the radical species. Two (peaks III-1 and -2) of the three peaks, which appeared 10 min after the reaction had started, seem to be attributable to the radical species directly participating in the epoxidation. The radicals trapped by nitrosobenzene do not appear to be derived from active oxygen, since none of these peaks were detected in a similar h.p.l.c. analysis of O2- and OH.-generating systems. They are presumably derived from retinoic acid. This view is also supported by the following results: none of these peaks were detected in the h.p.l.c. elution profile of the reaction mixture when retinoic acid was absent; peaks III-1 and 2 were detected even under anaerobic conditions, and their peak heights were unchanged under aerobic conditions.

[Clinical effect of buprenorphine in ureteral colic]

Buprenorphine, a new analgesic, was administered at a dose of 0.2 mg by intramuscular injection to 21 patients with acute ureteral colic. The patients consisted of 14 males and 7 females with a mean age of 42. In all cases, the diagnosis was confirmed based on intravenous urography performed after the treatment. In 19 of the 21 patients, colicky pain was reduced at least within one hour after the administration of buprenorphine. No significant changes in the pulse or blood pressure were observed. In 6 patients, mild dizziness or nausea was observed, and none of the patients required withdrawal of the treatment. Clinical use of buprenorphine was considered to the effective and safe in patients with ureteral colic.

Continuous measurements of Na, Li, and Cl in the perfused salivary gland by use of NMR

The present study was undertaken to measure tissue contents of Na, Li, and Cl non-invasively in the isolated perfused organ by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) using a broadband tunable probe. The NMR signals of 23Na, 7Li, and 35Cl from the isolated perfused rat mandibular gland were collected continuously and each spectrum was obtained for every 15 or 20 s. The Na concentration in the perfusate was varied by replacement with Li, and the resulting changes were monitored by measuring the signal intensities of the electrolytes. The time constant for Na exchange was slower following complete removal of extracellular Na than following its half replacement, suggesting that the Na extrusion by Na+/K+ ATPase was reduced by lowering the extracellular Na level. The time constant for Li exchange was slower than that for Na exchange. The level of Cl was nearly constant during experiment, except for a very slow increase in Cl, possibly resulting from increasing edema and/or intracellular Li storage.

Retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation by hemoproteins

Retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidase activity was found in several hemoproteins such as human oxy- and methemoglobin (HbO2 and MetHb), equine skeletal muscle oxy- and metmyoglobin (MbO2 and MetMb), bovine liver catalase, and horseradish peroxidase. Hematin also catalyzed retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation. The results suggest that the heme moiety participates in the epoxidation. However, neither horse heart cytochrome c, nor free ferrous ion nor free ferric ion exhibited the epoxidase activity. Some hemoproteins (HbO2, MetHb, MbO2, MetMb, catalase, peroxidase, and hematin) exhibited characteristic individual pH dependences of the activity, suggesting that the epoxidase activities of the hemoproteins are influenced by the apoenzymes to some degree. This view is also supported by the finding that preincubation of an HbO2 preparation at various temperatures (37-70 degrees C) reduced its epoxidase activity with increasing temperature, whereas the activity of hematin was unaffected. Active oxygen scavengers such as mannitol, catalase, and superoxide dismutase exhibited no effect on the epoxidase activities of HbO2, MetHb, MbO2, and MetMb. A ligand of heme, CN- (100 mM), inhibited the epoxidase activities but N3- (100 mM) did not. The epoxidase activities were completely inhibited by NADPH, NADH, and/or 2-mercaptoethanol but not by NADP+ and/or NAD+. An intermediate in the epoxidation may be reduced by NADPH, NADH and/or 2-mercaptoethanol. Radical species can be considered as plausible candidates for the intermediate.

[Pure shearing injury--clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and review of the literature]

In some of the brains of head injury, shearing of axons and vessels caused by direct impact is seen widely in the white matter. This type of injury is designated by neuropathologists as shear injury or diffuse damage of impact type. Macroscopic lesions adjacent to the superior cerebeller peduncle and lesions of the corpus callosum are commonly seen in the brains with severe shearing injuries and the former is detected by CT scan as a high density at the quadrigeminal cistern, and this indicates occurrence of a severe shearing injury. Among 600 patients with head injuries, we managed 23 cases with pure shearing injury. These cases are classified into three groups according to the duration of coma. In the fulminant type (7 cases) the patients had severe brainstem signs including impairment of vital signs and died immediately after the injury. In the severe type (8 cases) the patients were decerebrated with normal pupillary response on admission and were severely disabled (i.e. tremor, truncal ataxia, dementia). In the moderate type (8 cases), the patients had only disturbance of consciousness for a long period, and recovered almost to the pre-injury state. Follow-up CT scan showed enlargement of the ventricles and sulci.

Haemoglobin-catalysed retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation

Examination of the subcellular distribution of retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidase activity in rat liver and human liver homogenates showed that there is a prominent peak of activity in a high-density fraction. A corresponding peak was also detected in rat blood and human blood. Retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation was catalysed by human blood cells but not by human plasma, and purified human haemoglobin also catalysed the epoxidation of retinoic acid to 5,6-epoxyretinoic acid. These results suggest that retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidase activity in human liver and rat liver homogenates is partially due to the presence of residual blood cells, and particularly haemoglobin, in the homogenates. In the retinoic acid 5,6-epoxidation catalysed by human haemoglobin, molecular O2 was required and its reaction was stimulated by Triton X-100. Boiling of haemoglobin solution resulted in an 94% decrease in the activity. NADPH (1 mM) and NADH (1 mM) completely [2-mercaptoethanol (5 mM) almost completely] inhibited the 5,6-epoxidation catalysed by haemoglobin, but catalase, superoxide dismutase and mannitol showed no inhibitory effect. CN- ion (100 mM) inhibited the reaction, but N3- ion (100 mM) did not.

Inhibitory effect of lysophosphatidylcholine on the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells

Histamine release from isolated rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80 (0.5 microgram/ml) or antigen-antibody reaction was inhibited by lysophosphatidylcholine in a dose-dependent fashion at concentrations up to 4 microM. Within the same range of concentration, lysophosphatidylcholine exhibited a membrane-stabilizing action on the model membrane systems decreasing the permeability of lipid bilayer and the fluidity of liposomal membrane in the liquid crystalline state. At concentrations higher than 8 microM, lysophosphatidylcholine damaged the cell membrane and subsequently histamine was released. It was assumed that lysophosphatidylcholine may act as an endogenous membrane stabilizer inhibiting histamine release in normal mast cells.

Revascularization of the anterior cerebral artery. Report of two cases

Intracranial anastomosis between the distal anterior cerebral arteries (ACA's) was performed on two patients. One patient had isolated occlusion of the proximal ACA on one side causing monoparesis in the leg, and the other patient suffered from occlusion of the internal carotid artery and a small anterior communicating artery. The weakness of the legs improved immediately after surgery and cerebral angiography revealed a good filling of the bilateral ACA's. Technical aspects and indications for the procedure are discussed.

Pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in patients with renal insufficiency and in those undergoing hemodialysis

The pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime, a new cephalosporin antibiotic, were studied in 7 healthy volunteers and 32 patients with renal insufficiency after a single 500-mg intravenous injection. The mean plasma half-life during beta-phase was 1.67 h in normal subjects and was prolonged to 15.09 h in hemodialysis patients. There were significant correlations between the elimination rate constant and the creatinine clearance, and between the beta-phase rate constant and the creatinine clearance. The mean urinary recovery during 24 h amounted to 89.6% of the dose in normal subjects and decreased with the lowering of renal function. The plasma levels during hemodialysis were lower than those between hemodialyses.

Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia associated with depressed cellular immunity and polyclonal gammopathy

This report describes a case of lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) associated with polyclonal gammopathy and selective depression of cellular immunity. Enhanced humoral immunity is suggested because the patient exhibited increased levels of circulating immunoglobulin (chiefly IgG) and a positive test reaction for rheumatoid factor. When first examined, the patient displayed depressed cellular immunity in that the results of his skin test were negative to dinitrochlorobenzene and phytohemagglutinin (PHA), his peripheral lymphocytes responded suboptimally to PHA, and he had decreased numbers of circulating T cells. When examined 6 yr later, the patient was again hypergammaglobulinemic, but he had regained some of his cellular immune function. Eight years after the patient was initially seen, he showed further improvement in cellular immune function. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage cells showed that the patient had a normal proportion of OKT4+ (inducer/helper) cells, but a reduced number of OKT8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) cells. Thus, his improvement may have been associated with a correction of an imbalance of immunoregulatory T cells. Furthermore, because the disease was active on initial examination but less active after the second evaluation, malfunction of his cellular immune functions may have been involved in the pathogenesis of LIP.

Subdural hematoma associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with advanced cancer

✓ Nontraumatic subdural hematoma following disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) due to advanced cancer was encountered in four patients. It is suggested that DIC plays an important role in the formation of subdural hematoma in cancer patients.

Pharmacokinetics of cefotetan in normal subjects and patients with impaired renal function

The elimination kinetics of cefotetan (YM09330), a new parenteral semisynthetic cephamycin derivative, were studied in eight healthy volunteers and 41 patients with renal insufficiency after the administration of a single 500-mg dose intravenously. Concentrations of cefotetan in serum and urine were determined by both bioassay and high-pressure liquid chromatography. The pharmacokinetic parameters for cefotetan were calculated on the basis of a two-compartment open model. Serum concentrations of cefotetan immediately after administration were approximately 180 micrograms/ml in all subjects regardless of function; however, serum concentrations during the beta-phase increased directly with the degree of renal impairment. The mean serum half-life during the beta-phase was 3.0 h in normal subjects as compared with 13.1 h in hemodialysis patients. There was a linear correlation (P less than 0.0001) between the elimination rate constant of cefotetan and creatinine clearance. The mean cumulative urinary recovery of cefotetan in the 24-h urine was 83.3% of the administered dose in normal subjects and decreased with reduced renal function.

[A double blind clinical trial of cefamandole and cefmetazole in complicated urinary tract infections]

We conducted a randomized double blind comparison of cefamandole (CMD) and cefmetazole (CMZ) in the treatment of 193 patients with complicated urinary tract infections. The patients received 1 gram of CMD or CMZ twice a day intravenously by drip infusion over 1 hour for 5 days. Pretreatment urinary leukocyte counts and urinary bacterial counts were at least 5 cells/hpf and 10(4) bacteria/ml, respectively. Each patient was randomly allocated either to CMD or CMZ group. There were 93 patients in CMD group and 100 patients in CMZ group. Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on the effect of treatment on bacteriuria and pyuria according to the criteria set by the UTI Committee, Japan. The response to CMD treatment was excellent in 18 cases (19.4%), moderate in 38 cases (40.9%) and poor in 37 cases (39.8%) with an overall effectiveness of 60.2%, whereas the response to CMZ was excellent in 19 cases (19.0%), moderate in 40 cases (40.0%) and poor in 41 cases (41.0%) with an overall effectiveness of 59.0%. No statistical significant difference was found between 2 treatment groups. Comparison of the bacteriological response between 2 groups showed that the eradication rate for strains of Gram-positive cocci were significantly higher in those patients treated with CMD. Gram-negative rods were eradicated from 68.4% of cases treated with CMD, and 78.0% of those with CMZ, but the difference was not significant. Adverse reactions were observed in 3 patients receiving CMD 1 case each of diarrhea, eruption and epigastric pain. Abnormality in laboratory tests was found in 6 patients in each treatment group. The results indicate that CMD is effective, safe and useful in the treatment of patients with complicated urinary tract infections, and its efficacy, safety and usefulness are comparable with those of CMZ.

[Case of choriocarcinoma of a probable testicular origin with a good response to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP)]

A case of choriocarcinoma responding well to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) was reported. A 24-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with chief complaints of upper abdominal discomfort and gynecomastia. Physical findings on admission included solid tumors in the upper abdomen and bilateral inguinal regions. The chest X-ray picture showed numerous coin lesions, and abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a widespread metastasis in the retroperitoneum. Blood chemical analysis pointed out the high levels of LH, HCG, and beta-subunit of HCG. The pathological diagnosis of the biopsied inguinal mass was choriocarcinoma. The patient was treated with CDDP, vincristine and bleomycin according to the protocol of Einhorn. After three courses of this therapy, serum HCG level was normalized and pulmonary metastatic lesions were diminished, although abdominal ultrasound examination showed remnants of the decreased tumor masses. The patient was transferred to the urological department for further cytoreductive therapy.

[Anatomical and radiological studies of the internal architecture of the hip (author's transl)]

Internal architecture and detailed shapes of the adult pelvis and femur were studied anatomically and radiologically. The measurements of torsion and curvature of the femurs were investigated using the special pattern gauge. The pelvis and femurs were sectioned transversely into several specimens and changing patterns of the osseous column were observed for each specimen. Torsion in the calcar femorale of the femur is reversely correlated with the anteversion and plays an important dynamic role for the internal weight bearing system. Although the central part of the cervical region of the femur is architecturally a fragile part, torsion and curvature of the cervical region form a shape serving the purpose by working in a rational way. There are three groups of osseous beams gathering at the acetabulum of the pelvis. These groups of osseous beams being exposed to the load and force from the perifemoral muscle probably induce torsion of the pelvis. There is a correlation between torsion of the pelvis and the forward-opening angle of the acetabulum.

Uptake of radioiodine in follicles of dog C-cell complexes studied by autoradiograph and immunoperoxidase staining

C-cell complexes are special cell groups consisting of a mass of C-cells associated with other epithelial elements and cysts. They are remnants of ultimobranchial bodies retaining fetal characteristics. In the C-cell complexes there are follicular cells in various stages of differentiation, i.e., the cell clusters not yet organized into follicles, primordial follicles with small lumens and comparatively enlarged follicles storing plentiful amounts of colloid. They have a morphology similar to follicular cells of fetal thyroid glands and react to antiserum to 19S thyroglobulin. In order to determine whether or not the follicles in these complexes have the ability to incorporate radioiodine, autoradiography after a single injection of 125I was combined with immunoperoxidase staining using specific anti-calcitonin, anti-C-thyroglobulin, and anti-19S thyroglobulin antisera. The 19S-positive cells not yet organized into follicles did not take up radioiodine. Primordial follicles showed a heavy accumulation of silver grains over their follicular lumens storing new 19S thyroglobulin as colloid. Comparatively enlarged follicles revealed a strong autoradiographic reaction and their labeling patterns were identical with those of typical thyroid follicles. These results confirm that the follicles in C-cell complexes, as well as thyroid follicles, can incorporate radioiodine and are related to thyroid hormone synthesis. That is, functional thyroid follicles can arise from the ultimobranchial bodies.

An immunohistochemical study of lens development in a mutant small eye and cataractous mouse

The immunohistochemical method was used to study lens formation in a new dominant mouse strain with a small eye and lens cataract (gene symbol Cs). Antisera to pure alpha- and gamma-crystallins were used. In the homozygotes, the eyes have cataractous lenses about half the size of normal lenses. In the heterozygotes, the eyes show opacities of the lens but the lens itself is normal in size. The mouse strain has two genes in the same autosome which cause the phenogenetical characteristics of small eyes and cataracts. One reflects the defect of the gamma-crystallin synthesis in the secondary lens fibers in the equatorial zone. This is a recessive gene and it may cause the small lens. The other gene is responsible for the swollen, granular and misshaped fiber cells. This is a dominant gene like that in the Fraser's cataract and it may cause the cataract lens.

Immunohistochemical reactions of C-cell complexes in dogs after induced hypercalcemia, antithyroid drug treatment and hypophysectomy

The C-cell complexes are remnants of ultimobranchial bodies retaining fetal characteristics. They contain C cells in various stages of differentiation, primordial follicles with small lacunae, follicular cell masses not yet forming follicles, and undifferentiated epithelial cells. By immunoperoxidase method using specific anti-calcitonin, anti-C-thyroglobulin and anti-19S thyroglobulin sera, the responses of C-cell complexes to hypercalcemia, thiourea, hypophysectomy and hypercalcemia after hypophysectomy were investigated systematically. These experimental conditions induced rapid differentiation and increased numbers of cells in the complexes. After chronic hypercalcemia, most of the complexes were occupied by mature C cells. The C cells in complexes similar to the cells in thyroid parenchyma presented increased mitotic activity, enlarged cell bodies and a marked decrease in materials immunoreactive for calcitonin and C-thyroglobulin. After prolonged administration of thiourea, follicular cell masses and small follicles, which underwent conspicuous hyperplasia and hypertrophy, markedly increased in the complexes and exceeded C cells in number. Typical undifferentiated cells were not recognized after hypercalcemia and treatment with thiourea, though they were unaffected by hypophysectomy. It is considered that undifferentiated cells develop into C cells after hypercalcemia and into follicular cells after treatment with thiourea; that is, undifferentiated cells seem to be the common precursor cell for both C cells and follicular cells.

Immunohistochemical study of the C-cell complex of dog thyroid glands with reference to the reactions of calcitonin, C-thyroglobulin and 19S thyroglobulin

Continued from the previous study in fetal animals (Kameda et al. 1980), the development and maturation of C-cell complexes in postnatal dogs from newborn to adult were investigated by use of an immunoperoxidase method using antisera to calcitonin, C-thyroglobulin (C-Tg) and 19S thyroglobulin, respectively. The younger the animals were, the more numerous were undifferentiated cells and high columnar epithelial cells in the complexes. With increasing age, the constituent elements of the complexes progressively differentiated. In one type of complex there are a large number of C-cells in various developmental stages, as well as undifferentiated cells and cysts. C-cell complexes composed mostly of mature C-cells were regarded as the more highly differentiated structures of this type. A second type contains follicular cells in various stages of differentiation in addition to undifferentiated cells and C-cells, i.e., 19S-positive cell masses not yet organized into follicles, primordial follicles with small lacunae and comparatively larger follicles. The follicular cells in the complexes were similar with respect to immunoreaction and folliculogenesis to the cells of fetal thyroids, but they developed very slowly. In conclusion, the present study indicates that follicular thyroid cells can differentiate within C-cell complexes, i.e., they develop from cells of ultimobranchial body origin.

An immunohistochemical study of the Müller cells of the chicken retina

The immunohistochemical specificity of the Müller cell of the chicken retina was studied by the indirect immunoperoxidase bridge method with glial acidic protein antiserum. The immunohistochemical result indicates that the Müller cell contains the acidic protein characteristic of astrocytes, oligodendroglia and the Bergmann cell. However, the ependymal cell does not contain the glial acidic protein. This evidence supports the concept that the Müller cell derived from the glioblast is not a modified ependymal cell but is more closely related to astrocytes and oligodendroglia.