Protective function of p27(KIP1) against apoptosis in small cell lung cancer cells in unfavorable microenvironments

A previous study of ours unexpectedly found that in contrast to frequent reductions in non-small cell lung cancer, high expression of the p27(KIP1) cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor was retained in virtually all small cell lung cancers (SCLCs), suggesting the possibility of high expression of nonfunctional p27(KIP1) in this virulent tumor. The study presented here, however, shows that p27(KIP1) in SCLC biochemically functions as a CDK inhibitor, clearly showing induction apparently associated with G(1)/G(0) arrest and efficient binding to and inhibition of the cyclin E-CDK2 complex. Interestingly, induction of p27(KIP1) seems to confer on SCLC cells the ability to survive under culture conditions unfavorable for cell growth such as a lack of nutrients and hypoxia. Subsequent experiments manipulating p27(KIP1) levels by using a sense p27(KIP1) expression construct or an antisense oligonucleotide supported this notion. These observations suggest that high expression of p27(KIP1) in vivo may favor the survival of SCLC by preventing apoptosis in a microenvironment unfavorable for cell proliferation.

In vitro assessment of Metarhizium anisopliae isolates to control the cattle tick Boophilus microplus

Metarhizium anisopliae is a filamentous fungus used for tick control. The in vitro effects of 12 M. anisopliae isolates on engorged Boophilus microplus females were analysed. The most pathogenic isolate (E6S1) caused a 100% death rate when 10(7) spores/ml were used to infect ticks. Isolates of M. anisopliae taken from experimentally infected ticks proved to be more pathogenic than fungus maintained on culture media. A comparison between dsRNA mycovirus-free and infected M. anisopliae isolates suggested that, in general, virus free isolates were more infective. The results showed that the biological control of B. microplus by M. anisopliae infection might constitute an additional method to integrated tick control management.

Cutting edge: naturally occurring soluble form of mouse Toll-like receptor 4 inhibits lipopolysaccharide signaling

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of proteins playing important roles in host defense. Mice defective of functional TLR4 are hyporesponsive to LPS, suggesting that TLR4 is essential for LPS signaling. Here we report the cloning of an alternatively spliced mouse TLR4 (mTLR4) mRNA. The additional exon exists between the second and third exon of the reported mTLR4 gene and contains an in-frame stop codon. The alternatively spliced mRNA encodes 86 aa of the reported mTLR4 and an additional 36 aa. This alternatively spliced mTLR4 mRNA expressed a partially secretary 20-kDa protein, which we named soluble mTLR4 (smTLR4). In a mouse macrophage cell line, the exogenously expressed smTLR4 significantly inhibited LPS-mediated TNF-alpha production and NF-kappaB activation. Additionally, in mouse macrophages, LPS increased the mRNA for smTLR4. Taken together, our results indicate that smTLR4 may function as a feedback mechanism to inhibit the excessive LPS responses in mouse macrophages.

Psychobehavioral and immunological characteristics of HTLV-1 carriers and non-carriers with persistently low natural killer cell activity

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the differences in immunological and psychobehavioral characteristics of HTLV-1 carriers and non-carriers with persistently low natural killer (NK) cell activity.

METHODS

The individuals with persistently low NK cell activity were divided into HTLV-1 carriers and non-carriers. NK cell activity, lymphocytic proliferation, lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD16+, CD20+, CD56+), and psychobehavioral responses were examined.

PATIENTS

Of 296 outpatients with physical complaints, 30 patients with persistently low NK cell activity (10 HTLV-1 carriers and 20 HTLV-1 non-carriers) and 20 healthy controls negative for HTLV-1 antibody and with normal NK cell activity were randomly selected.

RESULTS

In HTLV-1 carriers with persistently low NK cell activity, no significant differences were observed in NK cell subsets (CD16+ and CD56+) and psychobehavioral responses compared with the healthy controls. In HTLV-1 non-carriers, NK cell subsets were significantly low, and depression, anxiety and fatigue were significantly greater than in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that persistently e low NK cell activity in HTLV-1 carriers might be reduced due to the HTLV-1 infection. On the other hand, the reduction in the NK cell activity in HTLV-1 non-carriers appears a to be related to depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

Cloning and functional expression of a Boophilus microplus cathepsin L-like enzyme

A cysteine proteinase gene homologous to cathepsins L genes was isolated from a B. microplus cDNA library. The precursor protein deduced from the nucleotide sequence contains 332 amino acid residues consisting of a signal sequence (pre-region), a pro-region and a mature proteinase. The DNA fragment coding for the proenzyme was cloned and expressed using the E. coli expression vector pMAL-p. The recombinant protein (MBP+PROCP) once activated is able to hydrolyze synthetic substrates as well as protein substrates like hemoglobin, vitellin and gelatin. Its optimal enzymatic activity on both fluorogenic and protein substrates was found to occur at an acidic pH. Expression of the proteinase gene was tested by RT-PCR with tick larvae RNA. Detection of amplified sequences indicates that the gene is expressed at this stage of the tick life cycle and the molecule is therefore potentially a target for chemotherapy or an immunogen in a vaccine.

Study of lipid in the ear canal in canine otitis externa with Malassezia pachydermatis

An epidemiological investigation of 120 canine otitis externa cases in 1,370 dogs was done on the incidence rate, ear pinna shapes, breeds and their relationships. Eighty-five cases (12.6%) in 672 dogs with pendulous ears and 35 cases (5.0%) in 698 dogs with erect ears had otitis externa, and the difference between them was significant (P<0.05). Ninety-five auditory cerumen specimens were cultured for Malassezia pachydermatis (M. pachydermatis) and analyzed for concentrations of major fatty acids. Although rates of cases positive for M. pachydermatis in both ear pinna shapes were almost the same, i.e. 55.2% in the pendulous group and 53.6% in the erect group, the average total fatty acid level of the pendulous ear group was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in the erect ear group after dismissing extraordinary levels in the Siberian husky. Isolated M. pachydermatis strains were examined for the effects of fatty acid supplementation on their growth. The majority of the strains utilized fatty acids and grew faster in fatty acid supplemented broth. These results suggest that M. pachydermatis, the predominant causative agent of canine otitis externa, prefers the auditory canal of dogs with lipid-rich earwax and grows fast, but growth strongly depends upon the canine breed.

Synthesis of derivatives of NK109, 7-OH benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid, and evaluation of their cytotoxicities and reduction-resistant properties

The N5-C6 double bond of NK109 (an antitumor benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid) is easily reduced under biological environment. To suppress the inactivation caused by reduction, we synthesized 5-, 6-, and 8-substituted NK109. 5-Substituted derivatives (4a-c) were reduced more easily than NK109. 6-Substituted ones (10a-f) inhibited biological reduction, but showed weak cytotoxic activity. 8-O-Substituted ones (13a-h), especially 8-O-hydroxyethyl NK109 (13d), suppressed biological reduction and exhibited strong cytotoxic activity.

Interleukin-15 induces rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT6 and the expression of interleukin-4 in mouse mast cells

Interleukin (IL)-4 plays an important role in the differentiation of naive T helper (Th) cells into Th2. Mast cells can produce a significant amount of IL-4 and have been proposed to play a major role in the induction of Th2 responses. Recently, it has been reported that mast cells have a distinct IL-15 receptor system different from that of T or natural killer cells. In the present study, we demonstrated that IL-15 induced IL-4 production from a mouse mast cell line, MC/9, and bone marrow-derived mast cells. IL-4 mRNA expression was increased by IL-15, suggesting that IL-15 promotes IL-4 expression at the transcriptional level. In these mast cells, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 were rapidly tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to IL-15. In MC/9 cells, the expression of a C-terminally truncated dominant negative form of STAT6 significantly suppressed the IL-4 mRNA up-regulation by IL-15, suggesting that STAT6 activation is essential for the IL-15-mediated IL-4 production. Additionally, tyrosine phosphorylation of Tyk2 was rapidly increased by IL-15 treatment in this cell line. Altogether, our results suggest that IL-15 plays an important role in stimulating early IL-4 production in mast cells that may be responsible for the initiation of Th2 response.

Histological type-selective, tumor-predominant expression of a novel CHK1 isoform and infrequent in vivo somatic CHK2 mutation in small cell lung cancer

Inactivation of p53, which represents the most prevalent genetic alteration in lung cancer, has been shown to play a crucial role in the acquisition of genomic instability. We examined 44 lung cancer specimens to search for mutations in the CHK1 and CHK2 genes, which have been suggested to play roles in regulating p53 after DNA damage. We found that the CHK2 gene was somatically mutated in lung cancer in vivo, although at a low frequency, and that a previously undescribed shorter isoform of CHK1 was expressed preferentially in small cell lung cancer in a tumor-predominant manner. Additional studies are warranted to investigate the functional significance of these changes as well as the potential involvement of other components in this important pathway to maintain genomic stability.

Absence of interleukin-4 enhances germinal center reaction in secondary immune response

The germinal center (GC) is a compartment for B cell differentiation and proliferation. Interleukin (IL)-4 has been considered essential for GC functioning. To define the role of IL-4 in GC reaction, immunohistology of draining lymph nodes (LNs) of IL-4 gene-targeted (IL-4(-/-)) mice was performed during secondary immune response. IL-4(-/-) mice were immunized with ovalbumin emulsified in Freund' complete adjuvant. Final antigen challenge was done 4 weeks later. IL-4(-/-) mice had a higher production of IgG2a and IgG2b and a lower production of IgG1 than those in wild-type (WT) mice. In comparison with WT mice, LNs of IL-4(-/-) mice on days 4 and 7 after final antigen challenge were larger and contained a markedly greater number of GCs, which showed marked size variations with a large number of small GCs and a small number of markedly large GCs. By day 14, the number of GCs decreased to the same level as that in WT mice. However, the LN size in IL-4(-/-) mice was still larger than that in WT mice due to the presence of markedly large GCs. Although well-developed complement receptor(+) follicular dendritic cell (FDC) networks were present in GCs of IL-4(-/-) mice, no FDCs of mature phenotype (CD23(+)) were observed in many of the small GCs. In conclusion, the absence of IL-4 enhanced GC reaction and specific antibody response of Th1-type. IL-4 may play an important role in inducing the appropriate magnitude of humoral immune response.

Mutation analysis of the p53 tumor suppressor gene using paraffin-embedded specimens of human transitional cell carcinomas by the direct sequencing method

A very small quantity of DNA was extracted from paraffin sections of 25 bladder and 2 ureteral cancer cases, and exons 5-8 of the p53 gene were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Mutations were detected by direct sequencing, and their relationships to clinicopathological factors were assessed. Point mutations of the p53 gene were observed in 2 of 27 specimens of transitional cell carcinoma. One was a novel nonsense mutation. The prognosis of patients with p53 gene mutations was poorer than those of patients without mutations. Analysis of the data showed that assessment of the potential malignancy of bladder cancer, combined with a conventional pathological diagnosis, allows a more precise prognosis. Direct sequencing of tissue specimens enables swift prognostic evaluation and prompt decisions concerning treatment.

The effects of n-alcohols on evoked synaptic potentials in rat hippocampal slices: Hill coefficients account for the cut-off phenomenon

The anesthetic potencies of n-alcohols increase progressively with lengthening of the carbon chain and then disappear at a cut-off point of a longer-chain n-alcohol. In order to assess the mechanisms for cut-off in mammalian central nervous system, the effects of a series of n-alcohols (C(2)-C(11)) were examined on the evoked synaptic potentials of the rat hippocampal preparation in vitro. The n-alcohols (C(2)-C(10)) reduced the slope of the excitatory post-synaptic potential in a concentration-dependent manner, and the inhibitory potencies enhanced as a function of carbon chain length. The effect disappeared at n-undecanol (C(11)). The Hill coefficients of the concentration-response curves of the n-alcohols negatively correlated with the number of carbon atoms. The decrease in the Hill coefficient could account for the cut-off phenomenon, indicating that the results can support the anesthetic pocket hypothesis.

Heterogeneities in the biological and biochemical functions of Smad2 and Smad4 mutants naturally occurring in human lung cancers

Smad family members are essential intracellular signaling components of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily involved in a range of biological activities. The loss of sensitivity to TGF-beta is frequent in human lung cancers and inactivation of Smad family members are thought to play important roles in disruption of TGF-beta signaling. In the study presented here, we characterized the biological and biochemical functions of six Smad2 and Smad4 mutants, which we previously identified in human lung cancers. All mutant Smad2 and Smad4 were in fact found to be defective in transmitting growth inhibitory signals originating from TGF-beta and incapable of activating Smad/hFAST-1-mediated transcription. Transcriptional activation of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) was impaired in four of the six mutants due to the defects in homo- and/or hetero-oligomerization with wild-type Smads. In contrast, the remaining two Smad mutants showed a modest reduction in the PAI-1 transcriptional activation and apparently retained the ability to oligomerize with wild-type Smads. Significant loss of growth inhibition and Smad/hFAST-1-mediated transcriptional activation by all of the six mutants suggested that Smad mutants are indeed functionally impaired Smad mutations and may play a role in lung tumorigenesis. Moreover, the present findings suggest that in addition to the impairment in the homo- and/or hetero-oligomerization, there may be an alternative mechanism producing disruption of TGF-beta signaling, involving hFAST-1-or possibly other transcriptional cofactor(s)-mediated transcriptional activation.

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor induces apoptosis and enhances cytotoxicity of various anticancer agents in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines

In recent years, a combination of two demographic phenomena, an increase in the number of older people in the population and an increase in the incidence of lung cancer with age, has made it mandatory to develop therapeutic modalities with less toxicity for the treatment of inoperable elderly patients with lung cancer. Our study shows that a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, nimesulide, can inhibit proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, in part by inducing apoptosis even at clinically achievable low concentrations. Our observations also suggest that the responsiveness of non-small cell lung cancer to COX-2 inhibitors does not require the presence of wild-type p53, but may be influenced by the degree of COX-2 expression. In addition, we found that nimesulide, when used in combination at clinically achievable concentrations, reduced the IC50 values of various anticancer agents by up to 77%, although the level of reduction varied considerably. Because our previous studies have indicated a significantly increased COX-2 expression in up to 70% of adenocarcinoma cases, the present findings are of great clinical interest. In conjunction with the recent development of next generation, highly selective COX-2 inhibitors, they can be expected to lead to even greater efficacy of their use as adjuncts to various anticancer agents for the treatment of high-risk patients without compromising their quality of life.

Automated analysis of digital oximetry in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea

BACKGROUND

The gold standard diagnostic test for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is overnight polysomnography (PSG) which is costly in terms of time and money. Consequently, a number of alternatives to PSG have been proposed. Oximetry is appealing because of its widespread availability and ease of application. The diagnostic performance of an automated analysis algorithm based on falls and recovery of digitally recorded oxygen saturation was compared with PSG.

METHODS

Two hundred and forty six patients with suspected OSA were randomly selected for PSG and automated off line analysis of the digitally recorded oximeter signal.

RESULTS

The PSG derived apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) and oximeter derived respiratory disturbance index (RDI) were highly correlated (R = 0.97). The mean (2SD) of the differences between AHI and RDI was 2.18 (12.34)/h. The sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm depended on the AHI and RDI criteria selected for OSA case designation. Using case designation criteria of 15/h for AHI and RDI, the sensitivity and specificity were 98% and 88%, respectively. If the PSG derived AHI included EEG based arousals as part of the hypopnea definition, the mean (2SD) of the differences between RDI and AHI was -0.12 (15. 62)/h and the sensitivity and specificity profile did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population of patients suspected of having OSA, off line automated analysis of the oximetry signal provides a close estimate of AHI as well as excellent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for OSA.

[Infratemporal fossa approach for mid-skull base lesion: its usefulness, surgical anatomy, and intraoperative device]

The usefulness of the infratemporal fossa type C approach is reported through a presentation of a case of clival chordoma, which was successfully treated by this approach. Although it is complicated and includes some demerits, this approach gives a shorter and wider access to mid-skull base pathology than other approaches. Among the demerits, deformity of the temporal region caused by extensive drilling of the bone could be minimized by cosmetic mastoidectomy, which was first applied during this approach by the authors. The surgical anatomy for this approach is demonstrated using a cadaver specimen.

Diversity of opsin immunoreactivities in the extraretinal tissues of four anuran amphibians

The pineal complex, deep brain, and skin have been known to function as extraretinal photoreceptors in non-mammalian vertebrates. To see the diversity of localization of extraretinal photoreceptors in lower vertebrates having different habitats, we analyzed the opsin-like immunoreactivities in anuran amphibians, Xenopus laevis, Rana catesbeiana, Rana nigromaculata, and Bufo japonicus. An antiserum (toad Rh-AS) was raised against rhodopsin purified from the retinas of Japanese toad, B. japonicus. In the retina of all the anurans examined, the outer segments of rods were immunopositive to toad Rh-AS. The outer segments of most pinealocytes were immunopositive in R. catesbeiana, R. nigromaculata, and B. japonicus. The outer segments of photoreceptor-like cells within the frontal organ of R. nigromaculata were immunostained. Interestingly, toad Rh-AS immunostained many secretory cells of mucous glands in the head skin of B. japonicus, implying the presence of a novel photoreceptive molecule. Within the hypothalamus, toad Rh-AS immunostained many cells in the magnocellular preoptic nucleus of R. catesbeiana and B. japonicus. Toad Rh-AS also labeled cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting cells in the anterior preoptic nucleus of R. nigromaculata and those adjacent to the lateral ventricle within the septum of R. catesbeiana. Thus the distribution patterns of the rhodopsin-like immunoreactivities among the anurans were highly diverged, and there was no relationship between the distribution patterns and their habitats. J. Exp. Zool. 286:136-142, 2000.

Search for in vivo somatic mutations in the mitotic checkpoint gene, hMAD1, in human lung cancers

We previously reported the presence of mitotic check-point impairment in about 40% of lung cancer cell lines. To gain an insight into the molecular basis of this impairment, we examined 49 lung cancer specimens for alterations in the hMAD1 mitotic checkpoint gene and identified a somatic, non-conservative missense mutation, which substitutes alanine (GCG) for threonine (ACG) at codon 299, together with a number of amino acid substituting, single nucleotide polymorphisms. This is the first demonstration of hMAD1 mutation in any type of human cancers. The present finding marks hMAD1 as a potential target, although with low frequency, for genetic alterations in lung cancer. Thus, further studies of hMAD1 dysfunction caused by other mechanisms appear to be warranted, as well as potential involvement of other components of the mitotic checkpoint.

Effects of unilateral stellate ganglion block on the spectral characteristics of heart rate variability

The effect of unilateral stellate ganglion block on cardiovascular regulation remains controversial, so the present study used power spectral analysis of heart rate variability to investigate its effect on the autonomic neural control of the heart. In 20 young healthy volunteers (mean age: 25 years), heart rate variability was determined before and after unilateral stellate ganglion block (right side 11, left side 9) using 8 ml of 1% mepivacaine during supine rest. Using autoregressive spectrum analysis, power spectra were quantified by measuring the area in 3 frequency bands: high-frequency power (lnHF, parasympathetic influence) from 0.15 to 0.40 Hz, low-frequency power (lnLF, predominantly sympathetic influence) from 0.04 to 0.15 Hz, and total-frequency power (lnTF) less than 0.40 Hz. Right stellate ganglion block decreased not only the lnLF component from 6.55+/-0.84 to 5.77+/-0.47 but also the lnHF component from 4.40+/-0.95 to 3.42+/-1.12 (p<0.05). In contrast, left stellate ganglion block changed neither the lnLF nor the lnHF component. The lnTF component was also decreased significantly by right stellate ganglion block from 7.80+/-0.95 to 7.01+/-0.36 (p<0.05), but was unchanged following left stellate ganglion block. Neither right nor left stellate ganglion block induced any significant change in both the RR and corrected QT intervals. However, changes in the RR interval induced by right stellate ganglion block showed significant positive correlation with changes in lnHF (p<0.005) and lnTF (p<0.05). These results suggest that (1) autonomic innervation to the sinus node is mainly through the right-sided stellate ganglion, (2) pharmacological right-sided stellate ganglion block may attenuate not only sympathetic but also parasympathetic activity and (3) following right stellate ganglion block the decrease in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic influence on the sinus node may inconsistently counterbalance and change the RR interval.

Effects of propofol on contractile response and electrophysiological properties in single guinea-pig ventricular myocyte

Effects of propofol on contractile response, action potential, resting membrane potential and L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel current were examined in guinea-pig single cardiac myocyte. Propofol (10(-4) M) inhibited contractile response induced by electrical stimulation (83.6% of control, n = 5), but did not change the resting membrane potential. On the other hand, propofol reduced the overshoot of action potential (10(-4) M), and shortened the duration of action potential (10(-5) and 10(-4) M). Whole-cell voltage clamp experiment showed inhibition of L-type calcium channel current (ICa, 10(-5) M: 90.8+/-1.39, 10(-4) M: 83.4+/-1.53% of control, n = 5). In addition, propofol showed use-dependent block of ICa. It is concluded that negative inotropic effect of propofol is caused by suppression of action potential, and that inhibition of ICa plays a role in shortening of the duration of action potential.

Hearing immaturity found by ABR and its clinical impact on otoneurological evaluation

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is the most reliable and most frequently used procedure to evaluate audiological conditions in early infancy. However, several reports have demonstrated that developmental change in the central nervous system may affect the results of ABR in audiological evaluations. We examined statistically the reliability of ABR for the diagnosis of profound deafness in early childhood according to our experience over the past 12 years of follow-up in our facility. Subjects included 371 children among 1,041 children who were admitted to Kanariya-Gakuen (institute for pre-school deaf children) from April 1985 to March 1997. These children were examined with ABR to determine their hearing levels. In five cases with an abnormal hearing threshold determined by ABR and other audiological tests, repeated examinations carried out during a 5- to 6-month follow-up period revealed that they had normal hearing. Three of these children had been diagnosed previously with mental retardation and the remaining two were infants < 5 months old. The specificity and sensitivity of ABR were calculated as 97.3% and 100%, respectively. The predictive value of a positive result was 94.7%. There remains the possibility of a false negative for such cases, although the rate seems to be very low (< 0.2%).

Cochlear implantation for symptomatic hereditary deafness

Recently, the effectiveness of cochlear implantation for hereditary deafness has been reported. We performed cochlear implantation for two patients with symptomatic hereditary deafness. Deafness in one patient was thought to be a result of albinism-deafness syndrome and in the other patient, a result of chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia syndrome. Since their speech perception abilities improved dramatically, we believe that cochlear implantation should be actively performed for these two syndromes.

Identification of frequent impairment of the mitotic checkpoint and molecular analysis of the mitotic checkpoint genes, hsMAD2 and p55CDC, in human lung cancers

The mitotic checkpoint is thought to be essential for ensuring accurate chromosome segregation by implementing mitotic delay in response to a spindle defect. To date, however, very little data has become available on the defects of the mitotic checkpoint in human cancer cells. In the present study, impaired mitotic checkpoint was found in four (44%) of nine human lung cancer cell lines. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of frequent impairment of the mitotic checkpoint in this leading cause of cancer deaths. As an initial step towards elucidation of the underlying mechanism, we further undertook a search for mutations in a key component of the mitotic checkpoint, known as hsMAD2, and its immediate downstream molecule, p55CDC. No such mutations were found, however, in either 21 lung cancer cell lines or 25 primary lung cancer cases, although we could identify silent polymorphisms and the transcribed and processed hsMAD2 pseudogene that was subsequently mapped at 14q21-q23. The present observations appear to warrant further investigations, such as search for alterations in other components, to better understand the molecular pathogenesis of this fatal disease, and warn against potential misinterpretation when performing mutational analyses for other cancer types based on cDNA templates.

Follicular dendritic cell dysfunction and disorganization of lymphoid structures in MRL/lpr mice

The follicular dendritic cell (FDC) in secondary lymphoid organs plays a key role in the function of the germinal center (GC) of the lymphoid follicle (LF) for regulation of the humoral immune response. MRL MpJ-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice, which have an abnormal humoral immune response, are a model for autoimmune disease. The present study was undertaken to investigate FDC dysfunction and LF disorganization in the spleen and lymph nodes of MRL/lpr mice. In 12-week-old MRL/lpr mice, antigen (Ag) trapping of FDC and half-life of trapped Ag on FDC was reduced. Although immunohistochemistry revealed well-developed FDC networks positive for complement receptors and having in vitro immune complex trapping in cryostat sections, Ag-trapping was not detected in 16-week-old MRL/lpr mice. Moreover a marked decrease in the number of GC and that of GC cell of residual GC in the MRL/lpr mice was observed by 12 weeks of age. Also reduced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, FcgammaRII/III, and FDC-specific Ag (FDC-M1) on FDC was detected in 16-week-old MRL/lpr mice. The accumulation of double negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, which is a characteristic feature of MRL/lpr mice, was observed around LF; however they did not infiltrate the LF and FDC network. In conclusion the loss of Ag-trapping on FDC and simultaneous disorganization of the lymphoid structure may be related closely to the immunologic abnormality observed in MRL/lpr mice.

A gene for fluctuating, progressive autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss, DFNA16, maps to chromosome 2q23-24.3

The sixteenth gene to cause autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL), DFNA16, maps to chromosome 2q23-24.3 and is tightly linked to markers in the D2S2380-D2S335 interval. DFNA16 is unique in that it results in the only form of ADNSHL in which the phenotype includes rapidly progressing and fluctuating hearing loss that appears to respond to steroid therapy. This observation suggests that it may be possible to stabilize hearing through medical intervention, once the biophysiology of deafness due to DFNA16 is clarified. Especially intriguing is the localization of several voltage-gated sodium-channel genes to the DFNA16 interval. These cationic channels are excellent positional and functional DFNA16 candidate genes.

Volatile anesthetics reduce calcium current in parasympathetic neurons from bullfrog hearts

Although the autonomic nervous system regulates cardiac function, the cellular mechanism(s) of general anesthetics on the activities of parasympathetic neurons have not been directly assessed. We therefore studied the volatile anesthetic actions on the Ca2+ current of parasympathetic neurons isolated from bullfrog hearts. Neurons were enzymatically isolated from the interatrial septum of bullfrog heart and maintained in a short-term tissue culture. The Ca2+ current was recorded with a whole-cell voltage-clamp method under a Na+, K+ -free condition. Isoflurane (2.5 vol%) and sevoflurane (5.0 vol%) reduced the peak amplitude of the Ca2+ current (to 79% and 72% of control, respectively) without changing the reversal potential. The curve-fit analysis of the inactivation kinetics revealed that isoflurane and sevoflurane accelerated the inactivation of the current and that isoflurane shifted the midpoint of the steady-state inactivation curve of the Ca2+ current toward negative by 13.6 mV. The results indicate that volatile anesthetics reduce the Ca2+ current of parasympathetic neurons and modify the inactivation kinetics.

IMPLICATIONS

The anesthetic reduction of the Ca2+ current of parasympathetic neurons can induce a decrease of acetylcholine release from the post-ganglionic endings. These findings, in part, account for the anesthetic attenuation of the vagal efferent activities observed in humans and experimental animals.

Comparison of survival rates of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy, 5-fluorouracil and vitamin A ("FAR" therapy) vs FAR therapy plus adjunctive cisplatin and peplomycin chemotherapy

The overall survival rate (OSR) of 36 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) treated at Kyushu University hospital between 1983 to 1992 was analyzed. As primary treatment, 16 patients received a combination therapy of 5-fluorouracil, vitamin A, and radiation (FAR therapy); two patients received radiotherapy only; 18 patients received FAR therapy plus adjunctive systemic chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and peplomycin. The radiation dose to the nasopharynx was 6000 to 7050 cGy while that to the neck was 4000-6000 cGy. The 5-year OSR of all the patients was 49%. Histological type (moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma) and patient age (> or = 55) were found to be significant prognostic factors for a worse OSR. Although survival decreased with increasing T stage, no significant difference was observed. The 5-year OSR of the patients treated with FAR therapy was 53% and was 51% with FAR therapy plus chemotherapy. Compared to FAR therapy alone, adjunctive chemotherapy did not increase OSR of the patients with NPC.

An unusual regressive germinal center, the 'FDC-only lymphoid follicle,' in lymph nodes of organ transplant recipients

Follicular lesions include germinal center (GC) hyperplasia, regressive transformation of GCs, and follicle lysis. The present histologic, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical study of six autopsy cases after organ transplantation accompanied by the administration of immunosuppressive drugs revealed a peculiar regression of lymph node GCs in two cases, which has not been noted previously. The histologic findings of the regressive GCs were classified into three patterns. In pattern A, the GCs had few or no lymphocytes and were surrounded by a poorly developed mantle zone-like structure. Apoptotic cell death of GC lymphocytes was found in a few GCs, but most GCs lacked tingible body macrophages. In pattern B, the GC lymphocytes and tingible body macrophages were absent, showing crowded follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in a corpuscular shape. In pattern C, the lymphocytic mantle was absent. The GCs were smaller than those in the other patterns, and the shape was irregular because of disintegration of FDCs. The immunostaining for FDC markers revealed dispersed growth of FDCs. On electron microscopy, the lesions were composed of a dense mass of elliptical and oval cells without prominent cytoplasmic processes, a labyrinthlike structure, and emperipolesis of lymphocytes. The distinct desmosomelike adhesive junctions, specific electron microscopic features of FDCs, were evident. We propose to call these follicular lesions "FDC-only lymphoid follicles." It is speculated that this follicle may be evoked after preceding follicular hyperplasia with a complicated mechanism including increased apoptosis of GC lymphocytes and decreased lymphocyte migration to lymph node GCs caused by immunosuppressive drugs.

[Multicenter prospective survey of prognosis of hypertensive elderly outpatient under antihypertensive treatment--morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases and cancer]

Although calcium-channel blockers and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitors are often used for treatment of hypertension in the elderly in Japan compared to those in the United States and in European countries, there have been few investigations on the prognosis of the elderly receiving these antihypertensive treatments. The Research Group for "Guidelines on the Treatment of Hypertension in the Elderly" collaborated with the Comprehensive Research Projects on Aging and Health group of the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan in performing a 3-year survey on the outcome of 700 hypertensive elderly outpatients (> or = 60 years) receiving treatment of antihypertensive drugs. Antihypertensive drugs including dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitors, diltiazem, diuretics and old-type antihypertensives (hydralazine, budralazine, and centrally acting drugs such as clonidine, methyldopa and guanabenz) were administered to 71.3%, 30.4%, 26.2%, 14.0%, 8.6%, and 6.4% of the 642 elderly patients surveyed for three years, at the time of registration, respectively. Morbidity and mortality rates of total cerebro-cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and heart diseases, were 27.6 and 7.81/1,000 patient-years, 15.1 and 3.6/1,000 patient-years, 10.4 and 4.2/1,000 patient-years, respectively. These results were similar or even better than those of megatrials of antihypertensive treatments for elderly patients in Europe and United States. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, multiple logistic analysis revealed that a past history of ischemic heart disease, use of the old-type antihypertensive drugs, male gender, and diastolic high blood pressure were independent risk factors for the morbidity of cerebro-cardiovascular diseases taking the group of non-cerebro-cardiovascular disease as the reference group. We also identified 22 cases of newly occurred malignancies including 7 fatal cases. However, none of the antihypertensives was significantly related to the occurrence of malignancies. These results lead support to the tendencies in the use of antihypertensive drugs in Japan.

Modified functional hemispherectomy in hemimegalencephaly

We report a case of hemimegalencephaly in a 13-month-old girl successfully treated with modified functional hemispherectomy. Instead of total temporal lobectomy, medial temporal lobectomy with excision of the hippocampus and amygdala was carried out. The central region including the parasagittal tissue was preserved. A few days after the surgery seizures completely ceased. Administration of anticonvulsants was stopped 5 months after the surgery, and she has been seizure-free for 42 months.

A case of Graves' disease associated with autoimmune hepatitis and mixed connective tissue disease

The patient was a woman of forty-eight. Liver dysfunction was pointed out at the age of forty-five. She was admitted to hospital because of her hyperthyroidism. Her palmar skin was wet and her fingers were swollen like sausages. She had a diffuse and elastic hard goiter with a rough surface. The serum levels of free T3 (9.6 pg/mL) and free T4 (3.76 ng/dL) were high and that of TSH (0.11 microU/mL) was low. The activity of TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) was 89%. The uptake rate of 123I to the thyroid was 55.1% and the uptake pattern was nearly diffuse. The goiter was proved to contain several nodules by ultrasonography, but aspiration cytology showed no malignant cells. She was diagnosed to have Graves' disease with adenomatous goiter. She also had high ALT (34 IU/L) and gamma-globulin (1.97 g/dL). She had positive antinuclear antibody (speckled type), positive anti-ribosomal nuclear protein antibody, and positive LE cell phenomenon. The liver biopsy revealed mononuclear cell infiltration with fibrosis in the portal area. These data indicated that she also had autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). The analysis of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) showed positive A11 which had been reported to relate to Graves' disease, and positive DR4 which had been reported to relate to AIH and MCTD. These results suggested that HLA would determine susceptibility to three distinct autoimmune diseases in this case.

Immunization of bovines with an aspartic proteinase precursor isolated from Boophilus microplus eggs

The capacity of the Boophilus Yolk pro-Cathepsin (BYC) to induce a protective immune response in cattle against Boophilus microplus infestation was tested by vaccination experiments and by inoculation of monoclonal antibody (MAb) against BYC into fully engorged tick females. In immunization experiments the measurement of various biological parameters demonstrated a partial protection against B. microplus. A continuous decrease in the levels of specific antibodies was observed over 11 months when six bovines were maintained in field conditions. The inoculation of the MAb into tick females produced a dose-dependent decrease in oviposition and survival of the ectoparasite compared to the control.

GABAergic mechanisms in the action of general anesthetics

1. The effects of volatile and intravenous anesthetics were studied on evoked field potentials in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons in vitro to determine the role of GABAergic mechanisms in the action of general anesthetics. 2. It was observed that both volatile (halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane) and intravenous (thiopental, pentobarbital, propofol) anesthetics decreased population spike (PS) amplitudes. 3. Using paired-pulse paradigms, it was revealed that volatile agents enhance paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), and intravenous agents reduce PPF. Use-dependent effects on PS amplitudes were observed following application of the intravenous anesthetics, whereas volatile agents did not show use-dependency. The effects of the intravenous anesthetics were blocked by the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline. 4. It is suggested that agent specific actions of general anesthetics are a result of differential effects on GABAergic mechanisms that modulate synaptic transmission.

Regulation of cytosol-nucleus pH gradients by K+/H+ exchange mechanism in the nuclear envelope of neonatal rat astrocytes

In order to study the subcellular heterogeneity of intracellular H+ concentration in reactive astrocytes, the pH in the nucleus and cytosol of cultured astrocytes was measured using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and pH indicator dye, 5'(and 6')-carboxyseminaphthofluorescein (carboxy SNAFL-1). The change in intracellular pH was indexed by the fluorescence ratio (F535/F610) at an excitation wavelength of 514.5 nm. The in vitro fluorescence ratio increased as pH decreased. This ratio in the nucleus was significantly lower than that in the cytosol of astrocytes when perfused by HEPES-buffered Hanks' balanced salt solution (HHBSS) at pH 7.4. Acid stimulations of cells (pH 5.0) raised the fluorescence ratio in both nucleus and cytosol. However, the increase in the fluorescence ratio of the nucleus was less than that of cytosol. Treatment with a K+/H+ ionophore, nigericin (20 microM), reversibly nullified this cytosol-nucleus pH gradient. These findings suggest that a buffering mechanism(s) for maintaining of intracellular pH exists between the nucleus and cytosol, and a K+/H+ exchanger may act on the nuclear envelope to eventuate intranuclear pH maintenance in the living cells.

Induction of apoptosis by Smad3 and down-regulation of Smad3 expression in response to TGF-beta in human normal lung epithelial cells

Smad family members are essential intracellular signaling components of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily involved in a range of biological activities. Two highly homologous molecules, Smad2 and Smad3, have so far been identified as receptor-activated Smads for TGF-beta signaling and have become the focus of intensive studies. However, no definite differences in regulation or function have been established between these TGF-beta signaling molecules. In the present study, we show that the expression of Smad3, but not its close relative, Smad2, is down-regulated by TGF-beta mediated signals themselves in human lung epithelial cells. This down-regulation of Smad3 by TGF-beta treatment did not appear to result from shortening of the half-life of Smad3 mRNA. Constitutive expression of Smad3 in the presence of TGF-beta induced apoptotic cell death, with an adverse effect on the cell growth of human lung epithelial cells. Apoptotic cell death could also be induced by forced expression of Smad2 in the presence of TGF-beta, but less efficiently than by that of Smad3. These findings clearly define the distinctions between Smad2 and Smad3 for the first time in that a qualitative difference was observed with regard to the regulation of their expression in response to TGF-beta, while Smad2 and Smad3 appeared to have quantitatively different capabilities regarding the induction of apoptotic cell death in human lung epithelial cells.

[Efficacy of epidural analgesia in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery]

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery (MIDCAB), coronary bypass grafting with small thoracotomy using no cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), became popular recently. To attenuate perioperative stress-response, we used epidural analgesia (EPI) with general anesthesia for MIDCAB operation. In this study, we compared retrospectively 11 cases of MIDCAB managed with EPI [ED (+)], and 14 cases of MIDCAB anesthetized without using EPI [ED (-)], concerning extubation time, ICU stay, hospital stay and perioperative complications. The mean time from cessation of general anesthesia to extubation was significantly shorter in ED (+) patients (0.5 hours) when compared to ED (-) patients (18.2 hours). Mean periods of ICU stay and hospital stay were, also, shorter in ED (+) patients (2.1 days, 30.5 days, respectively) when compared to ED (-) (4.3 days, 45.1 days, respectively) patients. We experienced ventricular tachycardia in three patients of ED (-). No major complication occurred in ED (+) patients. These results suggest that EPI shortened extubation time, ICU and hospital stay for MIDCAB patients.

Detection of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and characterization of genomes of BVDV from Brazil

An ELISA for the detection of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was developed based on antigens derived from a genotype I BVDV strain isolated in Switzerland. Using monoclonal antibodies we showed that this antigen contained the conserved non-structural protein NS3 whereas it essentially lacked the more strain-specific E2 surface glycoprotein. This ELISA has a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 99.2% as compared to the serum neutralization test (SNT). Preliminary experiments showed that this ELISA reliably detects antibodies to BVDV strains circulating in Brazil. Serum samples obtained from 430 adult cattle on 19 farms of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and one farm from Corrientes (Argentina) were tested for antibodies by means of this ELISA. We found antibodies in 56% +/- 15.1% of the cattle sera tested, which indicates that, in Brazil, the prevalence of infection with BVDV is similar to that found in Europe and the USA. Our sequence analysis of two BVDV isolates showed that BVDV of both genotypes I and II circulate in Brazil.

Cardiovascular change in elderly male breath-hold divers (Ama) and their socio-economical background at Chikura in Japan

The Ama have existed for more than 2000 years in Japan and Korea. They have been diving for seaweed and molluscs. Their traditional way of fishing, with goggles or a mask, but without a wetsuit, is still practised as a result of laws against overfishing. We investigated cardiovascular diving responses, expressed as heart rate (HR) reduction, peripheral vasoconstriction indicated by skin blood flow (SkBF) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) during breath-hold face immersion in a group of eight elderly male Ama at Chikura, Japan. Their data were compared to those from three other groups: a) elderly non-divers; b) young divers and c) young non-divers. Our previous studies have shown that young divers show a more pronounced bradycardia than young non-divers. The present study of elderly Ama and elderly non-divers was performed to investigate if this difference persists in old age. We found that, in spite of many years of diving experience, HR reduction of the elderly professional divers observed during face immersion did not differ from that of elderly non-divers, but it was much less pronounced than in the two younger groups. We conclude that even if a well-developed diving response at young age has been reduced to the level of non-divers, the Ama are still able to continue their work of diving in old age. Ama that has been a traditionally female occupation, is mostly practised by men at Chikura today. No young have been recruited for this profession. Therefore, the present Ama are senior and the traditional breath-hold diving will probably cease to exist in the near future. The probable reasons for these changes are discussed.

Dynamic viscoelastic properties in torsion of four commercially available resins for crown and bridge

In order to clarify the viscoelastic properties of four commercial resins for crown and bridge, the dynamic shear modulus (G'), Knoop hardness (KHN), filler content, quantity of unreacted substance and thermal expansion were measured. The results were as follows. The G' (37 degrees C) of each material ranged from 2.61-11.1 GPa, and gradually decreased with increasing temperature. KHN (23 degrees C) ranged from 29.4 to 120, and the most significant correlation (0.999) was found between G' and KHN. Of the relationship among G', filler content and unreacted substance, there was a highly significant correlation (0.980) between G' and filler content. The coefficient of linear-thermal expansion (alpha) also ranged from 17.9-65.0 x 10(-6)/degree C (25-60 degrees C), and the correlation (-0.961) between G' and alpha was meaningful. It can be presumed that the temperature dependence of G' is closely connected with the specific volume of each material, together with an increase in temperature.

Effects of aging on the insulin actions for the glucose metabolism and renal function in normotensives and essential hypertensives

It has been suggested that hyperinsulinemia compensating insulin resistance in glucose metabolism may be a pathogenic factor in essential hypertension. On the other hand, age-associated increases in the prevalence of glucose intolerance and hypertension are also well established. The aim of this study is to clarify the influence of aging on insulin sensitivity in glucose metabolism and on renal sodium handling under hyperinsulinemia, which may relate to high blood pressure in insulin-resistant subjects. Fifty-two normotensive subjects and 61 patients with essential hypertension were evaluated in this study. The subjects of these groups were divided into young (<40 years old) and middle-elderly (> or = 40 years old): young normotensives (Y-NT, n = 22); middle-elderly normotensives (ME- NT, n = 30); young hypertensives (Y-HT, n = 9); and middle-elderly hypertensives (ME-HT, n = 52). Using the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp, insulin sensitivity was assessed as M value. Just before the start and the termination of the glucose clamp, creatinine clearance (Ccr) and urinary excretion of sodium (UNaV) were measured. In addition, renal plasma flow assessed as para-aminohippuric acid clearance was also measured at the same time in several subjects; 8 Y-NT, 8 ME-NT, 3 Y-HT, and 10 ME-HT. The M value was significantly lower in ME-NT, Y-HT, and ME-HT, compared to Y-NT, although blood sugar and immunoreactive insulin levels were similar in all four groups. In normotensive subjects, there was a significant, negative correlation between age and M value. However, this correlation was not observed in hypertensive patients. UNaV decreased in ME-NT, Y-HT, and ME-HT, but not in Y-NT under hyperinsulinemia by the glucose clamp, whereas Ccr showed no significant change in any group. In all subjects, the change of UNaV (deltaUNaV) correlated significantly and positively with the M value. Renal plasma flow significantly increased under hyperinsulinemia by the glucose clamp in only Y-HT, but not in the other groups. There was a significant, positive correlation between deltaUNaV and the change of renal plasma flow under hyperinsulinemia by the glucose clamp. These results suggested that both the impairments of the insulin sensitivity and insulin-induced vasodilation at the renal artery with aging may partially contribute to age-related elevation of blood pressure through renal sodium retention by compensating hyperinsulinemia. On the other hand, it seems reasonable to assume that these abnormalities, which can contribute to high blood pressure in essential hypertension, already may exist at lower ages in essential hypertensive patients.

Effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor temocapril on insulin sensitivity and its effects on renal sodium handling and the pressor system in essential hypertensive patients

The effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor temocapril on insulin sensitivity and its effects on renal sodium handling and the pressor system were investigated in essential hypertensive patients (EHT). Seven EHT were hospitalized and underwent a 2-h euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp before and after 2 weeks' administration of temocapril (4 mg/day). Insulin sensitivity was calculated using the M value from the infusion rate of glucose with hyperinsulinemia using the glucose clamp method. Renal clearances of sodium, lithium, creatinine, and paraaminohippuric acid were used to calculate fractional proximal and distal tubular reabsorption of sodium (FPR(Na), FDR(Na)) and renal plasma flow (RPF) before and during insulin infusion by the glucose clamp method. Temocapril decreased blood pressure and increased M value significantly. Before temocapril treatment, hyperinsulinemia by the glucose clamp induced significant decreases of urinary excretion of sodium (U(Na) V) and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa). After treatment, these decreases were attenuated, and the change of U(Na) V (deltaU(Na) V) with hyperinsulinemia was significantly higher and deltaFENa showed a higher tendency, compared with before the treatment. FPR(Na) showed no change with hyperinsulinemia before treatment, but significantly decreased after treatment. DeltaFPR(Na) was significantly lower after treatment than that before treatment. FDR(Na) showed an increase with hyperinsulinemia, and deltaFDR(Na) was similar between before and after treatment. RPF showed no change with hyperinsulinemia, and no difference was found in deltaRPF between before and after treatment. Plasma norepinephrine level (PNE) and plasma renin activity (PRA) showed increases, whereas plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) did not change with hyperinsulinemia. There were no significant differences in deltaPNE, deltaPRA, and deltaPAC between before and after treatment. From these results, it is suggested that in EHT 1) temocapril improves insulin resistance, and 2) although temocapril shows no significant influence on the augmentation of pressor systems by hyperinsulinemia, this agent attenuates the sodium-retaining action of hyperinsulinemia, which may be attributable to suppression of insulin-induced sodium reabsorption at the proximal tubules. These effects may lead to additional beneficial effects in the treatment of essential hypertensives with insulin resistance.

A new aspect of the carotid body function controlling hypoxic ventilatory decline in humans

Ventilatory response to eucapnic sustained mild hypoxia was measured in one patient with unilateral and three patients with bilateral carotid body (CB) resection (defined UR and BR, respectively). The profile of ventilatory response in UR patient was initially augmented then gradually declined (biphasic pattern) as generally seen in normal subjects although the absolute magnitude was substantially low. On the other hand, biphasic pattern was disappeared in all three BRs. Lack of hypoxic ventilatory decline (HVD) in the late period of sustained hypoxia was in marked contrast to that reported in the anaesthetized and CB-denervated animals whose ventilation was severely depressed lower than the pre-hypoxic control level. In view of recent knowledge that the analogous mild hypoxia in normal animals and humans elicits an useful adaptation to economize energy expenditure with maintaining reversible excitability in control of respiration, BR patients were considered to have lost this ability. We conclude that in awake humans the CB not only stimulates ventilation but also controls the degree of subsequent HVD during sustained hypoxia.

Pseudoaneurysm of the superficial femoral artery in Behçet's disease with spontaneous thrombosis followed by CT angiography

A 25-year-old man developed sudden pain and a pulsating mass in the left thigh. A diagnosis of Behçet's disease was made because of four major symptoms. Laboratory data indicated active inflammation. Emergency spiral computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed an aneurysm of the left superficial femoral artery (SFA). Under steroid therapy, follow-up spiral CTA showed spontaneous occlusion of the aneurysm. In the active phase of arteritis, spiral CTA is useful for the diagnosis of arterial lesions to avoid the arterial puncture of conventional arteriography.