The effects of salicylate on ketogenesis, gluconeogenesis and urea production in rat liver perfusion

In order to elucidate the relation between the hepatotoxicity of salicylate (SA) and the pathogenesis of Reye's syndrome (RS), urea production, gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis were investigated in isolated perfused rat livers in the presence of salicylate (SA) and oleate. Although urea formation from 0.5 mM NH4Cl, 2 mM ornithine and 0.3 mM oleate was not inhibited by infusion of SA, 3 mM SA caused a 26% decrease of ketogenesis, 85% decrease of 3-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratio (30HB/AcAc) and 45% increase of oxygen consumption. Glucose production from 2 mM pyruvate in the presence of 0.3 mM oleate decreased by 33% after administration of 3 mM SA, and 30HB/AcAc ratio also decreased by 33%. The decrement of gluconeogenesis and that of the 30HB/AcAc ratio were very close. These results suggested that ATP production was maintained but that the intra-mitochondrial redox state was changed to a more oxidized state after SA administration in perfused rat livers. This change in redox state could be responsible for the decrease of gluconeogenesis. Metabolic characteristics found in RS were not obtained by infusion of 3 mM SA and 0.3 mM oleate in rat livers. Therefore, some other factors in addition to SA seem necessary to establish an animal model of RS.

[A study on endoscopic hemostasis from the viewpoint of morphologic traits of Dieulafoy ulcer--an attempt at endoscopic hemostasis by local injection of aethoxysklerol and ethanol]

Characteristics of the vascular course of ruptured vessels in the submucosal layer of Dieulafoy ulcer were studied, and endoscopic hemostatic treatment was performed using Aethoxysklerol and ethanol. 1) Observations of vessel courses in serial sections revealed that ruptured vessels in Dieulafoy ulcer exhibit rhexis in the lateral portions of the vessel and long courses over the ulcer margin in the submucous layer. 2) More dependable hemostasis seemed to be provided by thrombosis not only at the source of bleeding. i.e., at the site of vessel rupture, but also in the region of the whole ruptured vessel in the submucous layer. 3) Hemostatic treatment by local injection of Aethoxysklerol and ethanol was performed in 4 patients with Dieulafoy ulcer, and complete hemostasis was achieved in all 4 patients.

[A well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma within adenomatous hyperplasia]

A 37-year-old male was admitted to hospital for jaundice and ascites. An ultrasonogram revealed a hypoechoic mass located in the right anterior inferior segment. A needle specimen of the liver was taken, and its biopsy led to a histological diagnosis of a hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient subsequently underwent an operation wherein it was found that the resected tumor that was taken was not clearly demarcated from the cirrhotic parenchyma. The histological diagnosis was an adenomatous hyperplasia. In a portion of this adenomatous hyperplasia, highly consistent hepatic cells and pseudogland formations were seen, confirming the diagnosis of a well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma within an adenomatous hyperplasia.

Immunoblot analysis of antibodies in human strongyloidiasis

An electrophoretic transfer technique was used to investigate qualitatively the production of antibodies to Strongyloides stercoralis larvae in 56 patients with strongyloidiasis. SDS-PAGE analysis of the larval extract revealed the presence of at least 33-39 polypeptide bands under either reducing or non-reducing condition. In the immunoblot analysis, almost all patients showed positive reactivity to the polypeptide bands. The reactivity, however, revealed significant variation among the patients, ranging in number of bands from only one to more than 18. Among the bands, 4 with molecular sizes of 97, 66, 41 and 26 kDa were frequently recognized by the patients' sera, indicating that these antigenic components may form an available antigen for immunological testing for strongyloidiasis. On the other hand, the reactivities were very faint in cases of overwhelming strongyloidiasis.

[A case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and bullous pemphigoid-like skin lesion combined with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura]

A case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and bullous pemphigoid (BP)-like skin lesion combined with Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is reported. A 25-years-old male, who had been diagnosed as ITP and treated at another hospital, was admitted in this hospital recently complaining of disseminated bullous-vesicular eruptions on the whole body and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Examinations, disclosed that RBC was 364 X 10(4)/microliters, reticulocyte 40, platelet 3000/microliters, direct and indirect Coombs test positive, and platelet Coombs consumption test was positive leading to the diagnosis of AIHA and ITP, known as "Evans syndrome." Vesicular biopsy-findings and immunofluorescence study showed suspicion of BP, but clinical course and blister was not improved though the administration of prednisolone was performed. Reports of cases of BP complicated by Evans syndrome are very few. AIHA, ITP and BP are considered to have autoimmune disorders and their pathogenetic mechanism are discussed. This patient consulted another hospital one year later, when we heard that skin eruptions already had disappeared.

Enzymatic and non-enzymatic formation of free radicals from aflatoxin B1

Formation of free radicals from aflatoxin B1 was demonstrated in systems of a) NADPH/microsome, b) H2O2/peroxidase, c) UV irradiation, d) silver oxide oxidation and e) alkaline dimethyl sulfoxide. In a) to c), radical spots were detected in thin-layer chromatograms. Among several known metabolites of aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin M1 was active in generation of free radical. These results suggest a possible role of free radical metabolites in the cytotoxicity of this hepatocarcinogen.

Identification of opioid-binding materials of rat brain

Digitonin-solubilized opioid receptors from rat brain were purified with an affinity resin, AH-Sepharose coupled with [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE). Radioreceptor binding assay showed that the purified materials had specific opioid-binding activity of 310 pmol/mg protein on DADLE binding. Analyses by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) revealed that the materials were rich in two polypeptides; the major component had a molecular weight of 62000-64000. To establish the materials responsible for binding opiates, the purified materials were cross-linked with 125I-labeled beta-endorphin using bis[2-(succinimidooxycarbonyloxy)-ethyl]sulfone as a cross-linker. The molecular weight of 62000-64000, the major band of the purified materials on SDS-PAGE, agreed closely with that determined by the cross-linking experiment. The results suggest that the purified materials contained opioid-binding materials (opioid receptors).

[Alteration of erythrocyte membrane proteins in a family with hereditary spherocytosis]

Erythrocyte membrane proteins in a family of nine with hereditary spherocytosis in Okinawa were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of 0.1% SDS. An abnormality in the membrane protein component band 4.2 (MW 72 kDa) on the electrophoresis was observed. Deficiency in band 4.2 was found in three sibling in the family and a small but significant decrease was noted in three other members. However, change of this component was not found in the remaining members of the family or in normal subjects.

Application of fast atom bombardment with tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to the analysis of acylcarnitines in human urine, blood, and tissue

Using a precursor-ion scan function on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, acylcarnitines were detected in the target matrices at or below concentrations of 1 nmol per gram by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Acylcarnitine profiles from patients with known metabolic disorders were consistent with previously acquired data. Putative acylcarnitine signals were confirmed in one case by administration of stable isotope-labeled carnitine, which equilibrated rapidly with the endogenous pool. The addition of a continuous flow system enabled rapid sequential analysis without operator intervention, indicating the potential for automation of the analytical procedure. Incorporation of a micro-LC column enabled on-line liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of selected patient samples. Large-scale screening and quantitative analysis of urine or blood for diagnostic acylcarnitines are now practicable.

Affinity resins for the purification of opioid-binding materials

Two new affinity resins for the purification of opioid-binding materials were prepared. One was AH-Sepharose coupled with [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin and the other was AF-Amino Toyopearl with [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalin. Solubilized-opioid receptors from rat brain were treated with these affinity resins and the materials with opioid-binding activities were purified. On sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the purified materials showed one major band with a molecular weight of 62000-64000. The results suggested that the prepared resins are useful tools for the purification of opioid receptors.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Are they related?

Comparative studies were performed on clinical and laboratory features of four patients with different types of T-cell lymphoma of the skin; adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), Sézary syndrome, mycosis fungoides, and Ki-1-positive lymphoma. All neoplastic cells studied showed a helper-inducer T-cell phenotype. A Ki-1-positive lymphoma is distinct from other types of cutaneous lymphomas because of unique morphologic and phenotypic features. Clonal proliferation of lymphocytes infected by human T-cell lymphotrophic virus (HTLV)-1 distinguishes ATLL from other T-cell lymphomas of the skin, especially in the endemic area of ATLL. From the pathogenic point of view, ATLL should not be included in a group with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.

Short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency in mice

A murine model for short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (SCAD) deficiency has been identified and characterized in BALB/cByJ mice. These mice have undetectable SCAD activity, severe organic aciduria; excreting ethylmalonic and methylsuccinic acids and N-butyrylglycine, and develop a fatty liver upon fasting or dietary fat challenge. The mutant mice develop hypoglycemia after an 18-h fast, and have elevated urinary and muscle butyrylcarnitine concentrations. Most of these findings parallel those of human disorders associated with SCAD deficiency and other beta-oxidation defects. This mouse model presents important opportunities to investigate the biology of mammalian fatty acid metabolism and the related human diseases.

Intracellular metabolism of biogenic amines in paraneurons

Serotonin is one of the representative biogenic amines produced from tryptophan in the gastrointestinal tract as well as in the brain. The pineal gland also synthesizes serotonin, but as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of melatonin. The first enzymic step in the biosynthesis of serotonin is the hydroxylation of L-tryptophan catalyzed by tryptophan 5-monooxygenase. The 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (L-5HTP) formed is then decarboxylated to serotonin. Since the second step is catalyzed by non-specific aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, whether or not a given cell has the capacity to synthesize serotonin depends on the existence of tryptophan monooxygenase, and regulation of the serotonin biosynthesis is achieved mainly by modulating the activity of the first step enzyme. The activity of tryptophan monooxygenase was detected in extracts of the mouse stomach and intestines, although this activity was as low as approximately 1/20 of that in similar extract of the mouse brainstem. The upper small intestine and colon had a higher level of activity than other parts, and in the upper small intestine the enzyme was found to reside primarily in enterochromaffin cells of the mucosa. The intestinal tryptophan monooxygenase shared a common antigenic character with the enzyme from murine mastocytoma and was immunologically different from the brain enzyme. The enzymic properties were also similar to those of mastocytoma tryptophan monooxygenase which requires loosely-bound functional iron (Fe2+) for the activity. It seemed likely that the activity of tryptophan monooxygenase in paraneurons such as mastocytoma and enterochromaffin cells depends on available ferrous iron, and is therefore regulated, at least in part, by the cytosolic level of chelatable iron.

Gastrocarcinogen N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine is an antiandrogen

The present study has investigated comparatively the in vivo effects of physiologic saline drink, N-methylN'-nitro-n-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) drink, saline-MNNG drink and hydrocortisone treatment in terms of 1 functional parameter (daily liquid consumption) and 3 weight parameters (weights of whole body, forestomach and glandular stomach) using Swiss/ICR mice of both sexes. The results obtained are as follows: 1) The sole use of hydrocortisone treatment significantly increased daily water consumption in mice of both sexes. 2) The promoting effect of the hormone on liquid consumption was further accelerated by concomitant use of physiologic saline. There was no sex difference in the extent of drink increase, but the figure of male mice was more variable than that of female mice. 3) The introduction of the 3rd stressor MNNG significantly reduced the salt-hydrocortisone-linked acceleration of liquid consumption. The extent of MNNG suppression was more marked in male mice than in female mice. 4) The responses of the 3 weight parameters to hydrocortisone were found to be tissue- and sex-specific. The dynamic changes of the above 4 parameters under the influence of the 3 stressors are in agreement with the interpretation that androgen plays a positive role in the salt-hydrocortisone-linked acceleration of liquid consumption, and that MNNG reverses the drink increase by inhibiting the binding of androgen with its receptor.

Reconstitution of partially purified opioid receptors with a GTP-binding protein

Partially purified opioid receptors, obtained from rat brains using an affinity resin, AF-Amino Toyopearl with [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalin, were reconstituted with an inhibitory GTP-binding protein (Gi). In the reconstituted system, the displacement curve for the binding of a delta-agonist, [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin, showed two states, high and low affinity binding ones, with different affinities for the agonist. The high affinity binding was eliminated by the addition of a guanine nucleotide analog to the system. These results directly showed that opioid receptors, at least the delta-type, could interact with Gi.

[Combination chemotherapy including cisplatin in lung cancer by bronchial artery infusion]

Chemotherapy with bronchial artery infusion (BAI) was given to 34 patients with primary lung cancer. Treatment regimens usually employed cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum (CDDP) plus peplomycin for squamous cell carcinoma, and CDDP plus vindesine for adenocarcinoma. The provisional therapeutic effects were evaluated roentgenographically with reference to histological type, T factor and degree of vascularization. Out of 10 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 7 cases (70%) showed tumor regression greater than 50%, in contrast to 4 of 17 cases (23.5%) of adenocarcinoma. The effects in cases of squamous cell carcinoma were correlated with tumor vascularity. Twenty-two surgically treated cases were examined for the histological effects of BAI. Five of 6 cases (83.3%) of squamous cell carcinoma showed IIb effects by Shimosato's criteria. These results showed that the therapeutic effect of BAI was excellent in cases of squamous cell carcinoma in comparison with cases of adenocarcinoma. Serious side effects including esophago-bronchial fistula, massive hemoptysis and esophageal ulcer were observed in 4 cases.

Demonstration of non-neural tryptophan 5-mono-oxygenase in mouse intestinal mucosa

Tryptophan 5-mono-oxygenase was demonstrated and its activity was measured in mucosal extracts of the mouse digestive tract by means of highly sensitive h.p.l.c. detection. The intestinal enzyme was activated by anaerobic incubation with dithiothreitol, as are the enzymes from mouse mastocytoma cells and bovine pineal gland. The dithiothreitol-enhanced activity was highest at the proximal portion of colon followed by that at the duodenum, where the unenhanced activity/enhanced activity ratio was highest. The enzymic and immunochemical properties of the intestinal tryptophan 5-mono-oxygenase were similar to those of the mastocytoma enzyme. In contrast, the intestinal enzyme was immunochemically different from brain tryptophan 5-mono-oxygenase. The possibility that connective tissue and/or mucosal mast cells are responsible for some of the enzyme activity of the duodenal mucosa was ruled out by the demonstration of the activity in extracts from a mast-cell-deficient mutant mouse (W/Wv). The enzyme in the duodenum was found to reside between the upper villus region and the bottom of the crypt, suggesting that it is mainly of enterochromaffin cell and not of submucosal nerve plexus origin.

Activation of deoxycholic acid by the lipid peroxy radical and its covalent binding to nucleic acids

Deoxycholic acid, a colon tumor promoter, was found to bind covalently to DNA and RNA in the presence of methyl linoleate hydroperoxide and ferrous ion. This binding was shown to occur specifically with guanine residues and its covalent nature was demonstrated by analysis of hydrolysates of nucleic acid adducts. These findings are discussed in connection with the increased risk of colon cancer associated with a high fat and meat diet.

Induction of ornithine decarboxylase activity in rat lung by neurotransmitters and peptide hormones

Ornithine decarboxylase activity of rat lung was induced by s.c. injection of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, vasopressin, angiotensin II, and adrenocorticotropic hormone, but not by gonadotropin, aldosterone, corticosterone or hydrocortisone. The possible significance of hormonal factors in lung carcinogenesis is discussed, based on the reported promoting activity of vasopressin in cultured cells.

Purification and some properties of two kinds of keratin-hydrolyzing enzymes of cow snout epithelium

Two kinds of keratin-hydrolyzing enzymes (KHEs) from cow snout epithelium were highly purified by affinity chromatography using soybean trypsin inhibitor-bound Sepharose. On gel filtration chromatography, the KHEs were eluted at a volume corresponding to a relative molecular mass (Mr) of 21,000. They were separated from each other by ion exchange chromatography. One of the enzymes had the same characteristics as urea extracted alkaline proteinase, of which optimal pH was at 8.5 to 9.0. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified enzyme showed a single band with Mr of 21,500 in the presence or absence of a reducing agent. The other enzyme was a neutral proteinase, with an optimal pH of 7.5. Both enzymes were inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and soybean trypsin inhibitor. Among the fluorogenic peptides that were hydrolyzed most effectively by the alkaline proteinase were peptidyl MCAs (4-methyl-coumaryl-7-amides) with extended sequences, Boc-Leu-Ser-Thr-Arg-MCA, and then Boc-Val-Pro-ARg-MCA. The neutral proteinase hydrolyzed the latter most effectively. They hydrolyzed preferentially high Mr keratins of cow snout and of newborn mouse epidermis, and showed a limited proteolysis toward 68,000 polypeptide, giving rise to distinct products. The high substrate specificity and extended subsites of the KHEs suggest their role on the metabolism of the high Mr keratins.

Natural killer activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes and its relation to histopathological factors of lung cancer

This investigation was intended to determine whether the natural killer (NK) activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) correlated with the histopathological factor, which is thought to be a result of a balance between tumor aggression and host resistance. The NK activity of PBL from 60 patients with lung cancer was measured by the lysis of 51Cr-labelled K562 target cells. The activity was significantly decreased with advancing stages of the disease, and inversely correlated with increased immunosuppressive substance levels of the serum. Histopathological factors, such as low grade pleural invasion of the tumor and abundant lymphoid cell infiltration around the tumor, were significantly associated with the high NK activity of PBL. These results show that a decrease in NK activity may play a role in identifying those individuals with a greater risk of cancer development.

Endogenous catabolism is the major source of toxic metabolites in isovaleric acidemia

A patient with isovaleryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency was given a synthetic oral feed containing L-(2H3-methyl)-leucine of high isotopic purity as the only dietary precursor to the defective enzyme. Metabolites derived from this source were readily distinguished from their unlabeled endogenous counterparts by mass spectrometry. During 6 consecutive days of labeled leucine ingestion, the average daily excretion of labeled metabolites was only about 10% of the total derived from leucine. It is suggested that therapy should be directed toward the control of endogenous protein turnover rather than the restriction of dietary protein intake.

The occurrence of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid in muscle extracts of the blood shell, Scapharca broughtonii

A novel ninhydrin-positive compound, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, was identified in the muscle extracts of the blood shell, Scapharca broughtonii. This compound is already known to have potent neuroexcitatory activity, inducing hypermotility and strong releasing action of serum luteinizing hormone in mammals. This may be, however, the first finding of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid in natural products.

A single case of hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria

A single case of hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria and an elevated level of serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D is reported. The characteristic features (genu valgum, rickets, short stature, increased renal phosphate excretion, decreased serum phosphorus level, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level, and normal serum calcium level) were comparable to those in hypophosphatemic vitamin D resistant rickets. Massive doses of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D were not effective for the rickets and the biochemical defect in this patient. Long-term phosphate supplementation on its own resulted in the reversal of all clinical and biochemical abnormalities except for the decreased ratio between the maximum tubular reabsorption rate for phosphorus and the glomerular filtration rate. In this patient, the concentration of serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D seemed to be controlled by the concentration of serum phosphorus rather than by the serum parathyroid hormone level. It is noted that this is the first case of a single hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria.

[An autopsy case of adult T-cell leukemia with acute hepatic failure]

An autopsy case of ATL with acute hepatic failure is reported. A 39-year-old man born in Miyazaki Prefecture was admitted because of jaundice and general malaise of about 10 days' duration. Palpation of the abdomen revealed moderate hepatomegaly: the patient had clear consciousness. The white cell count was 62,500/mm3, with 34% abnormal lymphocytes having lobulated or convoluted nuclei. Marked liver dysfunction (TB 30.5 mg/dl; GOT 2,740 U; GPT 1,031 U; LDH 3,833 U) was noted. He developed hepatic coma and died of acute hepatic failure on the third hospital day. At autopsy, the enlarged liver weighed 2,000 g and was diffusely infiltrated by ATL cells.

Serotonin in the lung. Demonstration of a close correlation to blood platelet

The dependency of a high level of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) in the lung on blood 5HT was examined. The whole lung excised from NOD/Shi mice (male, 8-12 week old) immediately after being sacrificed by cervical dislocation contained 2.86 +/- 1.21 micrograms/g of 5HT per wet tissue. This amount was much higher than that explained by the included blood which was estimated by the hemoglobin concentration in the lung extract. In order to decrease 5HT level in the blood, platelet was depleted by an exposure to gamma-ray. On the 10th day after the irradiation the amount of 5HT in the lung and blood decreased to about 3.1% and 1.5% of the respective normal values. The progressive decrease in 5HT in the lung and blood of the irradiated mice was prevented by the transplantation of normal bone marrow cells (10(7) cells/mouse). 5HT in the intestine did not change significantly. The correlation between 5HT in the excised lung and the number of platelets in the blood was statistically significant (correlation coefficient r = 0.61). The irradiated, platelet-deficient mice were incapable of accumulating serotonin in the lung, while normal mice increased the lung serotonin more than 3-fold, when high doses of 5HT were administered. The results indicated that the high level of 5HT in the dissected lung was closely related to platelet in the blood. A question remained where the majority of the measured 5HT was located in the lung tissue.

Purification of opioid-binding materials from rat brain

Opiate receptors were solubilized from rat brain with digitonin and treated with an affinity resin, AH-Sepharose coupled with [D-Ala2, Leu5]enkephalin. The eluted materials from the resin with the opioid peptide had opioid-binding activity. Based on the protein content of the purified materials, 450-fold purification over the solubilized receptors was achieved. Analyses by gel electrophoresis revealed that the purified materials were rich in one polypeptide with a molecular weight of 62,000.

Distribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) in tissue of a mutant mouse deficient in mast cell (W/Wv). Demonstration of the contribution of mast cells to the 5HT content in various organs

The content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) in various tissues of mutant mouse (W/Wv) deficient in mast cells and of control mouse (+/+) was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The depletion of mast cells in the mutant mouse (W/Wv) was expected to cause a decrease in the 5HT content. In the control mice, 5HT was most densely accumulated in the lung (9.66 +/- 5.23 micrograms/g). Large intestine (6.40 +/- 2.61 micrograms/g) and stomach (6.10 +/- 2.14 micrograms/g) followed the lung in the rating of the 5HT content. The 5HT content of W/Wv mice was only 23.4% and 4.1% that of the control in the stomach (p less than 0.01) and the skin (p less than 0.01), respectively. The results were consistent with the expectation. In other organs (small intestine, caecum, large intestine, brain, lung, blood and salivary gland), the difference between the W/Wv and normal mice was not statistically significant. The difference in the 5HT content of the stomach between the two genotypes was 4.67 micrograms/g and was much larger than the 5HT content (0.49 micrograms/g) of normal mouse skin. With regard to the relatively small number of mast cells present in the stomach, the great difference in the 5HT content in the stomach between the two genotypes cannot be explained by the loss of mast cells. Hence, besides mast cells other cells may contribute to the high 5HT content of the stomach.

Rimmed vacuoles in biopsied muscle of nemaline myopathy

A case of nemaline myopathy with rimmed vacuoles was presented. Muscle biopsy revealed type I fiber predominance with type grouping, thus suggesting that neurogenic factors played a pathologic role in the degenerative change.

Intracellular potential changes following coronary occlusion in isolated perfused rat hearts

A method of perfusing rat ventricles has been developed which permits the recording of intracellular potentials from up to 10 cell layers below the endocardial surface. Intracellular potentials from all layers remained the same for up to 1.5 h before occlusion. Regional occlusion of flow was produced by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery and then intracellular potentials were recorded from normal and occluded cells for up to 2 h after occlusion. Immediately after occlusion, marked changes in potentials were recorded from occluded tissue. The greatest change was in the duration of the action potential which showed a marked shortening. There was also a reduction in the maximum rise rate and action potential height with smaller falls in resting membrane potential. Changes were greatest in the deeper cells (layers 6-10) and least in superficial subendocardial cells which were always superfused with perfusion fluid. Occlusion increased the number of quiescent cells (no action potential) as well as the number of cells showing aberrant action potential configurations (e.g., double peaks). Similar changes in intracellular potentials following occlusion were also recorded from the subepicardial surface of anaesthetized rats in situ. Arrhythmias induced by occlusion were similar to those seen in conscious rats following occlusion of a coronary artery.

Enzyme defect in a case of tyrosinemia type I, acute form

We determined the activities of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT, EC 2.6.1.5), p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate oxidase (p- HPPA oxidase, EC 1.14.2.2) and fumarylacetoacetate fumarylhydrolase ( FAH , EC 3.7.12) in cytosol of the liver and kidney tissues obtained at autopsy from a case of hereditary tyrosinemia type I. Values were compared with those from a control group of autopsied tissues from three adults and six children, who had died of other causes. In tyrosinemia, these three hepatic enzyme activities were all decreased: TAT showed approximately 35%, p- HPPA oxidase 11%, and FAH 60% of the corresponding control values. On the other hand, kidney enzymes in tyrosinemia revealed that FAH was most significantly decreased to approximately 14% of the control activity. Km values for substrate--determined for p- HPPA oxidase and FAH --were not different between the patient and controls, suggesting no altered properties of these enzymes. We conclude that in the present case of hereditary tyrosinemia type I, the activities of p- HPPA oxidase in liver and FAH in kidney were most strikingly affected. This fact may in part explain the deteriorated metabolism of tyrosine observed in this patient.

Quantification of myonecrosis and comparison of necrotic activity of snake venoms by determination of creatine phosphokinase activity in mice sera

Serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) values were measured in venom-injected mice. The increase of CK levels was proportional to both the amount of venom injected and the myonecrotic actions determined microscopically. The CK isoenzymes were regarded as due to the predominant increase of CK-MM, which was considered to be of skeletal muscle origin in the venom-injected area. No CK isozyme variants were found by electrophoretic examination. For a comparative study on necrotic intensity, nine snake venoms were examined. The elapid venoms induced higher values of serum CK with a stronger necrotic effect than the crotalid venoms, and the data agreed with the histological findings. On application of the antivenom, an initially elevated CK value was significantly decreased and no severe damage was observed under light microscopy. Since the changes of serum CK activities paralleled necrotic intensity, the CK value is useful as an indicator of myonecrosis due to snake venom.

Folate supplements and phenytoin-salicylate interaction

We found biphasic fluctuations of serum phenytoin level when aspirin was added to chronic phenytoin therapy for an epileptic patient. The total serum phenytoin level was lowered initially by addition of aspirin. However, after 4 months on phenytoin-aspirin combination therapy, he showed elevated serum phenytoin levels, mild nystagmus, and serum folate deficiency.