Optic nerve hypoplasia with hypopituitarism and an arachnoid cyst

We describe a 5-month-old boy with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia associated with visual impairment, growth hormone deficiency and an arachnoid cyst in the right temporal lobe on MRI. Optic nerve hypoplasia is sometimes associated with agenesis of the septum pellucidum, commonly known as septo-optic dysplasia, and/or hypopituitarism. There have been a few reports about its association with other abnormalities of the central nervous system, but none about that with an arachnoid cyst.

[Vertebral artery dissection without subarachnoid hemorrhage studied by serial angiography]

We presented six cases we have encountered of vertebral artery dissection without subarachnoid hemorrhage followed by serial angiography. All six patients suffered from severe headache and/or nuchal pain at onset. Pain was acute at onset, with severe intensity and sharp quality and was located unilaterally on the dissection side. Only two patients showed neurological deficits. CT scan disclosed no abnormalities in any of the cases and angiography performed at the acute stage showed varied findings. The so-called pearl and string sign, which has been considered the most common finding of this disorder, was observed in only two cases. The definite diagnosis was able to be finally made by serial angiography. During the first few months after onset, dynamic changes of angiographical findings were demonstrated in all cases. During these periods, although transient deterioration of the angiographical findings was shown in four cases, spontaneous healing or improvement was finally recognized in all cases except one which progressed to total occlusion. In contrast to this, in the chronic stage, no changes of angiographical findings occurred in any of the cases. All six patients were treated non-surgically. All showed almost total recovery from symptoms and returned to their previous life styles. There were no cases of recurrent deterioration of symptoms in spite of the changes indicated by the angiographical findings. Our experience with these patients suggests that the actual incidence of vertebral artery dissection without subarachnoid hemorrhage may be much higher than is usually thought, and that the natural course of this disorder seems to be usually favorable. However, longer follow-up study and an analysis of a larger number of cases are required to identify the true incidence and the natural course of this disorder. In addition, we would like to emphasize that accurate diagnosis is most important. If it is clinically suspected, careful investigations including serial angiography should be carried out for the diagnosis of this disorder.

Localisation and expression of beta-adrenoceptor subtype mRNAs in human lung

The cellular localisation and distribution of mRNAs encoding beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in human lung were studied by in situ hybridisation and Northern blot analysis. The 851-bp SmaI/PvuII fragment of human beta 1-adrenoceptor cDNA, the 439-bp SmaI fragment of human beta 2-adrenoceptor cDNA and the 975-bp SmaI fragment of human beta 3-adrenoceptor cDNA bound to single mRNA species of approximately 3.2 kb, 2.2 kb and 2.3 kb in size, respectively. Human lung and heart and rabbit lung expressed both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor mRNAs with no detectable level of beta 3-adrenoceptor mRNA, while rabbit perirenal adipose tissue expressed beta 1-, beta 2- and beta 3-adrenoceptor mRNAs. Cultured human airway epithelial cells and airway smooth muscle cells expressed only beta 2-adrenoceptor mRNA. In situ hybridisation in human lung, using 35S-labelled antisense RNA probes revealed a high level of expression of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor mRNAs in the pulmonary blood vessels, high level of expression of beta 2-adrenoceptor mRNA in the alveolar walls with less expression of beta 1-adrenoceptor mRNA. There was a moderate expression of beta 2-adrenoceptor but not beta 1-adrenoceptor mRNA in airway epithelium and smooth muscle of peripheral airways and no detectable beta 3-adrenoceptor mRNA in any lung structures.

Proctolinlike immunoreactivity and identified neurosecretory cells as putative substrates for modulation of courtship display behavior in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

Pheromonally stimulated courtship display (CD) behavior in male blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) is characterized by rhythmic waving of the fifth legs. The waving of the fifth legs is modulated by proctolin in freely moving crabs and in reduced preparations. To begin to identify an anatomical substrate for CD behavior we have localized putative proctolinergic cells and described the morphology of neurosecretory neurons known to oscillate during pheromonal stimulation of reduced preparations. Proctolin-induced CD occurs with developmental and seasonal dependence. Male crabs altered hormonally by eyestalk ligation spontaneously produce CD behavior. We have localized proctolinlike immunoreactivity (PIR) in the central nervous system (CNS) and compared this immunoreactivity across sexes, developmental stage, eyestalk ligation, and seasonal conditions to determine whether or not expression of PIR is correlated with CD behavior. PIR was found in most areas of the CNS. Clusters of PIR-positive cells were found in the sinus gland and eyestalk ganglia, olfactory neuropil with associated cell bodies, and in a large cell cluster in the subesophageal region of the ventral nerve cord. Three pairs of cell bodies in different cell body groups in the brains of adult crabs stained positively for PIR but did not stain in the youngest juvenile animals. Comparison of PIR distribution with toluidine blue studies of the ventral nerve cord indicated a high likelihood that cells in the PIR-positive cluster of the subesophageal ganglia were also members of the cluster of neurons identified as oscillatory neurosecretory neurons.

1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced upregulation of calcineurin during leukemic HL-60 cell differentiation

Cyclosporin A and FK506, at concentrations that inhibited phosphatase activity of calcineurin in HL-60 cellular lysates, augmented the proliferation of leukemic HL-60 cells. These immunosuppressants did not affect 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]-induced monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells, but did abrogate the 1,25(OH)2D3-induced inhibition of HL-60 cell growth. Treatment with 20 nmol/L 1,25(OH)2D3 led to a progressive increase in calcineurin phosphatase activity in subcellular fractions from HL-60 cell extracts, the increase in this activity appeared to parallel the phenotypic and functional changes of HL-60 cells during monocytic differentiation induced by 1,25(OH)2D3. Immunoblot analysis indicated that increase in calcineurin activity was concordant with the increased expressions of calcineurin catalytic subunit isozymes, calcineurin A alpha (CNA alpha), and calcineurin A beta(CNA beta), and a regulatory calcineurin B subunit (CNB) proteins, which were preceded by a coordinate increase in the levels of CNA alpha, CNA beta and CNB mRNAs. The expression of calmodulin remained unaltered throughout 1,25(OH)2D3-induced monocytic differentiation. These results suggest that calcineurin activation has a net negative effect on HL-60 cell proliferation, and that the increased expression of calcineurin may be involved in 1,25(OH)2D3-induced inhibition of HL-60 cell proliferation.

Non-traumatic arteriovenous fistulas of the scalp treated by a combination of embolization and surgical removal

Three patients with non-traumatic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) of the scalp were treated by embolization using acrylate glue through the transarterial route or by direct puncture of the lesions and then surgical resection. Complete cure was achieved in all three patients. Selective angiography is indispensable in the correct diagnosis of scalp AVFs. Embolization facilitates surgical removal when necessary, and this combination is the treatment of choice for scalp AVFs.

Docosahexaenoic acid reduces GABA response in substantia nigra neuron of rat

.1. The effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) response (IGABA) were investigated on the neuron acutely dissociated from rat substantia nigra (SN), with the use of patch recordings in a whole cell mode. 2. DHA (5 x 10(-6) M) reduced bicuculline-sensitive GABA (10(-4) M) current by 50.3 +/- 13.1% (mean +/- SE) at a holding potential (Vh) of -40 mV under voltage clamp. 3. The GABA concentrations for the half-maximum and threshold of IGABA were not altered by the presence or absence of 5 x 10(-6) M DHA in the external solution. 4. The decrease of 10(-4) M IGABA, following the peak during GABA application, was more rapid in the presence of 5 x 10(-6) M DHA than in its absence. The time constants for IGABA decay were significantly different between the two conditions. 5. DHA reduced the IGABA and the glycine-induced response (Igly) in a concentration-dependent manner. On the contrary, DHA potentiated the aspartate-induced response (Iasp) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that DHA influences the activity of chloride channels but does not exhibit a nonspecific blocking effect on any ionic channel. 6. The application of thimerosal did not affect the reduction of IGABA by DHA, suggesting it unlikely that DHA reduces the IGABA by binding to phospholipids or triglycerides and altering the lipid environment around the chloride channel. 7. Arachidonic acid (AA) also reduced the IGABA in a manner similar to DHA. Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) reduced the IGABA less potently than DHA. Other polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids, such as docosatrienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid, had very little or no effect on the IGABA. 8. DHA, as well as AA, may play an important role in modulating neuronal excitability by reducing the IGABA and Igly, and potentiating N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated responses in the SN.

Optimal oxygen tension conditions for functioning cultured hepatocytes in vitro

With a view toward furthering the development of artificial liver systems, we have been culturing hepatocytes in vitro. The object of this research was to investigate the ideal conditions of oxygen tension for the efficient functioning of hepatocytes. Viable hepatocytes isolated from rat livers were cultured under five different oxygen tensions: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 90% O2. DNA contents, gluconeogenesis, urea synthesis, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and lipid peroxidation of hepatocytes were evaluated. Under the 5% oxygen conditions, the function of hepatocytes was very inferior and was accompanied by a low ATP level. However, hepatocytes cultured under 90% oxygen tension functioned less effectively than the control (20% O2) with elevated lipid peroxidation. The data in this study suggest that the optimum oxygen condition for cultured hepatocytes is 10 approximately 50%, and that especially under conditions of 20% oxygen tension, i.e., that of the ordinary atmosphere, hepatocytes can function most effectively.

A role for Rev in the association of HIV-1 gag mRNA with cytoskeletal beta-actin and viral protein expression

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) Rev acts by inducing the specific nucleocytoplasmic transport of a class of incompletely spliced RNAs that encodes the viral structural proteins. The transfection of HeLa cells with a rev-defective HIV-1 expression plasmid, however, resulted in the export of overexpressed, intron-containing species of viral RNAs, possibly through a default process of nuclear retention. Thus, this system enabled us to directly compare Rev+ and Rev+ cells as to the usage of RRE-containing mRNAs by the cellular translational machinery. Biochemical examination of the transfected cells revealed that although significant levels of gag and env mRNAs were detected in both the presence and absence of Rev, efficient production of viral proteins was strictly dependent on the presence of Rev. A fluorescence in situ hybridisation assay confirmed these findings and provided further evidence that even in the presence of Rev, not all of the viral mRNA was equally translated. At the early phase of RNA export in Rev+ cells, gag mRNA was observed throughout both the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm as uniform fine stippling. In addition, the mRNA formed clusters mainly in the perinuclear region, which were not observed in Rev+ cells. In the presence of Rev, expression of the gag protein was limited to these perinuclear sites where the mRNA accumulated. Subsequent staining of the cytoskeletal proteins demonstrated that in Rev+ cells gag mRNA is colocalized with beta-actin in the sites where the RNA formed clusters. In the absence of Rev, in contrast, the gag mRNA failed to associate with the cytoskeletal proteins. These results suggest that in addition to promoting the emergence of intron-containing RNA from the nucleus, Rev plays an important role in the compartmentation of translation by directing RRE-containing mRNAs to the beta-actin to form the perinuclear clusters at which the synthesis of viral structural proteins begins.

Bisphosphonates act on osteoblastic cells and inhibit osteoclast formation in mouse marrow cultures

We examined the mode of action of bisphosphonates on osteoclastic cell recruitment using mouse marrow cultures with or without osteoblastic cells. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells [TRAP(+)MNC] formed in cultures were determined to be osteoclastic cells. In marrow cultures, TRAP(+) MNC formation in the presence of 10(-8) mol/L 1,25(OH)2D3 was not affected by the addition of 10(-6) mol/L dihydrogen (cycloheptylamino)-methylenebisphosphonate monohydrate (YM175). However, it was inhibited in cocultures of marrow cells with osteoblastic cells. The inhibitory effect was evident throughout the entire culture period. YM175 dose dependently inhibited TRAP(+) MNC formation, and other bisphosphonates--pamidronate and alendronate--also inhibited TRAP(+) MNC formation in the coculture. Similar observations were also made in the coculture of spleen cells with osteoblastic cells. The conditioned media of osteoblastic cells treated with 10(-6) mol/L YM175 inhibited TRAP(+) MNC formation in marrow cultures. The presence of YM175 in methylcellulose cultures affected neither the colony formation of monocyte-macrophage lineage, nor TRAP(+) MNC formation in the succeeding cocultures of recovered cells with osteoblastic cells. These results indicate that YM175 and probably other bisphosphonates as well preferentially inhibit the later stage of osteoclastogenesis through its action on osteoblastic cells. Our findings suggest that part of the inhibitory action by osteoblastic cells in the presence of bisphosphonates is mediated through soluble factor(s).

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on human thyroid cells from patients with autoimmune thyroid disease: study of thyroid xenografts in nude and severe combined immunodeficient mice and treatment with FK-506

It has been suggested that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) may play an important role in the initiation, localization, and perpetuation of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). In an effort to clarify its role, we have investigated the expression of ICAM-1 on thyroid epithelial cells (TEC) of patients with AITD, patients with nontoxic goiter (NTG), and normal subjects (PN) by flow cytometric analysis under basal conditions and after modulation with cytokines, before and after 8 weeks of thyroid tissue xenotransplantation in nude athymic mice (which lyses all passenger lymphocytes), and in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice where these cells survive. Before xenografting, ICAM-1 was expressed on 56% of TEC from Hashimoto's thyroiditis (n = 5), 54% of Graves' disease (n = 6), 15% of NTG (n = 5), and 12% of PN TEC. After the xenografts had been 8 weeks in nude mice, ICAM-1 expression decreased markedly in AITD TEC [from 56% to 10% in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (P < 0.001) and from 54% to 8% in Graves' disease (P < 0.01)], but did not change significantly in NTG or PN. After the xenografts had been 8 weeks in SCID mice, the expression of ICAM-1 was significantly higher on TEC of AITD compared with the same tissue in nude mice. When the SCID mice engrafted with AITD tissue were treated with the anti-CD4+ T (helper) cell agent FK-506, the expression of ICAM-1 was reduced significantly compared with that in the original tissue or that in nontreated mice engrafted with the same tissue. The proportion of TEC that were ICAM-1 positive was up-regulated in all cases by certain cytokines (e.g. interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha applied alone or in combination). We also detected the presence of ICAM-1 in AITD frozen tissues using an immunohistochemical technique. These data suggest a role for ICAM-1 in human AITD. However, the expression of ICAM-1 appears to be a secondary phenomenon in response to the immune assault, rather than a primary event. Our results support the idea that TEC may act as passive captives to immunological events in human AITD.

Up-regulation of protein serine/threonine phosphatase type 2C during 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced monocytic differentiation of leukemic HL-60 cells

Treatment with 20 nM 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) caused a progressive increase in the activity of Mg(2+)-dependent protein serine/threonine phosphatase type 2C (PP2C) in subcellular fractions of HL-60 cells, whereas PP2C activity was relatively constant throughout all-trans retinoic acid-induced (1 microM) granulocytic differentiation. The increase in PP2C activity appeared to parallel the 1,25(OH)2D3-induced phenotypic and functional changes in HL-60 cells. Immunoblot and Northern blot analysis indicated that the increase in PP2C activity corresponded to the increased expression of PP2C protein, which was preceded by an increase in the level of mRNA for PP2C beta. No mRNA for PP2C alpha was detected in resting or 1,25(OH)2D3-stimulated HL-60 cells. These results suggest that the increased expression of PP2C is related with the 1,25(OH)2D3-induced monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells.

[Pulmonary tuberculosis with systemic lymph node swelling]

A 31-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of cervical and axillar lymph node swelling. A chest X-ray film showed many nodular shadows and a cavity in the left upper lung field. The tuberculin test was positive. Transbronchial lung biopsy and cervical lymph node biopsy were done. Examination of the biopsy specimens revealed epithelial granulomas with caseous necrosis. Thus, pulmonary tuberculosis with systemic lymph node swelling was diagnosed. Examinations during the patient's hospital stay showed that she was not an immunocompromised host. Pulmonary tuberculosis with systemic lymph node swelling occurs only rarely in a non-immunocompromised host.

Effect of diabetic sera on the conversion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to prostaglandin I3 by cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells

The effects of sera from diabetic patients and healthy donors on the synthesis of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) and PGI3 in vitro were studied in confluent bovine aortic endothelial cells cultured with EPA. The products 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and delta 17-6-keto-PGF1 alpha were measured by GC/SIM as markers of PGI2 and PGI3 formation in growth medium after 60 min of incubation. PGI2 and PGI3 synthesis with 10% diabetic sera were less than with sera from healthy donors (p < 0.05). However, the total prostacyclin production (PGI2 and PGI3) in the cell cultures incubated with 10 microM EPA and 10% diabetic sera approximated that of the cultures incubated with the sera of healthy donors without EPA. These results suggest that the diabetic sera inhibits PGI2 and PGI3 synthesis in the cultured endothelial cells, and that EPA intake may reduce the complications of diabetes mellitus, such as microangiopathy and vaso-occlusive diseases, and enhances the production of PGI3 which seems to exert a strong anti-aggregatory effect.

Effects of diet on cholecystokinin-stimulated amylase secretion by pancreatic Acini and amylase mRNA levels in rat pancreas

To investigate the mechanisms by which dietary compositions regulate the exocrine pancreas, we examined the effects of no-fat diet (NFD) and high-fat diet (HFD) on cholecystokinin (CCK)-stimulated amylase secretion from rat pancreatic acini. Rats were maintained for 4 weeks on NFD or HFD, which contained 0 or 45% fat and 58 or 29% carbohydrates, respectively. Pancreatic acini were isolated and stimulated by graded doses of CCK for 30 min. Maximal CCK-stimulated amylase secretion by pancreatic acini from rats on NFD (23.1 +/- 4.3 U/mg protein at 10(-10) M) was significantly higher than that of HFD (5.5 +/- 1.6 U/mg protein at 10(-10) M). In contrast, expressed as a percentage of the initial content, maximal CCK-stimulated amylase secretion by pancreatic acini from rats on NFD (15.0 +/- 0.8%) tended to be lower than that from rats on HFD (28.1 +/- 3.5%). To study further the effects of the diets on amylase mRNA levels, another group of rats was maintained on the respective diets for 4 weeks, sacrificed, and total pancreatic RNA isolated. Amylase mRNA levels in rats on NFD were 2.5 times higher than in rats on HFD. The results suggest that alterations in CCK-stimulated amylase secretion by pancreatic acini, as well as modifications in pancreatic amylase expression, may be involved in the mechanisms by which the exocrine pancreas adapts to diet.

Central projections of the antennal cold receptor neurons and hygroreceptor neurons of the cockroach Periplaneta americana

The central projections of the cold receptor axons were examined by filling two types of cold receptive sensilla with cobalt lysine--a cold and hygroreceptive (C/H) sensillum and a cold receptive and olfactory (C/O) sensillum--on the antennae of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana L. When the dye filled a single C/H sensillum, four axons were stained. Three of these axons terminate in the ipsilateral antennal lobe, while the other branches in the ipsilateral dorsal lobe. One of the branches passed through the tritocerebrum to terminate in the suboesophageal ganglion, while the other branches end in the lobe. When a single C/O sensillum is dye filled, all axons of the four receptor neurons terminate exclusively in the ipsilateral antennal lobe. One axon from the C/H sensillum and one axon from the C/O sensillum terminate in a particular glomerulus in the ventroposterior region of the antennal lobe. Each of these axons also has a tuft in separate glomeruli situated just dorsal to the glomerulus in which both axons terminate. This set of three glomeruli have indistinct boundaries and appear to form a complex of glomeruli similar to the macroglomerular complex of male moths. Assuming modality-specific convergence of antennal afferents, these axons appear to belong to the cold receptor neurons, and the set of glomeruli appear to function in cold reception. Two other neurons stained from C/H sensilla always terminate in the glom-eruli distinct from the set of glomeruli mentioned earlier. These neurons are assigned to the pair of hygroreceptor neurons, and their glomeruli are thought to function in hygroreception.

[A case of pineoblastoma successfully treated with surgery, combined chemotherapy of cisplatin and etoposide, and radiotherapy]

A 5-year-old girl was admitted to another clinic because of vomiting and convulsions. She was brought to our clinic after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted. CT scan on admission in our clinic showed a tumor in the pineal region with tumoral hemorrhage. Tumor markers such as HCG, AFP, CEA, P-LAP were within normal range. A biopsy of the tumor was performed and the histological diagnosis was pineoblastoma. Her recovery was excellent and disseminated metastasis was not recognized. A subtotal removal of the tumor was performed through the occipital transtentorial approach. She had no neurological deficits after surgery. She then received two 5-day cycles of chemotherapy, consisting of intravenous administration of 20 mg/m2/day cisplatin and 60 mg/m2/day etoposide, and craniospinal radiotherapy. After these therapies, the tumor responded and disappeared completely. Follow-up radiographic investigations also demonstrated no abnormal evidence except for brain atrophy. She is attending a primary school without any problems. Pineoblastoma is quite rare and remarkably malignant. Hence, aggressive therapies including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy is indicated for this tumor.

WS75624 A and B, new endothelin converting enzyme inhibitors isolated from Saccharothrix sp. No. 75624. I. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological activities

Novel endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) inhibitors, WS75624 A and B, have been isolated from the fermentation broth of Saccharothrix sp. No. 75624. These inhibitors were purified from an acetone extract of whole culture broth followed by HP-20 column chromatography, silica gel column chromatography and HPLC. WS75624 A and B showed highly potent ECE inhibitory activity, and both had IC50 values of 0.03 microgram/ml. WS75624 A and B also showed other metalloprotease (collagenase and neutral endopeptidase) inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 1 microgram/ml. Since large amount of WS75624 B was isolated, we tried in vivo evaluation using WS75624 B. WS75624 B inhibited big endothelin-induced pressor effect when administered to SD rat intravenously with big ET-1.

Endovascular treatment of an extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm at the skull base with mechanically detachable coils--case report

A 45-year-old male experienced a transient ischemic attack manifesting as left blurred vision and right hemiparesis. Angiography demonstrated an extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm at the entrance of the carotid canal just above the C-1 vertebral arch. Intraluminal occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved with mechanically detachable coils under local anesthesia, and the carotid flow was preserved. There was no complication during or following the procedure. Treatment of aneurysms using detachable coils is an important alternative to surgical treatment when surgical access to the lesion is difficult.