Changes in platelet kinetics after a partial splenic arterial embolization in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism

We performed a partial splenic arterial embolization in 22 patients with cirrhosis associated with thrombocytopenia and then evaluated the changes in platelet kinetics after undergoing the procedure using 111In-tropolone-labeled platelets. The controls consisted of eight chronic hepatitis patients who showed a normal platelet count and normal spleen size. The mean splenic infarction ratio after the procedure was 54.9%. A platelet kinetics study was performed before and 2 months after the procedure. Before the procedure, the cirrhotic patients showed increases in the splenic volume and the spleen/liver uptake ratio of the 111In-labeled platelets on both the third and seventh days, and a decrease in the platelet recovery compared with the controls, which suggested an increased platelet pool in the spleen. In addition, the platelet survival time in cirrhotic patients was shortened, whereas the platelet-associated immunoglobulin G (PA-IgG) was higher than that of the controls, which suggested the involvement of immunologic mechanisms in the thrombocytopenia. With an increase of the platelet count after a partial splenic arterial embolization, the spleen/liver uptake ratio of the 111In-labeled platelets decreased, whereas the platelet recovery increased. Furthermore, the platelet survival time was prolonged, whereas the PA-IgG decreased. The platelet count showed a positive correlation with the platelet survival time and a negative correlation with PA-IgG before and after the procedure. These results suggest that a transcatheter splenic arterial embolization not only may reduce the increased platelet pool in the spleen but also may improve the thrombocytopenia induced by immunologic mechanisms in patients with cirrhosis.

[Study of anti-tumor effects of hyperthermia combined with hydralazine on experimental tumor]

We analyzed tumor growth delay in experimental tumors after hyperthermia alone, hydralazine (HDZ) injection alone and the combination of these modalities. We also analyzed the energy parameter (ATP/Pi ratio) obtained by 31P-MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 31P-MRS as an index of anti-tumor effect. FM3A tumor cells were transplanted subcutaneously in the hind legs of C3H/He mice. We dipped the tumors into a heated circulating water bath. 31P-MRS was performed with a CSI spectrometer. The anti-tumor effect obtained with HDZ alone was insignificant, but combined treatment with hyperthermia and HDZ had a significant synergistic effect. The ATP/Pi ratios for all groups treated separately with HDZ or hyperthermia were not different from the control, but the ATP/Pi ratio decreased after combined use of these agents. There was a significant correlation between the decrease in ATP/Pi ratio and tumor growth delay. We observed a direct relation between the delay in tumor growth and the decline in ATP/Pi ratio after combined treatment with HDZ and hyperthermia. The ATP/Pi ratio 24 hr after treatment may be useful in predicting the efficacy of the combined use of HDZ and hyperthermia.

[Clinical statistics on outpatients during a ten-year period (1983, 10-1993, 12) at Department of Urology, Fukui Medical School]

A clinical statistic survey was carried out on the patients and disease experienced at the outpatient clinic of our Department of Urology, between 1983 and 1993. Although the number of newly diagnosed patients was rather constant, the total number of outpatients gradually increased every year, and the average and median age of newly diagnosed patients became higher. The major disease categories were infectious and neoplastic disorders.

Idiopathic spinal epidural lipomatosis. Case report and review of literature

Idiopathic spinal epidural lipomatosis rarely is found (8 reported cases) in the absence of steroid treatment or obvious endocrinopathy. One additional symptomatic case with gait difficulty is described here. The only common etiologic factor for all cases is their obesity. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most helpful diagnostic means and should be used initially. In a patient with radicular pain or progressive paralysis who is obese, spinal epidural lipomatosis may be the etiologic factor involved.

A radioreceptor binding assay for platelet-activating factor (PAF) using membranes from CHO cells expressing human PAF receptor

A simple and reproducible radioreceptor assay (RRA) has been developed using membranes from CHO cells which can stably express human platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor. The CHO cells expressing the PAF receptor, termed CHO.1F8, showed a significant intracellular Ca2+ response to PAF, and the same binding properties to [3H]WEB 2086, a PAF antagonist, as reported (Kd, 13.6 +/- 1.9 nM; Bmax, 2.5 +/- 0.4 pmol/mg protein (n = 6)). A competitive binding assay was done using the CHO.1F8 cell membranes and [3H]WEB 2086. The minimum detectable dose of PAF was 0.3 nM (approximately 30 pg per well) and the assay was highly specific for PAF. This method makes it possible to handle large numbers of samples rapidly and simultaneously, since the receptor membrane is prepared in advance and the binding assay can be completed within 3 h. Using this method, we have determined the production and cell association of PAF in human neutrophils.

Lethal shock is inducible by lipopolysaccharide but not by superantigen in mice with retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency syndrome

The retrovirus-induced murine AIDS (MAIDS) shares many features with human AIDS. Here, we examined the susceptibility of mice with MAIDS to staphylococcal enterotoxin-triggered shock. Following sensitization with D-galactosamine (D-Gal), mice with MAIDS were resistant to the otherwise lethal effect of superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA). Peak IL-2 levels in these mice after D-Gal/SEA challenge were 10-fold higher than those in uninfected controls, and concurrently, IL-10 levels rose markedly with reduction of circulating IL-1 and IFN-gamma. Treatment with neutralizing anti-IL-10 mAb before D-Gal/SEA challenge led to increased IFN-gamma levels in mice with MAIDS, and resulted in a dose-dependent mortality. In contrast, mice with MAIDS were more susceptible to the toxicity of bacterial endotoxin LPS than were uninfected controls. Administration of 100 micrograms LPS alone induced 50% lethality in mice infected with MAIDS virus 8 wk previously but not in uninfected controls. Administration of 10 micrograms LPS caused acute shock in D-Gal-sensitized mice with MAIDS. Peak TNF-alpha levels in these mice after LPS challenge were increased more than 10-fold, whereas IL-10 levels were one-third of those after SEA challenge. Moreover, serum IFN-gamma was undetectable in uninfected controls and rose to 1063 +/- 483 pg/ml in mice with MAIDS 4 h after LPS challenge. These results suggest that aberrant profiles of cytokine production are crucial in determining fatal outcome in these two types of septic shock in MAIDS.

Control of ciliary activities of Schistosoma mansoni miracidia using Triton-extracted parasites

Extraction with 0.04% (w/v) Triton X-100 for 3 min removed the cell membrane from the locomotory cilia of Schistosoma mansoni miracidia while leaving the motile apparatus apparently intact. Immediately after Triton-extracted miracidia were treated by the reactivating solution containing ATP and magnesium ions (Mg2+) at pH 8.1, nearly 100% of Triton-extracted miracidia showed the ciliary beating and swam forward in a manner resembling that of a normal miracidium. In the standard reactivating solution (2 mM ATP, 2 mM Mg2+, pH 8.1), Triton-extracted miracidia swam at a speed of 580 microns/sec; the comparable value for live miracidia in dechlorinated tap water was 2,200 microns/sec. The swimming velocity of Triton-extracted miracidia was dependent on ATP and Mg2+ concentration, pH, and salinity. In a solution containing 0.9% NaCl, Triton-extracted miracidia were not reactivated. Among the nucleotides tested, only ATP was found to induce a significant amount of ciliary motility. In terms of divalent cation specificity, only Mg2+ was capable of producing normal motility. Barium and calcium ions (at 0.5 mM CaCl2) also were capable of activating ciliary motility but were less effective stimulants than Mg2+. However, in 1 mM CaCl2, no ciliary reactivation was observed and cilia became detached from the body surface of the miracidia. Vanadium inhibited ATP-reactivated ciliary beating of Triton-extracted miracidia.

Lethal shock is inducible by lipopolysaccharide but not by superantigen in mice with retrovirus-induced immunodeficiency syndrome

The retrovirus-induced murine AIDS (MAIDS) shares many features with human AIDS. Here, we examined the susceptibility of mice with MAIDS to staphylococcal enterotoxin-triggered shock. Following sensitization with D-galactosamine (D-Gal), mice with MAIDS were resistant to the otherwise lethal effect of superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA). Peak IL-2 levels in these mice after D-Gal/SEA challenge were 10-fold higher than those in uninfected controls, and concurrently, IL-10 levels rose markedly with reduction of circulating IL-1 and IFN-gamma. Treatment with neutralizing anti-IL-10 mAb before D-Gal/SEA challenge led to increased IFN-gamma levels in mice with MAIDS, and resulted in a dose-dependent mortality. In contrast, mice with MAIDS were more susceptible to the toxicity of bacterial endotoxin LPS than were uninfected controls. Administration of 100 micrograms LPS alone induced 50% lethality in mice infected with MAIDS virus 8 wk previously but not in uninfected controls. Administration of 10 micrograms LPS caused acute shock in D-Gal-sensitized mice with MAIDS. Peak TNF-alpha levels in these mice after LPS challenge were increased more than 10-fold, whereas IL-10 levels were one-third of those after SEA challenge. Moreover, serum IFN-gamma was undetectable in uninfected controls and rose to 1063 +/- 483 pg/ml in mice with MAIDS 4 h after LPS challenge. These results suggest that aberrant profiles of cytokine production are crucial in determining fatal outcome in these two types of septic shock in MAIDS.

MRI in thorotrastosis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) were performed in four patients with thorotrastosis. On CT scan, Thorotrast (thorium oxide) deposition was shown as high-density areas in the liver and spleen and the abdominal lymph nodes. These deposits were not found on MRIs. Splenic volume was significantly small due to atrophy. The contrast-noise ratio in the spleen on T1-weighted images was significantly lower. Thorotrast deposition does not affect MRI appearance; therefore it may be useful for the early detection of malignant tumors as a complication of thorotrastosis.

Ex vivo anti-platelet effects of isocarbacyclin methyl ester incorporated in lipid microspheres in rabbits

Effect of TTC-909, a chemically stable isocarbacyclin methyl ester (CAS 88931-51-5, TEI-9090) incorporated in lipid microspheres, on platelet aggregation was tested in conscious rabbits. TTC-909 significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP at early times after bolus i.v. injection from the dose of 0.3 micrograms/kg in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, TTC-909 significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP during the venous infusion from the dose of 100 ng/kg/min, also in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-platelet effect of TTC-909 was observed at a dose lower than that inducing hypotensive effect when given as both bolus i.v. and venous infusion. On the other hand, prostaglandin (PG) E1 (LM)--PGE1 incorporated in lipid microspheres--reduced blood pressure without having an anti-platelet effect. These results indicate that TTC-909 may be a potent anti-thrombotic drug.

Anti-platelet effects of isocarbacyclin methyl ester on human and rabbit platelets in vitro

Anti-platelet effects of isocarbacyclin methyl ester (CAS 88931-51-5, TEI-9090) and of its free acid form, TEI-7165 (CAS 88911-35-7) were compared with those of prostaglandin (PG) I2 and PGE1. TEI-9090 and TEI-7165 dose-dependently inhibited human and rabbit platelet aggregation and human platelet adhesion in vitro. The IC50 values of TEI-9090, TEI-7165, PGI2, and PGE1 against ADP-induced human (rabbit) platelet aggregation were 22.90 (25.00) ng/ml, 2.78 (6.46) ng/ml, 1.67 (3.34) ng/ml, and 19.91 (8.32) ng/ml, respectively; and those against human platelet adhesion were 3.47 ng/ml, 0.13 ng/ml, 0.25 ng/ml, and 1.45 ng/ml, respectively. TTC-909, a product incorporating TEI-9090 in lipid microspheres, had an aggregation inhibitory effect similar to that of TEI-9090 in human platelets. The aggregation inhibitory effect of TEI-9090 and TTC-909 increased with incubation time, and reached a level similar to that of TEI-7165. In contrast, the aggregation inhibitory effect of TEI-7165 remained constant for 120 min, whereas that of PGI2 decreased with time. TEI-9090 and TEI-7165 also enhanced the disaggregation of human platelets at nearly the same concentration as they exerted their inhibitory effect on aggregation. The order of anti-platelet activities, compared at each optimum incubation point, were PGI2 approximately equal to TEI-7165 approximately equal to TEI-9090 (approximately equal to TTC-909) > PGE1 in human and rabbit platelets. These results indicate that TEI-9090 (TTC-909) and its active metabolite, TEI-7165, may be a potent anti-platelet drug.

Cytotoxicity of anti-c-erbB-2 immunoliposomes containing doxorubicin on human cancer cells

We have examined the selective cytotoxicity of immunoliposomes containing doxorubicin (chemoimmunoliposomes, CILs) targeting the c-erbB-2 gene product (gp185) or gp125. Anti-gp185 and anti-gp125 CILs were prepared by conjugation of doxorubicin-containing liposomes with monoclonal antibodies SER4 (IgG) and HBJ127 (IgG) respectively. Both CILs bound to human SKBr-3 breast cancer cells and MKN-7 human gastric cancer cells, which express both antigens in high density. The IC50 of anti-gp185 CILs on protein synthesis by SKBr-3 cells was respectively 2- and 25-fold lower than that of anti-gp125 CILs and unmodified liposomes. Furthermore, anti-gp185 CILs significantly inhibited neither the phytohaemagglutin response of normal lymphocytes nor protein synthesis of gp185-negative T24 bladder cancer. Quantitative analysis of cell-associated doxorubicin revealed that, compared with anti-gp125 CILs, anti-gp185 CILs required, respectively 4.5 and 4.3 times less doxorubicin association in SKBR-3 and MKN-7 cells, for 50% cytotoxicity. In addition, flow cytometric analysis showed that both SKBr-3 and MKN-7 internalised more anti-gp185 CILs and processed them more efficiently than anti-gp125 CILs. These results suggest that anti-gp185 CILs act selectively against gp185-expressing cancer cells and that gp185 is a more sensitive antigen for CIL cytotoxicity associated with endocytosis activity.

Exhibition of anti-platelet effect of isocarbacyclin methyl ester and its free acid via an increase in cAMP in platelets

Isocarbacyclin methyl ester (CAS 88931-51-5, TEI-9090) and its free acid (CAS 88911-35-7, TEI-7165) are chemically stable analogues of prostaglandin (PG) I2. The cAMP increasing activities of TEI-9090 and TEI-7165 were investigated. TEI-9090, TEI-7165, PGI2, and PGE1 caused the accumulation of cAMP in rabbit and human platelets. The effects of TEI-9090, TEI-7165, and PGE1 were longer lasting than the effect of PGI2. Each drug concentration-dependently increased the cAMP level in rabbit and human platelets. The order of cAMP-increasing activity was PGI2 > PGE1 = TEI-9090 = TEI-7165 in rabbit platelets and PGI2 > TEI-9090 = TEI-7165 > PGE1 in human platelets. The antiplatelet aggregation activity of TEI-9090 in rabbit and human platelets was remarkably decreased by the addition of an esterase inhibitor, diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP). However, this activity of TEI-7165 was not affected by the inhibitor. In the presence of DFP, the cAMP accumulation by TEI-9090 in rabbit platelets was almost completely inhibited but that by TEI-7165 was not inhibited. These results suggest that TEI-9090 is deesterified to TEI-7165 and that this free acid then inhibits platelet aggregation via an increase in the cAMP level in the platelets.

Design of an antifungal methionine inhibitor not antagonized by methionine

Only a few biosynthetic pathways in fungal cells have been used as antifungal targets. Therefore, the number of antifungals has been limited, and a cross-drug resistance among them has emerged in the therapy of mycoses. Under such circumstances, the identification of an antifungal with a new mode of action is highly desirable. By infecting mice with a mutant of C. albicans deficient in the sulfate assimilation pathway, we have discovered a new target for the discovery of antifungal agents. We have proven that azoxybacilin inhibits the sulfate assimilation pathway by showing its inhibitory activity for [35S]SO4 incorporation into proteins. We have also demonstrated that azoxybacilin was taken up into fungal cells via an active transport system specific for methionine. This sharing of the uptake system with methionine may explain the mechanism by which the antifungal activity of azoxybacilin is antagonized by methionine, and led us to design azoxybacilin derivatives that lack the structural feature of amino acids and, at the same time, have increased hydrophobicity to give higher non-specific permeability through the cell membrane. As a result, we have found that ester derivatives of azoxybacilin were not antagonized by methionine in their uptake, and that they showed antifungal activity independent of methionine. The benzyl ester of azoxybacilin was the same as azoxybacilin in its mode of action, but was not markedly antagonized by methionine at concentrations up to 1 mg/ml. These results suggest that azoxybacilin may not merely interfere with the sulfate assimilation pathway.

Protective effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor against T-cell-meditated lethal shock triggered by superantigens

The bacterial superantigens (SAg), toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), are powerful T-cell stimulators, triggering systemic release of lymphokines causing lethal shock in D-galactosamine (D-Gal)-sensitized mice. We show that pretreatment with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) protects mice against T-cell-mediated SAg-shock. In mice challenged with D-Gal/TSST-1, lethal shock was caused within 30 hours. In contrast, animals pretreated with two consecutive subcutaneous injections of 2 micrograms rhG-CSF with a 12-hour time interval showed only marginal signs of illness and no lethality after challenge with D-Gal/TSST-1. Mice treated with 5 micrograms rhG-CSF either 12 or 6 hours in advance also survived otherwise lethal doses of D-Gal/TSST-1. The protective effects of rhG-CSF pretreatment was also evident against lethal doses of D-Gal/SEB challenge and this protection was accompanied by suppression of systemic interleukin-2. However, rhG-CSF affected neither the proliferative responses of SAg-reactive T cells in vivo or in vitro nor their interleukin-2 production in vitro, implying that rhG-CSF may indirectly interfere with cytokine synthesis in T cells but not with T-cell-SAg binding itself. These results represent another beneficial effect of rhG-CSF as an anti-inflammatory agent against T-cell-mediated toxicity triggered by SAg.

Interstitial deletion of 8p: report of two patients and review of the literature

Two female infants with de novo interstitial deletions of 8p were studied. One with a deletion from p11.21 to p11.23, and the other patient with a deletion from p11.23 to p21.3 had several clinical manifestations of the terminal 8p- syndrome. Band 8p11.23 was deleted in both patients. The clinical manifestations common to both patients included low birthweight, growth deficiency, congenital heart disease, mental retardation, dolichocephaly, low-set, malformed ears, high-arched palate, thin lips and micrognathia. Since these features may occur in most patients with chromosomal imbalance, and the terminal 8p- syndrome has hitherto been assumed to result from terminal deletions of 8p, ranging from p21.3 to p23, it is likely that these features are simply related to the chromosomal imbalance rather than to band specific imbalance of 8p11.23. The present study suggests that two different types of deletion, interstitial and terminal, are associated with still poorly defined, rather non-specific clinical features.

The SH2 domains of Src family kinases associate with Syk

Src family kinases (Lyn, Fyn, Lck, and Blk) and Syk, a tandem SH2 domain containing tyrosine kinase, have been demonstrated to be associated with the antigen receptor in B cells. Both of these categories of tyrosine kinases are presumed to be critical players in the process of antigen-mediated signal transduction. Cross-linking of membrane immunoglobulin on the surface of B cells leads to the activation of Lyn, Fyn, and Blk, which presumably associate with the cytoplasmic tails of the membrane immunoglobulin-associated Ig alpha/beta heterodimer. Receptor ligation also leads to the tyrosine phosphorylation and catalytic activation of Syk, but the mechanism of association of this kinase with the antigen receptor remains to be established. A number of phosphoproteins that can associate with the SH2 domains of Blk, Lyn, and Fyn have been described in activated B cells. We demonstrate here that Syk is one of the proteins in the lysates of activated B cells which bind to the SH2 domains of Src family kinases. Syk binds directly to the SH2 domain of Blk and complexes in vivo with Lyn and Blk in activated B cells.

Studies on the Chinese crude drug "shoma." IX. Three novel cyclolanostanol xylosides, cimicifugosides H-1, H-2 and H-5, from cimicifuga rhizome

Three new cyclolanostanol xylosides were isolated from a batch of commercial Cimicifuga Rhizome, cimicifugoside H-1 (1), C35H52O9, mp 260-262 degrees C, [alpha]D -43.5 degrees, cimicifugoside H-2 (2), C35H54O10, mp 227-229 degrees C, [alpha]D -38.8 degrees, and cimicifugoside H-5 (3), C35H52O10, mp 262-264 degrees C, [alpha]D -22.9 degrees, together with known glycosides, actein and 27-deoxyactein. Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectrometric evidence including an X-ray crystallographic analysis. The structure of cimicifugoside H-1 (1) was established as (20R,24R)-24,25-epoxy-11 beta-hydroxy-3-beta-(beta-D- xylopyranosyloxy)-9,19-cyclolanost-7-ene-16,23-dione. Cimicifugoside H-5 (3) is the 15-hydroxylated derivative of 1. Since 1 changed into cimicifugoside H-2 (2) on treatment with p-toluenesulfonic acid, 2 has a 24R,25-diol structure derived from 1 by opening its epoxy ring.

DAMGO, a mu-opioid receptor selective ligand, distinguishes between mu-and kappa-opioid receptors at a different region from that for the distinction between mu- and delta-opioid receptors

The structural basis of opioid receptors (OPRs) for the subtype-selective binding of DAMGO, a mu-opioid receptor selective ligand, was investigated using chimeric mu/kappa-OPRs. Replacement of the region from the middle of the fifth transmembrane domain to the C-terminal of mu-OPR with the corresponding region of mu-OPR remarkably decreased the binding affinity to DAMGO, while the reciprocal chimera revealed the high affinity to DAMGO. These results indicate that DAMGO distinguishes between mu- and mu-OPRs at the region around the third extracellular loop, different from the case of the distinction between mu-and delta-OPRs in which the region around the first extracellular loop is important. Furthermore, displacement studies revealed that the region around the third extracellular loop is involved in the discrimination between mu- and kappa-OPRs not only by peptidic mu- selective ligands but also by non-peptidic ligands, such as morphine and naloxone.

Morphological aspects of cell wall formation during protoplast regeneration in Candida albicans

The dynamics of cell wall regeneration in Candida albicans protoplasts was investigated by fluorescence microscopy using a new fluorescent dye, Fungiflora Y, which specifically binds to beta-linked polysaccharides, as well as by electron microscopy. When freshly prepared protoplasts were incubated in osmotically stabilized medium, multiple binding sites of Fungiflora Y were detected on their surface within 15 min of incubation. At this initial stage of reversion, protoplasts began to form microfibrils outside the cytoplasmic membrane. From 1 h onward, the whole cell surface displayed a bright fluorescence. After 3 h of incubation, the reverting protoplasts were covered by an interwoven network of microfibrils. After 5 h of incubation, although most of the revertants had become osmotically resistant, regenerated cell walls in which the constituent materials appeared highly integrated were observed to be still monolayered in profile. Cell wall regeneration was complete after 24 h of incubation, at which time the reverted cells were capable of proliferating.

Copper metabolism leading to and following acute hepatitis in LEC rats

The accumulation process of copper (Cu) in the liver and the following metabolic disorder of Cu were examined in LEC rats, a mutant strain which accumulates Cu with age and shows spontaneous acute hepatitis and/or hepatoma. Cu concentration in the liver of female rats was approximately 220 micrograms/g liver at 2 weeks of age, decreased to 100 micrograms/g liver at 4-6 weeks, and then started to increase with age linearly to the highest concentration of 250 micrograms/g liver at 16 weeks. Although the Cu level expressed by concentration (microgram/g liver) decreased during weaning, it increased linearly with age when it was expressed by content (mg/liver), indicating a constant and preferential accumulation of Cu in the liver. Cu concentration stopped increasing at 16 weeks in the liver, followed by a sudden decrease to 1/2 the highest level. Biological markers (serum lactate dehydrogenase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase activities) for liver damage started to increase, together with the appearance of signs of jaundice, when Cu attained the highest concentration. Distributions of Cu and zinc (Zn) in the supernatant fraction of the liver indicated that both metals were mostly distributed to metallothionein (MT) and, to a small extent, to superoxide dismutase on a gel filtration column throughout the course of the experiments. Serum Cu concentration started to increase in a form of ceruloplasmin, together with serum marker enzyme activities for liver damage. Cu concentration in the kidneys also started to increase after the increase of serum Cu. The results indicate that Cu accumulates in the form of MT in the liver of LEC rats to a maximum level of approximately 250 micrograms/g liver, and then decreases suddenly with the onset of acute hepatitis. The maximum level seems to be related to the capacity of MT synthesis, and acute hepatitis is assumed to occur when Cu accumulates beyond the capacity. Serum Cu started to increase, from the abnormally low level, when the metal accumulated beyond the capacity of MT synthesis in the liver, and it was partly reabsorbed by the kidneys and the rest was excreted into urine. Changes in iron and zinc levels were determined and discussed in relation to those of Cu.