Comparative study of bentiromide test and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in patients with chronic pancreatitis

We performed a bentiromide test in 25 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 7 normal controls to evaluate pancreatic exocrine function, and compared the test results of patients with their endoscopic retrograde pancreatography(ERP) findings. The cumulative 6-hour recovery rate of para-aminobenzoic acid(PABA) in the urine was significantly lower in patients with chronic pancreatitis(55.8 +/- 24.2%) than in controls(82.0 +/- 10.0%). Among 25 patients with chronic pancreatitis, however, 7 patients showed normal recovery rates of PABA. Pancreatograms of the patients represented 4 mild changes, 5 moderate changes, and 16 marked changes. The average 6-hour recovery rates of PABA of the groups were 56.9 +/- 21.6%, 78.4 +/- 10.5%, and 47.2 +/- 23.7%, respectively. Urinary PABA recovery rates were found subnormal as follows: 3(75%) in the mild changes group; 1(20%) in the moderate changes group; and 14(87.5%) in the marked changes group. We found hardly any correlation between the degree of functional impairment and the changes noted by ERP. These findings suggest that both the pancreatic function test and morphologic study are required to evaluate the degree of functional impairment in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Photodynamic tumor therapy: mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors as a therapeutic target

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy employs photosensitive agents such as porphyrins to treat a variety of tumors accessible to light-emitting probes. This approach capitalizes on the selective retention of porphyrins by cancer cells. Cancer cells also have elevated levels of mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors which bind porphyrins with high affinity.

METHODS

Cultured cancer cell lines were exposed to porphyrin and porphyrin-like compounds and then irradiated with light. Cytotoxicity of this treatment was measured via clonogenic assays. Mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor pharmacology was studied using [3H] PK11195 binding to cancer cell homogenates and isolated kidney mitochondrial membranes.

RESULTS

We show that therapeutic potencies of porphyrins correlate closely with affinities for mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors. Sensitivities of tumor cell lines to photodynamic therapy parallel their densities of these receptors.

CONCLUSION

We propose that porphyrin photodynamic therapy is mediated by mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors.

Expression of 32/67-kDa laminin receptor in laminin adhesion-selected human colon cancer cell lines

Laminin promotes the malignant phenotype, and the expression of certain laminin receptors is increased in malignancy. Previously, we demonstrated that a laminin-adhesive subclone of a human colon cancer cell line showed increased tumorigenicity in nude mice and increased affinity of the beta1 integrin for laminin relative to the laminin-non-adhesive subclone. The total amount of either beta1 integrin protein or mRNA did not increase. As levels of the 32/67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR) correlate with malignancy, we examined 67LR expression in the laminin adhesion-selected human colon cancer cells. The laminin-adhesive subclone, which was more tumorigenic in both heterotopic and orthotopic locations than in a laminin-non-adhesive subclone, showed cell-surface membrane staining of 67LR, whereas the laminin-non-adhesive subclone showed cytoplasmic staining of 67LR. No difference in either the amount of 67LR mRNA or the amount of protein was observed in the parental cells than in the laminin-adhesive and non-adhesive subclones. When assayed on a laminin affinity column, more 67LR molecules bound to the column with cell extracts from the laminin-adhesive subclone than was observed with the non-adhesive subclone. These findings suggest that the increased tumorigenicity of laminin adhesion-selected tumour cells might be due to an alteration in the distribution and/or adhesiveness of multiple receptors including 67LR and beta1 integrin.

Identification of cell binding sequences in mouse laminin gamma1 chain by systematic peptide screening

Laminin-1, a major component of basement membranes, consists of three different chains designated alpha1, beta1, and gamma1 and has diverse biological functions. We have identified cell binding sites on the mouse laminin gamma1 chain, using systematic screening of 165 overlapping synthetic peptides covering the entire chain. We identified 12 cell binding sequences using HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma and B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells in two independent assays employing peptide-conjugated Sepharose beads and peptide-coated dishes. Four peptides (C-16, C-28, C-64, and C-68) located on the globular domains of the gamma1 chain were the most active and showed dose-dependent cell attachment. Cell attachment to C-68 was inhibited by EDTA and by anti-alpha2beta1 integrin antibodies. Cell attachment to C-16 and C-64 was partially inhibited by EDTA but was not inhibited by anti-integrin antibodies. EDTA and anti-integrin antibodies did not affect cell attachment to C-28. The four peptides were tested in adhesion and differentiation assays with endothelial, neuronal, and human salivary gland cells. C-16 was the most active for all of the cells, whereas the other three peptides showed cell type specificity in their activities. The active core sequences of C-16, C-28, C-64, and C-68 are YVRL, IRVTLN, TTVKYIFR, and SIKIRGTY, respectively. These sequences are highly conserved among the different species and in the laminin gamma2 chain. These results suggest that the specific sequences on the laminin gamma1 chain are biologically active and interact with distinct cell surface receptors.

Comparison of the hemostatic effect of endoscopic injection with fibrin glue and hypertonic saline-epinephrine for peptic ulcer bleeding: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Although endoscopic injection therapy using various agents has been considered the least expensive and most effective technique in obtaining hemostasis in peptic ulcer bleeding, most of these agents induce tissue necrosis or degeneration. Theoretically the injection of fibrin glue (FG) to halt peptic ulcer bleeding may be safer than the use of other agents, but randomized clinical trials to compare the efficacy of FG and other agents are rare. The aim of this study was to compare the hemostatic efficacy between FG and hypertonic saline-epinephrine (HSE) in peptic ulcer bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 1992 to December 1993 we conducted a prospective randomized trial in 127 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding, in whom a visible vessel or active bleeding was identified. Patients were randomized into two groups, an FG group comprising 64 patients who received FG injections, and an HSE group, comprising 63 patients who received HSE injections.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable with regard to age, sex, bleeding focus and bleeding stigma. Permanent hemostasis using only endoscopic treatment was achieved in 59 cases (92.2 %) in the FG group and in 54 cases (85.7 %) in the HSE group. Rebleeding occurred in seven cases (10.9%) in the FG group and in 14 cases (22.2%) in the HSE group (P=0.087); emergency surgery was undertaken in four (6.3%) and seven cases (11.1%), respectively (P = 0.33); death occurred in one case (1.6%) and four cases (6.3%), respectively (P = 0.165).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that endoscopic injection of FG is an effective method in the control of peptic ulcer bleeding. However, even though there is a strong trend supporting the hypothesis that fibrin glue is superior to HSE, no statistically significant differences are noted. A trial involving larger numbers may produce a positive result.

Distribution of nitric oxide in the nasal mucosa of the rat: a histochemical study

We evaluated the distribution of nitric oxide (NO) in the rat nasal mucosa using nicotineamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase histochemistry. The NADPH-diaphorase positive nerve fibers in the nasal mucosa were observed around blood vessels and submucosal glands and in sphenopalatine ganglions. Strong positive reactions for NADPH-diaphorase were observed in ganglions as compared with the other tissues. In septal and turbinate mucosa, positive reactions for NADPH-diaphorase were mainly seen in the anterior portion, and a few positive reactions were observed in the posterior portion. No positive reactions for NADPH-diaphorase were demonstrated in the sinus mucosa. These results suggest that NO may be related to regulation of blood flow, glandular secretion and neurotransmission, and also that NO may play an important role in the defense mechanism of the upper airway system against external environments.

Liver metastasis formation by laminin-1 peptide (LQVQLSIR)-adhesion selected B16-F10 melanoma cells

Laminin-1, a major basement membrane glycoprotein, promotes tumor cell malignancy. Incubation of B16-F10 melanoma cells with a peptide containing an active sequence in laminin-1, designated AG-73 (leu-glu-val-glu-leu-ser-ile-arg; LQVQLSIR), enhances in vitro adhesion, migration, invasion and gelatinase production and in vivo lung colonization and metastases to the liver. In the current study, we have tried to define the mechanism of enhancement of liver metastases induced by AG-73 using B16-F10 murine melanoma cells selected for adhesion on AG-73-coated dishes. Cells were sequentially selected for adhesion more than 30 times and then characterized. AG-73 selected cells had much longer cytoplasmic processes and occasionally formed nodular aggregates. AG-73 selected cells attached 1.2- to 1.5-fold better to both AG-73 and laminin-1, were able to invade through the Matrigel-coated filter up to 6-fold more, grew s.c. 1.5-2 times faster, produced twice the number of lung colonies, and showed more liver nodules (12 of 28 vs. 1 of 27) than parental cells. Our data demonstrate that the enhanced malignant phenotype of B16-F10 cells can be observed in the absence of added peptide with the adhesion-selected cells.

Abnormal expression of four novel molecular markers represents a highly aggressive phenotype in breast cancer. Immunohistochemical assay of p53, nm23, erbB-2, and cathepsin D protein

BACKGROUND

In view of the cumulative results to date, p53, nm23, erbB-2, and cathepsin D are the most promising investigational prognostic factors in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The clinical utility of these molecular markers to predict recurrence was evaluated.

METHODS

Archival pathology tissues of 100 breast cancer patients were analyzed by immunohistochemical assay. Molecular biologic data were merged with clinicopathologic variables.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (32%) had recurrence of disease at a median follow-up of 48 months (range 26-72 months). Investigational factor expression had statistical correlation for recurrence with increasing coexpression: one variable 20.6%, two variables 34.2%, three variables 47.1%, four variables 80.0% (P = 0.003). In univariate analysis, lymph node metastasis, tumor size, erbB-2 protein overexpression, and loss of nm23 protein expression were significant variables to determine recurrence; in multivariate analysis, node status and tumor size emerged as the most significant variables for recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Coexpression of the studied investigational variables functioned as significant prognostic correlates for recurrence. These findings suggest that the studied investigational prognostic factors possess the ability to discriminate a highly aggressive phenotype in breast cancer.

Establishment and characterization of human gastric carcinoma cell lines

We report 8 newly established gastric-carcinoma cell lines (SNU-216, 484, 520, 601, 620, 638, 668, 719) from Korean patients. Morphologic study was carried out using light and electron microscopes. CEA, alpha FP, and CA 19-9 and TPA in supernatant and in cell lysate were measured by radioimmunoassay. p53 and c-Ki-ras gene mutations were screened and confirmed by sequencing. The cell lines, derived from tumors with moderate differentiation, grew as a diffuse monolayer, and those from tumors with poor differentiation and minimal desmoplasia grew exclusively as non-adherent. Out of the 8 gastric-cancer cell lines, 5 had detectable levels of CEA both in supernatant and in cell lysate; there was no expression or secretion of alpha FP in these cells; 4 cell lines showed high levels of CA 19-9 in cell pellets. All cell lines except SNU-484 had high concentrations of TPA both in cell lysate and in supernatants. p53 mutation was found in 6 cell lines (75%): 2 (SNU-216 and SNU-668) had mutations in exon 6, and other 3 in exon 8. The c-Ki-ras mutation was found in 2 cell lines (25%), SNU-601 and SNU-668. The former showed GGT-to-GAT transition mutation at codon 12, while the latter showed CAA-to-AAA transversion mutation at codon 61. DNA profiles using restriction endonuclease HinfI and polymorphic DNA probes ChdTC-15 and ChdTC-114 showed different unique patterns; which suggests that these cell lines are unique and not cross-contaminated. We believe that the newly characterized gastric-cancer cell lines presented in this paper will provide a useful in vitro model for studies related to human gastric cancer.

Tri-amelia and phocomelia with multiple malformations resembling Roberts syndrome in a fetus: is it a variant or a new syndrome?

Roberts-SC phocomelia syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by morphological anomalies such as limb defects and midfacial clefting, and by premature centromeric division in chromosomal study. Although it has been regarded as a single genetic entity and includes various morphologic defects, babies are being reported nowadays with severe facial defects, tetra-amelia, and pulmonary abnormality, yet with normal chromosomal findings. We have added a case resembling Roberts syndrome with various congenital anomalies. A gestation with a fetus was terminated at 24 weeks of gestational age because of multiple fetal anomalies. Postmortem examination revealed a severe mid-facial cleft, tri-amelia and phocomelia, multiple encephaloceles, protruding and hypoteloric eyes, low-set ears, atrial septal defect of ostium secundum type, patent ductus arteriosus, bilateral two-lobed lungs with incomplete lobation, multiple visceral anomalies, a penis without scrotum, abnormal dermoglyphics, and absence of nipples.

Common occurrence of an antiidiotypic antibody that recognizes T14+ anti-DNA antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether antibodies to a T14 anti-DNA antibody can be found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Seventy-six serum samples (37 from patients with SLE) were randomly selected from among sera submitted for routine antinuclear antibody testing. Short, overlapping peptides based on the partial VH (variable region of the heavy chain) sequence of the T14 antibody were synthesized on multipins and screened for reactivity with SLE sera. In addition, selected peptides from T14 and related proteins were synthesized in bulk and screened for reactivity with both SLE and control sera. A monoclonal antibody was generated to determine the prevalence of the T14 idiotype (T14+ Id) in the different study populations.

RESULTS

Antibodies were detected by a peptide based on the third complementarity-determining region (CDR3) of the T14 protein in 15 (41%) of 37 patients with SLE or 15 (54%) of 28 who had anti-DNA antibodies, in 3 (9%) of 34 patients without anti-DNA antibodies (9 of whom had SLE), and in 6 (10%) of 57 healthy controls. In SLE sera, the antiidiotypic (anti-Id) responses (IgM and IgG) correlated well with the anti-DNA responses (IgG), and both responses correlated well with the T14+ Id activity in SLE sera. Control peptides based on the 18/2 (16/6+ Id) and S107 proteins detected low antibody activities in SLE sera, attributable to cross-reactivity with the T14 peptide. A peptide based on an unrelated human antibody was not reactive with these sera.

CONCLUSION

Anti-Id antibodies directed to T14 VHCDR3 were found commonly in the sera of patients with SLE, and they appeared to be induced by the anti-DNA antibodies present in the sera. Based on these findings, these secondary antibodies may be pathogenic in SLE.

Active peptides from the carboxyl-terminal globular domain of laminin alpha2 and Drosophila alpha chains

The laminin alpha1 chain carboxyl-terminal globular domain (G domain) contains multiple biological activities. Recently, we identified five cell binding sequences from the G domain by screening with overlapping 12-mer peptides encompassing the entire domain. The structures of these five sequences in the alpha1 chain are conserved in the corresponding regions of the different laminin alpha chains. Here we characterize the adhesion activities of the corresponding peptide segments from both the mouse laminin alpha2 chain and Drosophila laminin alpha chain using peptide-coated plastic plates and peptide-conjugated Sepharose beads. Using several cell lines, the laminin alpha2 chain peptides showed cell attachment and/or spreading activities with cell type specificities. Cell spreading on MG-10 was inhibited by integrin antibodies. Four of the Drosophila laminin peptides showed cell attachment activities. These results suggest that biologically active regions in the G domain are conserved in the laminin alpha1 and alpha2 chains, and that these regions in laminin play an important role in cell surface receptor interactions.

Increased level of neurokinin-1 tachykinin receptor gene expression during early postnatal development of rat brain

Substance P is known to elicit diverse actions via activating multiple subtypes of tachykinin receptors, and these actions appear to be involved not only in synaptic transmission but also in synaptic plasticity during development of the mammalian central nervous system. The availability of sensitive quantitation of individual tachykinin receptor subtypes is crucial for elucidating the physiological function specifically mediated by activation of a particular receptor subtype. We thus attempted to develop an assay to determine the level of messenger RNA molecule encoding the neurokinin-1-type tachykinin receptor and apply it for assessment of developmental changes in the neurokinin-1 receptor gene expression in the rat brain to explore the role of tachykinin receptors during ontogeny. The assay was designed to use a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction co-amplifying endogenous neurokinin-1 receptor messenger RNA and internal standard, which enabled specific quantification of the number of neurokinin-1 receptor transcripts, ranging from 3.1 x 10(3) to 1.3 x 10(5) molecules/microgram total RNA. The levels of neurokinin-1 receptor gene expression were examined in three different brain regions of the rat aged 0-56 days after birth. The order of neurokinin-1 receptor messenger RNA expression was hippocampus > cerebral cortex > > cerebellum at all ages examined except postnatal day 0, where its expression was more abundant in the cerebral cortex than in the hippocampus. From postnatal day 3 onward, the hippocampus contained 140-160% of the cortical levels. Although the tachykinin receptor expression in the cerebellum was too low to be accurately assessed by conventional techniques, our assay enabled us to determine the amount of cerebellar neurokinin-1 receptor messenger RNA that changed in the range 7-23% of the cortical level during postnatal development. A prominent feature revealed by this assay is that the neurokinin-1 receptor gene expression in the rat brain is developmentally regulated. The hippocampus displayed a transient peak of neurokinin-1 receptor messenger RNA at postnatal day 3 and a subsequent gradual decrease. In the cerebral cortex, the amount of the message was highest at birth, and was followed by a moderate decrease during postnatal development. At 56 days after birth, the expression levels in both brain regions were down-regulated to approximately 50% of their maximal levels. The transitory pattern of gene expression was also observed in the cerebellum. The results of this study demonstrate that the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based assay is useful to quantitate precisely the neurokinin-1 tachykinin receptor message in limited tissue samples derived from discrete brain regions. Together with previous findings, the increased level of neurokinin-1 receptor messenger RNA expression in immature rat brain shown by the present analysis suggests that the neurokinin-1-type tachykinin receptor may play a role in the synaptic plasticity associated with morphological and functional development of the mammalian CNS.

Murine central neurons express a novel member of the cdc10/SWI6 motif-containing protein superfamily

V-1 protein is a novel member of the cdc10/SWI6 motif-containing protein superfamily several members of which have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in the regulation of intracellular signaling. In the present study we examined the distribution of V-1 mRNA in the murine central nervous system (CNS). Northern analysis revealed the expression of V-1 mRNA in various regions of the brain with the following rank order: hippocampus, cerebellum > cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, medulla oblongata, pons > thalamus. In situ hybridization also showed that V-1 mRNA is widely distributed in various regions of the brain, with parallel expression levels to those revealed by Northern analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the V-1 protein exists in various types of neurons, mainly in cell bodies but also in dendrites, axons and possibly in synaptic areas. These expression patterns of the V-1 gene in the murine CNS suggest that the V-1 protein performs some common function in different classes of neurons. We found no significant difference in the expression level of V-1 mRNA in cerebellar granule cells between the control and mutant mice of Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd). In comparison with our previous data obtained in another mutant, staggerer, we discussed the effects of target deprivation on the expression of V-1 mRNA in cerebellar granule cells.

Evaluation of therapeutic regimens for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is currently considered the most important exogenous factor in the genesis of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. However, the optimum regimen for the eradication of H. pylori remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eradication rate of H. pylori, the side effects, and the patients' compliance with regard to various drug regimens. We also analyzed factors influencing the eradication of H. pylori. One hundred and eighty patients were included and divided into four groups: 42 patients (Group I) received tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate (240 mg b.i.d.), metronidazole (250 mg t.i.d.) and amoxicillin (500 mg t.i.d.) for 14 days; 55 patients (Group 2) received omeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.) and amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.) for 14 days; 36 patients (Group 3) were treated with omeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.), metronidazole (250 mg t.i.d.) and amoxicillin (500 mg t.i.d.) for 14 days; and 47 patients (Group 4) received omeprazole (20 mg q.d.) and amoxicillin (500 mg t.i.d.) for 14 days and then tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate (240 mg b.i.d.) and nizatidine (150 mg q.d.) for 14 days. The diagnosis of H. pylori was made by histology. The eradication of H. pylori was defined both by histology (H&E and Giemsa stain) and by rapid urease test (CLOR) showing negative for H. pylori 4 weeks after the completion of therapy. Of the 180 patients, 95 patients had non-ulcer dyspepsia, 40 patients had gastric ulcer and 45 patients had duodenal ulcer. The eradication rate of H. pylori was highest (89.3%) in Group 3, as compared with Group 1 (68.9%), Group 2 (65.4%), and Group 4 (48.9%). The eradication rate was significantly higher in Group 3 than in Groups 2 and 4 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the eradication rate among clinical diagnosis, sex and age. But, in the conventional triple therapy (Group 1), the eradication rate was higher in male (78.6%) than in female (46.2%). The side effects in order, were nausea (22.1%), dizziness (19.5%), abdominal pain (11.6%) and diarrhea (97%), and there was no difference among the drug regimens. The compliance of the patients was good (more than 80% irrespective of drug regimen). On the basis of these findings, the side effects of the drugs seemed minimal, and the compliance of patients was good irrespective of the drug regimen. In conclusion, the triple therapy with omeprazole, metronidazole and amoxicillin was the most effective regimen and could be recommended for H. pylori eradication.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced breath-hold MR imaging of thoracic malignancy using cardiac compensation

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the use of dynamic gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced, breath-hold spoiled gradient-recalled (SPGR) MR imaging with cardiac compensation (CMON) compared to spin-echo MR imaging in patients with thoracic malignancy. We retrospectively reviewed MR images from 29 patients with thoracic tumors. MR imaging included axial electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated T1-weighted, fast spin echo (FSE) T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced breath-hold fast multiplanar SPGR imaging with CMON, which selects the phase-encoding gradient based on the phase within the cardiac cycle. Images were reviewed for lung masses, mediastinal or hilar tumor, disease of the pleura, chest wall, and bones and vascular compression or occlusion. Contrast-enhanced fast multiplanar SPGR imaging with CMON produces images of the chest that are free of respiratory artifact and have diminished vascular pulsation artifact. ECG-gated T1-weighted images were preferred for depicting mediastinal and hilar tumor. The gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced fast multiplanar SPGR images were useful for depicting chest wall tumor, vascular compression or thrombosis, osseous metastases, and in distinguishing a central tumor mass from peripheral lung consolidation. Pleural tumor was depicted best on the FSE T2-weighted images and the contrast-enhanced SPGR images. As an adjunct to spin echo T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging, contrast-enhanced fast multiplanar SPGR imaging with CMON is useful in the evaluation of thoracic malignancy.

p53 protein expression in extrahepatic bile duct cancer

p53 mutations, a tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 17p, are the most common genetic alterations found in human cancers. Although the p53 expression or mutation has been investigated in a variety of cancers there have been very few studies in extrahepatic bile duct cancers. In this study, we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of p53 in formalin fixed paraffin embedded archival specimens of 36 extrahepatic bile duct cancers in which p53 expression was found in eighteen (50%) cases. There was no significant difference in age, gender, size of tumor, histologic grade, extent of tumor involvement, lymph node metastasis and tumor resectability according to p53 immunoreactivity. Comparison of survival duration according to p53 expression showed no significant difference. In conclusion, we reported 50 percent of p53 expression in extrahepatic bile duct cancers by immunohistochemical staining and we found no prognostic significance of p53 expression in dinicopathologic parameters.

Changes in the gene expression of a protein with the cdc10/SWI6 motif, V-1, during rat follicular development and corpus luteum formation

We examined the gene expression of V-1, a novel soluble protein with the cdc10/SWI6 motif, in pseudopregnant rat ovaries. Northern blot analysis on days 1, 5, and 11 of pseudopregnancy revealed an approximately 2-fold increase in the V-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level on day 5 to that on day 1, and no significant change was observed between those on day 5 and day 11. An injection of human CG on days 5 further increased th V-1 mRNA level to about 1.6-fold of that of the untreated control. Western blot analysis showed higher V-1 protein expression on days 5 and 11 of pseudopregnancy than that on day 1. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry with ovaries on day 3 of pseudopregnancy showed that luteal cells of corpora lutea and also cells of the coexisting follicles including oocytes express V-1 mRNA and the protein, with apparent rank order of the expression: oocytes > luteal cells > follicular cells >> atretic follicular cells including oocytes. These data indicate the dynamic change in the V-1 gene expression in the ovarian steroidogenic cells and oocytes and suggest potential roles of the V-1 protein in ovarian functions including corpus luteum formation and folliculogenesis.

Prediction of tumor response to experimental radioimmunotherapy with 90Y in nude mice

PURPOSE

To identify those factors that predict variability in tumor response to 90Y-radioimmunotherapy based on measurement of incorporated activity and physical dimensions of individual tumors and to apply the concept of effective dose to radioimmunotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Human colon carcinoma xenografts growing in nude mice were treated with anti-CEA antibodies labeled with 90Y directly or through a bispecific antibody/labeled hapten system. Tumor response was measured as the delay in growth to eight times the treatment volume. Noninvasive activity (based on bremsstrahlung radiation) and dimension measurements were made in these animals at several times after label injection. The following parameters were compared for their ability to predict individual tumor response: (a) injected activity, (b) injected activity times a factor based on average uptake as a function of volume, (c) in vivo activity per volume measured in each animal at a single time, (d) the integral over time of in vivo activity per volume in each animal, and (e) the minimum dose for each animal in a uniformly active ellipsoid whose total activity and dimensions varied over time the same as the tumor.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

After correcting for differences in injected activity, two parameters account for much of the variability in tumor response. One of these is the general trend of larger tumors to take up less activity per volume. Additional variability can be accounted for by the in vivo activity per volume measurements. The minimum dose as introduced here is likely to be useful in estimating the biologically effective dose delivered by each treatment.

Identification of cell binding sites in the laminin alpha 1 chain carboxyl-terminal globular domain by systematic screening of synthetic peptides

The laminin alpha 1 chain carboxyl-terminal globular domain has been identified as a site of multiple biological activities. Using a systematic screening for cell binding sites with 113 overlapping synthetic peptide beads that covered this domain, we found 19 potential active sequences. Corresponding synthetic peptides were evaluated for direct cell attachment, spreading, and inhibition of cell spreading to a laminin-1 substrate using several cell lines. Five peptides (AG-10, AG-22, AG-32, AG-56, and AG-73) showed cell attachment activities with cell-type specificities. Cell spreading on AG-10 was inhibited by beta 1 and alpha 6 integrin antibodies and on AG-32 was inhibited by beta 1, alpha 2, and alpha 6 integrin antibodies. In contrast, cell adhesion and spreading on peptide AG-73 were not inhibited by these antibodies. The minimum active sequences of AG-10, AG-32, and AG-73 were determined to be SIYITRF, IAFQRN, and LQVQLSIR, respectively. These sequences are highly conserved among the different species and different laminin alpha chains, suggesting that they play a critical role for biological function and for interaction with cell surface receptors.

A nuclear factor containing the leucine-rich repeats expressed in murine cerebellar neurons

A nuclear protein, termed leucine-rich acidic nuclear protein (LANP), has been isolated from among rat cerebellar proteins whose expression was transiently increased during an early stage of postnatal development. The amino acid sequence, deduced from its cDNA, showed that LANP contains 247 amino acids consisting of two distinct structural domains: the N-terminal domain characterized by "leucine-rich repeat," which is found in many eukaryotic proteins and which potentially functions in mediating protein-protein interactions, and the C-terminal domain characterized by a cluster of acidic amino acids with a putative nuclear localization signal. Immunohistochemical study using an antibody against LANP revealed that the protein is localized mainly in nuclei of Purkinje cells. In the rat cerebellum on postnatal day 7, LANP mRNA was expressed moderately in the external granule and Purkinje cells and weakly in the internal granule cells. The expression in these cells, especially in Purkinje cells, increased in the second postnatal week and thereafter decreased to an adult level. The structural characteristics, localization, and the stage- and cell type-specific expression suggest a potential role of LANP in a signal transduction pathway that directs differentiation of cerebellar neurons.

Differential gene expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor isoforms in rat ovary

The gene expression of four fibroblast growth factor receptors (flg, bek, FGFR-3, and FGFR-4) in rat ovary cells was studied. Northern blot hybridization revealed that flg and bek mRNAs were detectable during all stages except a diestrus stage, whereas FGFR-3 and FGFR-4 mRNAs were almost undetectable throughout the cycles. In situ hybridization also demonstrated that only flg and bek gene expression was detectable. A modest flg mRNA signal was detected in developing antral follicles and it was more prominent in the theca-interstitial cells than in the granulosa cells. A modest to weak flg mRNA signal was seen in the hypertrophied theca-interstitial cells of atretic follicles and a very weak flg mRNA signal was observed in the corpora lutea. On the other hand, a weak bek mRNA signal was seen in granulosa and theca-interstitial cells in developing follicles and also hypertrophied theca-interstitial cells of atretic follicles, but not in the corpora lutea. Intense signals for both flg and bek mRNAs were unexpectedly found in the epithelium of paroophoron at the hilus. These results demonstrate that the bFGF receptor isoforms are expressed differentially in the rat ovary cells.

Enhancement by serotonin of GABA-mediated inhibitory synaptic currents in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells

The actions of serotonin (5-HT) on synaptic responses in Purkinje cells were examined using the whole-cell voltage-clamp recording from thin slices of the rat cerebellum. Focal stimulation within the molecular layer elicited synaptic responses: (1) inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) that were completely blocked by bicuculline; (2) excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) that were antagonized by CNQX; and (3) combination of IPSC and EPSC. Application of 5-HT (3-30 microM) increased the amplitude of the stimulation-evoked IPSCs but did not significantly affect the EPSCs. The frequency and the mean amplitude of spontaneous IPSCs were increased in the presence of 5-HT. Neither the sensitivity to exogenously applied GABA nor the holding current of Purkinje cells were noticeably altered by 5-HT. The results indicate that 5-HT differentially enhances the GABA-mediated IPSCs in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells via a presynaptic mechanism. Serotonergic neurons thus appear to play a role in the motor control through selective presynaptic facilitation that modulates the output from the cerebellar cortex.

Use of bremsstrahlung radiation to monitor Y-90 tumor and whole body activities during experimental radioimmunotherapy in mice

BACKGROUND

Large differences in uptake between tumors, even for the same size, frequently observed in clinical and experimental radioimmunotherapy (RAIT), make monitoring of uptake in individual tumors imperative in comparing protocols. 90Y, widely-used for RAIT, emits no gamma radiation and absorption of the beta particle in tissue makes its detection unsuitable for in vivo monitoring. We tested whether bremsstrahlung radiation, produced when betas are decelerated by nuclei, could be used to monitor tumor uptake.

METHODS

Subcutaneous human LS174T colon carcinoma tumors were grown in the upper thigh of nude mice and labeled antibody injected intracardially. With the tumor placed in the 2 cm-diameter aperture in a lead collimator, photons with energies from 100 to 200 keV transmitted through plastic, which absorbed the beta particles, were counted to maximize shielding from the rest of the body. The contribution of the normal tissues was subtracted by counting the non-tumor-bearing leg in the same position. Excretion was calculated from whole body activity determined by removing the collimator, placing the mouse in a syringe surrounded by tissue-equivalent material 10 cm from the detector, and counting photons between 200 and 740 keV to minimize the effect of tissue attenuation.

RESULTS

For tumors larger than 0.14 gm, a good correlation was obtained between the in vivo bremsstrahlung measurements and the measurements on excised tumors in a calibrated well counter. Similar excretion rates observed in all the animals suggested that the whole body counting was accurate.

CONCLUSIONS

Bremstrahlung detection appears feasible and reliable for monitoring both tumor and whole body activities.

Structure of D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Palinurus versicolor carrying the fluorescent NAD derivatives at 2.7 A resolution

Ultraviolet irradiation of carboxymethylated D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase leads to the formation of a fluorescent NAD derivative. The structure of the enzyme from Palinurus versicolor carrying this derivative has been determined by molecular replacement and refined using the restrained least-squares method to 2.7 A with a final crystallographic R-factor of 0.205. The polypeptide chain folding and subunit arrangement closely resemble the known structure of Homarus americanus GAPDH. The structure at the modified active site confirms that the photochemical reaction is a half-of-the-sites reaction and occurs in the red and yellow subunit pair. The stereochemical relationship between the Trp residues at the active site shows that Trp 310 is most probably involved in a radiationless energy transfer to the fluorophore. A large solvent channel connecting the catalytic and NAD(+)-binding sites was found parallel to the crystallographic axis alpha from packing analysis, suggesting that this crystal form may be suitable for a kinetic crystallographic study of the apoenzyme.

An after-depolarization following action potentials and its modulation by substance P in rat sympathetic neurons

Sympathetic neurons in rat coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglia (C-SMG) displayed an after-depolarization (ADP) following action potentials and after-hyperpolarization. The ADP had amplitudes of 3-10 mV and lasted for 2-6 s, during which membrane resistance and excitability of C-SMG neurons increased. The reversal potential of ADP was dependent on external K+ concentrations. The ADP was suppressed in a solution containing Cd2+ or zero Ca2+. The ADP thus appears to be produced by inhibition of certain K+ channels via a Ca(2+)-dependent process. Substances P (SP) depolarized ganglion cells and increased the ADP, leading to a long-lasting increase in membrane excitability of rat C-SMG neurons.

A rat cerebellar protein containing the cdc10/SWI6 motif

Systematic analysis of soluble proteins in developing rat cerebellum by an automated two-dimensional liquid-chromatography system detected a number of proteins which increased transiently during the initial stage of postnatal development. One of the proteins, V-1, was isolated using a liquid-chromatography system, and its amino acid sequence was determined by analysis of the purified protein. The sequence showed that the V-1 protein consists of 117 amino acids with an acetylated N-terminus, and has 2.5 internal sequence repeats of 33 amino acids. Computer retrieval of the sequence indicated that the repeated sequences have a structural characteristics of the cdc10/SWI6 motif, which is found in a series of proteins, including those involved in cell-cycle control and cell-fate determination in yeast, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. The structure of V-1, coupled with its controlled expression in early postnatal development, implies a potential role for V-1 in cerebellar morphogenesis.

Fast and slow depolarizations produced by substance P and other tachykinins in sympathetic neurons of rat prevertebral ganglia

Using intracellular recording, we examined the effects of three mammalian tachykinins, substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), and neurokinin B (NKB), on sympathetic neurons of isolated rat coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglia (C-SMG). The 3 tachykinins elicited two distinct depolarizing responses in ganglion cells: fast depolarization with time-to-peak of 1-2 sec and duration of 5-10 sec, and slow depolarization with time-to-peak of about 20 sec and duration of 120-140 sec. Both fast and slow responses persisted in a solution containing low Ca2+ and high Mg2+ or tetrodotoxin, which indicates that the tachykinins directly act on ganglion cells to produce fast and slow depolarizations. The two types of tachykinin-induced responses exhibited clearly distinguishable properties. The membrane conductance was increased during the fast response, but not significantly changed, slightly decreased or sometimes increased during the slow response. Within certain range of membrane potential, the amplitude of fast response increased upon membrane hyperpolarization and decreased upon depolarization of ganglion cells. In contrast, the amplitude of slow response associated with membrane conductance decrease was increased with membrane depolarization and decreased with hyperpolarization. The fast response was markedly suppressed in a Na(+)-deficient solution, a solution containing nominally zero Ca2+ (plus 0.1 mM EGTA in some cases), and in a solution containing Cd2+ or Mn2+, whereas the slow response was not affected in these solutions and was augmented in some cells in K(+)-free solution. Thus it seems that the increase in Ca(2+)-dependent cationic conductance underlies the fast response and that the slow response is produced at least in part by suppression of certain K+ channels. The fast response progressively decreased in amplitude upon repeated application of the peptides with short intervals, whereas the slow response was rather augmented by repeated application. Lowering the temperature markedly depressed the slow response, while the fast response remained almost unaffected. It is therefore likely that the fast and slow depolarizations are mediated by two different subtypes of tachykinin receptors or a single class of receptors linked with two different intracellular mechanisms. Measurement of tachykinins in several sympathetic ganglia by combined use of HPLC and radioimmunoassay revealed that the highest amount of SP occurs in the C-SMG where the content of SP (136.0 pmol/g protein) was higher than those of NKA (44.3) and NKB (18.7). SP thus appears to function as a major tachykinin in rat C-SMG.

Adenine arabinoside monophosphate and acyclovir monophosphate coupled to lactosaminated albumin reduce woodchuck hepatitis virus viremia at doses lower than do the unconjugated drugs

The woodchuck was selected to study the efficacy of liver-targeted antiviral drugs on hepadnavirus replication. Nineteen woodchucks chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus were treated with adenine arabinoside monophosphate or acyclovir monophosphate, either free or conjugated with the liver-targeting molecule lactosaminated human serum albumin. Circulating woodchuck hepatitis virus DNA levels remained unchanged in untreated animals and in those receiving the carrier lactosaminated human serum albumin alone; in contrast, they were consistently lower after 5 days of treatment with the antiviral drugs. Free and conjugated adenine arabinoside monophosphate were active at doses of 10 and 0.75 mg/kg, respectively, and free and coupled ACVMP were active at doses of 20 and 2.6 mg/kg, respectively. These results indicate that the dosages of adenine arabinoside monophosphate and acyclovir monophosphate required to inhibit hepadnavirus growth can be sharply reduced by coupling the drugs to lactosaminated human serum albumin.

Adrenergic and cholinergic inhibition of Ca2+ channels mediated by different GTP-binding proteins in rat sympathetic neurones

Effects of acetylcholine (ACh) and noradrenaline (NA) on voltage-gated ion channels of sympathetic neurones acutely dissociated from rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) were examined using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. Depolarizing voltage steps elicited two types of low- and high-voltage-activated (LVA and HVA) Ca2+ currents. Pressure applications of ACh and NA produced concentration-dependent inhibition of the HVA Ca2+ current without affecting the LVA Ca2+ current. The inhibitory action of ACh on the Ca2+ current was blocked by a muscarinic antagonist, atropine. The action of NA was suppressed by an alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine, but not by an alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist, prazosin. Delayed rectifying outward K+ currents and inward rectifying K+ current were not affected by either ACh or NA. Tetrodotoxin-sensitive and -insensitive Na+ currents also remained unaffected under actions of ACh and NA. When recorded with electrode containing guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-gamma-S), the inhibitory actions of ACh and NA on Ca2+ currents became irreversible. After treatment of SCG neurones with pertussis toxin, the inhibitory action of ACh on the Ca2+ current was almost completely abolished, whereas the action of NA was only partially reduced. The results suggest that ACh and NA differentially inhibit the HVA Ca2+ current via different G proteins coupling muscarinic and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors to Ca2+ channels in rat SCG neurones.

[Receptor mechanisms underlying the actions of substance P and related neuropeptides]

The excitability of peripheral and central neurons is regulated by two types of ion channels, voltage- and ligand-operated ones. Recent studies have revealed that the activities of these ion channels are under the control of a variety of classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. In particular, certain ion channels such as voltage-dependent Ca and K channels are reciprocally regulated by excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, leading to the excitation and inhibition of nerve cells: for example, 1) the activation of voltage-dependent K channel is facilitated by somatostatin and inhibited by substance P, and 2) the opening of voltage-gated Ca channel is augmented by substance P and suppressed by somatostatin and certain opioid peptides. The ligand-gated ion channel, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is also controlled by the actions of neuropeptides, substance P and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP). The regulation of ion channels with neuropeptides may contribute not only to the control of neuronal excitability but also to the plasticity of the nervous system.

Different GTP-binding proteins mediate regulation of calcium channels by acetylcholine and noradrenaline in rat sympathetic neurons

In dissociated neurons of rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG), noradrenaline (NA) and acetylcholine (ACh) suppressed Ca2+ currents elicited by depolarizations to 0 mV from -60 mV. With GTP-gamma-S in patch electrodes, ACh and NA caused persistent inhibition of Ca2+ currents. Pretreatment of SCG cells with pertussis toxin abolished the action of ACh but not of NA. The results suggest that ACh and NA reduce the Ca2+ currents in SCG cells through different G proteins.

Tachykinins produce fast and slow depolarizations in sympathetic neurons of rat coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglia

The actions of mammalian tachykinins on neurons of rat coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglia (C-SMG) were examined using intracellular recording in isolated preparations. Application of substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B produced fast and slow depolarizations in the ganglion cells. The two responses were clearly distinguishable in their electrophysiological characteristics. The results suggest that different receptor mechanisms are involved in fast and slow depolarizing actions of tachykinins in rat C-SMG cells.

[Cardiotoxicity of antipsychotic drugs: abnormal ECG in 1266 cases]

In this report, abnormal changes of 1266 ECG were assessed during antipsyhotic drugs medication. It was founded that cardiac dysrhythmia (sinus tachycardia) in the first place, T wave changes and depression of S-T segment in the next. The rate of abnormal ECG with chlorpromazine seemed to be higher than other drugs. Factors of dosage and time of treatment were non-significant.

Inositol trisphosphate-linked calcium mobilization couples substance P receptors to conductance increase in a rat pancreatic acinar cell line

The action of substance P (SP) on a rat pancreatic acinar cell line, AR4-2J, was examined using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. Pressure application of SP evoked inward currents accompanying increased membrane conductance. The SP-induced response was suppressed in Ca2+-free or low-Na+ solution. Treatment of cells with caffeine or A23187 produced a transient inward current and depressed the response to SP. Intracellular application of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) elicited sustained inward currents and suppressed the SP-induced response. The results suggest that activation of SP receptors stimulates the formation of inositol phosphates via a guanine nucleotide-binding protein and leads to the rise in intracellular Ca2+, thereby activating a cation conductance in AR4-2J cells.

[Value and factors of influence in the combined method of the urine-purple-heat tolerance test in the diagnosis of cancer]

A method combining the urine cancer reaction, purple reaction and heat tolerance test (combined method of urine-purple-heat tolerance) was used to examine 112 normal persons, 110 non-cancer patients and 93 cancer patients. It was found that the accuracy rate of the urine reaction was 82%, of the purple reaction 77.4%, and of the heat tolerance 79%. The combined method showed great diagnostic value for cancers in the digestive tract, such as stomach, biliary duct, colon, pancreas and liver, as well as other cancers, e.g., lung cancer, lymphosarcoma and brain tumor. This method may be best for screening the above tumors. Its positive rate was also high in malignant reticuloma, chronic granulocytic leukemia and reticulosarcoma. The mechanism of the combined method and the influential factors, such as the freshness of the specimen, reactive time, temperature and quality of the reagents are discussed.

Cerebral thrombosis at altitude: its pathogenesis and the problems of prevention and treatment

In analyzing cerebral thrombosis at altitude--own case and in the literature--we anatomically confirmed that cerebral thrombi in mountain sickness were all of venous origin. All climbers went higher than 5,000 m and most stayed in that altitude longer than 3 weeks. Hemoconcentration was confirmed in two cases, including our own patient. It was suspected that hemoconcentration resulting from secondary polycythemia and dehydration at altitude, as well as cerebral circulatory disturbance produced by high-altitude cerebral edema, played a major role in the development of cerebral thrombosis. The problems of prevention and treatment of cerebral thrombosis at altitude are discussed.

Neoplastic angioendotheliosis. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic findings in three cases

Three cases of neoplastic angioendotheliosis (NAE) presenting with central nervous system (CNS) disease but no skin lesions are described. The histogenesis of the neoplastic cells is discussed. Microscopic examination showed accumulation of neoplastic cells in the vascular system throughout the body and their extravascular proliferation in several organs. Electron microscopic and immunohistochemical studies revealed the presence of Weibel-Palade bodies and factor VIII-related antigen in intravascular and extravascular neoplastic cells in two of the three cases. In the first case the neoplastic cells did not have any T-cell markers. However, in one case no specific markers were found in the neoplastic cells by electron microscopic, enzyme histochemical, or immunohistochemical examination. These findings, although supporting the endothelial origin of the neoplastic cells, indicate the need for further consideration of whether NAE is actually a single disease entity or several different diseases.

A study of experimental cyanide encephalopathy in the acute phase--physiological and neuropathological correlation

A study was performed to elucidate the significance of various physiological factors contributing to the pathogenesis of experimental cyanide encephalopathy, such as the systemic arterial blood pressure, venous pressure, common carotid blood flow and local blood flow of the cerebral grey and white matters, and blood gas including pH. The histology and topography of the brain damage was also analysed. Twenty-one cats were divided into four groups. The animals in groups 1, 2 and 3 were subjected to continuous infusion of 0.2% sodium cyanide solution and to the ensuing hypotension below 100 mm Hg by administering a ganglion-blocking drug and by respiratory arrest. Severe damage developed in the deep cerebral white matter, corpus callosum, pallidum and substantia nigra, but the damage of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was not remarkable. The animals in group 4 that were subjected to cyanide infusion without significant hypotension (above 100 mm Hg), but to the same degree of acidosis as that of the other groups, had similar morphological changes, but to a lesser degree. On the basis of our physiological and morphological findings, we speculated that the pathophysiological factors of tissue hypoxia and subsequent hypotension operated in cyanide leucoencephalopathy. The topographic selectivity seemed to be related to the characteristic cerebral vascular system, and the severity of the white matter lesions was related to the intensity of both hypoxia and hypotension during cyanide infusion, but not to the extent of acidosis, total dose of cyanide or duration of its infusion per se.

Preliminary crystallographic studies of lobster D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and the modified enzyme carrying the fluorescent derivative

When the active-site carboxymethylated D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is irradiated with ultraviolet light in the presence of NAD+, a fluorescent NAD derivative that is covalently linked to the enzyme is obtained. A preliminary crystallographic study of this fluorescent derivative, as well as of the native and the carboxymethylated enzymes from Palinurus versicolor, showed that they are isomorphous and belong to space group C2 as reported for the native enzyme from Palinurus vulgaris. The three forms of the enzyme, although they have identical unit cell parameters, differ considerably in their diffraction patterns, indicating marked differences in conformation in spite of the fact that they differ chemically only in a restricted region around the active site.

An experimental study of the pathogenesis of the selective lesion of the globus pallidus in acute carbon monoxide poisoning in cats. With special reference to the chronologic change in the cerebral local blood flow

Twenty-eight mature cats were exposed to 0.3% carbon monoxide (CO) gas for 90-193 min using artificial ventilation. The systemic blood pressure (BP), venous pressure (VP), blood flow of the left common carotid artery (CF), and blood gas were monitored. The local blood flow (LBF) of the globus pallidus, putamen, or claustrum was measured by the hydrogen clearance method. Pallidal lesions were found histologically in 14 cats. The period of CO inhalation and the time thereafter were divided into the following four stages in the animals with pallidal lesions. Stage 1: Initial phase with rapid increase in the CF and LBF, and rapid decrease in the BP. Stage 2: Middle phase with slow decrease in the BP, CF, and LBF. Stage 3: Terminal phase with rapid decrease in the BP, CF, and LBF. Stage 4: Recovery phase. The changes in stage 3 were not so prominent in the animals without pallidal lesions. The LBF of the globus pallidus of the animals with lesions decreased to 67.3 +/- 20.7% of the initial value at the terminal stage of CO inhalation, while it was 188 +/- 46.7% in those without lesions. The difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.01). The LBF of the putamen or claustrum in the animals with lesions in the globus pallidus was 140 +/- 24.6% at this stage, and it was significantly higher than that of the globus pallidus (P less than 0.01). Other factors, such as CO inhalation time, degree of acidosis, and terminal CO-Hb concentration, did not correlate with the occurrence of the pallidal lesion.