Aberrant gene expression of heparanase in ventricular hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline in rats

The gene expression levels of heparanase, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 were examined in ventricles after treatment with monocrotaline (MCT) to induce cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) or saline. Twenty-five days after the injection, the right ventricle and lung wet weights were increased in MCT-treated rats compared with the control. Histological analysis revealed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the right ventricle of MCT-treated rats. Northern blot hybridization showed that heparanase and MMP2 expression increased significantly in the right and left ventricles of MCT-treated rats, whereas MMP9 was not induced. These findings indicate that heparanase and MMP2 might play an important role in the development of MCT-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Vibrio vulnificus detected in the spleen leads to fatal outcome in a mouse oral infection model

Vibrio vulnificus causes rapid disseminating septicemia by oral infection in infected individuals who have an underlying disease, especially chronic liver diseases. Although the elucidation of specific risk factors for V. vulnificus infection in patients with liver diseases is of urgent importance, no appropriate experimental animal model that mimics the liver diseases in this bacterial infection has been available so far. To discover these risk factors, we generated a liver disordered mouse by performing bile duct ligation (BDL). Hepatitis developed in the BDL mice; however, this did not affect mortality in mice after orogastric administration of V. vulnificus, suggesting that the liver disorders caused by the BDL were not risk factors for V. vulnificus septicemia. When the dead and surviving mice were compared, V. vulnificus could be detected from the spleen only in the dead group. Furthermore, significantly higher numbers of V. vulnificus were detected from the intestines in the dead group than in the surviving group ( P < 0.001). These findings suggested that proliferation of the challenge inoculum in the intestine was needed for the oral infection with V. vulnificus, and that the elimination of V. vulnificus in the liver and/or spleen plays a critical role in survival of the host.

Patient-reported outcome and quality of life after total en bloc spondylectomy for a primary spinal tumour

Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is the total resection of a vertebra containing a tumour. Many authors have investigated patient-reported outcomes after routine spinal surgery and surgery for tumours in general. However, this is the first report of patient-reported outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and satisfaction, after en bloc vertebral resection for a spinal tumour.

Of the 54 patients who underwent TES for a primary tumour between 1993 and 2010, 19 died and four were lost to follow-up. In January 2012, a questionnaire was sent to the 31 surviving patients. This included the short form-36 to assess HRQoL and questions about the current condition of their disease, activities of daily living (ADL) and surgery. The response rate was high at 83.9% (26/31 patients). We found that most patients were satisfied and maintained good performance of their ADLs.

The mental health status and social roles of the HRQoL scores were nearly equivalent to those of healthy individuals, regardless of the time since surgery. There was significant impairment of physical health in the early post-operative years, but this usually returned to normal approximately three years after surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1693–8.

Biocompatibility of cross-linked hyaluronate (Gel-200) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the biocompatibility and immunogenicity of two intra-articular hyaluronan formulations, Gel-200 (Gel-One(®)) and hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc(®) series).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

A comparison of the biocompatibility of Gel-200 and hylan G-F 20 was made using a rat subcutaneous air pouch model and the knee joint of normal rabbits. Immunogenicity was evaluated using a homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) assay in guinea pigs.

RESULTS

In the air pouch model in rats, characteristic fibrous belts formed in the subcutaneous tissue. Injection of hylan G-F 20 into the air pouch induced granulomatous nodules primarily composed of macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and eosinophils accompanied with the test material in the center of the nodules in the fibrous belt. Furthermore, the thickness of the fibrous belt in the hylan G-F 20 group increased significantly compared to the saline group. Injection of Gel-200 into the air pouch induced neither granulomatous inflammation nor significant thickening of fibrous belt, while foamy macrophages containing the test material were observed. Intra-articular injection of hylan G-F 20 into the rabbit knee joints induced granulomatous inflammation, eosinophil infiltration, and significant increase in the number of cells in the synovial fluid, while these findings were absent in the Gel-200 group. In the immunogenicity assay, hylan G-F 20 induced a positive PCA reaction, but the Gel-200 did not.

CONCLUSION

Gel-200 showed more favorable biocompatibility and less immunogenicity compared to hylan G-F 20. Gel-200 is expected to be a single injection hyaluronan product with less safety concerns for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain.

Evidence for global electron transportation into the jovian inner magnetosphere

Jupiter's magnetosphere is a strong particle accelerator that contains ultrarelativistic electrons in its inner part. They are thought to be accelerated by whistler-mode waves excited by anisotropic hot electrons (>10 kiloelectron volts) injected from the outer magnetosphere. However, electron transportation in the inner magnetosphere is not well understood. By analyzing the extreme ultraviolet line emission from the inner magnetosphere, we show evidence for global inward transport of flux tubes containing hot plasma. High-spectral-resolution scanning observations of the Io plasma torus in the inner magnetosphere enable us to generate radial profiles of the hot electron fraction. It gradually decreases with decreasing radial distance, despite the short collisional time scale that should thermalize them rapidly. This indicates a fast and continuous resupply of hot electrons responsible for exciting the whistler-mode waves.

Basic evaluation of Pentra MS CRP, a new automated hematology analyzer for rapid 5-part WBC differential and CRP using a small volume of whole blood

INTRODUCTION

Pentra MS CRP is a new automated hematology analyzer that can rapidly and reliably provide 5-part differential of leukocytes (5-Diff) and C-reactive protein (CRP) within approximately 3.5 min using a small volume of whole blood (35 μL).

METHODS

We evaluated the basic performance of Pentra MS CRP and correlations with Sysmex XN-3000, manual microscopic count, and Hitachi LABOSPECT.

RESULTS

Pentra MS CRP demonstrated good repeatability and linearity without any significant carryover for all parameters examined (WBC, RBC, HGB, Hct, PLT, 5-Diff, and CRP). Complete blood cell count (CBC) data examined by Pentra MS CRP correlated well with those evaluated by Sysmex XN-3000 (R ≥ 0.9880). Absolute number of NEU, LYM, and EOS also showed the good correlation (R ≥ 0.9866) between the two analyzers. The correlation with the manual microscopic count was within acceptable criteria. Furthermore, when CRP was examined in hemolyzed whole blood by Pentra MS CRP and converted to plasma concentrations according to Hct, it correlated well (R = 0.9964) with serum CRP examined by Hitachi LABOSPECT.

CONCLUSION

Pentra MS CRP is a convenient and reliable analyzer especially in the emergency unit of hospitals in which the prompt and simultaneous measurement of CBC including 5-Diff and CRP is often necessary.

44 PRODUCTION OF LIVE PIGLETS AFTER CRYOPRESERVATION OF IMMATURE PORCINE OOCYTES

Development to term of vitrified porcine follicular oocytes is reported in the present study. Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were collected from slaughtered prepubertal gilts and were vitrified according to our method published recently (Somfai et al. 2013 J. Reprod. Dev., in press). Briefly, after pretreatment with 7.5 μg mL–1 of cytochalasin B (CB) for 30 min in modified NCSU-37 (a basic medium, BM) at 38.5°C, groups of 88 to 121 COC were equilibrated in a mixture of 2% ethylene glycol (EG), 2% propylene glycol (PG), and 7.5 μg mL–1 CB for 13 to 15 min. Then, COC were washed in vitrification solution (17.5% EG, 17.5% PG, 5% polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and 0.3 M trehalose in BM) and then dropped with 2 μL of vitrification solution onto the surface of aluminum foil floating on liquid nitrogen (LN2). Microdroplets (each containing 10–25 COC) were transferred into cryotubes. After storage in LN2 for 2 to 4 weeks, the oocytes were warmed by dropping the microdroplets directly into 2.5 mL of warming solution (0.4 M trehalose in BM) kept in a 35-mm Petri dish on a 42°C hotplate for less than 1 min. Then, the warming dish was placed on a 38°C hotplate and COC were consecutively transferred for 1-min periods into BM containing 0.2, 0.1, or 0.05 M trehalose at 38°C. The COC were matured in vitro for 44 h using porcine oocyte medium (POM) supplemented with 10% follicular fluid (Yoshioka et al. 2008 J. Reprod. Dev. 54, 208–213). Then, oocytes were denuded, and their live/dead status and nuclear maturation were determined by their morphology and the presence of the first polar body, respectively. To assess their developmental competence, vitrified and non-vitrified (control) oocytes were in vitro fertilized (IVF; Kikuchi et al. 2002 Biol. Reprod. 66, 1033–1041) and then in vitro cultured in porcine zygote medium-5 (PZM-5; Yoshioka et al. 2008 J. Reprod. Dev. 54, 208–213). Blastocyst rates were recorded on Days 5, 6, and 7 of culture (Day 0 = the day of IVF). The experiment was replicated 4 times. Data were analysed with 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey test. The results revealed that 86.4% (364/424) of oocytes survived after vitrification, which was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of controls [100% (326/326)]. Live oocytes in vitrified and control groups did not differ statistically in terms of nuclear maturation (63.9 v. 65.3%). Blastocyst rates of surviving vitrified oocytes were significantly lower compared with controls on Days 5 (2.4 v. 12.7%), 6 (4.8 v. 17.6%), and 7 (5.6 v. 18.4%). To test their ability to develop to term, 16 and 27 blastocysts on Day 5 developing from vitrified COC were transferred into 2 recipients. Both recipients became pregnant and farrowed a total of 10 live piglets (4 and 6 piglets, respectively). These data demonstrate that large groups of immature porcine oocytes could be cryopreserved by this method showing high survival and maturation rates. Furthermore, despite a low rate of blastocyst development, transfer of Day-5 blastocysts generated from vitrified oocytes resulted in piglet production for the first time in the world. Partially supported by JSPS and HAS under the Japan-Hungary Research Cooperative Program.

Immunohistochemical study on androgen receptors in the anterior cruciate ligament in dogs

Androgen is closely involved as the cause of rupture of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in human. In dogs, however, factors contributing to rupture of ACL remain unknown. In this study, expression of androgen receptor (AR) and histological distribution of blood vessels in ACL, and serum testosterone concentration were investigated in relation with age and sex to confirm whether canine ACL is an androgen-responsive tissue. Materials of ACL were obtained from 26 dogs: 12 young female Beagles, 2 old female mixed breeds, 9 young male Beagles, and 3 old male mixed breeds. In all canine ACL, positive AR expression was recognized in the nuclei of the fibrocytes, fibroblasts, synovial cells, and vascular endothelial cells of ACL. Expressions of AR were lesser in old males compared to the young males; however, females had no age difference in expression. Distributions of blood vessels in the synovial membrane of the ligament were fewer in old dogs both of males and females than youngs. Although distributions of vessels in the interstitium were apparently fewer in young females. Serum testosterone concentration was significantly higher in young males. Females had no age difference in the levels. From these results, it is suggested that canine ACL is an androgen-responsive tissue, and this consideration seems to closely relate to the epidemiological background that the incidence of rupture of ACL of dogs is higher in females than in males.

Observation of excitonic N-body bound states: polyexcitons in diamond

We have found a series of resonances associated with the bound state (polyexcitons, PE(N)s) of N excitons up to N=6 in the emission spectra of diamond under two-photon excitation at around 10 K. Time-resolved spectra show a stepwise formation of PE(N)s with smaller to larger N, as well as a successive decay from larger to smaller N. At higher excitation levels, the transformation of PE(N)s into a condensed phase of electron-hole droplets occurs. The binding energies of the PE(N)s, normalized to the exciton Rydberg energy, agree well with those of silicon, suggesting the universality of the phenomena.

Effects of androgens on cultured cells derived from canine anterior cruciate ligament

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fibroblasts obtained from beagle dogs were cultured in basal medium containing different concentrations of 1 to 10(-3) µM 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and in basal medium itself as a control. It was demonstrated that DHT promoted cell proliferation activity, expression of androgen receptor, and collagen synthesis in ACL fibroblasts as compared with control. These results suggest that sex hormones are involved in the sex difference seen in ACL rupture of dogs.

High sensitivity microchannel plate detectors for space extreme ultraviolet missions

Microchannel plate (MCP) detectors have been widely used as two-dimensional photon counting devices on numerous space EUV (extreme ultraviolet) missions. Although there are other choices for EUV photon detectors, the characteristic features of MCP detectors such as their light weight, low dark current, and high spatial resolution make them more desirable for space applications than any other detector. In addition, it is known that the photocathode can be tailored to increase the quantum detection efficiency (QDE) especially for longer UV wavelengths (100-150 nm). There are many types of photocathode materials available, typically alkali halides. In this study, we report on the EUV (50-150 nm) QDE evaluations for MCPs that were coated with Au, MgF(2), CsI, and KBr. We confirmed that CsI and KBr show 2-100 times higher QDEs than the bare photocathode MCPs, while Au and MgF(2) show reduced QDEs. In addition, the optimal geometrical parameters for the CsI deposition were also studied experimentally. The best CsI thickness was found to be 150 nm, and it should be deposited on the inner wall of the channels only where the EUV photons initially impinge. We will also discuss the techniques and procedures for reducing the degradation of the photocathode while it is being prepared on the ground before being deployed in space, as adopted by JAXA's EXCEED mission which will be launched in 2013.

Role of natural killer T cells in the mouse colitis-associated colon cancer model

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are considered innate-like lymphocytes, and regulate the immunity against inflammation and tumorigenesis. However, the impact of iNKT cells in inflammation-associated tumorigenesis remains unclear. In this study, we examined the physiological role of iNKT cells in a mouse colitis-associated colorectal cancer model. C57BL/6 (B6) and Jα18 NKT cell-deficient KO (KO) mice were used. Colitis-associated colorectal cancer was induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). The resulting inflammation and tumours were examined. The surface markers of mononuclear cells from the liver and the colon were assessed by FACS. The levels of IL-13 from the colon were measured by ELISA. α-galactosylceramide (GC), or its close analog OCH, was administered intraperitoneally on the first day of each cycle of DSS-administration. In the AOM/DSS model, hepatic iNKT cells were significantly decreased. In KO mice there were significantly greater numbers of colon tumours and more severe inflammation than in B6 mice. FACS analysis revealed that the population of NK1.1 (+) T cells (non-invariant NKT cells) in the colon was increased when compared to B6 mice. The secretion of IL-13 was increased in the colon of KO mice after AOM/DSS. The number of colon tumours was significantly decreased in the GC-treated group compared to the control group. GC-treatment significantly inhibited IL-13 secretion from the colonic mononuclear cells and the number of colonic NK1.1 (+) T cells was significantly decreased. These results suggest that iNKT cells may play a critical role in the prevention of tumour progression and inflammation in the AOM/DSS model.

Role of mineralocorticoid receptor/Rho/Rho-kinase pathway in obesity-related renal injury

OBJECTIVE:

We examined whether aldosterone/Rho/Rho-kinase pathway contributed to obesity-associated nephropathy.

SUBJECTS:

C57BL/6J mice were fed a high fat or low fat diet, and mice on a high fat diet were treated with a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, eplerenone.

RESULTS:

The mice on a high fat diet not only developed obesity, but also manifested renal histological changes, including glomerular hypercellularity and increased mesangial matrix, which paralleled the increase in albuminuria. Furthermore, enhanced Rho-kinase activity was noted in kidneys from high fat diet-fed mice, as well as increased expressions of inflammatory chemokines. All of these changes were attenuated by eplerenone. In high fat diet-fed mice, mineralocorticoid receptor protein levels in the nuclear fraction and SGK1, an effector of aldosterone, were upregulated in kidneys, although serum aldosterone levels were unaltered. Furthermore, aldosterone and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in renal tissues were upregulated in high fat diet-fed mice. Finally, in cultured mesangial cells, stimulation with aldosterone enhanced Rho-kinase activity, and pre-incubation with eplerenone prevented the aldosterone-induced activation of Rho kinase.

CONCLUSION:

Excess fat intake causes obesity and renal injury in C57BL/6J mice, and these changes are mediated by an enhanced mineralocorticoid receptor/Rho/Rho-kinase pathway and inflammatory process. Mineralocorticoid receptor activation in the kidney tissue and the subsequent Rho-kinase stimulation are likely to participate in the development of obesity-associated nephropathy without elevation in serum aldosterone levels.

Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1 alpha gene expression increases above the lactate threshold in human skeletal muscle

AIM

Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) plays a role not only as an activator of mitochondrial biogenesis, but also as a suppressor of inflammatory cytokines, which induce chronic diseases. Therefore, increasing PGC-1α expression can be one of the important factors for preventing chronic diseases. PGC-1α expression is activated by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and cAMP dependent kinase. The activity of these enzymes depends on the exercise intensity. Therefore, this study compared the effects of two different exercise intensities (above lactate threshold (LT) and below LT) with an equal amount of energy expenditure on PGC-1α gene expression in human skeletal muscle.

METHODS

Six young men participated in this study. They performed exercise at 120% and 80% LT intensity. The duration of the 120% LT exercise was 60 minutes and the duration of the session performed at 80% LT was calculated to yield equal energy expenditure as the 120% LT intensity exercise. Skeletal muscle was obtained after 1 hour of exercise.

RESULTS

The working rate, % peak VO2 and HR during exercise were significantly higher in at 120% LT than at 80% LT. PGC-1α gene expression was not significantly different between control (0.087; 0.026-0.284 (the median; inter quartile range)) and 80% LT (0.171; 0.030-0.484). However, PGC-1α gene expression after 120% LT (0.441; 0.121-4.643) was significantly higher than in the control.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that PGC-1α gene expression depends on exercise intensity.

Spironolactone decreases isoproterenol-induced ventricular fibrosis and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in rats

Although transregulation between the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been reported, it remains unclear whether sympathetic hyperactivity-induced matrix metalloproteinease (MMP) expression/activity and cardiac fibrosis are mediated by the mineralocorticoid receptor system. We investigated whether isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MMP expression/activity and cardiac fibrosis are mediated by spironolactone in rats. Male Wistar Kyoto rats were divided into 3 groups: control, ISO, and ISO combined with spironolactone (SPI). ISO (2.0 mg/kg/d) and/or SPI (40 mg/kg/d) were given for 14 d. Echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements were recorded and hearts were excised. The myocyte cross-sectional and fibrotic area was evaluated via histopathological analysis. MMP-2 and collagen-I were analyzed by Western blotting and zymography. Compared with the controls, ISO significantly elevated the end-diastolic left ventricular (LV) pressure and the time constant of isovolumic relaxation and decreased the -dP/dt, while those of SPI co-treatment did not. ISO treatment induced significant increases in the fractional shortening and relative wall thickness, whereas SPI co-treatment significantly decreased relative wall thickness. Similarly, ISO significantly increased LV weight and myocyte cross-sectional and fibrotic area, which occurred concomitantly with the MMP-2 expression/activity and the expression of collagen-I. Moreover, ISO induced these features were significantly attenuated by SPI co-treatment. Our results suggest that ISO-evoked sympathetic hyperactivity induced LV fibrosis and MMP-2, which may be partially controlled via the mineralocorticoid receptor system.

Mutations in the core and NS5A region of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b and correlation with response to pegylated-interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin combination therapy

Mutations in two regions of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been implicated in influencing response to interferon (IFN) therapy. Substitutions in the NS5A region of HCV have been associated with response to IFN therapy, and this region has been known as the IFN sensitivity-determining region (ISDR). The mutations in the core region of HCV have also been reported to predict IFN response. The aim of this study was to investigate whether amino acid substitutions in the core region and ISDR among patients with HCV genotype 1b affect the response to IFN therapy. A total of 213 patients who completed IFN treatment were randomly selected. All patients received pegylated-IFN-alpha 2b once each week, plus oral ribavirin daily for 48 weeks. Of the 213 patients, 117 (54.9%) showed early virologic response (EVR), with HCV-negativity, at 12 weeks. Factors related to EVR on multivariate analysis were non-Gln70 and Leu91 in the core region, and ISDR mutant-type. One hundred and two (47.9%) showed a sustained virologic response (SVR). SVR occurred more frequently in patients without Gln70 (55.4%) than in those with Gln70 (21.3%) (P < 0.0001). SVR was achieved in 43.6% of patients with wild-type ISDR and 62.5% of patients with mutant-type (P = 0.0227). Of the 34 patients who simultaneously had non-Gln70 and mutant-type ISDR, 26 (76.5%) achieved SVR. Factors related to SVR on multivariate analysis were non-Gln70 and ISDR mutant-type. In conclusion, amino acid substitutions in the core region and ISDR were useful for predicting the response to IFN in patients with HCV genotype 1b.

Doxycycline attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis and matrix metalloproteinase activity in rats

Our objective was to investigate the effects of doxycycline, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor (MMPi) on beta-agonist-induced myocardial fibrosis and MMP expression. Twenly-four Wistar-Kyoto rats were divided into 3 groups: control (CTL; n=8), isoproterenol (ISO; n=8), and isoproterenol with doxycycline (ISO+DOX; n=8). ISO and ISO+DOX rats received L-isoproterenol (2.0 mg/kg/d) for 14 d, whereas the CTL group received vehicle. In addition, ISO+DOX rats received a subcutaneous injection of doxycycline (25 mg/kg/d) for 14 d, whereas CTL and ISO rats were injected with saline. Cardiac fibrosis was evaluated via histopathological analysis. MMP-2 and -9 were analyzed by Western blotting and zymography. Compared to the control, the myocardial cross-sectional area and areas of fibrosis were increased significantly in the ISO group, but were attenuated in the ISO+DOX group. MMP-2 activity also increased significantly in the ISO group, but decreased in the ISO+DOX group. Similarly, immunoblotting showed significant increase in MMP-2 and -9 levels in the ISO group, and decreased levels in the ISO+DOX group. Our results suggest that the enhanced expression of MMPs plays a prominent role in promoting myocardial fibrosis in beta-agonist signaling pathway, and that MMP-inhibiting compounds may attenuate myocardial fibrosis.

Probucol prevents the progression of fatty liver in MSG obese mice

We investigated the effect of Probucol in preventing fatty liver in monosodium-L-glutamate (MSG) treated obese mice and control mice fed a high fat diet. MSG mice became significantly obese 9 weeks after birth with higher levels of serum blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, GPT, and cholinesterase, and had greater triglyceride contents in their livers relative to control mice. Morphologically, MSG obese mice also had a marked fatty liver. Administration of Probucol mixed with the high fat diet for 2 weeks significantly decreased the serum levels of total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol, and liver triglyceride contents in both MSG and control mice. Morphologically, the livers were less fatty after Probucol treatment. These results suggest that Probucol prevents the development of fatty liver, and in addition reduces hypercholesterolemia.

241 DIBUTYRYL CYCLIC AMP AND EGF-LIKE FACTORS SUPPORT IN VITRO MATURATION OF PORCINE OOCYTES IN A CHEMICALLY DEFINED MEDIUM WITHOUT GONADOTROPINS

Exposure of porcine oocyte–cumulus complexes (OCC) to gonadotropins induces meiotic resumption, but the details of this mechanism are still unknown. The present study was undertaken to examine combinational effects of EGF-like factors and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) in a chemically defined medium on in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes. The OCC were aspirated from 3- to 6-mm-diameter follicles of prepuberal ovaries and used in the current study. The basic culture medium was a chemically defined medium, Porcine Oocyte Medium (POM; Research Institute for the Functional Peptides, Yamagata, Japan). In the first experiment, various concentrations (0, 10, and 1000 ng mL–1) of EGF-like factors (EGF, amphiregulin, and betacellulin) were added to POM during an entire IVM period (44 h). In the second experiment, to determine the additive effect of EGF-like factors, each EGF-like factor with an effective concentration was combined with the others. In the last experiment, to examine the combined effect with dbcAMP, OCC were exposed to EGF (10 ng mL–1), amphiregulin (1000 ng mL–1), and dbcAMP (1 mm) during the first 20 h of IVM and then the culture was continued in the absence of EGF-like factors and dbcAMP. After culture, in all experiments, meiotic resumption and the progress of oocytes were examined after denuding, fixing, and staining. Statistical analyses was performed by ANOVA with a Bonferroni-Dunn post hoc test (significance, P < 0.05). In the first experiment, all treatments without supplementation with 10 ng mL–1 amphiregulin increased the incidence of oocytes maturing to the MII phase, as compared with controls (29.1 to 39.3% v. 11.1%, P < 0.05). In the second experiment, combinations with 2 kinds of EGF-like factor slightly (but not significantly) improved the percentage of oocytes at the MII stage (37.7 to 47.4%). In the last experiment, supplementation with 1 mm dbcAMP during the first 20 h of IVM, regardless of the presence of EGF-like factors, significantly increased the incidence of MII oocytes as compared with controls, whereas the incidence was the highest when 1 mm dbcAMP, 10 ng mL–1 EGF, and 1000 ng mL–1 amphiregulin were supplemented (75.5%). When those oocytes were cultured in a chemically defined medium after in vitro fertilization, the developmental competence of oocytes to the blastocyst stage (25.0%) was not different from oocytes matured in the presence of gonadotropins and dbcAMP during the first 20 h of IVM (17.3%). These observations indicate that supplementation of a chemically defined maturation medium with EGF-like factors and dbcAMP during the first 20 h of IVM can support the meiotic progress and developmental competence of porcine oocytes well. Currently, we are examining the developmental competence of those oocytes after embryo transfer. The results will be presented at the meeting. This study was supported by MAFF AgriBio1605.

Skin morphology of thyroidectomized rats

We induced hypothyroidism in rats by conducting a thyroidectomy (TD) and investigated subsequent changes in the morphology of the skin, especially that of the epidermis and hair follicles. The 6 rats in the TD group seemed less active than the 3 rats in the control group and had cold, dry paws. All of the rats in the TD group exhibited retarded hair growth 12 weeks after surgery. Histologically, all of the rats in the TD group exhibited epidermal thinning from 12 weeks after surgery. Many hair follicles were in the telogen phase: the bulbs and papillae were involuted and had migrated towards the epidermis. Hair follicle atrophy involving thinning of the outer root sheath and the inner root sheath was often observed. The immunoreactivities of antithyroid hormone receptors alpha and beta in the outer root sheaths of 5 of the TD rats were weaker than those of control rats. Cell proliferation in hair follicles of TD rats was weaker than in follicles of control rats 4 weeks after surgery. It is suggested that decreased expression of TRs and decreased cell proliferation activity in the hair follicles of rats is associated with a lack of thyroid hormone and results in retardation of hair growth.

The influence of gender on cardiac fibrosis induced by sympathetic stimulation

We examined the influence of sex steroids on cardiac effects of sympathetic agents in mice. The mice were divided into four groups: males, neutered males (N-males), females, and neutered females (N-females). Dobutamine (DOB; 2.5, 5.0, 10 microg/kg/min) or isoproterenol (ISO; 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 microg/kg/min) were given intravenously to compare the fractional shortening (FS). These mice received isoproterenol twice daily at a dose of 7.5 microg/g/day for 3 weeks. The rate of cardiac fibrosis was evaluated pathologically with Azan stain after 3 weeks of ISO. DOB and ISO significantly increased the FS in the male group, compared with other groups. There was no significant difference in FS between the female and N-female groups. Cardiac fibrosis significantly increased in the male group, compared with the N-male group. The female and N-female groups had increased cardiac fibrosis, compared with the male and N-male groups. These findings suggest that testosterone is one of the factors of modulation of the response to the sympathetic nervous system. Further study is needed to clarify the relationships between female sex steroids and cardiac fibrosis.

Morphology of Thyroid Follicular Cells of Methimazole-treated Rats

Thyroids of rats treated with methimazole (MMI) were analysed histologically, immunohistochemically and electron microscopically. Thyroids of MMI-treated rats displayed greater hypertrophy and were heavier than those of control rats. Thyroids of MMI-treated rats were composed of variant or small follicles and contained more columnar cells than those of control rats. Strong staining of thyroid granules by azocarmine G was evident in the apical regions of follicular cells from MMI-treated rats. Anti-thyroglobulin positivity was detected in the apical regions of follicular epithelial cells, especially those of MMI-treated rats. After application of a post-embedding method to detect thyroglobulin, colloidal gold particles were often observed in apical vesicles of MMI-treated rats. Our study suggests that apical vesicles may serve as markers of hyperthyroidism. When the functional state of the thyroid gland is known from histological analysis, use of the Azan stain could provide useful additional information.

Clinical results of continuous intrathecal or intracavitary administration of sodium butyrate for patients with recurrent and progressive malignant glioma: Experience with 23 cases

2040

Background: We evaluated the clinical potential of intrathecal use of sodium butyrate (NaB) for malignant glioma in experimental research. Based on the results of experimental research, continuous intrathecal or intracavitary administration of NaB for recurrent and progressive malignant glioma was clinically attempted. We evaluated the efficacy and therapeutic safety of this treatment. Methods: A total of 23 patients (pts)(glioblastoma:GB,19; anaplastic astrocytoma: AN, 4) were enrolled in this study between Oct. 2001 and Feb. 2006 and followed until Oct. 2006. Five patients showed CSF dissemination of tumor cells. Sixty milimolar NaB was administered to all pts after dose-escalation study using a simple balloon pump system and continued as long as possible by changing the pump containing NaB weekly. The primary end point was radiographic response, and the secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and therapeutic safety. Results: Nineteen of 23 pts (GB, 16; AN,3) were evaluable. Nine pts showed regression of the tumor, 5 showed stable disease, and 5 showed growth of the tumor. The overall median PFS of the pts was 6.0 months (mos) and that of pts with GB was 5.5 mos, while the 6-month PFS was 53.3.% and that of GB was 50%. The overall median survival time was 11.0 mos and that of GB was also 11.0 mos. The overall 1-year survival rate was 42 % and that of GB was 29.4%. Four of 5 pts with CSF tumor cell dissemination showed therapeutic response, including temporary negative cytological conversion. Various adverse effects and complications have been encountered to date, including bacterial meningitis, temporary bradycardia and convulsions. Conclusions: The present therapy was well tolerated and resulted in long-term inhibition of the growth of the tumor in some pts, and showed therapeutic safety.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Gamma-ray detection efficiency of the microchannel plate installed as an ion detector in the low energy particle instrument onboard the GEOTAIL satellite

A microchannel plate (MCP) assembly has been used as an ion detector in the low energy particle (LEP) instrument onboard the magnetospheric satellite GEOTAIL. Recently the MCP assembly has detected gamma rays emitted from an astronomical object and has been shown to provide unique information of gamma rays if they are intense enough. However, the detection efficiency for gamma rays was not measured before launch, and therefore we could not analyze the LEP data quantitatively. In this article, we report the gamma-ray detection efficiency of the MCP assembly. The measured efficiencies are 1.29%+/-0.71% and 0.21%+/-0.14% for normal incidence 60 and 662 keV gamma rays, respectively. The incident angle dependence is also presented. Our calibration is crucial to study high energy astrophysical phenomena by using the LEP.

209 VIABILITY OF PORCINE EMBRYOS VITRIFIED BY THE METAL MESH VITRIFICATION METHOD AFTER SURGICAL OR NONSURGICAL TRANSFER

The aim of the present study was to evaluate viability of porcine embryos vitrified by the metal mesh vitrification (MMV) method after surgical or nonsurgical transfer. Prepubertal gilts were treated with eCG and hCG (= Day 0), and then inseminated artificially. Expanding blastocysts that were about 200 �m in diameter were collected on Day 7. The embryos were equilibrated in 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) + 7.5% DMSO + 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) in PBS at 37�C for 5 min, and then transferred into 15% EG + 15% DMSO + 0.6 M trehalose + 20% FBS in PBS for 1 min. Embryos in groups of 5 were transferred in a minimum volume of the vitrification solution (less than 1 �L) onto stainless steel mesh (75 �m screen size, 1.5 mm in width by 10 mm in length, with a 3-mm right-angle bend), and then plunged into liquid nitrogen. The mesh was stored in a 1.8-mL cryotube submerged in liquid nitrogen. Warming and dilution were performed by moving the mesh from liquid nitrogen into 0.5 M trehalose + 20% FBS in PBS at 37�C for 5 min. Embryos were rinsed twice in NCSU37 + 10% FBS (mNCSU37) for 5 min. After being vitrified, embryos in groups of 20 per recipient were suspended in modified NCSU37 medium and then transferred into gilts either by surgical transfer (5 gilts) or by nonsurgical transfer (6 sows). For surgical transfer, embryos suspended in 0.1 mL of medium were transferred into the uterine horn at 15 cm above the uterine body, which was about 35 cm from the external uterine orifice. For nonsurgical transfer, an intrauterine catheter made from polyethylene tubing (1.2 m long, 3.0 mm outer diameter, 0.5 mm inner diameter) was used. A spiral guide inserted through the vagina into the cervix was used to guide the catheter into one uterine horn. The catheter was moved through the cervix and along the uterine horn. Then, embryos suspended in 1 mL of medium were transferred. Pregnancy was assessed by ultrasonography at 30 days post-estrus. With surgical transfer, 4 of 5 recipients became pregnant, and 3 gilts farrowed a total of 21 (10, 8, 3) live piglets; the fourth gilt aborted one fetus on Day 34. With nonsurgical transfer, 3 of 6 sows became pregnant. The present study demonstrates that vitrified porcine embryos can develop after both surgical and nonsurgical transfer to recipients. As a practical measure, nonsurgical transfer of vitrified porcine blastocysts may be used instead of surgical transfer.