Cowden's disease with pulmonary hamartoma

A case of Cowden's disease is reported. A 38-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of an abnormal left lung shadow on a chest radiograph. There were no symptoms, although the patient had multiple papules on the nose and pharynx mucosa. There were a few fibromas on the axillas and the inguinal regions. The patient had thyroid goiters, gastrointestinal polyposis, and a pulmonary hamartoma. The latter has not been reported previously in Cowden's disease.

Antiarrhythmic agents act differently on the activation phase of the ACh-response in guinea-pig atrial myocytes

1. Anti-acetylcholine effects of pilsicainide, flecainide, disopyramide and propafenone on the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced K+ current (IK.ACh) were examined in dissociated guinea-pig atrial myocytes under whole-cell voltage clamp by the use of the 'concentration-clamp' technique. 2. The IK.ACh was activated with a latency of about 100 ms after 1 microM ACh application and desensitized to a steady-state level. The latent period and the time to peak response were shortened with increasing ACh concentration. 3. The values of half-maximal inhibition (IC50) on the peak and steady state responses were 25 and 25 microM for pilsicainide, 1.7 and 2.0 microM for disopyramide, 19 and 2.0 microM for flecainide and 0.7 and 0.2 microM for propafenone, respectively. 4. Pilsicainide and disopyramide increased the latent period and the time to peak of IK.ACh in a concentration-dependent manner. Flecainide and propafenone did not change the latent period, but shortened the time to peak and hastened the decay of IK.ACh in a voltage-independent manner. 5. The results suggest that the mechanisms underlying the anti-acetylcholine effect of antiarrhythmic drugs are different among these drugs: i.e., pilsicainide and disopyramide mainly block the muscarinic ACh receptors while flecainide and propafenone inhibit the K+ channel itself as open channel blockers.

Superior vena cava syndrome due to Graves' disease

We encountered a patient with Graves' disease showing superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. The patient was a 72-year-old woman with diffuse nontoxic goiter (diagnosed as chronic thyroiditis); she developed Graves' disease during L-T4 administration. Radioiodine-131 therapy failed to give sufficient effect, and the intrathoracic goiter became enlarged in association with increases in thyroid stimulating antibody activities, followed by the development of SVC syndrome. The surgically excised thyroid gland was diffuse without any nodules. Microscopic findings revealed adenomatous hyperplasia. The present case, though extremely rare, seems important for the understanding of the mechanism of onset of SVC syndrome in relation to thyroid gland enlargement.

Farber bodies found in murine phagocytes after injection of ceramides and related sphingolipids

Mice were injected subcutaneously with a single dose of sphingolipids. The sphingolipids tested were: ceramide with alpha-hydroxy fatty acids, ceramide with non-hydroxy fatty acids, glucocerebroside, sphingomyelin, and galactocerebroside. Lipids without sphingolipids served as a control. The mice were sacrificed 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days after injection. Three mice were used for each experiment. The subcutaneous tissue at the injected area, the liver and the spleen were studied histologically. At 1-3 days after injection, numerous cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were observed in the macrophages and fibroblasts in the subcutaneous tissue, but not in the liver or the spleen. Ultrastructural studies of the inclusion bodies indicated that the sphingolipids taken up by the phagocytes retained their respective original shape during the 1-3 day stage. At days 4 and 5, the number of the inclusion bodies decreased, but they contained Farber bodies, i.e. curvilinear bodies 12 to 25 nm wide and up to 120 nm long. The mice with galactocerebroside were an exception, with parallel leaflets structures, but without the Farber bodies.

[Oxygen-conserving delivery system]

Three methods for improving oxygen delivery efficiency--transtracheal oxygen therapy (TTO), reservoir cannula, and demand-pulse oxygen delivery--are currently available. We discuss our experiences of TTO and its characteristics compared with the other two methods. Since 1988, we have tried to apply TTO to the candidates for home oxygen therapy (HOT) fulfilling the following criteria: 1) good activity and enthusiasm to daily life, 2) high oxygen flow rate with nasal cannula, 3) complicating nasal disorders such as chronic sinusitis, or 4) suffering complications from nasal cannula therapy. We used a disposable 8-Fr feeding tube for a trnastracheal catheter. Patients were taught to change their catheters themselves every day by simply removing the old and reinserting the new catheter. We have experienced nine patients on HOT with TTO. A half to a third of the flow rate of nasal cannular was required with TTO to achieve an equivalent PaO2 level. In cases with hypercapnea, a persistent significant increase of PaCO2 was not found. We measured arterial blood gases, changing the distance from the tract opening to the catheter tip, and it was suggested that in each case there may be an optimum distance to achieve the highest PaO2 level. Seven cases received TTO for more than 18 months, a mean of 30.2 months (range 19.3-48.9) and HOT for a mean of 26.6 months. They all maintained a high degree of enthusiasm for TTO. Two cases could return to work. Five cases enjoyed active daily lives, such as shopping, going out for recreation, travelling, and attending concerts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

(6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin modulates nitric oxide-associated soluble guanylate cyclase activity in the rat cerebellum

(6R)-5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-L-biopterin (R-THBP) is a cofactor not only for aromatic amino acid hydroxylases in mammalian tissues but also for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) induced by endotoxins or cytokines in some kinds of cells. Recently it has been reported that nitric oxide (NO) has biological activity in endothelium and in brain as well. NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). Superoxide reacts with NO easily and shortens the half-life of NO actions. We found, in a study using rat cerebellar cytosol fraction, that R-THBP itself did not directly activate sGC, but activated sGC at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 microM only under NO generating conditions of activated NOS and in the presence of sodium nitroprusside. In addition, R-THBP (1 microM) did not alter the NOS activity, which was determined by L-citrulline formation. These results suggest that R-THBP may regulate sGC activity associated with NO formation in the central nervous system.

Membranocystic lesion in sclerosing lipogranuloma of the scrotum: an ultrastructural study

Two cases of intrascrotal sclerosing lipogranuloma are reported in which affected adipose tissues showed peculiar membranocystic lesions (MCL) similar to the features described in Nasu-Hakola disease. On light microscopy, the MCL were seen in the degenerative fatty tissues and within multinucleated giant cells, which were positive for periodic acid-Schiff stain and resistant to diastase digestion. Ultrastructurally, two types of MCL were observed; one type was characterized by thick membranes composed of vesicular to minute tubular or fibrillar substructures, and the other type was characterized by thin membranes composed of only small numbers of tiny vesicles. The substructures in both types of MCL contained lipid droplets similar to those in the inner space. These results support the concept that the membranes in the MCL are derived from degenerated fat droplets.

The prevalence and prognostic significance of arrhythmias in Duchenne type muscular dystrophy

To investigate the prevalence and prognostic significance of cardiac arrhythmias in Duchenne type muscular dystrophy 24-hour ambulatory ECG was performed in 80 patients with Duchenne type muscular dystrophy, and they were followed up for 5 years. Various arrhythmias were observed in 63.8% (51 of 80) of the patients. Ventricular premature beats were found in 30% (24 of 80), and the incidence of ventricular premature beats increased as the clinical severity of skeletal muscle involvement advanced. Forty-seven patients survived for 5 years, but the incidence of arrhythmias increased from 38.3% (18 of 47) to 74.5% (35 of 47) (p < 0.001). During the 5-year period, four of 33 deaths were sudden. Malignant ventricular premature beats (ventricular couplets, ventricular tachycardia, and R-on-T-type ventricular premature beats) were observed in three of these four patients. It appears that cardiac arrhythmias are a common complication of Duchenne type muscular dystrophy and that the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias increases with the progression of myocardial involvement. There is an association between ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death, but the reduction of ventricular arrhythmias may not reduce the incidence of episodes of sudden death.

Autoantibody to human prolactin in patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia

We have demonstrated the presence of anti-PRL autoantibody in 5 patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. The clinical features were suggestive of a weak biological activity of PRL, such as regular menses and no galactorrhea. Total PRL levels were markedly elevated (685 +/- 386 micrograms/L) (mean +/- SD) and the proportion of the bound form was 90.7 +/- 7.1%. Scatchard analysis revealed a low-affinity, high-capacity antibody: the association constant was 0.73 +/- 0.56 x 10(7) mol-1 and the maximal binding capacity was 2139 +/- 1792 micrograms/L. Gel filtration study showed that a substantial amount of PRL (64.6 +/- 19.5%) was eluted at the position of 150,000-170,000 mol wt PRL (big-big PRL). Immunoprecipitation study using the chain-specific antibodies showed that the anti-PRL autoantibody belonged to kappa-type immunoglobulin G. These results may indicate that there exists autoantibody-related hyperprolactinemia, especially in those with particularly high serum PRL levels, who had previously been diagnosed as "idiopathic" hyperprolactinemia.

Comparative study of intraneuronal polyglucosan bodies in brains from patients with Lafora disease and aged dogs

We compared intraneuronal polyglucosan body (PGB) in brains from two patients diagnosed as having Lafora disease and from 18 aged dogs (age range: 10 to 22 years, various breeds). PGBs appeared as various-sized spheroids intensely stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) in both humans and aged dogs. Immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody raised against human polyglucosan showed positive staining of the PGBs. Ultrastructurally, PGBs in both humans and aged dogs were composed of fibril-like structures 4 to 20 nm wide. Electron-dense material formed the central cores of the fibrils, but was also scattered in their peripheral areas. The fibril-like structures were intensely stained upon application of the Thiéry procedure. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the fibril-like structures were specifically labeled with gold particles. The histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of the PGBs in humans and aged dogs were quite similar.

A 10-year follow-up study by orthogonal Frank lead ECG on patients with progressive muscular dystrophy of the Duchenne type

A 10-year follow-up study by orthogonal Frank lead electrocardiography was performed on 25 patients with progressive muscular dystrophy of the Duchenne type (DMD). With advancing age, no apparent changes were observed in the duration and amplitude of the P wave or in the PR interval, whereas the duration of the QRS complex tended to increase. The amplitudes of the R wave in lead X (Rx) and lead Y (Ry) tended to decrease from 1.75 +/- 0.90 and 1.96 +/- 0.59 mV to 0.80 +/- 0.63 and 1.39 +/- 0.62 mV (p < 0.01), whereas the amplitude of the S wave in lead X tended to increase from 0.24 +/- 0.23 mV to 0.53 +/- 0.36 mV in 10 years after initiation of the study (p < 0.01). It is noteworthy that the Ry amplitude began to decrease markedly from the seventh year after the initiation of this study, whereas the Rx amplitude showed a gradual and unceasing decline through the 10-year period. Observation of the sequential changes of the QRS loops in three planes clearly demonstrated that the electrical force tended to decrease in the leftward and inferior directions and increase in the rightward direction. It is of interest that the frequency of occurrence of the deep Q wave was found to be quite high even in the early stages of DMD and that it did not display a direct relation to the sequential evolution of this disease. It can be concluded that observation of the sequential changes in the QRS complex allows estimation of the extent and direction of myocardial involvement in DMD.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examination of histiocytosis X cells in pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma

We describe histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural findings in pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma (PEG) from three patients. The specimens were taken by open-lung biopsy. The lesions of the lung were composed of histiocytic cells, macrophages and eosinophils. The histiocytic cells reacted positively with anti-S-100 protein antibody. The histiocytic cells had various types of Birbeck granules in the cytoplasm. The histiocytic cells were histiocytosis X (HX) cells considered to be derived from Langerhans cells. Sporadic mitosis of HX cells was observed. Some HX cells had migrated from the lesions into the alveolar spaces through the alveolar cell layers. In the lesions of PEG, HX cells have self-reproduction and migration capability.

Can the chest tube draining the pleural cavity with persistent air leakage be removed?

The pleural drain with persistent air leak in six selected patients after pulmonary surgery was clamped or removed without causing pulmonary collapse. In all the patients, air leak through the chest tube was present when speaking or coughing but not seen when breathing normally at rest or taking deep breaths. The fact that the chest tube could be removed in selected patients is explained by supposing the air leakage through an alveolopleural fistula is dependent on pressure difference between the alveoli and the pleural cavity, and this was confirmed in a rethoracotomy case for persistent air leak. Removal of the chest tube following the above-mentioned rationale would reduce the number of rethoracotomy cases for air leak and facilitate early removal of the chest tube in some patients.

Characterization of amyloid fibril protein from a case of cerebral amyloid angiopathy showing immunohistochemical reactivity for both beta protein and cystatin C

We isolated and carried out a chemical analysis of the amyloid fibril protein from the leptomeningeal vessels of a case with non-hereditary cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) showing dual immunohistochemical reactivity with antibodies to both beta-protein and cystatin C. A crude amyloid fibril fraction reacted only with anti-beta-protein antibody, and cystatin C immunoreactivity was observed in the first PBS supernatant. Complete amino acid sequence of this cystatin C-immunoreactive protein showed a homologous structure to that of normal cystatin C. It is concluded that cystatin C is not an intrinsic component of the amyloid fibril in this type of CAA.

Preparation and pharmacological evaluation of 4-(1,4-benzoquinon-2-yl)-4-phenylbutanamides as potential cerebral protective agents

A new series of 4-(1,4-benzoquinon-2-yl)-4-phenylbutanamides (2) were synthesized for evaluation of their pharmacological activities. All these compounds synthesized showed significant antilipidperoxidation (ALP) activities with brain homogenate in rats and some of them possessed a protective effect against hypobaric hypoxia in mice. Especially, a thiomorpholine derivative (2l, SUN-4757) showed a wide efficacy spectrum to a variety of experimental screening assays designed for cerebral protective agents, and it had a high LD50 value.

Effects of nitric oxide-related compounds and carperitide on hemodynamics and hematocrit in anesthetized rats

Sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin and carperitide (alpha-human ANP) all reduced mean blood pressure, but only carperitide increased the hematocrit in rats with bilateral renal artery- and ureter-ligation. NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine, a selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, elevated the mean blood pressure but did not change the hematocrit significantly. These findings suggest that ANP has a physiological role in regulating circulatory blood volume distinct from that of NO, although both increase intracellular cyclic GMP in the vasculature.

[Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on meropenem]

Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on meropenem (MEPM, SM-7338), a new developed carbapenem, were performed and the following results were obtained. 1. Absorption/excretion: Pharmacokinetics of MEPM was studied in 9 children using doses of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg by a 30 minute-drip infusion. Peak plasma levels and plasma half-lives of the 2 doses were 28.4 and 43.0 micrograms/ml, and 0.70 and 0.80 hours, respectively. Their urinary recovery rates were 42.5 to 67.6% and 29.9 to 62.6%, respectively. Cerebrospinal fluid levels and penetration rates of MEPM in a patient with purulent meningitis were 0.66 to 4.01 micrograms/ml and 1.6 to 12.2%, respectively. 2. Clinical study: Forty-nine patients were treated with MEPM at doses exceeding 100 mg/kg/day with purulent meningitis and 30 to 60 mg/kg/day with other infections. MEPM gave "excellent" or "good" responses in 48 cases, an efficacy rate of 98.0%. Only one patient with subdural abscess showed fair response. Diarrhea and rash were observed in 1 case each. Abnormal laboratory test results were noted in 5 patients including elevation of GOT, GPT and eosinophils. In no cases the treatment had to be discontinued.

Purification and characterization of cathepsin H from hepatopancreas of carp Cyprinus carpio

1. Cathepsin H was purified about 5400-fold from hepatopancreas of carp (Cyprinus carpio) by the method involving ammonium sulfate fractionation, and chromatography on S-Sepharose, DEAE-Sephacel, Ultrogel AcA54, Concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B and GPC on Protein-Pak 125. 2. The purified cathepsin H gave a single protein band on analytical-PAGE, but migrated as two bands of 27,000 and 23,000 mol. wt on SDS-PAGE. 3. Cathepsin H had a pH and temperature optimum of 6.5 and 45 degrees C using Arg-MCA as a substrate, respectively, and was activated by sulfhydryl compounds and inhibited by cysteine protease inhibitors and metal compounds having high reactivities at cysteine residue. 4. The carp hepatopancreas cathepsin H immunoreacted with the monospecific antibody against rat liver cathepsin H, and did not react with the antibodies against carp hepatopancreas cathepsins B and L by the method of immunoelectrophoretic blotting.

[A case of post infarction true left ventricular aneurysm which showed pseudoaneurysm-like shape in left ventriculography]

A 69-year-old man who had a post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm underwent surgical repair. Preoperative left ventriculography showed a small aneurysm, 3.0 x 3.0 x 2.5 cm in size, with a narrow neck at the inferior wall suggesting a typical "false" aneurysm. But intraoperative and pathological examination revealed that this was a "true" aneurysm which contains coronary artery and myocardial cells in its wall. Left ventriculography is not necessarily the definite standard to differentiate between true and false left ventricular aneurysm.