Double burst stimulation with submaximal current

The present study evaluated responses to double burst stimulation (DBS) at supramaximal and submaximal currents in 30 adult patients. Usually, DBS is applied with supramaximal stimulation, but this may be quite uncomfortable for the awake patient. Therefore, the authors investigated whether it is possible to obtain an accurate assessment of significant residual neuromuscular blockade if the stimulus current is reduced to 30 mA. In all patients, neuromuscular response to DBS three three (DBS3.3), DBS three two (DBS3.2) and train-of-four (TOF) stimulation at supramaximal and/or submaximal currents was recorded using a mechanomyograph, and the ratios of the fourth to the first twitch (T4/T1) induced by TOF stimulation at supramaximal current, and the height of the second response to the first (D2/D1) induced by DBS at 30 mA and supramaximal current were calculated. The relations between control T4/T1 ratios determined by supramaximal TOF stimulation and D2/D1 ratios determined by supramaximal DBS3.3 and submaximal DBS3.3 were Y = 0.99X + 0.08 and Y = 1.01X + 0.04, respectively, and there was no statistical difference between the two regression lines. The same relation between T4/T1 ratios and D2/D1 ratios by DBS3.2 were Y = 0.69X + 0.05 and Y = 0.72X + 0.02, respectively, and there was no significant difference. It is concluded that evaluation of the response to DBS at 30 mA has the same reliability as evaluation with supramaximal current.

[Clinical characterization of allergic patients sensitized to Chamaecyparis obtusa--using AlaSTAT system]

Clinical characterization of patients with allergy to Chamaecyparis obtusa (Cypress) pollen and their specific IgE antibody was investigated by using AlaSTAT assay, a new method for measurement of antigen-specific IgE antibody. Positive rate of antigen-specific antibody in patients with allergic pollinosis was 83.5% for Japanese cedar pollen and 80.0% for Chamaecyparis obtusa pollen. 76.4% of patients were sensitized both to Japanese cedar and Chamaecyparis obtusa pollen, however, 7.9% were sensitized only to the latter. As for clinical symptoms, duration of attack was short and severity was mild or moderate in the patients sensitized only to Chamaecyparis obtusa pollen. Patients who visited hospital in April, in that Chamaecyparis obtusa pollen disseminated in the air predominantly, showed significant elevation in AlaSTAT scores compared with patients who visited in February and March (p < 0.05).

Inhibition by ouabain of palytoxin-induced catecholamine secretion and calcium influx into cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The effect of ouabain on palytoxin (PTX)-induced catecholamine secretion from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells was examined in relation to its effect on calcium (Ca2+) influx into the cells. Ouabain showed concentration-dependent inhibition of catecholamine secretion induced by PTX. Ouabain also inhibited [45Ca]2+ influx induced by PTX, this inhibition being parallel with that of catecholamine secretion. The inhibitory effects of ouabain on PTX-induced catecholamine secretion and [45Ca]2+ influx were both overcome by increasing the concentrations of PTX, indicating that ouabain inhibited the actions of PTX in a competitive manner. These results suggest that the ouabain-sensitive (or-binding) site on the cell membrane might be the target site of action of PTX, which causes an increase in Ca2+ permeability and initiation of catecholamine secretion.

Cloning and expression of a complementary DNA encoding the bovine receptor for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)

A cDNA encoding a pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) receptor was cloned from a bovine brain cDNA library using a synthetic oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of the PACAP receptor purified from the bovine brain. The cloned cDNA encoded a polypeptide of 513 amino acid residues with seven putative transmembrane domains. The deduced amino acid sequence exactly matched the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified PACAP receptor. It also shared an apparent similarity with the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), secretin, growth hormone releasing hormone, calcitonin, and glucagon receptors, suggesting that the PACAP receptor is a member of the secretin receptor subfamily of the guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein-coupled receptor family. Northern blot analysis showed that the size of the major mRNA band which hybridized with the cDNA was about 7 kb in the bovine cerebral-cortex and hippocampus. An expression vector containing the cloned cDNA for the PACAP receptor was introduced into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The affinity of PACAP receptors expressed on the transfected CHO cells was quite similar to that of natural PACAP receptors on the bovine brain membranes. Competitive binding experiments showed that PACAP38 displaced the binding of 125I-labeled PACAP27 to the receptors on the CHO cells more efficiently than PACAP27, while VIP was less effective. In addition, both of PACAP27 and PACAP38 elevated the levels of cAMP and inositol phosphates in the transformed CHO cells. These results indicate that the PACAP receptors encoded by the cloned cDNA are identical to the purified PACAP receptors, and that they can stimulate dual signaling cascades.

Metabolism of 3,5,3',5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl by rat liver microsomes and purified P4501A1

1. The metabolism of 3,5,3',5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB) was investigated with liver microsomes and purified P450 from the male Wistar rat. 2. One novel metabolite was produced after incubation with liver microsomes derived from the 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)- and 3,4,5,3',4'-pentachlorobiphenyl-pretreated rat, but not after incubation with those from the untreated or phenobarbital (PB)-pretreated rat. These results suggest that P450 isozyme(s) induced by MC-type inducers is involved in 3,5,3',5'-TCB metabolism. 3. The chemical structure of this metabolite was identified to be 4-hydroxy-3,5,3',5'-TCB by comparison of its retention time in glc and the ms with those of a synthetic sample. 4. Purified rat P4501A1, a major MC-inducible P450 isozyme, catalyzed the 4-hydroxylation of 3,5,3',5'-TCB, but P4502B1, a major PB-inducible isozyme, was inactive. 5. Reduced glutathione completely inhibited the formation of the hydroxylated metabolite, suggesting that 4-hydroxylation of 3,5,3',5'-TCB proceeded via the 3,4-epoxide.

Human carcinoma cell lines produce biologically active leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)

We investigated the production of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) by human carcinoma cell lines. LIF mRNA was detected by Northern blot analysis in all 24 carcinoma cell lines of the lung, breast, stomach, colon, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and melanocytes. Seventeen of them (70.8%) secreted LIF in the culture supernatant (range: 40.4-3990.3 pg/ml, mean +/- SEM: 611.8 +/- 262.9 pg/ml). Biologic activity of LIF was confirmed in the culture supernatant of carcinoma cell lines by the MTT assay using M1 cells. The present results showed that human carcinoma cell lines are constitutively producing biologically active LIF. The possible biological significance of LIF produced by cancer cells is discussed.

Genetic changes in atypical hyperplasia and lymphoma with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy and dysproteinaemia in the same patients

The transition between atypical hyperplasia and lymphoma with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy and dysproteinaemia (AILD) was studied in serial lymph node biopsy specimens from five patients using DNA analysis with Southern blot analysis, polymerase chain reaction, chromosomal analysis, and immunophenotyping. The chromosomal analysis showed additional abnormalities as the disease progressed to those present initially, and immunological staining showed a corresponding increase in the numbers of CD4- and Ki67-positive cells. In the first biopsy from each patient a diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia with AILD was made and lymphoma excluding by the finding of only a few atypical lymphoid cells and the preservation of follicles with germinal centres. DNA analysis of lymph nodes at this stage showed either germ lines or oligoclonal rearrangements of the T-cell receptor (TCR) and immunoglobulin heavy chain genes. In the final biopsy, when a diagnosis of lymphoma with AILD was made, either a monoclonal rearrangement of the TCR was observed or one of the rearranged bands had increased in density. These results suggest selective proliferation of a clone of abnormal cells may account for the progression of atypical hyperplasia to lymphoma with AILD.

Population analysis of cellular responses to synthetic peptides of Der p II, a major allergen molecule of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, in allergic and nonallergic subjects

Responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to synthetic oligopeptides of Der p II, one of the major allergen molecules of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, were compared between allergic and nonallergic subjects. Healthy subjects showed positive responses to crude extracts of D. pteronyssinus, but only allergic subjects showed elevated cellular responses to Der p II. We synthesized three oligopeptides of Der p II in which motifs of a possible T-cell epitope were included. Of 14 subjects with positive response to Der p II, three responded to all three peptides, while five did not respond to any peptide tested. In 11 allergic patients who showed positive response to Der p II, responsiveness to the peptide K33-T47 was significantly higher than that to other peptides (P < 0.05). All the responding patients were also positive for scratch test to Der p II, suggesting that those epitopes induced IgE-promoting helper T-cell response in allergic persons. On the other hand, the in vitro cellular responses were not necessarily correlated to IgE production against Der p II in healthy subjects.

K(+)-linked release of oxidized glutathione induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in perfused rat liver is independent of lipid peroxidation and cell death

The tert-butyl hydroperoxide (BHP)-induced release of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and K+ was studied in relation to lipid peroxidation and cell death using isolated perfused rat livers. Infusion of BHP into the perfused liver resulted in an early and simultaneous release of GSSG and K+ and a sustained release of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS) into the effluent perfusate, which was followed by further prenecrotic leakage of K+ followed by lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). These actions of BHP were not significantly affected by cutting or ligating the bile duct, and they were potentiated by omitting Ca2+ from the perfusion medium. Co-infusion of desferrioxamine, propyl gallate and diethyldithiocarbamate suppressed TBARS release as well as the later leakage of K+ and LDH. Desferrioxamine was also effective under Ca(2+)-free conditions. N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine inhibited TBARS release, but it was not protective against cell death, although there was some delay. The action of dithiothreitol was only moderate. On the other hand, leakage of TBARS, K+ (prenecrotic) and LDH was enhanced by cysteamine and beta-mercaptoethanol and most markedly enhanced by ferrous iron. However, none of these agents markedly affected the early release of GSSG and K+. These observations, which support our previous findings, suggest that the early and coupled sinusoidal efflux of GSSG and K+ caused by BHP is independent of lipid peroxidation and cell death and that they represent a physiological mechanism of GSSG release. The results also suggest that lipid peroxidation is not the sole cause of BHP-induced cell death.

Selective inhibitory effect of bufalin on growth of human tumor cells in vitro: association with the induction of apoptosis in leukemia HL-60 cells

We found that bufalin, an active principle of the Chinese medicine chan'su, has selective inhibitory effects on the growth of various human cancer cells. In order to examine whether the growth-inhibitory effect of bufalin on human cancer cells is associated with apoptosis, human leukemia cells were treated with bufalin. HL-60, ML1, and U937 leukemia cells treated with bufalin at 10(-8) M and above had condensed and fragmented nuclei. Flow cytometric analysis of these cells treated with bufalin showed fragmented DNA smaller than that of the G1 phase. DNA of HL-60 cells treated with bufalin showed a ladder pattern characteristic of apoptosis, as analyzed by agarose gel electrophoretic analysis. DNA synthesis and topoisomerase II activity of HL-60 cells were markedly inhibited as the concentration of bufalin was increased. The concentration needed for inducing apoptosis of HL-60 cells was 10(-8) M, which is comparable to that of camptothecin, but lower than those of other antitumor drugs such as cisplatin, VP16 and all-trans retinoic acid. Apoptosis was not observed when human mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells were treated with 10(-6) M bufalin for 24 h. These results indicate the association of the growth-inhibitory effect of bufalin with the induction of apoptosis, at least in HL-60 cells, and suggest the usefulness of bufalin for differentiation-apoptosis-inducing therapy for cancer.

Effects of the potassium channel openers cromakalim and pinacidil on catecholamine secretion and calcium mobilization in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The effects of two K+ channel openers, cromakalim and pinacidil, on voltage-dependent and receptor-mediated catecholamine secretion and Ca2+ mobilization in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were studied to determine the role of membrane K+ channels in the regulation of a Ca(2+)-dependent secretory process. Both cromakalim and pinacidil stimulated the efflux of 86Rb (used to monitor K+ permeability) from preloaded cells. Cromakalim and pinacidil did not affect the catecholamine secretion induced by excessive depolarization with 56 mM K+, but inhibited that induced by moderate depolarization with 31 mM K+ in a concentration-dependent manner (1 microM-100 microM). The 31 mM K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ influx and increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i were also inhibited by these agents at similar concentrations to those for inhibition of catecholamine secretion. Cromakalim and pinacidil inhibited catecholamine secretion, 45Ca2+ influx and increase in [Ca2+]i induced by stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors with carbamylcholine. Furthermore, both cromakalim and pinacidil inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by carbamylcholine in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, which is thought to be mediated by muscarinic ACh receptors. On the other hand, they did not affect catecholamine secretion induced by Bay-K 8644, Ba2+, A23187, histamine or bradykinin. These results indicate that the K+ channel openers, cromakalim and pinacidil, selectively inhibit catecholamine secretion induced by moderate depolarization or by nicotinic ACh receptor stimulation by inhibiting Ca2+ influx and increase in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, the results suggest that these K+ channel openers-sensitive membrane K+ channels are involved in the regulation of catecholamine secretion mainly indirectly through effects on the voltage-dependent membrane Ca2+ channels.

Cyclic hexapeptide endothelin receptor antagonists highly potent for both receptor subtypes ETA and ETB

A cyclic hexapeptide, cyclo(-D-Asp-Trp-Asp-D-Leu-Leu-D-Trp-), designed from cyclo(-D-Glu-Ala-D-alloisoleucyl-Leu-D-Trp-), an ETA receptor-selective antagonist, possessed not only affinity similar to that of BQ-123 for ETA but also higher affinity for ETB than BQ-123. Further modification led to the discovery of cyclo(-D-Asp-Asp(Php)-Asp-D-Thg-Leu-D-Trp-) (Asp(Php): 1-beta-aspartyl-4-phenylpiperazine; Thg: 2-(2-thienyl)glycine) that inhibited [125I]ET-1 binding to the ETA and ETB receptors with IC50 values of 0.082 nM and 120 nM, respectively. Although this compound possesses 1470-fold less affinity for ETB than for ETA, it behaves as a non-selective antagonist that equipotently inhibits vasoconstriction mediated by both receptor subtypes ETA and ETB.

Radiographic features in lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas

Two cases of pancreatic lymphoepithelial cyst are presented. Abdominal ultrasonography and endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated cysts containing keratinized material, indicative of this diagnosis.

Expression of an endogenous and a heterologous gene in Candida maltosa by using a promoter of a newly-isolated phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) gene

A gene encoding phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) was isolated from the genomic library of C. maltosa to construct an expression vector for this yeast. The PGK gene had an open reading frame of 1,251 base pairs encoding approximately 47-kDa polypeptide of 417 amino-acid residues. Expression of this gene assayed by Northern-blot analysis was significantly induced in cells grown on glucose but not in cells grown on n-tetradecane, n-tetradecanol, or oleic acid. By using the promoter region of this gene, an expression vector (termed pMEA1) for C. maltosa was constructed and expression of an endogenous gene (P450alk1 encoding one of cytochrome P450s for n-alkane hydroxylation in C. maltosa) and a heterologous gene (LAC4 encoding Kluyveromyces lactis beta-galactosidase) was tested. Expression of P450alk1 gene was confirmed at both mRNA and protein levels. LAC4 gene expression was confirmed by determining beta-galactosidase activity. The activity in cells grown on various carbon sources correlated very well with the expression levels of PGK mRNA in these cells.

Participation of opioid receptor types on post-tetanic twitch inhibition in isolated guinea-pig ileal longitudinal muscle

The participation of opioid receptor types in the inhibition of the twitch (0.1 Hz, 0.5 msec duration, maximum intensity) following high frequency stimulation (10 Hz, 0.5 msec duration, maximum intensity for 1 min) (post-tetanic twitch inhibition) was investigated in isolated guinea-pig ileal longitudinal muscle using highly selective mu, kappa and delta opioid receptor antagonists. The mu antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA), produced a concentration-dependent twitch inhibition, which disappeared with thorough washing. The concentration-response curve of the twitch inhibition for morphine was shifted rightward about 10-20-fold by beta-FNA pre-exposure, whereas that for dynorphin 1-13 inhibition remained unchanged. However, after thorough washing of beta-FNA the twitch inhibition of morphine continued during the post-tetanic twitch inhibition for as long as it was tested. The post-tetanic twitch inhibition was partially antagonized by beta-FNA pretreatment and further antagonized by additional exposure to naloxone (NLX). In the presence of nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a kappa antagonist, which has no effect on the twitch inhibition of morphine, the concentration-response curve of the twitch inhibition of dynorphin 1-13 was shifted rightward approx 100-fold. The post-tetanic twitch inhibition was antagonized by nor-BNI, and no further antagonism was produced by NLX. (Allyl)2-Tyr-Aib-Aib-Phe-Leu (ICI 174,864), a delta antagonist, did not affect the post-tetanic twitch inhibition. These results suggest that both mu and kappa opioid receptors participate in post-tetanic twitch inhibition in isolated guinea-pig ileal myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle (MPLM).

[Effect of efonidipine hydrochloride (NZ-105), a new dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, on the experimental atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits]

We studied the effect of efonidipine hydrochloride [NZ-105:(+-)-2-[benzyl(phenyl)amino]ethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5- (5,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinan-2-yl)-4-(3-nitrophenyl )-3-pyridine-carboxylate hydrochloride ethanol], a newly synthesized dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, on atherosclerosis in 1% cholesterol-fed rabbits. NZ-105 (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) was orally administered to the animals twice a day for 10 weeks. NZ-105 did not cause any significant change in the plasma lipid levels. The area of atherosclerotic lesion was reduced by 37% (P < 0.05) in the aortic arch and by 54% (P > 0.05) in the thoracic aorta of rabbits administrated 100 mg/kg of NZ-105. The content of cholesterol ester in the aorta was also reduced by 64% (P < 0.05) in the aortic arch and by 73% (P > 0.05) in the thoracic aorta. These results suggest that NZ-105 may suppress the development of atherosclerosis without affecting the plasma lipids.

Calcium efflux from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells induced by bradykinin

The effect of bradykinin on Ca2+ efflux from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells was examined. Bradykinin enhanced the efflux of 45Ca2+ from the cells in a concentration dependent manner (10(-9)-10(-6) M). This effect was inhibited by a specific bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist, but not by a B1-receptor antagonist. Nifedipine, Co2+ and Cd2+ did not inhibit the bradykinin-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux from the cells. 12-O-Tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, also had no effect on the efflux of 45Ca2+ from the cells. The increase in bradykinin-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux was reduced by removal of extracellular Na+. These results suggest that bradykinin stimulates Na+/Ca2+ exchange in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

Human papillomavirus type 16 DNA detected by the polymerase chain reaction in non-cancer tissues of the head and neck

Cancer-free tissues from various anatomical subsites in the head and neck were examined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. We detected HPV-16 DNA in 9 of 103 samples (8.7%), including specimens from the paranasal sinuses, tonsil, hypopharynx and larynx. However, no HPV-16/18 DNA was detected by Southern hybridization in these 9 samples. The significance of the presence of HPV-16 DNA in non-cancer tissues is still unknown, but PCR detection only of high-risk HPV DNA in head and neck cancer should be evaluated cautiously because of its ubiquity in this region.

[Sevoflurane anesthesia for a patient with facioscapulohumeral muscle dystrophy]

We gave anesthesia to a patient with facioscapulohumeral muscle distrophy (FSHMD). Patient was an 18 year old male, having no peculiar complaint and without family history nor past history relating to FSHMD. The restriction of right arm lifting was pointed out in medical examination. Diagnosis of FSHMD was made by muscle biopsy. The thoraco-scapula fixation was scheduled. Four hours prior to the induction, dantrolene 50 mg was administered per os. Before the induction, to estimate the effect of neuromuscular blockade, we applied Datex Relaxograph to the upper and lower extremities. Anesthesia was induced with thiamylal 200 mg and vecuronium 4 mg, and maintained with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide monitoring ETCO2. The time for the onset of muscular relaxation after the administration of vecuronium was quite different between upper and lower extremities (200 sec. and 407 sec.). Neostigmine and atropine for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade was administered evaluating the extent of neuromuscular relaxation obtained from Datex Relaxograph. We concluded that Relaxograph is essential as a monitor of muscular relaxation, especially in the case of neuromuscular disease.