Presence of endogenous chemotactic factors for periodontal ligament cells in bovine cementum and bone

When bovine cementum and bone were subjected to sequential dissociative extraction first with 4 M guanidine HCl ('G' extract) and then with 4 M guanidine HCl/0.5 M EDTA ('E' extract), high chemotactic activities for periodontal ligament cells were detected in the 'G' extracts using modified Boyden chambers. The chemotactic activities in both tissue extracts were destroyed by trypsin and heat. However, the activities in bone extracts were more heat-stable than those in cementum. When both tissue extracts were separated into bound and unbound fractions by DEAE-Sephacel ion-exchange chromatography, the chemotactic activities in cementum were detected in the unbound fractions, and those in bone in the bound fractions, which were eluted by 1 M NaCl. These results suggest that cementum and bone contain different chemotactic protein factors for periodontal ligament cells.

Effects of Z-300, a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, on mucin biosynthesis in rat gastric mucosa

We examined the effects of Z-300 (N-[3-[3- (piperidinomethyl)phenoxy]propyl]-2-(2-hydroxy-ethyl-1-thio)acetam ido.2- (4-hydroxy benzoyl)benzoate), a newly-synthesized selective histamine H2-receptor antagonist, on mucin in rat gastric mucosa. Deep corpus mucin content increased significantly to 127% of the control after the administration of 30 mg/kg of Z-300, whereas that in the antral mucosa did not increase. The addition of Z-300 significantly increased [3H]-labeled mucin in the corpus region. In the antrum, biosynthetic activity showed no significant change by 10(-8)-10(-5) M of Z-300. These results suggest that Z-300 not only inhibits acid secretion but may also promote gastric mucus metabolism in the corpus region.

Significance of para-aortic lymph node dissection in patients with advanced and recurrent gastric cancer

Among 243 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer, 19 patients underwent radical gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy including cancer-positive para-aortic lymph nodes. Their prognosis was unexpectedly good, with a mean postoperative survival time of 24.1 months and a 2-year-survival rate of 42.4 percent. Another 4 patients developed para-aortic lymph node recurrence detected by computed tomographic scan during a follow-up examination. These 4 patients were treated with macroscopic curative dissection of the para-aortic lymph nodes. Although 2 of the 4 patients died within 6 months after re-operation, the prognosis of the other two patients was rather good when treated with active combination chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin and cisplatin. Dissection of para-aortic lymph nodes is considered of valuable in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer, and dissection of the para-aortic lymph node recurrence may also be valid when combined with potent chemotherapy.

[Treatment of advanced colorectal cancer with long-term continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of long-term continuous administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in ambulatory patients with colorectal cancer. Nineteen patients with advanced colorectal cancer were treated with continuous intravenous infusion of 5-FU (500 mg/day). The minimum duration of therapy was projected to be four weeks. In some patients 4 weeks interval therapy was selected and in other patients the duration of therapy was open-ended. A portable pump was used to deliver 5-FU continuously into the venous system at home. The pump had a subcutaneously placed port connected to a central venous catheter. In 19 patients, the duration of 5-FU infusion was 56 to 427 days (median: 139 days), and cumulative doses of 5-FU ranged from 28 to 173.5 g (median 69.5 g). Five patients achieved partial response (response rate: 26.3%), and the response lasted 80 to 339 days (median: 204 days). The fifty-percent survival time was 17 months. In 16 patients whose serum CEA level was elevated, there was a decrease to less than 50% among 11 patients (69%). Dose limiting toxicity was stomatitis in 4 patients and hand-foot syndrome in one, but they recovered after interruption of the infusion. Hematological toxicity was generally mild. No infusion-system related complication was encountered. Patients were able to be discharged and live at home during 82% of their survival period, while receiving this therapy. We concluded that this treatment is effective with tolerable toxicity and can be conducted at home.

Characteristics of neo red cells, their function and safety: in vivo studies

A new type of artificial oxygen carriers, the Neo Red Cells (NRCs) have been developed and investigated for oxygen transporting efficiency and safety in experimental animals. Stroma free hemoglobin from outdated human red blood cells together with inositol hexaphosphate as an allosteric effector under sterile, pyrogen free condition were encapsulated in liposomes and then were coated with polyethylene glycol bond to hydrogenated soy phosphatidylethanolamine as a surface modifier to prevent aggregation of NRCs in plasma. The efficiency of the NRCs in tissue oxygenation was studied in rabbits which were made severely anemic by drawing 85% of their blood and immediately replacing it with NRC solution. The animals, all recovered to pre-anemic conditions within 6-8 hr and lived normally until being sacrificed, 6 months after the exchange transfusion. The circulation half-life and tissue distribution of NRCs were studied using radiolabeled NRCs. Within the circulation, the half-life of NRCs was 21 hr and extravascularly, they were distributed mainly in and metabolized by the reticuloendothelial system within 7 days. Our observations suggest that the NRCs prepared and investigated in this study are efficient oxygen carriers without causing serious adverse reactions and can be prepared free from pathogenic micro-organisms by special filtration technique before encapsulation of Hb. Currently, experiments are ongoing to control auto-oxidation of oxyHb to metHb which is higher in NRCs than in native red cells at physiological conditions.

A role of heat shock proteins for homologous recombination in Escherichia coli

Effects of mutations in heat shock protein genes on homologous recombination in Escherichia coli were examined by measuring intra-molecular recombinations in the plasmid, pIK43. Recombination frequencies in the groES, groEL and dnaK mutants were decreased 6 to 21% of those of the isogenic wild type strain, at a sub-lethal temperature. Thus, the heat shock proteins GroES, GroEL and DnaK apparently participate in homologous recombination in Escherichia coli.

Proliferative activity of gastric cancer assessed by immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen

The growth activity of 107 gastric carcinomas was assessed by immunohistochemical staining for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue with a monoclonal antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). When the tumor doubling times (Tds) of 10 patients were estimated from the serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9, there was an inverse correlation between the Tds and PCNA labeling index (LI) at P = 0.055. Flow-cytometric analysis was carried out by double staining for PCNA and DNA using fresh materials from 14 patients. The PCNA-positive cell fraction revealed by flow cytometry showed a good linear correlation with PCNA LI in routinely stained tissue. The LI of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than that of the poorly differentiated type. When the LI was analyzed in well- or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, the value was significantly higher in the well-differentiated type with hepatic metastasis and in the poorly differentiated type with lymph node metastasis.

[Etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin and 5-FU (EAP-F) therapy of advanced gastric cancer--its antitumor effect and evaluation of quality of life]

Fourteen patients with advanced gastric cancer were treated with EAP-F therapy. The regimen was CD DP 40 mg/m2 day 1 and 6, 5-FU 600 mg/m2 day 2 and 4, leucovorin 20 mg/m2 day 2 and 4, etoposide 60 mg/m2 day 3 and 5, and doxorubicin 20 mg/m2 day 7, with repetition every 28 days. Thirteen patients were evaluable; one patient was CR, four were PR, five were NC and three were PD. The response rate was 38.5% and median survival was 7 months. Hematologic toxicities were moderate to severe but tolerable, gastrointestinal toxicities were mild and renal toxicity was absent. Quality of life (QOL) of the patients was evaluated by means of symptom-free ratio (duration of symptom-free to survival time) and outpatient ratio (duration at home in relation to survival time). Patients with lymph node metastasis showed a higher symptom-free ratio and outpatient ratio than those with liver metastasis or peritoneal dissemination. All high-QOL patients were chemotherapy responders. In conclusion, EAP-F therapy is effective for advanced gastric cancer and its side effects are tolerable. CR or PR is necessary to achieve a high QOL.

[Motility of isolated vestibular hair cells induced by potassium]

Many studies of the outer hair cells in cochlea have demonstrated active motility. However, very few studies have been done on vestibular hair cells. This study was designed to demonstrate the motile responses of isolated vestibular hair cells of the chick, induced by potassium promoting contraction. Reversible cell shape changes were observed in 4 of 6 type I hair cells and 3 of 5 type II hair cells by applying the contraction solution. The cell shape changes were revealed mainly in the cuticular plate and infracuticular region. It was suggested that contraction in the cuticular plate of the isolated hair cells might be converted into tension which increases the stiffness of the sensory hairs and restricts their motions, based on the results of the present study, and the structure of contractile proteins and hair behaviors reported by previous investigators.

Differential expression of gelatinase B (MMP-9) and stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) by rheumatoid synovial cells in vitro and in vivo

Primary cultures of adherent rheumatoid synovial cells (ASC) are comprised of variable proportions of fibroblasts, macrophages and stellate cells (activated fibroblasts). These cultures were shown to produce the metalloproteinases stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), gelatinase A (MMP-2) and gelatinase B (MMP-9) by Western blotting and zymography techniques. Immunolocalisation studies showed that MMP-3 was mainly produced by the fibroblastic cells whereas MMP-9 was restricted to macrophages (CD68 positive). Subcultured synovial fibroblasts, devoid of macrophages, did not produce MMP-9 as judged by zymography and immunolocalisation; but when stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate and interleukin-1 alpha both MMP-9 and MMP-3 were co-expressed. These 'activated' fibroblasts assumed a dendritic or stellate morphology, which in localisation studies was usually associated with enhanced enzyme production. Immunolocalisation studies of rheumatoid synovial tissue showed that relatively few cells were positive for MMP-3 and MMP-9. Localisation of MMP-9 corresponded to a proportion of macrophages positive for the CD68 marker throughout the synovial tissue. MMP-3 localisation was not associated with the macrophage marker, but was observed in both the synovial lining layer and deeper stromal locations. Widespread distribution of both enzymes was not observed in fresh tissues, but this increased in tissues subjected to short-term explant cultures. Thus, both in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that synovial fibroblasts or B-cells are effective producers of MMP-3 whereas macrophages elaborate MMP-9, observations that demonstrated different metalloproteinase phenotypes under similar environmental conditions.

Motility of vestibular hair cells in the chick

Recent studies of the outer hair cells in cochlea have demonstrated active motilities. However, very little study has been done on the vestibular hair cells (VHCs). The present study shows the motile response of the VHCs induced by application of Ca2+/ATP promoting contraction. Reversible cell shape changes could be shown in 10 of 16 isolated type I hair cells and 9 of 15 isolated type II hair cells by applying the contraction solution. Furthermore, the sensory hair bundles in the utricular epithelium pivoted around the base and stood perpendicularly to the apical borderline of the epithelium in response to the application of the same solution. It is suggested that the contraction of the isolated VHCs may be transferred to tension which causes the sensory hair bundles to restrict their motion in normal tissue, instead of changing the cell shape.

Distinctive expression of lprcg in the heterozygous state on different genetic backgrounds

Much knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of human autoimmune diseases has been obtained from the mutant mouse models carrying lpr and gld. These autoimmune genes have been regarded as autosomal recessive. The novel lymphoproliferative and autoimmune mutation lprcg is unique in its interaction with gld despite their different chromosomal locations: chromosomes 19 and 1, respectively. Both lprcg and lpr mutations are shown to be the defects in the Fas antigen gene that controls apoptosis. Evidence has been provided for the partial expression of lpr in the heterozygous state and the significant influences of background genes on lpr-induced autoimmune disorders. To investigate the expression of the heterozygous lprcg and the effects of background genes on it, anatomical, serological, and pathological manifestations were compared among lprcg/lprcg,lprcg/+, and +/+ mice on both MRL/MpJ (MRL) and CBA/KlJms (CBA) backgrounds. On the MRL background, lymph nodes (LN) and spleens of lprcg/+ were significantly larger in weight than those of +/+, but far lower than those of lprcg/lprcg mice. In accord with this, these lprcg/+ mice had intermediate levels of anti-single-stranded DNA antibodies, circulating immune complexes, and serum Igs between those of lprcg/lprcg and +/+ mice and were similar to lprcg/lprcg mice in severity of glomerulonephritis. However, accumulation of anomalous CD4-8- T cells characteristic of the lpr disease was not proved in the enlarged lprcg/+ LN. On the CBA background, the LN and spleen weight increases in lprcg/+ were statistically significant compared to +/+ mice but were minimal, being regarded as clinically insignificant. In support of this, lprcg/+ mice were not different from +/+ mice in any of the serological and pathological parameters examined. The results clearly demonstrate that the lprcg gene can function to induce autoimmune disorders in the heterozygous state on the MRL but not on the CBA background.

Fatal angioedema associated with enalapril

A 37-year-old female with a history of hypertension for 5 years was brought to the emergency room with swelling of the tongue and neck after the second dose of enalapril. After administration of hydrocortisone by her physician, she went to the emergency room. Her dyspnea and dysarthria were relieved. However, she experienced recurrence of the symptoms followed by respiratory arrest. She suffered severe anoxic brain damage and died three days later. Although angioedema is a rare occurrence with the use of enalapril, it is potentially life threatening.

The otolithic organ in the developing chick embryo. Scanning electron microscopic study on the utricular macula

The long and short axes of utricular maculae were measured to calculate growth curves using an ocular micrometer under stereomicroscope. The mean lengths of the long and short axes on the 6th incubation day were 0.06 mm and 0.05 mm, respectively. Thereafter: 1.00 mm and 0.74 mm on the 11th incubation day; 1.34 mm and 1.03 mm on the 15th incubation day; and on hatching 1.51 mm and 1.07 mm, respectively. The surface structure, particularly the otoconia and the sensory hairs of the utricular maculae, on the 4.5th incubation day to the 7th post-hatching day of White Leghorn chicks were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A number of microvilli and primary cilium on the inner surface of the otocyst were found between the 4.5th and the 5th incubation day. Immature sensory hairs appeared on the 5th incubation day. The polarity of the sensory hairs became evident on and after the 9th incubation day. Mature sensory hairs were seen all over the utricular maculae between the 1st and the 3rd post-hatching day. Mature sensory hairs were mainly seen near the striola, and immature ones peripherally. Then, the various forms in the maturation phase of sensory hairs were seen between the striola and the periphery. These arrangements suggest some process of maturity from the peripheral region to the central striola region. Immature otoconia were first seen on the 6th incubation day. Mature otoconia were recognized on and after the 11th incubation day, and they were observed on the whole surface of the utricular maculae. Global substances on the macula with a rough surface and spongy structure were observed suggesting otoconial precursors transforming themselves into otoconial crystals.

[Paranasal sinusitis due to Pasteurella multocida]

A case of paranasal sinusitis due to Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is reported. A 39-year-old woman presented with chief complaints of rhinorrhea and headache. The patient kept a cat in her house and kept such close contact with it as to wake up by being licked every morning. Bacteriological examination revealed P. multocida isolated from her nasal discharge and also from the saliva of the cat kept by the patient. The two isolates were compatible with respect to biochemical properties, serotype and drug susceptibility. Therefore, P. multocida infection in this case was considered to have originated from the pet cat. P. multocida infection has been increasing recently. One of the reasons is a pet boom. In order to prevent acquiring the infection from a pet animal, we should have knowledge about this infection, advise the patient to avoid close contact with pets, and provide valuable information concerning these problems to society from the viewpoint of zoonosis.

Therapeutic rectoscopy for rectal tumors

A surgical resection in the middle or upper region of the rectum is often technically difficult because of the anatomical inaccessibility of the site. A new rectoscopic operative technique reported by Buess et al. (1985, 1987, 1988) and Kipfmüller et al. (1988) permits microsurgery in the rectum and is less aggressive than other procedures. This technique was used in 7 patients with rectal tumors using an articulated monocular-optical system. The postoperative course in all patients was free from any complications and the patients were discharged at the latest on the eighth day after the operation. A stereoscopic optical system, a new surgical rectoscope, other special surgical instruments, as well as a modification to an insufflation device are necessary for improving the endoscopic operation.

Clinicopathological studies of multiple cancers in the large bowel and other organs

During the past 17 years, 1,463 cases of cancer of large intestine, there were 117 cases (8.0%) with overlapping cancer in other organs. The male/female ratio was 1.0:1.1 and the mean age was 65.8 years old. The region of existence in other organs was in the order of frequency: stomach 28.3%, uterus 26.3%, and liver 8.1%. The location and histology showed almost similar results to that of single cancer. In comparison with single cancer, overlapping cancer cases showed a high complication rate of adenoma. So it was suggested that a region of cancer development was present but latent. The preceding cases of cancer of the uterus almost all underwent radiotherapy. About 36% of their histology of colon cancer were mucinous carcinoma suggesting at least the development of cancer by radiation.

A pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic study of fluoropyrimidines in a nude mouse system and in postoperative patients with gastric cancer

To evaluate the effect of the oral fluoropyrimidines, tegafur and uracil (UFT) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a pharmacodynamic analysis was conducted using a nude mouse system and patients. In the nude mouse system, UFT and 5-FU showed similar marginal effects against the human tumor xenograft Co-4, and the concentration of 5-FU in serum 1 h after the last administration being 0.04 micrograms/ml, which was assumed to be the minimum effective concentration. (MEC). Postoperative patients were subdivided into three groups, being: those who underwent subtotal gastrectomy and received UFT; those who underwent subtotal gastrectomy and received 5-FU; and those who underwent total gastrectomy and received UFT. In the UFT groups, the concentration of 5-FU in the portal and peripheral blood showed similar elimination in terms of the peak concentration (Cmax) and the area under the curve (AUC). In the 5-FU groups, the AUC and Cmax were significantly higher in portal blood than peripheral blood. The concentrations in the portal blood of the 5-FU group and in the portal and peripheral blood of the UFT group were significantly higher than the MEC (0.04 micrograms/ml). From these pharmacodynamic data, it was concluded that postoperative chemotherapy with oral fluoropyrimidines can achieve the MEC in portal and peripheral blood.

Development of the chick vestibular ganglion and its nerve terminating in the endorgan

We investigated the morphological maturation of the vestibular ganglion and its dendrites terminating in the sacculus of the chick embryo. The cytoplasm of the ganglion cells had acquired a granular feature due to the abundance of ribosomal clusters and rER by the 13th day of incubation. The myelination of the dendrites occurred before that of the perikarya. Compact myelin of the dendrites was observed on the 13th day of incubation, while that of the perikarya was observed in the 20th day of incubation. Nerve endings of afferent and efferent character were observed first in the sacculus on the 13th day of incubation. Positive immunoreactvity of substance P was observed on the 13th day of incubation. It is suggested that the morphological basis of functional activity is present on or around the 13th day of incubation.

Bilateral vestibular neuronitis

Bilateral vestibular neuronitis with a different onset time for each affected side was reported in two cases among 74 cases observed. The first case appeared 3 weeks and the other 5 years before involvement of the second ear. In the case with a short period before the second attack, the direction of nystagmus was unchanged throughout the clinical course. It is suggested that the direction of nystagmus depends upon the severity of each vestibular dysfunction. In the case with a long period when the vestibular compensation has been completed, paralytic nystagmus was observed and its direction corresponded with the side affected by canal.

Biofeedback therapy in the treatment of tinnitus

Seven patients were treated with electromyographic biofeedback therapy for intractable tinnitus which was supposed to be reinforced by mental distress and muscle tension. Three patients, who succeeded in decreasing electromyographic levels of the frontal muscle, were able to reduce tinnitus and relieve anxiety. One patient could eliminate tinnitus only during biofeedback sessions, but the efficacy was not continuous in daily life. The other three patients, who failed to decrease electromyographic levels, did not obtain favorable results. It is suggested that biofeedback therapy appears to be of greatest benefit when muscle tension and mental distress are the cause of magnification of the tinnitus symptoms.

Clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal submucosal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis

The clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal submucosal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis are described. Lymph node positive metastasis was found in 10 (11%) of 87 cases. The depth of submucosal invasion was classified as sm1, sm2 or sm3. Lymph node positive metastases were found in 18% of the cases at sm2 or more, in 31% of those without adenomatous components, in 39% of those with positive lymphatic permeation, in 41% of those with positive budding, and in 56% of all the moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas. These characteristics are risk factors and are important for the prediction of lymph node metastasis from colorectal submucosal carcinoma. Bowel resection with lymphadenectomy is indicated in the presence of any one or more risk factors.