[Analysis of the components of the electrically evoked response (EER) of the visual system by topography and dipole-tracing]

In order to examine the possibility of the clinical application of the electrically evoked response (EER) of the visual system, we analyzed the significance of the various components of the EER by means of topography and dipole-tracing. By applying a constant electric current of 1.0mA (duration 5msec) to each eye, three rhythmical waves were recorded within 200msec from the stimulation. The peaks of these waves were named N1, P1, N2, P2, N3, P3. Among those components of EER, we found P2 to be localized in the visual cortex, though the other components did not show any specific localization. The results indicated the significance of analyzing P2 in order to further investigate the possible clinical applications of EER.

Selective transfer of cyclosporin to thoracic lymphatic systems by the application of lipid microspheres

To overcome some of the disadvantages of present cyclosporin A (CsA) therapy, lipid microspheres incorporating CsA (lipo-CsA) were designed and their selective transfer to thoracic lymphatic systems was evaluated in vivo. It was found that concentrations of CsA in lymph-ducts were about 46 times higher after 2 h and 9-10 times higher after 3 h following oral administration of lipo-CsA, compared with those of conventional CsA. The concentrations in plasma produced by lipo-CsA were also higher than those produced by conventional CsA.

[Current problems and future perspectives in drug delivery systems for cancer therapy]

The current problems and future perspectives in DDS and targeting therapy for the treatment of cancer patients were reviewed on the basis of the following experimental data obtained in our laboratory. 1) IgG fractions isolated from the serum of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus showed marked accumulation in cancer cells, indicating that certain serum IgGs may be useful as carriers of anticancer agents. 2) Lipid microspheres were also incorporated within cancer cells to enhance the anti-tumor activities of anti-cancer agents. In addition, this material may be applied for prevention of lymph node metastasis because of its lymphotrophic property. 3) Lipid microspheres including non-steroidal analgesics were quite effective for the management of cancerous pain, suggesting its efficacy as a DDS in this direction, besides its usefulness with anti-cancer agents.