Recombinant human growth/differentiation factor 5 stimulates mesenchyme aggregation and chondrogenesis responsible for the skeletal development of limbs

We have expressed and biologically characterized recombinant human growth/differentiation factor 5 (huGDF5). This protein is composed of a mature homodimer consisting of 15 kD subunits. Using recombinant expressed protein, we have demonstrated that huGDF5 in vitro stimulated mesenchyme aggregation and chondrogenesis in rat limb bud cells. In vivo, partially purified huGDF5 induced cartilage and bone formation in muscular tissues of rodents. However, in contrast to the effects of other BMPs, as for example BMP-2, the osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells did not respond to huGDF5 as measured by alkaline phosphatase activity. These results suggest that the action of GDF5 may be relatively specific for chondrogenesis during the entire process of the endochondral bone formation. GDF5 may control the morphogenesis of cartilaginous tissue, including joints, in the skeletal development of limbs.

Laparoscopic microwave thermotherapy on small renal tumors: experimental studies using implanted VX-2 tumors in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of microwave thermotherapy on implanted renal VX-2 tumors.

METHODS

Fifteen rabbits with implanted renal VX-2 tumors were divided into three groups according to the type of therapy: nephrectomy, laparoscopic microwave thermotherapy, and no treatment. Both the anticancer effect and safety were compared among these groups.

RESULTS

The survival rate in the laparoscopic microwave thermotherapy group was significantly higher than that in the no-treatment group, and was the same as that in the nephrectomy group. The serum creatinine level did not increase after microwave therapy.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic microwave thermotherapy may be useful for a nephron-salvaging treatment in small implanted renal VX-2 tumors in rabbits.

Effects of a thromboxane synthase inhibitor (CS-518) on the eosinophil-dependent late asthmatic response and airway hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs

The effects of CS-518, a thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor, on antigen-induced dual bronchial responses, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway eosinophilia were investigated in an experimental guinea pig model of the late asthmatic response. Oral CS-518 (1 and 10 mg/kg) inhibited immediate and late asthmatic responses dose-dependently. It also inhibited AHR and eosinophil accumulation after antigen challenge. Therefore, thromboxane A2 is possibly involved in development of the late asthmatic response and AHR, and CS-518 was inferred to inhibit these via inhibition of eosinophil accumulation and thromboxane production.

Hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis after acoustic neuroma resection: influence of the time anastomosis on recovery of facial movement

Facial movement following hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis was investigated in 29 acoustic neuroma patients. The amount of facial movement was assessed using both the grading system of House and Brackmann and the revised grading scale of Yanagihara. The data were analyzed to determine the influence of the time elapsed between tumor resection and anastomosis upon recovery of facial movement. A slightly larger number of patients with delayed anastomosis (7-23 months) showed minimally poorer results than those with early anastomosis (within 3 months). However, these differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, there was no apparent relationship between the duration of facial nerve paralysis and the recovery of facial movement within either of these two groups. These results showed that hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis can be delayed up to 2 years following tumor resection with only minimal effect on the recovery of facial movement.

Relationship between airway eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness in a late asthmatic model of guinea pigs

To elucidate the mechanism of development of asthma, we tried to develop a model which elicited a late asthmatic response by a combination of systemic and inhaled sensitization with ovalbumin in guinea pigs. Eighty-seven percent of animals elicited both an immediate and late asthmatic response after the third antigen inhalation. Airway eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) induced after the third challenge were more severe than those after the first challenge. There was a good correlation between airway eosinophilia and AHR in this model under experimental modulation of the number of eosinophils, such as by interleukin 5 or antieosinophil antibody injection. These results demonstrate that eosinophils play an important role in the development of late asthmatic response and AHR.

[Pelvioureteral function after ureterotomy--experimental study simulating endopyeloureterotomy]

BACKGROUND

Endopyeloureterotomy has been established as a valuable procedure for ureteropelvic junction or upper ureteral stenosis. In order to evaluate ureteropelvic function after endopyeloureterotomy, I examined electromyographic change in ureteral peristalsis, measured urine bolue volume, and monitored ureteral compliance in dogs following ureterotomy.

METHODS

Twelve adult mongrel dogs were anesthetized with pentobarbital, and the upper part of the left ureters was incised longitudinally for a distance of 2 cm. After the incision of the left ureter, a polyurethane splint was inserted through the kidney to the lower part of the ureter and left for four weeks. At 5 (n = 4), 12 (n = 4), and 24 (n = 4) weeks after the operation, electromyography in ureteral peristalsis, urine bolue volume, and ureteral compliance at the incised part of the ureter were investigated. During the measurement of peristaltic frequency and urine bolus volume, saline was infused to the renal pelvis at a constant rate through a nephrostomy. I also investigated these factors in 4 dogs without ureterotomy and defined this group as control.

RESULTS

When the infusion rate increased, ureteral peristaltic frequency and/or urine bolus volume gradually increased in the groups of 12, 24 weeks and control group after the operation; in the group of 5 weeks, ureteral peristaltic frequency and bolus volume had not increased significantly. Peristaltic velocity at the incised area decreased significantly at 5 weeks and 12 weeks following the operation compared to the velocity in the control group, but recovered at 24 weeks. Ureteral compliance decreased significantly at 5 weeks compared to that in the incised area of control dog ureter, but increased gradually and recovered at 12 weeks. In the incised ureter the defect was healed with granulation tissue within 5 weeks, and covered by smooth muscle within 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that ureterotomy had harmful effects on ureteral peristalsis 5 weeks following surgery, but that ureteral function generally returned at 12 weeks, and recovered completely at 24 weeks. It was supposed that endopyeloureterotomy would improve ureteral function in patients with ureteropelvic junction and upper ureteral stenosis.

[Arterial plasma keton body levels during isoflurane anesthesia and surgery]

The authors measured arterial plasma levels of acetoacetate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, free fatty acid and the blood levels of lactate and glucose to evaluate fat metabolism during isoflurane anesthesia and surgery in twenty patients who ranged in age from 17 to 67 years. They underwent non-abdominal surgery (orthopedic surgery) or abdominal surgery (gastrointestinal or gynecological surgery). The operation started at 9 AM following starvation after 9 PM of the day before surgery. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous thiopental followed by intravenous succinylcholine to facilitate tracheal intubation, and maintained with isoflurane in 50 % nitrous oxide and 50 % oxygen. Vecuronium was given intravenously during surgery. Lactated Ringer's solution at a speed of 5-15 ml.kg-1.h-1 was also administered intravenously throughout the procedures. Patients who had received glucose solution or blood transfusion were excluded. Plasma acetoacetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate levels increased significantly with surgical stimulation in both groups and they were slightly higher in the abdominal group than those in the non-abdominal group. However there was no statistical difference in plasma keton body levels between the groups. Mild increases in plasma free fatty acid and blood lactate levels were detected during surgery in both groups to the same extent. Blood glucose increased significantly during surgery in both groups and the increase was statistically higher in the abdominal group than that in the non-abdominal group. The findings suggest that there is no difference in fat metabolism between non-abdominal and abdominal groups during surgical intervention lasting as long as 3 hours when patients are starved and do not receive any glucose during surgery.

G-protein activation enhances Ca(2+)-dependent lipid secretion of the rat harderian gland

We studied the secretory mechanism of the Harderian gland of rats. After perfusion with HEPES-buffered Ringer's solution containing NaF (10 mM) with AlCl3 (10 microM), a G-protein activator, the glandular cells of the Harderian gland showed massive exocytosis and apocrine-like protrusions on the luminal surface. Some of the secretory vacuoles aggregated within the cytoplasm, and large vacuoles were formed. Contraction of the myoepithelial cells covering the glandular endpieces caused a narrowing of the glandular lumina, which contained cytoplasmic fragments, and deformation of the basal contour of the glandular end-pieces. The basal regions of the glandular cells also bulged between the myoepithelial cells. Secretory vacuoles were also discharged to the lateral cell surface, and the intercellular spaces were dilated. The enhanced secretory activities of the glandular cells and the contraction of the myoepithelial cells were similar to those in rats stimulated with 10 microM carbachol (CCh). However, dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum in glandular cells (type A cells), which leads to the formation of small vesicles, was observed in those glands stimulated by NaF+AlCl3, but not in those stimulated by CCh. Removal of Ca2+ from the perfusing HR or addition of EDTA (0.5 mM) diminished and inhibited NaF+AlCl3- or CCh-enhanced secretory activity of the glandular cells and also allayed the deformation of glandular cells caused by myoepithelial cell contraction. The present results demonstrate the involvement of G-proteins and Ca(2+)-influx in the lipid secretion of glandular cells and in the contraction of myoepithelial cells of the Harderian gland in rats.

Morphological changes of myoepithelial cells of mouse lacrimal glands during postnatal development

To reveal the correlation between myoepithelial cell configuration and size/shape of glandular endpieces (acini), we observed postnatal developmental changes of myoepithelial cells in the lacrimal glands of mice. Glandular and myoepithelial cells were examined in paraffin sections and in isolated acini. In newborns, rudiments of acini showed no clear lumina and glandular cells had few secretory granules. There were no myoepithelial cells with actin. At 3 days after birth, some rudiments showed lumina; however, secretory granules were not salient. Round cells in the periphery of the acini showed immunoreactivity for actin. In 1-week-old mice, glandular cells were polarized: luminal cytoplasm contained some secretory granules, and nuclei were located basally. Most myoepithelial cells were flattened and sometimes projected thin processes in various directions. At 2 weeks, the glandular cells increased their size and contained numerous secretory granules, and the myoepithelial cells were almost stellate. In 4-8 week-old mice, acini increased their size, and myoepithelial cells were very thin and processes were prolonged in length and increased in number. During postnatal development, their distribution of myoepithelial cells was more scarce, while the size of acini increased. This reciprocal relation of myoepithelial cell distribution and acinar size may indicate that the changes of myoepithelial cell configurations depend on the change of acinus size.

Analysis of relationships between sex hormone dynamics and bone metabolism and changes in bone mass in surgically induced menopause

A 3-year follow-up study was performed of bone metabolism and bone changes induced by surgical menopause as a consequence of hysterectomy and oophorectomy (OVX) is 52 nonmenopausal women. We investigated 22 bone parameters and determined seven bone indices as indicators of bone mineral content by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and microdensitometry (MD). The significant correlations between levels of sex hormones and/or bone parameters and bone indices demonstrated that marked sex-steroid deficiency after surgical menopause induced bone uncoupling during high bone turnover and subsequent rapid bone loss on the early period after OVX. Principal component analysis using correlation coefficients suggested a seven-loading-factor matrix composed of bone parameters and a two-loading-factor matrix composed of bone indices. Two groups of parameters--estradiol and estriol, and androstenedione together, and luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone together--indicated that the rate of bone loss was greater in the trabecular bone than in the cortical bone. Three other groups of parameters--urine calcium, urine hydroxyproline, and serum bone Gla-protein together; serum alkaline phosphatase, serum calcium, and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D] together; and plasma tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase--indicated that bone uncoupling, with a prevalence of resorption over formation of bone, was greater in trabecular bone than is cortical bone and also that magnitude and rate of bone loss in the axial vertebrae surpassed those in the appendicular metacarpals after OVX. Two other groups of parameters, namely, trabecular bone mineral density (Dd) and bone mineral content (Dc), both measured by DXA, and bone mineral density (L2, L3), measured by QCT, together; and the cortical thickness index (MCI), cortical bone mineral density (sigmaGS/D), and the ratio of GSmin/max, measured by MD, indicated that the relative rates of bone reduction at the 3-year follow-up were greater in the axial vertebrae than in the appendicular metacarpals. Thus, bone change in the trabecular bone was associated with rapid loss during the early phase after OVX, whereas that in the cortical bone was slow during the late phase.

Efficacy of TNF-alpha gene-transduced tumor cells in treatment of established in vivo tumor

The therapeutic effect of TNF gene-transduced mouse fibrosarcoma cells (Meth-A: C5) on pre-inoculated parental cells (Meth-A: M0) was studied. Subcutaneous (s.c.) transplantation of M0 cells into one flank of syngeneic BALB/c mice was followed by s.c. injection of irradiated MO or C5 into the opposite flank 1 week later. The initial M0 tumor (T-MO) completely regressed in C5-vaccinated mice, whereas in M0-vaccinated mice continuous growth of T-M0 was observed. When a similar experiment was carried out in SCID mice, no regression of T-MO was observed, suggesting that the tumor regression in BALB/c mice was not due to direct anti-tumor activity of TNF secreted from C5, but to systemic immunity. Regression of the rechallenged M0 tumor was observed in mice which had shown T-MO regression by C5 vaccination, but rechallenged Colon 26 cells (syngeneic to BALB/c mice) continued to grow, indicating a specific immunity to Meth-A cells). The systemic immunity evoked in C5-vaccinated mice was directly demonstrated by enhanced killer activities of LAK and CTL with a proliferation of T-cell population in their splenocytes. Abrogation of the therapeutic effect of C5 vaccination with anti-Thy 1 and anti-Lyt 2 also demonstrates the involvement of cellular immunity in tumor regression.

Relaxation effect of an audiovisual system on dental patients. Part 2. Palus-amplitude

Dental care services include relaxation of patients to reduce their displeasure at and tension during treatment. For this purpose, it is common to use audio or audiovisual programs, that is, to let them listen to music or watch TV. However, the former utilizes only the auditory sense, and the latter is disadvantageous in that a TV set is a rather large-scale unit. In the present study, we determined the relaxation effect of an audiovisual instrument on dental patients. The instrument, which gives virtual vision, was composed of a lightweight eyeset of the snow goggle type that has a built-in TV screen, with earphone and accessories. The relaxation effect was determined using a polygraph.

Locoregional immunotherapy of malignant ascites by intraperitoneal administration of OK-432 plus IL-2 in gastric cancer patients

The clinical efficacy of intraperitoneal administration of OK-432 plus interleukin-2 (IL-2) for treating malignant ascites was evaluated in gastric cancer patients. Ten KE of OK-432 and 200,000 Jurkat units of IL-2 were intraperitoneally administered in tandem in the order given on alternate days at paracentesis. Of the 22 evaluable patients, 18 (81%) developed complete or partial responses, showing a cytologic disappearance of cancer cells and decrease of ascites. More than 50% of the patients obtained positive responses within 2 weeks after the initial administration of the drugs. Improvements of performance status and clinical symptoms such as abdominal fullness, followed by restoration of oral food intake and prolongation of survival time were observed in responders treated with OK-432 plus IL-2. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a predominant increase of the CD3+CD4+ cells, especially of the CD4+CD45RA- subset in the peritoneal cavity of the responders. Cytotoxicity assay after negative selection of the CD4+ cells with the antibody and complement revealed that the CD4+ subset possessed cytotoxic activity against autologous tumor cells. The results suggest that intraperitoneal administration of OK-432 plus IL-2 may not be only a practical but also an effective protocol for treating malignant ascites in gastric cancer patients.

[Daily oral low-dose etoposide therapy for aged patients with relapsed aggressive lymphoma]

Two patients with relapsed Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were treated with oral administration of etoposide. In these patients, long-term hematological remission was obtained. One patient was a 76-year-old man, who was successfully treated with CHOP for diffuse large cell NHL stage III B. One year after obtaining CR, he was admitted to our hospital for enlargement of lymph node. Rebiopsy of lymph node made a diagnosis of relapse from NHL. A new regimen of oral administration of etoposide treatment was employed. Hematological remission was obtained and continued for 3 years. Without interfering with his quality of life. The other patient was a 74-year-old man, who was treated with 6 cycles of CHOP for diffuse large cell NHL stage IV B. The patient attained complete remission following an additional 2 cycles of COMLA therapy. Eight years later, he was admitted for enlargement of lymph node. Rebiopsy of lymph node provided the basis for a diagnosis of relapse from NHL. Oral administration of etoposide treatment was started. Hematological remission was obtained and has been continued until now. These results show that oral administration of etoposide treatment is effective for some patients with recurrent NHL.

Spurious hyperfixation of hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime in acute embolic stroke

A 71-year-old man with atrial fibrillation suddenly had an embolism in the right middle cerebral artery. Single-photon emission CT was performed 4 hours after the onset of stroke and revealed markedly elevated 99mTc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) uptake in the right frontotemporoparietal region. This area of HMPAO hyperfixation corresponded to the area of infarction, as determined by CT and MR. Our findings showed that HMPAO single-photon emission CT overestimated reflow hyperemia after reperfusion in the acute stage of embolic stroke, as it does in the subacute stage.

Extrapancreatic effects of sulfonylureas--a comparison between glimepiride and conventional sulfonylureas

The contribution of extrapancreatic effects of sulfonylureas to the blood glucose-decreasing activity was reevaluated in vivo and in vitro with several conventional sulfonylureas and with the new one glimepiride. In vivo, in dogs, after single approximately equipotent blood glucose-decreasing doses, the sulfonylureas were tested for a ranking in the ratios of mean plasma insulin-increasing and blood glucose-decreasing activity. Studies were also performed in hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic KK-Ay mice under once daily treatment for 8 weeks. In vitro, glimepiride and glibenclamide were tested for the ranking of their extrapancreatic activity with respect to the stimulation of glucose transport and glucose metabolizing processes in normal and insulin-resistant fat cells as well as in the isolated diaphragm. Furthermore, in vitro studies were performed, especially with glimepiride, in order to characterize the molecular mechanism for the extrapancreatic activity. The dog studies revealed a marked ranking in the ratios of plasma insulin-increasing and blood glucose-decreasing activity between the different sulfonylureas (glimepiride < glipizide < gliclazide < glibenclamide). In the hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic KK-Ay mice, glimepiride reduced blood glucose by 40%, plasma insulin by 50% and HBA1c by 33%, whereas glibenclamide and gliclazide had no effect on these parameters. In vitro, glimepiride and glibenclamide had extrapancreatic effects within the lower microM range, with glimepiride exhibiting 2-3-fold lower ED50 values than glibenclamide. In the absence of insulin, both stimulated glucose transport--up to 60% of the maximum insulin response in the rat diaphragm and up to 35% in 3T3 adipocytes. Glycogenesis was stimulated in the rat diaphragm--up to 55% of the maximum insulin effect; lipogenesis in 3T3 adipocytes--up to 40%. The studies on the molecular mechanism of extrapancreatic activity with rat adipocytes and diaphragm suggest that these direct insulin-mimetic effects rely on the induction of GLUT4 translocation from internal stores to the plasma membrane and on the activation of the key metabolic enzymes, glycogen synthase and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. These processes occur within the same drug concentration range and with the same ranking between glimepiride and glibenclamide as observed for glucose utilization and transport. The direct effects of sulfonylureas may ultimately be regulated by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, shown to be activated by glimepiride in rat adipocytes. Lipolytic cleavage products thereby generated from glycolipidic structures may in turn stimulate specific protein phosphatases which activate key regulatory proteins/enzymes of glucose and lipid metabolism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Physical and gene organization of mitochondrial DNA from the fertile cytoplasm of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.)

We have constructed a complete physical map of the mitochondrial genome from the male-fertile cytoplasm of sugarbeet. The entire sequence complexity can be represented on a single circular master chromosome of 358 kb. This master chromosome contains three copies of one recombinationally active repeat sequence, with two copies in direct orientation and the other in inverted orientation. The positions of the rRNA genes and of 23 polypeptide genes, determined by filter hybridization, are scattered throughout the genome, with triplicate rrn26 genes located partially or entirely within the recombination-repeat elements. Three ribosomal-protein genes (rps1A, rps14 and rps19) were found to be absent from sugarbeet mtDNA. Our results also reveal that at least six regions homologous with cDNA are dispersed in the mitochondrial genome.

Pharmacokinetics and biologic activities of human native and asialointerferon-beta s

Glycoproteins are metabolized through an asialoglycoprotein metabolic pathway in vivo. They are desialylated and taken up by the liver via an asialoglycoprotein receptor. Fibroblast-derived natural human interferon-beta is a glycoprotein having a single asparagine-linked sugar chain. Although natural human interferon-beta may also be metabolized through this pathway, there is very little information about the biologic features of human asialointerferon-beta. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics and biologic activities of human native and asialointerferon-beta s. After intravenous administration to rabbits, human asialointerferon-beta was cleared from the blood circulation faster than the human native interferon-beta. More asialoprotein was distributed to the liver than the native type, but it induced less 2'5'-oligoadenylate synthetase. The human asialointerferon-beta had less activity than the human native interferon-beta on cell growth inhibition and 2'5'-oligoadenylate synthetase induction in Hep-G2 and HuH6 human hepatoblastoma cells. Southern blotting using a hepatitis B virus-transfected HuH6 cell line, HB611, revealed that the inhibition of hepatitis B virus DNA replication by the asialoprotein was weaker than that by the native protein. The results showed that the different effects exerted by the human native and asialointerferon-beta s may be a result of recognition of the sugar chains by rabbit hepatocytes or by human hepatoblastoma cells. The results also suggested that the terminal sialic acid of the sugar chains in natural human interferon-beta significantly affects its pharmacokinetics and biologic activities.

[Clinical evaluation of myasthenia gravis in elderly patients]

In Japan, elderly patients who develop myasthenia gravis (MG) are increasing in number. However, there are few clinical reports concerning this issue. We evaluated the clinical manifestations, inducing or exacerbating factors, complications, treatments and prognosis of systemic MG in 11 patients older than 60 years of age. Bulbar symptoms were more frequent in these patients compared with younger MG patients, and 6 out of 11 cases (54.5%) were mistakenly diagnosed as cerebrovascular disorders. Among inducing or exacerbating factors of MG were psychological problems inherently involved with the aged, physical factors, and inappropriate termination or rejection of medication. Increase in the level of anti-Ach-R antibodies was recognized in 10 out of 11 cases (90.9%). A high percentage of the patients had thymoma (36.4%) and thyroid diseases (45.5%): 3 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (27.3%), 1 with thyroid ophthalmopathy associated with hyperthyroidism, and 1 with simple goiter. Others were accompanied by ischemic heart disease, prostatic hypertrophy or stomach cancer. We treated these patients with corticosteroids, immunoglobulin, radiation for thymoma, or thymectomy in addition to administration of anticholinesterase agents. Prognostically, we found that duration of illness before death was shorter in those with onset later than 70 years of age. Seven out of 11 (63.6%) patients died of either aspiration pneumonia (4 cases), complications of thymectomy, congestive pulmonary edema or stomach cancer. There were no deaths associated with myasthenic crisis.

Carbamylcholine- and catecholamine-induced intracellular calcium dynamics of epithelial cells in mouse ileal crypts

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The intestinal epithelium is composed of various cells, and the enteric nervous system, which controls the epithelial functions, has different neurotransmitters and/or modulators. The aim of this study was to show whether the responses of intestinal epithelial cells to different neurotransmitters are elicited throughout the entire epithelium or are restricted to a certain cell.

METHODS

The spatiotemporal dynamics of cytosolic calcium ion ([Ca2+]c) were measured by digital imaging analysis in isolated crypts of mouse ileum loaded with [1-[2-(5'-carboxyoxazol-2'-yl)-6-amino-benzofuran-5- oxy]-2-(2'-amino-5'-methylphenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid] pentakis (acetoxylmethyl) ester. Thereafter, the crypt cells were identified morphologically.

RESULTS

Carbamylcholine elicited [Ca2+]c dynamics in Paneth cells, showing a biphasic increase, but neither cholecystokinin octapeptide nor nicotine had any effect on the [Ca2+]c of the crypt cells including the Paneth cells. Adrenaline and noradrenaline, but not isoproterenol, induced a transient elevation of [Ca2+]c of some enterochromaffin cells. Increases in the [Ca2+]c of most crypt cells were elicited by thapsigargin. Propagation of a [Ca2+]c wave in the crypts was not evident.

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in [Ca2+]c can be induced by carbamylcholine in Paneth cells and catecholamines in some enterochromaffin cells. The digital imaging analysis showed the heterogeneity of the responses of intestinal crypt cells to different transmitters.

Substance P immunoreactivity in rat von Ebner's gland

The present immunohistochemical study revealed substance P-immunoreactive neuronal elements in the von Ebner's gland of rats. Immunoreactive ganglion cells were observed as single cells or groups of several immunoreactive ganglion cells among intra-lingual muscles, at the base of the vallate papillae and near the von Ebner's gland. Very numerous substance P-immunoreactive varicose nerve fibres ran closely associated with the serous cells and excretory duct cells, and were seen to run along blood vessels in the gland. Since substance P-immunoreactive ganglion cells were present near the glands, the immunoreactive varicose nerve fibres in the von Ebner's gland may be partly derived from the intra-lingual ganglion cells. These substance P-immunoreactive varicose nerve fibres may have an effect on the secretory activity of the serous cells and duct cells, and on the vasodilation of blood vessels of the von Ebner's gland. Actin immunoreactivity was seen in numerous myoepithelial cells embracing serous cells and duct cells, and in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels of the gland. By using a double immunolabelling technique with anti-substance P and anti-actin sera, substance P-immunoreactive varicose nerve fibres were found to be in close contact with myoepithelial cells.

Achyranthosides C and D, novel glucuronide saponins from Achyranthes fauriei root

Two novel saponins, achyranthosides C and D, were isolated from Achyranthes faurei root, and their structures were characterized based on the chemical and spectroscopic evidence.

[The preventive effect of indeloxazine hydrochloride to the sexual dysfunction caused by anti-androgenergic agent (allylestrenol)]

Anti-androgenergic agents are usually used for patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). However steroidal anti-androgenergic agents tend to suppress the sexual function. This side effect is very significant in middle-aged men. Therefore we studied the preventive effect of indeloxazine hydrochloride (INDX), which induces an increase of the dopamine level in the brain, on the sexual dysfunction induced by an anti-androgenergic agent (allylestrenol: ALE). Thirty-six patients with BPH were classified into two groups, one used ALE only, and the other ALE with INDX. For the subjective evaluation of the sexual function, a self assessment questionnaire method was employed before and after administration. We especially studied 3 questions, "morning erection", "erectile capacity" and "frequency of sex". For the objective evaluation of the sexual function, nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) was measured using an erectometer. NPT occurs in healthy males as a physiological phenomenon and it shows the erectile capacity objectively. The levels of LH, total testosterone and free testosterone were also determined. In the ALE only group, sexual dysfunction was found subjectively and objectively, but in the ALE with INDX group, it was not found. Levels of LH, total testosterone and free testosterone were decreased in the both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups. We hypothesized that the sexual dysfunction due to ALE is related with not only to the decrease of androgen, but also to suppression of the central nervous system; for example, the suppression of the area of the brain mediating sexual behavior.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)