Rudimentary meningocele of the scalp

A rudimentary meningocele, a variant of primary cutaneous meningioma, was seen on the scalp of a 9-month-old Japanese boy. Clinically, the lesion on the left parietal area was round, about 1.6 cm in diameter, alopecic, and slightly elevated. Histologically, the lesion, located from the dermis to the subcutis, consisted of scattered foci of meningothelial cells, an anastomosing network of empty spaces with psammoma bodies and collagen bodies, and small vessels. Immunohistochemically, the meningothelial cells were positive for vimentin and desmin. Ultrastructurally, they had elongated cytoplasmic processes, intermediate filaments in the cytoplasm, and desmosomal junctions.

Binding specificity of mutagenic tryptophan pyrolysates for DNA conformation: spectroscopic and viscometric studies

The compounds, 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1) and 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), are major potent mutacarcinogens isolated from tryptophan pyrolysate. In order to investigate their interaction with DNA and effects on DNA conformation, studies involving circular dichroism, fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy and viscometric titration were performed. The results show that (a) Trp-P-1 and Trp-P-2 are potent intercalators of DNA with nearly the same specificity for the A-T and G-C (alternative purine-pyrimidine) base sequences, (b) the interaction of Trp-P-1 with the B-form of DNA is biphasic so that stiffening of the B-DNA conformation occurs over the range r ([Trp-P-1]/[DNA]) = 0-2.5, followed by transformation of B to the non-B conformation at r > 2.5, (c) the transformation to the non-B structure is not observed for Trp-P-2, although stiffening of the B-DNA conformation similarly occurs, and (d) both Trp-P-1 and Trp-P-2 promote unwinding of the salt-induced Z-DNA to give the B-form. These data indicate that the noncovalent interaction of Trp-P with DNA is mainly dependent on the B-form conformation.

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. A histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study

We studied three cases of genital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) using histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques to elucidate the characteristics of the collagen fibres, the elastic fibres and the interfilamentous matrix in the upper dermal homogeneous zone. In the early stages of LSA, the homogeneous zone caused elaunin fibres to push downwards and partially disappear, the collagen fibres were presumably phagocytosed by fibroblasts, and there were peculiar cells containing numerous vacuoles in the cytoplasm. In the advanced stages of LSA, the homogeneous zones showed newly formed collagen fibres and amorphous, dispersed, medium electron-dense substances that were probably composed of elastin or elastin-like substances and microfilaments originating from the collagen fibres. Immunohistochemically, there were numerous anti-aortic alpha-elastin-positive substances, but there was no positivity for anti-amyloid P component. These findings suggest that in advanced LSA a hybrid substance (elastocollagenous mass) between collagen fibres and elastic fibres may be formed in the homogeneous zone.

Ventriculolumbar perfusion of 3-[(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl]-1-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosou rea hydrochloride

We report on the toxicity, intrathecal pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic effect of the ventriculolumbar perfusion of 3-[(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl]-1-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitros our ea hydrochloride (ACNU) against the subarachnoid dissemination of primary central nervous system tumors. Fifteen patients received ventriculolumbar perfusion of ACNU. One was treated with ventriculolumbar perfusion of ACNU alone, and the others underwent concomitant systemic chemotherapy; three of these patients received irradiation as well. ACNU was administered at an initial dose of 0.5 and was increased to 1.5 to 10.0 mg in six patients. Because of a lack of Level 2 or greater toxicity, the subsequent seven patients received 8.7 to 10.0 mg of ACNU dissolved in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml, from the start of the treatment. During ACNU administration, the lumbar CSF was drained at approximately the same rate as that of the infusion. Twelve patients received from 3 to 42 courses (average, 14 courses). The cumulative dose of ACNU ranged from 5 to 330.4 mg (average, 82.9 mg). One patient had a convulsion; two patients experienced transient headache, nausea, and vomiting; two others reported transient headache, nausea, vomiting, and fecal incontinence; and one experienced transient nausea, vomiting, and fecal incontinence. No side effects were noted in the other nine patients. When 9.0 to 9.5 mg of ACNU, dissolved in 90 to 95 ml of artificial CSF, was administered for 37 to 52 min, the maximum concentration of ACNU in the lumbar CSF was 9.86 to 12.79 micrograms/ml and the area under the drug concentration-time curve was 260.8 to 502.5 micrograms.min/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Liver scintigraphy in a patient with Gaucher disease

Liver scintigraphy including SPECT was performed in a patient with Gaucher disease and compared with other methods. Multiple photon-deficient areas in the liver and spleen were recognized, and in evaluating the reticuloendothelial system of the liver, liver SPECT image was superior to US, CT and MR images.

Histochemical study of alkaline phosphatase in primary human brain tumors: diagnostic implications for meningiomas and neurinomas

Histochemical analysis of frozen, thin sections revealed the distribution of alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) in 47 primary intracranial neoplasms in humans. The cytoplasm of meningioma cells exhibited the strongest ALPase reactivity. Pretreatment of these materials by levamisol indicated that the isozymes of ALPase had the characteristic liver-bone-kidney form. In meningiomas and astrocytomas, there was no particular relationship between ALPase activity and malignancy. In neurinomas, there was weak ALPase reactivity in a few neoplastic cells. These findings are suggestive of diagnostic implications for fibroblastic meningiomas and neurinomas at the light microscopic level.

Ultrastructural alterations and DNA synthesis of renal cell nuclei following cisplatin or carboplatin injection in rats

To clarify the difference in nephrotoxicity between cisplatin and carboplatin, ultrastructural alterations and DNA synthesis of renal cell nuclei were studied in Sprague-Dawley rats which had received intravenously either cisplatin or carboplatin at an equitoxic dose. Twelve hours after cisplatin injection, nucleolar segregation accompanied by aggregated nuclear heterochromatin was observed in the third segment of the proximal tubules. Seventy-two hours after cisplatin injection, nuclear damage was more widespread while regenerative cells were also observed. Nuclear damage was not observed in the carboplatin-treated rats. Nuclear DNA synthesis of renal cells was suppressed at 8, 12 and 24 h and was accelerated at 72 h after cisplatin injection. Carboplatin did not suppress nuclear DNA synthesis at any time. The results indicate that cisplatin, but not carboplatin, can affect the renal cell nuclei. Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is related to its effects on renal cell nuclei.

Suppressive effect of sera from patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis on neutrophil chemiluminescence response

To determine the mechanism of easy infectability of uremic patients, we studied the effect of sera from uremic patients who were undergoing chronic hemodialysis on the chemiluminescence (CL) response of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). The luminol-dependent CL response was examined following stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). The patient's sera suppressed the CL response following stimulation by PMA, but not by FMLP. These findings suggest that sera from uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis contain a suppressive substance that suppresses the activation of PMNs by PMA.

Differentiation of glioma-cells by a pdgf-antagonist

We previously reported that trapidil, a Platelet-derived Growth Factor (PDGF) antagonist, can inhibit the proliferation of PDGF-dependent glioma cells. In the current study, we explored the effect of trapidil on the differentiation of glioma cells by observing the morphological changes in glioma cells in control and trapidil-treated cultures under a phase contrast microscope. Most cells in the control cultures were flat, large, and irregularly shaped. On the other hand, most cells treated with trapidil formed several long cytoplasmic processes and exhibited fibrous morphology. Western blots and immunocytochemical analysis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-stained, trapidil-treated cultures revealed an increase in GFAP content over the control cultures. From these results we propose that trapidil induces the differentiation of glioma cells.

Endothelial cell chemotactic factor derived from human glioma cell lines

✓ The authors report a study of the human umbilical vein endothelial cell chemotactic factor derived from human malignant glioma cell lines. The endothelial cell chemotactic activity of serum-free conditioned medium from cultures of U-373MG, U-251MG, or U-105MG cell lines was measured using a 48-well microchemotaxis chamber. The best response was from U-373MG, which was selected for further study. Chemotactic activity was contained in materials unadsorbed and adsorbed to the heparin-affinity column. Because the higher activity was seen in the unadsorbed material, it was used for characterization and partial isolation. The chemotactic activity was decreased under the condition of tumor protein synthesis inhibition. Heating, exposure to acid, and trypsin digestion also decreased the activity. The factor was found to be a protein with a relative molecular weight of greater than 200 kD; it has no mitogenic activity for endothelial cells in vitro and, partially purified, it was not identical to any other known endothelial cell chemotactic or mitogenic factor. Fibronectin was not detected, and anti-fibronectin antibody failed to inhibit the activity of the factor. These results suggest that malignant glioma cells produce a yet unknown endothelial cell chemotactic factor.

Comparative study of cisplatin and carboplatin on pharmacokinetics, nephrotoxicity and effect on renal nuclear DNA synthesis in rats

To clarify the difference in nephrotoxicity between cisplatin and carboplatin, the pharmacokinetics of platinum, renal function and nuclear DNA synthesis in renal cortical and outer medullary cells were studied in rats which had received cisplatin or carboplatin. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given either cisplatin or carboplatin intravenously at an equi-toxic dose (LD10 or LD50) and were killed at various times within 7 days after the injection. Cisplatin bound to plasma proteins more avidly than carboplatin. Much more platinum was detectable in the renal nuclei after cisplatin injection than after carboplatin injection. BUN and serum creatinine levels in the rats treated with 8.5 mg/kg of cisplatin were significantly higher than in those treated with 100 mg/kg of carboplatin. Cisplatin markedly suppressed the renal nuclear DNA synthesis both in vivo and in vitro, when compared with carboplatin. It is concluded that the differences in nephrotoxicity between cisplatin and carboplatin are related to their different inhibitory effects on nuclear DNA synthesis in the renal cells.

Monoclonal antibody against ependymoma-derived cell line

Mouse myeloma cells were fused with spleen cells from mice that had been immunized with a human ependymoma derived cell line, KMS II. Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were screened and cloned. Specificity of the antibody was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and/or indirect immunofluorescence assay. One of the MAbs, designated Ep-C4 (subclass = IgG1), reacted with two cell lines derived from ependymoma but did not react with 17 cell lines derived from other types of brain tumor nor with 4 neuroblastoma cell lines or 19 cell lines derived from carcinoma, hematopoietic tumors and amnion. Indirect immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy studies revealed that the antigen recognized by MAb Ep-C4 was located on cell surface membrane. The membrane antigen of KMS II cells, immunoprecipitated by MAb Ep-C4, was a protein of 81,000 dalton. The reactivity of MAb Ep-C4 was further examined using immunofluorescence and/or immunoperoxidase methods and frozen sections and short-term cultures of various types of brain tumors. No cross-reactivity with normal adult or fetal brain tissues was detected by absorption assay and immunoperoxidase staining. Our results suggest that the antigen defined by MAb Ep-C4 is specific for ependymoma cells, and different from the antigens of glioma cells or other neuroectodermal-derived cells previously described.

Antiproliferative effect of YM881 (SMANCS) on glioma cells in vitro

Growth inhibitory activity of YM881 (SMANCS) against 3 human cultured cell lines and one rat cultured cell line derived from glioma cells was assessed quantitatively. YM881 showed potent cytotoxicity against all glioma cell lines tested; the IC50 of this drug was 1.9-8.4 micrograms/ml. YM881 may be classified as a concentration-dependent drug but it has also a time-dependent effect. Flow cytometric studies of the DNA histogram showed accumulation in the G2-M phase with YM881. These findings suggest that YM881 may be useful in the treatment of glioma.

Lymphoproliferative lesion of the hypoglossal nerve: case report

A rare case of a lymphoproliferative lesion in the hypoglossal nerve is reported. The patient, a 52-year-old woman, had symptoms identical with those of hypoglossal neurinoma. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion at the left cerebellomedullary angle. The tumor was removed, and histopathological studies revealed that the tumor consisted predominantly of lymphocytes.

Distribution of mouse interferon-beta in normal and brain tumour-bearing mice

The distribution of 125I-labelled recombinant mouse interferon-beta (rMuIFN-beta) in normal and glioma (203 glioma) bearing mice was studied by radioassay and macro-autoradiography at 15 and 30 min after a single intravenous injection. The level of rMuIFN-beta in the spleen was about 20-fold higher than in serum. Concentrations higher than the serum level was detected in the lung, liver and kidney. The concentration of rMuIFN-beta in the brain was 8% of the serum level and the concentration in the glioma 30 min after administration was about 10-fold higher than in normal mouse brain. Macro-autoradiographic study demonstrated a wide distribution range and selective uptake in glioma tissue. Furthermore, we found that mouse gliomas were sensitive to mouse IFN-beta. Our findings demonstrate that in the mouse glioma model, intravenously administered interferon reaches the tumour.

MRI of subarachnoid dissemination of medulloblastoma

We report two cases with subarachnoid dissemination of medulloblastoma depicted clearly by Gadolinium-DTPA enhanced MRI. We also demonstrate the superiority of Gadolinium-DTPA enhanced MRI over nonenhanced MRI, CT, myelography and postmyelographic CT for diagnosing subarachnoid dissemination and for monitoring the response to therapy.

[Bone infarction and fat island appearing as local defects in radionuclide bone marrow imaging]

Parallel studies of radionuclide bone marrow imaging and bone scanning are helpful in the early diagnosis of skeletal metastasis. In bone marrow imaging, most lesions are observed as a local defect. We had two cases of nonmetastatic lesions which appeared as local defects in bone marrow imaging. The first case was a male Hodgkin's disease patient, aged 48, who had been treated with frequent chemotherapy, including the administration of a large quantities of steroids. He complained of slight pain in the left shoulder. Without increased uptake in bone scanning, abnormal accumulation of 67Ga-citrate and a local defect in bone marrow imaging appeared, corresponding to localization of the pain. Suspecting bone marrow metastasis, we performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An area of slightly decreased intensity in T1-weighted spin-echo images and lower intensity than fat tissue in T2-weighted images were observed, although it was slightly enhanced by Gd-DTPA. This lesion was diagnosed by biopsy as a bone infarction. The second case was that of a 69-year-old male lung cancer patient. Though no abnormality was revealed by bone scanning or 67Ga-citrate scintigraphy, an apparent defect at the 10th thoracic vertebra was observed in bone marrow imaging. It was not accompanied by pain. MRI was also performed in this case. This was depicted as a clearly defined high intensity area. This was diagnosed as a fat island, and no change has been seen in the seven months of follow up. In conclusion, it is necessary to consider the possibility of nonmetastatic lesions, when local defects appear in bone marrow imaging performed on cancer patients.

[Post radiation changes in the rectum: assessment by MR imaging]

MRI findings of pelvic radiation changes in 42 patients were correlated with the tumor and critical tissue dose, time post treatment, and clinical symptoms. The severity of tissue changes was graded. The ability of MRI to differentiate post radiation tissue changes from residual or recurrent tumor was also correlated. Radiation tissue toxicity increased significantly when the dose exceeded 4,500 cGy, with the incidence of marked rectal changes rising from 8% to 44% with a dose greater than 4,500 cGy. All grades of tissue change were seen in the rectum of time from start of therapy. All patients who exhibited clinical grade 2 or 3 rectal changes showed moderate or severe changes on MRI. Grade 1 MRI changes indicative of mucosal edema were present in 33% of patients with no clinical symptoms. In conclusion, the gradation and sequence of MRI changes following radiation therapy to the pelvis have been documented and correlated with clinical findings. With its potential for distinguishing radiation change from recurrent tumor. MRI should prove to be of value in the assessment of the post-radiation pelvis.

Cholesterol uptake by human glioma cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis of low-density lipoprotein

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a carrier of the cholesterol found in human plasma. Cells utilize cholesterol for membrane synthesis by taking up LDL via receptor-mediated endocytosis. In the present study, interactions of LDL with human malignant glioma cell lines (U-251 MG and KMG-5) were investigated biochemically and morphologically. The LDL, labeled with the fluorescent dyes 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine (DiI) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), was internalized by both cell processes and cell bodies. Reductive methylation of DiI-labeled LDL, which abolishes the ability of the cell to bind to the LDL receptor, prevented the internalization of the cholesterol moiety of LDL. Cellular binding of 125I-LDL to U-251 MG cells at 4 degrees C revealed the presence of a specific saturable-associated receptor (dissociation constant (Kd) approximately 38 micrograms/ml). Endocytic uptake of 125I-LDL or 3H-cholesterol oleate-labeled LDL (3H-LDL) at 37 degrees C demonstrated the cell-associated 125I-LDL and 3H-LDL increase. The intracellular degradation of protein moiety increased linearly with time. Reductive methylation of 3H-LDL led to a remarkable decrease in the cell-associated cholesterol moiety of LDL. The difference in uptake of the cholesterol moiety of LDL between U-251MG cells and KMG-5 cells showed that the U-251MG cells, which proliferate more actively than KMG-5 cells, take up more of the cholesterol moiety of LDL than do the KMG-5 cells. Thus, LDL cholesterol seems to be endocytosed predominantly via the LDL receptor present on the plasma membrane of malignant glioma cells. In addition, for growth, these cells may require large amounts of the cholesterol moiety of LDL.

Neurotoxicity and pharmacokinetics of intrathecal perfusion of ACNU in dogs

To test the feasibility of intrathecal perfusion of ACNU (3-[(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)methyl]-1-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitro sou rea hydrochloride) in the treatment of subarachnoid dissemination of malignant glioma, the neurotoxicity and pharmacokinetics of ACNU were studied in dogs. ACNU [1-2 mg dissolved in 10-20 ml of lactated Ringer's solution or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)] was administered via the right lateral ventricle by constant drip infusion and CSF was drained by lumbar puncture. The infusion time was from 15 to 71 min. For the control, a bolus injection was given. No neurological and systemic symptoms were noted after perfusion. Histological examination of the brain and spinal cord revealed only mild denudation of ependyma in the wall of the ventricles in a dog treated three times with 2 mg ACNU (perfusion twice, bolus injection once) and in 2 dogs perfused with 1 mg ACNU once a week for 10 weeks. ACNU was not detected in lumbar CSF after bolus injection into the lateral ventricle. When 1 mg of ACNU, dissolved in 10 ml of artificial CSF, was perfused for a duration of 22 to 31 min, it started to appear in the lumbar CSF 10 to 15 min after the start of perfusion, reaching a maximum concentration of 13.88 to 22.31 micrograms/ml. The area under the drug concentration-time curve was 344 to 706 micrograms x min/ml; the half-time was 15.5 to 19.5 min. The distribution volume was 30.6 to 54.1 ml. These findings suggest the feasibility of intrathecal perfusion of ACNU in the treatment of patients with subarachnoid dissemination of glioma.