Electrical resistivity anisotropy from self-organized one dimensionality in high-temperature superconductors

We investigate the manifestation of stripes in the in-plane resistivity anisotropy in untwinned single crystals of La2-xSrxCuO4 ( x = 0.02-0.04) and YBa(2)Cu(3)O(y) ( y = 6.35-7.0). It is found that both systems show strongly temperature-dependent in-plane anisotropy in the lightly hole-doped region and that the anisotropy in YBa(2)Cu(3)O(y) grows with decreasing y below approximately 6.60 despite the decreasing orthorhombicity, which gives most direct evidence that electrons self-organize into a macroscopically anisotropic state. The transport is found to be easier along the direction of the spin stripes already reported, demonstrating that the stripes are intrinsically conducting in cuprates.

Low-temperature electronic heat transport in La2-xSrxCuO4 single crystals: unusual low-energy physics in the normal and superconducting states

The thermal conductivity kappa is measured in a series of La2-xSrxCuO4 (0 < or = x < or = 0.22) single crystals down to 90 mK to elucidate the evolution of the residual electronic thermal conductivity kappa(res), which probes the extended quasiparticle states in the d-wave gap. We found that kappa(res)/T grows smoothly, except for a 1/8 anomaly, above x approximately 0.05, and shows no discontinuity at optimum doping, indicating that the behavior of kappa(res)/T is not governed by the metal-insulator crossover in the normal state; as a result, kappa(res)/T is much larger than what the normal-state resistivity would suggest in the underdoped region, which highlights the peculiarities in the low-energy physics in the cuprates.

Induction of the cytokine signal regulator SOCS3/CIS3 as a therapeutic strategy for treating inflammatory arthritis

Immune and inflammatory systems are controlled by multiple cytokines, including ILs and INFs. These cytokines exert their biological functions through Janus tyrosine kinases and STAT transcription factors. One such cytokine, IL-6, has been proposed to contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We found that STAT3 was strongly tyrosine phosphorylated in synovial tissue of RA patients, but not those with osteoarthritis. Blockade of the IL-6-gp130-JAK-STAT3-signaling pathway might therefore be beneficial in the treatment of RA. We show here that the mRNA for the endogenous cytokine signaling repressor CIS3/SOCS3 is abundantly expressed in RA patients. To determine whether CIS3 is effective in treating experimental arthritis, a recombinant adenovirus carrying the CIS3 cDNA was injected periarticularly into the ankle joints of mice with antigen-induced arthritis or collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Periarticular injection of CIS3 adenovirus drastically reduced the severity of arthritis and joint swelling compared with control groups. CIS3 was more effective than a dominant-negative form of STAT3 in the CIA model. Thus, induction of CIS3 could represent a new approach for effective treatment of RA.

Traumatic injury-induced BMP7 expression in the adult rat spinal cord

It has been reported that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are involved in the generation of the central nervous system during development. However, the roles of BMPs in mature spinal cord have not been clarified. We examined the expression of BMP7 mRNA before and after traumatic injury of the adult rat spinal cord. BMP7 mRNA was already detectable at a relatively low level in uninjured spinal cord, but was dramatically increased after injury. Semiquantitative RT-PCR study further confirmed upregulation of BMP7 mRNA in injured spinal cord. In situ hybridization indicated that expression of BMP7 mRNA was present only in glial cells in uninjured spinal cord. After injury, the number of BMP7-expressing glial cells was increased, BMP7 expression also became apparent in motor neurons. It has been suggested that BMPs promote survival of subventricular zone cells in adult rats. Thus, our results suggest that increase in the expression of BMP7 promotes survival of neurons and glial cells after acute traumatic injury. In contrast, there is increasing evidence that BMPs inhibit neurogenesis and alternatively promote gliogenesis of neural progenitors, which are also present in adult spinal cord, suggesting that injury-upregulated BMP7 may regulate differentiation of glial cells from neural progenitors and may induce gliosis after central nervous system injury.

Release property of progesterone from a mixed-base suppository consisting of Witepsol W35 and Witepsol E85

The mechanism of drug release from progesterone suppositories that consist of two types of hard fat (Witepsol W35 and Witepsol E85) was investigated. The strength, the thermodynamic characteristics, the surface structures, the drug release property, methylene blue penetration into suppositories, and change of surface structure after the dissolution test were employed for detecting characteristics of progesterone suppositories. The formulation with a mixing ratio of Witepsol W35 and Witepsol E85 at a 1:1 ratio showed the maximum strength value. The peak temperature of the suppositories showed a tendency to increase with increases in the ratio of Witepsol E85. The maximum height of the profiles measured with laser microscopy, from 20.8 microm to 29.2 microm, reached a maximum after 3 h of the dissolution test. When the suppositories were immersed in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer containing 0.5% methylene blue at 37 degrees C, the penetrating area increased with time. The weight of the suppositories also increased with time. According to these findings, it was suggested that the release of drug from a mixed type of suppository containing progesterone was via the matrix and pores.

Src-catalyzed phosphorylation of c-Cbl leads to the interdependent ubiquitination of both proteins

The protooncogene c-Cbl has recently emerged as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for activated receptor tyrosine kinases. We report here that c-Cbl also mediates the ubiquitination of another protooncogene, the non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Src, as well as of itself. The c-Cbl-dependent ubiquitination of Src and c-Cbl requires c-Cbl's RING finger, Src kinase activity, and c-Cbl's tyrosine phosphorylation, probably on Tyr-371. In vitro, c-Cbl forms a stable complex with the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcH7, but active Src destabilizes this interaction. In contrast, Src inhibition stabilizes the c-Cbl. UbcH7.Src complex. Finally, c-Cbl reduces v-Src protein levels and suppresses v-Src-induced STAT3 activation. Thus, in addition to mediating the ubiquitination of activated receptor tyrosine kinases, c-Cbl also acts as a ubiquitin ligase for the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src, thereby down-regulating Src.

Osteosarcoma cell apoptosis induced by selenium

An essential nutrient selenium has been reported to be a potential cancer preventive and inhibitory agent, although no exact mechanism has yet been proposed. Since little is known about the anti-proliferative effect of selenium on osteosarcoma, this issue was addressed in the present study in vitro using three osteosarcoma cell lines, and in vivo using an osteosarcoma transplantable to nude mice. Selenium inhibited the tumor growth in vitro and morphological changes indicative of apoptosis were demonstrated. Osteosarcomas in nude mice were inhibited in growth by selenium with no cytotoxic change in normal tissues. The findings suggested that selenium may offer a novel therapeutic modality for osteosarcoma.

Spred is a Sprouty-related suppressor of Ras signalling

Cellular proliferation, and differentiation of cells in response to extracellular signals, are controlled by the signal transduction pathway of Ras, Raf and MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase. The mechanisms that regulate this pathway are not well known. Here we describe two structurally similar tyrosine kinase substrates, Spred-1 and Spred-2. These two proteins contain a cysteine-rich domain related to Sprouty (the SPR domain) at the carboxy terminus. In Drosophila, Sprouty inhibits the signalling by receptors of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) by suppressing the MAP kinase pathway. Like Sprouty, Spred inhibited growth-factor-mediated activation of MAP kinase. The Ras-MAP kinase pathway is essential in the differentiation of neuronal cells and myocytes. Expression of a dominant negative form of Spred and Spred-antibody microinjection revealed that endogenous Spred regulates differentiation in these types of cells. Spred constitutively associated with Ras but did not prevent activation of Ras or membrane translocation of Raf. Instead, Spred inhibited the activation of MAP kinase by suppressing phosphorylation and activation of Raf. Spred may represent a class of proteins that modulate Ras-Raf interaction and MAP kinase signalling.

Unusual magnetic susceptibility anisotropy in untwinned La2-xSr(x)CuO4 single crystals in the lightly doped region

We present a study of the magnetic susceptibility chi in carefully detwinned La 2-xSr(x)CuO4 single crystals in the lightly doped region (x = 0-0.03), which demonstrates a remarkable in-plane anisotropy of the spin system. This anisotropy, chi(a)/chi(b), is found to persist after the long-range antiferromagnetic (AF) order is destroyed by hole doping, suggesting that doped holes break the AF order into domains in which the spin alignment is kept essentially intact. It turns out that the freezing of the spins taking place at low temperatures is also notably anisotropic, implying that the "spin-glass" feature is governed by the domain structure as well.

Mobility of the doped holes and the antiferromagnetic correlations in underdoped high- Tc cuprates

The emergence and the evolution of the metallic charge transport in the La2-xSrxCuO4 system from lightly to optimally doped samples (x = 0.01-0.17) are studied. We demonstrate that in high-quality single crystals the in-plane resistivity shows a metallic behavior for all values of x at moderate temperatures and that the hole mobility at 300 K changes only by a factor of 3 from x = 0.01 to 0.17, where its x dependence is found to be intriguingly similar to that of the inverse antiferromagnetic correlation length. We discuss an incoherent-metal picture and a charged-stripe scenario as candidates to account for these peculiar features.

Functional impact of human collagen alpha2(XI) gene polymorphism in pathogenesis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the spine is the leading cause of myelopathy in Japan. In earlier studies, we provided genetic linkage and allelic association evidence of distinct differences in the human collagen alpha2(XI) gene (COL11A2) that might constitute inherited predisposition to OPLL. In the present study, a strong allelic association with non-OPLL (p = 0.0003) was observed with an intron 6 polymorphism [intron 6 (-4A)], in which the intron 6 (-4A) allele is more frequently observed in non-OPLL subjects than in OPLL patients. In addition, a newly identified polymorphism in exon 6 [exon 6 (+28A)] was in linkage disequilibrium with the intron 6 (-4A). The functional impact of the polymorphisms was analyzed by comparing the differences in messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in cultured cells from the interspinous ligament and an in vitro exon trapping study. The intron 6 (-4A) allele resulted in skipping exon 6 and retaining exon 7, while the exon 6 (+28A) allele was not associated with alteration in mRNA splicing. Similar mRNA species were observed in undifferentiated osteoblast (Ob) cells and in cells from posterior longitudinal ligament of non-OPLL subjects. The region containing exons 6-8 is an acidic subdomain presumably exposed to the surface that could interact with molecules of the extracellular matrix. Accordingly, retaining exon 7 together with removal of exon 6 observed in intron 6 (-4A) could play a protective role in the ectopic ossification process because the same pattern was observed in undifferentiated Ob cells and nonossified posterior longitudinal ligament cells.

Expression of a newly defined tumor-rejection antigen SART3 in musculoskeletal tumors and induction of HLA class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes by SART3-derived peptides

We recently reported that a SART3 tumor-rejection antigen possessing tumor epitopes is capable of inducing HLA class 1-restricted and tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in cancer patients. We studied the expression of the SART3 protein in musculoskeletal tumors to find a molecule for potential use in tumor-specific immunotherapy. The SART3 was detected at protein levels in 100% of the osteosarcoma cell lines (n = 20), in 50% of the musculoskeletal tumor tissue specimens (n = 32), and at notable levels in 67% of osteosarcoma tissues (n = 9) and malignant fibrous histiocytosis tissues (n = 9), respectively. SART3-derived peptides at positions 109-118 and 315-323 induced HLA-A24-restricted tumor-specific cytoxic T lymphocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with osteosarcoma or malignant fibrous histiocytosis. These peptide-induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognized HLA-A24+ SART3+ osteosarcoma cells but not HLA-A24 or SART3 cells. These results suggest that the SART3 protein and its derived peptides could be molecules appropriate for use in specific immunotherapies for approximately 60% of HLA-A24+ patients with osteosarcoma or malignant fibrous histiocytosis.

Gender-specific haplotype association of collagen alpha2 (XI) gene in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine

Among Japanese, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine (OPLL) is a leading cause of myelopathy, showing ectopic bone formation in the paravertebral ligament. We have provided genetic evidence that the collagen alpha2 (XI) (COL11A2) locus of chromosome 6 constitutes susceptibility for OPLL. Five distinct single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), identified in COL11A2, were combined to construct possible haplotypes by the use of a maximum likelihood program. Estimated haplotype frequency was compared in OPLL patients and non-OPLL controls. We report a gender-specific association of the COL11AA2 haplotvpe with OPLL. The frequency of the most commonly observed haplotype was significantly higher in male patients (P = 0.0003) compared with controls, but not in female patients (P = 0.21). OPLL is predominantly observed in males. with a prevalence ratio of 2:1, and our gender-specific associations indicate that genetic factors involving COL11A2 play a specific role in the etiology of OPLL exclusively in males.

Transcriptional activation of p21 by vitamin D(3) or vitamin K(2) leads to differentiation of p53-deficient MG-63 osteosarcoma cells

p21 (WAF1/CIP1) is a downstream effector of p53 and mediates growth arrest by inhibiting the action of G(1) cyclin-dependent kinases. However, it has been reported that the p21 expression was triggered by multiple differentiation-inducing agents by a p53-independent pathway. These agents induced expression of p21 by binding to specific DNA elements and modulating transcriptional initiation. We demonstrated that the gene encoding p21 was not only a vitamin D(3) target gene but also a vitamin K(2) target gene in the cells and that their differentiation was well related to the transcriptional activation of the p21 gene. Transient overexpression of p21, using adenovirus-driven p21 expression plasmid, in MG-63 cells in the absence of vitamins D(3) and K(2) resulted in their differentiation. The transcriptional activation of p21 by vitamin D(3) or vitamin K(2) in p53-deficient osteosarcoma cells demonstrated the p53-independent role of p21 in human osseous differentiation. HUM PATHOL 32:410-416.

Quality of life in elderly patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

STUDY DESIGN

A longitudinal cohort study of 216 elderly patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament for an average of 13 years was performed.

OBJECTIVE

To know the quality of life experienced by patients after treatment.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

No report is available on the quality of life experienced by elderly patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Because the life prognosis of patients with this condition is relatively good, the quality of life experienced by elderly patients with this disease is an important subject.

METHODS

The study participants were 216 elderly patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Conservative therapy was performed for 126 patients, and surgical therapy for 90 patients. Surgery was basically indicated for patients with myelopathy, who were classified using Nurick's grading system. The cumulative survival rate of these patients and their disabilities in daily living were reviewed. The occurrence of fracture resulting from osteoporosis was surveyed, and the relation of such fractures to bone mineral density was examined.

RESULTS

The cumulative survival rate of 70-year-old patients exhibiting Nurick Grade 5 severe myelopathy before treatment was 20%, whereas that of patients without myelopathy or those with Grades 1, 2, 3, or 4 myelopathy before treatment was 80%. Patients who underwent surgical therapy for Grade 3 or 4 myelopathy were statistically more likely to be independent of assistance with activities of daily living than those with similar degrees of myelopathy who underwent conservative therapy. The final quality of life was poor for patients with Grade 5 myelopathy at the first examination, regardless of therapeutic method. The prevalence of complication by fracture in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was 1.4% for men and 8.6% for women. The bone mineral density in these patients without myelopathy was significantly higher than in healthy subjects of the same age.

CONCLUSION

The study data suggest that surgical treatment should be chosen for patients exhibiting moderate myelopathy to obtain satisfactory quality of life for them over a long period.

Development of a solitary bone cyst--a report of a case suggesting its pathogenesis

The origin and natural course of solitary bone cysts (SBC) still remain controversial. Knowledge of the process of cyst formation and enlargement would be helpful for investigating its pathogenesis. Only two papers have described a radiodense nidus of the diaphysis as a precursor. Their cases were unique in that the initial lesions were in the diaphysis and that the cysts did not abut onto the epiphyseal line. This study reports a case in a patient with a tiny erosive lesion in the endosteal surface of the humeral metaphysis, which developed expansively into a typical large cyst over 6 years. Serial roentgenograms taken every year demonstrated the process of cyst enlargement. This is the first longitudinal study of a case with SBC documented from its onset.

Intraneural monophasic synovial sarcoma: a case report

STUDY DESIGN

A case report.

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate a rare case of synovial sarcoma arising within a peripheral nerve.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

A synovial sarcoma arising within a peripheral nerve is very unusual. Only five cases of primary synovial sarcoma within a peripheral nerve have been reported. This is the first case with involvement of the nerve root. The authors diagnosed the tumor arising within the S1 nerve root as synovial sarcoma using cytogenetic analysis that detected the chimeric SYT/SSX gene.

METHODS

In addition to the immunohistochemical study, a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was conducted for the SYT-SS10 fusion gene using archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor specimens.

RESULTS

Computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging performed before surgery, and the intraoperative findings showed that the tumor was embedded within the S1 nerve root. Although the histologic findings were suggestive of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, the results of the cytologic study confirmed its diagnosis of synovial sarcoma.

CONCLUSION

Primary intraneural synovial sarcoma, although rare, must be distinguished from malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The molecular assay of the detection of the SYT/SSX fusion gene is useful to make a definite diagnosis of monophasic synovial sarcoma.

p21 and parathyroid hormone-related peptide in the growth plate

It is essential for terminal chondrocytes to die before the conversion of calcified cartilage to bone. We have previously demonstrated that apoptosis occurred in the terminal hypertrophic chondrocyte of the growth plate. However, the essential mechanism by which the differentiation of chondrocytes is regulated has not yet been characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism for regulating chondrocyte differentiation. We focused on PTHrP and p21 which regulated the differentiation of chondrocytes and investigated how these factors interacted with each other in chondrocyte differentiation in the growth plate. PTHrP was strongly positive on immunostaining at the interface between the proliferating and the upper zone of the hypertrophic chondrocytes, whereas p21 was negative. On the other hand, p21 was positive in the lower zone of hypertrophic chondrocytes. Furthermore, PTHrP up-regulated the cell proliferation and down-regulated the expression of the p21 messengers in SW-1353 chondrosarcoma cells. These findings indicated that PTHrP might be a negative regulator for p21 in the differentiation of chondrocytes.

The turnover of body water as an indicator of health

Water homeostasis is essential for healthy living. Body water turnover, meaning the replacement of body water that is lost in a given period of time, has been examined in a number of previous studies, and a review of their results has yielded the following findings. Children up to 15 years of age show higher body water turnover than adults, although it is not clear how the aging process influences body water. Among people of similar age, the rate of body water turnover seems to be higher in those who exercise than in those who are sedentary. Therefore we hypothesized that healthy individuals have a higher body water turnover than unhealthy individuals whose metabolic balance, as indicated by water turnover, has broken down, and that a prolonged condition of excessively slow body water turnover may be associated with a lower level of metabolism. If so, body water turnover can be an indicator of human health. However, there is a paucity of information regarding water turnover rates in individuals with various physical characteristics. This study indicates the need for further investigation of body water turnover levels associated with significant changes in physiological condition and metabolic state.

Expression of the SART1 tumor-rejection antigen in human osteosarcomas

We recently reported a tumor-rejection antigen, SART1259, possessing tumor epitopes capable of inducing cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This study investigated the expression of SART1259 antigen in osteosarcoma and other skeletal malignant tumors to explore for a potential molecule for use in specific immunotherapy. The SART1259 antigen was detected in the cytosol fraction of 13 of 21 (62%) osteosarcoma cell lines and 3 of 8 (38%) osteosarcoma tissues, and 3 of 10 (30%) malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) tissues. The HLA-A24+ and SART1259+ osteosarcoma cells were recognized by the HLA-A24 restricted and SART1 specific CTLs. These results raise a possibility that the SART1259 would be an appropriate molecule for use in specific immunotherapy of approximately one-third of HLA-A24+ patients with osteosarcoma and MFH.

Gender differences in body fat of low- and high-body-mass children: relationship with body mass index

The primary objective of this study was to determine gender differences in total body fat mass (TBFM) and body fat distribution (subcutaneous fat mass, SFM; and internal fat mass, IFM) in a cross-sectional sample of 280 children. Measurements of the body composition of 141 boys and 139 girls, all apparently healthy and aged 3-6 years were made using bioelectrical impedance. Determinations of impedance were made using a four-terminal impedance analyzer (TP-95K; Toyo Physical, Fukuoka, Japan). Lean body mass (LBM) was calculated using a previously published equation [Goran MI, Kaskoun MC, Carpenter WH, Poehlman ET, Ravussin E, Fontvieikke A-M (1993) Estimating body composition of young children by using bioelectrical resistance. J Appl Physiol 75: 1776-1780]. SFM was calculated using a modification of the equation derived by Skerjl [Skerjl B, Brozek J, Hunt EE (1953) Subcutaneous fat and age changes in body build and body form in women. Am J Phys Anthrop 11: 577-580] and Davies [Davies PSW, Jones PRM, Norgan NG (1986) The distribution of subcutaneous and internal fat in man. Ann Hum Biol 13: 189-192]. The main modifications of the equation in the present study were the introduction of: (1) mean thickness of adipose tissue over body surface/2, and (2) skin mass. IFM was calculated as the difference between TBFM and SFM. The body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) was calculated from the formula: body mass/height2. For each gender, the subjects in the lowest and highest 25th percentiles were designated as "low body mass" and "high body mass", respectively. In the present study, no gender differences in absolute TBFM, SFM and IFM were observed in either of these groups. In contrast, gender differences in relative TBFM (%Fat) and SFM (SFM/mass) were evident in girls. However, the four subgroups were similar in terms of relative IFM (IFM/mass). The TBFM was independently related to SFM, IFM and %Fat in both genders after adjustment for BMI; however, there was no significant association of SFM with IFM after adjustment for BMI in any group. Even after adjustment for BMI, IFM was independently related to %Fat in both genders, although SFM was not independently related to %Fat in any group except low-body-mass boys. This study shows that relative TBFM and SFM are higher in high-body-mass groups and tend to be higher in girls than in boys, and that the higher %Fat in high-body-mass girls than in high-body-mass boys appears to be associated with internal adipose tissue deposits. External adipose tissue mass does not appear to be related to the higher %Fat levels in high-body-mass girls. In addition, subcutaneous fat mass appears to be higher in low-body-mass girls than in low-body-mass boys, although this observation needs confirmation using more valid measures of subcutaneous fat such as computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Increased concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in the cyst fluid suggesting increased nitric oxide synthesis in solitary bone cysts

The etiology and treatment of a solitary bone cyst have remained undefined. Surgical treatments have not been encouraging, because a less invasive corticosteroid-injection treatment has afforded good results. However, there has been little scientific rationale supporting corticosteroid treatment. In recent reports, bone-resorbing factors, including matrix metalloproteinases, prostaglandins, interleukin-1, and oxygen free radicals, have been demonstrated in the cyst fluid. To better elucidate the pathophysiology of the solitary bone cyst, we examined the activities of nitric oxide and cytokines in the cyst fluid as well as in the cyst membrane. The levels of nitrate and nitrite were significantly higher in the cyst fluid than in serum. Immunostaining of cells in the stroma and lining cells of the cyst wall was strongly positive for inducible nitric synthase. The levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1beta in the cyst fluid were elevated, and cells in the cyst membrane were positive for tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1beta. Cultured cells from the cyst membrane were induced in the production of nitrate and nitrite in response to cytokine treatment. These findings suggest that the solitary bone cyst was in a state favorable for the production of nitric oxide.

A solitary bone cyst in the spinous process of the cervical spine: a case report

STUDY DESIGN

A case report.

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate a rare case of histologically confirmed solitary bone cyst involving the spinous process of C7.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

A solitary bone cyst involving the spine is very unusual. Although four cases of a solitary bone cyst in the spine have been reported in the literature, the current authors have been able to find only one case of solitary bone cyst in the spinous process. All four patients reported in the literature were over 30 years of age. The patient in the current case was a 13-year-old girl with no history of trauma.

METHODS

Radiographs and a computed tomography scan of the cervical spine were performed before the operation, as was a histologic examination to make a diagnosis of the lesion.

RESULTS

The intraoperative findings from examination of the stagnant fluid within the lesion and the histologic examination indicated the diagnosis of a solitary bone cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

A solitary bone cyst in the spine is rare, especially in the young. An osteolytic lesion in the spinous process of the spine tends to be diagnosed as an osteoblastoma or as a giant cell tumor of the bone. A solitary bone cyst of the spine, although rare, must be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Modulation of fas-mediated apoptosis in osteosarcoma cell lines

Fas/APO-1 (or CD95) is a 45-kDa cell surface glycoprotein that transduces cellular death signals for apoptosis upon cross-linking with the Fas ligand, which is experimentally replaced by anti-Fas antibodies. We examined the Fas expression at the protein and mRNA levels, and susceptibility to anti-Fas-mediated apoptosis, in 14 osteosarcoma cell lines. Ten of 14 ostesarcoma cell lines constitutively expressed detectable levels of Fas on the cell surface with positive cell rates ranging from 10.2 to 72.4%. Four other cell lines expressed Fas almost exclusively in the cytoplasm. An antibody against Fas was able to induce Fas-mediated cell death only in two cell lines with high levels of surface Fas. In the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cyclohexamide, antibody to Fas led to an induction of apoptosis in ten of the osteosarcoma cell lines antibody-concentration dependently. These data suggest that Fas is a potential protein related to apoptosis in osteosarcomas when the sensitizing activity of cyclohexamide on anti-Fas-mediated cytotoxicity was exerted.