Non-traumatic uriniferous pseudocyst. Report of a case

A non-traumatic uriniferous pseudocyst was incidentally found at autopsy in a patient with invasive urothelial carcinoma involving ureteral orifices. Massive paraaortic lymph node involvement by the metastic tumor in addition to the ureteral obstruction was considered responsible for the formation of uriniferous pseudocyst. The pertinent clinical history and autopsy findings are presented and a possible mechanism of pseudocyst formation is discussed.

Protease inhibitors and experimental acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis

Proteolytic enzyme inhibitors have been reported to decrease morbidity and mortality from certain types of experimental pancreatitis, although recent randomized trials have been unable to demonstrate that they are of benefit in the treatment of clinical acute pancreatitis. We have evaluated the effect of two proteolytic enzyme inhibitors (trasylol and chlorophyll-a, on experimental acute pancreatitis induced in mice by the feeding of a choline-deficient ethionine-enriched diet. The mortality rate and the biochemical and morphological severity of pancreatitis were not altered by either trasylol or chlorophyll-a administration. Thus, in this respect, diet-induced pancreatitis appears to resemble clinical acute pancreatitis. The reasons for the lack of effectiveness of proteolytic enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of both forms of pancreatitis are discussed.

Two-dimensional electrophoresis of plasma proteins without denaturing agents

A technique of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for the separation of plasma proteins is described. Human plasma proteins were separated by isoelectric focusing followed by electrophoresis in a 4 to 21% linear gradient gel slab. No denaturing agent was used throughout the procedure, so that the analysis of native proteins is possible. Two-dimensional patterns obtained from normal human plasma samples were recorded as "staining density maps," which are similar to contour line maps, and more than 230 protein spots were counted reproducibly on each "staining density map." This technique permits the simultaneous estimation of pI's and approximate molecular weights of native proteins on the slab gel. Applications of this technique to an IgA myeloma plasma sample and a porcine serum sample are described.

Harmonic-sensitive neurons in the auditory cortex of the mustache bat

Human speech and animal sounds contain phonemes with prominent and meaningful harmonics. The biosonar signals of the mustache bat also contain up to four harmonics, and each consists of a long constant-frequency component followed by a short frequency-modulated component. Neurons have been found in a large cluster within auditory cortex of this bat whose responses are facilitated by combinations of two or more harmonically related tones. Moreover, the best frequencies for excitation of these neurons are closely associated with the constant-frequency components of the biosonar signals. The properties of these neurons make them well suited for identifying the signals produced by other echolocating mustache bats. They also show how meaningful components of sound are assembled by neural circuits in the central nervous system and suggest a method by which sounds with important harmonics (or formants) may be detected and recognized by the brain in other species, including humans.

Primary carcinoma of the cystic duct

We described a case of primary carcinoma of the cystic duct that conforms to previously established criteria. To our knowledge, this is the 21st recorded case; it was accidentally discovered during cholecystectomy. The features of all 21 cases are reviewed. Since these tumors tend to be treated surgically at an early stage because of the relatively early developement of clinical symptoms, such as right upper abdominal pain and palpable mass, caused by the obstruction of the cystic duct, the prognosis is better than that of other extrahepatic bile duct carcinomas.

Impairment of cell-mediated immunity in ectodermal dysplasia with aplastic anemia

A case of ectodermal dysplasia and aplastic anemia is presented in which a cell-mediated immunodeficiency led to a fatal Pneumocystis carinii infection. Elevated levels of IgG, IgA and IgD were present with normal specific antibody titres. A deficient cell-mediated immunity was documented by low T cell numbers, poor in vitro mitogenic responses, negative skin tests and by the histologic finding at autopsy of thymic dysplasia.

Cortical neurons sensitive to combinations of information-bearing elements of biosonar signals in the mustache bat

The auditory cortex of the mustache bat, Pteronotus parnellii rubiginosus, is composed of functional divisions which are differently organized to be suited for processing the elements of its biosonar signal according to their biological significance. Unlike the Doppler-shifted-CF (constant frequency) processing area, the area processing the frequency-modulated components does not show clear tonotopic and amplitopic representations, but consists of several clusters of neurons, each of which is sensitive to a particular combination (or combinations) of information-bearing elements of the biosonar signal and echoes. The response properties of neurons in the major clusters indicate that processing of information carried by the frequency-modulated components of echoes is facilitated by the first harmonic of the emitted biosonar signal. The properties of some of these neurons suggest that they are tuned to a target which has a particular cross-sectional area and which is located at a particular distance.

A freeze-fracture study of tubular myelin in fetal rabbit lung

A freeze-fracture replication study was undertaken to clarify the relationship between intracellular lamellar bodies of type II alveolar epithelial cells and intra-alveolar contents in late gestation rabbit fetuses. The interior of the inclusion bodies was composed of multiple stacks and/or whorls of membranes devoid of membrane-associated particles, while the limiting membrane of intracellular lamellar inclusion bodies was studied with membrane-associated particles of 150A diameter. The intra-alveolar contents were comprised of two components; spherical bodies, and tubular elements. Spherical bodies were identical to the internal contents of the lamellar bodies and also were devoid of membrane-associated particles. Tubular elements mostly appeared rectangular on cross-fractured faces, but triangular and hexagonal forms could also be seen. These tubules rested on the surfaces of the spherical bodies and appeared to be formed of the outer lipid monolayer of spherical bodies. The present observations suggest that the tubular element of the alveolar contents is formed through the interaction between the discharged lamellar body content and the alveolar fluid.

Aural representation in the Doppler-shifted-CF processing area of the auditory cortex of the mustache bat

In the mustache bat (Pteronotus pamellii rubiginosus) the frequency and amplitude of an acoustic signal are represented in the coordinates parallel to the surface of the Doppler-shifted-CF (constant frequency) processing area ofthe primary auditory cortex. In this area all cortical neurons studied were excited by contralateral stimuli, and almost all of them were either excited or inhibited by ipsilateral stimuli. These are called E-E (ipsilateral and contralateral excitatory) and I-E (ipsilateral inhibitory and contralateral excitatory) neurons, respectively. The I-E neurons are directionally sensitive, while the E-E neurons are not. The E-E neurons are equally sensitive to echoes between 30 degrees contralateral and 30 degrees ipsilateral. Of the electrode penetrations orthogonal to the Doppler-shifted-CF processing area, 57 percent were characterized by either E-E or I-E neurons. Thus, there are at least two types of binaural columns: E-E columns, mainly located in a ventral part of the Doppler-shifted-CF processing area, where neurons are tuned to weak echoes; and IE columns, mainly distributed in a dorsal part, where neurons are tuned to moderate to intense echoes. Therefore, neurons tuned to weaker echoes integrate or even multiply faint signals from both ears for effective detection of a distant small target, while neurons tuned to moderate to intense echoes are suited for processing directional information and are stimulated when a bat approaches a target at short range. The Doppler-shifted-CF processing area may be considered to consist of two functional subdivisions.

The freeze-fracture study of alveolar type II cells and alveolar content in fetal rabbit lung

Freeze-fracture replication technique was utilized to study the morphology of type II alveolar epithelial cells and alveolar contents in the late gestation of rabbit fetuses. It was shown that the lamellar inclusion bodies of type II cells were enveloped by the usual type of unit membrane with membrane-associated particles of 15 nm diameter. The interior of the inclusion bodies was composed of multiple stacks and/or whorls of membranes which were devoid of membrane-associated particles. Small vesicles within the inclusion were found more frequently with this technique than in chemically fixed thin-sectioned preparations. The intra-alveolar contents were comprised of two components; sperical bodies, which were identical to the internal contents of the lamellar bodies of type II cells, and tubular elements. These tubules most often appeared rectangular on cross-fractured faces. Triangular hexagonal fracture faces were also noted. The tubules were seen to rest on the surfaces of the spherical components. Our observations suggest that the tubular element of alveolar contents is formed through the interaction between the discharged lamellar body content and the alveolar fluid, and further suggest that at least the major constituent of type II cell lamellar bodies is lipid not bound to protein. Three new observations were made in this study; the absence of membrane-associated particles on the interior of the lamellae of the inclusions, the cross-fractured profiles of tubular elements of the alveolar contents, and the occasional multicompartmental nature of type II cell inclusions.

Molecular weight estimation of bovine brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase

The molecular size of bovine brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) was investigated Mitochondria were solubilized with an anionic detergent. Emarl 20C, and fractionated by ammonium sulfate. Ammonium sulfate-fractionated MAO was subjected to detergent-containing gel chromatography and detergent-containing gel electrophoresis. MAO activity appeared as single symmetrical peak in gel chromatography in the presence of 1% Emarl 20C, and the molecular weight was estimated to be 44,000. Polymerization of MAO was observed when gel chromatography was performed in lower (0.1%, 0%) concentrations of Emarl 20C. Activity staining of MAO after electrophoresis on a gel containing 0.1% Emar 20C was successful. The molecular weight of MAO estimated from the mobility of this stained band was 89,000. It is suggested that the molecular weight of MAO is 44,000 and that it recombines in low concentrations of the detergent to form complex particles with molecular weights of 89,000 or more.

[The combination of STA-MCA anastomosis with another operation for the occlusive cerebrovascular disease (author's transl)]

Case 1. A 65 year old male had left hemiparesis with sudden onset since 8 years ago, which gradually aggravated for these 2 years. On Sept. 27, 1973, he was admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, Kitano Hospital. There was left spastic hemiparesis with hemisensory disturbance and he could not walk without help for the maked spasticity. Left carotid angiogram revealed the complete occlusion of the internal carotid artery and marked stenosis of the external carotid artery at the common carotid bifurcation. External carotid endarterectomy was performed on Nov. 19, 1973, which was followed by STA-MCA anastomosis 2 months later. The spasticity of extremities and left hemisparesis were gradually improved and he was able to walk without help. Case 2. On Apr. 14, 1974, a 63 year old female developed complete stroke with right hemiparesis and speech disturbance after transient ischemic attacks of 5 days duration. On Aug. 9, he was admitted and had emotional incontinence, right hemiparesis, Gerstmann's syndrome and motor aphasia. Left carotid angiogram revealed a saccular aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery and the occlusion of the distal middle cerebral arterys. These findings suggested that the occlusion was caused by embolus from the middle cerebral aneurysm, and the combined surgery with STA-MCA anastomosis and operation for the aneurysm was planned. On Aug. 30, 1974, under left frontotemporal craniotomy, aneurysmal neck clipping and aneurysmectomy were performed and thereafter, STA-MCA double anastomosis was done. One week after operation, the gradual improvement of pre-operative symptomes was noted. Recently, STA-MCA anatomosis is well known to be one of the effective operative methods for the occlusive methods for the occlusive cerebrovascular diseases and in addition, we found that the combination of STA-MCA anastomosis with other operations was effective for unusual cases presenting in this report. Furthermore, except for the occlusive cerebrovascular diseases, we usually plan STA-MCA anastomosis for the cases of 1) carotid ligation or trapping for carotid-cavernous sinus fistula and some internal carotid aneurysms, 2) some intracranial tumors with the danger involving the main cerebral arteries by operation to protect the cerebrovascular insufficiency.

Changes of upper gastrointestinal blood flow after hemorrhage in rabbits

The effect of hemorrhage and blood transfusion on the regional blood flow of the upper gastrointestinal tract was measured with radioactive microspheres in a rabbit shock model. Fifteen minutes after hemorrhage, mucosal blood flow in the esophagus, corpus, and antrum and total blood flow in the duodenum decreased drastically. The persistent reduction of mucosal blood flow continued until 60 minutes after hemorrhage. In spite of these distribution patterns of mucosal blood flow during hemorrhage, no macroscopic change was seen in any part of the gastrointestinal mucosa. One hour after blood reinfusion, the mucosal blood flow in the corpus was increased markedly, and innumerable hemorrhagic erosions appeared in this region. It may be that the striking increase of mucosal blood flow due to blood transfusion caused bleeding from the disrupted mucosa of the corpus. At this time the impaired flow in the esophagus, antrum, and duodenum tended to be improved already. Six hours after blood reinfusion, the bleeding from the mucosal foci in the corpus ceased and the mucosal blood flow returned to almost normal. Thus the higher susceptibility of the corpus to hemorrhagic shock may be due to the greater degree of rapid increase of mucosal blood flow occurring in this portion alone after blood transfusion as well as to its higher vulnerability to ischemia in the hemorrhagic period. The flow patterns in the muscular layer almost paralleled those in the mucosal layer during hemorrhage and blood transfusion.

Kaposi's sarcoma of scrotum

A rare case is presented of Kaposi's sarcoma localized to the scrotum with history, and physical and laboratory findings. Excision of the scrotum with bilateral orchiectomy was performed, with uneventful recovery. Literature is reviewed of Kaposi's sarcoma originating in the male external genitalia.

[Dermoid tumor in left cerebellum--A case report (author's transl)]

This paper describes a dermoid tumor which developed in the dorso-lateral area of the left cerebellar hemisphere. It is the first to be reported in Japan. The patient was a 31 year old female who suffered from severe occipital headaches, frequent vomiting and gait disturbances. Neurological findings on admission included marked bilateral choked discs, horizontal nystagmus on gaze to the left, and poor coordination on the finger to nose test, nose-finger-nose test and and heel-shin test on the left side. Left suboccipital craniectomy was performed. A tumor was found which displaced the left cerebellum anteromedially and inferiorly. The postero-lateral surface of the tumor was adherent to the overlying dura matter. It was completely removed and found to be about the size of a hen's egg. It contained a yellow, porridge-like substance and short hairs. Histological examination of the capsule of the tumor showed stratified squamous epithelium and cutaneous structures, such as hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The diagnosis was dermoid tumors. We could find as many as 78 cases of the posterior fossa dermoids in the literature. In 72 cases (92.4%), the mass existed along the midline in the posterior fossa. The dermoids developed in the cerebellar hemisphere were reported in only 6 cases (7.6%) including the present case. Laterally growing dermoids are considered to be very rare. The pathogenesis is discussed and the literature reviewed.

Chemical reactivity of labile sulfur of iron-sulfur proteins. The reaction of triphenyl phosphine

The reaction of triphenyl phosphine to iron-sulfur proteins from adrenal cortex mitochondria, spinach chloroplasts, and Clostridium pasteurianum was investigated. As ethanol concentrations in the reaction mixture increased, the rate of the reaction decreased. In the simultaneous presence of 1 M KC1 and 5 M urea, the reaction rate reached at maximum. Under these conditions the initial rates of the decolorization reaction by the phosphine were found to be 8.7, 0.88, and 1.8 nmol of ferredoxin per min at 25 degrees C for adrenal, spinach, and clostridial ferredoxins, respectively. The kinetic curves for the reaction of the phosphine sulfide formation, the loss of labile sulfur, and the deterioriation of visible absorption showed a similar pattern with a comparable rate. During this reaction, the complete reduction of ferric ions present in ferredoxin was observed with a fast rate under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions. These results suggest that the iron atoms in ferredoxin are first reduced by the intramolecular reductants in the presence of triphenyl phosphine with the concomitant formation of S2-2, which then reacts with triphenyl phosphine resulting in the formation of triphenyl phosphine sulfide.

[Spinal cord arteriovenous malformation during pregnancy (author's transl)]

On May 7, 1973, a 23-year-old female, para ii, gravida ii, suddenly developed severe chest pain at 10th month of her pregnancy and soon after became paraplegic with sensory impairment lower than the level of 5th thoracic nerve and urinary incontinence. On May 8, she was admitted to our clinic and 4 days after, labour was induced by Caesarean section. Myodil myelography demonstrated "worm like defects" at the level of Th4-Th5, but sabarachnoid block was not found. Selective spinal angiography showed the image of typical arteriovenous malformation at the level of Th2-Th6. On June 26, about 1.5 months after delivery total removal of arteriovenous malformation (from Th2 to Th6)) was performed by the use of operative microscope. 10 months after operation, the patient could walk with her baby in her arms and no urinary incontinence was seen. We discussed the clinical characteristics and the treatment of spinal cord arteriovenous malformation during pregnancy.