Steroidogenic characteristics of a new aldosterone-stimulating factor (ASF) isolated from normal human urine

The steroidogenic properties of a glycoprotein fraction (urinary ASF), isolated from normal human urine, were studied in collagenase-dispersed rabbit adrenal capsular cells in 1) define the requirements for its steroidogenic activity, and 2) assess its site and mode of action. When incubated with adrenal cell suspension at 37 degrees C for 2 hours, urinary ASF induced dose-related increases in both aldosterone and corticosterone production. However, urinary ASF was less potent (ED50 = 10(-9) M) than either angiotensin II (ED50 = 8 x 10(-11) M) or ACTH (ED50 = 4 x 10(-11) M). Increases in cyclic AMP accompanized the steroidogenic response to ACTH but not to either urinary ASF or AII. Deprivation of potassium in incubation media or the addition of ouabain (1 mM) during incubation completely inhibited the steroidogenic response to either urinary ASF, ACTH, or AII. Like ACTH and AII, urinary ASF increased conversion of corticosterone to aldosterone. Specific competitive antagonist of AII (Sar1, Thr8, AII) and ACTH ([I1e9]ACTH1-24) did not prevent the ASF-induced increase in aldosterone production. These results suggest that urinary ASF is readily distinguishable from ACTH. Although it shares similar steroidogenic properties with AII, the inability of AII antagonist to block its effects suggests that it acts at a separate receptor site.

[Selective venous sampling of pituitary hormones under provocative tests after retrograde cavernous sinus sinography (author's transl)]

In 22 subjects, selective venous sampling from the inferior petrosal sinus was performed under provocative tests along with simultaneous sampling of pituitary blood from the antecubital vein, after retrograde cavernous sinography. The difference of hormonal levels between sinus blood (Bs) and peripheral blood (Bv) was measured by two antibody radioimmunoassay. Most extreme difference of hormonal levels was observed in acromegalic subjects, where Bs/Bv ratio of GH was 6.0 in the basal value and 4.9 in the peak value, and that of PRL 3.5 and 4.6, respectively. In subjects who reacted to provocative tests, the average ratio of Bs/Bv ranged from 6.9 to 1.1 in the order of GH, PRL, LH, TSH and FSH. Non-reactive subjects showed no significant difference in the hormonal levels between Bs and Bv. From the results obtained above, we assume a possible relationship between Bs/Bv ratio and metabolic clearance rate and between difference of Bs-Bv and basal production. The integral of Bs-Bv difference measured from time zero to the time returned to the basal value under provocative tests represents the sum of basal production and pituitary reserve according to compartment analysis.

Structure and gene organization in the transformed Hind III-G fragment of Ad12

The nucleotide sequence of the transforming Hind III-G fragment of Ad12 DNA which encompasses the left 6.8% of the genome has been determined. The fragment was 2320 nucleotides long, and contained a GC cluster at positions 126-155 and a region extremely rich in AT at positions 1098-1142 (number from the leftmost end). Possible coding regions for the two transforming gene products were assigned. The predicted coding region for T antigen g is positions 502-1069 and positions 1144-1373, which are joined by splicing (266 amino acid residues, 30 kd), and that for T antigen f is positions 1845-2126 (94 amino acid residues, 10 kd). The sequence of the Hind III-G fragment was compared with that of the transforming DNA fragment of Ad5 which encompasses the left 8.0% of the genome (2809 nucleotides). There are several discrete regions with significant sequence homology. The comparison suggests that the regions in the left two thirds of the Ad5 and Ad12 transforming DNA fragments (map units 0-4.7% in Ad5 and 0-4.4% in Ad12) bear some resemblance in their gene organizations, and code for proteins containing structurally homologous regions.

In vitro steroidogenic properties of a new hypertension-producing compound isolated from normal human urine

The steroidogenic properties of a glycoprotein fraction (ASF), isolated from normal human urine, were studied in cat adrenal capsular collagenase-dispersed cells and its effects compared to those of ACTH and Angiotensin II (AII). ACTH, AII and ASF induced dose-related increases in both aldosterone and cortisol production. In order of potency, ACTH = AII greater than ASF in stimulating aldosterone production and ACTH greater than AII greater than ASF in stimulating cortisol production. Increases in cAMP accompanied the steroidogenic response to ACTH but not to AII or ASF. The response to AII, but not to ASF, was inhibited (87% of normal) by equimolar concentrations of [Sar1, Thr8]AII, a specific AII antagonist. These results suggest that ASF is a true aldosterone secretagogue and that it initiates steroidogenesis by mechanisms similar to those of AII. However, the inability to block it effect with a specific antagonist of AII provides evidence for its action on a separate receptor site.

[Studies on the mechanism of secretion of adrenal steroid hormones from adenomas of primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome (author's transl)]

The mechanism of secretion of adrenal steroid hormones from adenomas of primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome was studied in 10 patients with primary aldosteronism and in 3 patients with Cushing's syndrome in in vivo and in vitro experiments. In all of the 10 patients with primary aldosteronism, ACTH stimulated aldosterone secretion from the adenomas more significantly than did angiotensin II and III. DOC and cortisol which were contained in the adenomas were also stimulated more significantly by ACTH than by angiotensin II and III. Responses of the adenomas of Cushing's syndrome to various stimulations were less than those of primary aldosteronism. Secretion of cortisol and aldosterone from the adenomas of Cushing's syndrome was stimulated by ACTH and angiotensin II to a similar degree. From these studies, it seems that secretion of adrenal steroid hormones from adenomas of primary aldosteronism is more sensitive to extradrenal stimulations than that of Cushing's syndrome, and ACTH is the main factor in the control of the secretion of adrenal steroid hormones from the adenomas.

Effects of angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor (SQ 14225) on control of aldosterone

To study effects of angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI), SQ 14225, on plasma aldosterone (PA), angiotensin I (AI), angiotensin II (AII), potassium and ACTH were administered with or without the simultaneous injection of SQ 14225 in rabbits. The direct effect of bradykinin on PA was also examined, since it is suspected to augment the action of kinin under the administration of CEI.

In rabbits the dose of 1 mg/kg of SQ 14225 by a bolus injection resulted in a marked elevation of plasma renin activity (PRA) and moderate but significant decreases in circulating AII and PA with only a little change of blood pressure. Decrements in circulating AII and those in PA observed after the injection of SQ 14225 were well correlated (r = 0.585, P < 0.05). Stimulatory effects of AII, potassium and ACTH on PA were not affected by SQ 14225, however, those of AI on PA and blood pressure were completely inhibited by pre-treatment of SQ 14225. The infusion of bradykinin showed a remarkable reduction in blood pressure and a small increment in PRA, circulating AII and PA.

These results may suggest that the inhibitory effect of acutely administered SQ 14225 on PA is mainly due to the inhibition of conversion from AI to AII, but not direct effects on adrenal glands. Furthermore, it was suggested that the augmented kinin is not related to the inhibitory effect of SQ 14225 on PA. In addition, the administration of SQ 14225 does not change the effects of potassium and ACTH on PA.

Hypoxia-induced fatal aircraft accident revealed by voice analysis

The voice communication was the only clue of the fatal F-104J accident encountered during high-altitude intercept procedures, and it was analysed to prove the presence of hypoxia as a causal factor. A simulated low-pressure chamber flight was undertaken, and the subject's voice, saying the same words as the pilot, was analyzed in the same way. Comparison of these two voices revealed a similarity in characteristic changes of the sound spectrum and time course. The blurred formation of formant, fundamental, and harmonic frequencies, as well as the obscured gap in pre-vocal cord opening time (VOT) of the sound spectrogram, were thought to be the effects of hypoxia. Lowered fundamental frequency of the pilot's voice, even at the stressful period of attack, has strongly suggested decreased vigilance due to hypoxia. Through these findings, it was concluded that the cause of the accident was probably hypoxia in the pilot.

Control of aldosterone in 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency

The control mechanism of aldosterone in 3 patients with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency was compared to that in a patient with a deoxycorticosterone-producing tumor. The basal levels of plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone (PAC) were decreased in 2 of the 3 patients with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency and in the patient with a tumor. However, in the third patient with accelerated hypertension, those levels were normal. In the 3 patients with low PRA and PAC, PAC was stimulated by various procedures, although the responses were lower than those in control subjects. In the patient with accelerated hypertension, the responses were similar to those of the control subjects. After 6 months' treatment with dexamethasone, the low levels of PRA and PAC gradually returned to the lower limit of normal in 2 of the patients with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency. These results suggest that the suppression of PAC in patients with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency is probably due to a suppression of the renin-angiotensin system.

Effects of converting enzyme inhibitor (SQ 20881) on changes in blood pressure and plasma aldosterone induced by angiotensin I or acute hemorrhage in rabbits

The effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI) upon blood pressure and plasma aldosterone (PA) were studied in rabbits with a simultaneous infusion of angiotensin I (ANG I) or with hemorrhagic hypotension. Pretreatment with CEI (SQ 20881), 1.0 mg/Kg, inhibited the effects of infused ANG I, 30 ng/Kg/min, upon PA and blood pressure at 30 min of the infusion, but the inhibition on PA was not significant at 60 min of the infusion. The same dose of CEI was ineffective in blocking the effect of 100 ng/Kg/min of ANG I on PA and blood pressure even at 30 min of the infusion. In rabbits with hemorrhagic hypotension, injection of CEI resulted in the decrement in blood pressure, whereas no decrement in blood pressure was observed in normal control rabbits. This study suggests that CEI exerts it's effect in part by inhibiting conversion of ANG I to angiotensin II (ANG II), but this can't exclude other mechanisms.

Responses of aldosterone-producing adenomas to ACTH and angiotensins

To elucidate the control mechanism of aldosterone production in primary aldosteronism, in vivo and in vitro studies were done in 7 patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas. In the in vivo study, plasma aldosterone was stimulated more significantly by (Formula: see text), synthetic ACTH than by angiotensin II or furosemide. Diurnal variations of plasma aldosterone, which were studied in 4 patients, were similar to those seen in normal controls. In agreement with the results in the in vivo study, the in vitro study also revealed ACTH stimulated aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone (DOC) from the adenoma more markedly than angiotensin II or III. There was no adenoma which was more sensitivie to angiotenion II or III than to ACTH. From these results it is considered that changes in plasma aldosterone induced by the exogenous administration of angiotensin II or ACTH in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma are mainly based on changes in aldosterone production in the adenoma. Furthermore, in patients with an aldosterone-producing adenoma in whom diurnal variations of plasma aldosterone similar to those in normal subjects are observed, responses of aldosterone to angiotensin II are supposed to be less than those to ACTH.

Finger print deposits of the kidney in pure monoclonal IgG kappa cryoglobulinemia

In a male patient with pure monoclonal IgG kappa cryoglobulin associated with the nephrotic syndrome, finger print deposits were observed in the subendothelial space and mesangial matrix of the kidney by electron microscopy. The structure was similar to a unique tubular crystal structure of IgGl kappa cryoglobulin which was reported by Bogaars et al. [1973] in the serum of a patient with multiple myeloma. It was therefore supposed that the finger print deposits in the kidney of this patient were the precipitation of the monoclonal IgG kappa cryoglobulin in serum.

Vasospasm assessed by angiography and computerized tomography

In 44 consecutive cases of ruptured cerebral aneurysm, vasospasm was demonstrated pre- or postoperatively. These cases were examined by bilateral carotid angiography and computerized tomography (CT), and the relationship between the angiographically visualized distribution of vasospasm, the neurological symptoms, and infarction seen on CT was evaluated. Vasospasm occurred in only some intracranial portions of the cerbral arteries that were immersed in blood-stained cerebrospinal fluid. Angiographically, diffuse vasospasm extensively involving bilateral carotid systems indicated the gravest prognosis for patients. Vasospasm affecting one carotid system and the anterior cerebral arteries on the opposite side often produced permanent neurological deficits. On the contrary, when vasospasm was restricted to one carotid system or to bilateral anterior cerebral arteries, it was usually associated with temporary neurological symptoms; however, it always produced residual neurological symptoms if it extended to the ascending branches (M3) of the middle cerebral arteries. Computerized tomography definitely demonstrated a low-density area or infarction in the territory of the spastic arteries in 25 (71%) of 35 cases with vasospasm. A low-density area was always detected when vasospasm occurred in M3 segments.

[Experimental and clinical studies on blood coagulation and lysis system after hepatic resection (author's transl)]

Blood coagulation and lysis system was studied with other biochemical serum analysis in three groups of mongrel dogs; laparotomy without hepatic resection (group I), with 50% hepatic section (group II), and 70% hepatic resection (group III). In clinical studies, six cases of hepatic tumors and one case of hepatoma with cirrhosis were selected for examinations. All the data examined in group I were restored toward normal within 48 hours. Total serum protein level was significantly decreased after hepatic resection. The protein level in group III was lower than in group II on the 4th postoperative day (P less than 0.01). In clinical studies, low serum protein levels did not reach a preoperative value even 3 weeks after extended right hepatic lobectomy. Time course of Al-P and transaminase changes in clinical studies was similar to that in experimental study with dogs. Al-P and transaminase showed an abnormally high level in the patient with hepatic cirrhosis. Serum bilirubin levels were not increased after hepatic resection. In blood coagulation and lysis system, serum fibrinogen levels were markedly decreased: 50% reduction in group III and 30% reduction in group II on the first postoperative day. The degree of decrease in the fibrinogen level was proportional to the size of resected volume of the liver. On the other hand, in clinical studies fibrinogen levels were slightly decreased. In the case of hepatic resection with cirrhosis, however, the values were markedly decreased: 40% reduction on the 4th and 25% on the 21st postoperative days. Fibrinolysis system was accelerated group II and III. The acceleration continued until 3 weeks after hepatic resection. From these results it may be concluded that analysis of blood coagulation and lysis system after hepatic resection is useful in evaluating a residual hepatic function after partial resection and in selecting a treatment suitable for hepatic insufficiency.

[Diagnosis and treatment of cerebellar hemorrhage: comparison of hypertensive hemorrhage with hemorrhage caused by small angiomas, and CT findings (author's transl)]

In spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage emergency surgical intervention is often life-saving. Clinical features and the operative results of hypertensive cerebellar hemorrhage (18 cases) were compared with those of hemorrhage caused by small angiomas (7 cases). Hypertensive hemorrhage occured most frequently in the seventh decades. Two thirds of the patients developed brainstem compression syndrome within a week from onset. One third remained awake or drowsy throughout their clinical course. Surgical removal of a hematoma was carried out in 13 patients with four deaths. Of note, two comatose patients regained consciousness after surgery, and were discharged with residual ataxia. Rupture of a small angioma occurred in younger patients. Their clinical course was sub-acute or chronic associated with focal cerebellar dysfunction. All seven surgically treated patients subsequently regained independent function. CT findings have been found helpful not only for diagnosis but also in defining appropriate therapy. Hematomas larger than 3 cm in diameter produced signs of rapidly progressing compression of the brainstem. Thereby, regardless of the cause of bleeding, emergency removal of a clot is indicated even in awake patients. Hematomas of 2 to 3 cm produced brainstem compression or prolonged cerebellar dysfunction, and occasionally require surgical decompression. Hematomas smaller than 2 cm can be managed conservatively, since they were absorbed spontaneously in three weeks without residual functional disturbances. However, in case of a young patient exploration should be performed for a probable "cryptic" angioma.

Active and inactive renin in pregnancy and in women on estrogen-containing oral contraceptives

Total and active renin concentrations (TRC and ARC) were determined in pregnant women and in women on estrogen-containing oral contraceptives to study the variation of plasma renin forms in pregnancy. TRC was already elevated in the first trimester. After that TRC increased consistently reaching the maximum in the third trimester. The ratio of inactive renin concentrations (IRC) to TRC was between 20 and 30% throughout gestation. Therefore, it was supposed that the development of the placenta or the enlargement of the uterus do not affect the ratio of IRC to TRC too much. In women on oral contraceptives in whom plasma renin activity was increased due to elevation of renin substrate, the ratio of IRC to TRC was almost the same as that in normal controls. From these results, it was suggested that the development of the placenta and the enlargement of the uterus do not play an important role in the variation of plasma renin forms, although remarkable changes are observed in the renin substrate and total amounts of renin in pregnancy.

Effect of estrogen upon the juxtaglomerular apparatus and the renin-angiotensin system in rats

Administration of 1.5 mg/kg of estriol intramuscularly and 15 mg/kg of stilbestrol disulfate intraperitoneally daily for 15 days caused an increase in plasma renin substrate (PRS), accompanied by an increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) and a slight decrease in plasma renin concentration (PRC). Contrary to the slight suppression of PRC, juxtaglomerular granulation index (JGI) was significantly increased in rats treated by estrogen. In the rats which developed hypertension by estrogen PRA, PRC and JGI were a little higher than those in the rats which remained normotensive after the same estrogon treatment, but these differences were not statistically significant. Therefore, it seems rather difficult to attribute the development of estrogen hypertension only to the quantitative changes in the renin-angiotensin system.

Role of angiotensin III in the regulation of blood pressure, plasma aldosterone and plasma renin activity in rabbit

To evaluate the role of angiotensin III in the control of blood pressure, plasma aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA), the pressor, steroidogenic and PRA-suppressing effect of angiotensin III was studied in rabbits with or without simultaneous constant infusion of Ile7-angiotensin III, an analogue of angiotensin III, or Sar1Ala8-angiotensin II, an analogue of angiotensin II, and compared with the effect of angiotensin II.

Infusion of 30 ng/kg/min of angiotensin III or angiotensin II produced a twofold increase in plasma aldosterone. Pressor response to angiotensin III was approximately one tenth of that of angiotensin II. Infusion of angiotensin II suppressed the PRA significantly, while infusion of angiotensin III did not suppress it. Angiotensin II or angiotensin III induced-increase in plasma aldosterone was attenuated by the pretreatment with either Ile7-angiotensin III or Sar1Ala8-angiotensin II. Pressor or PRA-suppressing action of angiotensin II was unaffected by the pre-treatment with Ile7-angiotensin III, while it was significantly inhibited by pre-treatment with Sar1Ala8-angiotensin II.

This study indicates that angiotensin III or angiotensin III analogues affect the adrenal glands selectively and suggests that there are differences between the receptor sites for angiotensins in vascular smooth muscle, kidney and those in the adrenal cortex.

Role of renin-angiotensin system in the controls of blood pressure and aldosterone in patients with cirrhosis and ascites

In an attempt to evaluate the role of renin-angiotensin system in the contols of blood pressure and aldosterone secretion in the patients with cirrhosis and asictes, 7 patients were infused of an antagonist of angiotensin II, Sar-1 Ile-8 angiotensin II, intravenously to inhibit the action of renin-angiotensin system and to observe changes in arterial pressure and plasma aldosterone. In 1 patient with recent onset of severe ascites and high plasma renin activity, blood pressure and plasma aldosterone decreased during the infusion. In contrast, mild rise in blood pressure and various changes in plasma aldosterone were observed in the other 6 patients with normal plasma renin activity. These results suggest variable angiotensin dependency in the controls of blood pressure and plasma aldosterone in the patients with cirrhosis and ascites according to the stage of the disease, the states of sodium and water balance and/or palasma renin activity.

Serum uric acid and the renin-angiotensin system in hypertension

To study whether the renin-angiotensin system is related to hyperuricemia in hypertension, the serum concentration of uric acid was determined in 96 patients with various types of hypertension and various degrees of plasma renin activity (PRA). In malignant hypertension, both PRA and the serum uric acid level were higher than in essential hypertension; but in primary aldosteronism or desoxycorticosterone-excess hypertension, they were lower than in the essential type. In renovascular hypertension, PRA was higher than in essential hypertension, but the serum uric acid levels were similar. There were no differences in PRA and serum uric acid concentration between Cushing's syndrome and essential hypertension. The serum uric acid level in high-renin essential hypertension was higher than in either the normal-renin or the low-renin type. There was a significant correlation between serum uric acid concentration and PRA in the basal state, and between the change in PRA and the change in serum uric acid induced by administration of furosemide. Apparently the close correlation between the renin-angiotensin system and the concentration of serum uric acid is related to changes in extracellular fluid volume, although an intrarenal effect of angiotensin II cannot be excluded.

Hypertension induced by adrenocortical dysfunction--hypertension in 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency and metopirone-induced hypertension

Hypertension in 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency was studied by comparing it with hypertension in Cushing syndrome or that in primary aldosteronism. Furthermore, the role of endogenous increases of ACTH, deoxycorticosterone, and 18 alpha-hydroxy-deoxycorticosterone upon blood pressure was studied in rats by administerating metopirone. Hypertension in 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency was considered to be more similar to that in primary aldosteronism from the studies on renin components, pressor responses to angiotensin II and norepinephrine, and renin responses to stimulations. Plasma catecholamines were slightly decreased in 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency. The hypertension was alleviated by the administeration of dexamethasone in 2 of 3 patients with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency. However, in the remaining one who had an accelerated hypertension and normal renin, the hypertension was not alleviated by dexamethasone. In the animal studies, hypertension induced by metopirone was accelerated by salt loading of uni-lateral nephrectomy plus salt loading. In those rats, plasma ACTH, and deoxycorticosterone were markedly increased.

Timing and indication of surgery for ruptured intracranial aneurysms with regard to cerebral vasospasm

The authors survey 443 cases of intracranial aneurysms treated in the past seven years. 403 cases were operated upon with microsurgical techniques. The operative mortality was 5.4 per cent, and 82.4 per cent of surgically treated cases are well and working, leading useful social lives. It was found that cases submitted to surgery in the first three days after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) (the day of SAH being counted as the first day) showed good results, little appearance of postoperative vasospasm, and no mortality due to vasospasm. Cases operated upon after one week from the insult of SAH also showed good results, whereas fatal postoperative vasospasm was seen in cases operated upon on the 4th--7th day after SAH. Cisternal, ventricular, and epidural drainage are recommended after the clipping of aneurysms in the acute stage of SAH. There were 68 cases with preoperative vasospasm. There was no case in which vasospasm was identified during the first four days after SAH, while 66 per cent of the cases exhibited vasospasm between the sixth and ninth days after SAH. These 68 cases can be classified into four groups: 1. 8 cases died from vasospasm before surgery: 2. 8 cases had renewed bleeding mainly when vasospasm began to subside. 3. 22 cases underwent surgery after vasospasm had subsided, the duration of vasospasm ranging from 8 to 24 days, on an average 14 days; 4. 30 cases underwent surgery while vasospasm was still present; of this group, (4E) 15 cases submitted to surgery, on an average 4.5 days after the onset of vasospasm, manifested deterioration of clinical states because of aggravation or new appearance of vasospasm; (4L, 15 cases which underwent surgery, on an average 7.4 days after the onset of vasospasm, showed no such deterioration. In the follow-up, well and working cases were seen in 45.5 per cent (3.), 60 per cent (4E), and 80 per cent (4L), respectively. The authors classified vasospasm into three types: Type 1, extensive diffuse, Type 2, multi-segmental, and Type 3, local. Type 1 was prognostically worst, Type 3 good, and Type 2 was located between these two types.

Renin and the juxtaglomerular apparatus in diabetic nephropathy

In order to study the role of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with diabetic nephropathy, renin release and the juxtaglomerular apparatus were studied in 17 diabetic patients with proteinuria and in 23 without proteinuria; 8 normal subjects were used for conctrls. Despite hypertension and marked arteriosclerosis, plasma renin activity (supine posture) was normal; however, the renin response to salt restriction and upright posture was less in the diabetic patients with proteinuria than in the controls. Renal renin content, determined at autopsy, was also normal. Examination of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the diabetic patients with proteinuria revealed hyalinization of the afferent and efferent arterioles in most of the glomeruli and various degrees of destruction of the juxtaglomerular cells. The findings suggest that renin production is not increased in diabetic patients with proteinuria plus marked vascular damage, and that the renin-angiotensin system in patients with diabetic nephropathy apparently does not play an important role in the exacerbation of hypertension or the degree of vascular damage.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage in children

45 cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage in children were surveyed. 73 percent of the causes were arteriovenous malformations and spontaneous intracerebral hematomata. Arteriovenous malformations in children may grow in size which may be due to the fact that besides the nidus demonstrated by angiography there are surrounding abnormal vascular groups, the reserved nidus. If one fails to extirpate this reserve nidus at the time of surgical excision of the arteriovenous malformation, it may become nidus several years later and may bleed again. The follow-up results of surgery in subarachnoid hemorrhage cases were fairly good.

A case of 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency with symptoms mimicking testicular feminization

A case of 17alpha-hydroxylase deficiency mimicking testicular feminization is reported. Different from the complete form of testicular feminization in which androgens are normal or elevated and end-organ insensitivity to androgens is supposed, this case had a negligible amount of androgens and responded to the injection of testosterone propionate with a positive nitrogen and phosphate balance.

Significance of vasospasm in the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms

The authors have analyzed a total of 96 consecutive cases in which vasospasm followed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The SAH was caused by ruptured intracranial aneurysm or developed after aneurysm surgery. Usually at least 4 days elapsed between SAH and the onset of vasospasm. Vasospasm subsided an average of 2 weeks after onset. Of 68 patients with preoperative vasospasm, eight died due to cerebral edema resulting from ischemia, and 49% of survivors had neurological deficits. Preoperative vasospasm was not aggravated by surgical intervention when operations were carried out more than 7 days after the onset of vasospasm. Postoperative vasospasm was found in 25 of 52 patients who underwent operation within 1 week after SAH (excluding cases in Grade V). Five of these patients died, all of whom underwent surgery between the fourth and seventh day after SAH (the day of SAH was counted as the first day). There were no deaths among 20 patients operated on within the first 3 days after SAH. Postoperative vasospasm was always mild in these cases, when it occurred, probably because blood clot or blood-stained cerebrospinal fluid was removed by operative procedures. In all cases, 4 to 11 days elapsed between the last SAH and the onset of postoperative vasospasm regardless of the timing of surgery.

[Follow-up results of microsurgery of intracranial aneurysms (author's transl)]

In the past 7 years, 403 cases of intracranial aneurysms were submitted to microsurgical operations. The operative mortality was 5.4%, and in the follow-up, 82.4% are working, 6.2% are caring for self and 5.9% are either bed-ridden or dead from other causes after discharge. If 6 cases of Grade V are excluded from the statistics and the day of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is counted as the 1st day, cases submitted to microsurgery on the 1st, the 2nd and the 3rd days showed no mortality and 72.7% of them are working in the follow-up. Cases undergone micro-surgery on the 4th through the 8th day showed a high mortality of 15.2% due to postoperative vasospasm, whereas in cases submitted to micro-surgery in the 2nd week after SAH the operative mortality was 6% and in cases submitted to micro-surgery later than the 2nd week it was 3%. In the follow-up 84% and 85.6% are working in the latter two respectively. These results seem to encourage ultra-early surgery for ruptured aneurysm cases. However, one should always bear in mind that the acute stage of SAH should be regarded as a "systemic disease", not as a "local disease", and only those who have ability and facility to manage this systemic disease may be qualified to perform early surgery for ruptured aneurysms.

Effects of angiotensin III (DES-1-asp-angiotensin II) and angiotensin III analogue (DES-1-asp-8-ile-angiotensin II) upon adrenal steroidogenesis and blood pressure

Effects of angiotensin III and angiotensin III analogue upon adrenal steroidogenesis and blood pressure were studied in rats, rabbits and a man. Pressor effect of angiotensin III was about one fifth of that of angiotensin II in all the species. Degradation rate of pressor effect of angiotensin III in plasma was more rapid than that of angiotensin II. Different from the effects of angiotensin III upon blood pressure, its effect upon aldosterone was similar to that of angiotensin II. The effect of angiotensin III upon other adrenal steroids, such as DOC and cortisol, however, seemed to be slightly less than that of angiotensin II. Angiotensin III producted an additive effect to that of ACTH, but it didn't produce an additive effect to that of angiotensin II. Angiotensin III analogue, itself, stimulated adrenal steroidogenesis, but it inhibited the effects of angiotensin III and angiotensin II upon aldosterone. Effects of ACTH upon plasma DOC and cortisol were not inhibited by angiotenesin III analogue, but the effect of ACTH upon aldosterone was blunted slightly.

The renal lesion associated with total lipodystrophy

This report concerns a 41-year-old man with total lipodystrophy associated with a specific renal disorder. He had massive proteinuria, mild azotemia and a normal level of serum complement in addition to the generalized loss of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Results of 1 50-gm glucose tolerance test indicated a high fasting insulin level with an exaggerated response to glucose. Hypoglycemic responses to exogenous insulin were reduced. Renal biopsy revealed changes consistent with glomerular lipidosis. This case is unique in that the renal lesion was not the Kimmelstiel-Wilson pathologic change atributable to abnormal glucose metabolism.

[Spinal arteriovenous malformation fed by branches of the internal iliac artery (author's transl)]

A 51-year-old male had lumbago and intermittent progressive gait disturbance for 2 years. Finally, he could not walk due to paraparesis. Neurological examination revealed flaccid paraparesis, dysuria, constipation and sensory disturbance below the L-4 dermatome. Myelogram showed serpiginous filling defects from sacral to thoracic region suggesting spinal arteriovenous malformation. Angiogram performed by conventional selective injections into the subclavian, intercostal, and lumbar arteries demonstrated no abnormal lesions but abdominal aortogram carried out at the aortic bifurcation revealed spinal arteriovenous malformation fed by branches of the right internal iliac artery. The angiographic findings may be identified at the single coiled vessel type of Doppamn's or A-V shunt type of Saito's classification. Laminectomies were performed from Th-8 to Th-9 and Th-12 to L-2. Feeder was clipped and the drainers were partially removed. No intramedulllary extension was recognized. After one month postperatively, the patient could walk with support. Postoperative angiographic control performed by selective injections into four iliac arteries disclosed no abnormal vessels. Angiographic examinations of the spinal arteriovenous malformations are usually limited to branches of the subclavian, intercostal and lumbar arteries. But at the cauda equina or conus medullaris, anterior and posterior spinal arteries are sometimes anastomosed with medullary feeders from lateral sacral or other hypogastric arteries. Therefore, it is possible that these branches of iliac arteries may feed spinal arteriovenous malformations as seen also in the cases reported by Picard, Stein and Heindel. This report emphasizes the importance of selective iliac angiogram to demonstrate spinal arteriorvenous malformations when conventional methods fail to show lesions.

[Application of parenteral cephradine in urinary tract infections (author's transl)]

A new antibiotic cephradine was administered intravenously for 3 approximately 7 days at daily doses of 1.0 approximately 2.0 g to 56 patients, including 39 cases of acute urinary tract infections, 13 of chronic urinary tract infections and 4 for postoperative prophylaxis. Of 39 cases with acute urinary infections, definite response was seen in 35 cases and no definite response in 4 cases. Of 13 cases with chronic urinary tract infections, definite response was seen in 7 cases and no definite response in 6 cases. Good results were obtained clinically in 4 cases for prophylaxis of postoperative infections. No side effect was observed with cephradine with cephradine throughout the experiment.