[The effects of long-term intake of restricted calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E and cadmium-added diets on various organs and bones of mice: a histological and the roentgenological study]

The toxic effects of long-term administration of cadmium (Cd) on the kidneys, liver, and hind leg bones were studied histologically and roentgenologically in 29-day-old female ICR-strain mice separated into groups variously fed 1) a commercial (calcium [1.17%], vitamin D [220IU/100g], vitamin E [10mg/100g]) diet, 2) a low Ca (0.18% diet, 3) a low Ca and low D (50IU/100g) diet, and 4) a low Ca, low D and low E (5mg/100g) diet. Though the levels of vitamin D and vitamin E were designed to be low in each diet, their amounts fulfilled the nutritional requirements. Three subgroups in each category were fed Cd at dietary concentrations of 0, 20 or 40 ppm. After 12, 18 or 24 months on these diets the mice were sacrificed. 1) In the groups fed the commercial diet containing Cd, prominent swelling of the glomerulus and thickening of the basement membrane of glomerulus were observed. This did not occur in the groups fed the commercial diet without Cd. 2) In the groups fed the Cd-added low-Ca diet the following findings were more prominent compared with the low-Ca diet group. In the kidneys, swelling of the glomerulus, hyaline casts in tubular lumina and cellular infiltration of the interstitial tissue were present. In the liver, cellular infiltration on the interstitial tissue were present. In the liver, cellular infiltration of the interstitial tissue occurred. In the hind leg bones, thinning of trabeculae and ossification of the Achilles's tendon were seen. 3) In the Cd-added low-Ca, D diet groups, there was atrophy of glomerulus, thickening of basement membrane of glomerulus, and atrophy of tubular epithelial cells in the kidneys, while in the liver, binuclate cells, anisonucleosis and enlargement of Kupffer cells were seen. In the hind leg bones, thinning of the cortex and trabeculae were present. All of these findings were more prominent in this group than in the low-Ca, group. 4) In the Cd-added low-Ca, D, E, diet groups subjects the following findings were more prominent than in the low-Ca, D, E, diet group. In the kidneys, there was swelling of glomerulus and in the liver, there were binuclate cells, anisonucleosis, and cellular infiltration into interstitial tissue. In the hind leg bones, thinning of the cortex and trabeculae, a decrease of cartilage cells and a decrease of osteocytes were seen. These histological and roentgenological changes were seen to increase in a dose-dependent manner with the amount of dietary Cd.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The efficacy of kinesthetic reading treatment for pure alexia

This paper presents an effective treatment for pure alexia by a type of single-case design, which we termed a "material-control single-case design" [Sugishita et al., Neuropsychologia, Vol. 31, 559-569, 1993]. Two patients with pure alexia were treated using kinesthetic reading (reading by tracing or copying the outline of each letter with the patient's finger). The results clearly demonstrated that both patients significantly improved their reading and copying performances. Their recovery of reading performance arose from improvement in copying. The results of tachistoscopic reading tests suggested that the patient obtained the ability to read without kinesthetic movements.

Effect of anaesthetic agents on the phagocytic function of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes through analysis with a phagocytic plaque method

We examined the effects of the intravenous anaesthetic agents, thiamylal and ketamine, on the phagocytic function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in heparinized peripheral blood from healthy individuals using the phagocytic plaque method. Subclinical doses of thiamylal caused enhancement of the phagocytic activity of PMN and super-clinical doses of thiamylal inhibited phagocytic activity of PMN. Ketamine did not adversely affect phagocytic function at relevant therapeutic concentrations. The results presented in this manuscript indicate the phagocytic plaque method can provide a quantitative assessment of the phagocytic function of leukocytes. This method may prove useful in determining whether anaesthetic agents and other drugs adversely affect leukocyte function and hence help prevent the increased susceptibility to infection which can occur in anaesthetized patients. Conversely, the phagocytic plaque method may prove useful in the search for immune-enhancing drugs.

Aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma of the skin. A histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study

We present two cases of aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma of the skin on the lower extremities of a 41-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman. Both the tumors appeared clinically as cutaneous nodules with a recent history of rapid growth and showed microscopically a unique formation of blood-filled tissue spaces and a storiform proliferation of histiocyte-like and fibroblast-like cells in a capillary-rich stroma. Such clinical and histologic features fit the original description of this entity. Immunohistochemically the tumor cells of both cases were immunoreactive for factor XIIIa, Mac 387, and vimentin and gave negative results for factor VIII-related antigen, desmin, actin, and S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally the tumors were composed mainly of siderosome-containing histiocyte-like cells, fibroblast-like cells, and intermediate cells and lacked prominent proliferation of endothelial cells. Thus, the ultrastructural findings agreed with the immunophenotypes expressed by the tumor cells, supporting the fibrohistiocytic origin of this lesion. In view of the recent rapid growth, the presence of hemorrhagic pseudocysts, the extravasation of erythrocytes, and the high vascularity of the present tumors, we emphasize the importance of distinguishing this lesion from angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma and cutaneous malignancies of mesenchymal origin.

Regional diastolic function in effort angina pectoris: assessment with biplane left ventriculography

To investigate left ventricular (LV) regional diastolic function in effort angina pectoris (AP), we performed left ventriculography in 14 patients with AP and isolated left anterior descending artery disease and in 9 normal subjects (N). LV volume (V), regional area (S) [anterior, apex, and inferior], and the first derivative of V and S (dV/dt, dS/dt) were derived from analysis of the left ventriculogram. Normalized peak filling rate (nPFR) and peak atrial filling rate (nPAFR) were derived from dV/dt. The ratio of filling volume to stroke volume during rapid filling and atrial contraction were defined as rapid filling fraction (RFF) and atrial filling fraction (AFF). Similarly, peak area changing rate (PACR), peak area changing rate during atrial contraction (PACRac), rapid area changing fraction (RACF), and atrial area changing fraction (AACF) were derived from S and dS/dt. We also calculated the time constant of LV relaxation (T), and LV global and regional compliance during atrial contraction [(dV/VdP)ac, (dS/SdP)ac]. The LV global diastolic function (T increases, nPFR decreases) was impaired in the angina patients. LV regional diastolic function (nPACR decreases, RACF decreases) was also impaired in the affected region of the AP group. While their rapid filling was impaired, nPACRac was maintained and AACF was increased in the affected region. Furthermore, nPACR and RACF each showed a significant inverse correlation with AACF in the anterior region [r = -0.57 (P < 0.01), r = -0.92 (P < 0.001)]. In the affected region of the patients with AP, (dS/SdP)ac was increased, but not significantly. Thus, LV global and regional diastolic functions were simultaneously impaired in patients with isolated left anterior descending artery disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Functional localization of bilateral auditory cortices using an MRI-linked whole head magnetoencephalography (MEG) system

In 20 healthy subjects, auditory evoked magnetic fields were measured over the entire head, using a helmet-shaped 66-channel MEG system linked to MRI. When the left or right ear was stimulated by 60 msec 2 kHz tones, the prominent 100 msec response (N100m) appeared significantly earlier in the contralateral hemisphere than in the ipsilateral one. In 16 cases, the N100m dipolar field patterns were clear in both hemispheres, overlapping each other across the midline. The N100m sources were estimated using a 2-dipole model in a spherical conducting medium with the size and location of the sphere determined individually according to the MRI images. No differences were found between the contralateral and ipsilateral N100m dipole positions in one hemisphere. When superimposed on MRI, the N100m dipoles were located precisely on the upper surface of bilateral temporal lobes with a standard deviation of 2.2 mm in the superior-inferior direction. In 16 right handed males, the right hemispheric N100m dipoles were 6 mm anterior to the left hemispheric dipoles. The whole head MEG is suitable to see small but significant differences of bilateral cerebral function, with exceptionally high spatial resolution, confirmed by the MRI-linked system.

[A case of an intrapulmonary lymph node indistinguishable from carcinoma of the lung by CT]

A 64-year-old female was referred to our hospital for further examination of a coin lesion, 8 mm in diameter, superimposed on the right ninth posterior rib. CT revealed a nodule, close to the minor fissure, with spiculation, which seemed to be connected with the pulmonary vein. Since the bronchofiberscopic examination revealed no histological diagnosis, the exploratory thoracotomy was performed. The nodule was found to be a 10 x 7 x 5 mm black mass located subpleural at the minor fissure. Histologically, it was recognized as a lymph node with anthracosis and silicotic nodules.

Dephosphorylation of protein kinase C substrates, neurogranin, neuromodulin, and MARCKS, by calcineurin and protein phosphatases 1 and 2A

Neurogranin, neuromodulin, and MARCKS are among the most prominent substrates of protein kinase C (PKC) in the mammalian brain. These phosphoproteins were dephosphorylated by three isoforms of rat brain calcineurin, also known as calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein phosphatase (CaMPP). The three CaMPP isozymes dephosphorylate neurogranin, the most favorable substrate among the three tested, with subtle differences in their responses to divalent metal ions, Mn2+ and Ni2+. Dephosphorylation of neurogranin by all three CaMPP isozymes, CaMPP-1, -2, and -3, were stimulated to a higher extent by Mn2+ than by Ni2+ in the presence of CaM and Ca2+. The Km values of neurogranin in the presence of Mn2+ were lower than those in the presence of Ni2+ for CaMPP-1 and -2, but that for CaMPP-3 was comparable with either divalent metal ion. The Vmax values were higher in the presence of Mn2+ than those of Ni2+ for all three isozymes. Neurogranin and neuromodulin, both phosphorylated by PKC at a single site, were dephosphorylated completely by CaMPP; however, MARCKS, phosphorylated by PKC at three sites, was partially dephosphorylated by this phosphatase. A higher extent of dephosphorylation of MARCKS could be achieved by the combination of CaMPP and protein phosphatase 2A and a complete dephosphorylation of this protein was observed with protein phosphatase 1. Protein phosphatase 1 and 2A were also effective in a complete dephosphorylation of neurogranin and neuromodulin. Amino acid sequence analysis of the tryptic phosphopeptides derived from MARCKS dephosphorylated by CaMPP and protein phosphatase 2A revealed that the former preferentially dephosphorylated Ser155 and the latter Ser162 of rat brain MARCKS. Both phosphatases dephosphorylated poorly of Ser151. Because of the high concentration of CaMPP in the brain and the colocalization of this phosphatase with major PKC substrates in the various brain regions, it is likely that CaMPP is a phosphatase with potential to reverse the action of PKC.

[Evaluation on the perioperative left ventricular function of aortic valve replacement in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation]

To evaluate the perioperative left ventricular function in 36 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with isolated chronic aortic regurgitation (AR), hemodynamic variables before and within the first 24 hours and one month after operation were measured with Swan-Ganz catheter and echocardiography. The patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI): 5 patients had a LVESVI of 90 ml/m2 and greater (group I), 31 had a LVESVI smaller than 90 ml/m2 (group II). Left ventricular dimension at end-diastole and end-systole, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index at one month after operation significantly decreased in comparison with that of preoperation. However, left ventricular ejection fraction in the two groups were not improved, and left ventricular mass index in group I did not decreased. On the other hand, changes of cardiac index, stroke volume index and left ventricular stroke work index within the first 24 hours after operation were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of postoperative premature ventricular contraction in group I was significantly higher than that of group II. However, there was no difficult problems in postoperative management of the two groups. It is suggested that AVR in AR with left ventricular dysfunction can safely be operated and its postoperative management is similar to AVR in AR with no left ventricular dysfunction.

Conspicuous growth of intravenously inoculated Staphylococcus aureus in subcutaneously established Ehrlich ascites tumor tissue of mice

Intratumoral growth of Staphylococcus aureus was compared with the intrarenal growth, to examine the usefulness of the method as a marker of its pathogenicity. When 5 x 10(7) CFU/mouse of three derivatives from S. aureus Cowan I with different intrarenal growth were intravenously injected into Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice, they lodged in the tumor tissue at approximately 10(3) CFU/0.1 g by 30 min after infection, and grew in the range of 10(6) CFU/0.1 g to 10(8) CFU/0.1 g by day 4, regardless of their intrarenal growth capacity. In contrast, S. saprophyticus lodged in both tissues to the same degree as S. aureus, but did not grow at all. The time course of the staphylococcal growth was different between tumor tissue and kidney, suggesting differences in the local responses against S. aureus.

Measurement of urinary free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin by immunoradiometric assay

An immunoradiometric assay for free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (F beta hCG) is now available. Measurement of serum F beta hCG has been shown to be valuable for the diagnosis of trophoblastic disease and for screening Down's syndrome pregnancies. Urine specimens may be preferable to blood samples since collection of urine specimens usually are less inconvenient to patients than venipuncture. We have evaluated whether the immunoradiometric assay can be applicable to urine samples. The assay was sensitive and precise. When urine samples were diluted 4-fold or more, the diluted samples gave quantitative values, and recovery of beta hCG added to urine samples was satisfactory. Creatinine corrected urinary F beta hCG levels correlated with serum F beta hCG levels. Thus, the immunoradiometric assay was considered to be applicable to urine samples. Serum F beta hCG to hCG ratio has been reported to be important to distinguish among normal pregnancies, hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma. However, urinary F beta hCG to hCG ratio did not significantly correlate with serum F beta hCG to hCG ratio. And therefore, the clinical value of urinary F beta hCG to hCG ratio should be further investigated.

Gene expressions of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor in cumulus cells of human ovary

Oxytocin (OT) has been detected in mammalian granulosa-luteal cells during the early stages. The purpose of this study was to explore gene expressions of OT and OT receptor (OTR) in human cumulus cells. Cumulus cells enclosing a mature oocyte were obtained from 6 women undergoing clinical in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer programs. OT and OTR gene expressions were investigated by employing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction/single-strand conformation polymorphism methods. OT gene expression in the cumulus cells was positive in 5 women and weakly positive in the remaining patient. The structure of OT mRNA in the cumulus cells was equivalent to that in human hypothalamus. OTR gene expression was also observed in the cumulus cells. This study is the first to describe the simultaneous expression of both OT and OTR genes in human cumulus cells. It is suggested that local OT plays some important roles in fertility through modification of the micro-environment around the oocyte.

Effect of arm cranking exercise on skin blood flow of lower limb in people with injuries to the spinal cord

The purpose of this study was to examine whether arm cranking exercise induces changes in skin blood flow in the paralyzed lower limbs of people with injuries to the spinal cord (PISC). Ten PISC with lesions located between Th5 and L5 and six control subjects performed arm cranking exercise for 6 min at three intensities, 10, 30 and 50 W, at a room temperature of 25 degrees C. Oxygen uptake (Vo2) and heart rate (HR) were measured for the last 2 min of each exercise period. The skin blood flow at the anterior thigh (BFsk,t) was continuously monitored using laser Doppler flowmetry for the whole 6-min period and for the first 10 min of recovery following exercise. During exercise, the PISC showed lower Vo2 and greater HR than the control subjects. No increase in BFsk,t was found in six of the PISC with lesions at or above Th12, irrespective of the exercise intensity. On the other hand, in PISC with lesions at L1 or below, BFsk,t increased significantly (P < 0.05) with an increase in Vo2 and HR, although the BFsk,t at a given Vo2 and HR was lower than that in the control subjects. These results would suggest that arm exercise can promote the blood circulation in the skin of the lower limbs if the injury level is below L1.

Effects of a dopamine antagonist (metoclopramide) on the release of beta-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol in hyperprolactinemic-amenorrheic women

Responses of LH, TSH, PRL, beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity, ACTH and cortisol to metoclopramide were evaluated in hyperprolactinemic-amenorrheic women and normal women. Augmented TSH responses and blunted PRL responses to metoclopramide were found in hyperprolactinemic women compared to normal women. A significant increase in serum LH levels was found only in hyperprolactinemic women after metoclopramide. Thus, the hyperprolactinemic women showed hormonal changes compatible with increased central dopaminergic tone. A significant increase in circulating levels of beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity, ACTH and cortisol was found in hyperprolactinemic women but not in normal women after metoclopramide administration. Thus, beta-endorphin and ACTH secretion appear to be tonically inhibited by increased central dopaminergic tone in hyperprolactinemic-amenorrheic women.

Leser-Trélat sign associated with Sézary syndrome

A 74-year-old Japanese male had developed generalized erythroderma and rapid growth of multiple verrucous lesions over the entire surface of his face, trunk, and extremities three months before he was seen. Histologically seborrheic keratoses were revealed. Laboratory examinations showed peripheral leukocytosis with atypical lymphocytes and high levels of IgE and IgG. On the basis of these clinical and histopathologic findings, we diagnosed the patient as having Leser-Trélat sign associated with Sézary syndrome. The erythroderma subsided after administration of oral predonisone, and no new formations of seborrheic keratosis were observed. However, because of subsequent aggravation of the generalized erythroderma, we administered chemotherapy. Six months after the initial examination, lung cancer was found, and the patient subsequently died of respiratory and renal failure.

Characteristics of the health conditions of old patients with spinal cord injury

The state of health of old patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) was investigated to clarify the disorders that they are presently suffering from. A questionnaire was sent by mail to 668 patients with SCI living in western Japan. Valid answers were returned from 448 (67%), and they were divided into a young group (160 patients aged 18-39 years), middle-aged group (193 patients aged 40-59 years), and elderly group (95 patients aged 60-73). About 30% in the young group answered that they were ill or worrying about their health. This percentage was about 60% in the middle-aged and elderly groups. According to disease types, none of the young group had urological diseases except urological impairment or cardiovascular diseases, but many of the elderly group had urological tract infection, kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and digestive diseases. Decubitus ulcer was reported in all groups. Urological diseases and decubitus ulcer were considered to be characteristic ailments of individuals with SCI. The elderly group was also characterized by a high incidence of adult diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the types of diseases and their frequency are considered to be different in older patients with SCI compared with the aged population in general because of the characteristic conditions of SCI in addition to adult diseases.

[Recurrent dislocation of the elbow]

A case of a recurrent dislocation of the elbow joint in a 13-year-old female is described. The patient sustained a medial epicondylar fracture of the humerus and consulted us four months later. There was no deformity but marked lateral instability of the elbow was recognized. It could be fully flexed and hyperextended ca 20 degrees. The elbow joint could be easily dislocated by pronation of the hyperextended elbow. Roentgenogram demonstrated an apparent non-union of the medial epicondylar fracture. The fragment was repositioned so that the medial collateral ligament became taut. There was no recurrence of the dislocation ten months postoperatively.

[Aortic dissection with giant pseudoaneurysm as a rare late complication of aortic valve replacement--a case report]

A 60-year-old man who had received aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation at 47 years of age developed sudden syncope and shock on Mar. 28, 1991. Close examination including CT scan and aortography revealed DeBakey type I aortic dissection with giant pseudoaneurysm which compressed superior vena cava and right pulmonary artery and caused superior vena cava syndrome. He underwent elective ascending aortic replacement under profound hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest on Jun. 17, 1991. The giant pseudoaneurysm was present posterolaterally to the ascending aorta. It communicated with the false lumen and contained massive thrombi. The intimal tear of the ascending aorta existed along the suture line of previous aortotomy.

Relationship between heart rate and oxygen uptake during submaximal arm cranking in paraplegics and quadriplegics

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of the level of spinal cord injury (SCI) and of daily exercise on the relationship between heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO2) in persons with SCI (PSCI) during an arm cranking exercise. Eighteen PSCI were divided into three groups according to the level of SCI; 4 quadriplegics (C6-C8), 7 high- level paraplegics (T3-T8), and 7 low-level paraplegics (T10-L2). In the relationship between HR and VO2, the higher the level of SCI, the smaller the slope of regression line, that means the HR at a given VO2 become larger as level of SCI was higher. Significant differences were found among these regression lines (P < 0.01). In addition, the regression lines between HR and VO2 in active persons tended to shift toward upper in comparison with those in inactive persons. The present investigation clearly shows that the HR-VO2 relationship in PSCI is remarkably influenced by the level SCI and physical training.

[Locating the central sulcus using three dimensional image fusion system of helmet shaped whole head MEG and MRI]

We compared MR anatomy and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) functional methods in locating the central sulcus. In 20 normal volunteers and 58 patients with intracranial structural lesions, the short latency somatosensory evoked magnetic fields for median nerve and posterior tibial nerve stimuli were measured over the entire head, using a helmet shaped MEG system. The dipole positions estimated by a single current dipole model were projected onto the three dimensional MRI. In 94% of a total of 156 hemispheres, N20m dipole positions for median nerve stimuli coincided with the central sulcus defined by MR anatomical image only. For posterior tibial nerve stimuli, the P38m dipole positions were estimated as being near the medial end of the anatomical central sulcus. MRI and MEG are complementary in locating the central sulcus, even in cases of intracranial structural lesions.

[Whole head measurement of auditory evoked magnetic field using a MR-linked helmet shaped MEG system]

Authors compared MR anatomy and magneto-encephalographic (MEG) functional methods in locating auditory cortex in 20 normal volunteers and 56 patients with intracranial structural lesions. Auditory evoked response was measured over the entire head, using a helmet shaped 64 channel MEG system. In each subject, three dimensional MR image was obtained with identical coordinate system of MEG. Best fit sphere to each subject's head was calculated from MRI data. Signal source of auditory evoked MEG was estimated using a two dipole model in the best fit sphere. Position and orientation of dipoles were superimposed on each subject's MRI. Both left and right dipolar patterns appeared about 100 ms after unilateral auditory stimuli (N100m) in 19 normal subjects and 47 patients. These dipolar patterns overlap each other across the midline. A two dipole model successfully localized bilateral N100m dipoles in the upper surface of superior temporal planes. N100m response was missing unilaterally in 1 normal subjects and 9 patients inspite of normal audiometry findings, suggesting sub-clinical auditory dysfunction. The MR-linked whole head MEG is a non-invasive tool to localize source of auditory evoked N100m response even in the case with intracranial structural lesions.

[Adjunctive methods for surgery of descending thoracic aortic aneurysm]

During the last 6 years, we employed partial extracorporeal circulation (PEC) in 7 cases and left heart bypass (LHB) in 9 cases as adjunctive methods for surgery of descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. During the aortic clamping, systemic heparinization was performed to keep an ACT more than 400 seconds in a PEC group, while it was kept from 200 to 250 seconds in LHB group. The bypass flow was controlled to maintain the distal arterial pressure over 50 mmHg in both groups. Hemodynamics during the aortic clamping were stable in both groups and significant differences were not found between them. However, ventricular fibrillation occurred in one case of LHB group, who suffered from coronary artery disease, and required subsequent PEC to maintain systemic circulation. Both PEC and LHB provided adequate intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative serum biochemistries. But we preferred to adopt PEC to maintain the diatal perfusion in cases with heart disease, who are likely to develop circulatory deterioration under the aortic clamping.

Influence of left ventricular regional nonuniformity on afterload-dependent relaxation in intact dogs

The time course of systolic loading conditions is considered an important factor in affecting left ventricular (LV) relaxation. However, the exact underlying mechanisms remain controversial. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of the change in loading sequence on LV regional wall motion and LV relaxation. Early and late systolic loading were produced by constricting the ascending aorta and the descending aorta, respectively, in seven anesthetized dogs. In two pairs of cardiac beats with a comparable peak LV pressure during the mild and moderate constrictions of the ascending or descending aorta, we measured LV time constant (T) of LV pressure decay and determined regional nonuniformity in basal and apical segmental motion during the isovolumic relaxation period (by Lew's method). Constriction of the descending aorta led to a significant delay of the timing of peak LV pressure, associated with an increase in T, end-systolic pressure, and the regional nonuniformity between the two segments. T was correlated well with the amount of the nonuniformity, suggesting that LV regional nonuniformity between basal and apical regions might be involved in the complex mechanism of afterload-dependent relaxation.

Pathology of olfactory mucosa in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Characteristic changes that appear in the biopsied olfactory mucosa of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) were examined with immunohistochemical staining. Specimens were obtained from patients with clinical diagnoses of AD. Patients with vascular dementia and age-matched patients without dementia were used for controls. In most AD cases, neurofibrillary tangle-like abnormal tau protein (Tau) immunoreactivity was seen in the dendrites and perikarya of the olfactory receptor cells and in the nerve bundles. A senile plaque-like extracellular mass was found in the olfactory epithelium, and it reacted strongly to an anti-Tau antiserum and weakly to an anti-amyloid-beta protein antiserum. Ubiquitin (Ubq) immunoreactivity was also observed in the dendrites. Tau immunoreactivity of the perikarya and extracellular mass, and Ubq immunoreactivity were especially characteristic of the olfactory mucosa of AD patients. From these results, it is clear that the same pathologic changes in the brain are also present in the olfactory mucosa of patients with AD. Not only disruption of the central olfactory pathway, but also an olfactory disturbance of AD patients is caused by peripheral changes. Furthermore, an olfactory mucosal biopsy could be a useful method for a definitive diagnosis of AD.

Biochemical and genetic heterogeneity of staphylococcal protein A

We investigated the biochemical and genetic heterogeneity of protein A from Staphylococcus aureus. SpA genes (spas) of various strains were heterogeneous when detected as DraI and EcoRV fragments of chromosomal DNA. Polymerase chain reaction using primers to detect DNA encoding the IgG-binding domains in spa revealed that they numbered between 2 and 5. Protein A from several S. aureus strains showed two types of reactivities to immunoglobulins in normal canine serum according to the number of active domains.