Poststatin, a new inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase. III. Optical resolution of 3-amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid and absolute configuration of poststatin

3-Amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid was prepared, and separated into its diastereomers. The relative stereochemistry was determined by 1H NMR in their oxazolidone derivatives. The threo-isomer was resolved by (S)-1-(1-naphthyl) ethylamine in the N-(p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl) derivative. The absolute configuration of (--)-threo-3-(p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl)amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid was confirmed to be 2R, 3S. The absolute configuration of 3-amino-2- oxovaleric acid in poststatin was confirmed to be S by comparison of the four stereoisomers of methyl N, O-bis(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl)-3-amino-2-hydroxyvalerate derived from 3-amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid and that derived from 3-amino-2-oxovaleryl moiety of poststatin by means of HPLC with chiral column.

Infrequent microsatellite instability during the evolution of myelodysplastic syndrome to acute myelocytic leukemia

Microsatellites are highly polymorphic, short-tandem repeat sequences dispersed throughout the genome. Instability of these repeat sequences at multiple gentic loci may result from mismatch repair errors and occur in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and several other sporadic cancers, including chronic myelocytic leukemia as it progresses to blastic crisis. We investigated whether genetic instability occurred as myelodysplasia progressed to acute myelocytic leukemia. To this end, we studied microsatellite instability in 20 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). These included five patients with refractory anemia (RA), three with refractory anemia with ringed sideroblast (RARS), nine with refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) and three with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). All of these patients transformed to acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) of various subtypes: three patients with M1, 11 with M2 and six patients with M4 (according to FAB classification). The DNA from both the MDS and AML phases of their disease was analyzed at 16 loci, and only four microsatellite instabilities were found in the 240 paired samples (1.6%) analyzed. These results indicate that mismatch repair errors such as microsatellite instability are not important in the evolution of MDS to AML.

Vasodilator effects of des(alpha-carboxy-3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl)lithospermic acid (8-epiblechnic acid), a derivative of lithospermic acids in salviae miltiorrhizae radix

A potent vasodilator substance (compound III), [alpha]D +141 degrees, was isolated from salviae miltiorrhizae radix (dan-shen). This substance was determined to be des(alpha-carboxy-3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl)lithospermic acid on the basis of spectrometric and chemical evidence, and was identified with an authentic sample of 8-epiblechnic acid. However, comp. III seemed to be formed from lithospermic acid (LSA) and LSA-B during a chemical procedure to separate active ingredients. It caused a sustained, slowly developing relaxation of rat aortic strips precontracted with norepinephrine (NE) in preparations with or without endothelium. The NE-induced concentration-dependent contraction of aortic strips was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with comp. III. Concentration-response curves for Ca(2+)-induced contracture of depolarized aortic strips with isotonic high K+ (60 nM) were not affected by comp. III. Ca(2+)-induced contraction of aortic strips, preincubated with 10(-6) M NE in the presence of 10(-6) M nicardipine and 0.01 mM EGTA in Ca(2+)-free solution, was slightly inhibited by comp. III. Pretreatment of aortic strips with comp. III slightly inhibited the phorbol ester (PMA)-induced contraction. These results suggest that comp. III inhibits NE-induced contraction of the aortic strips through reduction in Ca2+ mobilization. Since comp. III inhibits NE-induced sustained contraction, this agent may be useful in the treatment of hypertension.

Dissecting aneurysm of the anterior cerebral artery causing hemorrhagic infarction

BACKGROUND

Dissecting aneurysms of the cerebral arteries are infrequent, and they occur preferentially in the middle cerebral, internal carotid, and vertebrobasilar arteries. The anterior cerebral artery (ACA) is usually involved in association with dissection in other locations, but a lesion confined to the ACA is an extremely rare event. No previous reports have well documented the clinical and pathological features of the ACA dissection. Moreover, surgical management for this lesion has not been reported.

CASE REPORT

A case of dissecting aneurysm confined to the ACA causing hemorrhagic infarction is presented. To prevent subsequent rupture, we employed a trapping procedure 12 days after the onset. A dark purplish discoloration of the right A2 portion was encountered, with an intact anterior communicating complex. The involved vessel was partly sectioned for further pathological examination.

RESULTS

Pathologically, subintimal clots dissected the vascular lumen in the inner layer of the media. Other abnormalities such as deficiency of the internal elastic lamina and medial defects were not found. The postoperative clinical course was not eventful.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first case to document an ACA dissecting aneurysm treated by a direct surgical approach. Spontaneous resolution is not infrequent in cerebral dissection, but subsequent rupture has commonly resulted in poor outcome. Surgical management is thought to be the most effective method to prevent further hemorrhagic event, even for an ACA dissection. Revascularization distal to the compromised artery should be considered whenever necessary.

Aqueductal blood clot as a cause of acute hydrocephalus in subarachnoid hemorrhage

We describe two patients with acute hydrocephalus, in whom CT scans did not show intraventricular hemorrhage unequivocally. Midline sagittal MR imaging revealed a blood clot plugging the aqueduct. MR imaging is useful for detecting sub-acute clots within the aqueduct and for differentiating them from other entities.

Differential effect of TGF-beta 1 on the in vitro activation of HTLV-I and the proliferative response of CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP)

While considerable information is available on the pathogenesis of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), fundamental questions remain unanswered. In particular the clinicopathological uniformity of the disorder among patients remains poorly understood. The potential role of TGF-beta as a preferential immune regulator in the CNS and the functional heterogeneity of TGF-beta has led us to assess the possible involvement of this cytokine in the pathogenic process. To investigate this, the modulatory effects of TGF-beta 1 on HTLV-I-induced in vitro phenomena were evaluated using fractionated lymphocytes from patients with HAM/TSP. It could be shown that the proliferative response of CD8+ cells against cultured and irradiated autologous CD4+ cells possessing HTLV-I antigens was significantly inhibited by TGF-beta 1. However, the in vitro activation of HTLV-I, which was evaluated by spontaneous proliferation of CD4+ cells, was unaffected by TGF-beta 1. The induction of intracytoplasmic HTLV-I antigens in cultured CD4+ cells was facilitated by TGF-beta 1 in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that TGF-beta may have a critical role in localized viral activation within the CNS in patients with HAM/TSP.

A role of lysine-43 in the inactivation of rat prorenin

1. Lysine-43 (Lys43) in the prosegment region was located within 3 x 10(-1) of catalytic sites, Asp81 and Asp266, in a stereo structure model of rat prorenin. 2. A mutant prorenin, Lys43Leu, was produced to elucidate a role of Lys43 in the inactivation of prorenin. Lys43Leu as well as the wild type were inactive at a neutral pH, and activated at an acidic pH. Its acid-activation speed was three times higher than that of the wild type. The mutant prorenin was more labile than the wild type at 55 degrees C and a neutral pH. 3. These results indicate that Lys43 forms ionic bonds with Asp81 and Asp266 to inactivate and stabilize prorenin.

Interaction of 6-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-2-sulfonate with beta-cyclodextrin

The interaction of 6-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-2-sulfonate (TNS) with beta-cyclodextrin was investigated in 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 by fluorescence spectroscopy. Using the fluorescence enhancement of TNS in the presence of beta-cyclodextrin, the thermodynamic parameters for the formation of two kinds of the inclusion complex (molar ratio of beta-cyclodextrin to TNS = 1:1 and 2:1) were determined as follows: delta G degree 1 (1:1 complex) = -20.0 kJ mol-1 at 25 degrees C, delta H degree 1 = -19.6 kJ mol-1, delta S degree 1 = -1.7 J mol-1 K-1, delta G degree 2 (2:1 complex) at 25 degrees C = -6.14 kJ mol-1, delta H degree 2 = -2.80 kJ mol-1, delta S degree 2 = 16.7 J mol-1 K-1. From the thermodynamic parameters, the main driving force for the 1:1 inclusion complex formation was considered to be the van der Waals-London dispersion force, while the contribution of the hydrophobic interaction was small. Also, the hydrogen bonding was suggested to contribute to the inclusion complex formation. The main driving force for the 2:1 inclusion complex formation was the hydrophobic interaction. Also, from the measurements of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and studies with Corey-Pauling-Koltun atomic models, the probable structure was determined and discussed in connection with the thermodynamic parameters.

Physical-strength tests and mortality among visitors to health-promotion centers in Japan

A follow-up study was conducted to clarify the relationship between physical-strength level and risk of death from all causes and from cancer and cardiovascular disease. The 7286 persons who were examined at seven health-promotion centers throughout Japan between 1982 and 1987 were followed up. By January 1992, 6259 persons (85.9%) had been contacted by questionnaire. They included 3117 men (49.8% of all subjects studied) (average age 53.6 years at baseline, SD = 9.0 years, range 40-84 years), and 3142 women (50.2%) (average age 54.5 years at baseline, SD = 8.5 years, range 40-85 years). The follow-up period for each person averaged 6.1 years, for a total of 38,253 person-years. During this period, 155 deaths were reported. At baseline, five physical-strength tests (grip strength, side step, vertical jump, standing trunk flexion, and sit-ups) were performed. Five clinical laboratory tests (thickness of skinfold, blood sugar, total serum cholesterol, percent vital lung capacity, and blood pressure) were also conducted. The examinees were questioned about smoking status (current smoker, nonsmoker, and ex-smoker). Men with thicker skinfold [relative risk (RR) = 2.11] and higher levels of blood sugar (RR = 1.89) had an excess risk of death from all causes. Men with higher serum cholesterol (RR = 5.08), thicker skinfold (RR = 4.54), and elevated blood pressure (RR = 2.33) had an excess risk of death from cardiovascular disease. In women, no relationship was seen between clinical laboratory tests and an excess risk of death. Men exhibiting lower values for side step (RR = 2.43), vertical jump (RR = 2.37), sit-ups (RR = 1.93) and grip strength (RR = 1.92) also had an excess risk of death from all causes. Furthermore, men with lower heights for vertical jump (RR = 5.51) had an excess risk of death from cardiovascular disease. After adjustment for skinfold thickness, blood sugar, total serum cholesterol, blood pressure, percent vital lung capacity and smoking status, men with a lower level of side step, vertical jump, and grip strength had an excess risk of death from all causes. No such relationship was seen between physical-strength level and an excess risk of death in women. It is concluded that a low level of physical strength might be significantly correlated with subsequent health outcomes in men.

Deleted in oral cancer-1 (doc-1), a novel oral tumor suppressor gene

We have identified, isolated, and partially characterized doc-1, a novel cDNA sequence whose activity is consistent with a suppressor of hamster oral carcinogenesis. Doc-1 is an evolutionarily conserved gene exhibiting loss of heterozygosity and marked reduction in expression in malignant hamster oral keratinocytes. The full-length doc-1 cDNA encodes an 87 amino acid product that shows a significant homology to one of the seven novel genes induced in mouse fibroblasts by TNF-alpha. Transfection of the full-length doc-1 cDNA into malignant hamster oral keratinocytes alters the behavior of the recipients in terms of morphology, growth rate, and anchorage-independent growth, suggesting reversion of transformation phenotypes. We propose that doc-1 is a novel tumor suppressor gene in oral cancer development.

Expanding intracerebral hematoma from pituitary adenoma: case report

We report the case of a 53-year-old man presenting with a headache of sudden onset and blurred vision secondary to hemorrhage from a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma, which had been treated 25 years previously by transcranial surgery and postoperative irradiation. The intratumoral and intracerebral hematoma expanded to three times its initial size because of a recurrent hemorrhage that occurred during a 2-day period while the patient awaited surgery. The mechanisms of hematoma expansion and the management strategy in such a case are discussed, and a review of the pertinent literature is presented.

Anti-viral and immunomodulatory effects of interferon-alpha on cultured lymphocytes from patients with human T lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP)

In contrast to therapeutic benefits of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in patients with human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), little is known about the mechanisms underlying its clinical efficacy. To investigate the anti-viral and/or immunomodulatory properties of IFN-alpha in HTLV-I infection, the effects of IFN-alpha on HTLV-I-induced in vitro phenomena were evaluated. In vitro activation of HTLV-I in fractionated CD4+ T lymphocyte-rich cells (CD4+ cells) could be demonstrated by increased thymidine incorporation into the cells, detection of proviral HTLV-I and viral RNA, and by assays of reverse transcriptase activities in culture supernatants. T cell immune responses were evaluated by thymidine incorporation into CD8+ T lymphocyte-rich cells (CD8+ cells) responding to cultured and irradiated autologous CD4+ cells possessing HTLV-I antigens. It could be shown that IFN-alpha suppressed both the in vitro activation of HTLV-I and the CD8+ cell response. Moreover, 1 day supplementation of IFN-alpha as a pretreatment was sufficient for the induction of these properties. These findings, together with the clinical efficacy of IFN-alpha administration in patients with HAM/TSP, support the view that viral activation and T cell responses are critical components in the pathogenic processes involved in HAM/TSP.

Translocations and amplification of the BCL2 gene are detected in interphase nuclei of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by in situ hybridization with yeast artificial chromosome clones

Translocation of the BCL2 gene in B-cell malignancies carrying t(14;18) and amplification of the BCL2 gene in a cell line (HBL-2) derived from a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were detected specifically in both metaphase spreads and interphase nuclei by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). A YAC clone containing the BCL2 gene yA153A6, a 360-kb clone spanning from approximately 60 kb upstream of BCL2 exon 1 to approximately 60 kb 3' of the minor breakpoint cluster region, was used for single-color FISH analysis. Seven patients with NHL and one patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were analyzed for BCL2 translocations. Interphase nuclei of NHL patients showed three signals when hybridized with the yA153A6 probe. This was expected because the YAC clone spans the BCL2 breakpoint regions on 18q21.3. In a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a positive signal for BCL2 was detected on der(14) at band 14q32.33 by single-color FISH with the yA153A6 probe, whereas no signals were detected on der(18). The amplification of BCL2 in the HBL-2 cell line was observed on a characteristic abnormal chromosome 18, add(18)(q23); the periodic pattern of the fluorescent signal of this region was suggestive of an amplicon. Using double-color FISH with YAC clones containing the more centromeric 18q21.3 gene gastrin-releasing peptide (y302F10) and the 14q32.33 gene (IgH; Y6), we detected t(14;18) by showing the juxtaposition of the 18q21.3 and 14q32.33 bands on the derivative chromosome 18. Interphase FISH with these YAC clones provided a rapid procedure for the diagnosis of B-cell malignancies carrying t(14;18). In addition, we showed that translocations and amplification of the BCL2 gene can be detected at the single-cell level.

A novel type of retinoic acid receptor antagonist: synthesis and structure-activity relationships of heterocyclic ring-containing benzoic acid derivatives

A new series of heterocyclic ring-containing benzoic acids was prepared, and the binding affinity and antagonism of its members against all-trans-retinoic acid were evaluated by in vitro assay systems using human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. Structure-activity relationships indicated that both an N-substituted pyrrole or pyrazole (1-position) and a hydrophobic region, with these linked by a ring system, were indispensable for effective antagonism. Among the compounds evaluated, optimal antagonism was exhibited by 4-[4,5,7,8,9,10-hexahydro-7,7,10,-10-tetramethyl-1-(3- pyridylmethyl)anthra[1,2-b]pyrrol-3-yl]benzoic acid (31), 4-[4,5,7,8,9,10-hexahydro-7,7,10,10-tetramethyl-1-(3-pyridylmethyl)-5- thiaanthral[1,2-b]pyrrol-3-yl]benzoic acid (40), and 4-[4,5,7,8,9,10-hexahydro-7,7,10,10-tetramethyl-1-(3- pyridylmethyl)anthra[2,1-d]pyrazol-3-yl]benzoic acid (55), all of which possess a 3-pyridylmethyl group at the five-membered ring nitrogen atom.

Acute hemolysis during cyclosporine therapy successfully treated with vitamin E

The immunosuppressant cyclosporine induces acute hemolysis (hemolytic uremic syndrome) in some patients after transplantation, possibly because of its effects on the vascular endothelium. We report a case of Coombs-negative, non-immune severe hemolytic anemia during cyclosporine therapy after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for severe aplastic anemia. Uremia was not observed. Vitamin E was effective in treating the intravascular hemolysis.

Interphase and metaphase detection of the breakpoint of 14q32 translocations in B-cell malignancies by double-color fluorescence in situ hybridization

The breakpoint of 14q32 translocations found in B-cell malignancies was delineated specifically in both metaphase spreads and interphase nuclei by double-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using bacteriophage clones containing the human immunoglobulin gamma chain gene locus (Ig gamma) and a cosmid clone, CY24-68, containing VH segments. CY24-68 is more telomeric than Ig gamma, separated by approximately 1 megabase (Mb). FISH studies were performed on four patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), one with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), one with plasma cell leukemia (PCL), and three cell lines. In each patient with t(8;14), t(14;18), and t(3;14), the signal of Ig gamma gene was observed on der(14) and that of CY24-68 at respective partner sites of these translocations, 8q24.1, 18q21.3, and 3q27. Interphase nuclei with a signal of Ig gamma clearly separated from that of CY24-68 were more frequently encountered in all of the patients (45% to 74%) than those in normal controls (4% to 5%). Even in cases where only interphase nuclei were available for FISH studies, 14q32 translocations are detected as shown in two patients each with NHL and t(11;14)-carrying PCL. In two cell lines, HS-1 derived from ALL carrying t(8;14) and FR4 derived from a plasmacytoma carrying a complex form of t(8;14), the signal of Ig gamma was observed at the breakpoint region 8q24.1 of the der(8) in addition to the der(14), indicating that translocation event occurred within the Ig gamma locus. Intense Ig gamma signal was found at the breakpoint region on the der(14)t(11;14) in HBL-2 derived from NHL, indicating amplification of the Ig gamma gene, and presumably the resultant chimeric DNA between Ig gamma and DNA sequences at 11q13. The present approach allowed us to unequivocally detect tumor-specific breakpoints of 14q32 translocations. Furthermore, interphase FISH provides a rapid diagnostic procedure to detect 14q32 translocations in B-cell malignancies.

Studies of the oxidation states of hemoglobin M Boston and hemoglobin M Saskatoon in blood by EPR spectroscopy

The extent of the oxidation of Hemoglobin (Hb) M Saskatoon (beta 63His-->Tyr) and Hb M Boston (alpha 58His-->Tyr) in the patient's blood was determined by measurement of the intensity of EPR signals at g perpendicular = 6.0 for the normal subunits, g1 = 6.7 for the mutant subunits of Hb M Saskatoon and g1 = 6.3 for those of Hb M Boston, respectively. The amounts of reduced mutant subunits were estimated from the EPR signal intensities and the amounts of Hb present as mutant Hb in the blood. About 50% and 76% of mutant subunits in Hb M Boston and Hb M Saskatoon remained reduced in the fresh blood. Gentle shaking of the blood at 37 degrees C for 15 hours in air brought about autoxidation of the normal subunits as well as the mutant subunits of the two Hbs M, indicating that the presence of the mutant subunits facilitated autoxidation of the normal subunits. Possible involvement of NADH-metHb reductase in erythrocytes in maintenance of the reduced mutant subunits of Hb M Saskatoon was discussed.

Studies on the Chinese crude drug "shoma." IX. Three novel cyclolanostanol xylosides, cimicifugosides H-1, H-2 and H-5, from cimicifuga rhizome

Three new cyclolanostanol xylosides were isolated from a batch of commercial Cimicifuga Rhizome, cimicifugoside H-1 (1), C35H52O9, mp 260-262 degrees C, [alpha]D -43.5 degrees, cimicifugoside H-2 (2), C35H54O10, mp 227-229 degrees C, [alpha]D -38.8 degrees, and cimicifugoside H-5 (3), C35H52O10, mp 262-264 degrees C, [alpha]D -22.9 degrees, together with known glycosides, actein and 27-deoxyactein. Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectrometric evidence including an X-ray crystallographic analysis. The structure of cimicifugoside H-1 (1) was established as (20R,24R)-24,25-epoxy-11 beta-hydroxy-3-beta-(beta-D- xylopyranosyloxy)-9,19-cyclolanost-7-ene-16,23-dione. Cimicifugoside H-5 (3) is the 15-hydroxylated derivative of 1. Since 1 changed into cimicifugoside H-2 (2) on treatment with p-toluenesulfonic acid, 2 has a 24R,25-diol structure derived from 1 by opening its epoxy ring.

Choroid plexus papilloma containing melanin pigment

The authors report a case of a choroid plexus papilloma in the fourth ventricle containing melanin pigment. The pigmented granules in this tumor were positive for Fontana-Masson, periodic acid-Schiff, acid fast and Sudan staining, suggesting that the pigment contained lipofuscin as well as melanin. The possibility that the melanin derived from lipofuscin by "melanization" through pseudoperoxydation is discussed.

Stimulative effects of lead on bone resorption in organ culture

To clarify whether hypercalcemia after injection of Pb to rats is due to biological bone resorption or physicochemical mineral dissolution, the effect of lead (Pb) on release of previously incorporated 45Ca in organ culture was investigated. Pb at 50 microM and above stimulated the release of 45Ca and hydroxyproline (Hyp). Pb did not stimulate 45Ca release from the bones inactivated by freezing and thawing. Eel calcitonin (ECT), bafilomycin A1 and scopadulcic acid B (SDB) inhibited Pb-stimulated 45Ca release. These results indicate that Pb-induced 45Ca release is due to osteoclastic bone resorption. Pb-stimulated bone resorption was inhibited by indomethacin and flurbiprofen. Pb stimulated the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from the bones into the media. There was significantly high correlation between 45Ca and PGE2 release. Pb-induced bone resorption was inferred to be mediated by PGE2. From these results, it was suggested that hypercalcemia after Pb injection might be caused by biological bone resorption.

A macrolide antibiotic, roxithromycin, inhibits the growth of human myeloid leukemia HL60 cells by producing multinucleate cells

The antiproliferative effect of roxithromycin (RXM) was studied using human myeloid leukemia HL60 cells. RXM inhibited the growth of HL60 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and significantly inhibited growth at concentrations above 75 microM. This growth inhibition was not associated with specific cell cycle arrest and DNA synthesis was not impaired. In addition, the number of viable cells remained almost unchanged in the presence of 100 microM RXM. RXM induced growth inhibition at least partly by the formation of multinucleate cells. Both flowcytometric and morphological examination revealed that more than 40% of the RXM-treated cells were binucleate. These findings demonstrate that RXM is a potent new modulator of cell cycle progression in HL60 cells and suggest that the inhibition of cytokinesis by this drug may provide a new model for studying mitosis.

Effects of heparin, sperm concentration and bull variation on in vitro fertilization of bovine oocytes in a protein-free medium

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of heparin, sperm concentration and bull variation on the fertilization of bovine oocytes in a protein-free medium supplemented with polyvinyl alcohol and subsequent in vitro development of fertilized embryos. The effects in protein-free medium were compared with those in medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA). In the presence of heparin (1, 10 and 100 microg/ml), nearly all the oocytes were fertilized with and without BSA. In the absence of BSA, polyspermy was lower (4 to 15%) than in its presence (15 to 48%; P < 0.05). An increase in sperm concentration from 1 x 10(4) cells/ml during insemination enhanced fertilization rate up to 1 x 10(6) cells/ml with and without BSA (14 to 90% and 3 to 77%, respectively). In the absence of BSA, the highest concentration of spermatozoa (1 x 10(7) cells/ml) gave a lower fertilization rate (55%) than that at 1 x 10(6) cells/ml (77%; P < 0.05). Polyspermy neither increased nor decreased sperm concentration without BSA (0 to 8%; P > 0.05). The effects of spermatozoa from 5 different bulls chosen randomly on in vitro fertilization in medium without BSA were examined. Individual bull variation in fertilization rate (36 to 95%) was noted at 3 different heparin concentrations (1, 10 and 100 microg/ml). Polyspermic fertilization was low (0 to 14%) and was the same for all bulls at all heparin concentrations. Embryos fertilized without BSA developed to the blastocyst stage at the same rate (27%) as those with BSA (33%; P > 0.05).

[Cerebral aneurysms associated with von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis: report of two cases]

The authors reported two cases of aneurysms associated with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. The first case, a 60-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of disturbance of consciousness and right hemiparesis of acute onset. On admission, she was almost alert but developed right hemiparesis and lower cranial nerve palsy. Computed tomographic (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a huge mass compressing the brain stem and another mass lesion in the suprasellar cistern. Cerebral angiography disclosed left vertebral and left internal carotid artery giant aneurysms. Since she suffered respiratory distress because of aspiration pneumonia, conservative therapy was carried out. However, she developed cardiac arrest suddenly and died fourteen days after admission. On autopsy, it was shown that the left sided medulla oblongata had necrosis due to compression by the giant aneurysm and that the hemorrhagic infarction of the left cerebellar hemisphere was caused by a thrombus from the giant aneurysm of the left vertebral artery. The second case, a 40-year-old woman presented a disturbance of consciousness. A CT scanning demonstrated subarachnoid hemorrhage with a thick hematoma in the left sylvian fissure. An aneurysm at the junction of the right internal carotid artery and the posterior communicating artery was found, while the left middle cerebral artery was shown to be normal on cerebral angiography. Additionally an arteriovenous fistula of the left vertebral artery was found. Although no aneurysm was seen in the territory of the left internal carotid artery, left sided craniotomy was performed based on the CT findings.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)