Prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor in the neurohypophysis of hens

To elucidate whether the receptor for prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha), one of PG, exists in the neurohypophysis in hens and whether the binding of receptor changes with relation to oviposition, the PGF(2alpha) binding component in the membrane fraction of the neurohypophysis of laying hens was analyzed by radioligand binding assay using [5,6,8,9,11,12,14,15(n)-(3)H]PGF(2alpha). The binding component had characteristics of a receptor such as binding specificity, high affinity, and limited capacity for PGF(2alpha). Scatchard analysis indicated that the binding site was of a single class. The binding capacity of the receptor was smaller in laying hens than in nonlaying hens, whereas the binding affinity was not significantly different between these hens. When non-laying hens received an i.m. injection of estradiol-17beta or progesterone (0.5 mg/hen), the specific binding of the PGF(2alpha) receptor in the neurohypophysis was decreased. In laying hens, the specific binding decreased and the blood arginine vasotocin (AVT) concentration increased just after oviposition but did not change during a 24-h day in nonlaying hens. An i.v. injection of PGF(2alpha) (2 microg/hen) induced oviposition and caused an increase in the blood AVT concentration with a decrease in the specific binding of PGF(2alpha) receptor. The present study suggests a possibility that PGF(2alpha) may directly cause the AVT release from the neurohypophysis at oviposition time in hens.

A pilot study of proton beam theary for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck

e17042

Background: The aim of this study is to clarify the clinical profile of proton beam therapy for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Methods: Patients with mucosal melanoma of the head and neck fulfilling the following criteria were enrolled: histologically confirmed malignant melanoma; N0 and M0 disease. Proton therapy was delivered three times a week with planned total dose of 60 GyE in 15 fractions. Results: From January 2004 through January 2007, thirteen patients were enrolled in this study. Patients’ characteristics were as follows: median age, 75 years (range, 56 to 79); male/female, 7/6; T1/2/3/4/rec, 3/2/0/7/1. All could receive the full dose of proton therapy. The most common acute toxicities were mucositis (grade 3: 15%) and dermatitis (grade 2: 15%). One patient had unilateral impairment of visual acuity possibly related with treatment. Initial local control rate was 77.0% (10/13, 95%CI: 46.2–95.0%). With median follow up period of 33.7 months, median progression free survival was 18.9 months and median survival time was not reached. 2-year overall survival rate was 69.7% (95%CI: 31.6–86.1%). Most frequent site of first failure was cervical lymph nodes outside of PTV. Four patients died of disease; cachexia caused by distant metastases in three and carotid blowout because of nodal disease in one. Conclusions: Proton beam therapy for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck achieved favorable results in this limited number of patients, although further investigation about late toxicity is needed. Now, the phase II study of this treatment is ongoing.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Cytocompatibility of calcium phosphate coatings deposited by an ArF pulsed laser

In the current studies, we deposited ultra-thin hydroxyapatite films on a pure titanium substrate by pulsed laser deposition, and we examined the effects of these surfaces on rat bone marrow (RBM) cells. This method allowed deposition of 500-, 2,000-, and 5,000-A-thick hydroxyapatite films. X-ray diffraction showed that the amorphous films recrystallized to a hydroxyapatite crystal structure after annealing. The proliferation of RBM cells was unaffected by the hydroxyapatite films, but osteocalsin and alkaline phosphatase mRNA and protein levels were elevated in cells grown on 2,000- and 5,000-A-thick films. These results indicate that ultra-thin hydroxyapatite films generated by pulsed laser deposition are better at promoting osteogenesis than pure titanium surfaces.

Cytocompatibility of calcium phosphate coatings deposited by an ArF pulsed laser

In the current studies, we deposited ultra-thin hydroxyapatite films on a pure titanium substrate by pulsed laser deposition, and we examined the effects of these surfaces on rat bone marrow (RBM) cells. This method allowed deposition of 500-, 2000-, and 5000-Angstrom-thick hydroxyapatite films. X-ray diffraction showed that the amorphous films recrystallized to a hydroxyapatite crystal structure after annealing. The proliferation of RBM cells was unaffected by the hydroxyapatite films, but osteocalsin and alkaline phosphatase mRNA and protein levels were elevated in cells grown on 2000- and 5000-Angstrom-thick films. These results indicate that ultra-thin hydroxyapatite films generated by pulsed laser deposition are better at promoting osteogenesis than pure titanium surfaces.

A phase I trial of S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

This study investigated the maximum tolerated dose of S-1 based on the frequency of its dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) with concurrent radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. S-1 was administered orally at escalating doses from 50 to 80 mg m⁻² b.i.d. on the day of irradiation during radiotherapy. Radiation therapy was delivered through four fields as a total dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions over 5.5 weeks, and no prophylactic nodal irradiation was given. Twenty-one patients (50 three; 60 five; 70 six; 80 mg m⁻² seven patients) were enrolled in this trial. At a dose of 70 mg m⁻² S-1, two of six patients demonstrated DLT involving grade 3 nausea and vomiting and grade 3 haemorrhagic gastritis, whereas no patients at doses other than 70 mg m⁻² demonstrated any sign of DLT. Among the 21 enrolled patients, four (19.0%) showed a partial response. The median progression-free survival time and median survival time for the patients overall were 8.9 and 11.0 months, respectively. The recommended dose of S-1 therapy with concurrent radiotherapy is 80 mg m⁻² day⁻¹. A multi-institutional phase II trial of this regimen in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer is now underway.

Comedolytic effect of topically applied active vitamin D3 analogue on pseudocomedones in the rhino mouse

BACKGROUND

Retinoids and active vitamin D(3) analogues regulate the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and are effective in the treatment of psoriasis. Retinoids are known to be effective against acne vulgaris through comedolysis. However, the comedolytic effect of active vitamin D(3) analogues has not been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether maxacalcitol, one of the active vitamin D(3) analogues, has a comedolytic effect by using spontaneously comedogenic rhino mice.

METHODS

Rhino mice were treated topically with tretinoin and maxacalcitol once daily for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The dermal side of the epidermal sheet was observed to determine the size of the utricle. Haematoxylin and eosin-stained vertical sections were used to measure utricle diameter and density and to evaluate histological changes.

RESULTS

Maxacalcitol (25 microg g(-1)) and tretinoin (0.1%) significantly decreased the size and the diameter of the utricle after 1 week of treatment. However, maxacalcitol did not affect the density while tretinoin did have an effect. Histopathologically, maxacalcitol and tretinoin markedly induced epidermal hyperplasia accompanied by a minor accumulation of inflammatory cells in the dermis, with and without hypercornification, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that maxacalcitol has a prominent effect on comedolysis and that its mechanism of action may be different from that of retinoids.

Dissociation of neurological deficits in spinal decompression illness

Functional differentiation is found in the spinal cord. A unique set of neurological deficits follows a multi-focal injury. Clinically, sensory and motor disturbance present independently, often resulting in sensory and motor deficit dissociation. This study examined 103 spinal decompression illness (DCI) cases. The neurological deficit dissociation was classified as follows: 1) Cases with sensory impairment only, or motor dysfunction alone, were tagged as having "dissociation" (44 cases); when a case was with both sensory and motor dysfunction, the spinal level of the sensory impairment was determined and was matched with the spinal segments responsible for the motor dysfunction; 2) If the two spinal areas did not match (i.e. with no regional overlap), they were tagged as having "dissociation" for each motor dysfunction (32 cases). In total, dissociation was present in 76 out of 103 cases. We concluded that clinical neurological deficit dissociation is frequently observed in spinal DCI.

A phase I trial of S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

14003

Background: S-1 is a novel oral fluoropyrimidine derivative, and a phase II trial of this agent has demonstrated promising results with a response rate of 37.5% and a median survival of 8.8 months with a mild toxicity profile for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. This study investigated the maximum tolerated dose of S-1 based on the frequency of dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) of S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients and Methods: Patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer in whom adenocarcinoma had been confirmed histologically or cytologically were enrolled in this study. S-1 was administered orally in escalating doses from 50 mg/m2, which is reported to be equivalent to 200 mg/m2 intravenous 5-fluorouracil, to 80 mg/m2 bid in 10 mg/m2 increments on the day of irradiation (Monday through Friday) during radiotherapy. Radiation therapy was delivered through four fields as a total dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions over 5.5 weeks. DLT was defined as grade 4 hematological toxicity and grade 3 or 4 non-hematological toxicity during chemoradiotherapy. The maximum tolerated dose was defined when three or more patients in a cohort of six patients experienced DLT. Results: Twenty-one patients (50 mg/m2 3 patients; 60 mg/m2 5 patients; 70 mg/m2 6 patients; 80 mg/m2 7 patients) were enrolled in this trial between May 2004 and November 2005. At 70 mg/m2 S-1, two of six patients demonstrated DLT involving grade 3 nausea and vomiting and grade 3 hemorrhagic gastritis, while all patients at dose levels other than 70 mg/m2 did not demonstrate any sign of dose-limiting toxicity. Of all 21 patients enrolled, 4 (19.0%) showed a partial response. More than a 50% reduction in the serum level of carbohydrate antigen 19–9 was observed in 12 (75%) of 16 patients in whom the pretreatment level was 100 U/ml or greater. Conclusion: The recommended dose of S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy is 80 mg/m2. This regimen may offer an easy alternative to intravenous 5-fluorouracil, and may be a promising treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. A multicenter phase II trial of this regimen in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer is now underway.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Differential expression of the immediate-early 2 and 3 proteins in developing mouse brains infected with murine cytomegalovirus

Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) immediate-early (IE) 2 protein has been reported to be dispensable for growth and latency in mice. Therefore, its role in viral pathogenesis and tissue tropism is not known. Here we prepared specific antibodies to the IE2 and IE3 proteins by using fusion proteins expressed in Escherichia coli as antigens. Immunostaining of MCMV-infected cultured fibroblasts revealed IE2 protein to be expressed diffusely in the nucleoplasm similar to the IE1 protein. In contrast, expression of the IE3 protein, 88 kDa, exhibited a punctate pattern in the nucleus in the early phase of infection then diminished. In the brain of neonatal mice infected with MCMV, both IE2 and IE3 proteins were detected immunohistochemically in the cells of the ventricular walls early in infection. When the infection was prolonged, the IE2 protein was expressed in neurons of the cortex and hippocampus, while the IE3 protein was preferentially expressed in glial cells in the early phase of infection, and its levels declined during the infection. These results suggest that the IE2 protein may play a role in persistent infection in neurons, whereas the IE3 protein, expressed preferentially in glial cells, may play the main role in acute infection.

Direct action of parathyroid hormone-related peptide to enhance corticosterone production stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone in adrenocortical cells of hens

The presence of receptor for chicken parathyroid hormone-related peptide (cPTHrP) in the cortical cells of the adrenal gland of the hen was demonstrated by radioligand binding assays. When the cortical cells were incubated in vitro with chicken adrenocorticotropic hormone (cACTH) in the presence of cPTHrP, greater production of corticosterone was observed than when incubated with cACTH alone. The results suggest that PTHrP may act directly on the adrenocortical cells via its receptor binding and increase the response to ACTH for corticosterone secretion in the hen.

Living-Donor Lobar Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary and Abdominopelvic Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

We performed emergency living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LLTx) successfully in a 24-year-old woman with end-stage pulmonary and massive abdominopelvic lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Preoperatively, her respiratory condition was critical, but abdominopelvic lesions had been well controlled with medication. No LAM patients with massive abdominopelvic lesions as in the present case have been reportedly treated by LLTx previously. The present case demonstrates that LLTx can be a therapeutic option for end-stage pulmonary LAM with massive abdominopelvic involvement.

Lupus erythematosus with leflunomide: induction or reactivation?

BACKGROUND

Leflunomide is a new oral disease modifying antirheumatic drug with a good safety profile.

CASE REPORT

The first case of lupus erythematosus in a 58 year old white woman after administration of leflunomide for primary Sjögren's syndrome is reported. The relationship between induced lupus and leflunomide was confirmed by the resolution of the skin rash when the drug was stopped and its recurrence when it was reintroduced following a dose-response effect.

DISCUSSION

Peripheral blood cells from this patient, from 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and from healthy controls were used in a bioassay, which suggested that leflunomide affected the Th1/Th2 balance. Such a side effect might be related, in part, to the anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha activity of leflunomide.

Effective application of ET-Kyoto solution for clinical lung transplantation

The shortage of lung donors and ischemia-reperfusion injury following transplantation have been grave problems in lung transplantation (LTx). One of the most important strategies to solve these problems is the development of effective and highly reliable methods for lung preservation. Therefore, we developed a new organ preservation solution, namely, the extracellular-type trehalose-containing Kyoto (ET-Kyoto) solution. Here we report the first experience of clinical application of ET-Kyoto solution for cadaveric LTx. The recipient was a 38-year-old man with pulmonary emphysema. The donor was a 51-year-old male current smoker with a smoking history of 62 pack-years. The ventilated donor's PaO(2) was 340 Torr (FiO(2) = 1.0). The pulmonary vasculature was flushed with ET-Kyoto solution supplemented with nitroglycerine and dibutyryl cAMP. The recipient underwent bilateral sequential LTx on cardiopulmonary bypass. The ischemic time was 544 and 613 minutes for the left and right lung, respectively. PaO(2) (FiO(2) = 1.0) was 385 Torr immediately after reperfusion. The donor lung was so large that bilateral partial resections were performed at 413 minutes (right) and 348 minutes (left) after reperfusion. On histopathologic examination of the resected transplanted lungs the structure was almost normal. Postoperatively, PaO(2) (FiO(2) = 1.0) was over 400 Torr with or maximum of 526 Torr. The clinical course was almost uneventful. In conclusion, ET-Kyoto solution may be safely applied in clinical cadaveric LTx with extended donor lungs and relatively long ischemic times. Functional and histopathological efficiency of ET-Kyoto solution was confirmed. Longer preservation times with preserved quality using ET-Kyoto solution would increase the donor pool and enable semielective LTx.

Changes in Prostaglandin F Concentration in the Uterus (Shell Gland) of the Hen Oviduct in Relation to Oviposition and Estrogen

The prostaglandin F (PGF) concentration of the uterus (shell gland) of the hen oviduct, measured by a radioimmunoassay, was found to increase slightly 6 h before oviposition and steeply immediately after oviposition. An intravenous injection of arginine vasotocin (AVT) caused the increase in the uterine PGF concentration and induced oviposition. When indomethacin was injected before the injection of AVT, the uterine PGF concentration was not increased, and the incidence of oviposition was reduced. Estrogen injection caused an increase in the uterine PGF concentration at 1 and 2 h after injection. Specific binding of the estrogen receptor of the uterine tissue increased 9 and 7 h before oviposition. The slight increase in the uterine PGF concentration 6 h before oviposition may be due to the action of estrogen via its receptor, and the steep increase immediately after oviposition may be caused by AVT released at the time of oviposition.

Effect of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with infliximab on IFN gamma, IL4, T-bet, and GATA-3 expression: link with improvement of systemic inflammation and disease activity

OBJECTIVE

To study interferon gamma (IFN gamma) production and the expression of T-bet and GATA-3, the transcription factors associated with Th1 and Th2, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis before and during infliximab treatment, so as to distinguish between a disease specific and a disease activity dependent defect.

METHODS

Rheumatoid PBMC were obtained at weeks 0 and 6 of infliximab treatment and cultured for seven days with or without interleukin (IL)12 or the combination of IL12 and IL18. IFN gamma concentrations in supernatants were determined by ELISA. mRNA expression of IFN gamma, IL4, T-bet, and GATA-3 was determined by real time RT-PCR in whole blood at weeks 0 and 22.

RESULTS

A reduction in spontaneous IFN gamma production and in the response to Th1 inducing cytokines occurred in rheumatoid PBMC. Reduction of systemic inflammation with infliximab treatment increased IFN gamma production in response to IL12 or IL12+IL18. The IFN gamma/IL4 expression ratio of rheumatoid blood before treatment was lower than in healthy controls but was increased by infliximab treatment. T-bet expression or T-bet/GATA-3 ratio of rheumatoid blood was less than in controls. The T-bet/GATA-3 ratio was not influenced by infliximab treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Regulation of T-bet and GATA-3 or IFN gamma and IL4 expression appeared different. The IFN gamma/IL4 ratio might express the blood Th1/Th2 balance better than the T-bet/GATA-3 ratio. Reduced IFN gamma production by rheumatoid PBMC and levels of IFN gamma and IL4 mRNA expression in blood were linked to disease improvement, indicating an association between this systemic Th1 feature and disease activity.

Morphological changes in the parathyroid gland of rats with humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy

Morphological changes in parathyroid chief cells were investigated in rats with humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy (HHM), induced by intraperitoneal inoculation with a rat pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell line, IP-B12. Inoculation with IP-B12 cells resulted in the production of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP); thus, IP-B12-bearing rats developed hypercalcaemia, with elevated plasma PTHrP concentrations and decreased serum PTH, at 5 to 7 weeks after the inoculation. Morphometrical analysis revealed an increase in the cytoplasmic area of chief cells in IP-B12-bearing rats, as compared with controls. Ultrastructurally, although the number of mature storage granules in the chief cells was similar in controls and IP-B12-bearing animals, degraded granules were significantly increased in tumour-bearing rats. In addition, the chief cells of IP-B12-bearing rats showed a trend towards decreased tortuosity of the cytoplasmic membrane, with simple interdigitations between adjacent cells. These findings suggested that under HHM conditions, PTH granules in the chief cells were maintained in the form of storage granules and were hydrolysed, resulting in the suppression of PTH release into the blood circulation. Serum PTH concentrations may be regulated by inhibition of secretion rather than suppression of granular synthesis in hypercalcaemic rats. This is the first description of morphological changes in the parathyroid gland of rats with HHM.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in orthopedic conditions

As is well known, the origins and development of hyperbaric medicine are closely tied to the history of diving medicine. Our HBO2 studies stemming from diving medicine date back to 1972. We concentrated our early basic research on dysbaric osteonecrosis. There are now good indications that HBO2 is helpful in a variety of orthopedic conditions. However, hyperbaric medicine in orthopedics is still relatively new and some aspects of it remain controversial.

Immunohistochemical Detection of Macrophages in the Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Risso's Dolphin (Grampus griseus)

Macrophages play a central role in the immune system, but few markers are available for their detection in cetaceans. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to examine the cross-reactivity for two cetacean species (short-finned pilot whale and Risso's dolphin) of four anti-human antibodies (SRA-E5, AM-3K, EBM11 and anti-human lysozyme). The distribution of SRA-E5- and AM-3K-positive cells was similar, both antibodies labelling (1) many resident macrophages in the spleen, lymph nodes, liver, lung, kidney, intestine and dermis, and (2) exudate macrophages in the hepatic interlobular septa. Anti-human lysozyme antibody also labelled both resident and exudate macrophages. However, double immunohistochemistry showed that the majority of AM-3K-positive cells in the spleen and liver were also labelled by SRA-E5; on the other hand, anti-human lysozyme-positive cells did not always correspond with AM-3K-positive cells. Cetacean tissues contained no EBM11-positive cells. The study demonstrated the potential values of SRA-E5, AM-3K and anti-human lysozyme antibody for cetacean macrophage studies.

Electrolytic removal of recurrence of granular corneal dystrophy

AIMS

To report the efficacy of corneal electrolysis for the treatment of recurrent corneal opacities at the subepithelial region or at the host-graft interface of the stroma in granular corneal dystrophy (GCD).

METHODS

In patients with recurrences of opacities at the host-graft interface of the stroma after lamellar keratoplasty, the deep aspect of the graft was partially separated from host tissue to expose the deposits. The graft was everted, and electrolysis was applied directly to remove the deposits attached to both surfaces of the host and the graft. Then the graft was returned to its place and sutured. In patients with diffuse subepithelial opacities following penetrating keratoplasty, electrolysis was applied directly to the corneal surface.

RESULTS

Deposits in the subepithelial region or at the host-graft interface of the stroma disappeared following treatment, and vision recovered. However, GCD recurred 2-3 years after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal electrolysis is a simple, easy, and inexpensive way to remove deposits that recur after lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty for GCD.

C4d deposition in the glomeruli and peritubular capillaries associated with transplant glomerulopathy

Transplant glomerulopathy (TGP) is a unique disease entity with characteristic pathological findings. Although ultrastructural studies for TGP have been performed, histogenesis of TGP is not fully understood. The present study was designed to investigate the relation of complement fragment C4d to the histogenesis of TGP. Nine cases of isolated TGP were randomly selected. A commercially available monoclonal antibody against complement fragment C4d was used in allograft biopsies. To evaluate the extent and severity of deposition of the C4d complement in the glomerular and peritubular capillaries, indirect immunofluoresce method was performed on frozen sections. Intense deposition of C4d in the glomerular basement membrane and peritubular capillaries was found in association with morphological appearance of TGP. Peritubular capillaries were affected in all the patients, showing splitting and multilayering of peritubular capillary basement membrane. These changes, which diffusely affect most capillaries, and their severity pattern were quite similar in each patient. In early stages of all patients with cellular rejection, C4d was not detected in the glomerular and peritubular capillaries. In addition, no C4d deposition was detected in all zero-hour biopsies without diagnostic abnormality. These findings suggest that C4d deposition in the glomerular and peritubular capillaries might be associated with the pathogenesis of TGP in renal transplantation.

Real-time interaction of oral streptococci with human salivary components

Oral streptococci are present in large numbers in dental plaque and several types interact with the enamel salivary pellicle to form a biofilm on tooth surfaces. The respective affinity of individual streptococci for salivary components has an influence on the etiologic properties of oral biofilm in the development of dental caries. We studied real-time biospecific interactions between oral streptococci and salivary components utilizing biosensor technology to analyze surface plasmon resonance. Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans showed significant responses for binding to salivary components, in comparison with other bacteria. Further, the association rates (4.1 x 10-11/bacterium) and dissociation rate (5.7 +/- 0.9 x 10-3 Second(s)-1) were higher for S. sanguis than for S. mutans (2.4 x 10-11 and 2.9 +/- 0.8 x 10-3) and Streptococcus mitis (1.3 x 10-11 and 3.5 +/- 1.3 x 10-3). However, the association equilibrium constants (8.2 S/bacterium) for S. mutans was 2 times higher in than S. mitis (3.8) and slightly higher than S. sanguis (7.2). These findings may provide useful information regarding the mechanism of early biofilm formation by streptococci on the tooth surface.

Antileukinate, a hexapeptide inhibitor of CXC-chemokine receptor, suppresses bleomycin-induced acute lung injury in mice

A hexapeptide, Ac-RRWWCR-NH(2) (Antileukinate), has been reported to be a potent inhibitor of CXC-chemokine receptor. However, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of this agent has not been tested except in a rabbit skin edema model. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of subcutaneously administered Antileukinate on experimental bleomycin-induced acute lung injury in mice, in which CXC-chemokines have been reported to be involved. Lung injury was assessed on the basis of histopathology, the number of total cells, the percentage of neutrophils, and protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and the wet lung weight at 7 days after intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Histopathological studies revealed that treatment with Antileukinate markedly suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and interstitial lung edema. The neutrophil counts in the BAL fluid were significantly decreased in the Antileukinate-treated group. The suppression of pulmonary edema was further confirmed by the reduction of wet lung weight and total protein concentration in the BAL fluid. These findings suggest that Antileukinate is able to inhibit acute lung injury by suppressing neutrophil mobilization induced by CXC-chemokines.

Addition of fexofenadine to a topical corticosteroid reduces the pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis in a 1-week randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

BACKGROUND

Fexofenadine, a nonsedating, H1-receptor selective antihistamine, exhibits consistent efficacy and safety in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. The pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis is considered to be induced, in part, by histamine. Therefore, we thought that fexofenadine may be useful in the relief of pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of twice-daily fexofenadine hydrochloride (HCl) 60 mg vs. placebo in reducing the pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

In this randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients (aged >or= 16 years) with atopic dermatitis underwent a 1-week placebo lead-in period, followed by randomization to fexofenadine HCl 60 mg twice daily or placebo for 1 week. All patients also received topical treatment with 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate twice daily throughout the study. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change in pruritus score from baseline. Patients reflectively recorded pruritus scores twice daily (day and night) using a five-point scale (0 = none; 4 = very severe).

RESULTS

Fexofenadine (n = 201) significantly decreased the severity of pruritus compared with placebo (n = 199) (mean change in score -0.75 (unadjusted 95% confidence interval [-0.88, -0.62]) vs. -0.5 [-0.62, -0.38], respectively; P = 0.0005). This improvement was seen after just 1 day of treatment (P = 0.039) and was maintained throughout the treatment period (P = 0.019). Compared with placebo, fexofenadine significantly improved both diurnal (P = 0.0001) and nocturnal pruritus (P = 0.013). In addition, significantly more patients in the fexofenadine group experienced a reduction in the ratio of pruritus area to body surface area compared with those in the placebo group (P = 0.007). The incidence of adverse events was low and similar across all treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Fexofenadine HCl 60 mg twice daily demonstrated a rapid, significant improvement in the pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis, with a safety profile equivalent to that of placebo.

Arginine vasotocin induces bearing down for oviposition in the hen

An intravenous injection of arginine vasotocin (AVT) at 16 h before the expected oviposition of the initial egg of an egg-laying sequence caused bearing down for oviposition. Oviposition was increased up to 100% by increasing the dose of AVT up to 1 microg, but it decreased when the dose was 10 and 20 microg. Bearing down was observed even when the oviposition was not induced by the injection of a higher dose of AVT. The results of the present experiment suggest that bearing down is not necessarily caused by the entering of egg into the vagina, but instead may be caused by hormonal stimulus of AVT receptors present in vaginal tissue.

Atopic dermatitis management: comparing the treatment patterns of dermatologists in Japan, U.S.A. and U.K

BACKGROUND

The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is increasing worldwide. No large-scale study has previously compared the therapeutic management of this condition in different countries.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the treatment preferences of dermatologists in Japan, the U.S.A. and the U.K., and investigate their relationship with certain factors pertaining to the physician and his practice.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to all registered members of dermatological societies in Japan, the U.S.A. and the U.K. Responses were collated and statistical analysis performed using chi2, Mantel-Haenszel and Breslow heterogeneity tests.

RESULTS

Three thousand six hundred and eighty-eight completed surveys were returned. U.S.A. and U.K. physicians were significantly more aggressive in prescribing systemic medications, such as steroids, antibiotics and immunosuppressants, compared with those in Japan. Japanese dermatologists also utilized topical steroids significantly less. The use of alternative remedies was highest in Japan. All three countries had a relatively high degree of optimism for topical immunosuppressants, but less so for other emerging therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Both similarities and differences in the therapy of AD exist in the three countries studied. Factors related to the physician, patient population and culture may influence these observations.

A novel sialyl Lewis(x) analogue attenuates ischemia reperfusion injury in rabbit lung

BACKGROUND

We investigated the effects of OJ-R9545, a novel Sialyl Lewis x analogue, on lung ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury using an in vivo rabbit model.

METHODS

The left hilum of the lung was clamped for 110 minutes; the lung was then reperfused for 90 minutes. Either OJ-R9545 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle solution was administered from 10 minutes before reperfusion to 60 minutes after reperfusion in the OJ-R (+) and OJ-R (-) group (n = 6 in each group), respectively. The sham group (n = 3) underwent an identical procedure without ischemia.

RESULTS

Arterial oxygen tensions in the OJ-R (+) group were superior to those in the OJ-R (-) group from 30 to 90 minutes after reperfusion (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Lung wet/dry weight ratio and myeloperoxidase activity after reperfusion in the OJ-R (+) group were both significantly lower than the corresponding figures in the OJ-R (-) group (p < 0.05). The intrapulmonary leukocytes were significantly reduced in the OJ-R (+) group compared with those in the OJ-R (-) group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

OJ-R9545 attenuates lung IR injury by preventing leukocyte infiltration into the lung.

Inhibitory effects of 14-membered ring macrolide antibiotics on bleomycin-induced acute lung injury

14-membered ring macrolides have been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects and to decrease neutrophil infiltration into the airways in chronic lower respiratory tract diseases. This study investigated the potential inhibitory effects of macrolide antibiotics on bleomycin-induced acute lung injury. Four drugs were studied: two 14-membered ring macrolides, clarithromycin (CAM) and roxithromycin (RXM); a 15-membered ring macrolide, azithromycin (AZM); and a 16-membered ring macrolide, josamycin (JM). Their effects were compared with macrolide untreated, pretreated, and post-treated groups. An acute lung injury was inhibited by pretreatment with CAM or RXM, which significantly ameliorated the bleomycin-induced increases in the total cell and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids and the wet lung weight. The pretreatment with CAM or RXM also suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and interstitial lung edema in the histopathological study. These inhibitory effects were associated with a decreased KC concentration in the BAL fluid and a decreased number of apoptotic cells in the lungs. Posttreatment with CAM or RXM had no marked inhibitory effects. Pretreatment with AZM was much less effective, and JM showed no inhibitory effects. These findings suggest that 14-membered ring macrolides have different effects on inflammatory lung disease than 15- and 16-membered ring macrolides and may be therapeutic agents for acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.