Protective effect of a novel vitamin E derivative on experimental traumatic brain edema in rats--preliminary study

Oxygen free radicals have been proposed to be one of the major mechanisms of secondary brain damage in traumatic brain injury. Protective effect by vitamin E against oxidative damage has attracted much attention. Recent studies have demonstrated a novel vitamin E derivative, 2-(alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)methyl-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-6-ol (TMG), has excellent water-solubility and antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate protective effects of TMG on experimental traumatic brain edema (BE). Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized with chloral hydrate. Traumatic BE was produced by a cortical freezing lesion. Animals were separated into three groups: saline-treated rats (n = 4), TMG-treated (4 mg/kg) rats (n = 7) and TMG-treated (40 mg/kg) rats (n = 8). Saline or TMG was administered intravenously before lesion production. Animals were sacrificed at 6 hours after lesion production and the brain water content was determined by the dry-wet weight method. Half-life of TMG after intravenous administration of TMG was also investigated. The half life of TMG was approximately 5 minutes. TMG (40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated BE following cryogenic brain injury (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this preliminary study has demonstrated that a novel vitamin E derivative might be promising in the treatment of traumatic BE.

In vivo radioprotection by alpha-TMG: preliminary studies

alpha-TMG is a novel water-soluble derivative of Vitamin E that has shown excellent antioxidant activity. The parent compound has demonstrated protection against radiation induced chromosomal damage in vivo. Hence, the preliminary experiments to determine the radioprotective activity of alpha-TMG were carried out in adult Swiss albino mice. Acute toxicity of the drug was studied taking 24h, 72 h and 30 day mortality after a single intraperitoneal injection of 500-2000 mg/kg body weight of the drug. The drug LD(50) for 24h and 72 h/30 day survival were found to be 1120 and 1000 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The optimum time of drug administration and drug dose-dependent effect on in vivo radiation protection of bone marrow chromosomes was studied in mice. Injection of 600 mg/kg of the drug 15 min before or within 5, 15 or 30min after 3Gy whole body gamma radiation resulted in a significant decrease in the aberrant metaphases percent at 24h post-irradiation; the maximum effect was seen when the drug was given immediately after irradiation. Injection of 200-800 mg/kg TMG within 5 min of irradiation with 3 Gy produced a significant dose-dependent reduction in the radiation induced percent aberrant metaphases and in the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes at 24h after exposure, with a corresponding decrease in the different types of aberrations. The optimum dose for protection without drug toxicity was 600 mg/kg body weight. At this dose, TMG produced 70 and >60% reduction in the radiation induced percent aberrant metaphases and micronucleated erythrocytes, respectively. The high water solubility and effectiveness when administered post-irradiation favor TMG as a likely candidate for protection in case of accidental exposures.

Intraocular pressure-lowering efficacy of latanoprost in patients with normal-tension glaucoma or primary open-angle glaucoma

We investigated the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering potential of latanoprost in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). This prospective study included 59 NTG and 20 POAG patients treated with the following four dosing regimens of latanoprost: patients on no previous medication received latanoprost as initial therapy (Group 1, n=31), patients on beta-blocker therapy received latanoprost as adjunctive therapy (Group II, n=9), patients on unoprostone monotherapy were switched to latanoprost monotherapy (Group III, n=14), and patients previously on dual therapy with isopropyl unoprostone and beta-blocker were switched to a combined treatment of latanoprost and beta-blocker (Group IV, n=25). IOP significantly decreased 8 weeks after initiation of latanoprost therapy by 19.9% in Group I, 20.5% in Group II, 16.6% in Group III, and 12.2% in Group IV. In Groups I and II, there was a significant positive correlation between the magnitude of IOP reduction induced by latanoprost and the IOP level before latanoprost therapy. The IOP level before latanoprost therapy is a contributing factor in the IOP-lowering efficacy of latanoprost. Latanoprost is more effective in lowering IOP than isopropyl unoprostone.

Analysis of the addition products of alpha-tocopherol with phosphatidylcholine-peroxyl radicals by high-performance liquid chromatography with chemiluminescent detection

A chemiluminescence-based high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the analysis of the addition products of alpha-tocopherol with phosphatidylcholine-peroxyl radicals (TOO-PC). The TOO-PC eluted from a reversed-phase column was reacted with a chemiluminescent reagent consisting of a Cypridina luciferin analog and a lipid-soluble iron chelate in acidic methanol at 50 degrees C, and the generated chemiluminescence was monitored. The detection limit for TOO-PC by this method was about 1 pmol. This method was applied to the detection of TOO-PC in the peroxidized membranes prepared from rabbit erythrocyte ghosts. When the erythrocyte ghosts were peroxidized by the addition of a water-soluble free radical initiator, a peak corresponding to TOO-PC was detected on the chromatogram with chemiluminescent detection. The amount of TOO-PC in the erythrocyte membranes increased with the depletion of endogenous alpha-tocopherol. The results indicate that this method proved useful for the detection of the TOO-PC formed by the peroxyl-radical scavenging reactions of alpha-tocopherol in biological systems.

Helicobacter pylori water extract induces interleukin-8 production by gastric epithelial cells

In Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric mucosal injury, interleukin (IL) -8, a potent leukocyte chemoattractant, is produced by epithelial cells infected by H. pylori and directs neutrophils to the gastric mucosa. According to previous studies, the IL-8 production requires direct contact between the bacteria and epithelial cells. The aims of the present study were to determine whether an H. pylori water extract (HPE) induces IL-8 production by gastric epithelial cells and to characterize IL-8-inducing substances in HPE. Extracts were prepared from a standard strain and from strains obtained from patients with gastric ulcers. After addition of HPE to MKN 45 cells, a gastric cancer cell line, IL-8 in supernatants and IL-8 mRNA were measured by immunoassay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. For characterization, active fractions obtained by gel filtration of standard-strain HPE were treated by heating or trypsinization. To study the signal pathway leading to IL-8 production, inhibitors for protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), or protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) were incubated with MKN45 cells before HPE stimulation. HPE from the standard strain and one of these clinical strains induced IL-8 production. Lipopolysaccharide or cagA in the strains showed no correlation with IL-8 concentration. Standard-strain HPE induced IL-8 mRNA expression in MKN 45 cells. Gel filtration localized activity to a low-molecular-weight fraction of about 7 kDa, which was resistant to heat and trypsin digestion. PKC inhibitors significantly blocked HPE-induced IL-8 production by MKN 45 cells; however, the PKA inhibitor or PTK inhibitors showed a partial inhibitory effect. HPE contains a nonprotein substance of low molecular weight that is responsible for IL-8 induction in gastric epithelial cells. This induction is mainly dependent on the activation of PKC but partially also dependent on PKA or PTK.

A novel water-soluble vitamin E derivative protects against experimental colitis in rats

This study was designed to investigate the effects of water-soluble vitamin E derivative, 2-(alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)methyl-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-6-ol (TMG), on experimental colitis in rats. Colitis was induced in male Wistar rats weighing 200 grams using an enema of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in 50% ethanol; 1 ml of TMG dissolved in physiological saline (0.2 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml) was injected intraperitoneally every day for 1 week after the enema. The damage score, wet weight of the colon, and increase in body weight were estimated 1 week after the enema of TNBS. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS), an index of lipid peroxidation, and the level of alpha-tocopherol or TMG in the colonic mucosa were measured 1 week after the induction of colitis. As a result, increase in body weight was inhibited by the induction of colitis, although the inhibition was reduced in the group treated with TMG. The damage score, wet weight and TBA-RS were increased significantly in the colitis group; however, they were inhibited by the administration of TMG. The alpha-tocopherol level in the colonic mucosa was reduced by the induction of colitis, wheres TMG could not be detected in the colonic mucosa of rats treated with TMG. These results suggest that TMG is effective for the treatment of colitis in rats induced by TNBS.

Ytterbium-decreasing Streptomyces sp. and its naphthoquinone-pigment production in the presence of rare-earth elements

We screened for oligotrophic microorganisms capable of decreasing the concentration of ytterbium (Yb), a representative of the heavy rare-earth elements, in a culture medium. From 476 strains of oligotrophic microorganisms (grown on 1/100 diluted nutrient agar) isolated from soil and river water samples, 5 strains capable of reducing the concentration of Yb in diluted nutrient broth containing 5 ppm Yb were selected. Among them, a strain capable of reducing the concentration of all rare-earth elements to a great extent was identified as Streptomyces sp. (strain YB-1). This strain produced redish-purple pigment(s) only in the presence of rare earths, but not in that of other metals. The pigment was extracted with ethyl acetate and purified by a series of column chromatography steps. From the results of structural analysis using ultraviolet or infrared absorption spectrometry and 13C-NMR, the pigment was determined to be a kind of naphthoquinone similar to nanaomycin produced by a Streptomyces sp. These results suggested that rare earths might affect the physiological activity of this strain.

In vivo and in vitro effects of AVP and V1a receptor antagonist on Cushing's syndrome due to ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia

We examined the possibility that AVP and V1a receptors were involved in regulating cortisol production in a 49 year old man with ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (AIMAH), and investigated the effects of a V1a receptor antagonist. An i.v. injection of a small dose (0.1 or 0.3 U) of AVP, insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, upright posture tests, and oral administration of a V1a receptor antagonist (OPC-21268; 300 mg), and its repeated administration at a dose of 600 mg/day for 8 days were performed. An in vitro study of dispersed cells obtained from resected AIMAH tissue was also conducted. Plasma ACTH, AVP and cortisol levels and 24-h urinary free cortisol excretion were measured in the in vivo studies and cortisol concentrations in incubation media in the in vitro study. Injection of small doses of AVP stimulated cortisol secretion without any elevation of plasma ACTH. Insulin-induced hypoglycaemia caused a rise in plasma AVP followed by an increase in plasma cortisol. Although plasma cortisol levels were not affected by single or repeated administrations of OPC-21268, 24-h urinary free cortisol excretion was significantly decreased by the repeated treatment. In the in vitro study, more cortisol was stimulated by AVP from adrenal cells of the AIMAH tissue than from those of a normal adrenal gland, and this secretion was completely suppressed by OPC-21268. These results suggested that hypersensitivity to AVP may have contributed to overproduction of cortisol in this case of ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia, and may have contributed to its pathogenesis.

Antioxidant activity of a novel vitamin E derivative, 2-(alpha-D glucopyranosyl)methyl-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-6-ol

A novel vitamin E derivative, 2-(alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)methyl-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-6-ol (TMG), has excellent water-solubility (> 1 x 10[3] mg/ml). The antioxidant activity of TMG was investigated. Kinetic studies of the inhibition of radical-chain reaction of methyl linoleate in solution demonstrated that the peroxyl radical-scavenging activity was not changed by the replacement of phytiyl side chain of vitamin E to glucosyl group. TMG acted as an effective inhibitor on lipid peroxidation of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC)-liposomal suspension induced by a water-soluble and a lipid-soluble radical generator, 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN). Its effectiveness was higher than that of ascorbic acid (AsA) when liposomal suspension was exposed to a lipid-soluble radical generator, AMVN. TMG also showed an excellent antioxidant activity on cupric ion-induced lipid peroxidation of PC-liposomal suspension, and suppressed the oxidation of rat brain homogenate which contained trace level of iron ion. On the other hand, AsA acted as a prooxidant on both the cupric ion-induced liposomal peroxidation and the oxidation of rat brain homogenate. When human plasma was exposed to either AAPH or AMVN, the accumulation of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides was retarded by the addition of TMG.

Effect of glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 38486 on acute glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance in rat adipocytes

We examined the mechanism of acute glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance in rat adipocytes using the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 38486. Pretreatment with dexamethasone (DEX) and prednisolone for 60 minutes resulted in 50% inhibition of insulin-induced [3H]2-deoxyglucose (DOG) uptake at 10(-8) and 10(-7) mol/L, respectively, in rat adipocytes and 20% and 25% inhibition of insulin-induced [3H]2-DOG uptake, respectively, in soleus muscles. Our previous experiments indicated that DEX and prednisolone alone stimulate protein kinase C (PKC) in rat adipocytes. Accordingly, we examined [3H]DEX binding to PKC from MonoQ column-purified rat brain cytosol. Specific [3H]DEX binding to MonoQ column-purified PKC was observed (kd, 56.8 nmol/L; Bmax, 725 fmol/mg protein). Thus, insulin-induced PKC translocation from the cytosol to the membrane was suppressed by pretreatment with 10(-7) mol/L DEX and 10(-6) mol/L prednisolone for 80 minutes. During treatment with RU 38486 for 60 minutes, there was no change in the glucocorticoid-induced inhibitory effect on insulin-induced [3H]2-DOG uptake and PKC translocation from the cytosol to the membrane. Moreover, pretreatment with RU 38486 for 120 minutes slightly prevented the DEX-mediated inhibition of insulin-induced glucose uptake. These results suggest that acute glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance may be mainly mediated through the other non-glucocorticoid receptor pathway.

Synthesis of a novel vitamin E derivative, 2-(alpha-D-glucopyranosyl) methyl-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-6-ol, by alpha-glucosidase-catalyzed transglycosylation

A novel derivative of vitamin E, vitamin E glucoside, was synthesized from 2-hydroxymethyl-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-6-ol and maltose in a solution containing DMSO by transglycosylation with alpha-glucosidase from Saccharomyces species. The glycosylated product was identified as 2-(alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)methyl-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-6-ol (TMG) by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The optimal pH of transglycosylation was 5.5, and the yield of TMG increased as the concentration of maltose increased. TMG has high solubility in water (> 1 x 10(3) mg/mL). The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of TMG was found to be nearly the same as those of alpha-tocopherol, Trolox (2-carboxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-6-ol), and ascorbic acid.

Design of an acclimation system capable of controlling carbon dioxide concentration

The production system for grafted seedlings mainly consists of three processes; 1) growth of seedlings, 2) grafting of seedlings, and 3) acclimation of grafted seedlings. Of the three processes, the duration of acclimation is highly influenced by the acclimation conditions. The acclimation environment after grafting was controlled to be satisfied the demands of grafted seedlings in the point of the physiological reaction such as photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and translocation nutrients. In the present study, a preliminary experiment was conducted to understand the relationship between the factors concerned with the acclimation of grafted seedlings, using a new acclimation apparatus. The factors of interest were air temperature, relative humidity, light, and carbon dioxide concentration. In the presence of light, the air temperature and relative humidity were interfered each other, so that both factors were difficult to keep at a constant value. Furthermore, the concentration of carbon dioxide was remarkably fluctuated by the relative humidity regulated by the humidifier and dehumidification which was controlled by the temperature differences between water and ambient air. A new device of acclimation system which is automatically controlled would be expected to construct in near future. Such a device will make it possible to shorten the duration of acclimation and produce high quality of grafted seedlings.

Development of centrifugal phytotron to study the gravity effect on vegetable plant growth

The present Spacetron is used to cultivate plants over a long term by controlling environment condition. The cultivation drum was rotated in perpendicular direction creating fluctuation in gravity. Centrifugal force plus 1 G ground gravity, are distributed unevenly over the cultivation drum. This fluctuation effect on plant growth was not clear. In the modified Spacetron the cultivation drum rotates horizontally whereas the plant stage rotated in the perpendicular direction. To find the basic information for design of centrifugal phytotron the two axes Spacetron Junior (clinostat) was developed to formulate the micro and hypergravity environment. It would be used to study the effect on a plant growth process of different gravity conditions. In order to produce the different values of gravity, the clinostat's axis was rotated with a stepping motor at different angular velocity. The axis rotated at 5.2 revolutions per minute (rpm) to create a centrifugal force equivalent to 0.01 G and the plant stage was rotated at 5.2 rpm. The chlorophyll value is higher in the plants under microgravity condition of 0.01 G whereas the fresh weight and dry weight are higher in the plants under control condition of 1 G earth gravity. The result of this study showed that the plant growth was affected by microgravity along with other known factors such as vibration and unknown factors.

Antinociceptive activity of deltorphin analogs in the formalin test

Two deltorphin (DLT: Tyr-D-Met-Phe-His-Leu-Met-Asp-NH2) analogs, [N alpha-n-butyl-Gly6]DLT ([nBuG6]DLT) and [N alpha-iso-butyl-Gly6]DLT ([isoBuG6]DLT), were examined for their antinociceptive activities by a formalin test in mice after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection. [nBuG6]DLT exhibited potent dose-dependent antinociceptive activities at doses of more than 0.02 mumol/kg at the first and second phases, while morphine similarly inhibited of the pain responses at doses more than 0.01 mumol/kg in the formalin test. [isoBuG6]DLT showed potent antinociceptive activity at the second phase, but did not inhibit the pain response at the first phase. This phenomenon may be caused by a mu-antagonist/delta-agonist property of this compound. The antinociceptive effects of these analogs were antagonized by delta-antagonist naltrindole, but not by the mu-antagonist naloxone. These findings suggest that the antinociceptive effects were mediated via delta-receptors. These compounds may be useful as delta-agonists for clarifying the mechanism of analgesia mediated by delta-opioid receptors.

Performance of a centrifugal phytotron

It is possible to cultivate plants under an artificial gravity field generated by a centrifugal device in space. In order to determine an optimal magnitude of gravity, there is a need to investigate the relationship between plant and growth and gravity, including not only reduced gravity but also gravity greater than 1G. A prototype centrifugal phytotron was designed and fabricated in order to investigate the relationship between plant growth and increased gravity. This device enables us to cultivate plants over the long term by controlling environmental conditions in the phytotron such as temperature, relative humidity, CO2 concentration and light intensity. The results of our experiment indicate that plant seeds can germinate and grow even under an artificial gravity which changes sinusoidally from 2G to 4G.

Manganese ions penetrate via L-type Ca2+ channels and induce contraction in high-K+ medium in ileal longitudinal muscle of guinea-pig

1. Mn2+ (5 mM) completely inhibited the K+ (10-60 mM)-induced ileal tonic tension to the baseline, however, the tension and Mn2+ uptake increased progressively, depending on the K+ concentration of above 35 mM. 2. The L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, D-600 and nifedipine inhibited the tension development and Mn2+ uptake after addition of Mn2+ in the high-K+ (60 mM) medium, however, T-type Ca2+ channel blocker, Ni2+ and amiloride had no effect on it. 3. D-600 and nifedipine inhibited the tension development and Mn2+ uptake in the presence of 5 mM Mn2+ in the Ca(2+)-free, high-K+ (60 mM) medium. 4. The results suggest that Mn2+ penetrates via L-type Ca2+ channels in the ileal cell membrane in a state of prolonged depolarization and activates the contractile elements.

[A case of Sjögren's syndrome with rheumatoid arthritis manifesting transverse myelitis with antineuronal antibody]

We report a sixty-year-old woman with transverse myelitis who had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since age of 52. She was admitted to our department because of muscle weakness and painful tonic spasm in the bilateral lower extremities, sensory disturbance below the mamillary level and bladder disturbance. She had sicca symptoms. As a result of sialography, Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed. Antineuronal antibody was found in the sera of the patient. She had no symptom of systemic vasculitis. Lupus anticoagulant and anticaldiolipin antibody were negative. The pathogenesis of transverse myelitis in rheumatic disease is still uncertain. Vasculitis and the immunological reaction of antineuronal antibody have been suggested as possible causes. This report suggests the influence of direct immunological reaction on the central nervous system.

Heterotransplantation of human parathyroid glands into nude mice

Heterotransplantation of human parathyroid tissues into nude mice was performed to investigate the characteristics of grafted tissues. Grafts prepared from hyperplasia, adenoma and normal glands which were resected at operation were implanted in the gluteus muscle of the recipient mice (female, KSNnu/nu strain). Graft function was evaluated by measuring human intact PTH concentrations in sera of the mice. Serum PTH concentrations 12 weeks after transplantation were correlated with the tissue volume in the mice which received one, two, four or eight pieces of 1 mm3 hyperplastic tissues. Changes in graft function were examined in the mice which received four grafts prepared from hyperplasia, adenoma or normal glands. Transplantation of parathyroid tissues resulted in an increase in PTH concentrations for 4 weeks, reaching a plateau thereafter. The level remained unchanged for 8 weeks. Serum PTH levels in the mice with grafts prepared from hyperplasia or adenoma were significantly higher than in those with grafts from normal glands, though without a significant difference between the mice with grafts from adenoma and from hyperplasia. Serum calcium levels were similar in all three groups. We also observed the response of grafted parathyroid tissue to a low calcium level in sera: there was higher PTH secretion four weeks after the administration of the low calcium diet. The success of heterotransplantation was histologically proven by the presence of grafts which were not atrophic in the muscle 12 weeks after transplantation. Nucleoli were found more frequently, and nuclear pleomorphism was observed in the cells of heterografts.

Manganese ions induce tonic contraction after relaxation in a high-K+ medium in ileal longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig

In ileal longitudinal muscle 5 mM Mn2+ inhibited completely the K+ (60 mM)-induced tonic tension to the base line; however, the tension progressively increased to above the level of original tonic response evoked by K+ after 3 h in the presence of Mn2+. Tetrodotoxin 5 x 10(-5) M) had no influence on the tension development in the presence of Mn2+ in the high-K+ medium. Mn2+ also increased the tension in a high-K+, Ca(2+)-free medium. The Ca2+ antagonist, gallopamil (10(-6) M) inhibited the development of tension in the presence of Mn2+ in the high-K+ medium. The 45Ca uptake determined by the lanthanum method remained unchanged from control levels after 3 h of the 5 mM Mn2+ application in the high-K+ medium in spite of the development of the tension. The manganese uptake in the high-K+ medium, increased in accordance with the increase of duration of 5 mM Mn2+ application. Gallopamil inhibited manganese uptake in the high-K+ medium. These results suggest that Mn2+ firstly reduces K(+)-induced tension by inhibition of Ca2+ influx, subsequently, Mn2+ ions accumulate in the intracellular compartments through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and may activate contractile proteins in the ileal muscle.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis successfully treated with nephrectomy and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

A 58-year-old woman developed diabetic ketoacidosis and emphysematous pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli. She was successfully treated with nephrectomy, antibiotics, and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). RhG-CSF therapy may be an effective adjunct for diabetic patients with severe infection, even when neutropenia is not present.

Temperature high sensitivity of manganese uptake in ileal longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig

1. Mn2+ (5 mM) inhibited completely the K+ (60 mM)-induced ileal tonic tension to the base line, however, the tension increased progressively to the above level of the original K+ tonic response after 3 hr of the Mn2+ application at 37 degrees C. 2. At 30, 32 or 34 degrees C, the tensions which developed after 3 hr of the addition of 5 mM Mn2+ in the high-K+ medium was 0, 21, 48% of their original K+ tonic levels, respectively. 3. The tension development and manganese uptake in the presence of Mn2+ in the high-K+ medium was highly dependent on the temperature in very narrow range of 32-37 degrees C in the suspending medium.

Aldosterone binding to mineralocorticoid receptors of mononuclear leukocytes in diabetic subjects

We present the characteristic features of mineralocorticoid receptor regulation in human mononuclear leukocytes in patients with diabetes mellitus. Eighteen diabetic patients (3M and 15F, aged from 28 to 77 years with a mean of 53 +/- 14 (mean +/- SD) years) and 7 normal subjects (6M and 1F, aged from 29 to 59 years with a mean of 41 +/- 13 years) were studied. The mean plasma aldosterone concentration in the diabetic patients was significantly lower than that in the normal subjects (137 +/- 62 vs 189 +/- 36 pmol/l, p < 0.05). Seven of the 18 diabetic patients were hypoaldosteronemic. These 7 patients, however, showed normokalemia, except one with mild hyperpotassemia. The number of binding sites of [3H]aldosterone to mineralocorticoid receptor in the diabetic patients was significantly higher than that in the normal subjects (853 +/- 281 vs 488 +/- 109 sites/cell, p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in Kd of [3H]aldosterone binding to mineralocorticoid receptor between the diabetic patients and normal subjects (1.34 +/- 0.37 vs 0.99 +/- 0.61 nmol/l). In the diabetic patients, a significant negative correlation was observed (r = 0.70, p < 0.01) between plasma aldosterone concentration and the binding sites, but not between plasma aldosterone concentration and Kd. In the total subjects, including normal subjects and diabetic patients, a significant negative correlation was also found between plasma aldosterone concentration and binding sites (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). These results suggest that increased binding sites of mineralocorticoid receptor may help to prevent diabetic patients from being hyperkalemic.

Glycyrrhizin (licorice)-induced hypokalemic myopathy. Report of 2 cases and review of the literature

Fifty-nine cases of glycyrrhizin (licorice)-induced hypokalemic myopathy (GIHM), 2 females treated in our departments (85 and 73 years old) and 57 cases reported in the literature were studied, and conditions leading to the onset, factors, clinical manifestations, laboratory assessments, muscle biopsy findings, treatment and outcome were discussed. The 59 GIHM cases comprised 32 men, 25 women and 2 patients without record of sex; the average age was 55.2 years. In many cases, conditions leading to the onset of GIHM were habitual licorice ingestion, ingestion of antituberculosis agents containing licorice and long-term ingestion of licorice-containing agents for chronic gastritis, chronic hepatitis or chronic dermatitis. The combined use of hypotensive diuretic agents increased the risk of GIHM in an overwhelming number of cases. The main clinical symptom was flaccid quadriplegia in almost all cases, with muscle pain in 32.2% and peripheral dysesthesia in the extremities, manifested mainly by numbness (27.1%). Laboratory findings included a mean serum K+ value of 1.98 mEq/l (56 GIHM cases), a mean creatine kinase of 5,385.7 IU/l (n = 30), a mean blood aldosterone concentration of 2.92 ng/dl (n = 30; normal: 2.0-13.0 ng/dl) and a mean plasma renin activity of 0.17 ng/ml/h (n = 27; normal: 0.8-4.4 ng/ml/h). Muscle biopsy was performed in 17 of the 59 cases with resultant findings of myopathic changes consisting mainly of phagocytosis, necrotic fibers, vacuolar degeneration, together with sporadic neurogenic changes. Complete cure was attained in 57 of the 59 cases of GIHM by discontinued ingestion of glycyrrhizin (licorice) and potassium supplement.

Pycnodysostosis. Report of a case and review of the Japanese literature, with emphasis on oral and maxillofacial findings

We report a case of pycnodysostosis and review 54 cases of this syndrome in the Japanese literature, with special emphasis on oral and maxillofacial findings. Common findings were as follows: hypoplasia of maxilla and mandible, hypopneumatization of the maxillary sinuses, loss of mandibular angle, a grooved palate, and malpositioned teeth.

19-hydroxyandrostenedione does not modulate [3H]aldosterone binding to human mononuclear leucocytes and rat renal cytosol

To verify the aldosterone amplifying action of 19-hydroxyandrostenedione (19-OH-AD), we investigated [3H]aldosterone and [3H]19-OH-AD binding to type I (mineralocorticoid) receptor in the renal cytosol of adrenalectomized and ovariectomized rat, and human mononuclear leucocytes (MNL). In the [3H]aldosterone binding study, the cytosol was incubated with [3H]aldosterone and 200-fold RU28362 (11 beta,17 beta-dihydroxy-6-methyl,17 alpha-(1-propynyl)-androsta-1,4,6- trien-3-one), a pure glucocorticoid, with or without 19-OH-AD. Scatchard plots of [3H]aldosterone binding to cytosol with 0.2 or 20 nM 19-OH-AD or without 19-OH-AD were linear. Dissociation constants (Kd) and maximum bindings (Bmax) without 19-OH-AD, and with 0.2 and 20 nM 19-OH-AD were: 0.71 +/- 0.03 nM and 23.0 +/- 3.4 fmol/mg protein (mean +/- SD, n = 3), 0.72 +/- 0.05 nM and 23.1 +/- 2.3 fmol/mg protein (n = 3), and 0.77 +/- 0.04 nM and 22.9 +/- 4.8 fmol/mg protein (n = 3), respectively. 19-OH-AD did not significantly change the Kd and Bmax of [3H]aldosterone binding. A high concentration of 19-OH-AD slightly displaced 0.2 or 5 nM [3H]aldosterone bound to cytosol. In human MNL, Scatchard plots of [3H]aldosterone binding with both 0.2 and 20 nM 19-OH-AD and without 19-OH-AD were linear. Kd and Bmax were, respectively, 1.00 nM and 780 sites/cell in the absence of 19-OH-AD, and 1.07 nM and 774 sites/cell in the presence of 0.2 nM 19-OH-AD. Without 19-OH-AD they were, respectively, 0.95 nM and 551 sites/cell, and 1.10 nM and 560 sites/cell with 20 nM 19-OH-AD. A high concentration of 19-OH-AD slightly displaced 0.2 or 5 nM of [3H]aldosterone bound to MNL. In both tissues, there was no obvious specific binding of [3H]19-OH-AD within the range of 1-60 nM. The above results suggest that the amplifying effect of 19-OH-AD on aldosterone mineralocorticoid action may not occur at the binding site of aldosterone to type I receptor, and that 19-OH-AD itself may not have any direct or indirect mineralocorticoid actions on the steroid receptor-mediated process in the rat kidney and human MNL.

Distribution and behaviour of persistent organochlorine insecticides in paddy soil and sediments in the tropical environment: a case study in South India

Paddy soil and sediment samples collected from the Vellar River watershed, Tamil Nadu state, South India from December, 1987 to January, 1989 were analysed to understand the comprehensive behaviour of organochlorine insecticides (HCH and DDT) in the tropical environment. HCH (BHC) showed higher levels in soil during wet season, reflecting the application of technical HCH largely during the flowering season of rice. On the other hand, DDT residues were low and did not show a significant seasonal trend in soil or sediment, indicating small quantities of DDT utilized at present for agricultural purposes in India. When compared to soil, the residue levels in sediments are low and the seasonal variation is less pronounced. This indicates that in tropical watersheds, the relative flux of residues into the aquatic environment is smaller than the amount volatilized to the atmosphere.

[A case with reconstruction of the floor of the oral cavity and mandibular region with the D-P flap after resection of giant keloid and radiation scar of the mandibular]

The floor of the oral cavity and mandibular of a 27-year-old female was reconstructed with the D-P flap after resection of a giant keloid in the submandibular region and a radiation scar of the mandibular. The mandibular was reconstructed with a transplantation graft of the iliac bone and the functional properties and appearance were good.

"Pseudo-delta sign" on computed tomography in an extremely acute stage of superior sagittal sinus thrombosis--a case report

A case of superior sagittal sinus (SSS) thrombosis with a "pseudo-delta sign" on computed tomography (CT) is reported. The so-called "empty delta sign," which usually appears following contrast enhancement, is reliable in the CT diagnosis of SSS thrombosis but may not appear, it is said, in the extremely acute stage. In this patient, however, the "empty delta sign" appeared with precontrast CT scans and disappeared with postcontrast CT scans, "pseudo-delta sign," in the extremely acute stage of SSS thrombosis. On the precontrast CT, blood surrounding the sagittal sinus outlined it; when contrast was given, it became dense with blood.

[A case of glucocorticoid-responsive hyperaldosteronism: follow-up study for 21 years--comparison with cases of 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency in Japan]

A study of the pathophysiology in our previously reported case of glucocorticoid-responsive hyperaldosteronism (Case E.H., 17 yrs old, female; JCEM, 28: 1807, 1968), who had undergone a long-term successful treatment for 21 yrs of daily 0.5 mg dexamethasone (Dex), suggested again that the patient had 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency (17-OH-D) in the adrenal with minimum enzyme deficiency in the ovary. When Case E.H. was injected with zinc-ACTH for 3 days with daily 0.5 mg Dex administration, plasma levels of 17-deoxy-steroids were moderately or dramatically increased, but those of 17 alpha-hydroxy-steroids (17-OH-steroids) responded poorly or not at all. Plasma level of estradiol and urine estrogens were found to be normal in repeated measurements. Plasma basal levels of LH and FSH were normal, and their responses to LH-RH were high normal or slightly exaggerated. Her menstruation was almost regular, and the basal body temperature was at least biphasic with daily 0.5 mg Dex treatment. However, she did not become pregnant during the 17 yrs of her married life. Then, we surveyed 31 Japanese cases of 17-OH-D with suppressed plasma renin activity (PRA) to ascertain whether similar patients to our case, 17-OH-D with suppressed PRA and with hyperaldosteronism, has been reported or not. In this survey work, 9 such cases were found to have high plasma aldosterone (Ald) concentration (PAC) (group I). The other 21 cases had normal or low normal PAC, and the one remaining case had low urine Ald (group II). 17-Deoxy-steroids such as corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone and progesterone, which were elevated in this disorder, were added to control plasma, and PAC was measured with Dainabot's "ALDOSTERONE.RIAKIT" used for the measurement of PAC in all group I patients. With the total of large amounts of 600 ng of these 17-deoxy-steroids (200 ng for each), however, the incremental PAC value was much less than the lowest PAC value in patients of group I. PAC of one group I patient was measured directly by "ALDOSTERONE.RIAKIT" and also by RIA after extraction and purification procedure using LH-20 column chromatography. The PAC values obtained by both methods were high and the same (285 pg/ml). In 5 out of 22 group II patients, PAC was also measured with the same RIA kit "ALDOSTERONE.RIAKIT" mentioned above, and yet it was low or low normal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Sexual attitudes of the adolescent in Japan today

Over the last ten years, Japan has witnessed a two-fold increase in the number of surgical abortions among the teenage population. The increase in teenage sexual activity indicated by this trend has been a source of much concern and study. The accelerated social change going on in Japan over the last century has produced a series of contrasting generations, each differing in social attitudes from its predecessor. In order to elucidate the current sexual attitudes of Japanese adolescents, we will present extracts from four surveys. Finally, we "tally the results" with regard to statistical findings together with their potential and likely implications.

[Prosthodontic analysis in mandibular ridge augmentation with hydroxyapatite particle. 2. Evaluation of masticatory function and overall assessment]

Ten patients received augmentation of deficient mandibular alveolar ridges using particulate hydroxyapatite (HAP). Masticatory ability was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by a questionnaire with 35 foods listed and by the spectrophotometric method using ATP granules. The results showed that masticatory ability when wearing newly constructed complete dentures was significantly enhanced compared to that when wearing old dentures or relined dentures, and that the surgical procedure and the use of the surgical stent greatly improved masticatory ability when wearing the new dentures. The sensitivity of the mucose membrane of the augmented mandibular alveolar ridge was examined during a postoperative period of 24 months by using an electric nerve stimulator. The sensitivity of the mucose membrane decreased postoperatively, especially at the buccal site of the molar region, the so-called buccal shelf. The level of sensitivity increased periodically, and did not return to the average level for normal edentulous mucosa even 24 months after the augmentation. The patients were highly satisfied with the new dentures and the HAP augmentation judging from the questionnaire. From these points of view, HAP augmentation in edentulous patients having severely resorbed alveolar ridges has proved to be beneficial in allowing the recovery of masticatory function.

Study on clinical and endocrine characteristics of dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism compared with those in primary aldosteronism owing to aldosterone-producing adenoma

The clinical and endocrine characteristics of 12 Japanese patients with dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism were compared with those in 49 Japanese patients with primary aldosteronism due to aldosteronoma. The results were as follows: 1. Most of the laboratory data in the two groups were almost the same. 2. The grade of vascular damage in both uncontrolled (3) and well-controlled (9) patients with dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism did not correlate with blood pressure response. 3. The responsiveness of plasma aldosterone to exogenous ACTH in 6 patients with dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism was not different from that in 9 patients with aldosteronoma. Even in 3 well-controlled patients in the former group, the plasma aldosterone response was as low as in all the 3 patients with small aldosteronomas. 4. In 4 patients with small aldosteronomas, plasma aldosterone was continuously suppressed with daily dexamethasone to the same degree as in dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism. 5. The blood pressure, however, did not improve even in the patients with small aldosteronomas. The possible indistinguishable mechanism in dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism and primary aldosteronism with small adenomas and the role of unknown hypertensinogenic steroid(s) other than aldosterone in inducing hypertension in dexamethasone-suppressible hyperaldosteronism are discussed.

Possible hyperaldosteronism and discrepancy in enzyme activity deficiency in adrenal and gonadal glands in Japanese patients with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency

We reviewed the pathophysiology of our previously reported female patient who had glucocorticoid-responsive hyperaldosteronism and was treated successfully with daily dose of dexamethasone (Dex) for 21 years. In this present study, the possibility that the patient may have 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency (17-OH-D) mainly in the adrenal could not be ruled out. We therefore reviewed 31 Japanese patients diagnosed as having 17-OH-D with suppressed plasma renin activity reported in Japan. Among these patients, 9 were found to have a high plasma aldosterone (Ald) concentration (PAC) (group I). Twenty-one patients had either normal or low-normal PAC and the remaining patient had low urine Ald (group II). The slight cross-reactivity of the anti-Ald-antibodies used with 17-deoxy-steroids such as progesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone which were increased in both groups did not explain the increased PAC in group I. In the patients in group I and group II with high-normal basal PAC, PAC further increased after ACTH and was suppressed by Dex. PAC in 2 group I patients, however, did not respond to angiotensin-II or angiotensin-III infusion. PAC in patients in group II with low or low-normal basal PAC responded equivocally to ACTH and Dex. The basal plasma cortisol in group I was lower than in group II, and plasma cortisol level after ACTH in group I appeared to remain at a lower level than that in group II patients. Among the study subjects, 28 showed a negative correlation between basal PAC and plasma cortisol. A possible discrepancy in the deficiency of 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity in adrenal and gonadal glands was also suggested in three 17-OH-D patients. The pathophysiology of Ald secretion and discrepancy in the deficiency of the enzyme activities in both glands in 17-OH-D patients was discussed.

[Report of a case of Herpes zoster]

Herpes Zoster is a viral disease of the skin and mucosa characterized by grouped vesicula eruptions and neuralgic pain along a peripheral nerve. A case of Herpes Zoster in the right region along the second and third trigeminal nerve branches of a 24-year-old male was reported. The first disorder appeared as a grouped vesicular eruption in the center of the lower lip. This was followed by a cutaneous lesion in the area of the right second trigeminal nerve branch. From the first day of hospitalization, the patient began receiving a daily dose of 2500mg of immunoglobulin. The administration of immunoglobulin, cured the oral and cutaneous lesion.

[Hanging survivor showing alpha coma--a case report]

A case of a survivor who showed alpha coma after an attempted suicide by hanging was reported. A 19 years old woman was admitted to the hospital because of respiratory arrest following a hanging attempt on October 10, 1987. She was found pendent completely. On admission she was comatose and the pupils were not reactive to light. The systolic blood pressure was 60 mmHg and immediately an endotracheal intubation was instituted. After six hours from the onset, the spontaneous respiration was restored and the pupils reacted briskly to light. At 48 hours later she was still comatose, presenting flaccid quadriplegia with no responses to stimulations. An EEG showed a moderate amount of regular, 8 approximately 10 Hz, 10 approximately 50 microV potentials distributed predominantly on the centro-parieto-occipital regions. This alpha rhythm had persisted until 72 hours from the onset, and subsequently diffuse 5 approximately 7Hz, 10 approximately 40 microV slow activity replaced the alpha frequency at 120 hours after the attempt. On the 5th hospital day the hyperbaric oxygen therapy was given and on the 7th day she had become conscious, but showed the apallic syndrome. The both auditory and somatosensory evoked potentials were normal. On the 45th day the brain MRI revealed diffuse cerebral cortical atrophy, although no lesions were visualized in the brain stem. She showed gradual progress towards neurologic recovery. This is the first presentation of a survivor from alpha coma caused by anoxic encephalopathy following a hanging attempt.

[Idiopathic hypokalemic periodic paralysis presenting peculiar insulin secretion]

A 24-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of the paralytic attack. He was well until he went to bed the day before, and he found his limbs unmovable in the morning. The initial attack occurred at age 11 and subsequently he had two episodes of the reversible generalized weakness which always appeared in the morning and continued for about one day at age 14 and 21, respectively. The provocative factors were uncertain. There was no family history of paralytic attacks nor thyroid diseases. On the neurologic examination he presented flaccid tetraparesis without the facial and respiratory involvements. The laboratory studies showed that the serum potassium was 2.4 mEq/l and the thyroid function was normal. The oral and intravenous potassium chloride was given and within two days the serum potassium turned back to the normal level, and he has recovered completely from the paralysis. An oral 75g glucose load was performed. The serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) was elevated from the basal level to 289 microU/l, showing the prominent peak response at 30 min after the load, and both the serum potassium and the grasping power decreased significantly, although the blood glucose fluctuated within the normal level. After the prophylactic treatment with acetazolamide 2,000 mg daily for 7 days, this markedly elevated initial insulin response has disappeared and moreover the weakness of grip was milder, however, the serum potassium decreased notedly. This case revealed that in the idiopathic hypokalemic periodic paralysis the attack was possibly induced by the extraordinarily secreted insulin which was supported by the acetazolamide treatment.

Shedding of herpes simplex virus type 1 into saliva after surgery for oral and genital or urological cancer patients

The shedding of herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) into the saliva was compared in 28 patients with oral cancer and 26 patients with genital or urological cancer. All subjects tested positive for HSV-1 specific antibody. A statistically significant (p less than 0.001) difference was found: infectious viruses were isolated from 12 (39.8%) of the oral cancer patients versus only 2 (7.6%) of the genital or urological patients. This indicates that direct stimulation of peripheral nerves during surgery was responsible for the greater reactivation of HSV-1.

Evidence for disulfide bonds in membrane-bound and solubilized opioid receptors

The effects of pretreatment with dithiothreitol (DTT) on opioid binding activities of membrane-bound and digitonin-solubilized opioid receptors from bovine adrenal medulla were studied. Pretreatment of membranes with DTT or mercaptoethanol inhibited [3H]diprenorphine binding by reducing the number of binding sites. The inhibitory action of DTT was time and dose dependent. The binding of [3H]D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin was also inhibited by DTT pretreatment. Pretreatment of digitonin-solubilized binding sites with DTT also reduced the number of [3H]diprenorphine binding sites. The action of DTT was diminished by preincubating the DTT solution with H2O2. [3H]Diprenorphine protected the opioid binding sites from the inhibitory action of DTT. The present results provide evidence that disulfide bonds are implicated in opioid binding activity of the opioid receptor system.

Solubilization of adrenal medullary opioid receptors

The opioid-binding activity of digitonin extract of bovine adrenal medullary membranes was studied. [3H]Diprenorphine binding to the solubilized material was rapid and saturable. The dissociation constant of [3H]diprenorphine binding was 0.76 nM. Several opioids displaced the [3H]diprenorphine binding. The complex of [3H]diprenorphine and the solubilized binding sites was eluted as a single peak on a Sepharose 6B column and showed an apparent molecular weight of 200,000. These results indicate that active opioid receptors are solubilized with digitonin from bovine adrenal medullary membranes.