[Relationship between cellular DNA contents and cell proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer estimated by simultaneous quantification of PCNA and DNA contents by flow cytometer]

Cellular DNA contents and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression were studied in 273 fresh specimens from 65 surgically resected non-small cell lung cancers (adenocarcinoma 36, squamous cell carcinoma 29), and the relationship between the cellular DNA contents, especially the DNA ploidy pattern, and the cell proliferation was evaluated. The cellular DNA content and PCNA labeling index (LI) % were assayed with flow cytometry using simultaneous double staining technique. The cells of G0/G1 phase of cell cycle were classified into two categories by the DNA index (DI); diploid cells (DI = 1.0) and aneuploid cells (DI > 1.0). PCNA LI % was measured at all phase and G0/G1 phase of cell cycle. PCNA LI % of diploid tumors was significantly higher than that of normal lung tissues (p < 0.05), and PCNA LI % of aneuploid tumors was significantly higher than that of diploid tumors (p < 0.05). PCNA LI % of diploid cells of tumors was significantly higher than that of diploid cells of normal lung tissues (p < 0.05), and PCNA LI % of aneuploid cells of tumors was significantly higher than that of diploid cells of tumors (p < 0.05). In adenocarcinomas, % aneuploid was directly correlated to PCNA LI % at all phase. From this result, it was concluded that DNA aneuploid tumors have a high cell proliferative pattern when the % aneuploid is high in DNA histogram.

Role of transcription factor Egr-1 in phorbol ester-induced phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase gene expression

Transfection of PC12-variant RS1 cells with an Egr-1 expression construct has previously been shown to stimulate phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) promoter activity, thus suggesting a putative role of Egr-1 as a factor regulating PNMT gene expression. To elucidate the physiological implication of this finding, the effects of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) on PNMT promoter activity and Egr-1 expression were examined. PMA stimulated luciferase expression in RS1 cells transfected with a rat PNMT promoter-luciferase reporter gene construct, and also elevated both Egr-1 mRNA and Egr-1 protein levels in the untransfected cells. Further study on the concentration dependence of PMA action showed that the stimulation of luciferase expression correlated with the elevation of Egr-1 mRNA level. Finally, the stimulatory action of PMA on luciferase expression was dramatically diminished in the cells transfected with a mutant construct in which the Egr-1 binding site in PNMT promoter was mutated. These findings suggest that PMA-stimulated PNMT gene expression requires the enhancement of Egr-1 expression, thus providing further evidence for the physiological role of Egr-1 in the regulation of PNMT gene expression in the adrenergic cell.

Clinical trial of a combination of rice bran fiber and cholestyramine for promotion of fecal excretion of retained polychlorinated dibenzofuran and polychlorinated biphenyl in Yu-Cheng patients

A clinical trial using the combination of rice bran fiber (RBF) and cholestyramine (CHO) was carried out on Yu-Cheng patients in 1993-1994. By the analysis of blood and stool samples collected from the patients before and after (or during in the case of stool), it was verified that the administration of RBF and CHO is effective for excretion of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) (p < 0.05) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF), especially 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (p < 0.05). However, the degree of effectiveness varied upon individual patients from 60 to 160% for 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-pentachlorodibenzofuran, from 30 to 110% for 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-hexachlorodibenzofuran and from 50 to 190% for PCB, respectively.

Platelet-activating factor mediated potentiation of stimulation-evoked catecholamine release and the rise in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in adrenal chromaffin cells

The effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on catecholamine (CA) release and intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were studied in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. PAF (1 nM-1 micron) alone had no effect on [Ca2+]i and basal CA release, but potentiated the [Ca2+]i rise and CA release evoked by acetylcholine (ACh) and by elevated extracellular K+. PAF did not potentiate the responses to caffeine in Ca(2+)-deficient medium or to Bay K 8644. In chromaffin cells pretreated with either BN 50739, tetrodotoxin and amiloride or in Na(+)-deficient medium, PAF failed to potentiate the stimulation-evoked [Ca2+]i rise and CA release. In contrast, neomycin, U 73122, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride or pertussis toxin were ineffective in blocking the potentiating effect of PAF. In a membrane fraction prepared from fresh bovine adrenal medulla, ligand-binding studies using [3H]WEB 2086 identified a PAF-displaceable binding site. These results are consistent with a model in which PAF modulates CA release by activating plasma membrane receptors that can enhance the [Ca2+]i rise via an Na(+)-dependent mechanism.

[Levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and coplanar PCBs in the blood and stool of Taiwanese Yu-Cheng patients]

Levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and coplanar PCBs were measured in the blood and stool obtained from seventeen patients with Yu-Cheng in Taiwan. The average total concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and coplanar PCBs in the blood collected from Yu-Cheng patients in January 1993 and August 1994 were 590 and 570 pg Toxic Equivalents (TEQs)/g lipid, respectively. The concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and coplanar PCBs in the blood of patients were 21, 540 and 10 pg TEQs/g fat, respectively. On the other hand, the fecal excretion of PCDDs, PCDFs and coplanar PCBs were 26, 720 and 15 pg TEQs/day, respectively. The composition of congeners in the feces was quite similar to the one in the blood. The half lives were estimated as 9.1 and 8.6 years for 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-pentachlorodibenzofuran and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-hexachlorodibenzofuran based on fecal excretion, respectively.

[Detection and localization of enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism using 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI): a study of subtraction scintigraphy with 99mTc-pertechnetate]

In this study we investigated the detectability of abnormal parathyroid gland(s) by 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy in patients with hyperparathyroidism. The subjects were 6 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) with a single adenoma and 13 patients with renal hyperparathyroidism (RHP) on chronic maintenance hemodialysis. The imaging data of 99mTc-pertechnetate were subtracted from those of 99mTc-MIBI (MIBI-Tc), and number and location of the positive images on scintigrams were compared with those obtained by conventional scintigraphy using 201Tl-Cl and 99mTc-pertechnetate (Tl-Tc). All of the patients underwent surgery, and the number and location of the abnormal parathyroid glands were confirmed. The number of resected parathyroid glands were 6 in PHP and 52 in RHP. The detectability of MIBI-Tc was 83.3% in PHP and 51.9% in RHP, while that of Tl-Tc was 100% and 44.2%, respectively. Although no statistically significant difference in the detectability was found between MIBI-Tc and Tl-Tc, the number of false positives with MIBI-Tc was less than that with Tl-Tc. The detectability of MIBI-Tc depended on the size of the parathyroid gland. The maximal diameter and weight of the smallest parathyroid gland detected were 15 mm and 290 mg in PHP, and 9 mm and 50 mg in RHP. The existence of the thyroid gland did not reduce the detectability of MIBI-Tc. In conclusion, MIBI-Tc was clinically very useful for the detection of abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism.

[Binding of PCB by several types of dietary fiber in vivo and in vitro]

We investigated the binding of PCB by dietary fiber in vivo and in vitro. Forty male rats consisting of four rats a group were housed and rats of each group were given a treatment diet containing rice-bran fiber, spinach fiber, burdock fiber, cabbage fiber, soybean fiber Japanese-radish fiber, carrot fiber, corn fiber and cellulose for five days. The remaining four rats were fed a non-fiber diet as controls. The animals were administered with 0.5 ml of the race-bran oil used by Yusho patients and kept on the same diets for five days. Fecal excretion of PCB in the group fed rice-bran fiber and spinach fiber was significantly (p < 0.01) stimulated 6.6 and 4.1 times, respectively, as compared with controls. Dietary fiber was suspended in distilled water, and methanolic solution of PCB was added to these suspensions. The mixtures were then incubated. After centrifugation, the unbound PCB in supernatant was analyzed by gas chromatograph. Rice-bran fiber and spinach fiber bount more PCB than any of the other dietary fiber. A significant correlation existed between the amounts of binding PCB in vitro and fecal PCB output in rats by eight types of dietary fiber (r = 0.986, p < 0.01).

[Effect of dietary fiber on fecal excretion and liver distribution of PCDF in rats]

Forty male rats (126 g body weight) consisting of four rats a group were housed and rats of each group were given a treatment diets containing cellulose, rice-bran fiber, spinach fiber, burdock fiber, cabbage fiber, soybean fiber, Japanese-radish fiber, carrot fiber and corn fiber for five days. The remaining four rats were fed a non-fiber diet as controls. The animals were orally administered with 0.5 ml of the rice-bran oil used by Yusho patients and kept on the same diets for five days. The rice-bran oil was contaminated with 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2, 3, 7, 8-T4CDF, 458.7 ng/ml), 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (2, 3, 4, 7, 8-P5CDF, 802.4 ng/ml) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-hexachlorodibenzofuran (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-H6CDF, 752.3 ng/ml). PCDF in feces and liver were analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The fecal excretion of 2, 3, 7, 8-T4CDF in the group fed rice-bran fiber and spinach fiber was significantly (p < 0.01) stimulated 11.3 and 6.8 times, respectively, as compared with controls. Moreover, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-P5CDF and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-H6CDF were excreted in stool at the rate of 4.1 and 3.4 times, respectively and 2.1 and 2.2 times, respectively, as compared with controls. These results suggest that administration of dietary fiber is useful for a new approach to therapy of Yusho patients.

Abnormal expression of apoptosis-related antigens, Fas and bcl-2, on circulating T-lymphocyte subsets in primary Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the pathological role of the apoptosis-related molecules expressed on peripheral blood (PB) lymphocyte subsets in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

METHODS

The levels of apoptosis-regulating proteins, Fas and bcl-2, were determined in the PB lymphocyte subsets from 21 patients with SS and 14 healthy controls by 2-color flow cytometry.

RESULTS

In the PB from SS patients, lymphocytopenia, especially CD4+ cell-lymphocytopenia, was prominent. As observed in previous studies, the percentages of CD4+ CD45RA+ cells were lower in the SS patients than in the controls, while activated (DR+) cells were increased in CD4+ cells from the patients. Fas+ cells were also increased in the patients' CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells, but not in their B cells or natural killer cells. Furthermore, we observed several positive correlations among the percentages of activated cells (DR+ cells or CD45RA-cells) and Fas+ cells recognized in the CD4+ and/or CD8+ cells from the patients. On the other hand, intra-cellular bcl-2 proteins measured as mean fluorescence intensity were significantly diminished in the CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, CD19+ cells, CD45RO+ cells and Fas+ cells from 14 SS patients compared with 12 healthy controls. In addition, the numbers and/or percentages of CD4+ cells and Fas+ cells positively correlated with their expression of bcl-2 in SS patients.

CONCLUSION

The abnormal balance between Fas and bcl-2 expression detected in the PB lymphocyte subsets from SS patients relates, at least partially, to the lymphocytopenia observed in the patients.

[Endourology update]

In urology, endoscopic surgery and laparoscopic surgery are generally named as endourology. Transurethral endoscopic surgery was originated in mid 19th century, and established by 1950s. At present, transurethral resection of the prostate, transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, transurethral incision of the urethral stricture, transurethral vesicolithotripsy, and transurethral ureterolithotripsy, were commonly performed in many urological clinics. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy were introduced in 1980s, and now, open operation for urolithiasis are rarely performed. In 1990s, as a new endourologic procedure, laparoscopic operations are being increasingly applied to the treatment of urological diseases; for example, laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy, laparoscopic varicocelectomy, laparoscopic exploration of non-palpable testis, laparoscopic nephrectomy, and laparoscopic adrenalectomy etc. Of the variety of treatment modalities available, the most effective and least invasive method should be selected appropriately. So, we anticipate the further advancement in minimally invasive therapy, interdependently with our sufficient experience and skills.

[Simple determination methods for blood grouping from biological stains. 1. Immunologic gold colloid aspiration test and dot ELISA test by membrane aspiration method for determining ABO blood groups from saliva specimens]

Two immunologic tests using nitrocellulose membrane and an aspiration device were applied to determine the ABO blood groups and secretor status from saliva specimens. First, immunologic gold colloid membrane aspiration test (IMAT) was performed with orange-red colloidal gold particles (GP) sensitized with anti-A or anti-B antibody or anti-H lectin (A chicken antiserum to O secretor saliva was also used as an anti-H reagent in some experiments). The boiled saliva specimens were serially diluted and dotted to the nitrocellulose membrane, which was equipped to a disposable aspiration kit, and the antibody- or lectin-coated GP was aspirated through the membrane. The stained saliva changed red by the immunologic binding of the GP. Test results could be obtained within some minutes. Detection limits of IMAT shown by saliva dilution were 1:100 to 1:10,000 for secretor salivas, whereas those for non-secretor salivas were 1:10 or lower. Second, a revised dot ELISA was performed by using the membrane aspiration device. The requisite time for this test (Dot ELISA-A) was 40 to 45 minutes, whereas that for conventional dot ELISA was 3 to 4 hours. The detection limits of the dot ELISA-A shown by the saliva dilutions were 1:1,000 to 1:100,000 for secretor salivas, whereas those for non-secretor salivas were 1:1,000 or below.

Multiplicity of cytochrome P-450 species involved in theophylline metabolism in mouse hepatic microsomes

To ascertain the multiplicity of the cytochrome P-450 (P-450) species participating in the individual metabolic conversion of theophylline by 8-hydroxylation, 3-demethylation and 1-demethylation in mice, kinetics were studied under various conditions using untreated and inducer-treated mouse hepatic microsomes. Eadie-Hofstee plots of 1-demethylation in untreated microsomes exhibited a straight line, whereas those of 8-hydroxylation and 3-demethylation were curved lines. The biphasic kinetics indicated the contribution of two P-450 populations to the respective metabolic pathways; one characterized by high affinity and low capacity, the other by low affinity and high capacity. The high affinity population was efficiently induced by beta-naphthoflavone (beta-NF), and was highly susceptible to inhibition by a specific CYP1A inhibitor. The low affinity population was sensitive to induction by phenobarbital (PB), and was markedly inhibited by preferential inhibitors for PB-inducible P-450 species. The present results indicated that two P-450 populations contributed to the theophylline metabolism in mouse hepatic microsomes, and that the high and low affinity populations corresponded, respectively, to CYP1A, and a PB-inducible P-450 species having a much higher capacity than CYP1A.

Changes in the serum protein binding of vancomycin in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection: the role of serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein levels

The relationship between albumin or alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) levels and vancomycin (VCM) protein binding was studied in 44 serum samples from the 10 patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection receiving VCM therapy. Eighty serum samples from 80 healthy subjects were used as a control for albumin and AAG levels. The protein binding percentage of VCM in the serum of the patients varied widely from 27 to 62%. The mean albumin level (34 g/L) was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects (46 g/L). There was no correlation between the binding percentage and serum albumin level in the patients (r = -0.25, p > 0.1). The mean AAG level in the patients (1.51 g/L) was significantly higher than in healthy subjects (0.59 g/L). There was a significant correlation between the binding percentage of VCM and serum AAG level (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). The binding percentage of VCM individual patients changed in parallel to serum AAG and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which is a useful marker of acute phase response. There were also significant correlations between AAG, albumin, and CRP levels. The present results indicate that the increased AAG level in serum of the patients appeared to have a significant effect on the protein-binding characteristics of VCM.

Decreased expression of protein phosphatase type 2A in HL-60 variant (HL-60RAr) cells resistant to induction of cell differentiation by all-trans retinoic acid

To evaluate the molecular basis for susceptibility of the cell differentiation induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), we examined biochemical activities and expression of protein phosphatases type 1 (PP1) and type 2A (PP2A) from HL-60 cells that are susceptible to differentiation induced by ATRA and HL-60RAr cells, HL-60 variant cells that are resistant to such induction. One nM of calyculin-A (CAL-A) achieved the enhancement of granulocytic differentiation in ATRA-treated HL-60 (1 microM) cells. ATRA exerted no differential action in HL-60RAr cells, but when used in combination with CAL-A, the differential activity was partly resumed at functional and phenotypic levels without change in morphology. The phosphatase activity in the cytosol from HL-60RAr cells was 50% of that from parental HL-60 cells, but the enzyme activities in either membrane or nuclear fractions showed similar values. The decreased phosphatase activity in the cytosol of HL-60RAr cells was mainly due to the decreased expression of the PP2A catalytic subunit. This low level of PP2A protein was reflected at a relative deficiency in expression of the PP2A beta gene in HL-60RAr cells. The exposure to 1 microM ATRA resulted in downregulation of PP2A catalytic subunit protein in HL-60 cells, but ATRA did not affect PP2A expression in HL60RAr cells. Both cell lines expressed the proteins of each PP1 catalytic subunit isozyme (i.e., PP1 alpha, PP1 gamma, and PP1 delta) at comparable levels. ATRA treatment had no effect on the levels of PP1 isozymes. Our results show a correlation between the extent of PP2A expression and the response of HL-60 and HL-60RAr cells to the differentiative effects of ATRA.

Isolation of Japanese encephalitis virus from mosquitoes collected in Sabak Bernam, Selangor, Malaysia in 1992

Detection and isolation of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus were attempted from female mosquitoes collected in Kampong Pasir Panjang, Sabak Bernam, Selangor, from May to November 1992. A total of 7,400 mosquitoes consisting of 12 species in 148 pools were processed and inoculated into Aedes albopictus clone C6/36 cell cultures. Of these, 26 pools showed the presence of viral antigens in the infected C6/36 cells by specific immunoperoxidase staining using an anti-JE virus polyclonal antibody. Presence of JE virus genome was confirmed in the infected culture fluid for 16 pools by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and JE virus-specific primers. Of these, 3 pools were from Culex tritaeniorhynchus, 4 from Culex vishnui, 3 from Culex bitaeniorhynchus, 2 from Culex sitiens, one from Aedes species, and 3 from Culex species. Isolation of JE virus from Cx. sitiens, Cx. bitaeniorhynchus, and Aedes sp. (Aedes butleri and Ae. albopictus) is reported for the first time in Malaysia.

Primary malignant lymphoma of the liver associated with cirrhosis induced by hepatitis C viral infection

We present a case of primary malignant lymphoma of the liver of B cell origin with cirrhosis induced by hepatitis C viral infection. A 75-year-old Japanese woman with chronic liver dysfunction was admitted for hepatic tumors. The tumors were hypoechoic on ultrasonography and hypodense on computed tomography. Antibody to hepatitis C virus was positive. Ultrasonically guided biopsy was performed, and we diagnosed hepatic lymphoma with cirrhosis induced by hepatitis C virus clinically and immunohistochemically. This case may be the first report of the association of these two diseases, and may provide additional evidence of a predisposition to malignancy in cirrhosis.

[Treatment results of conformation radiotherapy for stage I and II cervical cancer]

From 1977 to 1989, 214 patients with stage I and II cervical cancer were treated with two-axial conformational irradiation to the whole pelvis and Ra-intracavitary irradiation at the Department of Radiotherapy, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital. We evaluated the treatment results in comparison with the results of patients treated by conventional methods in our affiliated hospitals. Furthermore, we analyzed the factors that influenced primary and distant failures. The total dose for the whole pelvis was 4000-4560 cGy/5 weeks, and the brachytherapy dose was 2000-2800 cGy at point A. The cumulative 5-year survival, recurrence-free survival and regional control rates were 82.8%, 91.7% and 93.0% for stage I B, and 70.7%, 79.9% and 90.7% for stage II. These results were almost the same as those of the conventional group. Grade 3 recto-sigmoidal complications were observed in three of 94 patients in the conventional group and none of 214 in the conformational group. This difference was statistically significant. From these results, we conclude that two-axial conformational whole-pelvis irradiation is useful for the reduction of late complications.

[Study on tumor accumulation property of 99mTc-HM-PAO and 99mTc-MIBI in rabbits bearing VX-2 cancer]

Each of blood flow imaging agents has a potential usefulness as an agent for tumor scintigraphy. The usefulness for tumor scintigraphy of two agents, i.e. cerebral blood flow scintigraphy agent 99mTc-HM-PAO and myocardial blood flow scintigraphy agent 99mTc-MIBI, was comparatively studied using rabbits bearing VX-2 cancer. From then to twenty days after the implantation of VX-2 cancer into the femoral region of five rabbits, tumor to soft tissue accumulation ratio (T/S ratio) of each agent was calculated in early images (5 min after injection) and in late images (50 min after injection). Compared with 99mTc-MIBI, the T/S ratio of 99mTc-HM-PAO was higher and, moreover, the washout was delayed. These results suggest that there is a difference in tumor accumulation property between these two agents.

Comparison of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction of rat pulmonary artery to that of aorta in vitro

We investigated the nature of the contraction produced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the rat pulmonary artery, and compared it with that produced in the rat aorta. Both ketanserin and ritanserin inhibited 5-HT-induced contraction in the pulmonary artery non-competitively. In contrast, ketanserin competitively antagonized the contraction in the aorta. Bunazosin, a selective alpha 1-blocker, partially inhibited 5-HT-induced contraction in the pulmonary artery, but not in the aorta. In both the pulmonary artery and aorta, 8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A selective agonist, produced a concentration-dependent contraction. In the pulmonary artery, 5-HT and 8-OH-DPAT produced contractions with similar potencies. In contrast, 8-OH-DPAT was less potent than 5-HT in the aorta. Bunazosin inhibited 8-OH-DPAT-induced contraction in both vessels. However, pindolol, a 5-HT1A antagonist, did not inhibit 8-OH-DPAT-induced contraction in the pulmonary artery. These results suggest that 5-HT produces contraction via not only 5-HT2 receptor, but also non-5-HT2 receptor (probably alpha 1-adrenoceptor) in the rat pulmonary artery. Furthermore, 8-OH-DPAT does not activate the 5-HT1A receptor to produce a contraction, but does activate other receptors which interact with alpha 1-adrenoceptor.

Cyclic AMP enhances acetylcholine (ACh)-induced ion fluxes and catecholamine release by inhibiting Na+, K(+)-ATPase and participates in the responses to ACh in cultured bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells

The effects of cyclic AMP (cAMP) on intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i), membrane depolarization and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the involvement of cAMP in acetylcholine (ACh)-induced such cellular events and catecholamine (CA) release were studied in cultured bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. 8-Bromo-cyclic AMP (8Br-cAMP) and forskolin caused a rise in [Na+]i, membrane depolarization and a rise in [Ca2+]i and potentiated these responses and CA release to ACh. The effects of 8Br-cAMP or forskolin on ACh-induced changes of but not on basal level of [Na+]i, membrane potential and [Ca2+]i were blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM). In Na+ deprivated medium, forskolin failed to produce an increase in basal [Ca2+]i level and to potentiate ACh-induced rise. The similar results as in 8Br-cAMP and forskolin were obtained using ouabain, and 8Br-cAMP or foskolin produced no further effects in the presence of ouabain. Inhibitors of cAMP-dependent protein kinase not only blocked the effects of 8Br-cAMP and forskolin on membrane depolarization, [Ca2+]i rise and CA release, but also reduced these responses to ACh. From the similarity between the effects of cAMP and those of ouabain on the cellular events and the counteraction of the effects of cAMP by ouabain, it may be suggested that cAMP produces its effects on ion fluxes and CA release probably via an inhibition of Na+, K(+)-ATPase in intact chromaffin and cAMP may participate in the responses to ACh.

[An autopsy care of hemophagocytic syndrome associated with miliary tuberculosis]

A 56-year-old female with chronic renal failure secondary to diabetic glomerulosclerosis was hospitalized and had a fluminant clinical course with pancytopenia, abnormal liver function tests, and coagulopathy. Bone marrow aspirate findings were typical of reactive hemophagocytosis. The patient died after 21 days of hospitalization and autopsy findings showed disseminated miliary tuberculosis. To our knowledge, only eight cases of miliary tuberculosis with bone marrow hemophagocytosis have previously been described. The presence of reactive hemophagocytosis requires a prompt and thorough search for treatable infections.

[Two cases of chondrosacoma of rib]

Chondrosarcoma of rib origin is rare in Japan. We treated two cases of chondrosarcoma of rib origin. Case 1: A 68-year-old man with anterior chest wall mass and chest pain was underwent aspiration biopsy in Inami General Hospital. The histological examination showed Class V. Operation was done in our department and the histological diagnosis was chondrosarcoma. The tumor was 30 x 20 x 20 mm in size arising from the left fourth rib. The defect of bony chest wall was repaired with a double layer of Marlex mesh. His postoperative course was uneventful. Case 2: 66-year-old man noticed a tumor in left anterior part of the chest 7 months ago. He was underwent incisional biopsy and the histological diagnosis was chondrosarcoma. Radical resection was performed. The tumor was 70 x 50 x 50 mm in size arising from the left rib. His postoperative course was uneventful.

Pharmacological evidence for the possible involvement of repetitive action potentials in facilitation by GABA of catecholamine secretion in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

1. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) evokes catecholamine (CA) secretion and enhances the stimulation-evoked CA secretion via facilitation of Ca2+ entry in a Cl(-)-dependent manner. The present study was designed to investigate further the ionic mechanism of modulation by GABA of CA secretion from adrenal medulla, using a primary culture of bovine chromaffin cells. 2. Tetrodotoxin (TTX), a voltage-sensitive Na+ channel blocker, reduced GABA-evoked CA secretion. 3. Inhibition of the sodium pump by ouabain or removal of extracellular K+ enhanced GABA-evoked CA secretion in a TTX-sensitive manner. 4. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) and cesium, which are known to block some types of K+ channels, markedly enhanced GABA-evoked CA secretion in a concentration-related fashion. TEA-induced enhancement of the GABA-evoked CA secretion was attenuated by TTX or replacement of extracellular Na+ by choline. On the other hand, ouabain accelerated the effect of TEA. 5. TEA and ouabain also enhanced GABA-induced Ca2+ influx and accumulation of cytosolic Ca2+, assessed with 45Ca2+ uptake and quin2 fluorescence. 6. Veratridine increased accumulation of cytosolic Ca2+ in a TTX-sensitive manner. GABA facilitated the veratridine-induced elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ even when the GABA-induced rise of cytosolic Ca2+ levelled off. 7. These results suggest the involvement of repetitive action potentials in modulation of GABA by Ca2+ mobilization and, as a consequence, of the CA secretion in chromaffin cells.

Reliability of the probability effect on event-related potentials during repeated testing

The reliability of event-related potentials (ERPs) was studied in 10 healthy adults who were tested 8 times over 7-10 day intervals using a standard auditory oddball paradigm. The difference waveforms, obtained by subtracting the averaged waveforms for frequent trials from those obtained in rare trials, were designed to analyze the components of the ERPs, such as the P300, and to focus on the reliability of the probability effect on the ERPs. The between-session reliability (8 sessions) and the within-session reliability (order of blocks or of different visual procedures) were computed for the obtained difference waveforms. The between-session reliabilities, expressed as the intraclass correlations (r') for the P300 amplitude, area and latency, were 0.70, 0.61 and 0.65, respectively. The within-session reliability, presented as the Pearson correlation coefficients (r) for the three P300 measures were 0.43, 0.35 and 0.25 for different eyes. The values were 0.45, 0.39, 0.42 between the first and the second blocks (eyes-open) and 0.58, 0.47 and 0.29 (eyes-closed). These findings indicate that the P300 amplitude calculated from the difference waveforms may be the most stable marker for the between-session reliabilities. There were no significant differences in the P300 measures over the 8 sessions, suggesting that habituation may not occur with the difference waveform reflecting the probability effect on ERPs. The difference waveform may be useful in research on repetitive group ERPs.

Reduction of reoxygenation injury and nitric oxide production in the cyanotic immature heart by controlling pO2

Reintroduction of high levels of molecular oxygen after a hypoxic period is followed by a burst of nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite, and oxygen free radicals, which are highly cytotoxic. This study tests the hypotheses that a) controlled reoxygenation of cyanotic immature hearts when starting cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with high pO2 pressure of oxygen produces a reoxygenation injury, and b) this oxygen-related damage is avoidable by controlling the circumstances of the reoxygenation period (controlled reoxygenation). Of 40 immature piglets (2-3 weeks), 5 normoxic instrumented piglets served as control, and 6 underwent 1 h of CPB including 30 min of aortic clamping with blood cardioplegic (BCP) arrest without preceding hypoxia (BCP control). Twenty-nine others were made hypoxic (arterial pO2 20-30 mmHg) for up to 2 h by lowering the forced inspiratory oxygen (FiO2) on a ventilator. They were then reoxygenated on CPB as follows, 1) abrupt reoxygenation at pO2 400 mmHg in 5, (Reox), 2) gradual increase in pO2 from 30 to 400 mmHg in 5 (Graded Reox), both without BCP arrest, 3) starting CPB at different pO2 levels (hyperoxic, normoxic or hypoxic) for 5 min, followed by BCP arrest (Reox+BCP: pO2 > 400, 100 or 20-30 mmHg), in 19 others. Reoxygenation on CPB at pO2 more than 400 mmHg depressed contractility (endsystolic elastance [Ees] to 25 +/- 5% of control; P < 0.05), accompanied by reduced antioxidant reserve capacity [AORC] (P < 0.05 vs control), which was only slightly improved by Graded Reox (Ees 34 +/- 4%, P < 0.05 vs control).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)