Sound stimulation-induced vasomotor reflex in the central artery of the rabbit ear

Effects of sound stimulation on the central artery of the rabbit ear were studied as a somato-autonomic reflex. Vasoconstriction and dilatation, caused by metronome sound stimulation, were estimated from the temperature fluctuations in the central artery of the ear, measured by a thermistor. To enhance the detection of temperature rises, moderately high background levels of arterial tone were established by exposing the tips of the ears to water at a temperature of 10 degrees C or 5 degrees C, prior to sound stimulation. A fall in arterial temperature due to vasoconstriction was observed immediately after the start of the 1-min sound stimulation, with a subsequent temperature rise which overshot the original basal level due to vasodilatation. A positive correlation between the ear temperature before sound stimulation and the temperature fall (p < 0.01), and a negative correlation between the ear temperature and the temperature rise (p < 0.05) were obtained. The temperature fall was blocked by phenoxybenzamine (9 mg/kg, i.p., p < 0.01). The subsequent rise was not influenced by atropine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) or phenoxybenzamine, however, it was attenuated by hexamethonium (6 mg/kg, i.p., p < 0.05). The temperature fall at the beginning of sound stimulation was related to alpha-adrenergic mechanism. The subsequent temperature rise was thought to be related to parasympathetic mechanism, excluding cholinergic mechanism.

Influence of hypoxia and pulmonary air embolism on lung injury in perfused rat lungs

We investigated the influence of low oxygen ventilation, air-bubble infusion into the pulmonary artery and their synergistic effect on pulmonary hemodynamics and microvascular permeability in isolated perfused rat lungs. Pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly increased by 70 min of ventilation with 3% O2 (hypoxia, group H); by 0.2-ml air-bubble infusion (pulmonary air embolism, group AE), and by 0.2-ml air-bubble infusion and 70 min of 3% O2 ventilation (hypoxia and pulmonary air embolism, group H & AE) compared with that of a control group (0.2 ml saline infusion, group C). Neither total (TPR) nor arterial (Ra) pulmonary vascular resistance in group H showed any difference compared to control values. TPR and Ra in groups AE and H & AE were significantly higher than those in group C. However, there was no significant difference in TPR or Ra between groups AE and H & AE. The pulmonary capillary fluid filtration coefficient, dry lung to wet lung weight ratio and white blood cell count in the perfusate of group H were not changed, while those of the groups AE and H & AE were significantly increased compared to those of controls. However, there was no significant difference in these values between groups AE and H & AE. Since hypoxia did not damage isolated perfused rat lungs, as determined by hemodynamics and permeability, nor enhance lung injury caused by air embolism, it was suggested that air embolism contributed more to high-altitude lung injury than low oxygen.

Food restriction inhibits an autoimmune disease resembling systemic lupus erythematosus in (NZB x NZW) F1 mice

To investigate the beneficial effects of food restriction on systemic lupus erythematosus in NZB x NZW F1 mice, we separated the mice into three groups. One was fed a diet in which total food intake was reduced to 60% of normal from age 2 mo onward, while the animals were still healthy (group 2R). A second group was selected at age 7 mo based on a positive lupus nephritis (proteinuria) and fed the 40% restricted diet thereafter (group 7R); a third group was allowed to consume food ad libitum (control). All control mice died of renal disease by age 14 mo, whereas all mice in group 2R and 80% of those in group 7R were living at that age. Measurements of anti-double stranded DNA antibody concentrations in sera and in supernatants of in vitro spleen cell cultures revealed that the production of the immunoglobulin G, but not immunoglobulin M, class of antibodies was markedly and significantly reduced in food-restricted mice. Age-associated changes in lymphocyte subsets seen in control mice, i.e., increases in B:T and CD4:CD8 T cell ratios, decreases in NTA260+ T cell subsets, and increases in aberrant activated NTA204+CD4+ T cells and cycling cells, were all significantly lessened in underfed mice. Food restriction did not suppress the secondary acquired antibody responses to a foreign antigen. Thus, the beneficial effects of food restriction in these mice may be related to the lessening of the age-related onset of T cell subset abnormalities, including activation of autoreactive T cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of BQ123 on vasoconstriction as a result of either hypoxia or endothelin-1 in perfused rat lungs

A possible role of endothelin (ET)-1 in mediating hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) was examined by comparing haemodynamic differences between ET-1-induced vasoconstriction and HPV in isolated perfused rat lungs. An ETA receptor antagonist (BQ123) was also employed to assess the effects of ET-1. The pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa) was significantly increased by alveolar hypoxia (3% O2) and by ET-1 (5 nM). The pulmonary microvascular pressure was not changed by hypoxia, but increased more than two-fold by ET-1 (P < 0.01). Hypoxia significantly increased pulmonary arterial resistance (P < 0.01) while ET-1 significantly increased pulmonary venous resistance (P < 0.01), and slightly increased arterial resistance. Lung weight was increased by ET-1 and decreased by hypoxia, accompanied by similar Ppa responses in both cases. BQ123 (10(-6) M and 10(-5) M) did not influence the changes in Ppa and lung weight induced by hypoxia or angiotensin II (0.3 micrograms). BQ123 did, however, suppress (P < 0.05) the increase in Ppa and lung weight induced by 5 nM ET-1. Thus, it appears unlikely that ET-1 is involved in changes in pulmonary vascular tone during acute HPV.

Functional CD4+ T cell subsets defined by expression of CD45RC and NTA260 antigens and age-associated polarization in murine lupus

Using two mAb, one specific to the alternative exon 6-dependent epitope of CD45 molecules (JH6.2) and one a natural thymocytotoxic autoantibody (NTA) with an unknown reactive epitope (NTA260), we subdivided splenic CD4+ T cells from 2-month-old BALB/c mice into five phenotypically distinct subsets. CD45RC+NTA260- (S I) cells were phenotypically analogous to CD4+ T cells predominating in newborn mice and produced a significant amount of IL-2, but not so IL-4, IL-10 or IFN-gamma when stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 mAb in vitro. They appeared to consist mainly of naive ThP cells. The CD45RC+NTA260+ (S II) subset also produced IL-2, but not other cytokines; however, the IL-2 levels produced were much higher than seen with the S I subset, thereby suggesting the predominance of further maturated ThP cells. The CD45RC-NTA260+ (S III) subset mainly produced IL-4, IL-10, IFN-gamma and less IL-2, and contained memory cells that helped the secondary antibody response to a recall antigen, and hence contained Th2 and probably a mixture of Th0 and Th1 cells. The CD45RC-NTA260- (S IV) subset was a poor responder to the immobilized anti-CD3 mAb. The CD45RCbrightNTA260dull (S V) subset consisted of a small number of cells that were phenotypically analogous to activated CD4+ T cells. While an age-associated decrease in the proportion of S I and less markedly in S II and in turn increase in S III subsets of CD4+ T cells occurred in normal BALB/c mice, autoimmune disease-prone (NZB x NZW)F1 mice showed a marked age-associated decrease in the proportion of not only S I, II but also III subsets. As aged (NZB x NZW)F1 mice carry CD4+ T helper cells for IgG anti-DNA antibody production, such age-associated polarization to the S IV subset appears to be critical in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease in these mice.

[A 51-year-old man with early onset parkinsonism]

We report of 51-year-old man with early onset parkinsonism. The patient was well until 38 years of age, when he noted a difficulty in the use of his right leg; this difficulty improved after he received a medicine from his physician. He did not take medicine regularly, and he noted difficulty in standing up from a chair and in rolling over at age 40. Tremor was not a feature, but he noted slowness in his movements at age 42; at age 49, he noted diurnal fluctuation in his symptoms and at times he experienced hallucination. He was admitted to our hospital in September of 1992 for the first time when he was 50-year-old. At that time, neurologic examination revealed an alert and somewhat bradyphrenic man; Hasegawa dementia rating scale was 20/30. Cranial nerves were intact except for masked face and small voice. He showed stooped posture and small step gait cogwheel rigidity was noted in the four limbs more on the left; tremor was absent. Deep reflexes were within normal range and the sensation was intact. As he showed diurnal fluctuation in his symptoms, his medication was switched to levodopa 3,000 mg/day without a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor. He was discharged for out patient follow up. But he did not take drugs regularly, and his neurologic condition deteriorated; he was admitted to another hospital. Neurologic examination at that time was essentially similar to that of his first admission to our hospital, except that he showed more severe rigidity and akinesia; again tremor was not detected. His cranial CT scan showed a mild ventricular dilatation without cortical or brain stem atrophy. During his hospital stay, he developed episodes of oculogyric crisis during peak dose of levodopa, and orthostatic hypotension. He developed pneumonia and expired on October 28, 1993. He was discussed in a neurological CPC, and the chief discussion arrived at the conclusion that the patient had early onset Parkinson's disease of Lewy body type. As differential diagnoses, early onset parkinsonism without Lewy body, pure form of diffuse Lewy body disease, pallidoluysian atrophy, and other conditions were considered; however, all of those possibilities were excluded. Early onset parkinsonism without Lewy body would have much earlier onset than this patient, and diffuse Lewy body disease would show more profound dementia 13 years after the onset. Pallidoluysian atrophy would be complicated with some dystonic features. Post-mortem examination showed marked discoloration and degeneration of the substantia nigra. The degeneration was most prominent in the ventrolateral tier of the substantia nigra.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[A 65-year-old woman with dysarthria, dysphagia, weakness, and gait disturbance]

We report a 65-year-old woman with progressive dysarthria, dysphagia, weakness, and gait disturbance. The patient was well until 59 years of age (January of 1986) when she noted bilateral ptosis. One year later, she noted a gradual onset of difficulty in speech (articulation). Her speech slowly deteriorated and she noted weakness in chewing power and difficulty in swallowing in addition. In October 1987, she developed emotional incontinence. In January of 1988, she started to drag her left foot. She was admitted to our hospital on June 13 of 1988. On admission, she was alert and general physical examination was unremarkable. Neurologic examination revealed no dementia; her higher cerebral functions appeared intact. Ptosis was present bilaterally more on the right. She showed difficulty in opening her eyes on command; no contraction of the frontal muscles was seen upon attempted eye opening. There was a moderate limitation in the vertical gaze. Forced laughing and crying were seen. Facial muscles were moderately weak without apparent atrophy. The movement of the soft palate was very weak, and swallowing disturbance was more prominent for liquid staff. The tongue appeared somewhat small, however, no fasciculation was noted. Her step was small and the posture was stooped. Retropulsion was present, however, Romberg's sign was absent. No muscle atrophy was apparent, however, diffuse mile to moderate muscle weakness was noted in all four limbs. Cerebellar sign was absent. Deep tendon reflexes were exaggerated bilaterally, and Babinski sign was present on the left side. Sensation was intact. Routine blood tests were unremarkable as was a cranial CT scan. Her ptosis did not improve after 10 mg of edrophonium injection. CSF was also normal. She was transferred to another hospital but her neurological disabilities further progressed. In 1989, she was totally unable to move her limbs; she could only move her eyes; still consciousness was clear without dementia. She developed respiratory difficulty and expired on July 25, 1992. She was discussed in a neurological CPC, and the opinions were divided into ALS and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). The chief discussant arrived at the conclusion that the patient might have had the pyramidal form of ALS. Postmorten examination revealed marked myelin pallor in the anterior as well as lateral corticospinal tracts. Pyramidal tract degeneration was prominent starting at the level of the cerebral peduncle and was continued to be seen until the level of lumbar cord. The number of anterior horn cells showed only slight decrease in the cervical level, however, it was normal in the lumbar cord.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cardiopulmonary function in bicycle racing over mountainous terrain at moderate altitude

To examine cardiopulmonary function during exercise in a mountainous region at moderate altitude, we measured cardiac frequency, oxygen consumption (VO2), and percentage arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (%SaO2) before and after a bicycle race with a starting point at 638 m and finishing point at 1980 m. The time required to ascend an elevation of 10 m was prolonged with increasing altitude, and heart rate also increased with altitude. The %SaO2 at the starting point and at the finishing point differed significantly (P < 0.01). Faster cyclists exhibited higher %SaO2 and lower VO2, while slower cyclists exhibited a reduction in %SaO2 and an increase in VO2 immediately after the race. The %SaO2 recovery time was significantly correlated with the racing time (r = 0.54, P < 0.001). Therefore, the faster cyclists' oxygen debt upon completion of the race may be small and recovery of cardiopulmonary function may be fast, while the slower cyclists' oxygen debt may be large and recovery of cardiopulmonary function may be slow.

Cardio-pulmonary function of cyclists competing on an ascending mountain course between altitudes of 1400 m and 2800 m

Physiological changes were investigated in the cardio-respiratory function of competitors in a bicycle race which involved not a flat course but ascending a mountain, from 1400 m to 2800 m. Heart rate throughout the race, arterial oxygen saturation and pulmonary function before and after the race of well trained competitors were measured. The individual's maximal heart rate during the race was designated as HRmax for the calculations. (1) There were significant correlations between the age and the mean %HRmax during the race, between mean %HRmax and time, and between age and time (n = 15); the mean %HRmax had a 3.90 times greater effect on time than did age. (2) The individuals who performed best had lower values of oxygen saturation just after finishing the race (n = 51). (3) At 1 min after reaching the finishing line, oxygen saturation levels had recovered to the value of 20 min after finishing the race, whereas the heart rate was still in the process of recovery (n = 18). (4) Maximum expiratory flow at 50% vital capacity measured 30 min after reaching the finishing line was significantly higher than at the starting point. The intensity of the load on the cardiac system produced by completion of this course was estimated to be almost the same as that of a full marathon on a flat course. The time depended on both the youth of the cyclist and on his ability to maintain a high value of %HRmax during the race.

Effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP on morphologic features and marker production of human cervical argyrophil small-cell carcinoma cell line

The effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dB-cAMP) on the morphologic features and marker production of a human cervical argyrophil small-cell carcinoma (ASCC) cell line was examined. Following 1-5 days' exposure to 5 mM dB-cAMP, morphologic differentiation as defined by the expression of cytoplasmic processes (stellate cells) was observed. The number of stellate cells depended on the dose of dB-cAMP and incubation time. Shortly after removal of dB-cAMP from the culture medium, the treated cells returned to their original spherical shape. dB-cAMP caused a reduction in the growth rate of cells which recovered after removal of the agent. The morphological changes appeared not to be the result of growth inhibition by dB-cAMP, because the cells maintained in a serum-free medium did not show any change in shape. Electron microscopic study revealed the development of intracytoplasmic microtubules, microfilaments, and an increase in the number of neurosecretory granules in the treated cells. The levels of neuron-specific enolase, serotonin and gastrin in treated cells were significantly higher than those in untreated controls. These findings indicate that a reversible differentiation of cultured ASCC cells into neuroendocrine cells occurs in a growth medium containing dB-cAMP.

Effects of exercise training at 1,500 m on arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate

We compared the effects of exercise training at a low (610 m) altitude with those at moderate (1,500 m) altitude on arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and pulse rate (PR) between two groups of men: five subjects in the low altitude group (LG), and five other subjects in the moderate-altitude group (MG), after giving them a series of bicycle training in a hypobaric chamber. Training intensity was 75% HRmax for 60 min/day, 3 times per week for 5 weeks. Before and after the training, Sao2 and PR were measured with a pulse oximeter during step-tests under various air pressures, corresponding to 610 m, 2,000 m, and 4,000 m, respectively, in the chamber. We found that: 1) Sao2 during the step-test carried out at 2,000 m and 4,000 m in the hypobaric chamber was significantly increased in MG compared with that in LG; and 2) PR during the step-tests at 610 m, 2,000 m, and 4,000 m was significantly decreased in MG compared with that in LG. Thus, we conclude that exercise training at a moderate altitude is a useful method for increasing Sao2 and decreasing PR and may prevent mountain sickness.

Immunohistochemical study of cytokeratin 7 for the differential diagnosis of adenocarcinomas in the ovary

Mucinous adenocarcinomas of the ovary were studied immunohistochemically for cytokeratins 7 and 18, either to determine whether the ovarian tumor was primary or a metastasis or to establish the histogenetic origin of the tumor. Primary ovarian tumors were strongly positive for both cytokeratins, while ovarian metastases from colonic cancers were negative for cytokeratin 7, as were the colonic cancers. Three of four ovarian tumors complicated by pseudomyxoma peritonei were negative for cytokeratin 7, indicating appendiceal origin. Two of seven mucinous tumors associated with dermoid cysts were negative for cytokeratin 7, suggesting gastrointestinal origin.

[A 47-year-old woman with meningeal signs and consciousness disturbance]

We report a 47-year-old woman with SLE, who developed meningeal signs and consciousness disturbance. She noted an onset of fever, and swelling and pain in her face, hands and feet in 1990. She was seen in another hospital and the diagnosis of SLE was made. She was treated with prednisolone with marked improvement in her symptoms. She was well with 5 mg of oral prednisolone daily until January of 1991, when she developed fever, myalgia and weakness in her legs. She was admitted to the medical service of our hospital on August 5. She was receiving 15 mg of prednisolone daily. Gram positive rods were cultured from her blood on August 5. She became incoherent 2 days later, and had a convulsive episode on August 8. After the convulsion, she lost consciousness from which she did not recover. Her CSF contained 304/3 microliters cells, 29 of which were neutrophils, 6 lymphocytes, 90 others, and 179 destructed cells. The CSF protein content was 345 mg/dl, and glucose 23 mg/dl. A neurological consultation was asked on August 9. Physical examination at that time revealed a semicomatous woman. Respiration was 30/min and regular. BP 132/82 mmHg, heart rate 122/min and regular, and BT 39.6 degrees C. General physical examination was unremarkable. Pertinent neurologic findings were positive Kernig sign and spasticity in all four limbs. Brain stem reflexes were retained. Upon painful stimulation, withdrawal response was elicited both lower extremities. She was treated with pipiracillin, latamoxef and phenobarbital, however, she had frequent seizures. She was deeply comatose on December 10. She became flaccid and no more meningeal signs were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunofluorescent analysis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in glomeruli of the hepatic glomerulosclerosis

An immunofluorescence study was carried out to evaluate alterations in the distribution and/or intensity of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, immunoglobulins and complement (C3) in the glomeruli of 7 autopsy patients with hepatic glomerulosclerosis. As compared with the findings in normal renal tissues, an increase in type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin was observed in expanded glomerular mesangial areas and along glomerular capillary walls. Depositions of IgA, mainly IgA1, and C3 in glomeruli were in parallel with those of the ECM components. These ECM components were markedly decreased in glomeruli showing global sclerosis. In contrast, type I collagen was observed at central portions of the sclerotic glomeruli. There was an increase in the type I collagen along Bowman's capsules, especially at the sites of capsular adhesion and crescent formation. It appears that hyperproduction and/or infiltration of glomerular ECM components and interstitial collagen is closely linked to the progression of glomerular sclerosis in patients with liver diseases.

[A 62-year-old man with multiple cranial nerve palsies on the right side and a pelvic mass]

We report a 62-year-old man with a pelvic mass, who developed multiple cranial nerve palsies on the right side. He was well until the summer of 1977 when he developed a numb sensation in the sacral region. In the next year, a huge tumor was found in the sacral area in another hospital. Most of the tumor was resected at that time. Post-operative course was uneventful. In July 1988, there was an onset of weakness in his legs, gait disturbance, and dysuria. Myelography at the above hospital revealed a complete block at the seventh thoracic level. He was treated by laminectomy and post-operative radiation. In June 1990, he developed a neuralgic pan in his right leg. Two months later, he noted diplopia, deafness in his right ear, and swallowing difficulty. He was admitted to our hospital for further work up on January 14th of 1991. On admission, he was afebrile. General physical examination revealed a 4 cm had mass in his right anterior chest attaching the rib. Gynecomastia was noted bilaterally. Liver was felt by 5 cms under the right hypochondrium. The edge of the liver was firm. On neurologic examination he was an alert and mentally sound man. His higher cerebral functions were intact. In the cranial nerves, complete palsy of the abducens nerve, mild nerve deafness, paresis of the soft palate, atrophy and weakness of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezium muscles, all on the right side, deviation of the tongue to the right, slurred speech, and dysphagia were observed. The neck was supple. He was able to walk with a support. Mild weakness was present in his right lower extremity. Both legs were spastic. No ataxia or involuntary movements were noted. Deep reflexes were symmetric and normally active. No sensory loss was observed. No meningeal signs were present. Pertinent laboratory findings included moderate anemia (Hb 8.8 g/dl), LDH 2,631 U/l, CRP 7.4 mg/dl. The CSF was under an increased pressure (OP 260 mmH2O) containing 2 lymphocytes/ml, 43 mg/dl of protein, and 49 mg/dl of glucose. Radiologic examinations revealed a destructive change in the sacrum, lytic lesions in the seventh thoracic spine and in the clivus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A monoclonal thymocytotoxic autoantibody from autoimmune-disease-prone New Zealand black mouse recognizes beta-tubulin in neural tissue

On the basis of our previous report that a thymocytotoxic monoclonal autoantibody (NTA260) derived from a New Zealand Black mouse reacts with brain tissues as well as lymphoid cells, the neuronal antigen reacting with this antithymocyte antibody was characterized in the present experiment. Double staining of cultured brain cells with NTA260 and anti-tubulin antibody revealed that both staining patterns closely resembled each other. NTA260 reacted with purified tubulin molecules on Western blotting. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the whole lysate of embryonic mouse brain revealed that NTA260 stained the spot corresponding to that of beta-tubulin but not that of alpha-tubulin. These results suggest that beta-tubulin is a prominent neuronal antigen recognized by NTA260.

Immunohistochemical study of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in endometrial carcinoma with argyrophil cells

We performed an immunohistochemical study of argyrophil cells in 10 endometrial carcinomas using the monoclonal antibody PC 10 to detect proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of 10 endometrial carcinomas containing argyrophil cells which are chromogranin positive (four containing type I cells, two type II, and four mixed-type I and type II) were stained with monoclonal antibody PC 10. In addition, one of the tumors with mixed-type cells was transplanted into nude mice, and the tumors which developed in subpassages were also analyzed for PCNA. Argyrophil cells in 10 endometrial carcinomas were found to be negative immunohistochemically for PCNA, regardless of their type, suggesting that they are not proliferating. Surprisingly, however, all subpassaged tumors contained argyrophil cells which were also negative for PCNA. From these results, it may be postulated that argyrophil cells were induced through differentiation to neuroendocrine direction of neoplastic cells.

Adenocarcinoma in a benign cystic teratoma of the ovary: report of a case with a long survival period

We report a case of adenocarcinoma associated with benign cystic teratoma (dermoid cyst) of the ovary in which the patient has survived for a long time. A 62-year-old woman underwent abdominal total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy on March 16, 1976 because of a large left ovarian tumor. There were no pathologic findings in other intra-abdominal organs. The tumor was cystic, contained dark and mucinous sebaceous material with hair, and weighed 15 kg. Papillary growths protruded into the cavity in some areas of the wall. Microscopically and immunohistochemically, the tumor was characterized as a mucinous adenocarcinoma associated with dermoid cyst, suggesting a possible gastrointestinal origin. After the surgery, she was treated with chemotherapy and is alive and well more than 15 years later. Our review of the literature indicates that, while it is widely held that patients with adenocarcinoma associated with dermoid cyst do not survive, many in fact do survive for a long period after surgery.

Effects of high altitudes on finger cooling test in Japanese and Tibetans at Qinghai Plateau

The influences of both hypobaric hypoxia and cold on peripheral circulation were studied using the finger cooling test (measurement of the decrease in finger temperature, measured at the dorsal surface of the finger, during immersion of the hand in 0 degrees C water for 20 min) at Qinghai Plateau. The same test was carried out at simulated altitudes in a 25 degrees C climatic chamber to separate the hypobaric hypoxia influence from that of cold. In Japanese subjects at Qinghai Plateau there was a significant difference between finger skin temperatures (FSTs) during 20 min of 0 degrees C water immersion at altitudes of 2260 m and 4860 m by ANOVA. Mean finger skin temperature during the 20-min immersion (5-20 min, MST) measured at 4860 m was significantly lower than that at 2260 m. In Tibetan subjects, there was also a significant difference between FSTs at 2260 m and at 4860 m by ANOVA. MST at 4860 m tended to be lower than that at 2260 m. In the 25 degrees C climatic chamber, there was a significant difference between FSTs of Japanese expedition members at 2000 m and at 4000 m by ANOVA. MST was higher at 4000 m than at 2000 m, contrary to the data obtained in Qinghai. In conclusion, the higher skin temperature in response to local cold immersion, which would have been caused by stronger hypobaric hypoxia, must have been masked by the lower ambient temperature.

Thermogenesis induced by inhibition of shivering during cold exposure in exercise-trained rats

The present investigation was conducted to examine the role of nonshivering and shivering thermogenesis caused by cold exposure in exercise-trained rats. Wistar rats were divided into warm-acclimated (WA), exercise-trained (ET) and cold-acclimated (CA) groups. The trachea was cannulated and a ventilator was connected under light anesthesia and in the supine position. Shivering, oxygen consumption, colonic temperature, blood glucose, and free-fatty acids were measured at 25 degrees C and then at 0 degrees C room temperatures. D-tubocurarine chloride (curare, 0.04 mg/100 g body weight, ip) was given to inhibit muscular activity. Cold-induced oxygen consumption in the ET and WA groups did not decrease when shivering was inhibited, whereas it increased in the CA. The magnitude just after shivering onset for the ET and CA groups as significantly greater than for the WA group. Colonic temperature at the onset of shivering was significantly higher in the WA group than in the ET and the CA groups. The blood glucose concentration during cold exposure and curarization was elevated in the ET group, and did not change in the CA or WA groups. The present results suggest that endurance training at a thermoneutral environment increases cold-induced thermogenic capacity in rats, which may be attributed to preferential carbohydrate utilization.

Microcirculation and high altitude edema

Physiological functions are a conglomeration of cell functions, and all cells are regulated by information processing and energy distributing systems. The former consists of nervous systems and the latter consists of respiro-circulatory systems. Defensive reactions appear in response to local cold stress which can induce frostbite or edema. We analyzed the cold vasoreaction time course in which rhythmical changes and trends were found using rabbit's ear blood vessels. In sheep, hypobaric hypoxia corresponding to 6600 m altitude was applied for 3 hrs. Lung lymph volume increased in response to this stress. Most sheep exposed recovered later. The factors influencing the increase in lung lymph flow and the conditions to induce interstitial edema were analyzed. Simulated-altitude symptoms were, then, analyzed by Sampson's method. In eight subjects exposed to 3700 m condition, the nervous system symptoms were well correlated with the respiro-circulatory symptoms. Thus we concluded that the distinction between system-specific diseases, viz., that between acute mountain sickness cerebral type (AMS-C) and respiratory type (AMS-R) was somewhat fuzzy. A common AMS condition, AMS-general, exists. Lastly, a case of 22-year-old male who died of lung and cerebral edema on a winter mountain was reported. The lung weighed 1506 g and the brain 1610 g.

A thymocytotoxic autoantibody reacts with the mouse brain cells in culture

Autoimmune-prone New Zealand Black mice produce a large amount of autoantibodies cytotoxic for thymocytes (natural thymocytotoxic autoantibodies, NTA). A monoclonal NTA (NTA260) has been found to react with brain tissues as well as the cell surface of thymocytes. We investigated the expression of NTA 260 antigen in the primary culture of fetal brain cells. NTA260 labeled strongly the cytoplasm of nerve cells after fixation, but failed to stain the living cells. Western blot analysis revealed that NTA260 recognized predominantly a band at approximately 53 kDa in brain and thymic extracts. These findings indicate that neuronal NTA260 antigen, which has a molecular mass similar to that of thymocytes, is likely an intracellular component.

Differential expression of three CD45 alternative structures on murine T cells: exon 6-dependent epitope as a marker for functional heterogeneity of CD4+ T cells

We prepared a novel rat mAb specific for CD45 molecules bearing the epitope coded for by the alternative exon 6 of the murine CD45 gene (CD45RC). Together with available mAbs to alternative exon 4- and 5-dependent epitopes (CD45RA and CD45RB respectively), we found that the three alternative exons show differential expressions on murine lymphocytes. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that although B cells were homogeneously CD45RA+B+C+, the CD4+ T cells clearly included two populations, CD45RA-B+C- and CD45RA-B+C+. The CD8+ T cells were separated into CD45RA-B+C+ and CD45RA+B+C+ populations. Such features of epitope expression on the cell surface correlate well with message levels of corresponding alternative exons. In the CD4+ T cells, messages of alternative exons were associated with either one or two exon forms of the CD45 transcript. In CD8+ T cells, there were transcripts with one, two, or three alternative exons. When stimulated by an immobilized CD3 mAb, the CD45RC+CD4+ T cell subset preferentially secreted IL-2 and CD45RC-CD4+ T cells produced IL-4. Upon stimulation with concanavalin A, CD45RC-CD4+ T cells converted to CD45RC+ cells, and the level of CD45RC expression on the CD45RC+CD4+ T cell subset was up-regulated. These changes were unidirectional and irreversible. Therefore, differential expression of CD45RC probably delineates the functional heterogeneity of murine CD4+ T cells that is associated with the stages of CD4+ T cell maturation or activation.

Recombinant-human superoxide dismutase attenuates endotoxin-induced lung injury in awake sheep

Oxygen radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury associated with clinical and experimental sepsis. With the use of endotoxin infusion as an in vivo model of sepsis we studied the effect of recombinant-human superoxide dismutase (r-hSOD; 4,200 U/mg), an enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide anion, on both the physiologic and biochemical lung changes in awake sheep. Sheep (n = 11) were prepared for chronic measurement of pulmonary hemodynamics and lung fluid balance. Paired experiments were performed in seven of the animals in which they received either endotoxin (1 microgram/kg) alone or in combination with r-hSOD in random order. An additional four sheep received r-hSOD without the lipopolysaccharide. Intravenous infusion of r-hSOD (a loading dose of 12,600 U/kg followed by a maintenance dose of 14,700 U/kg/h for 7 h) resulted in substantial SOD activity, measured by electron spin resonance spectrometry, both in plasma and in lung lymph, and attenuated the expected changes in pulmonary arterial pressure and lung lymph flow after administration of endotoxin. When administered without endotoxin, r-hSOD produced no perceptible change in pulmonary hemodynamics and lung fluid balance. These data suggest that superoxide anion plays an important role in endotoxin-induced lung injury in sheep.

[Immunohistochemical study of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in gynecological tumors and their related lesions]

We have investigated whether monoclonal antibody (PC10) of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) could be useful as a marker of proliferating cells within formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 140 gynecological tumors and their related lesions. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.76) between the labelling index for PCNA and that for Ki67. Immunohistochemical staining for PC10 was confined to the nucleus and showed a diffuse or granular pattern or a mixture of both. The distribution of PC10 staining in non-neoplastic tissues was localized to proliferating cell compartments. In malignant tissues, the localization of the distribution of PCNA-positive cells came to be lost and the proportion of positive cells varied from case to case as well as from field to field within the same tissue section. The cases in which more than 31% of cells were positive for PCNA were as follows: Cervical squamous dysplasia 2/3, squamous carcinoma in situ 2/5, microinvasive squamous carcinoma 2/2, invasive squamous carcinoma 9/13, adenocarcinoma in situ 4/4, microinvasive adenocarcinoma 3/3, invasive adenocarcinoma 6/7, endometrial adenocarcinoma 6/25, ovarian epithelial malignant tumors 11/17, sex cord stromal tumors 2/14, and germ cell tumors 3/22. It is concluded that immunohistochemical staining for PC10 may be useful as a marker for proliferating activity of the cells both in normal and tumor tissues rather than for malignancy.