Effect of transportation on the composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from horses

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of extended transportation on the composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained from horses.

ANIMALS

30 horses (14 males, 16 females: 25 Thoroughbreds and 5 Thoroughbred-Arabian cross-breds; 27 to 30 months old) without a history or clinical signs of respiratory tract disease. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on nontransported control horses (groups 1 and 2) and transported horses (group 3).

PROCEDURE

20 horses were used to determine the effect of 41 hours of transportation on the composition of BALF (group 3). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for recovered volume, number and distribution of nucleated cells, total protein and phospholipid concentrations, and phospholipid composition.

RESULTS

Total number of nucleated cells in BALF from group-3 horses increased by approximately four-fold after transportation. Total protein concentration in BALF from group-3 horses also increased by approximately fivefold after transportation. Total phosphorus concentrations in group-3 horses decreased significantly from time 0 to immediately after transportation. In group-3 horses, the most characteristic change in composition of BALF after transport was a significant decrease in the concentration of phosphatidylglycerol.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The decrease in phosphatidylglycerol concentration in BALF after transportation indicates a reduction in the quantity of surfactant. This change may reflect either a decreased production of surfactant by alveolar type II epithelial cells or an increased removal of surfactant from the alveolar region. It is likely that extended transportation resulted in a decreased concentration of surfactant in BALF. Such a decrease may reduce the pulmonary defence mechanisms in the alveolar region, possibly resulting in infection.

[Relief of dyspnea after lung volume reduction in patients with pulmonary emphysema]

We studied dyspnea and pulmonary function during treadmill exercise in 10 patients with pulmonary emphysema before and at least 3 months after thoracoscopic volume reduction. Dyspnea was significantly less after surgery. Ventilatory function, gas exchange, respiratory muscle function, and exercise performance also improved significantly. The degree of volume reduction, estimated by the decrease in FRC as measured by body plethysmography correlated with the degree to which dyspnea was relieved. Volume reduction may be appropriate as a treatment for dyspnea in patients with pulmonary emphysema.

Pathomorphological findings in a case of onychomycosis of a racehorse

The hooves of a racehorse which were affected with white line disease and hoof wall disorders on both forelimbs were histopathologically investigated using thin ground section and standard paraffin section techniques. On both hooves, large quantities of fungus were found to have invaded the white line tissues, especially in the terminal horn which were markedly damaged. The fungus was also present among the cellular debris in the fissures of horny tissues. The morphological characteristics of the fungus were brown (its natural color), PAS-positive, mold-like shape with septa inside the tissues, and unicellular spores outside the tissues. These findings suggest that onychomycosis was a primary and/or secondary cause of white line disease in this subject.

High concentrations of immunoreactive inhibin in the plasma of mares and fetal gonads during the second half of pregnancy

Plasma concentrations of immunoreactive (ir)-inhibin were measured in seven pregnant mares from around Day 140 of gestation to Day 2 after parturition using a heterologous bovine-based radioimmunoassay (RIA). Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oestradiol-17 beta, progesterone and relaxin were also measured in the same samples. A marked increase in plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin, FSH and LH occurred between Day 220 and Day 300 of gestation but the concentrations of all three hormones returned to baseline by about Day 320 (three weeks before parturition). In contrast, circulating concentrations of the three placental hormones, oestradiol-17 beta, progesterone and relaxin, increased during the final weeks of pregnancy and then decreased markedly to basal values within two days of parturition. There was a positive correlation between circulating concentrations of ir-inhibin and FSH (r = 0.75, P < 0.01) rather than the expected negative correlation. ir-inhibin was not detected in homogenates obtained at Day 190 of pregnancy and form term placenta, but high concentrations of ir-inhibin were present in homogenates of fetal and newborn gonads. Despite the high concentrations of ir-inhibin in these homogenates, they failed to exert any suppressive bioactivity on FSH secretion by rat pituitary cells cultured in vitro. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of inhibin in the interstitial cells of equine fetal gonads at Day 190 of gestation. These findings demonstrate for the first time that high concentrations of ir-inhibin, LH and FSH are secreted into the peripheral circulation of the mare during the second half of pregnancy. However, ir-inhibin present in the plasma of pregnant mares appears to be biologically inactive. This hormone is not presumed to be of placental origin but it is proposed that either the enlarged fetal gonads or the maternal ovaries, or both of these organs, may be a source of inhibin in response to the coincident increase in circulating concentrations of LH and FSH.

Age-related morphometrical changes of arteries of uterine wall in mares

To investigate the morphological changes of uterine wall arteries associated with the progression of age in Thoroughbred broodmares, uterine wall arteries from 13 mares, aged 2 to 31 years, were studied by routine histomorphometry. The ratio of intimal thickness to external diameter increased due to hyperplasia of elastic fibers and was significantly correlated with age (r = 0.95, P < 0.001). The ratio of medial thickness to external diameter decreased and was also significantly correlated with age (r = -0.84, P < 0.001). Using electron microscopy, it was determined that the cross-sectional area of the tunica media occupied by smooth muscle cells gradually decreased with increasing age. These results demonstrate that in arteries of the uterine wall in mares, hyperplasia of intimal elastic fiber and thinning of the medial smooth muscular layer is associated with aging, suggesting that aging may influence endometrial pathology.

Pathology of equine respiratory disease occurring in association with transport

Eight young thoroughbred horses, taken 1858 km by road (travelling time, 41 h), were examined to assess the pathological nature of respiratory disease associated with transport. Three of the horses showed clinical abnormalities including pyrexia, coughing, leucocytosis and neutrophilia after the first 20 h of transportation. Endoscopical examination of the trachea revealed exacerbation of airway inflammation as a result of transport in two of the three affected horses. A consistent finding in the affected horses was focal serous neutrophilic pneumonia affecting the cranio-ventral portion of the caudal lung lobe with a propensity to affect the right lung. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus was isolated from the pneumonic areas, in which corresponding bacterial antigens were identified immunohistochemically. Viral cultures from the pneumonic lesions proved negative for respiratory viruses. It is suggested that transport predisposes the upper respiratory tract and the lower airways to invasion by the bacterium, with episodic pyrexia and acute pneumonia.

Pathology of equine pneumonia associated with transport and isolation of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus

Seven horses that died of pneumonia associated with transport yielded Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S.z.) from their pulmonary lesions. These lesions were divisible roughly into two types, serous haemorrhagic pneumonia and multiple foci of coagulative necrosis, which were considered to reflect a temporal difference in the process of lesion formation. Immunohistologically, S.z. antigen was detected in both types of lesion. Acute necrotic lacunar tonsillitis was considered to play an important role in the onset of the pneumonia.

Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against equine chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteocytes

Three monoclonal antibodies capable of individually recognizing chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteocytes were prepared. EB-1 reacted with a 55-kDa antigen on the chondrocyte membrane, EB-2 with a 110-kDa antigen on the membrane of osteoblasts and/or partial osteocytes, and EB-3 with a 130-kDa antigen on the membrane of osteocytes. These monoclonal antibodies may be useful probes for studying the differentiation and maturation of osteogenic cells.

Tissue-specific increase in norepinephrine turnover by central interleukin-1, but not by interleukin-6, in rats

To examine the effects of brain cytokines on the sympathetic nervous system, norepinephrine (NE) turnover in peripheral organs (spleen, lung, diaphragm, pancreas, heart, liver, kidney, and interscapular brown adipose tissue) was assessed after intraperitoneal or intracerbroventricular administrations of human recombinant interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-6 in rats. An intraperitoneal injection of IL-1 (1 microgram/rat) accelerated NE turnover in the spleen, lung, diaphragm, and pancreas without appreciable effects in other organs examined. When IL-1 was injected intracerebroventricularly at much lower doses (1-100 ng/rat), a dose-dependent increase in NE turnover was observed in the spleen, lung, diaphragm, and pancreas. IL-6 did not affect NE turnover in every organ examined, even when it was given at much higher doses, 100 micrograms/rat and 100 ng/rat for intraperitoneal and intracerebroventricular injections, respectively. In contrast to tissue NE turnover, plasma corticosterone level was increased after the administration of IL-6 as well as IL-1, regardless of the site of administration. These results suggest that central IL-1, but not IL-6, increases sympathetic nerve activity in some specific organs, whereas both cytokines are effective for adrenocortical activation. A possible role of the sympathetic nervous system in physiological and immune responses to central IL-1 was discussed.

Cytokine-induced change in hypothalamic norepinephrine turnover: involvement of corticotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandins

Changes in norepinephrine (NE) turnover in restricted brain regions were examined in rats after administration of the major mediators of the acute phase response, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). An increase in NE turnover was observed after intraperitoneal injection of IL-1 (1 microgram/rat) in the whole hypothalamus and several specific hypothalamic nuclei, but not in the medulla oblongata and cerebral cortex. The stimulatory effect of IL-1 was mimicked by an intracerebroventricular injection of much lower doses of IL-1 (10-100 ng/rat). This IL-1-induced increase in hypothalamic NE turnover was blocked by the pretreatment with either indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) or anti-corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) antibody but not by naloxone. Intracerebroventricular injection of CRH increased NE turnover not only in the hypothalamus but also in the medulla oblongata and cerebral cortex. However, prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGF2 alpha did not show such effect. It was therefore suggested that IL-1 activates noradrenergic neurons projecting to the hypothalamus by its direct action to the brain, and that CRH and eicosanoid-cyclooxygenase product(s) within the brain are involved in this process. In contrast, neither IL-6 nor TNF influenced brain NE turnover regardless of whether they were given intraperitoneally or intracerebroventricularly. Thus, although IL-6 and TNF, as well as IL-1, show common central effects such as fever and pituitary-adrenal activation, these effects may be independent of the activation of NE metabolism in the hypothalamus.

Microscopical characteristics of uterine wall arteries in barren aged mares

The morphology of the arteries in the uterine wall was studied in three multiparous aged mares that had suffered repeated pregnancy failure. The uterine wall arteries exhibited elastosis of the intima or adventitia, or both, resembling "physiological pregnancy sclerosis". In areas affected by elastosis, degeneration of the pre-existing elastic fibres and increased glycosaminoglycans were frequently observed. Newly formed elastic fibres were not evident. Delayed resorption due to disordered metabolic turnover of the elastin was thought to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of the arterial elastosis in the uterine wall.

Pathological analysis of bone fractures in race horses

Pathomorphological analysis was performed on fractured bones of 470 race horses. The most common fracture site was the limb (98% of cases), and the majority of fractures were intra-articular. Focal osteochondral lesions consisting of osteochondrosis, osteonecrosis and osteosclerosis were observed frequently in fractured and non-fractured bones. In the fractured bones, the lesions frequently appeared in the vicinity of the fractured site. Under the influence of antecedent osteochondrosis from the young stage, osteosclerotic and osteonecrotic lesions may have been induced by immoderate exercise and localized ischemia. These morbid conditions may be important as local predisposing factors for bone fracture because the osteosclerotic and osteonecrotic lesions may contribute to diminished resistance to torsion and shearing forces.

Villous hypoplasia of the small intestine in neonatal foals

To elucidate the pathomorphogenesis of extremely shortened small-intestinal villi, occurring spontaneously in neonatal foals, the morphology of the small intestine with stunted villi was studied in eight cases. All intestinal wall elements and the villi were poorly developed. Most villi were found to be extremely short throughout the entire length of the small intestine. The villous core consisted of undifferentiated, fibroblast-like cells held loosely together by ground substance which was rich in glycosaminoglycan. Development of the villous lamina propria was poor with respect to capillaries, lymphatic vessels, connective tissues and smooth muscle cells. When compared with the structure of small-intestinal villi in age-matched foals as controls, it appeared that the histological structure of the stunted villous interstitium had remained at the immature state observable during the intrauterine period. Hypoplasia of the intestinal villi was assumed to reduce the functional surface area available for absorption of colostrum, causing malabsorption in newborn foals.

Histologic features of the carotid artery trifurcation in thoroughbreds

The common, external, and internal carotid and occipital arteries were examined histologically at the trifurcation of the common carotid arteries in 13 Thoroughbred foals (0 to 30 days old) and 64 Thoroughbred adults (2 to 4 years old). Calcification in the media of the common carotid and external carotid arteries was observed in 3 of the 13 foals and in 30 of the 64 adult horses. Calcification resembled that seen in Mönckeberg's arteriosclerosis in human beings, the cause of which is unknown.

[Detection of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) messenger RNA in the ovary and cloning of LH, chorionic gonadotropin (CG) receptor]

Detection of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA in rat ovary was carried out, and cloning of LH, chorionic gonadotropin (CG) receptor in human ovary was attempted by use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Firstly, in an attempt to detect the expression of GnRH or related gene in rat ovaries at the RNA level, GnRH message was amplified. Total RNA from rat ovaries was converted to cDNA using reverse transcriptase and amplified in PCR using a pair of specific primers complementary to the rat GnRH cDNA. The DNA products were subcloned into plasmid vectors and their sequence determined. 1. In the rat ovary, a prominent PCR product of 462 bp was identified as a fragment of prothymosin alpha cDNA previously found in the spleen. 2. In contrast, RT-PCR amplification of hypothalamus and granulosa cell messages indicated the presence of a 244 bp product with identical sequence to GnRH. To confirm the presence of GnRH message, a second set of GnRH primers was used. PCR amplification of cDNA from hypothalamus, granulosa cells and whole ovary yielded a product identical with the authentic GnRH cDNA sequence. These data demonstrated the presence of mRNA for GmRH and prothymosin alpha in the rat ovary. Secondly, a part of the human LH, CG receptor was obtained from human granulosa cells by selective amplification with PCR of DNA segments presenting possible sequence similarity with genes for the porcine or rat LH, CG receptor. Total RNA from human granulosa cells was converted to cDNA and amplified in PCR using degenerate oligonucleotide primers corresponding to possible conserved regions in extracellular segments of the porcine or rat LH, CG receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A case of adult type of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery--with a referential consideration to the disease in Japan]

A case of a 33-year-old man with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCP) was reported with a referential consideration to the adult type of ALCP previously reported in Japan. The patient visited our hospital for further examination of cardiac murmur detected on a mass physical checkup. He was found to have a continuous murmur, the loudest in the left sternal border of 3rd intercostal space, and developed evidence of ischemia during the exercise stress test in the ECG leads of L2, L3, aVF, and V2 through V6. In addition, studies using echocardiography and color Doppler-echocardiography detected a hypertrophied intraventricular septum and a pattern of turbulent blood flow in the proximal pulmonary artery. Cardiac catheterization and aortography proved the existence of ALCP with a markedly developed collateral circulation from the right coronary artery to the left coronary artery. After surgical restoration by ligating the anomalous opening of the left coronary artery, and by bypass grafting to the left coronary artery, it was clear that dilation and kinking of the right coronary artery was lessened and hypoperfusion in the anterior left ventricular wall was improved. As far as we know, this case is the 35th of adult type ALCP reported in our country. Results from this case and others suggest that early detection and therapy for adult type ALCP is important from the point of view preventing ischemic progression, and indicate that restoration by ligation and bypass grafting may be one of the effective surgical procedures for ALCP.

Nerve growth factor-like activity detected in equine peripheral blood after running exercise

Addition of sera, collected from Thoroughbred horses after sprint exercise, induced significant neurite outgrowth from chick embryo dorsal root ganglia after a 24-hour culture. The nerve growth factor (NGF)-like activity was detected in sera collected immediately, or 1 hour or more, after the exercise. These findings suggest a possible role of serum NGF-like activity under stress conditions (running exercise) of horses.

Expression of human luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor: interaction with LH and chorionic gonadotropin from human but not equine, rat, and ovine species

Studies on human LH receptors are difficult due to the limited availability of clinical samples. Recent cloning of rat and porcine LH receptor cDNAs indicated that these binding sites are single polypeptides of the G-protein-coupled receptor family with seven transmembrane domains. Based on the conserved sequences of rat and porcine receptors, we performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, using human ovarian mRNA as template and obtained partial human LH receptor cDNA clones. Further screening of a human ovary cDNA library and subsequent ligation of individual cDNA clones generated a human LH receptor cDNA containing the entire amino acid-coding region. Sequence analysis indicated that the human receptor cDNA displays 89% and 82% homology at the nucleotide level with its porcine and rat counterparts, respectively. A region spanning the second extracellular and third transmembrane domains is highly conserved among the human LH, FSH, and TSH receptors. The ovarian LH receptor clone is, however, significantly different from an incompletely spliced LH receptor cDNA recently obtained from a human thyroid library. Unlike the thyroid clone, the ovarian LH receptor cDNA could be expressed in the human fetal kidney cell line (293), and radioligand receptor assay identified high affinity (Kd, 1.2 x 10(-10) M) LH/hCG-binding sites on the plasma membrane. Binding specificity of the human LH receptor was studied using recombinant human CG, LH, and FSH secreted by CHO cells transfected with the respective genes. Human CG and LH displaced [125I]hCG binding with an ED50 of 4.3 and 4.8 ng/ml, respectively. In contrast, recombinant FSH was not effective. Treatment of transfected cells with recombinant gonadotropins also induced dose-dependent increases in extracellular cAMP production (hCG = LH much greater than FSH; ED50 25, 10, and greater than 3000 ng/ml). Although equine, rat, and ovine LH as well as equine CG competed effectively for rat testicular LH receptor binding, these hormones were unable to displace [125I]hCG binding to the human receptor, suggesting evolutionary changes in receptor binding specificity and the importance of using human receptors for clinical studies. Thus, the cloning and expression of the human LH receptor cDNA allowed analysis of interactions between human LH receptor and gonadotropins from diverse species. The present work should provide the basis for future design of therapeutic agents capable of interacting with the human receptor and for understanding the structural basis for LH receptor binding to different gonadotropins.

Regulation of luteinizing hormone receptor messenger ribonucleic acid levels by gonadotropins, growth factors, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in cultured rat granulosa cells

The induction of LH receptors in granulosa cells is prerequisite for ovarian follicles to ovulate and form corpora lutea. Earlier studies have demonstrated the modulatory role of gonadotropins, growth factors, and GnRH on ovarian LH receptor content. We have now analyzed the influences of gonadotropins (FSH, LH, and PRL), several growth factors, and GnRH on LH receptor mRNA levels in cultured granulosa cells. Cells were obtained from immature estrogen-treated rats and cultured in medium containing FSH with or without growth factors or GnRH for 48 h. Some cells were also treated with FSH for 48 h, followed by treatment with FSH, LH, or PRL for another 2 days. Cellular total RNA was extracted, and blot hybridization with 32P-labeled LH receptor cRNA or 28S ribosomal RNA cDNA probes was performed. Treatment of granulosa cells with FSH increased the levels of five species of LH receptor mRNAs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In FSH-primed cells, LH receptor mRNA levels were maintained by FSH, LH, and PRL. In contrast, treatment of cells with basic fibroblast growth factor or epidermal growth factor suppressed FSH induction of LH receptor mRNA in a dose-dependent manner, whereas treatment with insulin-like growth factor-I had no effect. In addition, GnRH suppressed FSH-stimulated LH receptor mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner; the effects of GnRH could be counteracted by coincubation with a GnRH antagonist, suggesting mediation by specific GnRH-binding sites. These studies demonstrated that the observed stimulatory effects of gonadotropins (FSH, LH, and PRL) and the inhibitory effects of growth factors (epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor) and GnRH on LH receptor content are correlated to their regulation of LH receptor mRNA levels. The granulosa cell culture system should provide a useful model for studying LH receptor gene regulation.

[Coronary venous oxygen saturation dynamics during intracoronary infusion of ergonovine or acetylcholine in vasospastic angina]

We investigated changes in coronary venous oxygen saturation (CSO2-Sat) dynamics during intracoronary infusion of ergonovine (ERG) or acetylcholine (ACh) in patients with vasospastic angina. In 16 patients with suspected vasospasm in the left coronary artery, intracoronary ERG injection provoked vasospasm in 4 out of 6 patients, and intracoronary ACh in 6 out of 11 patients. A gradual decrease in CSO2-Sat, anteceding angina and ischemic ECG evidence, was characteristic in ERG-induced vasospastic patients, while no significant change of CSO2-Sat was observed in non ERG-induced patients. Intracoronary infusion of ACh was followed in all 11 patients by a transient increase in CSO2-Sat, suggesting decreased myocardial oxygen extraction due to increased coronary blood flow with ACh. However, earlier and sudden decreases in CSO2-Sat below the control levels were characteristic in 6 patients with ACh-induced vasospastic angina. These findings suggest that effects of ERG and ACh on coronary flow dynamics are essentially different although both drugs can provoke vasospasm.

2.5S nerve growth factor enhances survival, phagocytosis, and superoxide production of murine neutrophils

The effect of 2.5S nerve growth factor (NGF) on survival, phagocytosis, and superoxide production of murine neutrophils was examined and compared with the effects of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and recombinant GM colony-stimulating factor (rGM-CSF). NGF enhanced the viability of neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood and peritoneal cavity in a dose-dependent way. IL-3 50 U/mL had no effect. rGM-CSF 50 U/mL had an effect similar to that of 50 ng/mL NGF. NGF also enhanced the phagocytosis of hydrophilic microspheres by peritoneal neutrophils, and the activity of NGF was greater than that of IL-3 or rGM-CSF. NGF enhanced the superoxide production induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which acts at postreceptor sites, and that induced by opsonized zymosan, a receptor-mediated ligand. The stimulating activity of NGF was largely comparable to that of rGM-CSF. The present data show that NGF bound to neutrophils enhances their survival, phagocytosis, and superoxide production. Thus, we postulate that NGF plays an important role in the inflammatory processes.

Expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prothymosin-alpha messenger ribonucleic acid in the ovary

GnRH exerts paradoxical effects on ovarian cells through specific receptors. Based on observed direct effects of GnRH and its antagonists on ovarian functions, the presence of endogenous ovarian GnRH-like peptide(s) has been postulated. In an attempt to detect the ovarian expression of GnRH or related genes at the RNA level, we used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify GnRH mRNA levels. Total RNA from rat ovaries was converted to first strand cDNA using reverse transcriptase and amplified in PCR using a pair of primers complementary to the rat GnRH cDNA. The DNA products obtained were subcloned into plasmid vectors, and their sequences were determined. The most prominent PCR product of 462 basepairs (bp) was unexpectedly identified as a fragment of prothymosin-alpha cDNA previously found in the spleen. This cDNA was obtained because of an identical 10 bp match with the 3' end of one of the GnRH primers. Northern blot analyses using the cloned prothymosin-alpha cDNA as probe revealed the presence of mRNA for this factor in ovary, thymus, testis, placenta, and hypothalamus. RT-PCR amplification of hypothalamus and granulosa cell messages indicated the presence of a 244-bp product with a sequence identical to that of GnRH. To further confirm the presence of GnRH messages in the ovary, a second set of GnRH primers was used. PCR amplification of cDNA from hypothalamus, granulosa cells, and whole ovary yielded a 241-bp product identical to the authentic GnRH sequence based on analysis on both strands. In contrast, no PCR product was evident after amplification of thyroid cDNA. Our data demonstrated the expression of mRNA for GnRH and prothymosin-alpha in the ovary. Although the exact ovarian role of the immune hormone awaits further study, the detection of GnRH transcript in the ovary suggests potential intragonadal roles of this decapeptide.

Multiple imaging and multiple Fourier transformation using planar microlens arrays

A new type of multiple imaging and multiple Fourier transformation system under coherent illumination using microlens arrays has been developed. The optical system is based on geometrical optics instead of convolution or diffraction. As a result, it has the advantage of design flexibility especially in alignment of the duplicate images. The experimental results of the system, which are implemented using planar microlens arrays fabricated by an ion exchange technique, are also discussed.

High numerical aperture planar microlens with swelled structure

The planar microlens is a 2-D integrated microlens fabricated by the selective ion exchange technique. This paper demonstrates a new class of planar microlens which has a high numerical aperture. The new planar microlens uses a swelling structure and index distribution which comes from replacing ions with different ion volumes. Lens diameters from 10 to 400 microm can be fabricated. A numerical aperture larger than 0.5 is achieved when the lens diameter is smaller than 100 microm. Use of this microlens in light coupling between an LD and a single-mode fiber is also evaluated.

Morphology of equine allantochorion at the tip of the pregnant horn

The morphology of the equine allantochorion at the tip of the pregnant horn was studied in the membranes of 14 mares. The findings in the allantochorion at the tip of the pregnant horn were of two types; one was growth retardation (hypoplastic villi, tunica adventitia of the vessels resembling embryonal connective tissue and the extended spaces of remnants of the extraembryonic coelom), the other was placental hypoxia or ischaemia (parakeratosis, stratified squamous metaplasia, necrosis of the trophoblasts, thickening of the basement membrane and fibrous hyperplasia of villous stroma). It seems likely that hypoplastic villi are caused by disordered formation of the microcotyledon accompanying the progression of pregnancy.

Gonadotropin-induced up- and down-regulation of rat ovarian LH receptor message levels during follicular growth, ovulation and luteinization

Induction of follicular growth by PMSG is associated with increased ovarian LH receptor content, whereas the preovulatory surge of LH decreases LH binding sites, followed by a secondary increase in receptor numbers coincident with corpora lutea formation. Based on the recently reported LH receptor cDNA sequence, we have performed a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to obtain LH receptor cDNA clones and generated a 32P-labeled cRNA probe to examine the dynamic changes in ovarian LH receptor mRNA levels during gonadotropin induction of follicular growth, ovulation and luteinization. Northern blot analysis of ovary RNA revealed hybridization signals of about 7.0, 4.2, 2.5 and 1.8 kb, with no hybridization to nongonadal tissues. PMSG increased the intensity of all four LH receptor messages at 24 h, preceding an increase in LH receptor number, with peak LH receptor mRNA and receptor content observed at 52 h. Treatment with hCG resulted in decreased LH receptor binding and mRNA levels by 6 h after injection, with maximal inhibition (greater than 85%) of message at 12 to 24 h after hCG treatment. Subsequently, LH receptor message levels increased again at 3 days after hCG, concomitant with increased [125I]hCG binding. A further increase in LH receptor content, but not message levels, was observed 5 days after hCG. These results demonstrate that the induction of LH receptors by PMSG is preceded by increased LH receptor mRNA levels. Furthermore, ligand-induced down-regulation of the LH receptor following an ovulatory dose of hCG is associated with decreased LH receptor message content, followed by increases in LH receptor message levels and binding sites during subsequent luteinization. Thus, the up- and down-regulation of ovarian LH receptors during follicle growth, ovulation and luteinization is probably due, at least in part, to changes in receptor message modulation.

Beta-adrenergic agents stimulate tissue plasminogen activator activity and messenger ribonucleic acid levels in cultured rat granulosa cells

Expression of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) gene is stimulated by gonadotropins in granulosa cells. Because adrenergic agents interact with specific granulosa cell receptors to increase progesterone biosynthesis, the effects of these pounds on tPA activity and mRNA levels were also investigated. Cells obtained from immature estrogen-treated rats were initially cultured with FSH or medium alone for 2 days. They were then reincubated with various adrenergic agents before measurement of medium tPA activity using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by a fibrin overlay technique. In addition, cellular RNA was extracted, and tPA mRNA levels were analyzed using a specific rat cRNA probe. Isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist, stimulated the secretion of tPA activity in a dose-dependent manner, with FSH-pretreated cells secreting higher levels of the enzyme than cells without FSH priming. Northern blot hybridization of total RNA showed the accumulation of a 22S species tPA message in cells treated with isoproterenol, suggesting increased expression of the tPA gene. Furthermore, slot blot hybridization of RNA from these cells indicated a time-dependent increase in tPA mRNA, with maximal induction between 1-3 h of incubation. A selective beta 2-adrenergic agonist, terbutaline, but not the beta 1-agonist dobutamine, stimulated tPA activity. Also, the stimulatory effect of isoproterenol was blocked by a beta 2-antagonist (ICI-118,551) but not by a beta 1-antagonist (practolol), suggesting the involvement of a beta 2-receptor. Like FSH and LH, isoproterenol increased extra- and intracellular cAMP levels. Cotreatment of a saturating dose of isoproterenol with FSH or LH did not further stimulate tPA activity. Similar to that in cells treated with FSH, inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide resulted in the superinduction of tPA mRNA in isoproterenol-treated cells. Thus, activation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors in granulosa cells induces tPA mRNA and activity, presumably through the protein kinase-A pathway shared by gonadotropins. Adrenergic neurotransmitters may be potential intraovarian regulators of this important protease.

[A case of myocardial infarction due to the left main trunk lesion, in which percutaneous coronary recanalization and emergency coronary-aorto bypass graft, and subsequent percutaneous coronary angioplasty were effective not only from a viewpoint of survival but from comeback to social life]

A case of acute myocardial infarction due to the lesion in the left main coronary artery was reported. A 50-year male was referred to our department for suspected acute myocardial infarction. Physical examination on admission revealed slight cyanosis with cold sweating due to severe chest pain. Pulse was irregular and heart rate was 78 beats/min. Blood pressure was 100/80 mmHg. A series of electrocardiograms (ECG) and laboratory data provided the diagnosis of wide-ranged anterolateral infarction in the left ventricle. Emergency coronary angiograms taken without delay showed a subtotal occlusion (99% stenosis) of the left main coronary trunk (LMT) before the initiation of intracoronary thrombolysis (PTCR). Following the intracoronary infusion of urokinase of 1,200,000 units, symptoms and ECG changes transiently improved but worsened later, and LMT stenotic lesion and delayed filling of myocardium were similar with before PTCR. Emergency coronary-aorto bypass graft (CABG) was undertaken without a significant delay to both the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left circumflex coronary artery (LCX). With these treatments, the patient could survive despite the wide area of infarction due to LMT lesion. Coronary angiograms performed 37 days after the CABG showed that the graft to LAD was completely occluded and the LCX graft was patent with partial stenosis. Treadmill test at this time induced an anginal episode with ischemic ECG changes on moderate exercise, indicating the presence of significant area of ischemic myocardium. For salvage of the ischemic myocardium, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was successfully performed for the LMT stenosis, resulting in no episode of angina nor ischemic ECG changes during exercise loading.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Epidermal growth factor stimulates tissue plasminogen activator activity and messenger ribonucleic acid levels in cultured rat granulosa cells: mediation by pathways independent of protein kinases-A and -C

Recent reports suggest that epidermal growth factor (EGF) or related peptides may act as local hormones to regulate granulosa cell differentiation. While FSH and GnRH are known to stimulate accumulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) mRNA in granulosa cells, studies using nonovarian cells have shown stimulation of tPA by EGF. In this study, the effect of EGF and its structural analog transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) on ovarian tPA mRNA and activity was investigated. Granulosa cells obtained from immature estrogen-treated rats were cultured with FSH or increasing doses of EGF or TGF alpha before analysis of tPA activity using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by a fibrin overlay technique. Like FSH and GnRH, EGF and TGF alpha stimulated the secretion of tPA activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner (onset, 12 h; maximum, 48 h). Northern blot hybridization of total RNA using a rat cRNA probe for tPA showed the accumulation of a 22S species mRNA in cells treated with EGF or TGF alpha, but not with nerve growth factor, suggesting increased expression of the tPA gene. Furthermore, slot blot hybridization of RNA from these cells confirmed a time-dependent increase in tPA mRNA preceding that in enzyme activity. Cotreatment of a saturating dose of EGF with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or GnRH resulted in additive increases in both tPA enzyme activity and mRNA levels. In addition, pretreatment with PMA desensitized the cells to subsequent treatment with PMA or GnRH, but did not diminish EGF-induced tPA mRNA, suggesting that EGF acts through a pathway independent of protein kinase-C. Also, extracellular cAMP levels did not increase with EGF treatment in the presence or absence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, suggesting the lack of involvement of the protein kinase-A pathway. Suppression of protein synthesis by cycloheximide inhibited the induction of tPA mRNA by EGF, whereas similar treatment resulted in the superinduction of tPA mRNA in FSH-treated cells, suggesting that EGF and FSH do not share the same pathway. These results suggest that EGF and TGF alpha induce tPA mRNA and activity in granulosa cells through a pathway independent of protein kinases-A (FSH) and -C (GnRH and phorbol ester), providing an interesting model for future elucidation of the molecular mechanism involved in tPA gene expression.

Mechanism of action of the antitumour effect of K18

K18 is an anticancer drug for oral administration comprising about five molecules of melphalan, an alkylating drug, covalently bonded to human immunoglobulin G. This study measured the in vitro antitumour activity of K18, melphalan and immunoglobulin G on human myeloma cells (RPMI-8226) and the in vivo antitumour effects of K18 and melphalan in BALB/c nude mice bearing human lung cancer cells (LC-10). The relative tumour-inhibitory effect, in vitro, was found to be: immunoglobulin G less than K18 less than melphalan. This activity of K18 was about half the theoretical value indicating that melphalan molecules are not released easily from the conjugate. K18 showed strong antitumour activity in vivo which continued after stopping administration. On the other hand, the effects of melphalan did not continue after administration was stopped. The distribution of [125I] K18 and [14C]melphalan was examined in BALB/c nude mice 14 days after implantation of LC-10 cells. Radioactivity levels in the major organs showed a transient rapid increase followed by a gradual decline. In tumours, [14C]melphalan levels increased transiently and then decreased, whereas [125I]K18 levels persisted following intravenous administration.

[Effects of ovarian wedge resection (WR) and spironolactone administration on pulsatile LH release and serum steroid hormone levels in women with polycystic ovarian disease]

The exact mechanism(s) by which WR induces ovulation in women with PCOD is still uncertain. The aim of this study is to observe the change in sex steroids and pulsatile LH release (pul-LH-R) after WR. Before and either 7-8 days after the surgery (n = 8) or after 30 days of spironolactone treatment (n = 4), serum LH levels were measured every 15 min for 2-4 hours in PCOD women. Sex steroids were radioimmunoassayed before, and 3-4 and 7-8 days after WR. Testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A) in 7 women in whom spontaneous ovulation occurred after WR decreased significantly either 3-4 or 7-8 days after the surgery (p less than 0.001). Estrone decreased significantly (p less than 0.001) 7-8 days after the operation. The mean level of LH after WR in the 7 women decreased significantly (p less than 0.001). Furthermore, significant decreases both in the mean values of LH pulse amplitude (p less than 0.001) and frequency (p less than 0.01) were observed after WR. Ovulation occurred after 45 and 58 days of spironolactone administration in 2 PCOD women who showed changes in pul-LH-R and a drop in serum testosterone levels after 30 days of treatment. The data suggested that changes in pul-LH-R and decreased sex steroids after WR seemed to play key roles in the mechanism(s) by which WR induces ovulation.