Thermal and electronic transport properties and two-phase mixtures in La(5/8-x)Pr(x)Ca(3/8)MnO3

We measured thermal conductivity kappa, thermoelectric power S, and electric conductivity sigma of La(5/8-x)Pr(x)Ca(3/8)MnO3, showing an intricate interplay between metallic ferromagnetism (FM) and charge ordering (CO) instability. The change of kappa, S, and sigma with temperature (T) and x agrees well with the effective medium theories for binary metal-insulator mixtures. This agreement clearly demonstrates that with the variation of T as well as x, the relative volumes of FM and CO phases drastically change and percolative metal-insulator transition occurs in the mixture of FM and CO domains.

Induction and inhibition of testicular germ cell apoptosis by fluoroacetate in rats

Fluoroacetate (FA), an inhibitor of aconitase, is known to lower the intracellular level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which recently has been suggested to be a possible determinant of the form of cell death, apoptosis or necrosis. To investigate which form of germ cell death occurs in FA-induced testicular toxicity, adult Sprague Dawley rats were given a single oral dose of FA (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) and euthanized at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h thereafter. Germ cell degeneration was histologically first found in early round spermatids at stage I and in spermatogonia at stages II-IV of seminiferous tubules 6 and 12 h, respectively, after dosing. Degenerating spermatogonia exhibited characteristic features of apoptosis as demonstrated by both electron microscopy and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), whereas spermatids did not. At the 24 and 48 h time points, degenerating spermatids were continually present and subsequently formed multinucleated giant cells, while the number of degenerating spermatogonia and TUNEL-labeled spermatogonia was drastically and/or significantly decreased compared to those from the control group, indicating that spontaneous male germ cell apoptosis is inhibited. Coincident with these morphological changes, DNA laddering on gel electrophoresis was apparent only 12 h after dosing. The results demonstrate that FA induces either apoptosis or necrosis of male germ cells in the early stage after dosing and subsequently inhibits spontaneous apoptosis.

Comparison of isoflavones among dietary intake, plasma concentration and urinary excretion for accurate estimation of phytoestrogen intake

Biological effects of dietary isoflavones, such as daidzein and genistein are of interest in preventive medicine. We estimated the dietary intake of isoflavones from dietary records and compared the values with the plasma concentrations and urinary excretions in Japanese middle-aged women. The dietary intake of daidzein and genistein was 64.6 and 111.6 mumol /day/capita (16.4 and 30.1 mg/day/capita), respectively. The isoflavones intake was mostly attributable to tofu, natto and miso. The median of plasma daidzein and genistein concentration was 72.46 and 206.09 nmol/L, respectively. The median of urinary excretion was 20.54 mumol /day for daidzein, 10.79 for genistein, 15.74 for equol and 1.64 for O-desmethylangolensin (O-DMA). Equol and O-DMA were excreted by 50% and 84% of all participants, respectively. Equol metabolizers were significantly lower the plasma and urinary daidzein and urinary O-DMA. The dietary intake of daidzein and genistein after the adjustment for total energy intake was significantly correlated with the urinary excretion (r = 0.365 for daidzein and r = 0.346 for genistein) and plasma concentration (r = 0.335 for daidzein and r = 0.429 for genistein). The plasma concentration of isoflavones was also significantly correlated with the urinary excretion. We conclude that in epidemiological studies measurements of plasma concentration or urinary excretion of these isoflavones are useful biomarkers of dietary intake and important for studies on their relation to human health.

Heterogeneity of dermal deposition of eosinophil granule major basic protein in acute lesions of atopic dermatitis

Deposition of eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP) often occurs in acute and chronic lesions of atopic dermatitis, but it is not clear what the factors may be that are related to the MBP deposition in some skin lesions of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a personal or family history of respiratory atopy is related to the intensity of MBP deposition in acute lesions. We immunohistochemically stained biopsy specimens from acute, non-oozing indurated erythematous lesions of atopic dermatitis with BMK-13, a monoclonal antibody which recognizes MBP. The subjects were 40 adult patients with atopic dermatitis. Of the 40 patients, 22 had a personal history of respiratory atopy, 8 had a family history of respiratory atopy, and 10 had neither a personal nor a family history of respiratory atopy. Deposition of MBP was observed in the specimens from 24 (60%) of the 40 patients examined. Furthermore, there were great individual differences in the intensity of MBP deposition. A strong MBP deposition was often seen in specimens from patients with atopic dermatitis who had a personal or family history of respiratory atopy, but was absent in specimens from those patients with atopic dermatitis who had neither a personal nor a family history of respiratory atopy. We conclude that a strong MBP deposition seems to occur in acute lesions of those patients with atopic dermatitis who have a predisposition to respiratory atopy.

Comparison of various phosphate salts as the dietary phosphorus source on nephrocalcinosis and kidney function in rats

The effects of various phosphate salts as the dietary phosphorus sources on the development of nephrocalcinosis and kidney function were examined in rats fed diets containing monophosphate salts (sodium dihydrogenphosphate, NaH2PO4, or potassium dihydrogenphosphate, KH2PO4) or polyphosphate salts (sodium tripolyphosphate, Na5P3O10, or potassium tripolyphosphate, K5P3O10), at levels representing normal phosphorus (normal phosphorus diet) or high phosphorus (high phosphorus diet) contents for 21 d. High phosphorus diet-feeding increased the kidney calcium and phosphorus concentrations. Kidney calcium and phosphorus concentrations were higher in rats fed the high phosphorus diet containing Na5P3O10 or K5P3O10 than in rats fed the high phosphorus diet containing NaH2PO4 or KH2PO4. Nephrocalcinosis was observed in all rats fed a high phosphorus diet, and the degree of nephrocalcinosis was more severe in rats fed Na5P3O10 or K5P3O10 than in rats fed NaH2PO4 or KH2PO4. In rats fed the high phosphorus diet, creatinine clearance was higher in rats fed Na5P3O10 or K5P3O10 than in rats fed NaH2PO4 or KH2PO4. In rats fed Na5P3O10 or K5P3O10, urinary albumin excretion and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity in the urine were increased in rats fed the high phosphorus diet. These were higher in rats fed the high phosphorus diet containing Na5P3O10 than in rats fed the high phosphorus diet containing NaH2PO4 or KH2PO4. This study observed that the development of nephrocalcinosis and kidney function in rats fed the high phosphorus diet was influenced by the difference in monophosphate or polyphosphate salts provided as the dietary phosphorus source, while the effects of sodium and potassium salts were not evident. We suggest that the development of nephrocalcinosis and kidney function in rats fed a high phosphorus diet was altered depending on the form of phosphate salts provided as the dietary source of phosphorus. Additionally, the development of nephrocalcinosis and diminished kidney function in rats fed the high phosphorus diet was more severe for polyphosphate salts as compared to monophosphate salts.

Dietary heme iron does not prevent postgastrectomy anemia but fructooligosaccharides improve bioavailability of heme iron in rats

Gastrectomized rats exhibit iron deficiency anemia. We observed the effects of dietary heme-iron and short chain frucooligosaccharides (Sc-FOS) in relation to prevention of postgastrectomy anemia in rats. Twelve laparotomized (sham-operated) rats were fed iron-citrate (control) as iron source diet without or with Sc-FOS (75 g/kg of diet) and twenty four totally gastrectomized (Bilroth II) rats, were fed a iron-citrate (control) or heme-iron (heme) as iron source diet without or with Sc-FOS (75 g/kg of diet) for 4 weeks. All rats received an intramuscular injection of vitamin B-12 every two weeks. Tail blood was collected every other week for determination of hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. At the end of the experiment, the rats were killed and whole blood was collected. The total gastrectomy induced the postgastrectomy anemia. Dietary Sc-FOS increase iron absorption and thereby prevented completely this anemia in gastrectomized rats fed the control diet but this effect of Sc-FOS in rats fed heme diet was not complete. Dietary heme iron could not prevent postgastrectomy anemia itself, but fructooligosaccharides improve bioavailability of not only non-heme iron such as iron-citrate, but also heme-iron in rats.

Quantitative studies of the optic nerve fiber layer in the chicken retina

The optic nerve fiber layer (NFL) of the chicken retina was studied quantitatively and morphologically at 17 positions along seven radially arranged bands from the dorsal tip of the pecten oculi using electron microscopy. The number of nerve fibers was counted in areas 6 microm in width x the full thickness of the NFL. Myelinated nerve fibers in the NFL were also identified immunohistochemically using anti-myelin basic protein serum. The dorsal area (dorsal, dorso-temporal and dorso-nasal bands) in the retina had thin NFL and contained the largest number of nerve fibers, which were mainly thin and unmyelinated. The ventral area (ventral and ventro-temporal bands) had a thick NFL and contained a relatively small number of nerve fibers, many of which were myelinated. The nasal band had the thickest NFL and contained as many nerve fibers as the dorsal area, with the temporal band showing a high ratio of myelinated fibers. The band had a thick NFL and contained many nerve fibers with a relatively low ratio of myelinated fibers. The relationship between the number and composition of nerve fibers in the NFL to the chicken visual characteristics was discussed. Although the myelin in the chicken retina was loose type, the myelin-forming cells were similar in appearance to dense oligodendrocytes. retina, morphometry, myelinated fiber, nerve fiber layer.

Components of energy expenditure in patients with severe sepsis and major trauma: a basis for clinical care

OBJECTIVE

To obtain accurate values for the components of energy expenditure in critically ill patients with sepsis or trauma during the first 2 wks after admission to the intensive care unit.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Critical care unit and university department of surgery in a single tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

Twelve severely septic (median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Score, 23; range, 15 to 34) and 12 major trauma patients (median Injury Severity Score, 33.5; range, 26 to 50).

INTERVENTIONS

Total body fat, total body protein, and total body glycogen were measured as soon as hemodynamic stability had been reached and repeated 5 and 10 days later. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured daily by indirect calorimetry.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Changes in total body fat, total body protein, and total body glycogen in critically ill patients provide data for the accurate construction of an energy balance. Energy intake minus energy balance gives a direct measurement of total energy expenditure (TEE) and, when combined with measurements of REE, activity energy expenditure can be obtained. TEE, REE, and activity energy expenditure were calculated for two sequential 5-day study periods. REE progressively increased during the first week after the onset of severe sepsis or major trauma, peaking during the second week at 37 +/- 6% (SEM) and 60 +/- 13% greater than predicted, respectively. For both the sepsis and trauma patients, TEE was significantly higher during the second week than during the first week (3257 +/- 370 vs. 1927 +/- 370 kcal/day, p < .05, in sepsis; 4123 +/- 518 vs. 2380 +/- 422 kcal/day, p < .05, in trauma). During the first week after admission to the hospital, TEE in sepsis and trauma patients, respectively, averaged 25 +/- 5 and 31 +/- 6 kcal/kg of body weight/day, and during the second week, 47 +/- 6 and 59 +/- 7 kcal/kg/day (p < .03, for comparison of first and second weeks). For the first week, the ratio of TEE to REE was 1.0 +/- 0.2 and 1.1 +/- 0.2 but during the second week rose to 1.7 +/- 0.2 and 1.8 +/- 0.2 in patients with sepsis (p < .05, for comparison of weeks) and trauma (p = .09), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Total energy expenditure is maximal during the second week after admission to the critical care unit, reaching 50 to 60 kcal/kg/day.

Doxorubicin induces male germ cell apoptosis in rats

To clarify whether apoptosis is involved in doxorubicin (DXR)-induced testicular toxicity and to identify the target germ cell type, adult Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a single intravenous dose of DXR (8 or 12 mg/kg) and euthanized at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h subsequently. Histologically, germ cell degeneration was first found 6 h after dosing in meiotically dividing spermatocytes and early round spermatids of seminiferous tubules at stage 1, and subsequently observed in spermatogonia at stages I-VI showing ultrastructural characteristics of apoptosis. Coincident with the appearance of morphological changes, degenerating germ cells were shown to be undergoing apoptosis as revealed by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The frequency of TUNEL-labeled germ cells increased in a stage- and cell type-specific manner, the peak of frequency gradually progressing from stage I of seminiferous tubules to later stages with time after dosing, suggesting that the damaged germ cells, especially spermatogonia, gradually underwent the processes leading to apoptosis. DNA laddering on gel electrophoresis was apparent 24 and 48 h after dosing. The results demonstrate that apoptosis plays an important role in the induction of testicular toxicity caused by DXR with meiotically dividing spermatocytes and type A and intermediate spermatogonia as highly vulnerable target cells.

Association between mast cell chymase genotype and atopic eczema: comparison between patients with atopic eczema alone and those with atopic eczema and atopic respiratory disease

BACKGROUND

It has remained unclear whether genetic background of patients with atopic eczema (AE) alone is identical to that of patients with both AE and atopic respiratory disease.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess whether there is a genetic difference between these two groups of AE patients.

METHOD

We determined the genotype with regard to an allelic polymorphism in the gene for mast cell chymase (MCC; a serine protease secreted from mast cells) in 169 AE patients.

RESULTS

MCC genotype was significantly associated with pure AE patients who did not have a predisposition to atopic respiratory disease and whose serum IgE concentration was < 500 IU/mL. The distribution of MCC genotypes also differed significantly between the latter patients and those AE patients with bronchial asthma and a serum IgE concentration of > 2000 IU/mL.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that pure AE is associated with genetic variants of MCC, and that the genetic basis of pure AE differs from that of AE associated with atopic asthma.

[The current state of leak in anesthetic machines detected by low flow leak tests]

To assess the current state of leak in anesthetic machines, we selected 66 units of anesthetic machines for inspection and repair from various medical institutions. Based on a newly designed inspection flow chart a low flow leak test for internal circuits of the anesthetic machines was performed. The conventional low flow leak test was also performed for smooth detection of leak for rational evaluation. Only 39% of the anesthetic machines met the standard of the low flow leak tests, and leak was detected in the remaining 61%. The average residual leak mounted to 0.97 l.min-1, with the maximum of 5.3 l.min-1. Canisters, corrugated tubes, and vaporizers were considered the primary causes of leak. After the inspection and repair, leak in 77.5% of the anesthetic machines either disappeared or decreased and the average residual leak dropped to 0.34 l.min-1. However, 47% of the anesthetic machines still failed to meet the standard of the low flow leak tests. To further improve the situation, more detailed inspection and repair are necessary especially for precise detection of the cause of leak in the internal circuit of anesthetic machines which often remains undetected.

Neurogenic vasodilatation of canine isolated small labial arteries

Mechanisms underlying vasodilatation to nerve stimulation by electrical pulses and nicotine were analyzed in isolated canine small labial arteries. Transmural electrical stimulation (5 and 20 Hz) produced a contraction followed by a relaxation in labial arterial strips denuded of the endothelium, partially contracted with prostaglandin F2alpha. The contraction was abolished by prazosin or combined treatment with alpha, beta-methylene ATP. In the treated strips, neurogenic relaxation was abolished by NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, and restored by L-arginine. The D-enantiomers were without effect. Nicotine (10(-4) M) also relaxed the arteries, in which the contractile response was abolished by prazosin and alpha, beta-methylene ATP. The relaxant response was attenuated but not abolished by L-NA; the inhibition was reversed by L-arginine. The remaining relaxation by nicotine was abolished by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-[8 to 37], a CGRP1 receptor antagonist. Relaxations elicited by a lower concentration of nicotine (2 x 10(-5) M) sufficient to produce similar magnitudes of response to those induced by 5-Hz electrical nerve stimulation were also inhibited partially by L-NA. Histochemical study with the NADPH-diaphorase method demonstrated positively stained nerve fibers and bundles in the arterial wall, suggesting the presence of neuronal NO synthase. It is concluded that the relaxation induced by electrical nerve stimulation of small labial arteries is mediated exclusively by NO synthesized from L-arginine in nerve terminals, whereas nicotine in the concentrations used evokes relaxations by a mediation of nerve-derived NO and also CGRP, possibly from sensory nerves. The reason why nicotine but not electrical pulses stimulates sensory nerves and elicits vasorelaxation remains unsolved.

Apoptosis of villous epithelial cells and follicle-associated epithelial cells in chicken cecum

The process of the disappearance of epithelial cells was examined in chicken cecal villi and follicle-associated epithelium (FAE). The apoptotic epithelial cells with intense DNA-fragmentation and their exfoliation were found in the villous tips. The epithelial cells with weak DNA-fragmentation were seen in the upper portion of the villi and their sparse exfoliations were also found there. Numerous epithelial cells in the intestinal lumen expressed the apoptotic features. A row of apoptotic epithelial cells with DNA-fragmentation was also found in the apical FAE, whereas no M cells exhibited any apoptotic signs. In all cecal regions, CD3+, CD8+, and TCR2+ lymphocytes were predominant in the epithelium at the upper portion of the villi and the FAE. CD4+ lymphocytes were mainly seen in the lamina propria. TCR1+ lymphocytes were not abundant in comparison with TCR2+ lymphocytes in the epithelium. TCR3+ T lymphocytes were rarely detected. These results suggest that the chicken cecal epithelial cells exfoliated into the lumen after the induction of the apoptosis, and that the induction may be involved with CD3+, CD8+, and TCR2+ lymphocytes. No death in M cells suggests that M cells may transform into microvillous epithelial cells.

Cell kinetics of mouse tumour subjected to photodynamic therapy--evaluation by proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry

Tumour reaction and tumour cell kinetics in mouse NR-S1 carcinoma subjected to photodynamic therapy (PDT) were evaluated by percentage of necrotic area as well as by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry, and an effective PDT fractionation interval was proposed. PDT was carried out in mouse NR-S1 carcinomas using a photosensitizer (haematoporphyrin oligomers: 20 mg kg body weight) and pulsed Nd:YAG dye laser. The percentages of tumour necrotic area and PCNA labelling indices (LIs) in the tumours were assessed at intervals of 0, 0.5, 5, 2.5, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after PDT. It was demonstrated that maximum damage and repopulation of the tumour cells emerge at 24 and 48 h, respectively, following PDT, suggesting that subsequent light treatment should be performed within 24 h to enhance the therapeutic effect of PDT.

Ultraviolet light is an environmental factor aggravating facial lesions of adult atopic dermatitis

An increasing number of adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) in Japan are distressed by persistent eczematous lesions of the face (so-called atopic red face). Phototests were carried out in 28 patients with the atopic red face to test a possibility that ultraviolet (UV) light could be an aggravating factor. Contact and photocontact dermatitis had been ruled out by repeated patch and photopatch tests. All of the patients had a normal response to a screening dose of UVA (10 J/sq cm) and a normal minimal erythema dose (MED) of UVB. Ten of these patients, however, showed an abnormal papular response to a single or 3-times consecutive UVB radiation above the MED (90 mJ/sq cm).

Effects of iron and copper supplementation on the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide in the livers of iron- and copper-deficient rats

Free radicals and lipid peroxide formation are related to tissue damage. This damage is thought to be associated with various diseases. To accurately assess the degree of lipid hydroperoxidation in biological materials, three different thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay methods and the measurement of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) by the chemiluminescence-HPLC (CL-HPLC) method were compared. Iron and copper deficiencies in rats reduced the contents of these metals. The addition of iron and copper to liver homogenates produced dose-dependent increases and decreases in TBARS, respectively. TBARS measured by the Shinnhuber method slightly increased with the addition of copper. The measurement of PCOOH was less affected by the addition of these metals. TBARS did not reflect lipid peroxidation when different concentrations of metals were present in the samples. The TBARS level is thus not a suitable marker for the assess of lipid peroxidation. PCOOH, accumulated as a primary peroxidation product from membrane phospholipids in the liver, was found to be a more appropriate marker for the estimating hepatic lipid peroxidation in the iron- and/or copper-deficient condition.

Developmental study on reduction and kinks of the tail in a new mutant knotty-tail mouse

The knotty-tail (knt/knt) mouse has a short and knotty tail. The tail deformity is caused by a decrease in the number of caudal vertebrae and a deformity of them in the distal part of the tail. The objective of the study was to determine how reduction and kinks of the tail region were formed during secondary body formation. By day 12.0 pc, the somitogenesis of knt/knt embryos was completed; the number of caudal somites more or less agreed with those of the caudal vertebrae in knt/knt mice and were similar to those of knt/+ embryos. On the other hand, the somitogenesis of knt/+ embryos continued up to day 12.5 pc. The somites below about the sixth caudal somite were wedge-shaped with a dorsal apex in knt/knt embryos. The location of abnormal somites also corresponded well to that of deformed caudal vertebrae. Abnormal somitogenesis was always preceded by abnormalities in the presomitic region. Under gross observation, this could be seen to become markedly thickened, and histologically its dorsoventral diameter increased in the transverse plane on days 10.5-12.0 pc. In the mesenchyme there was often obvious cell death at the boundary of the unsegmented area and the tail bud after day 10.5 pc. These results suggested that the shortness of tail was primarily caused by the agenesis of distal caudal vertebrae following the agenesis of distal caudal somites, and partly by the disappearance of the presomitic part due to cell death, while the tail kinks were caused by the deformation of each caudal vertebra following disturbances of the caudal somites. Also, it is highly probable that the prominent cell death at the boundary of the unsegmented area and the tail bud may involve a defect or deformity of somites in this mutant.

Proliferation and cellular kinetics of villous epithelial cells and M cells in the chicken caecum

The proliferation sites and cellular kinetics of villous epithelial cells and M cells in the intestine of the adult chicken have never been clarified. In this study, we determined the proliferation sites in the chicken caecum using colchicine treatment and detection of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The cellular kinetics of these cells were also studied using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) as a tracer. Enterocytes in their mitotic period were observed along the entire length of the intestinal crypt of the caecum, with a denser distribution in the middle portion of the crypt, except for the caecal tonsil. The centres of distributions were at 49% of the distance from the bottom of the crypt in the base and 41% in the apex of the caecum. In the caecal tonsil, the centres of distributions were at 64% in the long type of crypt from the bottom of the crypt and at 44% in the short type of crypt. On the other hand, the PCNA-positive enterocytes were distributed more densely at the bottom of the crypt, except for the caecal tonsil. The centres of distributions were at 36% in the base from the bottom of the crypt, 37% in the body, and 34% in the apex. In the caecal tonsil, they were at 54% in the long type of crypt and 44% in the short type. The BrdU-labelled enterocytes reached to the basement of the intestinal villi in all caecal portions at 1 d after the BrdU administration. The leading edge of the labelled enterocytes disappeared from the villous tips at 4 d in the base and the body and 3 d in the apex. In the caecal tonsil, the BrdU-labelled microvillous epithelial cells and the M cells appeared near the orifice of the crypt at 1 d, and BrdU-labelled M cells were not observed in the crypt. Thereafter, almost all of these cells disappeared at 5 d from the follicle associated epithelium (FAE). These results suggest that M cells are transformed from their precursors within 1 d, and the turnover time for M cells occurs within 4 d after the cell division of the precursors.

Diminished kidney function and nephrocalcinosis in rats fed a magnesium-deficient diet

The effect of a magnesium-deficient diet on kidney function was studied in young male rats. The rats were fed a purified diet with a magnesium content of either 20.5 (control diet) or 2.6 mmol/kg (magnesium-deficient diet) for 21 d. In rats fed the magnesium-deficient diet, kidney wet and dry weights were significantly increased, and calcium and phosphorus concentrations in the kidney were significantly higher than in rats fed the control diet. Upon histological examination, an increase in the mesangial matrix of the glomeruli and injury to the brush border of the proximal tubules were observed in rats fed the magnesium-deficient diet. Also, a deposition of calcium was observed in the tubules of the corticomedullary junction and medulla of these rats. Total protein and albumin concentrations in serum were significantly decreased in rats fed the magnesium-deficient diet. Urinary albumin excretion was significantly higher, and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity in the urine was significantly increased in rats fed the magnesium-deficient diet. These findings indicate diminished glomerular and proximal tubular functions. We suggest that a magnesium-deficient diet not only induces nephrocalcinosis, but it also diminishes kidney function.

Prevalence of childhood and adolescent atopic dermatitis in a Japanese population: comparison with the disease frequency examined 20 years ago

To ascertain the prevalence of childhood and adolescent atopic dermatitis in a Japanese population, we clinically observed the total body of 5 to 6-year-old children (994 cases), 7 to 9-year-old children (1,240 cases), 10 to 12-year-old children (1,152 cases), 13 to 15-year-old children (1,670 cases), and 16 to 18-year-old adolescents (2,159 cases). The examination was performed in the spring of 1994-96, when exacerbation of childhood and adolescent atopic dermatitis most frequently occurs in Japan. Atopic dermatitis was observed in 24% of the 5 to 6-year group, in 19% of the 7 to 9-year group, in 15% of the 10 to 12-year group, in 14% of the 13 to 15-year group, and in 11% of the 16 to 18-year group. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis in 9 to 12-year-old children was two times and in 18-year-old adolescents five times as high as in similar age groups examined 20 years ago.

[Declarations by registered nurses from the 1980s: an aid to the understanding of nursing today]

This study is part of a more extensive project that aims to rescue significant aspects related to the evolution of nursing care from 1950s until 1990s. This study was developed using the technique of oral declaration by active and retired registered nurses, in the context of a school-hospital from the interior of the São Paulo State. The present study particularizes the outcomes regarding to 1980s. As result becomes evident the undertaken effort by nurses in the struggle for profession's recognition and prestige; intense and deep transformations related to nurse's new roles as leadership of the nursing staff and members of the medical team.

The anti-tumor effect of photodynamic therapy evaluated by bromodeoxyuridine immunohistochemistry

The anti-tumor effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on mouse tumors was evaluated with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry. BrdU was injected into the mice intraperitoneally (40 mg/kg body weight). Immediately after injection of BrdU, PDT using a photosensitizing drug (hematoporphyrin oligomers: 20 mg/kg body weight) was carried out on the experimental group but not on the control group. BrdU labeling indices (LIs) of the tumor cells close to blood vessels and adjacent to the surrounding normal tissue were investigated. In the tumor cells close to blood vessels, the LIs of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group. As for the tumor cells adjacent to the surrounding normal tissue, the LIs of the experimental group were similar to those of the control group. Thus, the effect of PDT was significant in the tumor cells close to the blood vessels, while the tumor cells adjacent to the surrounding normal tissue resisted PDT.

Quantitative studies of nuclear bodies in astrocytes of chicken spinal cord following axotomy

The present study was designed to reveal whether astrocytic activation following axotomy causes a numerical increase of nuclear bodies (NBs) in chicken astrocytes. Astrocytes in the spinal cord were activated by a unilateral spinal nerve transection. The frequency of NBs was calculated at the lateral motor columns of the normal group and at the ipsi- and contralateral sides of operated group. In the growing chickens, NBs of each astrocyte were a few and decreased steadily in number with age. In the operated chickens, the frequency of NBs elevated temporarily both in the ipsi- and contralateral sides, and reached its maximum value by 30 post-operative days. The frequency of NBs increased more prominently in the operated side than in the unoperated side. Thus, the present study provides the first evidence for a significant increase in the number of NBs in the hyperactive astrocytes caused by axotomy.

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes from patients with atopic dermatitis: correlation with respiratory atopy

We determined the cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) activity in peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes from 100 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) aged 13-57 years (mean +/- SD, 29.8 +/- 17.7 years). The correlation between cAMP-PDE activity and clinical parameters such as the severity of eczema and a personal or family predisposition to atopic respiratory diseases (ARD) (asthma or allergic rhinitis) was examined. Although the enzymic activity varied from normal to very high in the AD patients, cAMP-PDE activity was significantly (P < 0.005) elevated in AD patients (42.1 +/- 22.0 units) as compared with the normal controls (12.4 +/- 5.6) and clinical control subjects (13.4 +/- 9.5). In contrast, we found no correlation between cAMP-PDE activity and the severity of eczema when AD patients were classified into four categories (remission, mild, moderate and severe) according to the extent of their skin involvement. Furthermore, we found that systemic corticosteroid therapy in severe AD patients did not alter the cAMP-PDE activity. cAMP-PDE activity was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in those AD patients who had a personal history of ARD (47.2 +/- 11.2) than in AD patients with a family history of ARD (37.2 +/- 17.4) and those without a personal or family history ('pure' AD) (34.4 +/- 19.8). Nevertheless, the cAMP-PDE activity was significantly higher even in 'pure' AD patients than in the controls. These results suggest that an elevation of cAMP-PDE activity is closely related to a predisposition to respiratory atopy, and does not follow inflammation in AD patients.

Comparison of bromodeoxyuridine labeling indices of smears and sections from mouse NR-S1 tumor

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling indices (LIs) of smears and sections from mouse NR-S1 tumor were labeled in vivo or in vitro and compared to confirm the reliability of smears labeled in vitro. In vivo labeling was carried out by administering 40 mg/kg 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine while in vitro labeling was performed by incubating the tumor specimens in RPMI 1640 culture medium containing 200 microM 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine under 3 atmospheres. BrdU LIs of sections labeled in vitro (9.49 +/- 0.16) showed lower values than those labeled in vivo (14.95 +/- 0.36). BrdU LIs of smears labeled in vitro (9.87 +/- 0.23) also showed lower values than those labeled in vivo (14.83 +/- 0.49). However, the BrdU LIs of smears were similar to those of sections labeled in vivo and in vitro. In vitro BrdU immunochemistry in smears seems useful for evaluating the biological properties of tumor tissues.

Occlusive effects of lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer membrane on gingival fibroblasts in vitro

The cell occlusive effects on human gingival fibroblasts of degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer membranes (noncoated membranes) and membranes coated with a sucrose ester of fatty acid (coated membranes) were studied and compared with those of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membranes. The membranes were immersed in a culture medium periodically for 21 days and interposed into a chemotaxis chamber, and the fibroblasts then were cultured in the chamber for another 7 days. The passage rate of cells through the membranes was calculated and the change in surface structure of each membrane after immersion for 28 days was observed by an environmental scanning electron microscope. The passage rate of coated membranes (3.4+/-2.2%) was significantly lower than that of noncoated (25.7+/-5.1%) at the 28th day whereas the passage rate of e-PTFE membranes was 0.8-1.5%. Many pores were observed on the noncoated membranes before immersion while the coating material covered most of the pores on the coated membranes. The average pore size of the noncoated membranes was larger than that of the coated membranes at day 28. The structure of the e-PTFE membranes underwent no change. The passage rate of the coated membranes was not different from the e-PTFE membranes, suggesting an effect that might be useful for a guided tissue regeneration procedure.

Bradykinin potentiates insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and enhances insulin signal through the bradykinin B2 receptor in dog skeletal muscle and rat L6 myoblasts

Previously we demonstrated that bradykinin infusion could increase glucose uptake into dog peripheral tissues, and that bradykinin could potentiate insulin-induced glucose uptake through glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation in dog adipocytes. However, skeletal muscle is the predominant tissue for insulin-mediated glucose disposal. The aim of this study was to determine how bradykinin affected insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in dog skeletal muscle and myotubes transformed from rat L6 myoblasts. The bradykinin receptor binding studies revealed that dog skeletal muscle and rat L6 myoblasts possessed significant numbers of bradykinin receptors (Kd = 88 and 76 pmol/l, Bmax = 82.5 and 20 fmol/mg protein respectively). An RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) amplification showed mRNA specific for bradykinin B2 receptor in both cells. Bradykinin significantly increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in isolated muscle and L6 myoblasts in the presence of insulin (10(-7) mol/l) in a dose-dependent manner, but not in the absence of insulin. Bradykinin also enhanced insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation, and insulin-induced phosphorylation of insulin receptor beta subunit and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) without affecting the binding affinities or numbers of cell surface insulin receptors in both cells. It is concluded that bradykinin could potentiate the insulin-induced glucose uptake through GLUT4 translocation in dog skeletal muscle and rat L6 myoblasts. This effect could be explained by the potency of bradykinin to upregulate the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity which stimulates phosphorylation of IRS-1, followed by an increase in GLUT4 translocation.

Dietary fructooligosaccharides prevent postgastrectomy anemia and osteopenia in rats

Gastrectomized rats develop anemia and osteopenia, and ingestion of fructooligosaccharides leads to an increase in iron absorption and promotes recovery from anemia in iron-deficient rats. Laparotomized (sham-operated control) rats and totally gastrectomized (Billoth II) rats, in groups of 14 each, were fed a control diet without fructooligosaccharides or a diet containing fructooligosaccharides (75 g/kg of diet) for 6 wk. All rats received an intramuscular injection of vitamin B-12 every 2 wk. Tail blood was collected every week for determination of hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. At the end of the experiment, the rats were killed and the femur and tibia were collected for measurement of bone mineral density (BMD). The hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, hemoglobin regeneration efficiency, and BMD of both femurs and tibias were significantly lower in gastrectomized rats fed the control diet than in the other three groups. Dietary fructooligosaccharides prevented anemia and osteopenia in totally gastrectomized rats.

Accidental transmission of HCV and treatment with interferon

Accidental transmission of contagious pathogens, especially hepatitis C virus (HCV), by needlestick or other means as an occupational hazard for medical staff is of concern. We retrospectively analysed cases of work-related accidental injury with pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reported to the centres for disease control at 15 hospitals (total 5776 beds) in the Gunma prefecture, Japan, from December 1990 to August 1993 (24.7 months). There were 416 such cases (16.8 cases/month), with an incidence of 0.2-3.5 accidents per month per hospital. Such accidents occurred in 297 (71.2%) nurses, 98 (23.5%) medical doctors, 13 (3%) laboratory technicians, four (1.0%) hospital maintenance workers, one (0.2%) assistant nurse, one secretary and two others. There were 323 (77.6%) injuries caused by needlestick, 42 (10.1%) from suture needles or surgical knife cuts, 17 (4.1%) from blood splatters from patients into the eyes or mouth, 10 (2.4%) from contact with injured skin and 24 (5.8%) simple skin contacts. Of the pathogens, 60.3% were HCV, 22.6% HBV, 5.8% syphilis, 0.7% HIV and 10.6% were of unknown origin. Four cases (1.6%) of HCV infection were found and treated with one or two courses of interferon therapy, and HCV was subsequently cleared. All four patients were cured with interferon therapy. None of the HBV-injured cases resulted in infection, possibly because of prophylaxis with HB immunoglobulin and HB vaccine. No HIV or syphilis infection was contracted. In summary, chronic HCV infection acquired as an occupational hazard can be cured by appropriate treatment, such as with interferon, after early detection of the infection.

Distribution of lymphoid tissue in the caecal mucosa of chickens

In order to clarify the fundamental structure of the host defence mechanism in chicken caeca, a detailed analysis of the distribution of lymphoid nodules (LNs) was carried out on longitudinal sections of both the mesenteric (side of the ileocaecal ligament) and the antimesenteric mucosa. An overwhelming majority of solitary or aggregated LNs were located in the mesenteric mucosa, although a few were also found in the antimesenteric mucosa. Of the total LNs, 45.7% were detected at the proximal 7.8% section in the caecal tonsil. LNs (21.4%) were also concentrated in the distal 22.0% section corresponding to the apex. A moderate concentration of LNs (13.1%) was found at the transitional 20.0% region between the base and body. Approximately 80.2% of total LNs were found at the above 3 regions in the mesenteric mucosa. In many cases, the frequency of LNs in the caecal tonsils was opposite to that at the apices. Aggregated LNs were mainly found in the caecal tonsils, transitional region and apex. Almost all aggregated LNs consisted of fundamental nodular units possessing M cells in their follicle associated epithelia. The aggregated LNs in the above 3 regions therefore could provide immunological surveillance against caecal luminal contents. In particular, the cooperative function between LNs of the caecal tonsil and apex might be highly important in maintaining the caecal microenvironment.

Assessment of growth potential by MIB-1 immunohistochemistry in ameloblastic fibroma and related lesions of the jaws compared with ameloblastic fibrosarcoma

Specimens from two ameloblastic fibromas (including one recurrent case), two ameloblastic fibro-odontomas, and one ameloblastic fibrosarcoma were subjected to investigation by MIB-1 immunohistochemistry in order to elucidate the growth potential of these tumors. MIB-1 labeling indices in the epithelial component of these tumors ranged from 2.9 to 7.5%, whereas those in the mesenchymal component ranged from 1.5 to 13.5%. Of these, labeling indices in the mesenchymal component of the recurrent ameloblastic fibroma and ameloblastic fibrosarcoma were quite high. These findings suggest that evaluation of growth potential in ameloblastic fibroma and related lesions could be of help in understanding tumor aggressiveness and in selecting appropriate surgical procedures.

Closed-loop subcutaneous insulin infusion algorithm with a short-acting insulin analog for long-term clinical application of a wearable artificial endocrine pancreas

Considering the management and safety of the insulin delivery route when a wearable artificial endocrine pancreas is applied to ambulatory diabetic patients on a long-term basis, we developed a s.c. insulin infusion algorithm by analyzing the dynamics of a s.c. injected short-acting insulin analog (Insulin Lispro) by a three-compartment model. Principally the insulin infusion algorithm was developed as a transfer function with the first-order delay in both proportional and derivative actions to blood glucose concentrations. The parameters for this algorithm were calculated to simulate a physiological plasma insulin profile as closely as possible. By applying this algorithm with regular insulin, diabetic patients showed a 2 h postprandial hyperglycemia and a delayed hyperinsulinemia, followed by hypoglycemic episodes 4-5 h after oral glucose load, just as observed in the computer simulation study. However, using Insulin Lispro, a near-physiological glycemic control (postprandial blood glucose of 153.1 +/- 8.3 mg/100 ml at 60 min and 90.3 +/- 7.1 mg/100 ml at 180 min, respectively) could be achieved without showing any delayed hyperinsulinemia or hypoglycemia. Daily glycemic excursions were also controlled near-physiologically and although the daily insulin requirement (731.7 +/- 160.5 mU/kg/day) was slightly higher, it was not significantly different from that with i.v. insulin infusion (622.3 +/- 142.6 mU/kg/day). These results indicate that the application of s.c. insulin infusion algorithm with Insulin Lispro is feasible for long-term glycemic control with a wearable artificial endocrine pancreas in ambulatory diabetic patients.

High phosphorus diet rapidly induces nephrocalcinosis and proximal tubular injury in rats

The development of nephrocalcinosis and the time course of changes in kidney function, especially proximal tubular function, were studied in young male rats fed a high-phosphorus diet. The animals were fed a purified diet with a phosphorus content of either 0.5% (normal phosphorus diet) or 1.5% (high-phosphorus diet). In the group fed the high-phosphorus diet, nephrocalcinosis was found in 4 of 42 rats after 1 d of feeding and in all rats of this group at 3 d. The degree of nephrocalcinosis gradually increased with time. Upon histological observation by electron microscopy, vacuoles, lysosomes and swelling of microvilli in the proximal tubules were observed in rats fed the high-phosphorus diet after 1 d of feeding. Giant lysosomes with deposition of calcium and deposition of hydroxyapatite in mitochondria were observed in the proximal tubules of rats fed the high-phosphorus diet at 3 d. Albumin concentration in the urine of these rats was significantly increased at 3 d. The activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in the urine was also significantly increased after 1 d of feeding the high-phosphorus diet, and then reached a plateau. The beta 2-microglobulin concentration in the urine of rats fed the high-phosphorus diet was significantly increased at 14 d, and increased more toward 21 d. We concluded that nephrocalcinosis and injury to the proximal tubules are rapidly induced in rats fed a high-phosphorus diet.

Random amplification of polymorphic DNA is useful for the differentiation of several anthropophilic dermatophytes

The efficacy of random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technology, as a tool for differentiation of several anthropophilic dermatophytes, that is, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, T. rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum, was examined. Total cellular DNA extracted by a mini-preparation method were used as template DNAs and PCRs were performed using five primers, all of which were synthesized 10-mers. All of the primers generated PCR products and their electrophoresed profiles were characteristic for each of the species. Since these anthropophilic dermatophyte species could be differentiated clearly by the RAPD analysis, this method may be useful for identification of these species. Minimal intraspecies polymorphisms were observed between the isolates of T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale. The banding patterns were reproducible using template DNAs prepared at different times from each of stock cultures.

Pioglitazone (AD-4833) ameliorates insulin resistance in patients with NIDDM. AD-4833 Glucose Clamp Study Group, Japan

We evaluated the effect of pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione compound, on insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (Rd) and its efficacy on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Twenty NIDDM subjects (mean age 58.2+/-9.4 year, body mass index (BMI) 23.9+/-3.4 kg/ m2 (mean+/-S.D.], three with diet alone, 17 with sulfonylureas [SU]) participated in this trial from five diabetes clinics. Euglycemic (5.3 mmol/liter) hyperinsulinemic (insulin infusion rate 9 micromoles x kg[-1] x min[-1]) clamp studies were performed before and after oral administration of pioglitazone (30 mg/day) for 87+/-10 days. The Rd significantly improved from 5.5+/-2.5 to 8.3+/-3.1 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level significantly decreased from 11.0+/-2.0 mmol/liter to 8.9+/-1.1 mmol/liter with a significant improvement in the hemoglobin A1c level from 9.2+/-1.8% to 8.3+/-1.5%. Fasting serum insulin and C peptide levels decreased from 83+/-36 pmol/liter and 0.62+/-0.21 nmol/liter to 66+/-29 pmol/liter and 0.58+/-0.25 nmol/liter, respectively. Fasting serum triglyceride and free fatty acids levels significantly decreased with concomitant increase of fasting serum HDL-cholesterol levels from 1.2+/-0.2 to 1.5+/-0.3 mmol/liter. The change in Rd between before and after pioglitazone administration correlated with baseline values of FPG (rho=0.633), serum insulin (rho=0.653), BMI (rho=0.456), Rd (rho 0.558) and 1,5-AG (rho=-0.522). These data indicate that pioglitazone enhances the insulin action in NIDDM patients on diet alone or SU, and thereby improves both plasma glucose level and lipid profiles.

Epitope analysis of birch pollen allergen in Japanese subjects

Birch pollen is a very common cause of nasal allergy (pollinosis) not only in Scandinavia, Europe, Canada, and the northern part of the United States but also in Hokkaido, Japan. We have previously reported a positive association between the HLA-DR9 phenotype and the development of birch pollen allergy in Japanese subjects. However, there is little information about T cell epitopes of birch pollen which are presented by HLA class II molecules other than HLA-DR9. Therefore, we analyzed the difference in T cell epitope usage in patients who had HLA-DR9 versus those who did not. Seven Japanese patients with birch pollinosis were studied. Some groups of peptides representing T cell epitopes (Betula verrucosa; Bet VI peptides, p7-33, p23-46, p138-160) appeared to be shared by the majority, while another peptide (Bet VI p72-95) was recognized predominantly by patients who expressed HLA-DR9 and/or HLA-DQ3 molecules. Moreover, seven T cell clones and eight T cell lines were generated from two patients who did not have HLA-DR9 or HLA-DQ3. Using some of these T cell clones/lines, we investigated the relationship between HLA class II molecules and antigenic peptides. One of these T cell clones recognized antigenic peptides in the context of the HLA-DQ1 molecule. To our knowledge, this is the first indication that the epitope on Bet VI can be presented by the HLA-DQ molecule.

[Where is a leak point detected by "the low flow leak test" of anesthetic machines?]

"The low flow leak test" is recommended for pre-anesthetic inspection of anesthetic machines. We carried out anesthesia compression tests as a standard. Even in that case, often the low flow leak test does not meet the standard. We investigated the point where there is a leak in the anesthetic machine. Observing the leak that fluctuates each time there is detachment or attachment of the canister, the primary cause of the leak is thought to be related to the canister. It is important to carry out an inspection of the canister if the low flow leak test does not meet the standard.

Morphological and morphometric features of the deformed cervical and caudal vertebrae in a new mutant knotty-tail (knt/knt) mouse

Morphological and morphometric examinations were conducted on skeletons of knotty-tail (knt/knt) mouse, a new autosomal recessive mutant. The knt/knt mice have short and knotty tails. The number of caudal vertebrae is reduced and their deformed caudal vertebrae show no parallelism between the epiphyseal planes and no osseous fusions. Morphological changes, except for the caudal vertebrae, are confined to the neural arches of the axis in knt/knt mice. As for the tail anomaly, the knt gene seems to have the same action as the tk gene, but knt/knt mice differ from other strains with respect to cervical morphology. The morphometry of the caudal vertebrae revealed that knt/knt mice have a discontinuous and lower ratio of width to length after their 6th caudal vertebra. The morphometry also revealed that knt/knt mice have 1) broadened cervical vertebrae in the transverse direction, 2) thickened ventral lamina of the 6th cervical vertebra and 3) shortened and broadened ventral tuberculum of the atlas. From these results, the knt/knt mouse was considered to be a new pleomorphic mutant.

A 15-year follow-up study of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in Osaka, Japan. Factors predictive of the prognosis of diabetic patients

Risk factors related to the prognosis of diabetic patients were studied in a follow-up study of 1939 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) for a mean observation period of 15 years at our institute. Age at entry into the study was the most powerful risk factor related to the survival of diabetic patients in this study. Moreover, the risk of death, computed in relation to baseline factors, was significantly increased in male patients; in patients with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels greater than 140 mg/dl, with hypertension, with diabetic retinopathy or with proteinuria; and in patients treated with an oral hypoglycemic agent of insulin at baseline, even after correction for age. The baseline factors were compared between the groups of patients who were alive and who had died at the end of the follow-up study. Greater age at onset of NIDDM and at entry into the study, higher FPG level, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as an increase in the proportion of male patients and in patients with ischemic ECG changes, with diabetic retinopathy, with proteinuria, and with treatment with an oral hypoglycemic agent of insulin, were observed in the group of deceased patients. Furthermore, multiple logistic analysis indicated a significant relationship of age at entry, FPG, hypertension, retinopathy, proteinuria and therapeutic regimen to prognosis. We also found that the baseline factors predictive of prognosis were very different in each age group.

Analysis of the vasodilator nerve function by nicotine in isolated dog skin artery

Mechanisms underlying the relaxation induced by nicotine were analyzed in cutaneous arterial strips isolated from dogs and with the endothelium removed. In the strips treated with prazosin and precontracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha, nicotine produced relaxations which were not influenced by atropine but abolished by hexamethonium. Relaxations induced by nicotine were partially inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor; the remaining relaxations were abolished by desensitization to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or treatment with CGRP-(8-37), a CGRP receptor antagonist, or with capsaicin. Desensitization to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) or a VIP receptor antagonist did not influence the nicotine-induced relaxation. In the strips densensitized to CGRP, the nicotine-induced relaxation was abolished by L-NA; the inhibitory effect was reversed by L-arginine. Perivascular nerves containing NADPH diaphorase and CGRP immunoreactivity were histochemically identified in the cutaneous artery. CGRP immunoreactivity was abolished by treatment with capsaicin. It is concluded that nicotine produces relaxation in dog cutaneous arterial strips, possibly mediated by NO and CGRP liberated from vasodilator nerves.

Density and fine structure of peripheral nerves in various skin lesions of atopic dermatitis

The density and fine structure of the peripheral nerve system in various skin lesions of 64 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) was quantitatively analyzed by immunohistochemical staining with antibodies directed against protein gene product (PGP) and substance P (SP). The density of PGP-positive peripheral nerves was 2.5 x 10(3) microns2/delta s (delta s = 0.24 mm2 selected area) in early acute lesions, 3.8 x 10(3) microns2/delta s in subacute lesions, 4.9 x 10(3) microns2/delta s in lichenified lesions and 7.1 x 10(3) microns2/delta s in prurigo lesions of AD. The density of nerve fibers in subacute, lichenified and prurigo lesions was significantly higher than in uninvolved skin of AD patients (2.0 x 10(3) microns2/delta s). Electron microscopically, bulging of axons with many mitochondria and a loss of their surrounding sheath of Schwann cells suggests that the free nerve endings in skin lesions of AD are in an active state of excitation. Many pinocytotic vesicles in the periphery of basal keratinocytes facing nerve endings which contained many neurovesicles suggests reciprocal effects between keratinocytes and nerve endings. The number of SP-positive nerve fibers in AD lesions was far less than one-tenth of the number of PGP-positive nerve fibers.

Calcium and silicon from bioactive glass concerned with formation of nodules in periodontal-ligament fibroblasts in vitro

Previously, the authors reported that bioactive glass promoted formation of nodules in cultured periodontal-ligament fibroblasts and high concentrations of calcium and silicon were detected in the culture medium. Herein, the effects of bioactive glass, calcium alone and calcium and silicon for formation of nodules on the periodontal-ligament fibroblasts are examined. The cells were cultured with bioactive glass, without bioactive glass, calcium and silicon, with calcium alone and with calcium and silicon. The cell growth, alkaline-phosphatase activity, amount of pro-collagen type I and the number of nodules were measured periodically until the 21st day. The cell growth rate with calcium and silicon was the highest, however the rate with bioactive glass and calcium alone were similar to that without them. The alkaline-phosphatase activity and the amount of pro-collagen showed peaks at the 11th day. At the peak, the alkaline-phosphatase activity with bioactive glass or calcium and silicon, and the pro-collagen with bioactive glass was higher than without them. The number of nodules with bioactive glass, calcium alone or calcium and silicon was greater than without them. These findings suggested that the combination of calcium and silicon released from bioactive glass was concerned with the formation of nodules on the periodontal-ligament cells.

Prevalence of infantile and early childhood eczema in a Japanese population: comparison with the disease frequency examined 20 years ago

To investigate the prevalence of infantile and early childhood eczema in a Japanese population, we clinically inspected the entire bodies of 4-month-old infants (341 cases), 10-month-old infants (339 cases) and 3-year-old children (341 cases). The examination was performed in spring, when exacerbations of infantile and childhood eczema most frequently occur in Japan. Eczema was observed in 30-31% of the infants, and in 20% of the 3-year-old children. The prevalence was almost the same as in similar age groups that we examined 20 years ago.