The effect of a TXA2 receptor antagonist ON-579 on experimental allergic reactions

The effect of a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor antagonist, ON-579, on experimental allergic skin and airway reactions was studied in vivo. ON-579 at doses of 1 and 20 mg/kg clearly inhibited U-46619-induced increases in respiratory resistance (Rrs) in guinea pigs. ON-579 at doses of 1, 20 and 50 mg/kg inhibited the aerosolized antigen-induced biphasic increase in Rrs in guinea pigs. Moreover, ON-579 clearly inhibited repeated aeroantigen-induced airway hyperreactivity in guinea pigs. ON-579, however, did not have any significant effects on allergic cutaneous reactions in rats. These results suggest that ON-579 is a relatively selective TXA2 antagonist, especially in the airways, and indicate the efficacy of ON-579 on antigen-induced increase in airway resistance and antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity in guinea pigs.

Relationship between histamine release and leukotrienes production from human basophils derived from atopic dermatitis donors

Basophils are known to release histamine and to produce leukotrienes (LTs) following both IgE-dependent and -independent stimuli. Although there exist a few reports which examined the relationship between histamine release and LTs production, their conclusions were not always in agreement with each other. In the present study, we examined the relationship between histamine release and LTs production from basophils in the presence or absence of 1 ng/ml of interleukin-3 (IL-3). Normal basophils released a smaller amount of histamine and LTs than atopic determatitis (AD) basophils, when basophils were stimulated with an optimal concentration of anti-IgE antibody. When we examined the relationship of histamine release and LTs production from AD donors induced through Fc epsilon RI, we found a significant exponential correlation between these two mediators (R2 = 0.58 in the absence of IL-3, R2 = 0.83 in the presence of IL-3). Although IL-3 enhanced both histamine release and LTs production from AD donors, the relationship between these two mediators was not affected. In conclusion, there was an exponential correlation between histamine release and LTs production from AD basophils, which was not affected by the pretreatment with IL-3.

[Microbiological and clinical study of fungemia between 1981 and 1992]

Fungi were isolated from 113 (14.2%) of 789 patients with positive blood cultures at Oita Medical University Hospital between 1981 and 1992. The rates of fungemia increased in recent years, 13.9% (1981-1985), 12.1% (1986-1988) and 16.9% (1989-1992). The isolated fungi were Candida parapsilosis (25.7%), C. albicans (24.8%), C. tropicalis (14.2%), Trichosporon beigelii (10.6%), C. glabrata (8.0%) and so on. The major fungi were T. beigelii and C. glabrata in patients with hematologic malignancies, whereas they were C. albicans and C. parapsilosis in patients with non-hematologic diseases and C. glabrata increased in both groups. Prophylactic or emiric administration of antifungal agents probably influenced the difference of the causative organisms in the two groups.

Comparison of the entire nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the attenuated hog cholera vaccine strain GPE- and the wild-type parental strain ALD

We have determined the complete nucleotide sequences of a live attenuated hog cholera virus (HCV) and its progenitor strain. The viral RNA of each strain consisted of 12,298 nucleotides including untranslated regions of 373 and 228 bases at the 5' and 3' end, respectively. There was a single large open reading frame spanning 11,697 nucleotides which could encode a large protein of 3,899 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 438-kDa. We have found 225 nucleotide difference between the two strains, of which six were located in the untranslated region. Four-sixths of these differences resulted in amino acid substitutions.

Trichosporon beigelii pneumonia in patients with hematologic malignancies

Trichosporon beigelii is a causative agent of hypersensitivity pneumonia in immunocompetent individuals and of invasive pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. The actual incidence and clinical manifestations of T beigelii pneumonia are obscure because the diagnosis is sometimes difficult. We studied eight patients with T beigelii pneumonia diagnosed by immunohistochemical investigation of lung tissue sections and/or isolation of the organism from the lung, sputum, or blood. All patients had underlying hematologic malignancies for which they had received cytotoxic chemotherapy, resulting in profound neutropenia. The clinical manifestations were persistent fever unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, cough, bloody sputum, and rapidly progressive dyspnea. The chest radiographs showed diffuse alveolar infiltrates in four patients, diffuse interstitial infiltrates in one, patchy reticulonodular infiltrates in one, and focal alveolar infiltrates in two. Histopathologic examination demonstrated numerous centrally necrotic foci with minimal cellular inflammatory reaction, intra-alveolar hemorrhage, and edema. Trichosporon beigelii consisting of both yeast and hyphal forms was located predominantly in the alveolar vessels. In neutropenic patients with hematologic malignancies, this fungus appears to enter the lung not only through the airways but also via the hematogenous route. In vitro susceptibility testing indicated borderline susceptibility to amphotericin B and showed that some azoles were active against T beigelii at safely achievable serum concentrations.

[Appropriateness and limitations of bone mineral measurements by DXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) in the elderly--comparison with x-ray findings]

A group of 674 (266 males and 410 females) elderly living in a rural community of Nangai Village, Akita Prefecture, were subjects of bone mineral measurements in the lumbar spine and three areas of proximal femur (femoral neck; FN, trochanter; TR and Ward's triangle; WD). Measurement was by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) set in a mobile van during mass health examination. The purpose of this study was to verify the appropriateness and imitations in the bone mineral measurements by DXA in elderly who have other aging related abnormal calcifications such as osteophytosis in the lumbar spine and calcification of the abdominal aorta, all of which may have an influence on the 'true' value of bone mineral density (BMD) particularly in the lumbar region. The results were as follows: 1) Subjects who were not capable of being measured by DXA tended to be older and reported experiencing pain and who scored low in TMIG index of competence compared to measurable subjects. 2) BMD of 2nd-4th lumbar spine with antero-posterior projection (AP) did not show simple age-declines that are seen in younger generations. In contrast, BMDs of proximal femur show linear aging declines. 3) Analysis of the association between BMDs and osteophytosis by spondylosis deformans in the lumbar spine and calcification of the abdominal aorta in front of the lumbar spine showed that AP-BMD had a strong correlation with the grade of both spinal osteophytosis and aortic calcification. On the other hand, BMDs of proximal femur showed no significant associations with these abnormal calcifications. 4) In this context, in order to evaluate the 'true' BMD in the elderly, BMDs in the proximal femur are a more appropriate indicator than AP-BMD which may be easily contaminated by other aging-related calcification in and around the lumbar region.

Characterization of the hog cholera virus 5' terminus

Hog cholera virus (HoCV) 5' terminus of the ALD and GPE(-) strains were analyzed by using rapid amplification of cDNA end method (5'RACE). An additional nine nucleotides were found at the 5' termini of genomic RNA in the ALD and GPE(-) strains of HoCV. These nine nucleotides were also conserved in BVDV and were suggested to form a hairpin structure at the 5' terminus by computer-assisted analysis. It seems possible that the secondary structure and/or the 5' terminus sequence has a significant role in the HoCV virus genome.

Effects of roxithromycin on proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and production of lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokines

Roxithromycin (RXM), a new macrolide antibiotic, has a 14-member macrocycline ring structure which is similar to that of erythromycin. We investigated the effects of RXM on the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the production of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by PBMCs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). At concentrations greater than 25.0 micrograms/ml, RXM suppressed the proliferation of PBMCs stimulated with phytohemagglutinin, probably due to cytotoxicity. When the PBMCs were incubated with RXM for 7 d, the number of adherent cells (monocyte/macrophages) increased. Incubation with RXM at a concentration of 25.0 micrograms/ml induced the greatest increase (p < 0.05). IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha were present 3 h after LPS-stimulation, and IL-1 beta production reached a peak at 12 h and TNF-alpha production at between 6 and 12 h, and then their production declined. RXM (25 micrograms/ml) suppressed the production of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha slightly during the entire course of the incubation. This suppression was dose-dependent. Anti-human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and anti-human macrophage colony stimulating factor antibodies had no effect on the RXM-induced proliferation of adherent cells. Suppression of the production of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha by RXM suggested that this drug might have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Effects of NIP-502 on antigen-induced bronchial responses and allergic reactions in animal models

We examined the effect of a newly synthesized pyridazinone derivative, NIP-502 [4-chloro-5-(3-ethoxy)-4-phenoxybenzamine)-3(2H)-pyridazinone], on antigen-induced bronchial responses and allergic reactions in several animal models. NIP-502 (10 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the antigen-induced immediate asthmatic response in passively sensitized guinea pigs. The inhibitory effect was also observed in metyrapone (an inhibitor of 11 beta-hydroxylase)-pretreated guinea pigs. NIP-502 improved ovalbumin (OA)-induced airway hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine and inhibited the OA-induced increase in the number of inflammatory leukocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These inhibitory effects on OA-induced responses were similar to those of prednisolone. NIP-502 also showed an inhibitory effect on the passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction in rats but did not inhibit the reversed cutaneous anaphylactic reaction, reversed Arthus reaction or delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. On the other hand, prednisolone showed broad inhibitory effects except for the reversed cutaneous anaphylactic reaction. In the in vitro study, NIP-502 (30 microM) significantly inhibited Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-induced superoxide anion production by the guinea pig alveolar macrophages. These results indicate that the inhibitory effects of NIP-502 on bronchial responses are similar to those of prednisolone, but this compound seemed to act more selectively on the respiratory tract than prednisolone. Because of its effectiveness against a variety of bronchial responses, NIP-502 may be useful in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Growth pattern of the maxillary sinus in orang-utan based on measurements of CT scans

The postnatal growth of the maxillary sinus was analyzed in 20 male and 20 female skulls of orang-utan (Pongo satyrus borneensis) in 5 age steps. Coronal CT scans were carried out of all skulls using a computed tomograph Siemens SOMATOM DR. The distances between the CT scans were always 4 mm. The outline of the maxillary sinus was surrounded on the CT scans with a planimeter and then the volumes were calculated. Using a growth model introduced by Fanghänel (1974), growth functions for the volume measurements for male and female animals were calculated separately. The growth curves showed a particular course, which was characterized by a quick rise until the age of 15 years. After the age of 20 years the curves for females orang-utan became gradually flat. At the age of 21 to 23 years the confidence intervals of the growth curves for male and female orang-utan began to drift apart, indicating the appearance of a sexual dimorphism. Using the basicranial length as an indicator of skull size, it becomes evident, that the sexual difference in the maxillary sinus' volume is probably based on the fact, that the maxillary sinus' volume of the male orang-utan increases further on following a common growth pattern.

Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy and lymphadenectomy without peritoneal insufflation for sigmoid colon cancer patients

PURPOSE

A new method for laparoscopic-assisted sigmoid colectomy and lymphadenectomy is presented. The purpose of this method is to avoid complications and restrictions associated with pneumoperitoneum.

METHODS

Abdominal wall is lifted up with Kirschner wires, which are placed in the middle and left lower abdomen; then a minilaparotomy, which can be created because air-tightness is not necessary, is extended at the beginning of the operation to later remove the resected specimen. Two laparoscopic instruments are inserted through the right lower abdomen. Through the minilaparotomy, the surgeon can operate with conventional instruments.

RESULTS

Operative time can be shortened, and surgical manipulations such as ligations and sutures are far easier than and cosmetic results are similar to those of laparoscopic surgery under pneumoperitoneum.

CONCLUSION

We believe that this technique is a safe, time-saving, and cost-beneficial technique for sigmoid colectomy, and by changing the location of the minilaparotomy, this method can also be applied to other types of gastrointestinal surgery.

Expression of osteopontin in a macrophage cell line and in transgenic mice with pulmonary fibrosis resulting from the lung expression of a tumor necrosis factor-alpha transgene

The expression level of osteopontin (OPN) mRNA was found to be increased in a macrophage cell line in the presence of recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). OPN mRNA level was also explored in the lungs of transgenic mice which were expressing TNF-alpha in type II pneumocytes, a condition leading to pulmonary alveolitis and progressive fibrosis. OPN mRNA was significantly increased in the lungs of these transgenic mice. In situ hybridization showed that it was localized mostly in alveolar macrophages. Since OPN can be induced in macrophages by TNF-alpha stimulation and since on the other hand osteopontin appears to decrease the level of nitric oxide synthase, and thus the production of nitric oxide, osteopontin might also indirectly have an antifibrotic effect. The role played by osteopontin in fibrotic lesions resulting from the release of TNF-alpha deserves further study, since it may be involved in the balance of opposite effects eventually leading to local tissue damage ending in fibrosis.

Detection and cloning of a common region of loss of heterozygosity at chromosome 1p in breast cancer

The short arm of chromosome 1 is frequently affected by rearrangements in a variety of human malignancies. Genetic alterations, predominantly deletions, which are indicative of the presence of a putative tumor suppressor gene at chromosome 1p, are observed in breast cancer. In order to define the altered locus, eleven highly polymorphic microsatellite markers on chromosome 1p were used to detect loss of heterozygosity. We analyzed 52 cases of breast cancer and found 4 common deleted regions at chromosome 1p. Twenty-two of 52 (42%) informative patients showed at least 1 affected locus. The region most frequently exhibiting loss of heterozygosity was 1p31 (11/39; 28%); the other three common deleted regions were 1p36 (10/44; 23%), 1p35-36 (5/40; 13%), and 1p13 (8/39; 21%). These data suggest that one or more putative tumor suppressor genes may reside on chromosome 1p. We have cloned the entire region of interest at 1p31 in yeast artificial chromosomes. This yeast artificial chromosome contig can be used for fine mapping of the region and cloning of the candidate tumor suppressor gene.

Effect of cold-restraint stress on immunoreactive thyrotropin-releasing hormone and immunoreactive somatostatin in the rat stomach

The effects of cold-restraint stress on immunoreactive thyrotropin-releasing hormone (ir-TRH) and immunoreactive somatostatin (ir-SOM) concentrations in the rat stomach were investigated. Rats immobilized with a spring-loaded metallic plate were placed in a room maintained at 4 degrees C for 1-3 h and then decapitated serially for investigation. Gastric ir-TRH and ir-SOM concentrations were measured by individual radioimmunoassays. Cold-restraint stress induced gastric mucosal lesions as well as a decrease of the ir-TRH concentration in the glandular stomach, an increase of the ir-TRH concentration in the gastric juice, and a decrease in gastric pH. In contrast, this stress caused an increase of ir-SOM in the glandular stomach and a decrease of ir-SOM in the gastric juice. However, cold or restraint stress alone did not induce gastric mucosal lesions or changes in gastric ir-TRH and ir-SOM concentrations or the gastric pH. To clarify the endocrine influence of peripheral TRH, pretreatment with thyroid hormone was performed to inhibit elevation of the serum TRH level during cold-restraint stress. Despite this pretreatment, cold-restraint stress still induced ulcer formation, along with changes in gastric ir-TRH and ir-SOM concentrations and gastric pH. These findings suggest that changes in gastric ir-TRH and ir-SOM concentrations may be closely related to ulcer formation due to cold-restraint, and that TRH may act in a paracrine manner in the stomach.

Suppressive effects of tranilast on pulmonary fibrosis and activation of alveolar macrophages in mice treated with bleomycin: role of alveolar macrophages in the fibrosis

We have reported that tranilast, an anti-allergic drug that inhibits chemical mediator release from mast cells, suppresses bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through mechanisms other than inhibiting chemical mediator release from mast cells. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of tranilast on alveolar macrophage (AM) activation and on the development of fibrosis in ICR mice instilled with BLM intratracheally. Twenty eight days after the BLM instillation (0.01 mg/mouse), AM often migrated into alveolar spaces surrounding the fibrotic areas. Flow cytometry analysis for the size and density of AM (MAC-1 positive cells) suggested that AM were activated not only in the earlier acute inflammatory phase, but also in the later chronic phase. The p.o. administration of tranilast suppressed an increase of AM activity to produce reactive oxygen species in BLM-instilled mice, and it inhibited the subsequent development of pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro treatment with tranilast suppressed the reactive oxygen species production from murine peritoneal macrophages. However, several different anti-oxidants failed to inhibit the development of fibrosis. These results suggest that the activation of AM plays an important role in the development of fibrosis, and it is likely that tranilast suppresses fibrosis by inhibiting AM activation but not by scavenging reactive oxygen species.

Study of surgical anatomy for duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas

OBJECTIVE

The authors precisely examined the topography of the duodenum, pancreas, bile duct, and supplying vessels from the perspective of performing duodenum-preserving resection of the pancreatic head.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Little has been reported regarding the detailed surgical anatomy that is crucial in this procedure.

METHODS

The authors precisely examined the local anatomy of the pancreas head and duodenum, using materials from 40 autopsy cases.

RESULTS

Arcade formation between the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal (ASPD) artery and the anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal (AIPD) artery was found in all of the cases. After departing from the gastroduodenal artery, the ASPD ran toward a point 1.5 cm below the papilla of Vater, then turned to the posterior aspect of the pancreas to joint the AIPD. In 88% of the cases, an arcade was found between the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal (PSPD) artery and the posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal (PIPD) artery. The ASPD, AIPD, PSPD, PIPD, or their branches to the duodenum, the bile duct, and the papilla of Vater were not completely buried in the pancreatic parenchyma in any of these cases. Generally, it was easy to dissect the pancreas from the duodenum because of the loose connection. Near the accessory papilla, however, dissection of the vessels was difficult, and the pancreatic parenchyma sometimes was found in the wall of the duodenum. Dissection of the pancreas from the common bile duct and identification of the main pancreatic duct at the junction with the terminal portion of the bile duct were straightforward in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be possible to remove the head of the pancreas while preserving of the vascular arcades and their branches to the duodenum, the bile duct, and the papilla of Vater.

[Association of active pulmonary tuberculosis and malignant diseases: a clinical study]

The association of pulmonary tuberculosis and bronchogenic carcinoma has been reported by many authors, however, there are rather few studies about the association of pulmonary tuberculosis and other malignant diseases and how the latter affects the outcome of the former. Between 1980 and 1993, we had in our hospital 104 patients who had both active pulmonary tuberculosis and malignant diseases. Pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed at the time or after the diagnosis of malignant diseases in 74 patients, of whom 92% (68 patients) were males and 42% (31 patients) were over the age of 70. There were 23 stomach cancer (31%), and 15 lung cancer (20%). In 11 patients tuberculosis developed after the initiation of radiation and/or chemotherapy. 67 patients could be followed up for more than 6 months after the initiation of chemotherapy for tuberculosis and the negative conversion rate was as high as 95.5% at 3 months. The fact indicates that the association of malignant diseases does not influence the course of tuberculosis and that these patients could be treated safely in general hospitals, provided the diagnosis is made properly without unnecessary delay.

[Long-term study of patients with sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis after pneumonectomy--obstructive impairment and its causes]

Changes in pulmonary function, chest X-ray films, and CT were retrospectively studied in patients with sequeae of pulmonary tuberculosis 30 years after pneumonectomy (PNX). Over more than 10 years, VC and FEV1% changed at a rate of 23.2 +/- 8.8 ml and 0.683 +/- 0.688% per year, respectively. In the patients studied 30 years after PNX (N = 30), VC was 900 +/- 210 ml, %VC 31.6 +/- 8.1%, and FEV1% was 67.2 +/- 6.8%. About half of these patients had mild airway obstruction. FEV1% was negatively related to the distance from the hilum to the diaphragm on the mid-clavicular line (on the chest films) divided by body height (r = -0.607). Therefore, we think that the airway obstruction may be due to overextension of the bronchi of middle and lower lobes. Emphysema was not found in 18 patients who had no sign of hyperinflation or herniation of the remaining lung to the PNX side on their CT, but it was found in one patient with these signs.

Inhibition of specific binding of okadaic acid to protein phosphatase 2A by microcystin-LR, calyculin-A and tautomycin: method of analysis of interactions of tight-binding ligands with target protein

Several groups have reported that okadaic acid (OA) and some other tight-binding protein phosphatase inhibitors including microcystin-LR (MCLR), calyculin-A and tautomycin prevent each other from binding to protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). In this paper, we have introduced an improved procedure for examining to what extent the affinity of an enzyme for a labelled tight-binding ligand is reduced by binding of an unlabelled tight-binding, ligand to the enzyme. Using this procedure, we have analysed the dose-dependent reduction of PP2A binding of [24-3H]OA by addition of OA, MCLR, calyculin-A and tautomycin. The results indicate that the binding of the unlabelled inhibitors to the PP2A molecule causes a dramatic (10(6)-10(8)-fold) increase in the dissociation constant associated with the interaction of [24-3H]OA and PP2A. This suggests that OA and the other inhibitors bind to PP2A in a mutually exclusive manner. The protein phosphatase inhibitors may share the same binding site on the PP2A molecule. We have also measured values of the dissociation constant (Ki) for the interaction of these toxins with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). For MCLR and calyculin-A, the ratio of the Ki value obtained for PP1 to that for PP2A was in the range 4-9, whereas it was 0.01-0.02 for tautomycin. The value of tautomycin is considerably smaller than that (0.4) calculated from previously reported Ki values.

Platelet unresponsiveness to collagen: involvement of glycoprotein Ia-IIa (alpha 2 beta 1 integrin) deficiency associated with a myeloproliferative disorder

We studied a 66-year-old man with a myeloproliferative disorder who presented with a prolonged bleeding time and marked thrombocytosis (platelet count, 3,890 x 10(9)/l). There was no past history of a bleeding disorder. The patient had normal coagulation data. His platelets completely lacked collagen-induced platelet aggregation and adhesion, but showed normal responses to other agonists. All family members tested showed normal platelet aggregation with collagen. Analysis of 125I surface-labeled platelets by two-dimensional SDS gel electrophoresis disclosed absence of the spot corresponding to platelet membrane GPIa (alpha 2) but no other significant deficiencies of major platelet glycoproteins i.e., GPIb, IIb-IIIa, and IV. Immunoisolation studies of the patient's platelets indicated that neither anti-GPIa nor anti-GPIIa (beta 1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) isolated any surface membrane proteins corresponding to GPIa. GPVI, a putative collagen receptor, was immunoisolated from the platelets. Indirect immunofluorescence study using flow cytometry confirmed that the patient's platelets were totally deficient in surface expression of the GPIa-IIa complex (alpha 2 beta 1 integrin). In contrast, phytohemoagglutinin-activated T-lymphocytes from the patient expressed normal concentrations of this complex. The data suggest that our patient had an acquired deficiency of the platelet GPIa-IIa complex, due to a myeloproliferative disorder, which might account for the absence of responsiveness of his platelet to collagen.

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on bone formation in growing rats

The effects of basic fibroblasts growth factor (bFGF) administered intravenously at dosages of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg per day for 7 days to growing rats are reported. Static and dynamic histomorphometry techniques were applied to the microradiographs and undecalcified ground sections of the proximal tibiae and tibial shafts. The bone histomorphometric analyses in the proximal tibia revealed that 0.1 mg/kg per day of bFGF increased longitudinal growth rate, cartilage cell production rate, and metaphyseal bone area. In the tibial shaft, the endocortical mineral apposition and bone formation rates, total bone area, total osteoid area, and medullary bone area were increased, but the periosteal mineral apposition and bone formation rates were depressed. Two weeks after the cessation of treatment, the increased osteoid bone on the endocortical surface and in the marrow cavity was completely calcified, and the total mineralized area in the tibial shaft was significantly increased. The rats given 0.3 mg of bFGF/kg per day showed retarded weight gain, defective calcification at the growth plate metaphyseal junction, and on the endocortical surface. The growth plate width was increased, and the longitudinal growth rate, cartilage cell production rate, endocortical labeled surface, and bone formation rate were decreased. Two weeks after the cessation of treatment, these changes were almost reversed, and the longitudinal growth rate and cartilage cell production rate were increased as rebound phenomena. These results suggest that a low dose (0.1 mg/kg per day) of bFGF stimulates endosteal and endochondral bone formation and depresses periosteal bone formation in growing rats.

Measurement of regional cerebral blood flow with H2(15)O positron emission tomography during Matas test. Report of three cases

The authors carried out a Matas test with a regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) study using H2(15)O positron emission tomography (PET) for three cases of large internal carotid artery aneurysms. There is a likely correlation between the cerebral blood flow (CBF) reduction rate obtained by PET, and the mean stump pressure available from a conventional balloon occlusion test. The advantages of this noninvasive and quantitative method are presented in comparison with other methods.

Principle of the bark of Phellodendron amurense to suppress the cellular immune response: effect of phellodendrine on cellular and humoral immune responses

Previously we have isolated the quaternary base alkaloids, magnoflorine and phellodendrine, from Phellodendri Cortex (cortex of Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Rutaceae) as the biologically active principles to suppress local graft-versus-host (GvH) reactions in mice. In this paper, we focus on phellodendrine. Phellodendrine suppressed local semisyngeneic GvH reactions and systemic allogeneic GvH reactions in X-ray irradiated recipient mice. Phellodendrine also suppressed the induction phase of sheep red blood cell (SRBC)-induced delayed type hypersensitivity in mice and tuberculin-induced delayed type hypersensitivity in guinea pigs, but did not suppress the effector phase of these reactions. Surprisingly, phellodendrine, unlike prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, did not affect antibody production in mice to SRBC. Phellodendrine was expected to be a valuable new type of immunosuppressor against the cellular immune response.

Two cases of early gallbladder cancer incidentally discovered by laparoscopic cholecystectomy

In case 1, a 68-year-old woman with asymptomatic gallstones underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy after radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Histological examination revealed gallbladder carcinoma with involvement confined to the mucosa and positive margin at the cystic duct. We resected the remnant cystic duct with open laparotomy. In case 2, a 63-year-old woman with a diagnosis of early rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for silent gallstones following transanal resection of the rectal tumor. Pathologic analysis illustrated a gallbladder carcinoma with wide mucosal spread and minimal invasion into the subserosal layer. No additional treatment was warranted. As laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become widely used, an increase in the number of resected cases of early gallbladder cancer can be expected, especially among asymptomatic gallstone patients. Additional treatment should be determined through meticulous microscopic investigation of the specimen, with special attention to the depth of invasion and the range of mucosal spread.