Protection against hypoxic injury in isolated-perfused rat heart by ruthenium red

Changes in intracellular calcium content and energy production during the period of hypoxia appear to be necessary for the development of cellular injury. Ruthenium red, a hexavalent dye which inhibits the active uptake of calcium by mitochondria, might improve a cell's energy status thereby minimizing hypoxic injury. Rat heart tissue was perfused retrogradely with Krebs-Henseleit medium containing 2.5 mM calcium and 10 mM glucose. The infusion of 0.1, 1.0 or 1.24, but not 0.01 microM, ruthenium red throughout 60 min of hypoxia and 30 min of reoxygenation decreased, in a dose-dependent manner, the release of lactate dehydrogenase normally seen at reoxygenation. When the infusion of 1.24 microM ruthenium red was begun after 45 min of hypoxia, lactate dehydrogenase release at reoxygenation after 60 min of hypoxia was decreased, but to a lesser extent than when this agent was present throughout hypoxia. Ruthenium red, 1.24 microM, had no significant effects on coronary flow or function in oxygenated heart tissue. When present throughout hypoxia and reoxygenation, 1.24 microM ruthenium red prevented the decrease in coronary flow normally seen and allowed recovery of heart rate, +dP/dT, -dP/dT and work (defined as the product of developed pressure and heart rate) to normal levels. Significant functional protection was not evident at reoxygenation when ruthenium red was infused after 45 min of hypoxia or in the absence of glucose. Cardiac ATP, creatine phosphate and energy charge were decreased after 60 min of hypoxia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Safety and long-term benefit of carotid endarterectomy in the asymptomatic patient

In order to determine the safety and long-term salutary effects of carotid endarterectomy in the asymptomatic patient, we retrospectively reviewed all asymptomatic patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy from 1980 through 1986. There were 60 carotid endarterectomies performed in 54 patients, 53 men and one woman. The mean age was 64 years. Arteriography revealed a high grade stenosis of 70% or greater in 46 carotid arteries (77%), ulceration in five (8%), and both in nine (15%). Risk factors included coronary artery disease in 60% of patients, smoking in 87%, hypertension in 67%, and diabetes in 22%. Perioperative morbidity included three cranial nerve injuries, one myocardial infarction and one contralateral stroke. There were no deaths. Mean follow-up was 47 months with only two patients being lost to follow-up. During follow-up three patients suffered ipsilateral transient ischemic attacks without recurrent carotid stenosis and one patient had a transient ischemic attack secondary to contralateral carotid occlusion. There was one ipsilateral stroke occurring two years after operation secondary to restenosis that required reoperation and four late contralateral strokes. Ten patients died in the follow-up period. Causes of death were stroke (1), cardiac (4), malignancy (2), pulmonary (2), and unknown (1). All surviving patients were evaluated by duplex scan at a mean interval following surgery of 47 months. Restenosis of endarterectomized arteries was seen at the following rates: less than 50% in 41 (87%); 50-75% in four (8.5%); 80% in one (2%); and 90% in one (2%). Life table analysis revealed a 98% ipsilateral stroke-free rate at five and eight years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Therapy of chronic hepatitis B with recombinant human alpha and gamma interferon

Eight patients with chronic hepatitis B entered a pilot study of gamma interferon and alpha interferon in combination. Gamma interferon alone had minimal inhibitory effects on serum levels of hepatitis B virus as monitored by serum HBV DNA and DNA-polymerase activity. The drug also gave troublesome side effects. In contrast, alpha interferon had more potent inhibitory effects on serum HBV levels and fewer side effects. When combined, the two interferons showed no additive or synergistic effects in inhibiting serum levels of HBV DNA or DNA polymerase. These findings indicate that the addition of gamma interferon to alpha interferon provides no additional antiviral effects but contributes significantly to side effects.

Progesterone increases messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) level in the hypothalamus of ovariectomized estradiol-primed prepubertal rats

In order to investigate the mechanism underlying ovarian steroid action on gene expression of hypothalamic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), changes in LHRH mRNA level were determined by RNA-blot hybridization assay. Twenty-eight-day-old female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and implanted with Silastic capsule containing either 17 beta-estradiol (E) or vehicle (V). Two days later (day 30), OVX + E-primed rats were given s.c. progesterone (P, 1 mg) 6 h prior to decapitation. Four experimental groups were studied: (1) intact, (2) OVX + V, (3) OVX + E, and (4) OVX + E + P-treated rats. Poly(A) RNA fractions from hypothalami (40-50/group) were isolated, blotted onto nitrocellulose paper and hybridized with 32P-end-labeled LHRH oligonucleotides (29 mer) which are complementary to rat LHRH mRNA. The hypothalamic LHRH mRNA signal markedly attenuated 2 days following ovariectomy. E replacement to OVX rats slightly increased LHRH mRNA level, which is lower than that of the intact group. However, a single injection of P to OVX + E-treated rats notably augmented the LHRH mRNA level over that observed in the intact group. In addition, LHRH content and release in vitro were examined to correlate with changes in LHRH gene expression. Ovariectomy and the replacement of E and/or P resulted in a similar fashion of changes in LHRH release and content as compared to alteration of LHRH mRNA level. This study clearly demonstrates that P increases LHRH mRNA level in the hypothalamus of OVX + E-primed immature rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Glomerulonephritis caused by chronic hepatitis B virus infection: treatment with recombinant human alpha-interferon

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of alpha-interferon therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related glomerulonephritis.

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized study.

PATIENTS

Five patients with persistence of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA in serum for at least 6 months and histologic changes of chronic hepatitis on liver biopsy as well as persistent proteinuria of greater than 2 g/d and histologic changes of glomerulonephritis on renal biopsy.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received a 4-month course of recombinant human alpha-interferon (alfa-2b) beginning at a dose of 5 million units administered subcutaneously each day.

RESULTS

Serum levels of HBV DNA decreased in all patients and fell to undetectable levels during treatment in four of five patients. In the four responding patients, serum HBeAg disappeared, aminotransferases fell into the normal range, and a follow-up liver biopsy showed an improvement in the hepatocyte necrosis and inflammation. Urine protein excretion also decreased during treatment. In the four responding patients, urine protein excretion gradually fell to less than 1 g/d and serum albumin levels rose into the normal range. Resolution of the biochemical and serologic evidence of chronic hepatitis and glomerulonephritis was accompanied by disappearance of signs and symptoms of liver and kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of patients with HBV-related glomerulonephritis will respond to a 4-month course of alpha-interferon with a clinical, biochemical, and serologic remission.

Prevention of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by dimethyl sulfoxide

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has previously been shown to protect against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, but the mechanism of this effect was not clear. Treatment of mice with 1 mg/kg DMSO 4 h before 250 mg/kg APAP resulted in significantly less hepatotoxicity than with APAP alone, as measured by serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) content 24 h after APAP. Protection was also evident when 1 ml/kg DMSO was given 4, but not 8 h after 250 mg/kg APAP. The APAP-induced depletion of liver glutathione was prevented in mice pretreated with DMSO, although DMSO alone had no effect on liver glutathione levels. The hepatic concentration of cytochrome P-450 (P450) 4 h after treatment of mice with 1 ml/kg DMSO, was significantly decreased compared to saline-treated animals. However, while this DMSO pretreatment significantly decreased the activity of cytochrome P-450-linked aminopyrine-N-demethylase, it increased the activity of aniline hydroxylase. Covalent binding of [14C]APAP to hepatic protein in vivo was significantly decreased in mice pretreated with DMSO. Covalent binding of [14C]APAP to hepatic microsomal protein in vitro was not significantly altered after in vivo treatment with DMSO. However, the presence of DMSO in the in vitro incubation mixture significantly decreased covalent binding of [14C]APAP in a dose-dependent manner compared to microsomal fractions from untreated, saline-treated or DMSO pretreated animals. These data suggest that the DMSO-induced alterations in cytochrome P-450 content and activity may not be the cause of the observed protective action of this chemical. The ability to competitively inhibit APAP bioactivation or to directly scavenge free radicals produced during APAP metabolism, including the activated species which covalently binds to protein, may account for the hepatoprotection afforded by DMSO.

Randomized, controlled trial of recombinant human alpha-interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Forty-five patients with chronic hepatitis B were entered into a randomized controlled trial of recombinant human alpha-interferon therapy. All patients had hepatitis B surface antigen in serum for at least 1 yr and had stable serum levels of both hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid and hepatitis B e antigen. During the 4-mo period of therapy, 10 of 31 (32%) treated patients and only 1 of 14 (7%) control patients became negative for serum hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase. All 10 patients who became negative for serum hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid subsequently had a marked improvement in serum aminotransferase activities and lost hepatitis B e antigen from serum, and 9 of them had improvement in liver histology. Comparison of responders to nonresponders indicated that female sex and a high initial level of serum aspartate aminotransferase correlated best with response to interferon therapy. These findings indicate that a 4-mo course of recombinant alpha-interferon can induce a remission in disease in approximately one-third of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Medical adrenalectomy for advanced prostatic cancer: clinical and hormonal effects

We examined the effect of medical adrenalectomy on the clinical and hormonal responses in 50 men with disseminated prostatic carcinoma. Patients refractory to initial hormonal therapy were treated with aminoglutethimide and hydrocortisone (AG-HC) and evaluated by the criteria of the National Prostatic Cancer Project. Eight patients showed a partial response (PR), and 17 remained stable while receiving these medications. Survival times for these two groups averaged 87.8 and 38 weeks, respectively. In contrast, 17 men were unresponsive to this therapy, exhibiting progressive disease with a mean survival time of 18 weeks. Eight patients could not tolerate the drug regimen or were lost to follow-up. Serum and urinary hormone profiles determined serially during AG-HC therapy revealed that all measured serum androgens and estrogens were significantly lowered by AG-HC treatment; however, specific hormones, including free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, and estradiol were suppressed to a greater degree in responders (R) as compared with nonresponders (NR). Urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids did not change during AG-HC therapy, but specific androgen metabolites, including testosterone glucuronide and androstanediol glucuronide, were suppressed by 50% during AG-HC therapy. We showed modest clinical benefit of AG-HC therapy in advanced prostatic cancer. That greater hormonal suppression was associated with greater responsiveness to this therapy raises the hope that further manipulations directed against suppression of extratesticular androgens may be a useful approach as second-line treatment of advanced prostatic cancer.

Energy dependence of enzyme release from hypoxic isolated perfused rat heart tissue

There is a sudden release of intracellular constituents upon reoxygenation of isolated perfused hypoxic heart tissue (O2 paradox) or on perfusion with calcium-free medium after a period of hypoxia. Rat hearts were perfused by the method of Langendorff (Pfluegers Arch. 61: 291-332, 1895) with Krebs-Henseleit medium containing 10 mM glucose. Hearts were equilibrated for 30 min, followed by 90 min of hypoxia or 60 min of hypoxia and 30 min of reoxygenation. The massive enzyme release observed upon reoxygenation after 60 min of hypoxia was prevented by infusing 0.5 or 5 mM cyanide 5 min before reoxygenation. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release commenced immediately upon withdrawal of cyanide. Hearts perfused with calcium-free medium throughout hypoxia did not release increased amounts of LDH at reoxygenation. Perfusing heart tissue with medium containing 0 or 25 microM calcium, but not 0.25 or 2.5 mM, after 50 min of hypoxia initiated a release of cardiac LDH, which was not further enhanced by reoxygenation. Enzyme release was significantly inhibited when the calcium-free perfusion medium included 10 mM 2-deoxyglucose (replacing glucose), 0.5 mM dinitrophenol, or 2.5 mM cyanide. Histologically, hearts perfused with calcium-free medium after 50 min of hypoxia showed areas of severe necrosis and contracture without any evidence of the contraction bands that were seen in hearts reoxygenated in the presence of calcium. Cardiac ATP and creatine phosphate (PCr) levels were significantly decreased after 50-60 min of hypoxia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arteriovenous malformation of the maxillary sinus: an unusual clinical presentation

Arteriovenous (AV) malformation is a rare vascular lesion of the jaws with a benign clinical presentation. As a result, AV malformation may be excluded from a presurgical differential diagnosis, with catastrophic results. Review of the pertinent literature showed no documentation of AV malformation in the maxillary sinus, and therefore we present the case of a 43-year-old white man with a history of blunt trauma to the paranasal region, whose differential diagnosis included a vascular lesion.

Testosterone stimulates LH-RH-like mRNA level in the rat hypothalamus

To elucidate whether testosterone (T) replacement to castrated male rats may promote luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) biosynthesis in the hypothalamus, an RNA-blot hybridization assay was employed. Poly(A) mRNA fractions from hypothalami (40-50) of intact, castrated plus vehicle, and castrated plus T group were isolated, blotted on nitrocellulose paper and hybridized with 32P-end labelled LH-RH oligonucleotides (29 mer) which is complementary to the rat LH-RH mRNA. LH-RH-like mRNA level markedly attenuated 2 weeks following castration and T replacement significantly increased LH-RH-like mRNA level, comparable to about 80% of that observed in intact male rats. In addition, LH-RH contents and release from hypothalami were studied, to examine the correlation with LH-RH gene expression and secretory activity of LH-RH. Castration significantly reduced LH-RH contents and LH-RH release in vitro. T replacement restored LH-RH contents and release comparable to those shown in the intact group. This study demonstrates for the first time that T replacement increases LH-RH-like mRNA level in the hypothalami of castrated rats suggesting that T may act at the pretranslational level. This change in LH-RH gene expression is parallel with alteration of LH-RH content and release.

Effect of coix on plasma, liver, and fecal lipid components in the rat fed on lard- or soybean oil-cholesterol diet

To determine the influence of dietary coix on lipid metabolism, the effect of coix on plasma, liver, and fecal lipid components was studied using Sprague-Dawley male rats. All rats were divided into four groups, and the rats of each group were fed the coix-lard diet, coix-soybean oil diet, or the respective control diets (containing 1% cholesterol each) for 27 days. Plasma and liver cholesterol levels in the coix-lard diet group significantly decreased as compared with those in the control group, whereas there was no effect on the fecal excretion of cholesterol. The decreases in the concentrated liver triglyceride and the increases in the fecal excretion of triglyceride were found in coix-soybean oil diet group. Moreover, liver and fecal phospholipid levels in both coix diet groups significantly increased. But there were no significant changes in plasma and fecal bile acids in either coix diet group. These results suggest the possibilities that coix may have an inhibitory action on cholesterol synthesis in liver, a facilitating effect on biliary excretion of triglyceride, and an acceleratory action on phospholipid synthesis in liver.

Psychiatric complications of long-term interferon alfa therapy

Ten (17%) of 58 patients with chronic viral hepatitis treated with a four- to 12-month course of recombinant human interferon alfa developed psychiatric side effects. The psychiatric side effects fell into three categories: an organic personality syndrome characterized by irritability and short temper; an organic affective syndrome marked by extreme emotional lability, depression, and tearfulness; and a delirium marked by clouding of consciousness, agitation, paranoia, and suicidal potential. These psychiatric side effects appeared after one to three months of therapy, usually improved within three to four days of decreasing the dose of interferon alfa, and invariably resolved once therapy was stopped. The organic personality and affective syndromes tended to occur in patients who received the highest dose of interferon alfa, who had relatively mild hepatitis, and who lost weight during interferon treatment. Delirium tended to occur in patients with severe hepatitis who had previous evidence of organic brain injury or dysfunction or previous drug and alcohol abuse. Failure to recognize these side effects quickly and to treat them with supportive therapy and modification of the dose of interferon alfa could result in limitation of therapy and serious personal and interpersonal consequences.

Treatment of chronic non-A,non-B hepatitis with recombinant human alpha interferon. A preliminary report

We treated 10 patients who had chronic non-A,non-B hepatitis with recombinant human alpha interferon in varying doses (0.5 to 5 million units) daily, every other day, or three times weekly for up to 12 months. In 8 of the 10 patients, elevated serum aminotransferase levels decreased rapidly during therapy and eventually fell into the normal or nearly normal range. In two of these patients, the interferon therapy was stopped after four months, and in both cases, a prompt return of aminotransferase activities to pretreatment values occurred. Prolonged treatment was associated with a sustained improvement in aminotransferase levels; in three cases, biopsy specimens obtained after one year of therapy showed marked improvement in hepatic histology, even though low doses of alpha interferon had been used. These preliminary findings, although not adequately controlled, suggest that long-term, low-dose alpha interferon therapy may be effective in controlling the disease activity in some patients with chronic non-A,non-B hepatitis. A prospective controlled trial is now needed to assess the role of interferon therapy in this disease.

[The introduction of an urodynamic technic synchronized with videocystourethrograms and its data management]

The video urodynamics that simultaneously display urodynamic data with radiographic visualization of the lower urinary tract on television monitors was first described by Miller in 1967. This technique has been developed in a growing number of urodynamic laboratories in North American and European countries. The 2100 uro color video system manufactured by DISA elektronik A/S was introduced into our clinic in September in 1984. We have been aware of the lack of a satisfactory way of measuring the function of the bladder neck and posterior urethra during micturiton. But now, from our experience using this system, we conclude that video urodynamics is a comprehensive means of assessing, lower urinary tract disorders.

Thallium perfusion and cardiac enzyme abnormalities in patients with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Twelve patients of five families with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were examined. Within each family, the older patients showed dilation or diminished contraction of the left ventricle by echocardiography or angiocardiography more frequently than did younger patients. LDH1 fraction (lactic dehydrogenase isoenzyme) and MB-CPK (creatinine phosphokinase isoenzyme) were increased in 7 of 10 patients. Thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy showed perfusion defect or hypoperfusion in 9 of 10 patient. Eleven cases demonstrated remarkable hypertrophy at the macroscopic level. Marked fibrosis was observed in all 5 of the 11 patients whose histologic findings were obtained. In two necropsy cases, disarray was found throughout the right and left ventricles and the pattern of fibrosis was massive. These findings were different from those of ordinary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is possible that each patient with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may develop more prominent thallium and enzyme abnormalities as he becomes older, regardless of whether he develops a dilated cardiomyopathy picture.

Induction of a distinct nuclear poly(A) polymerase and the production of anti-tumor poly(A) polymerase antibodies in hepatocarcinogenesis

Primary hepatomas induced in rats by an azo dye contained a distinct nuclear poly(A) polymerase which was different from the corresponding normal liver enzyme with respect to molecular weight and peptide map. The two enzymes could also be distinguished by their immunological characteristics. Sera from the carcinogen-fed rats contained antibodies to the tumor poly(A) polymerase even before the appearance of neoplastic nodules.

Vincristine, adriamycin, and mitomycin (VAM) therapy for previously treated breast cancer. A preliminary report

Fifteen patients with metastatic breast cancer previously treated with chemotherapy were treated with a regimen consisting of vincristine, Adriamycin, and mitomycin. Eleven patients (73%) responded with three complete and eight partial responses. The median duration of response was eight months. While all four nonresponders died within five months, the median duration of survival of responders was 18 months. Toxicity was significant but tolerable. Thus, this preliminary report suggests that this regimen is active in advanced previously treated breast cancer, providing meaningful remissions with acceptable toxicity.

Pulmonary regurgitation studied with the ultrasonic pulsed Doppler technique

Sixty patients with pulmonary regurgitation were studied by the pulsed Doppler technique combined with two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography. Patients with pulmonary regurgitation had abnormal Doppler signals just below the pulmonic valve in the right ventricular outflow tract in diastole on the two-dimensional image. These signals were considered to indicate the regurgitant flow. There are two patterns of pulmonary regurgitant Doppler signals. In pulmonary hypertension, the maximal component of instantaneous flow velocity is sustained at about the same signal strength throughout diastole, but when the pulmonary arterial pressure is normal, the velocity slows down gradually from early diastole to end-diastole. Pulmonary regurgitation was detected by phonocardiography in about half the patients. In the remaining half, pulmonary regurgitant murmur could not be differentiated from aortic regurgitant murmur or was masked by coexistent aortic regurgitation or patent ductus arteriosus, whereas the Doppler technique indicated pulmonary regurgitation.

Prostatic cancer with an unusual presentation: polymyositis and mediastinal adenopathy

A 67-year-old man with prostate cancer presented with acute polymyositis and vocal cord paralysis as a result of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. His clinical course was unusual, with the development of a malignant pleural effusion, supraclavicular adenopathy, and osteolytic bone lesions. Urologic symptoms developed only pre-terminally, and osteoblastic bone metastases were not documented. This case suggests that prostate cancer need not have a simple natural history.

Effect of Temperature on Growth and Alpha Toxin Production by Clostridium perfringens 1

Growth and alpha toxin production by a strain of Clostridium perfringens was determined in Thioglycollate medium, beef broth with ground beef, and beef broth with ground beef and soy protein. Incubation temperatures ranged from 15 to 50 C. In Thioglycollate medium, maximum alpha toxin production occurred at 35 C and was 40 times greater than that observed at 45 C. However, generation time and maximum population were approximately the same at 35 and 45 C. At 15 C, a two log cycle reduction in viable counts occurred within 6 h. Irrespective of incubation temperature, alpha toxin levels in Thioglycollate medium declined as the incubation period was extended beyond the stationary growth phase. In the beef broth with ground beef system which was studied at 35 C only, the organism grew slower and produced less toxin than in Thioglycollate medium. The amount of alpha toxin detected was influenced to a greater extent by the incubation time and temperature, the holding time beyond the stationary growth phase, and the growth medium than by the population level of C. perfringens .

Purification and Activity of Clostridium perfringens Alpha Toxin 1

Clostridium perfringens a-toxin obtained from a commercial source contained at least seven protein bands when examined by SDS polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. The fraction with an R_m of 0.29-0.56 contained 95.6% of the total hemolytic activity and all of the phospholipolytic acitivity. The a-toxin when passed through a Sephadex G-100 column yielded several peaks but only one active fraction. This fraction upon electrophoresis in a SDS polyacrylamide disc gel system contained two protein bands. Only one protein with a R_m of 0.64 possessed hemolytic and phospholipolytic activites. A second passage of the active fraction through Sephadex G-100 yielded only one protein band. This protein exhibited both hemolytic and phospholipolytic activities. For C. perfringens , it is apparent that both of these activities reside with the same protein.

Factors Affecting Quantification of Clostridium perfringens Alpha Toxin by the Hemolysin Indicator Plate Test and Other Procedures 1

Application of the following methods, electroimmunodiffusion on cellulose acetate, radial immunodiffusion, lecithovitellin agar plate, and hemolysin indicator plate, for quantification of alpha toxin of Clostridium perfringens revealed that the hemolysin indicator plate method was the most sensitive detecting 0.0003 unit/ml. Sensitivity of the hemolysin indicator plate method was enhanced 67-fold when alpha toxin was diluted with Brewer Thioglycollate medium (Difco, 0236) rather than physiological saline solution. The proteose-peptone ingredient of Thioglycollate medium was the major contributor to increased sensitivity. Less refined agar yielded a larger hemolytic zone. This was attributed, in part, to its higher calcium content. The reducing agent, sodium thioglycollate, diminished the hemolytic zone. In terms of clarity of hemolytic zone, the optimum human red blood cell concentration was 2.1 × 10⁶/ml of base agar. Incubation of hemolytic indicator plates at 35 rather than 21 or 45 C yielded greater hemolytic zones. When incubation time was extended, hemolytic zones also increased in size.