The expressions of mRNAs for interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) in the rat hypothalamus and midbrain during restraint stress

Over the past few years, it has been reported that physical and psychological stress elevate plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), and that neural cells can produce IL-6 and have receptors for IL-6 (IL-6R). However, it is unknown whether IL-6 plays a role in regulating the functions of neural cells in response to stress. We demonstrated recently, using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), that the levels of mRNAs for IL-6 and IL-6R in the rat brain are changed by restraint stress for four hours. In the present study, we investigated the expression of mRNAs for IL-6 and the IL-6R in the rat hypothalamus and midbrain during restraint stress. After rats had been restrained for 10, 30, 60, 120 or 240 min, the hypothalamus and midbrain were removed immediately and levels of IL-6 mRNA and of IL-6R mRNA in these regions were determined by RT-PCR. The expression of mRNAs for IL-6 and IL-6R in both regions was reduced after short-term (30-60 min) restraint stress and tended to return toward the control level after 120 min restraint stress. After long-term (240 min) restraint stress, the level of IL-6 mRNA was significantly increased in the midbrain, while the level of IL-6R mRNA was significantly reduced in both regions. These findings suggest that the need for IL-6 might decline after short-term restraint stress and, moreover, that the synthesis and secretion of IL-6 might be enhanced and IL-6 might be needed as a neurotrophic factor in the midbrain after long-term stress.

The influence of restraint stress on the expression of mRNAs for IL-6 and the IL-6 receptor in the hypothalamus and midbrain of the rat

Using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we investigated the influence of restraint stress on the expression of the mRNA for interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the mRNA for the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) in the rat brain. After rats had been restrained for 4 hours, the hypothalamus and midbrain were removed at fixed intervals up to 24 hours, and levels of IL-6 mRNA and of IL-6R mRNA in these regions were determined by RT-PCR. Restraint stress significantly enhanced the expression of IL-6 mRNA and reduced that of IL-6R mRNA in the midbrain, whereas the stress caused the reduced expression of IL-6R mRNA without any change in the level of IL-6 mRNA in the hypothalamus. After the stress, the expression of mRNAs for IL-6 and IL-6R continued to diminish in both regions. These findings indicate that the levels of mRNAs for both of IL-6 and IL-6R in the rat brain can be influenced by restraint stress.

Cross-reactivity to olive tree pollen and orchard grass pollen in patients with pollinosis

We studied 92 patients with allergic rhinitis in Syodoshima, Japan, during the pollen season between April and June to evaluate the cross-reactivity to different antigens, including pollen from the olive tree (Olea europaea) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata). Olive tree pollen was present in the atmosphere for 23 days, from May 19 to June 12, 1994. Specific IgE antibodies for olive tree pollen antigen were present in 21 (26.9%) of the 78 patients with allergic rhinitis. Nine (24.3%) of the 37 patients with allergic rhinitis exhibited positive skin reactivity to an extract of olive tree pollen. Fifteen (88.2%) of the 17 patients who had IgE reactivity in their sera to olive tree pollen antigen demonstrated allergic reactions to an extract of olive tree pollen. Specific IgE antibodies for orchard grass pollen antigen were present in 43 (48.3%) of the 89 patients with allergic rhinitis and 20 (95.2%) of the 21 patients who had IgE reactivity in their sera to olive tree pollen antigen. The inhibition test using the CAP System revealed that the reactivity of the IgE antibody specific for olive tree pollen antigen was inhibited dose-dependently by an extract of orchard grass pollen. These findings show that there is a reaction in some patients with grass (Gramineae) pollinosis that might be induced by olive tree pollen.

The influence of physical restraint or fasting on plaque-forming cell response in mice

This study was designed to investigate the effects of 1- and 3-day (16 h/day) physically restrained or fasting on immunological and endocrine responses in CBF1 mice. The influence of stressors on these responses was evaluated using anti-sheep red blood cell plaque-forming assay, and by examining T cell subsets, thymus weight and endocrine hormone levels. The results revealed that a significant elevation of the plaque-forming cells (PFC) was found in spleen cells in 1-day restrained mice, that the PFC were conversely suppressed following 3-day physically restrained stress, and that the PFC were not affected by 1- or 3-day fasting stress. Serum levels of norepinephrine were found to be significantly increased only in 1-day physically restrained mice. No change of T cell subsets and thymus weight was found in 1-day physically restrained mice. A significant increase in serum corticosterone levels was elicited in both 1- and 3-day physically restrained mice, and 3-day fasting mice, while increased Lyt2-positive T cell and thymic atrophy were found only in 3-day physically restrained mice. These findings suggest that immune function was differentially affected by the duration and types of stressors.

A new individualization marker of sweat: deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) polymorphism

We confirmed for the first time, both biochemically and immunologically, the existence of deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) in human liquid sweat. Isoelectric focusing of sweat samples on polyacrylamide gels (pH 3.5 to 5), followed by dried agarose film overlay detection, was used to determine the phenotypes of sweat DNase I. Because this detection method not only had high sensitivity, but also high band resolution, it was possible to determine DNase I types from sweat samples of 50 to 100 microL. Pretreatment of sweat samples with sialidase was essential for typing to enhance markedly the sensitivity accompanied by simplification of the isozyme pattern. The DNase I types in all sweat samples were consistently related to the types found in corresponding blood, urine, and semen samples. DNase I typing could, therefore, provide a novel discriminant characteristic in the forensic examination of sweat.

Superoxide dismutases in human palatine tonsils

In order to investigate the protective system of human palatine tonsils against the cytotoxic superoxide radicals (O(-)(2)) generated from the oxygen-related bactericidal system, immunohistochemistry and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry were used to detect the distribution and activities of superoxide dismutases (SODs) in tonsils of different related systemic diseases. Immunohistochemistry showed that SODs distribute in extrafollicular lymphatic tissue and crypt epithelium. No distribution difference could be found between tonsils of different related systemic diseases. ESR revealed no significant difference between SODs activities in tonsils of different related systemic diseases. However, the mitochondrial SOD activity was found to constitute approximately 50%-60% of the total tonsillar cellular SODs activity. The results suggest: i)tonsils possess the ability to control cytotoxic O(-)(2), ii) crypt epithelium and extrafollicular lymphatic tissue may encounter more O(-)(2) threat, iii) SODs may be important in protecting germinal centers from O(-)(2) injury, and iv) systemic diseases are less related to the local expression of tonsillar SODs.

[Olive pollinosis in Japan]

Olive (Olea europaes) is the most important allergic tree in the Mediterranean area. That is widely distributed at Syodoshima in Japan. I observed olive pollination period and studied the patients with pollinosis. The patients were examined by skin test, measuring of specific IgE antibody and nasal provocation test with olive pollen extract. Allergic responses to olive pollen were found to be present in 16.3% of pollinosis patients. And cross-reactivity between olive and grass pollen (Dactylis glomerata) was suggested. Other literature reported the cross reactivity between the pollens of the Oleaceae family, containing olive, and grass family. From our study we suppose that Oleaceae pollens cause allergic reaction of Gramineae pollinosis patients in Japan.

Cerebellar leptomeningeal astroglial heterotopia in neurofibromatosis type 1

Leptomeningeal astroglial heterotopia (LAH) was found in the cerebellum of 2 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1). This LAH was clearly and widely demonstrated with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry and was connected with parenchymal astroglial fibers. These findings suggest that NF 1 involves the dysplasia or overgrowth of astrocytes in the cerebellar leptomeninges.

Developmental study of leptomeningeal glioneuronal heterotopia

The timing of the appearance of leptomeningeal glioneuronal heterotopia (LGH) and its immunohistochemical development were examined on autopsied brains ranging from 12 to 43 weeks of postmenstrual age. LGH appeared at 20 weeks postmenstrual age and its incidence gradually increased until 28-31 weeks. All patients with trisomy 13 who were older than 34 weeks postmenstrual age had LGH. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive glial processes appeared earlier in the subpial layer of brainstems in patients with trisomy 13 than in the controls without LGH, and protruded along the perforating vessels into the leptomeninges; therefore, LGH may be formed from the midfetal period and develop with an increase of subpial glial processes along perforating vessels.

[Effects of theophylline on ventilatory regulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

The effects and the mechanism of single and long-term administration of theophylline on ventilatory regulation were investigated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The ventilatory and mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) responses during CO2 rebreathing were measured before and 4 hours after oral, single administration of theophylline in 15 patients with pulmonary emphysema, 15 patients with asthma and 10 healthy subjects. Ventilatory response to CO2 (VE/PCO2) was increased in patients with asthma and P0.1 response to CO2 (P0.1/PaCO2) was increased in patients with pulmonary emphysema after single theophylline administration. In patients with pulmonary emphysema, the increase in P0.1 was more marked than that in maximum inspiratory pressure static (MIPS). The effect of long-term administration of theophylline was studied in 8 patients with COPD and 8 patients with restrictive lung disease. In patients with COPD, P0.1/PaCO2 was significantly increased and the increase was maintained until three months later. These findings suggest that theophylline is effective in improving ventilatory and occlusion pressure responses to CO2 in patients with asthma probably by its bronchodilating effect, and in patients with pulmonary emphysema by its direct effect on the ventilatory control system.

Discrepancy between provocative test and clinical results following endovascular obliteration of spinal arteriovenous malformation

We report a case of spinal arteriovenous malformation with no signs of neurological deterioration after transarterial embolization, although the results of a provocative test with injection of lidocaine was positive on monitoring of clinical findings and somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs). We discussed the possible overestimation by the provocative test, and the limitations of SEP monitoring during endovascular surgery.

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital sialidosis

A case of prenatally diagnosed congenital sialidosis is described in a 21-week-old male fetus, which was the fifth product of non-consanguineous parents. The proband, the second product, was diagnosed as having sialidosis by the enzyme assay in peripheral leukocytes after birth. At the 17th week of pregnancy, the fetus at risk was proven to have isolated sialidase deficiency after analyzing a sample of the cultured amniotic fluid cells. There were many cytoplasmic vacuoles and increased amounts of sialyloligosaccharides in the tissue of the aborted fetus, while the amount and the pattern of gangliosides in the central nervous system were normal.

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis--case report

A rare case of rhinocerebral mucormycosis occurred in a 74-year-old diabetic male with gradually progressive right visual loss and total ophthalmoplegia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an invasive right orbital apex mass, destroying the medial wall of the orbit and extending into the right cavernous sinus and right middle fossa. Laboratory data demonstrated no signs of inflammation. A carcinomatous lesion originating in the paranasal sinuses and extending into the intracranial space was diagnosed. The mass was totally removed through a subfrontal approach to confirm the histological diagnosis and decompress the optic nerve. The histological diagnosis was mucormycosis. Despite aggressive medical therapy, dissemination resulted in mucor pleuritis and mucor encephalitis or meningitis. He died of septic shock and acute renal failure.

Developmental abnormalities of corticospinal tract neurons in prenatally irradiated rats: a study using retrograde labeling with Fast blue and intracellular Lucifer yellow staining

The effect of prenatal X-irradiation on the ontogenesis of corticospinal tract (CST) neurons was examined in rats using retrograde labeling with Fast blue and intracellular Lucifer yellow staining. In prenatally irradiated rats, the cortical laminar architecture of the CST neurons was confused and many cells demonstrated migratory disturbances. Migratory-disordered CST neurons at deeper cortical levels resembled pyramidal cells, but their apical dendrites were oriented in various directions and the development of their dendrites was poor. Migratory-disordered CST neurons near the ependymal layer demonstrated round somata and many thin dendrites with spokewise radiation, suggesting a maturation disturbance. These results suggested that prenatal X-irradiation impeded the migration and maturation of CST neurons. These findings may form the basis for analyzing the mechanisms of radiation-induced mental retardation and behavioral changes.

Magnetic resonance imaging of a malignant transformation of an intracranial cellular blue nevus. A case report

As a follow-up to a case previously reported, a rare case of malignant transformation of cellular blue nevus (CBN) in the central nervous system preoperatively diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reported. On MRI, the malignant portion of the nevus was slightly hyperintense on both T1- and T2-weighted images. In contrast, the benign portion with a great deal of melanin was hyperintense on T1-weighted image and hypointense on T2-weighted image. MRI was useful and indispensable for detecting the malignant transformation of CBN.

[Clinical and experimental studies on pancreatic functions and gastrointestinal hormones after major pancreatectomy]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the changes of gastrointestinal hormones and pancreatic functions after major pancreatectomy in dogs and human. After more than 92% pancreatectomy in dogs, all dogs developed diabetes mellitus (DM). In these dogs, the remnant pancreas showed poor regeneration rate of 24.0% at 6 weeks, decreased sigma IRI in IV-GTT had not been recovered, pancreatic glucagon response was diminished, pancreatic exocrine function had been declined with increased plasma levels of secretin and CCK, and gastric secretion increased in spite of diminished gastrin response. After 74 to 92% pancreatectomy, 17.6% of dogs developed DM. The dogs with DM had poor pancreatic regeneration rate of 22.7% at 12 weeks, hypersecretion of glucagon and decreased gastric secretion with low plasma concentration of gastrin. On the other hand, in dogs without DM, pancreatic regeneration rate showed 42.7% at 12 weeks, insulin release and pancreatic exocrine function had been recovered well, and plasma CCK levels increased without changes of gastric secretion. In the clinical study, gastric secretion, CCK response and pancreatic endocrine and exocrine functions had been maintained better after pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy than after conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Appearance of NMDA receptors triggered by anoxia independent of voltage in vivo and in vitro

Using rat hippocampus we have studied the pattern of neuronal death, abnormal discharge and loss of electrical excitability in slices prepared from animals subjected to bilateral, four-vessel cerebral anoxia and in slices prepared from normal animals that are subjected to anoxia in the recording chamber. As others have reported, pyramidal neurons in area CA1 are lost first after anoxia, while CA3 neurons have an intermediate sensitivity, and those in dentate are relatively anoxia-resistant. After anoxic damage to the intact animal, neurons in both CA1 and CA3 show abnormal bursting discharges in response to synaptic activation for several days, and then the response in CA1 decreases in amplitude and finally the area become unexcitable. While antagonists for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors have essentially no effect on synaptic responses in control animals, they reduce the bursting responses and greatly depress the small responses in CA1 as neurons are becoming unexcitable after anoxia. With intracellular recording CA1 neurons from animals made transiently anoxic, in contrast to controls, show prolonged synaptic responses, the later components of which are blocked by NMDA antagonists. When slices from normal animals are subjected to anoxia such that excitability is totally lost over a period of about 10 min, there is no significant membrane depolarization during the anoxic episode and recovery of excitability occurs with reoxygenation. However, a period of hyperexcitability and bursting follows and electrical excitability is lost in CA1 but not CA3 neurons after about 90 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Glucocorticoids promote localized activity of rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in brain slices

The effects of glucocorticoids on rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons were studied using brain slice preparations. At 10 days after bilateral adrenalectomy, a localized region of CA1 showed a drastic reduction of excitability induced by CA3 stimulation as compared to control. The region of CA1 most effected was 1.4-2.0 mm from the most rostral side of the hippocampus. Upon perfusion of corticosterone, the response to synaptic activation was reduced in this region in slices from adrenalatomized animals increased rapidly toward control values, volatile responses in other regions were unaffected. These results suggest that glucocorticoid receptors are concentrated in restricted regions of hippocampus and that these receptors have important roles in regulation of synaptic excitability.