Expression of Bcl-2 and PCNA in duct cells after pancreatic duct ligation in rats

Obstruction of the pancreatic duct induces acinar cell deletion followed by duct proliferation and interstitial fibrosis. Apoptosis has been reported to be involved in the induction of acinar cell deletion after pancreatic duct ligation (PDL) in rats, however, the mechanism of pancreatic duct cell proliferation is still unknown. We hypothesized that Bcl-2 (antiapoptosis protein) and PCNA (cell cycle-related protein) could be involved in the mechanism of pancreatic duct cell proliferation after PDL. In PDL, rats, acinar cells decreased in number and disappeared completely after duct ligation and duct-lining cells increased in number and formed duct-tubular complexes. Immunohistochemical study showed that PCNA expression appeared in the ductules and centroacinar cells from early stages after duct ligation and that Bcl-2 expression in duct cells, which was faint in normal pancreas, increased significantly when acinar cells were diminishing. Western blotting demonstrated that Bcl-2 was detected as a single band at 26 kDa, and the intensity of Bcl-2 in PDL rats was approximately ninefold stronger than in normal pancreas. Expression of Bcl-2 and PCNA after pancreatic duct ligation may be related to the prevention of apoptosis and cell proliferation of pancreatic duct cells in rats.

Noninvasive identification of left ventricular involvements in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia: comparison of 123I-MIBG, 201TlCl, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrafast computed tomography

We examined the feasibility of myocardial 123I-MIBG, 201TlCl, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrafast computed tomography (UFCT) for the early detection of left ventricular involvements in 15 patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). Radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) and myocardial imaging with 123I-MIBG, 201TlCl, MRI and UFCT were performed in all 15 patients and in 10 normal subjects. The patients' scans were visually interpreted by two nuclear medicine physicians taking into consideration the extent score (ES) and severity score (SS) calculated by using the bull's-eye view in relation to normal data derived from the normal subjects. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by RNV. Fourteen (93%) patients showed regional 123I-MIBG defects, while 12 (80%) patients showed regional 201TlCl defects. The ES and SS were higher in 123I-MIBG than 201TlCl (ES: 31.5 +/- 18.5 vs. 17.5 +/- 18.2, p < 0.01, SS: 34.8 +/- 42.2 vs. 16.9 +/- 37.5, p < 0.01). Abnormal UFCT and MRI findings suggesting fatty involvements of the LV myocardium were demonstrated in 7 patients (Group B), while 7 patients showed regional 123I-MIBG defects without abnormal UFCT and MRI findings (Group A). 123I-MIBG was significantly more sensitive than UFCT and MRI (p < 0.05), although one patient, an exception, showed abnormal UFCT findings for the apex of the LV myocardium without abnormal 123I-MIBG and MRI findings. The LVEF, as a measure of LV systolic function, was better preserved in Group A than in Group B (59.3 +/- 3.6 vs. 45.8 +/- 5.8, p < 0.01). The present findings indicated that myocardial imaging with 123I-MIBG sensitively detects myocardial damage in patients with ARVD in the early stage when cardiac systolic function is still preserved.

Use of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial imaging to predict the effectiveness of beta-blocker therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

It is crucial to predict drug effectiveness in chronic disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), in which the left ventricular (LV) function might be improved by beta-blocker therapy. As the functional improvement effected by beta-blocker therapy takes more than 2 months, we investigated whether iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) imaging could be used to predict drug effectiveness. We studied 13 patients (11 men and two women; mean age, 43+/-13 years) with DCM and seven normal subjects (six men and one woman; mean age, 48+/-16 years). We obtained myocardial single-photon emission tomography (SPET) images 15 min and 4 h after administration of 123I-MIBG (111 MBq). Studies were performed in the patients with DCM before and 1 and 3 months after the administration of metoprolol and in the normal subjects. We calculated the regional 123I-MIBG washout rate (r-WR) in the SPET image, and the global 123I-MIBG washout rate (g-WR) and heart-mediastinum activity ratio (H/M) using the anterior planar image. We classified patients into those showing a >/=5% increase in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) at 3 months compared with LVEF values before the treatment (group I, n=7) and those showing a <5% increase in LVEF (group II, n=6). In group I, the r-WR values at pretreatment and at 1 month and 3 months of treatment, respectively, were 36%+/-19%, 29%+/-14%* and 25%+/-13%* in the anterior segment, 39%+/-17%, 33%+/- 17%** and 28%+/-17%* in the lateral segment, 36%+/- 16%, 31%+/-14%* and 22%+/-12%** in the septal segment and 40%+/-11%, 37%+/-19% and 31%+/-18%* in the inferior segment; the g-WR was 45%+/-11%, 43%+/-10% and 34%+/-9%*, respectively (* P<0.05, ** P<0.01 vs pretreatment). In group II, there were no significant changes in regional or global parameters during the 3-month period. In normal subjects, the r-WR values in each of the anterior, lateral, septal and inferior segments were significantly lower than those in groups I and II. These values were 18%+/-9%, 18%+/-15%, 20%+/-12% and 21%+/-15%, respectively. This study demonstrated that with regional assessment 123I-MIBG SPET imaging can be used to predict the functional improvement of LVEF at 1 month of beta-blocker therapy in patients with DCM.

Early effects of gamma knife radiosurgery on brain metastases: assessment by 201TlCl SPECT and 99mTc-DTPA-human serum albumin SPECT

Thallium-201 chloride (201TlCl) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to determine tumor viability, and the early and delayed images of technetium-99m-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid-human serum albumin (99mTc-HSA-D) SPECT were used to assess tumor vascularity and permeability, respectively, in 17 patients with 18 brain metastases. SPECT was performed before, 1 week after, and 1 month after radiosurgery. The ratios of 201Tl and 99mTc-HSA-D uptake in a tumor were expressed as a ratio to uptake in the corresponding normal contralateral areas (uptake index). Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium was used to determine tumor volume. 201Tl index decreased significantly 1 week (p < 0.05) and 1 month (p < 0.005) after radiosurgery. In contrast, 99mTc-HSA-D indices of early and delayed images obtained at 1 week after radiosurgery were not significantly different from the pretreatment values. However, both were significantly low (p < 0.05) 1 month after radiosurgery. No change in tumor volume was detected 1 week following radiosurgery, but there was a significant decrease (p < 0.005) after 1 month. The reduction in tumor viability that occurs before the appearance of evidence of tumor shrinkage represents the early effect of radiosurgery on brain metastases. Reduction in tumor size, vascularity, and permeability occur subsequently.

Increase in lysophosphatidylethanolamine in the cell membrane upon the regulated exocytosis of pancreatic acinar AR42J cells

A specific cytosolic phospholipase A2 inhibitor, arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3), was found to inhibit the regulated exocytosis of pancreatic acinar AR42J cells. When AR42J cells were stimulated with cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), the regulated exocytosis monitored by amylase release was rapidly activated and increased by 2.5-fold during one hour. After AR42J cells were treated with AACOCF3, amylase release by CCK-8 remained at the basal level. Thus, changes in the composition of membrane phospholipids before and after stimulation were investigated. Within 1 min after CCK-8 stimulation, lysophosphatidylethanolamine (lysoPE) in the cellular membranes of AR42J was increased while lysophosphatidylcholine stayed unchanged. In the presence of AACOCF3, lysoPE was not increased by CCK-8. Those results indicate that the increment of lysoPE is linked to the regulated exocytosis.

Cerebral hypoperfusion in orthostatic hypotension with globally denervated myocardium

A 57-yr-old woman had frequent syncope when rising from a seated position. Her blood pressure fell from 140/80 mmHg to 60-70/40 mmHg while changing positions. Iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine ([123I]MIBG) did not accumulate in the heart, whereas 201Tl-Cl (201Tl) did. Raise-up 99mTc-hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) brain SPECT revealed decreased activity in the bilateral frontal areas, and subsequent supine 99mTc-HMPAO brain SPECT revealed filling in these areas, indicating that the cerebral blood flow (CBF) was transiently decreased in the frontal areas more than others in a standing position. The plasma norepinephrine (NE) level of this patient was normal during supine rest, but when she stood up, failure to increase the plasma level of NE uncovered a sympathetic nervous dysfunction. The CBF abnormality in patients with orthostatic hypotension may be due to a "functional" hemodynamic mechanism that induces orthostatic stress. This patient had transient hypoperfusion in the frontal areas when standing, without organic cerebral arterial stenosis. Only CBF in the frontal areas revealed relative hypoperfusion. These regions might be highly susceptible to a change in blood flow. The causes of orthostatic hypotension of this patient were autonomic failure with a disturbance of the sympathetic nerve endings, which was revealed by 99mTc-HMPAO brain SPECT and cardiac [123l]MIBG imaging.

Effect of gamma knife irradiation on relaxation and contraction responses of the common carotid artery in the rat

This report concerns a pilot study of the short- and long-term effects of gamma knife radiosurgery on vascular responses. The investigation was carried out on male Sprague-Dawley rats, and the relaxation and contraction responses of the right common carotid artery (CCA) were assessed following irradiation (100 Gy). The non-treated CCA of the same animals served as internal controls. Non-irradiated rats were used to control the effect of normal aging on vascular function. Isometric tension was determined on in vitro preparations of arterial rings. Acetylcholine-mediated, endothelium-dependent relaxation was impaired one month after radiosurgery, as was endothelium-independent relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside, but the effect on the latter was minimal. The irradiated CCA was also impaired with respect to contraction responses induced by norepinephrine, endothelin-1 or phorbol dibutyrate. This impairment appeared to be biphasic, as it was evident one day after radiosurgery, followed by a partial recovery one week later, and again manifest after one month. At the light microscope level, the carotid arteries appeared to be well preserved throughout the experiment. However, obvious ultrastructural changes were noted in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of specimens obtained three months after radiosurgery. The present data indicate that high dose gamma knife radiosurgery affects the functions of both, the vascular endothelium and the vascular smooth muscles in an apparent time-dependent fashion. Because of its increasing application to patients, there is the need for studying the effects of gamma knife radiosurgery on cerebral arteries, since functional vascular changes may occur in the absence of obvious histological alterations. Our results on CCAs point to the feasibility of such experimental investigations.

[Evaluation of remote effect to supratentorial areas in cerebellar infarction: a semiquantitative analysis using 99mTc-HM-PAO SPECT]

We studied 18 patients with unilateral cerebellar infarction to investigate its remote effect to the supratentorial areas with 99mTc-HM-PAO SPECT. Asymmetry indexes (AI) were calculated in the cerebellum and in seven supratentorial areas (thalamus, basal ganglia, superior and inferior frontal areas, temporal area, parietal area and occipital area). Mean AIs of supratentorial areas ranged from -0.64 +/- 2.74% to +1.04 +/- 2.03%. In cerebellar infarction of acute or subacute phase, the mean AI showed larger values (+1.13%) than that of chronic phase (+0.21%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference among supratentorial AIs grouped according to cerebellar infarction size. There was also no significant correlation among AIs of cerebellar and the supratentorial areas (r = -0.32 to +0.38). Crossed hemispheric hypoperfusion is thought to be related to the interruption of cerebellocortical tracts. We concluded that the detection of the remote effect to supratentorial areas in cerebellar infarction was difficult with 99mTc-HM-PAO SPECT.

Radiosurgery of brain metastases with the Gamma Knife

A total of 130 patients with metastatic brain tumors were treated with the Gamma Knife; 85 had multiple lesions. The marginal dose was 14-30 Gy for the initial 20 cases during the first 6 months. Thereafter, we increased the marginal dose to between 25 and 30 Gy for the last 110 cases. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 49 months (mean 9 months). The recurrence rate fell from 20% for the early low-dose cases to 4.6% for the later 110 higher-dose cases (p = 0.043). Transient neurological deterioration developed in 7 cases (5.4%), and permanent neurological deficits were recognized in a further 6 cases (4.6%). The relatively high prescription dose of 25-30 Gy at the margin of brain metastases treated with the Gamma Knife resulted in an acceptably high control rate with a low rate of complications.

Effect of Gamma Knife radiosurgery on acoustic neurinomas. Assessment by 99mTc-DTPA-human serum albumin- and 201TlCl-single photon emission computed tomography

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed on 16 patients with acoustic neurinoma before and 1 and 2 years after Gamma Knife surgery. 201TICI-SPECT was used to determine tumor viability. Early and delayed images of 99mTc-DTPA-human serum albumin (99mTc-HSA-D)-SPECT were used to assess tumor vascularity and permeability, respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease in the 99mTc-HSA-D index of the early image at 1 year (p = 0.013) and at 2 years (p = 0.018) after Gamma Knife surgery. On the other hand, the 201Tl index and the 99mTc-HSA-D index of the delayed image were not significantly different from their pretreatment values. These observations demonstrate that a reduction in tumor vascularity without a decrease in tumor viability may be one of the effects of Gamma Knife surgery on acoustic neurinomas.

[Significance of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine SPECT for detecting left ventricular involvement in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia]

The right ventricle being primarily involved in ARVD, recent reports indicate the presence of histological and functional abnormalities in the left ventricle for some patients with ARVD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of myocardial sympathetic dysfunction as an early sign of left ventricular (LV) involvement by 123I-MIBG (MIBG) SPECT and to compare the findings with those of 201TlCl (Tl) SPECT, radionuclide left ventriculography, ultrafast computed tomography (UFCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echo-cardiography in 10 patients (pts) with ARVD. MIBG defects in LV regions were detected in 9 pts. Seven of the 9 pts showed MIBG defects in LV regions adjacent to RV. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on left ventriculography, 5 with normal LVEF (> 55%) and 5 with reduced LVEF. In the normal LVEF group, 4 pts showed MIBG defects and 2 pts showed TI defects, and MIBG defects were larger than TI defects (ES: 14 +/- 6 vs. 5 +/- 7, p <0.05). In reduced LVEF group, all of 5 pts showed MIBG and TI defects, and MIBG defects were larger than TI defects (ES: 42 +/- 12 vs. 25 +/- 3, p <0.05). In comparison with normal LVEF group, reduced LVEF group showed larger and more severe MIBG defects (ES: 42 +/- 12 vs. 14 +/- 6, p <0.01, SS: 44 +/- 31 vs. 8 +/- 7, p <0.05). UFCT and MRI showed abnormal findings indicating LV fatty infiltration in only 3 of reduced LVEF group. Thus, MIBG showed abnormal distributions in the left ventricle with the highest frequency in all these modalities. These results suggest that MIBG SPECT provides a sensitive marker for detecting LV involvement in ARVD. Also, the extent of MIBG distribution abnormalities is helpful in assessing the severity of left ventricular involvement in patients with ARVD.

[Usefulness of 123I-BMIPP scanning for distinction of ischemic from nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy]

To determine if imaging of blood flow (using 201Tl) and fatty acid (using 123-I-BMIPP) with SPECT can distinguish cardiomyopathy of coronary artery disease from nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, 24 patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction were evaluated. The origin of left ventricular dysfunction had been previously determined by coronary angiography to be ischemic (9 patients) or nonischemic (15 patients). Images were visually analyzed by three observers on a graded scale (score 0; normal, 1; mild uptake reduction, 2; severe uptake reduction, and 3; defect) in 20 left ventricular segments revealed higher defect score in ICM compared with NCM for 123I-BMIPP (35.5 +/- 14.4 versus 14.1 +/- 9.3, p <0.0005) and 201Tl (27.6 +/- 14.6 versus 12.1 +/- 7.4, p <0.005). The defect score/segment ratio also revealed higher value in ICM compared with NCM for 123I-BMIPP (2.25 +/- 0.52 versus 1.36 +/- 0.36, p <0.0001) and 201Tl (1.92 +/- 0.51 versus 1.24 +/- 0.42, p <0.005). Myocardium of ICM is more severely damaged than that of NCM. Thus, noninvasive SPECT imaging with 123I-BMIPP is helpful in distinguishing patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to coronary artery disease from those with nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

[Detection of myocardial 123I-BMIPP distribution abnormality in patients with ischemic heart disease based on normal data file in bull's-eye polar map]

Visual interpretation of 123I-BMIPP (BMIPP) myocardial images has difficulties in detecting mild reduction in tracer uptake. We studied the significance of the objective assessment of myocardial BMIPP maldistributions at rest by using a Bull's-eye map and its normal data file for detecting ischemic heart disease. Twenty nine patients, 15 with prior myocardial infarction and 14 with effort angina were studied. The initial 15-min BMIPP image was evaluated by visual analysis and by generating the extent Bull's-eye map which exhibits regions with reduced % uptake under mean-2SD of 10 normal controls. The sensitivity for determining coronary lesions in non-infarcted myocardial regions with the extent map was superior to that with visual analysis (67% vs. 33%). In the regions supplied by the stenotic coronary artery, those which showed visually negative but positive in the map and which showed positive in both had higher incidence of wall motion abnormalities and severe coronary stenosis than those with normal findings in both. These results suggest that the objective assessment based on the normal data file in a Bull's-eye polar map is clinically important for improving the limitation of the visual interpretation in 123I-BMIPP imaging.

Gamma knife surgery for Cushing's disease

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of gamma knife surgery on Cushing's disease is not well known to date. In most reported cases of Cushing's disease treated with gamma knife, the area to be irradiated was determined with computed tomography or pneumoencephalography. We report two cases of recurrent pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease treated with gamma knife using stereotactic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Recurrent microadenomas were visualized as hypointense areas using gadolinium-enhanced MRI after two transsphenoidal surgeries in both cases. The doses of irradiation given were 35 Gy and 20 Gy to the margin of the tumors, and less than 8 Gy and 21 Gy to the optic apparatus and cranial nerves in the cavernous sinus, respectively.

RESULTS

Both patients had clinical remission with normal serum cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels, during 2-year follow-up after radiosurgery, without endocrinologic deficiency or neurologic deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

Gamma knife surgery can be an alternative therapy for Cushing's disease when pituitary adenomas are apart from the optic apparatus and can be visualized clearly by MRI, even if tumors are recurrent after microsurgery.

Gamma Knife surgery for angiographically occult vascular malformations

To evaluate the effect of radiosurgery on angiographically occult vascular malformations (AOVMs), 9 patients treated with Gamma Knife surgery were followed up for 21-37 months. Eight patients had bleeding episodes, 1 had uncontrollable epilepsy. Rebleeding occurred in 3 AOVMs 5 or 6 months after treatment. One patient experienced transient radiation-induced edema. One patient underwent surgical extirpation due to uncontrollable epilepsy 21 months after Gamma Knife surgery. Histological findings revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and a cavernous angioma. There was hypertrophy of the internal membrane of the AVM, but no effect on the cavernous malformation. Radiosurgery should only be considered in cases of inoperable AOVM, because there is no definite proof that radiosurgery prevents AOVMs from rebleeding.

Sequence-tagged sites (STSs) as standard landmarkers in the rice genome

Generating sequence-tagged sites (STSs) is a prerequisite to convert a genetic map to a physical map. With the help of sequence information from these STSs one can also isolate specific genes. For these purposes, we have designed PCR primer sets, of 20 bases each, by reference to sequences of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) landmarkers consisting of rice genomic clones. These markers were evenly distributed over the 12 chromosomes and were shown to be single copy by Southern-blot analysis. With improved PCR protocols, 63 standard STS landmarkers in the rice genome were generated. Similarity searches of all partial sequences of RFLP landmarkers by the FASTA algorithm showed that 2 of the 63 RFLP landmarkers, G357 and G385, contained part of the ORFs of aspartate aminotransferase and protein kinase, respectively.

Influence of cationic antibiotics on phase behavior of rough-form lipopolysaccharide

The rough-form lipopolysaccharide (LPS) interacted with cationic antibiotic polymyxin B and gramicidin S in solution, and showed altered thermotropic phase behavior and viscoelasticity. The phase behavior was measured by differential scanning calorimetry and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Addition of polymyxin B of up to 0.5 mg/mL to the 5.0 mg/mL LPS solution increased gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition enthalpy (delta H) and raised the transition temperature (tmax). The further addition of polymyxin B reduced the delta H value. Gramicidin S produced a different effect, whereby a minor addition reduced tmax and delta H value of the LPS. The LPS film on the platinum electrode of the QCM indicated a downward shift of resonant frequency and an upward shift of resonant resistance when in contact with the antibiotic solution. An interpretation of these variations is that the LPS on the QCM electrode changed not only film weight, but also viscoelasticity owing to contact with the antibiotic solution. The different effects between the antibiotics between polymyxin B and gramicidin S on the LPS are induced by the difference of the governing effect. Polymyxin B interacts with the LPS electrostatically, whereas gramicidin S interacts by hydrophobic moieties.

Analysis of ZAPs, zymogen granule membrane associated proteins, in the regulated exocytosis of the pancreas

To characterize molecules involved in the intracellular sorting and regulated exocytosis of digestive enzymes in the pancreas, proteins that are specifically associated with the zymogen granule membranes were analyzed. Zymogen granules, the major secretory organelles in the pancreas, were highly purified. SDS-PAGE analysis found at least 7 protein components in the zymogen granule membranes including ZAP (zymogen granule membrane associated protein) 75, 54, 47, 36, 32, 29, 25 (numbers refer to their apparent kDas). ZAP75 is identical to the glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein, GP2. Partial amino acid sequencing of ZAP47 and ZAP36 found similarities to a preprocarboxypeptidase B and annexins, respectively. The method we used was a useful tool for structural analysis of the members of ZAPs.

Role of the GP2/THP family of GPI-anchored proteins in membrane trafficking during regulated exocrine secretion

Identification and characterization of the GP2/THP family of GPI-anchored membrane proteins associated with apical secretory membranes suggest that this new class of GPI-linked proteins plays a critical role in regulated protein secretion and ion transport in polarized epithelial cells in pancreas, liver, lung, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. Based on recent information obtained from the world literature and from our own investigations we present the following two hypotheses capable of unifying previously diverse observations. Hypothesis 1 is that formation of GP2 tetramers in the acidic milieu of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) organizes a GP2/proteoglycan (PG) matrix tightly associated with the luminal surface of zymogen granule (ZG) membranes, and proposes that this matrix functions in (a) membrane sorting during granule assembly in the TGN, (b) inactivation of ZG membranes during the storage phase of secretion, and (c) regulated trafficking of ZG membranes from the apical plasma membrane (APM) after exocytosis. Hypothesis 2 is that the acinar lumen constitutes a distinct physiologic compartment for coupled biochemical reactions between acinar and duct cells. Because the acidic pH of the TGN plays a critical role in condensation of secretory proteins, alkalinization of the acinar lumen is required for (a) neutralization of the acidic pH of exocytic contents and (b) solubilization of aggregated (pro)enzymes. Further alkalinization appears to be required for pH-dependent release of the GP2/PG matrix from the APM, a process that may regulate internalization of ZG membranes for reuse during secretion. Taken together, the two hypotheses suggest that luminal factors including acid-base interactions and matrix assembly and disassembly processes perform critical functions during regulated storage and release of pancreatic (pro)enzymes. The requirement that coupling reactions be coordinated through the actions of separate hormones [cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin] on divergent epithelial cells (acinar and duct cells, respectively) provides a new appreciation for the importance of combined CCK and secretin stimulation during pancreatic secretion in response to food intake.

[Assessment of vascularity and permeability in brain tumor using SPECT and 99mTc-DTPA-human serum albumin in relation to 201Tl SPECT]

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using technetium-99m-DTPA-human serum albumin (99mTc-HSA-D) and thallium-201 chloride (201Tl) was simultaneously performed on 25 patients with brain tumors; 10 with brain metastasis, 8 with astrocytoma (Gr. 3) and 7 with meningioma. The early image was obtained 10 minutes after 99mTc-HSA-D (740 MBq) injection, and the delayed image was taken 5 hours after the injection. HSA-D index, based on the ratio of 99mTc-HSA-D uptake in the tumor versus the cortical area, was calculated on each image, and compared with Tl index (tumor/contralateral cerebrum ratio). HSA-D delayed index was significantly greater than HSA-D early index in all tumor types (p < 0.05 by the Wilcoxon ranked sign test). Linear correlation between HSA-D early index and HSA-D delayed index was significant in astrocytoma (Gr. 3) (p < 0.01) and meningioma (p < 0.001), and a linear correlation between HSA-D delayed index and Tl index was significant in astrocytoma (Gr. 3) (p < 0.05). It is concluded that HSA-D early index and delayed index could reflect tumor vascularity and permeability, respectively, and provide supplementary information for Tl index.

Mapping of sequence-tagged sites in rice by single strand conformation polymorphism

The conditions for efficient single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) detection were examined for its application to mapping of DNA regions in the rice genome. Temperature for electrophoresis and glycerol concentrations in gel affected SSCP patterns significantly. The optimal detection conditions for SSCP also depends on the nucleotide sequences of fragments analyzed. Fragments over 300 bp show complicated patterns depending on their nucleotide sequences and were not suitable for SSCP analysis. Seventy primer pairs were designed from the sequence data available to amplify DNA regions as sequence tagged sites (STSs), and 39 of these STSs were found to generate SSCP between japonica rice (Nipponbare) and indica rice (Kasalath) in at least one of the experimental conditions. The maps of DNA fragments amplified from 186 F2-plant DNAs with 17 primer pairs were successfully determined. This direct mapping method of the amplified DNA fragments with PCR is simple and quite sensitive, and can be used to set markers in the gap regions of a genetic linkage map.

Determination of RAPD markers in rice and their conversion into sequence tagged sites (STSs) and STS-specific primers

We produced 102 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers mapped on all 12 chromosomes of rice using DNAs of cultivars Nipponbare (japonica) and Kasalath (indica) and of F2 population generated by a single cross of these parents. Sixty random primers 10 nucleotides long were used both singly and in random pairs and about 1,400 primer-pairs were tested. Using both agarose gel and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis enabled us to detect polymorphisms appearing in the range from < 100 bp to 2 kb. The loci of the RAPD markers were determined onto the framework of our RFLP linkage map and some of these markers were mapped to regions with few markers. Out of the 102 RAPD markers, 20 STSs (sequence-tagged sites) and STS-specific primer pairs were determined by cloning, identifying and sequencing of the mapped polymorphic fragments.

Binding of polycyclic planar mutagens to chlorophyllin resulting in inhibition of the mutagenic activity

Chlorophyllin is known to inhibit the mutagenicity of a variety of compounds. Using highly purified samples of chlorophyllin and its family compounds, we studied the mechanism of the inhibition. Since mutagens with polycyclic planar structures are particularly strongly inhibited, it seemed likely that the inhibition arises by trapping of the mutagens by chlorophyllin through complex formation at the planar surfaces of these molecules. To explore this possibility, we prepared a Sepharose bearing covalently linked chlorophyllin as ligand, and the adsorption of mutagens to this Sepharose was measured. Three different chlorophyllin derivatives were used, i.e., copper-chlorin, iron-chlorin and chlorin, to investigate the role of metal in the center of the chlorophyllin chromophore. Adsorption of 37 different compounds, mostly mutagens, in 0.02 M Tris-HCl buffer at pH 8.0 to these chlorophyllin-Sepharose preparations was studied in a quantitative manner. The results showed that most of the compounds having three or more fused rings were strongly adsorbed with apparent dissociation constants of 10(-5)-10(-6) M, whereas those having two fused rings or one ring were only poorly adsorbed. Since the three Sepharose adsorbents gave similar adsorption profiles, it appeared that the central metal in the chlorophyllin molecule does not play a crucial role in the adsorption. We also measured the inhibitory effect of copper-chlorin against the mutagenicity of some of these compounds using the Salmonella assay. The results showed that those mutagens that were strongly adsorbable to copper-chlorin-Sepharose were subject to efficient inhibition by copper-chlorin, whereas many of those only poorly adsorbed were inhibited only weakly. We concluded that trapping by complex formation plays a role in the antimutagenic actions of chlorophyllin against many mutagens, particularly notable being the actions against ICR-170, quinacrine, aflatoxin B1, Trp-P-1 and Trp-P-2. An unusual behavior of Trp-P-2 in the adsorption process, i.e., a very tight complex formation at an extremely low Trp-P-2 concentration, was found; the implication of this phenomenon in relation to the real environmental setting is discussed.

Structure of the canine pancreatic colipase gene includes two protein-binding sites in the promoter region

Characterization of a lambda phage genomic clone, CL5A, which encodes the canine pancreatic colipase gene, revealed the primary structure of 987 nucleotides (nt) of 5'-flanking sequence, 2066 nt defining the primary transcriptional unit, which is organized into three exon sequences, and 130 nt of 3'-flanking sequence. Exon 1 encodes the amino-terminal signal peptide, the propeptide (Val1-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg), and the hydrophobic lipid-binding region (Gly6-Ile-Ile-Ile) at the amino terminus of the mature coenzyme. Exon 2 encodes carboxylate residues (Glu12 and Glu15) likely to be involved in binding of pancreatic lipase to colipase at the aqueous-lipid interface. Exon 3 encodes the hydrophobic sequence (Leu54-Tyr-Gly-Tyr-Tyr) that is essential for binding the central tightly structured disulfide-bonded region of the coenzyme to lipid. Southern blot analysis was consistent with the presence of a single-copy colipase gene and a potential colipase gene homologue. Among 16 tissues examined by Northern blot analysis, colipase expression was detected only in pancreas. Proteins contained in nuclear extracts prepared from dog pancreas conferred two regions of DNase I protection coincident for both coding and noncoding strands (positions -62 to -44 (CL-I site) and -128 to -106 (CL-II site) in the coding strand). Competition gel mobility shift experiments indicated that protein-DNA interactions that occur at colipase sites I and II are sequence- and protein-specific and unrelated to the PAN-binding sequence described in the 5'-enhancer region of the rat chymotrypsin B gene (Nelson, C., Shen, L.-P., Meister, A., Fodor, E., and Rutter, W. J. (1990) Genes & Dev. 4, 1035-1043). Nuclear extracts from pancreas and brain, but not liver, contain similar CL-I- and CL-II-binding proteins. CL-I and CL-II represent protein-binding elements that may participate as additional promoter regions in regulated expression of the colipase gene. CL-I contains a central homopolymeric d(G) sequence. CL-II shows a GC-rich region on the noncoding strand (5' GGGGGCGTGT 3') that is similar (8/9 match) to the Sp1-binding sequence.

GP-2/THP gene family encodes self-binding glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in apical secretory compartments of pancreas and kidney

A family of homologous genes is shown to encode GP-2, the major glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked glycoprotein of pancreatic zymogen granule membranes, and Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP), a GPI-linked glycoprotein associated with apical vesicles in kidney thick ascending limb of Henle (TALH) cells. The C-terminal regions of GP-2 (Asp54-Phe530) and THP (Asp175-His644) from rat show 53% identity, 86% similarity, and 26 conserved cysteine residues including one epidermal growth factor motif. The unique N-terminal domain of rat THP (unique-THP, Pro29-Gln174) shows four conserved epidermal growth factor motifs, three in tandem and one in reverse orientation. GP-2 homologues are observed in a wide variety of epithelial cells, several of which contain highly regulated secretory processes. GP-2 released from zymogen granule membranes with phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C reacts with anti-cross-reactive determinant antibody (anti-CRD), confirming the GPI nature of the pancreatic homologue. In contrast, GP-2 and THP, released endogenously from pancreas and kidney, respectively, do not react with anti-cross-reactive determinant antibody, suggesting alternative enzymatic mechanisms for their physiological release. Globular domains of GP-2 and THP, but not albumin, show pH- and ion-dependent self-association in vitro. The GP-2/THP family appears to represent a newly discovered class of GPI-anchored proteins, which may utilize pH- and ion-dependent self-association mechanisms for establishing membrane (micro)domains targeted to intracellular secretory compartments.

Novel strategy for synthesis of full-length double-stranded cDNA transcripts without dC-dG tails

Images

Facile isolation of endo-pectate lyase from Erwinia carotovora based on electrostatic interaction

Endo-pectate lyase (PATE) from Erwinia carotovora was selectively cosedimented with extracellularly produced lipopolysaccharide-lipid complex (LPSLC) through dialysis of the cell free culture broth. The selective isolation of PATE was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The cosedimentation of the PATE with LPSLC was initiated by decreasing conductivity of the solution and terminated at approx 1 m siemens (mScm-1). As much as 62% of PATE activity in the culture broth was removed by precipitation. PATE was isolated from the precipitate by gel chromatography. The cosedimentation of PATE with LPSLC was remarkably affected by pH or ionic strength. The addition of polycationic peptide polymyxin B sulfate or a metal chloride affected the interaction. The cosedimentation was diminished by acetylation of the free amino groups of PATE. From these results, it was confirmed that the cosedimentation was induced by electrostatic interaction.

Rapid and selective cloning of monitor peptide, a novel cholecystokinin-releasing peptide, using minimal amino acid sequence and the polymerase chain reaction

cDNA transcripts encoding rat monitor peptide (MP) have been cloned from a lambda-ZAP-II phage library using minimal specific amino acid sequence (six residues), the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and multivalent PCR probes to distinguish MP transcripts from those that encode a closely related peptide, pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor. DNA sequence analysis of 3 cDNA transcripts, MP1-3, revealed the complete amino acid sequence of the prepeptide (79 residues) including an 18-residue hydrophobic signal sequence at the NH2 terminus. Sequence divergence in both coding and 3' noncoding regions indicates a potential exon-exon junction with alternative splicing, which results in a truncated peptide with Arg 58 at the COOH terminus as well as alternative selection of poly(A) signals, respectively. The 5' nontranslated region of MP1 mRNA (282 nucleotides (nt] contains four upstream ATGs. Conserved structure between MP and anionic trypsinogen mRNAs within 9 nt immediately upstream of the AUG initiation codon may be involved in coupling the expression of MP with anionic trypsinogen, a condition which appears to be required to monitor the intake of dietary protein in the rat.

Differentiation of intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-18) by an acid extract of rat small intestine

A factor which may induce differentiation of intestinal epithelial cell lines in vitro was found in an acid extract of adult rat small intestine. The addition of a partially purified acetic acid extract of rat small intestine to IEC-18 cell culture dishes increased sucrase activity within 48 h. Thymidine incorporation markedly decreased within 24 h. Significant development of microvilli-like structures was observed on the acid extract-treated IEC-18 cells, compared with controls. This activity of rat acid extract was heat-stable and the apparent molecular weight of the factor was 400-800. These findings suggested that the factor may be related to the epithelial differentiation of rat small intestinal crypt cells.

Evidence for an intraluminal mediator in rat pancreatic enzyme secretion: reconstitution of the pancreatic response with dietary protein, trypsin and the monitor peptide

New evidence has been obtained suggesting that the "monitor" peptide is an essential intraluminal mediator in the stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to protein intake in rats. Experiments were performed in vivo using a mixture of 50 mg of ovalbumin, alpha-lactalbumin or casein, 2 micrograms of purified protease-sensitive, cholecystokinin-releasing monitor peptide and 1 mg of porcine trypsin which was infused by cannula into the duodenum of atropine-treated rats. The small intestine had previously been washed with bicarbonate to eliminate proteases and the pancreatic juice was diverted. The amount of trypsin secreted in 2 h was comparable to that of rats in which the pancreatic juice was returned into the duodenum. However, in the presence of a monitor peptide--specific antibody which recognizes the N-terminal region of the peptide, the monitor peptide did not induce any pancreatic response. Therefore, the characteristic pattern of pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to protein intake can be reproduced by infusing only three components--dietary proteins, porcine trypsin and the purified monitor peptide.

Effect of insulin on acute experimental cerebral ischemia in gerbils

We studied the effects of insulin with and without food deprivation on experimental cerebral ischemia in 197 gerbils. Ischemia was induced by unilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 4 hours. Gerbils were divided into four experimental groups and were studied for up to 1 week of survival: Group A (n = 50) was fed but received no insulin, Group B (n = 50) was deprived of food for 24 hours before surgery but received no insulin, Group C (n = 49) was fed and received daily injections of 0.1 IU lente insulin for 3 days before surgery, and Group D (n = 48) was deprived of food and received daily insulin injections. Insulin treatment was continued in Groups C and D after surgery. Blood glucose levels of all gerbils were determined before treatment (overall mean +/- SEM 88.0 +/- 12.4 mg/dl) and before carotid artery occlusion (Group A 92.2 +/- 18.3 mg/dl, Group B 81.4 +/- 11.7 mg/dl [p less than 0.05 different from before treatment], Group C 92.8 +/- 22.3 mg/dl, and Group D 66.1 +/- 24.0 mg/dl [p less than 0.001 different from before treatment]). Among the four groups, 52 gerbils died within 1 week. Neurologic deficits were scored and histologic evidence of the infarcts was graded in survivors at 1 week. Group C gerbils had the best stroke index scores. Histologic evaluation revealed that 35.9% of Group A, 21.1% of Group B, 13.9% of Group C (p less than 0.05 compared with Group A), and 28.1% of Group D survivors developed cerebral infarcts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pancreatic enzyme secretion mediated by novel peptide: monitor peptide hypothesis

A new model is proposed for pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to food protein intake in rats. We have found a novel peptide in rat bile-pancreatic juice, which exhibits a trypsin-sensitive, cholecystokinin (CCK)-releasing activity. The amino acid sequence of the peptide purified from rat bile-pancreatic juice is very similar to that of a conservative region in pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI). The peptide loses its CCK-releasing activity during trypsin digestion, but food protein intake prevents this trypsin digestion. Results of a reconstitution experiment indicate that pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to food protein intake only occurs as a result of interaction between trypsin and our purified peptide. Also, a peptide-specific antibody abolished the response. These findings lead us to hypothesize that this peptide acts as an intraduodenal mediator for CCK release in response to food protein intake.

Preparation of a verifiable peptide-protein immunogen: direction-controlled conjugation of a synthetic fragment of the monitor peptide with myoglobin and application for sequence analysis

A useful method for preparing a synthetic peptide-carrying protein for specific antibody production was established. The monitor peptide is a trypsin-sensitive cholecystokinin-releasing peptide purified from rat pancreatic juice on the basis of its stimulatory activity toward pancreatic enzyme secretion. The NH2-terminus fragment of the monitor peptide (residues 1-14) was synthesized by a solid phase method. Cysteine at the COOH terminus of the fragment was conjugated with amino groups of myoglobin using a hetero-bifunctional reagent. Sequence analysis of the fragment-myoglobin conjugate indicated that the peptide/myoglobin conjugation ratio was about 1/1 (mol/mol). Antiserum against the conjugate from a rabbit effectively abolished the stimulatory activity of the monitor peptide in the rat small intestine.

Influence of neural blockages and proglumide on rat pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to intraluminal fatty acid

Effects of neural blockages on pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to infusing fatty acid into the lumen were investigated using anesthetized rats, equipped with bile-pancreatic and duodenal cannulae, to evaluate the relative contribution of the neural and the hormonal mediations in the pancreatic response. Oleate (0.2 ml) was injected as a bolus into the rat duodenum, and the trypsin output in bile-pancreatic juice was monitored to determine the pancreatic enzyme secretion response with continuous return of bile-pancreatic juice to the intestine. When anticholinergic agents such as atropine sulfate and scopolamine were administrated, although basal level in pancreatic enzyme secretion fell, the increase of pancreatic enzyme secretion from basal level after stimulation by oleate was not significantly different from that of the control (no blockage). However, the ganglion blocker, hexamethonium, inhibited the pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to oleate by 94%. An adrenergic blocker, guanethidine, also led to as much of a decrease as the ganglion blocker-induced decrease. Adrenergic alpha- and beta-blockers partially, but not completely, inhibited the enzyme secretion. Adrenergic blockage also suppressed the basal level in pancreatic enzyme secretion. On the other hand, a specific CCK antagonist, proglumide, significantly inhibited pancreatic enzyme secretion induced by oleate in the presence of scopolamine. These observations suggest that pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to oleate is primarily mediated by CCK and that adrenergic modulation may play an important role in the CCK-mediated pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to oleate, although interpretation of these results may have some restriction related to anesthesia.

Purification and sequencing of a trypsin-sensitive cholecystokinin-releasing peptide from rat pancreatic juice. Its homology with pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor

The trypsin-sensitive cholecystokinin-releasing peptide is a peptide purified from rat pancreatic juice on the basis of its stimulatory activity toward pancreatic enzyme secretion. We postulate that the peptide acts as a mediator of pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to dietary protein intake and that it (designated as "monitor peptide" from its role in the intestine) could be responsible for the feedback regulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion. About 20 nmol of the highly purified peptide were obtained from 800 ml of rat pancreatic juice by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. It was then sequenced. The peptide comprises 61 amino acid residues (Table I). It has a sequence that closely resembles that of a highly conserved region in pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitors (PSTIs, Kazal type inhibitor): -Ile-Tyr-Asx-Pro-Val-Cys-Gly-Thr-Asx-Gly-. However, the peptide is less related to other mammalian PSTIs than they are to each other. The additional 5 residues at the NH2 terminus make the peptide larger than the common 56-residue PSTIs. The trypsin-sensitive cholecystokinin-releasing peptide is to be classified as a Kazal-type inhibitor and may be one of the rat PSTIs or a related peptide. The present results and increasing evidence from other laboratories and ours suggest that Kazal-type inhibitors play previously unrecognized multiple physiological roles.

Competition of a growth stimulating-/cholecystokinin (CCK) releasing-peptide (monitor peptide) with epidermal growth factor for binding to 3T3 fibroblasts

The growth stimulating-/cholecystokinin (CCK) releasing-peptide (monitor peptide) is a peptide purified from rat bile-pancreatic juice on the basis of its stimulatory activity toward pancreatic enzyme secretion. Its multiple functions and peptide sequence suggested that it is distinct from epidermal growth factor (EGF). However, we found that the peptide competes with [125I]-EGF in the binding to Swiss 3T3 fibroblast cells to almost the same extent as unlabeled EGF does. [125I]-EGF binding was inhibited by 50% by the peptide at 82.8 ng/ml and by unlabeled EGF at 71.4 ng/ml. This suggests that the growth stimulating effect of the peptide on 3T3 fibroblasts is mediated via the EGF receptor, and also suggests that the partial homologous sequence between monitor peptide and EGF is required for the receptor binding, or that the EGF receptor has a broad ligand specificity.

[A study on the mechanism of development of acute gastric ulcer in hemorrhagic shock--with special reference to the relation of PGE2 and noradrenaline levels in the gastric mucosa and changes in gastric mucosal blood flow]

Changes in gastric mucosal blood flow in acute gastric ulceration associated with hemorrhagic shock were investigated for their relationship to gastric mucosal PGE2 and NA in rats which were deprived of 24 ml/kg of blood. The results were: 1. Gastric mucosal blood flow and NA were decreased by 65% and 25% respectively at 30 minutes after hemorrhage. Gastric mucosal PGE2 was 26% increased at 30 minutes after exsanguination and then showed a marked decrease. 2. Administration of NA resulted in an 100% increase of gastric mucosal PGE2. However, animals receiving NA at 20 or 50 minutes after hemorrhage gave values for gastric mucosal PGE2 which were not different from those of non-NA-treated animals at 30 and 60 minutes after hemorrhage. 3. Pre-treatment with PGE2 suppressed the reduction in both gastric mucosal blood flow and NA and the development of ulcer, whereas pre-treatment with indomethacin accelerated them. These results suggest that the increase in gastric mucosal PGE2 in early shock might represent a phenomenon of adaptation to decreased blood flow, implicating adrenergic activation as one of causative factors, and the decrease in gastric mucosal PGE2 in late shock might be construed as the result of impaired synthesis of PGE2 due to persistent hypoxia and be one of the possible factors for ulcers.

Atropine-nonsensitive feedback regulatory mechanism of rat pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to food protein intake

The effect of atropine on pancreatic enzyme secretion in response to removal of intraluminal protease was investigated using rats with an indwelling bile-pancreatic cannula. Stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion by diversion of bile-pancreatic juice was blocked by intravenous atropine [100 micrograms/(kg X h)] injection. On the other hand, stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion by intraluminal infusion of soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) was not blocked by atropine administration. These results suggest that the feedback response of pancreatic enzyme secretion after removal of the intraluminal protease is controlled by at least two different systems, an atropine-sensitive mechanism and an atropine-nonsensitive mechanism. We detected and purified a peptide from rat bile-pancreatic juice that enhanced pancreatic enzyme secretion when the peptide was infused into the proximal intestine. In the atropine-administered rat whose small intestine was deprived of protease after intraluminal washing with saline containing SBTI, intraluminal infusion of the purified peptide stimulated pancreatic enzyme secretion markedly. These findings suggest that the atropine-nonsensitive feedback response of pancreatic enzyme secretion is at least in part mediated by the peptide.

Localization of pancreatic enzyme secretion-stimulating activity and trypsin inhibitory activity in zymogen granule of the rat pancreas

The intracellular localization of pancreatic enzyme secretion-stimulating activity in rat pancreas was investigated. We found and purified a pancreatic enzyme secretion-stimulating peptide from rat bile/pancreatic juice. The peptide is trypsin-sensitive (showing temporary trypsin inhibitory activity), and it is hypothesized that it acts as a trypsin-sensitive mediator in the feedback regulation of diet-induced pancreatic enzyme secretion. The zymogen granule fraction was purified 5-fold by ultracentrifugation by the Percoll density gradient method. The purity of the zymogen granule fraction was determined from the specific amylase activity and electron microscopic morphology. The specific enzyme activities of amylase and trypsin and the trypsin inhibitory activity increased in parallel during the purification, and the pancreatic enzyme secretion-stimulating activity was also localized in the zymogen granule fraction. These results suggest that the pancreatic enzyme secretion-stimulating peptide originates from the acinar cells, and that it is secreted through exocytosis of zymogen granules into the small intestine, its ratio to trypsin thus remaining constant. This idea supports our hypothesis that the stimulating peptide acts as a mediator for the feedback regulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion by trypsin.

Growth stimulating activity on 3T3 fibroblasts of the molecular weight 6,500-peptide purified from rat pancreatic juice

Growth stimulating activity of the molecular weight 6,500-peptide purified from rat pancreatic juice was measured on 3T3 fibroblasts. This peptide was reported to be a cholecystokinin-releasing peptide and to stimulate pancreatic enzyme secretion in the rat small intestine in response to food intake. Incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [35S]methionine into 3T3 was significantly stimulated and the cell number was also increased after 24-48 hr incubation with 10-100 ng/ml of the peptide. The increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation was dose-related and started 12 hr after the incubation, a peak being reached 24 hr after the incubation. These results show that this peptide exhibits growth stimulating activity to the mammalian cells, and suggest that the peptide might have a physiological effect in vivo.

[Two cases of thrombosis of an aneurysm in the acute stage]

Thrombus formation within aneurysm is common and has generally been proved to be a slowly progressive phenomenon. We report two cases of acute completely thrombosis of aneurysms. The initial angiogram failed to reveal aneurysm and other etiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage. CT revealed diffuse cisternal blood and acute hydrocephalus. We decided to operate on these patients in the acute stage because of the generally-known strict correlation between the amount of cisternal high density on CT and the subsequent development of vasospasm and ischemic event. Case 1. A 68 year-old female was admitted on Day 1 with neurological deterioration of Grade 3 (H & K). Complete angiographic study was done, including the basal view and stereotechnique, but failed to reveal aneurysm. On Day 2 we operated on this patient and discovered a thrombosed aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery (3 X 7 mm in size). Case 2. A 51 year-old male suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage was transferred to our hospital on Day 0. Emergency angiography gave no information, but the pattern of cisternal clots on CT was suggested the existence of an aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery. The next day we performed angiography once more, at that time 2 X 5 mm internal carotid bifurcated aneurysm was revealed. Shortly thereafter we operated and found the intra-aneurysmal clot. Through consideration of these we have reached the following conclusions. When CT findings in a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage show the diffuse cisternal clots due to rupture of aneurysm, we should consider immediate surgery even if the angiogram is negative in order to lessen the risk of delayed vasospasm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion by a peptide purified from rat bile-pancreatic juice

We purified a peptide from rat pancreatic juice that enhances pancreatic enzyme secretion in a manner different from that of exogenous trypsin inhibitors, such as soybean trypsin inhibitor, when it is infused into the rat intestine. In this paper, we present evidence for the release of gut hormone(s) into the blood of rats after intestinal administration of the peptide. In the presence of atropine, an anesthetized rat small intestine was washed out with saline containing soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz type) to eliminate proteases. Under these conditions, the rat small intestine was divided into four equal parts by ligation. Administration of the peptide into the first quarter of the small intestine stimulated pancreatic enzyme secretion. However, administration into the more distal parts did not stimulate the enzyme secretion. Moreover, intravenous injection of 1 mL of plasma from rats in which the peptide had been infused into the duodenum caused stimulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion in the recipient rats. It was suggested that the purified peptide acts in the proximal small intestine and that it stimulates the release of gut hormone(s) into the blood to enhance pancreatic enzyme secretion. These findings support the hypothesis that the peptide we purified is responsible in part for the humoral control of pancreatic enzyme secretion in the response to food intake.

Elevation of plasma CCK concentration after intestinal administration of a pancreatic enzyme secretion-stimulating peptide purified from rat bile-pancreatic juice: analysis with N-terminal region specific radioimmunoassay

The rat plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) concentration was measured after intestinal administration of a peptide purified from rat bile-pancreatic juice, which has a stimulatory effect on pancreatic enzyme secretion. The plasma CCK concentration was measured by means of a radioimmunoassay using CCK-8 N-terminal specific antibody, OAL-656. In experimental rats with protease-free intestines, intraduodenal infusion of 10 micrograms of the purified peptide, which stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion 2.0-2.5 fold, induced a significant increase in the plasma CCK level. Furthermore, after removal of CCK from the plasma by immunoabsorption with an OAL-656-bound Sepharose 4B column, the stimulatory effect of the plasma on pancreatic enzyme secretion was abolished when it was injected intravenously into recipient rats. It was concluded that this peptide stimulates the release of CCK in the intestine and that this is responsible at least in part for the pancreatic enzyme secretion-stimulating activity of the peptide.