Use of intravenous gamma-globulin for Kawasaki disease: effects on cardiac sequelae

The administration of intravenous gamma-globulin (IVGG) for Kawasaki disease was investigated throughout Japan in 1993 by obtaining information from pediatric departments in 2652 hospitals that had more than 100 beds. Of 11,221 reported patients, 8958 patients (79.8%) received IVGG treatment. Of all the patients to whom IVGG was administered, the most common total dose was 1000 mg/kg (36.3%) followed by 2000 mg/kg (16.9%) and 1200 mg/kg (16.8%). The treatment was started in 53.8% by day 5 of the illness and in 83.7% by day 7. The proportion of those with cardiac sequelae was higher among patients administered > 2000 mg/kg or in those started on IVGG on day 9 of their illness or later. The possible reasons are (1) those who were more severely affected were treated with high-dose IVGG earlier; or (2) IVGG does not effectively prevent cardiac sequelae. We concluded that there is a risk of unfavorable effects with IVGG regarding cardiac sequelae when the IVGG dose is > 2000 mg/kg or if IVGG is started on day 9 or later. We believe that only a randomized controlled trial, undertaken prospectively, can adequately address the question of the optimal use of IVGG.

Treatment of lethal midline granuloma type nasal T-cell lymphoma

Nasal T-cell lymphoma of the LMG type (LMG-NTL) is characterized by progressive, unrelenting ulceration, and necrosis of the nasal cavity and midline facial tissues. The clinical behavior of this tumor in 16 patients is compared with that of a nasal lymphoma of non-LMG-NTL type (non-LMG-NTL) in 8 patients and a paranasal sinus lymphoma (PSL) in 6 patients. All patients had stage I or II disease. Fourteen of the 16 patients with LMG-NTL received chemotherapy before and/or after radiotherapy. Cause-specific 5-year survival rates for patients with LMG-NTL, non-LMG-NTL, and PSL were 22%, 75%, and 67% respectively. Seven patients with LMG-NTL, had complete response, although 3 recurred, whereas it was incomplete in 9 patients. The data indicates that it is desirable to deliver 50 Gy or more to achieve in-field control of LMG-NTL.

Left ventricular fibroma in an aged patient: report of a case

We report herein the case of a 77-year-old man with a left ventricular tumor originating from the papillary muscle of the left ventricular wall, in whom a successful tumor resection with mitral valve replacement was performed. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor was confirmed as cardiac fibroma. His postoperative course was uneventful and he is currently well with no signs of recurrence 2 years after surgery.

Functional expression of GABA rho 3 receptors in Xenopus oocytes

Homomeric rat GABA rho 3 receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and their pharmacological profile was investigated electrophysiologically. GABA activated the rho 3 receptors with an EC50 value of 7.5 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.6. The GABA-induced current was not antagonized by bicuculline (100 microM), but was blocked by picrotoxin (IC50: 0.68 microM for 100 microM GABA). The current was almost insensitive to pentobarbital, diazepam and a neurosteroid, 3 alpha-OH-DHP. Many of the pharmacological properties of the rho 3 subunit were similar to those of the previously reported rat rho 1 and rho 2 subunits and GABAC receptors.

Allelotype of adenoma and differentiated adenocarcinoma of the stomach

The molecular mechanism of gastric tumourigenesis has not yet been clarified, although investigators have postulated that differentiated adenocarcinoma may arise from pre-existing adenoma, similarly to the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence. An allelotype analysis has been performed to identify chromosomal regions which are frequently deleted in gastric tumours and to examine the significance of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in gastric tumourigenesis. Forty-five gastric tumours, 20 adenomas, and 25 differentiated adenocarcinomas were examined for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) using 39 microsatellite markers covering each non-acrocentric chromosome arm. Frequent LOH in the adenocarcinomas was observed on chromosomes 2q (33 per cent), 4p (33 per cent), 5q (50 per cent), 6p (33 per cent), 7q (43 per cent), 11q (36 per cent), 14q (38 per cent), 17p (45 per cent), 18q (36 per cent), and 21q (40 per cent). In contrast, the incidence of LOH in adenomas did not exceed 10 per cent at any of the loci examined. In addition to the p53 gene on 17p and the DCC gene on 18q, which are known to be frequently deleted in differentiated adenocarcinomas of the stomach, other unknown tumour suppressor genes on the above-mentioned chromosomes may also be inactivated. These observations suggest that the adenoma-carcinoma sequence is not a major pathway in gastric tumourigenesis.

Cis- and trans-linalool 3,7-oxides and methyl salicylate glycosides and (Z)-3-hexenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside as aroma precursors from tea leaves for oolong tea

Two new alcoholic aroma precursors, cis- and trans-linalool, 3,7-oxides 6-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosides (1 and 2), as well as two already known compounds, (Z)-3-hexenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) and methyl salicylate 6-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (beta-primeveroside: 4), and another new monoterpendiol glycoside, 8-hydroxygeranyl beta-primeveroside (5) have recently been isolated as aroma precursors in tea leaves (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cv. Maoxie) ready for oolong tea processing.

5-Lipoxygenase inhibitory and antihistamine activities of linetastine

The ability of linetastine (TMK688, 1-[¿5'-(3"-methoxy-4"-ethoxycarbonyloxyphenyl)-2',4'-pentadieno yl¿ aminoethyl]-4-diphenylmethoxypiperidine, CAS 110501-66-1) to inhibit leukotriene production and to antagonize the effect of histamine was examined in comparison with the ability of azelastine, an antiallergic drug having an antihistamine activity. Linetastine and its active metabolite TMK777 (1-[¿5'-(3"-methoxy-4"-hydroxyphenyl)-2',4'-pentadienoyl¿ aminoethyl]-4-diphenylmethoxypiperidine, CAS 101619-11-8) inhibited the release of leukotrienes B4 and C4 from calcium ionophore-stimulated human leukocytes. The respective IC50 values of leukotriene B4 were 1.2 x 10(-7) mol/l and 8.6 x 10(-8) mol/l, and those of leukotriene C4 were 1.5 x 10(-7) mol/l and 7.1 x 10(-8) mol/l. Azelastine also inhibited the release of leukotriene B4 and C4, but its IC50 values were higher than 1 x 10(-5) mol/l. Linetastine at 1-10 mg/kg p.o. inhibited the increase in leukotriene B4 and C4 production in the lungs during late asthmatic responses in actively sensitized guinea-pigs. The effect of 3.2 mg/kg lasted for more than 16 b. Since repeated oral administration of linetastine, 1 mg/kg once a day for 7 successive days, showed the same inhibitory effect on the increase in respiratory resistance and the leukotriene production as single oral administration, the effect of linetastine was neither tachyphylactic nor cumulative. Azelastine at 10 mg/kg had no effect on the leukotriene production. Linetastine TMK777 and azelastine dose-dependently inhibited the histamine-induced contraction of isolated guinea-pig trachea in a noncompetitive manner, the respective pD2 values were 7.28, 7.98 and 8.07. Linetastine inhibited histamine-induced bronchoconstriction dose-dependently at 1-10 mg/kg (p.o.) in guinea-pigs, and the effect lasted for more than 24 h. Repeated oral administration of linetastine, 0.32 to 3.2 mg/kg once a day for 7 successive days inhibited the histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, the same as single oral dosing. Azelastine at 0.32 mg/kg p.o. also showed antihistamine activity. In conclusion, linetastine inhibits both the production of leukotrienes and the effect of histamine at almost the same dose and the effects were long lasting.

Inactivation of the E-cadherin gene in primary gastric carcinomas and gastric carcinoma cell lines

We investigated the E (epithelial)-cadherin gene for mutations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 24 primary gastric carcinomas (12 differentiated and 12 undifferentiated types, including 3 signet-ring cell carcinomas), as well as 4 gastric carcinoma cell lines of the undifferentiated type (MKN-45, GCIY, HGC-27 and GT3TKB). We utilized PCR-SSCP and RT-PCR followed by direct sequencing to detect gene mutations and skipped exons, and RT-PCR-SSCP to examine LOH. In primary carcinomas, gene mutations or skipped exons were detected in 4 of 9 (44%) undifferentiated carcinomas of the scattered type, including 2 signet-ring cell carcinomas, and in none of the 3 undifferentiated carcinomas of the adherent type and 12 differentiated carcinomas. Demonstrated mutations of the E-cadherin gene included an 18 bp deletion (codon 418-423) and a 3 bp deletion (codon 400, calcium-binding domain), both located in exon 9. Skipping of exon 9 with a 1 bp insertion at codon 337, and skipping of exon 8 with a 1 bp deletion at codon 336, also were detected. LOH was confirmed in all of the carcinomas in which gene mutations or skipped exons (3/3 informative cases) were demonstrated. The MKN-45 cell line exhibited an 18 bp deletion at the exon 6-intron 6 boundary with loss of the wild-type allele, and 2 of the remaining 3 cell lines (HGC-27 and GT3TKB) had lost expression without detectable structural alteration of the E-cadherin gene. These data provide support for classic two-hit inactivation of the E-cadherin gene in a high percentage of undifferentiated carcinomas of the scattered type.

Cis- and trans-linalool 3,7-oxides and methyl salicylate glycosides and (Z)-3-hexenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside as aroma precursors from tea leaves for oolong tea

Two new alcoholic aroma precursors, cis- and trans-linalool, 3,7-oxides 6-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosides (1 and 2), as well as two already known compounds, (Z)-3-hexenyl beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) and methyl salicylate 6-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (beta-primeveroside: 4), and another new monoterpendiol glycoside, 8-hydroxygeranyl beta-primeveroside (5) have recently been isolated as aroma precursors in tea leaves (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cv. Maoxie) ready for oolong tea processing.

The immunosuppressant FK506 ameliorates ischaemic damage in the rat brain

The effect of the immunosuppressant FK506 on ischaemic neuronal damage was studied in a rat model of transient cerebral ischemia induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries in combination with hypotension for 10 min. Neuronal damage was assessed morphologically after 4 days of recovery. Treatment with FK506, given at a dose of 2 mg kg-1 by intraperitoneal injections 30 min prior to ischemia and once daily during recovery, decreased neuronal damage by 52% in the hippocampal CA1 region and by 48% in the temporal cortex. The protection was not due to diminished body temperature or a marked reduction of ischaemia-induced synaptic overflow of glutamate. We propose that FK506 decreases neuronal damage either by inhibiting calcineurin-mediated events or by preserving mitochondrial function.

[Clinical evaluation of urinary leukotriene E4 levels in asymptomatic bronchial asthma]

To evaluate the significance of peptide leukotrienes (LTC4, D4, E4) in asymptomatic asthmatic patients, we measured urinary LTE4 levels which is thought to reflect in vivo production of peptide LTs. Urinary LTE4, was extracted using C18 solid phase column and measured by radioimmunoassay. There was no significant difference in urinary LTE4 levels among asthmatics with different severity or between atopic and non-atopic asthmatics. Urinary LTE4 levels were significantly elevated in asthmatics compared with normal controls (p < 0.05). When compared with normal controls, urinary LTE4 levels were significantly elevated in moderate to severe asthma (p < 0.05), and non-atopic asthmatics (p < 0.001). Urinary LTE4 levels were significantly elevated in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics compared with aspirin-tolerant asthmatics (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in urinary LTE4 levels among aspirin-sensitive asthmatics with different severity. These results suggest that increased production of peptide LTs is a characteristic in aspirin-sensitive asthma, and that the severity and type of asthma and the presence of aspirin-sensitive asthma should be taken into consideration in the analysis of urinary LTE4 levels.

Production of hydroxy fatty acid (10-hydroxy-12(Z)-octadecenoic acid) by Lactobacillus plantarum from linoleic acid and its cardiac effects to guinea pig papillary muscles

Lactobacillus plantarum produced 10-hydroxy-12(Z)-octadecenoic acid (10-OHODA) from linoleic acid. It was suspected that 10-OHODA might be closely related to leukotoxin (9,10-epoxy-12-octa-decenoic acid (LTx)) which was regarded as a toxic and/or defensive substance in living beings. The cardiac effect of 10-OHODA, which was biosynthesized by Lactobacillus plantarum, on an isolated guinea-pig papillary muscle was determined. Its effect on the contractile force of the tissue preparations was examined both in terms of its concentration and the time of exposure. A decrease in muscular tension was observed immediately after administration of 10-OHODA at concentrations of 30, 100, and 300 microM. We also compared the effect of 10-OHODA on muscle tension with that of LTx and its isomer 12,13-epoxy-9-octadecenoic acid (LTx'). Each inhibitory effect on the contractile force of the papillary muscle was statistically significant in the concentration of 300 microM 5 min after administration compared to the control in the absence of each fatty acid, suggesting that 10-OHODA is likely to exert some influence on the circulatory system together with LTx and LTx'.

Inactivation of the CDKN2 gene by homozygous deletion and de novo methylation is associated with advanced stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

We examined the genomic status of the CDKN2 gene including de novo methylation of 5' CpG islands in primary and metastatic tumor samples from 31 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. One somatic frame shift mutation (1 of 31; 3.2%) was identified by PCR-single strand conformational polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing. Homozygous deletion and de novo methylation of the gene were confirmed in 5 (16%) and 6 (19%) of 31 patients, respectively. Homozygous deletion and de novo methylation were significantly associated with silencing of gene expression (P < 0.01). Aberrations of the CDKN2 gene were detected in tumors with lymph node metastasis and muscular invasion (12 of 22; 54%) and in none of stage I tumors (0 of 9.0%; P < 0.05). These results suggest that homozygous deletion and de novo methylation are predominant mechanisms of inactivation of the CDKN2 gene and may be associated with metastatic and invasive phenotypes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

A human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-I carrier with chronic renal failure, aplastic anemia, myelopathy, uveitis, Sjögren's syndrome and panniculitis

A 53-year-old female infected with human T lymphotropic virus type-I (HTLV-I) suffered from chronic renal failure, aplastic anemia, myelopathy, uveitis, Sjögren's syndrome and Weber-Christian disease. Although HTLV-I antibody was negative in cerebrospinal fluid, she was diagnosed as HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) based on clinical and histological findings. Though to date there is no direct evidence, other complications have also been reported to be HTLV-I related diseases. This case provided the unique opportunity to observe various HTLV-I related diseases.

Secundum atrial septal defect associated with mitral valve cleft: report of a case with chromosomal syndrome of trisomy 3p

A 4-year-old boy was diagnosed as having a chromosomal abnormality with trisomy 3p associated with a secundum atrial septal defect and a cleft of the anterior mitral leaflet. His craniofacial features showed microcephaly, micrognathia, ocular hypertelorism associated with epicanthus, and low-set ears. Moderate mental retardation and hypoplasia of the penis were also noted. A left ventriculogram demonstrated grade 2 mitral regurgitation according to the Sellers' classification with a prolapsing of the mitral leaflets. A cleft of the anterior mitral leaflet was detected at the time of operation. The secundum atrial septal defect was directly closed and the mitral cleft was repaired. This is the first report of trisomy 3p associated with an atrial septal defect and a mitral valve cleft.

[An aged case of successful repair for the ruptured distal aortic arch aneurysm associated with aortic regurgitation: a case report]

Ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm had severely high mortality. A 83-year-old female, who had suddenly complained back pain and been diagnosed as the ruptured distal aortic arch aneurysm with aortic regurgitation by computer tomography and echo cardiogram, was admitted for an emergent surgery. Aortic arch replacement and aortic valve replacement were performed through median sternotomy under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with the retrograde cerebral perfusion. She was complicated with respiratory ventilation failure due to the massive mediastinal hematoma and her chest was kept open postoperatively. Her chest was closed two days after the first operation and she recovered uneventfully.

Sympathetic nerve activity in the spasm-induced coronary artery region is associated with disease activity of vasospastic angina

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the relation between sympathetic nerve activity and disease activity of vasospastic angina.

BACKGROUND

The autonomic nervous system has been proposed to play a key role in attacks of vasospastic angina. A unique feature of vasospastic angina attacks is periodic fluctuation, which complicates the assessment of disease activity.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) spasm were studied: 12 with recent onset of chest pain (group 1) and 13 free of angina for more than 3 months after discontinuing medication (group 2). Group 1 underwent iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging (in the active phase) and atropine-stress MIBG imaging early after diagnostic angiography, and repeat MIBG imaging when they were free of angina for more than 3 months with medication (in the stable phase). Group 2 also underwent MIBG imaging (in remission). On a bull's-eye map, quantitative analysis of percent uptake and washout rate of MIBG was performed regionally.

RESULTS

In group 1 in the active phase, the washout rate of the LAD territory was significantly lower than the rates in the stable phase, in remission and during atropine-stress MIBG imaging. The regional washout rate of the territories of the right coronary artery and the circumflex artery in the active phase was also significantly lower than that during atropine-stress MIBG imaging. The washout rate of the LAD territory in the active phase was significantly lower than the rates of the other two regions. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the distribution of regional percent uptake in every image. A similar distribution of washout rate was observed among group 1 patients in the stable phase, in group 1 patients during atropine-stress MIBG imaging and in group 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The MIBG washout rate of the spasm-induced coronary artery territory changed according to the degree of disease activity. Thus, sympathetic nerve activity could reflect disease activity of vasospastic angina.

Alterations of tumor suppressor genes and the H-ras oncogene in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The frequencies of mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). p53, and p16 (MTS1; multiple tumor suppressor 1/CDK4I; cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitor) tumor suppressor genes were investigated in 23 oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene locus and on chromosomes 3p (VHL; von Hippel-Lindau disease tumor suppressor gene locus), 5q (APC) and 9p (p16), and H-ras oncogene mutations were also studied in the same samples. Techniques employed were polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP), DNA sequencing and PCR-microsatellite analyses. Mutations of the p53 gene were detected in 26% (6/23) of the tumor specimens. APC and p16 were not mutated in any of the 23 oral SCCs studied. LOH was detected in 17% (2/12 informative cases) at the Rb, in 33% (4/12) on 3p, in 17% (4/ 23) on 5q and in 30% (3/10) on 9p. Mutations of the H-ras gene were detected in 9% (2/23). The only correlation between these genetic alterations and clinicopathologic characteristics was that mutations of the p53 gene were detected more frequently in oral SCCs with lymph node metastasis than in those without it (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that mutations of the p53 gene and LOH on 3p and 9p frequently occur in oral SCC and play important roles in the development and/or progression of this common malignancy.

[A study on the relationship between sources of health information concerning smoking and drinking, and health behavior]

To determine effective measures to popularize knowledge on the health effects of smoking and drinking and to change health behavior, an interview survey of 2000 persons aged 18 or older randomly chosen from national census forms throughout Japan was carried out. The coverage rates of the information concerning smoking and drinking were 97.3% and 92.5%, respectively. Television, newspapers and magazines were the major sources of health information concerning smoking and drinking. In addition, men who gave up or controlled smoking or drinking usually obtained health information from doctors, while those who had never controlled smoking usually obtained health information from their friends and families. Men who could not control drinking effectively usually obtained health information from the health examination consultant at the workplace. However, according to the answers from men who gave up or controlled drinking, the health information useful in changing health behavior was obtained from the health examination consultant at the workplace and from persons who had a disease history. Women who gave up or controlled drinking answered that the health information from their friends and families was helpful to change the health behavior.

Changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors in three Japanese national surveys 1971-1990

Trends of cardiovascular disease risk factors were evaluated through comparison of three national surveys in Japan, 1971-1990. Data from three Japanese national surveys on circulatory disorders, conducted in 1971, 1980, and 1990, were analyzed. Variables common to the three national surveys were selected for analysis. Serum total cholesterol was also but was examined only in 1980 and 1990. Age- and sex-specific mean values, standard deviations, median values, and proportions in extreme categories were determined for all continuous variables and proportions in categories interest for all discrete variables. Trends from 1971-1990 and 1980-1990 were estimated by linear regression analysis for continuous variables, and logistic regression analysis for binary variables. Systolic blood pressure was decreasing constantly during three surveys in both men and women (beta = -0.22 in men and -0.34 in women, p < 0.01 in both). Total cholesterol was increasing rapidly in both men and women between 1980 and 1990 (beta = 1.27 in men and 1.41 in women, p < 0.01 in both). For other risk factors, the results were less consistent among age- or sex-specific groups. Continued monitoring of risk factor trends in Japan will be important for predicting and explaining future trends in the occurrence of coronary heart disease and stroke in this population.

Basic performance of a miniature intraventricular axial pump

A miniature intraventricular axial pump for left ventricular (LV) support is under development. This pump was designed for placement in the LV cavity by insertion through the LV apex with the outlet located at the ascending aorta via the aortic valve. The basic hydrodynamic characteristics represented as a relationship between pump head (H) and flow (Q) showed a negative linear relationship under a constant head. This characteristic was generally the same as that obtained by other axial rotation pumps. However, the actual H-Q relationship was represented as anticlockwise "loops" caused by the contraction of the natural LV. The comparative in vitro data on these H-Q loops showed that the shape of the loops was changed drastically by the connecting condition between the pump and natural cardiovascular system.

Histone hyperacetylation plays a role in augmentation of IL-4-induced IgE production in LPS-stimulated murine B-lymphocytes by sodium butyrate

We previously reported the augmentation by sodium butyrate (NaBu) of IL-4-induced IgE production in LPS-stimulated murine B-lymphocytes. Histone deacetylase inhibition may be involved in the molecular mode of action of NaBu. Thus, this study was accomplished to examine the involvement of histone hyperacetylation in IL-4-induced class switching promotion by NaBu with a specific histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA). TSA was found to enhance IL-4-dependent IgE production in a concentration-dependent manner (0.3-30 nM) as did NaBu, although neither compound affected the IgE production in the absence of IL-4. The effect of combined addition of suboptimal concentrations of NaBu and TSA to the culture appeared to be additive, not synergistic. Moreover, the intense of enhancement of IgE production observed by addition of both compounds at optimal concentrations appeared to be equivalent to that obtained with each maximal concentration. Furthermore, enhancement of IgE production by TSA or NaBu was confirmed to be absolutely IL-4 dependent and was not due to the shift of kinetics. On the other hand, various cell cycle inhibitors such as caffeine and theophylline (G1 or G2-arrest), hydroxyurea (S-arrest), and colchicine (M-arrest), none of which have the ability to inhibit histone deacetylase, were shown to have no effect. These findings suggest that histone hyperacetylation plays an important regulatory role in the modification of IL-4-dependent class switching to C epsilon in LPS-stimulated murine B-cells by NaBu.

[Hypothermic management of brain dead dogs]

For preventing graft failure, the effects of hypothermic management of brain dead dogs was investigated. Forty-three brain dead dogs were divided into two groups according to the degree of esophageal temperature; a normothermic group (37.2 +/- 0.3 degree C, mean +/- SEM, n = 22), and a hypothermic group (31.8 +/- 0.3 degree C, n = 21) which was obtained by introducing ice slush in the peritoneal cavity. During the management of brain dead dogs, 1) heart rate, pressure product, and a total amount of catecholamine were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the hypothermic group than in the normothermic group, 2) mean blood pressure, the maximum rate of the rise of left ventricle (LVdp/dt) and cardiac output were not different between both groups, 3) lactate content in the coronary sinus, and O2-extraction rate of the heart tended to be lower in the hypothermic group than in the normothermic group. After transplantation, the recovery of cardiac function was better in the hypothermic group than in the normothermic group. Hypothermic management of brain dead dogs may safely decrease cardiac stress, and keep cardiac aerobic circumstances.