Cavernous transformation of the portal vein coinciding with early gastric cancer and cholelithiasis

A 71-year-old man who developed jaundice with a high-grade fever was admitted to our hospital. The episode was ascribed to cholecysto-choledocholithiasis. In the preoperative evaluation, a cavernous transformation of the portal vein and an early gastric cancer were found. The patient thereafter underwent an operation for those pathologies after the endoscopic removal of a choledochal stone; cholecystectomy, and a distal gastrectomy with regional lymph node dissection for gastric cancer. The proposed procedures of gastrectomy and cholecystectomy were completed without any major difficulty because no markedly enlarged collateral veins were found in the area where the regional lymph node dissection was carried out. Thanks to advances in imaging modalities, an asymptomatic cavernous transformation of the portal vein coinciding with gastric cancer such as that seen in the present case may be increasingly encountered in the future. The greatest caution, however, needs to be exerted at operation to minimize any unexpected bleeding and to avoid any interruption of the porto-portal shunts in such cases. Further, the reestablishment of the portal blood supply to the liver might be required in advanced cases of gastric cancer, where regional lymph node dissection may necessitate skeletonization of the hepatoduodenal ligament for curative purposes.

Synergistic antitumor activity of combination chemotherapy with mitomycin C and cisplatin against human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice

A new combined cancer chemotherapy regimen of mitomycin C (MMC) and cisplatin (DDP) showed synergistic antitumor activity against human gastric cancer xenografts St-40 and SC-1-NU in BALB/c nu/nu mice. The drugs were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 2 or 4 mg/kg for MMC and 3 or 6 mg/kg for DDP, respectively. To clarify the schedule-dependent antitumor activity of MMC and DDP against St-40 and SC-1-NU, different sequential therapies were conducted. Simultaneous administration of these agents showed the highest antitumor activity against SC1-NU among the three regimens used, whereas the sequence of MMC followed by DDP showed higher antitumor activity than the reverse sequence against St-40. The intratumoral concentration of platinum was significantly increased in St-40 treated with the sequence MMC to DDP, in comparison with the sequence DDP to MMC. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of this combination was 4 mg MMC plus 6 mg DDP per kg in all the combinations, and these MTDs were 2/3 of the corresponding values for their single use. Since this combination increased the antitumor activity of each single agent without any increase in their toxicity, it would appear to be useful clinically.

Overexpression of p53 protein and proliferative activity in colorectal adenoma

Overexpression of p53 was studied immunohistochemically in colorectal tumors. We found p53-positive cells in 17 (58.6%) of 29 specimens of cancer in adenoma. Expression of p53 protein was detected in the nuclei of the tumor cells. We also found p53-positive cells in 7 (7.1%) of 99 specimens of adenoma. p53 immunoreactivity for severe dysplasia was higher than that for mild or moderate dysplasia. p53 expression in adenomas was restricted to a few glands, and the proliferating-cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive rate for the p53-positive glands was significantly higher than that for p53-negative glands. The results suggested that the p53-positive glands might have high growth fractions, and that immunohistochemical detection of p53 expression in tubular adenomas might contribute to identifying the potential for malignant transformation.

Nitric oxide blocks the cell cycle of mouse macrophage-like cells in the early G2+M phase

The effects of nitric oxide produced by macrophage-like cells (Mm1) on the cell cycle were investigated. Mm1 cells lost proliferative activity in the presence of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and a subpopulation accumulated in the G2+M phase. This level increased in proportion to the incubation time. The DNA content of the cells was slightly lower than that of Mm1 cells treated with vinblastine or demecolcine, drugs which block the cell cycle in the M phase. The peak of the early G2+M phase was reduced by treatment with NG-mono-methyl-L-arginine. However, after treatment with exogenous nitric oxide or sodium nitroprusside, the G0/G1 phase increased, but the early-G2+M and the S phase decreased. The flow cytometry pattern in IL-6-treated Mm1 was the same as that of cytochalasin B-treated Mm1. These data suggest that endogenous nitric oxide affects the microfilament system of IL-6-treated Mm1 cells and blocks the cell cycle in the early G2+M phase.

Three-dimensional distributions of desmin and vimentin in cultured hamster cardiomyocytes using the immunogold deep-etching replica technique

The distributions of desmin and vimentin intermediate filaments in cultured hamster heart cells were examined by immunofluorescent microscopy and an immunogold deep-etching replica technique in combination with electron microscopy. Fluorescent studies showed the overall staining patterns of the myocytes as well as the fibroblasts. Monoclonal antibodies (Da, D3) to desmin showed punctate staining for the myocytes, while polyclonal desmin (pD) stained in a filamentous pattern. Fibroblasts stained strongly with monoclonal anti-vimentin (Va), but did not stain with the desmin probes. Deep-etched immunogold studies confirmed at the ultrastructural level that monoclonal anti-desmin antibodies stain individual intermediate filaments in an intermittent pattern. Monoclonal (D3) antibody stained the intermediate filaments heavily and continuously at the cell peripheries, while it stained intermittently in the cell body, similar to the Da monoclonal. Monoclonal anti-vimentin stained only intermediate filaments in fibroblasts. Our studies show a heterogeneity of staining within the cultured heart cells when various anti-desmin and anti-vimentin antibodies are used.

The stability of a novel carbapenem antibiotic, meropenem (SM-7338), in a solid state formulation for injection

A formulation of meropenem, a novel carbapenem antibiotic for injection, was developed as a vial filled with a mixture of meropenem and dried sodium carbonate. During the design phase, we studied the effect of water in the formulation on the stability of meropenem in the solid state. Meropenem is obtained as trihydrate, whose moisture content is 12.35% and is nonhygroscopic. Dehydrated meropenem, whose moisture content was 3.4%, took up moisture quickly even under low humidity (33% RH). Also, the chemical stability of dehydrated meropenem was poor compared with that of untreated meropenem, which is quite stable. Degradation of meropenem by free water was considered as a possible cause of the poor stability. Degradation of meropenem due to liberation of its crystal water to free water was also observed when meropenem was micronized by pneumatic pulverization. Crystal water of meropenem was found to stay bound and to be almost inert in the formulation. Thus, meropenem injection formulation is stable for long time at room temperature.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) increases expression of sialyl Lewis x antigen and enhances adhesion of human gastric carcinoma (NUGC4) cells to activated endothelial cells

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) exerts a number of biological effects including the promotion of cell differentiation in cultured cells. In this study, we examined the effect of DMSO on the adhesion of tumor cells to endothelial cells. In vitro treatment of human gastric adenocarcinoma (NUGC4) cells with DMSO resulted in increased adhesion to interleukin-I (IL-I)-activated human endothelial cells compared with DMSO-untreated NUGC4 cells. In flow cytometry, treating NUGC4 cells with DMSO enhanced the expression of sialyl Lewis x (sialyl Le(x)) and sialyl dimeric Le(x) antigens on their surface. Also, the binding of Limulus polyphemus agglutinin (LPA), which specifically binds to cell-surface sialic acids, was increased by DMSO. The adhesion of DMSO-treated NUGC4 cells to activated endothelial cells was blocked by neuraminidase pre-treatment of tumor cells or by antibody against either endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-I (ELAM-I) or sialyl Le(x). Thus, it is suggested that enhanced adhesion following DMSO treatment is mediated by the interaction of sialyl Le(x) expressed on NUGC4 cells with ELAM-I of endothelial cells. The modulation of sialyl Le(x) antigen by DMSO provides a useful system for studying the regulatory mechanism of Lewis-related carbohydrate antigens and also for understanding the metastatic properties of cancer cells.

Nucleotide sequence analysis of the gtfT gene from Streptococcus sobrinus OMZ176

The gtfT gene and its upstream region isolated from the Streptococcus sobrinus OMZ176 chromosomal DNA were sequenced. The gtfT gene was preceded by a potential Shine-Dalgarno sequence. The gtfT gene product, glucosyltransferase (GTF), displays a typical gram-positive bacterial signal peptide sequence and both an active site peptide sequence and carboxy-terminal repeats typical of GTFs. The signal sequence is similar to those of other known GTF proteins. The putative active-site peptide sequence of this enzyme was DGIRVDAVD, which was different by one amino acid from the active-site peptide sequence derived from two different types of the S. sobrinus GTFs reported previously (G. Mooser, S. A. Hefta, R. J. Paxton, J. E. Shively, and T. D. Lee, J. Biol. Chem. 266:8916-8922, 1991). The gtfT gene product has three repeated sequences of 51 to 52 amino acids and a partial repeat of 18 amino acids. Another open reading frame (ORF) was detected in the region immediately upstream of the gtfT gene. The upstream ORF showed substantial DNA homology with the gtfS gene isolated from Streptococcus downei MFe28. The inferred amino acid sequence of the upstream ORF has four repeating units and has extensive homology with the repeated peptides coded by the S. downei gtfS gene. These results suggested that the gtfT gene was a typical gtf gene isolated from the mutans streptococci and that the two gtf genes were located in tandem on the chromosomal DNA of S. sobrinus OMZ176.

Photic regulation of peptides located in the ventrolateral subdivision of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rat: daily variations of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, gastrin-releasing peptide, and neuropeptide Y

We have determined, by enzyme immunoassay, daily and circadian patterns of the concentrations of three peptides, which are located in the ventrolateral subdivision of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN): vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY). The contents of VIP and GRP, which are synthesized in the SCN, did not show circadian rhythms in constant darkness (DD). Under light-dark (LD) conditions, GRP content increased and VIP content decreased over the course of the light period and then gradually recovered during the dark period. Responsiveness of these peptides to light suggests that VIP and GRP may transmit visual information on duration of illumination. NPY, which is transported from the intergeniculate leaflet of the lateral geniculate body, showed a circadian rhythm with a peak at circadian time 12 hr in DD. This endogenous rhythm was remarkably modulated by photic stimulation. Under LD conditions, the NPY content in the SCN exhibited a bimodal rhythm with peaks at both the light-dark and dark-light transition points. Thus, NPY may convey visual information on the transitions. All these results indicate that the levels of VIP, GRP, and NPY are mainly regulated by light stimulation and suggest that peptides in the ventrolateral SCN are involved in the mediation of photic information to the pacemaker.

Establishment of a CD4-positive plasmacytoma cell line (AMO1)

A human plasmacytoma cell line (AMO1) was established. The AMO1 cells had the light and electron microscopic characteristics typical of plasmacytoma cells and did not harbor Epstein-Barr virus. These cells expressed cytoplasmic immunoglobulin A kappa and the immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene (JH) and kappa light-chain gene (C kappa) were rearranged. Coexpression of a CD4 antigen and plasma cell antigens (CD38 and PCA-1) was an unusual and sustained feature. Neither the T-cell receptor beta nor the gamma chain gene displayed the rearranged form. Other lineage-specific surface antigens, namely T, B, monocytoid, and myeloid antigens, were all negative in AMO1. In accordance with the surface CD4 expression, polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated constitutive expression of CD4 mRNA, and the cytogenetic findings revealed that AMO1 cells had a derivative chromosome 12, which had a structural abnormality of the short arm carrying the CD4 gene locus. These findings provide strong evidence for the presence of CD4-positive malignant plasma cells and raise the possibility that the CD4 expression in the AMO1 cell line is closely associated with the derivative chromosome.

DNA sequence of the glucosyltransferase gene of serotype d Streptococcus sobrinus

A glucosyltransferase (GTF) gene was cloned into Escherichia coli from serotype d Streptococcus sobrinus OMZ176. Transformed E. coli strain MI expressed water-insoluble glucan synthesizing activity. Restriction enzyme map of pGT31 extracted from MI shows that the enzyme gene exists in the 6.4-KB PstI-fragment inserted into pBR322 vector. DNA sequence analysis indicates that a single ORF (530-5,300) is located in the PstI-fragment. The putative amino-acid composition (1,590 residues) resembles those of other GTF-I enzymes obtained from serotype g S. sobrinus and serotype h Streptococcus downei. However, at the same positions of the sequence, 18 and 142 amino-acid residues are different between serotype d and g, and serotype d and h GTF-I enzymes, respectively. The differences between serotype d and h GTF-Is are distributed in N and C-terminal regions.

Reconstruction of GABAergic transmission and behavior by striatal cell grafts in rats with ischemic infarcts in the middle cerebral artery

Fetal striatal cell suspensions were grafted stereotaxically into the infarcted striatum of rats, and reconstruction of striatopallidal GABA transmission and behavior were investigated. Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) for one hour induced ischemic infarcts mainly in the lateral striatum, as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology. Ischemic rats had deficits in the performance of a passive avoidance task, both acquisition and retention, but no changes in general circadian actograms. In these animals pallidal GABA, detected by microdialysis, decreased to about half of control levels. There were suggestions of an improvement in passive avoidance performance in the grafted animals. Pallidal GABA concentrations recovered almost to control levels, and were increased by infusions of the GABA uptake blocker nipecotic acid. These data indicate that neural transplantation is a promising approach to improve the deficits in chemical transmission and behavior following ischemic infarcts in rat striatum.

Effects of OK-432 on in vitro secondary responses of the non-adherent cells to IL-2 and OK-432 in cancer patients without tumor burden

We examined the effect of OK-432 intracutaneous injection on the in vitro responses of non-adherent cells to IL-2 and OK-432, along with changes in lymphocyte subpopulations, in early cancer patients who underwent surgery. We found that 1) repeated injections of OK-432 resulted in an enhancement of LAK activity, the peak of which was seen between 7 and 10 days after the first administration, 2) this augmentation of LAK activity was not associated with changes in lymphocyte subpopulations CD8+ CD11- and CD8+ CD11+ phenotypes, and 3) the cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes stimulated in vitro with OK-432 did not show a definite change in specific pattern after in vitro OK-432 treatment. These findings indicate that repeated injections of OK-432 over a period of a week effectively enhanced LAK activity.

Successful arterial embolization of arteriovenous fistula in the portal circulation

We successfully performed arterial embolization of an arteriovenous fistula between the left gastric artery and vein. The increased blood flow in the portal vein via the left gastric vein and the arteriovenous fistula induced severe portal hypertension. After obliteration of the left gastric artery, the arteriovenous fistula was not opacified on angiography and the portal hypertension improved.

Effect of OK-432 on cytotoxic activity in cancer patients without tumor burden

The present study was designed to determine the optimal therapeutic protocol for OK-432, a streptococcal preparation, and to clarify the kinetics of various immunological parameters following intracutaneous administration of OK-432 in 39 disease-free postoperative patients with early cancer. These patients were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the dose (1KE or 5KE) and the frequency of administration (one or 3 times every other day) of OK-432. NK activity 3-4 days after the first injection increased significantly in patients whose pretreatment baseline activity was below the lower level of normal values (60 LU) in all study groups (P < 0.05). The elevation of post-therapeutic NK activity lasted for 2 weeks in the group of patients given repeated injections. The serum content of cytotoxic activity against L-M cells increased significantly after the injection of OK-432 at doses of more than 5 KE doses (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that repeated injections of OK-432 over a period of a week have important immunotherapeutic results.

[Studies on criteria for clinicopathological diagnosis of allergic granulomatous angiitis (AGA)]

Comparative studies in the evaluation of criteria for clinicopathological diagnosis of AGA which was proposed by Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry (JHWM) in 1988 and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1990 were conducted. Twenty seven Japanese patients with AGA and 231 Japanese controlled patients with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) and Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) were used as material patients who had been provided a second questionnaire in 1984 sponsored by the JHWM. As a result, the JHWM criteria was 85.2% in sensitivity and 96.5% in specificity, which was superior to the ACR criteria being 74.1% in sensitivity and 93.9% in specificity. These results were due to the low sensitivity and low accuracy in paranasal sinus abnormality and pulmonary infiltrates which were included in the ACR criteria. Furthermore, the JHWM criteria could be diagnosed as AGA using not only the histopathological findings but by the clinical symptoms alone. The controlled patients who were overdiagnosed as AGA using ACR criteria were thought to be included as patients with WG. On the other hand, the controlled patients who were overdiagnosed as AGA using JHWM criteria were thought to be included as patients with overlap syndrome of AGA and PAN. Accuracy of polyneuropathy, muscle weakness, melena and pretibial edema were over 60%, indicating that these clinical symptoms were available for vasculitis symptoms of the JHWM criteria.

Circadian rhythms of somatostatin-immunoreactivity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rat

Twenty-four hour patterns in somatostatin (SS)-like immunoreactivity (LI) within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) were determined by enzyme immunoassay in rats blinded by bilateral orbital enucleation or kept sighted under light-dark conditions. A remarkable circadian rhythm was found in the concentration of SS-LI in the SCN under blinded conditions. The peak time appeared at about circadian time (CT) 4 in the early subjective day and the trough at around CT 16 or 20 in the subjective night. Light-dark cycles did not alter the circadian patterns of SS-LI observed in the blinded rat SCN. These results indicate the presence of an endogenous circadian rhythm in SS-LI in the rat SCN, independent of environmental lightning cycles.

Radiotherapy-centered multimodal treatment of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma

Multimodal treatment procedures, including intraoperative and external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hyperthermotherapy, used for treatment of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma for the past two years have been described. Among the ten progressive cases where multimodal treatment was applied, marked reduction in tumor mass was observed in three cases. The cases receiving such treatment reported prolonged survival, the median survival period being 250 days as compared with 85.4 days in the non-multimodal group. The conclusion is that optimal palliative effects can be achieved by sustained application of both intraoperative and postoperative radiotherapy, hyperthermia and other techniques of multimodal therapy in cases of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma.

Deep-etching immunogold replica electron microscopy of cytoskeletal elements in cultured hamster heart cells

A procedure has been developed for the three-dimensional immunoelectron microscopic localization of cytoskeletal filaments by a deep-etching replica method in combination with immunogold labeling and/or myosin subfragment 1 (S1) decoration techniques. Neonatal hamster heart cells grown on glass coverslips were extracted with Triton X-100 or physically permeabilized by breaking open the cell membranes. S1 decoration was performed on some specimens immediately after the permeabilization. After prefixation in formaldehyde, samples were immunostained with poly- or monoclonal antibodies to desmin or vimentin, and indirectly tagged with colloidal gold probes by the biotin-streptavidin method. After postfixation with glutaraldehyde, tannic acid and osmium tetroxide, the cells were freeze-etched and rotary-replicated with platinum and carbon in a freeze-fracture apparatus. Replicas were viewed with a transmission electron microscope using a tilting specimen stage to obtain stereo images. The procedure made it possible to identify the specific filaments within the complex cytoskeletal networks in cultured hamster heart muscle and nonmuscle cells at high resolution and in three dimensions. The method has advantages in its three-dimensionality and feasibility to evaluate the data by comparing them with those obtained by alternative light microscopic methods. Details of the protocol and a description of the results of using three different antibodies are given.

[The effect of topical steroid medication on experimental candida keratitis]

An immunological study was performed to investigate the effect of topical steroid medication on candida keratitis. 15 albino rabbits were used in this study. Candida keratitis was induced by inoculating candida albicans into the corneal stroma on the animals. In the experimental group (9 rabbits), prednisolone ointment was given twice daily for 4 days prior to the inoculation. In the control group (6 rabbits) no medication was given. The clinical course of keratitis was observed and stimulation of peripheral lymphocytes was measured. Candida extract (soluble antigen) and formalin-fixed candida whole cells (insoluble antigen) were used as antigens to stimulate the lymphocytes. Clinical observation was continued up to 21 days after inoculation. Stimulation of peripheral lymphocytes was measured by the stimulation index (SI) at before 4,7,11,14 and 21 days after inoculation. Inflammation was suppressed clinically in the active phase of the experimental group, but the total course of inflammation was longer than in the control group. In the control group, SI against both soluble and insoluble antigens was elevated. The peak SI was reached at 11 days after inoculation. In the experimental group, SI was elevated against soluble antigen but no elevation was observed against insoluble antigen. These results show that cellular immunological response does exist in experimental candida keratitis in rabbits. Since local steroid medication prolonged inflammation and suppressed cellular immunity, cellular immunity seems to play a significant role in the development and recovery of candida keratitis.

Immunofluorescent and immunogold replica studies of desmin distribution in cultured normal and cardiomyopathic hamster heart cells

The architecture of desmin intermediate filament arrangements in cultured cardiomyocytes from heart of normal and cardiomyopathic hamsters was studied by immunofluorescent light microscopy and immunogold replica electron microscopy. Both polyclonal and monoclonal antidesmin antibodies were used in a biotin-streptavidin system. Immunofluorescent staining of normal and cardiomyopathic myocytes for desmin at 5 days in culture exhibited filamentous staining patterns with polyclonal antidesmin and a coarse punctate staining pattern with the monoclonal antibody. At 9 days in culture, most normal myocytes showed filamentous staining with the polyclonal antibody; many of the stained filaments were associated with Z lines. With the monoclonal antidesmin, these same cells exhibited a very fine 'spotty' staining pattern. These results suggest that the arrangements and immunoreactivities of intermediate filaments change during normal cardiac myocyte development. In cardiomyopathic cells, this pattern of rearrangement and immunoreactivity appears to be delayed or possibly nonexistent. The three-dimensional electron-microscopic observation of immunogold localization of desmin achieved by a deep-etching replica technique is made on both normal and cardiomyopathic cultured heart cells. Abnormalities of desmin filament arrangements in cardiomyopathic cells are confirmed.

Antisecretory and antilesional effect of a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, IT-066, in rats

The effects of a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, IT-066 (3-amino-4-[4-[4-(1-piperidinomethyl)-2-pyridyloxy]-cis-2-++ +butenylamino]- 3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione hydrochloride), were investigated on the secretagogue-induced acid secretion in vivo and in vitro, and on experimental gastric and duodenal lesion in rats. IT-066 (10-60 micrograms/kg) given i.v. inhibited histamine-stimulated acid secretion dose-dependently in gastric lumen-perfused rats, and the inhibitory effect was observed for about 12 hr. Famotidine (FMD) (10-60 micrograms/kg i.v.) also had an antisecretory effect, but the acid secretion recovered to the control level 4 hr after the administration. Cold stress plus indomethacin-induced lesion was significantly inhibited by IT-066 and FMD given i.v. 30 min before the cold stress plus indomethacin treatment. IT-066 given 7 hr before the cold stress plus indomethacin treatment also inhibited lesion formation significantly, but such antilesional effect was not observed with FMD. In the rat isolated gastric mucosal sheet, IT-066 inhibited histamine-stimulated acid secretion dose-dependently and noncompetitively; its action was produced via a unique mechanism. The inhibitory effect of IT-066 remained after washing of the mucosa, and became more potent time-dependently. The inhibitory effects of FMD and cimetidine were not observed after washing the mucosa. These data suggest that IT-066 has a potent and long lasting antisecretory effect in vivo and in vitro, and that these properties are responsible for the long lasting antilesional action.

Long-term survival of grafted cells, dopamine synthesis/release, synaptic connections, and functional recovery after transplantation of fetal nigral cells in rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesions in the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway

In animal models of hemi-Parkinson's disease, survival of grafted nigral cells, their synaptic connections, dopamine (DA) synthesis/release, and recovery from motor disturbances were investigated, and these were compared among 3 groups of animals raised for 3 months, 1 year and 2 years after the transplantation. Fetal nigral DAergic cell suspensions were transplanted in the ipsilateral caudate nucleus of rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesions in the nigrostriatal DA pathway. Motor disturbances, assessed by methamphetamine-induced rotation, recovered partly in the 2nd week, significantly in the 4th week after the grafting, and remained stable thereafter. Many tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells were detected along the grafting tracks. The number of TH-positive cells was similar in the 3 groups of animals. These TH-positive cells made synaptic connections in the host caudate. By in vivo microdialysis measurement, extracellular DA, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) around the grafted sites recovered to 30-100% of those of controls. No significant differences were observed in the concentration of DA, DOPAC and HVA among 3 groups of animals. They also responded to methamphetamine loading though the magnitudes were smaller. Using a TH cDNA probe, TH-positive cells were found to express TH mRNA in in situ hybridization-autoradiographic analysis. Data indicate that grafted fetal DAergic cells survive, synthesize and release DA, make synaptic connections in the host brain and ameliorate motor disturbances for over 2 years. There were no differences in these parameters among the 3 groups of animals, and no untoward side effects were observed even at 2 years after the grafting. Thus it was confirmed that the grafting of neuronal cells into the brain is a promising approach to restore disturbed function.

tGS ganglioside induces peculiar morphological features in grafted dopaminergic cells and promotes motor recovery in rats with unilateral lesions in the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway

A cell suspension of substantia nigra from fetal rats was introduced into the ipsilateral caudate nucleus of rats with unilateral lesions in the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway, and effects of bovine total ganglioside (tGS) and monosialoganglioside (GM1) treatment on the morphological features of the transplanted cells and recovery from motor imbalance (rotation induced by methamphetamine) were investigated. Gangliosides (30 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally once a day for 2 weeks after transplantation to test animals while control animals received saline alone. tGS animals showed definite motor recovery in the 2nd week (P less than 0.05) while control and GM1 animals exhibited slight recovery only. At 6 weeks after transplantation, motor imbalance disappeared in all 3 groups. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunocytochemical staining revealed that in the 2nd week TH-positive cells in tGS animals had more primary dendrites and more large neurites (meganeurites) than did controls. TH-positive cells of all 3 groups often had spiny processes at that time. In the 20th week, TH-positive cells became more multigonal and had wider dendritic fields in all groups, and had less meganeurites and spines. Motor recovery of each animal was dependent on the number of TH-positive cells and no significant difference was observed in the number of TH-positive cells among the three groups. tGS treatment for 2 weeks without grafting induced immunohistologically no axonal sprouting in the substantia nigra, medial forebrain bundle, accumbens and caudate nucleus when the chemical lesions were complete. Data suggest that tGS induces hypertrophy but not hyperplasia of the transplanted nigral cells, and increases the morphological plasticity. This might be the basis for promotion of recovery in motor function after transplantation.

[The suppressive effect of intravenous fluconazole against endogenous candida endophthalmitis in rabbits]

The therapeutic effect of intravenous fluconazole against endogenous candida endophthalmitis was investigated in rabbits. Twelve albino rabbits and a candida strain isolated from the human vitreous were used. Endogenous candida endophthalmitis was made by intravenous inoculation of 8 x 10(5) candida albicans spores in rabbits. In the first of two series of experiments, three rabbits out of six were injected intravenously with 5 mg/kg.b.w. of fluconazole at 30 minutes, 1 day and 2 days after inoculation. Another three control rabbits received no medication. The clinical course of the eyes was observed for a week and the viable cell numbers of candida in the eye were counted at 7 days after inoculation. Three rabbits treated with fluconazole developed no ocular lesions and no candida spores whatsoever were isolated from the eyes. In contrast, three rabbits in the control group developed bilateral chorioretinitis and candida albicans was isolated from each of 6 eyes. In the second series, three out of six rabbits were injected intravenously of the same dose of fluconazole as described above for four days starting at 3 days after inoculation, when chorioretinitis was first observed. No medication was given to another three rabbits as a control. All six rabbits in this series developed chorioretinitis similarly and candida spores were isolated from all eyes at 7 days after inoculation. These results show that intravenous fluconazole is effective in the prevention of the endogenous candida endophthalmitis in rabbits but ineffective for these short term therapeutic applications after onset.

Spermine-like functions of N1, N12-bis(ethyl)spermine: stimulation of protein synthesis and cell growth and inhibition of gastric ulceration

The spermine analogue N1, N12-bis(ethyl)spermine (BESPM) could mimic the functions of spermine in the following aspects: 1) BESPM could stimulate globin and ornithine decarboxylase synthesis in a rabbit reticulocyte cell-free system; 2) the addition of BESPM to the culture medium could recover cell growth of polyamine-deficient bovine lymphocytes; 3) spermidine uptake by bovine lymphocytes was inhibited by BESPM and spermine to a comparable degree; and 4) stress-induced gastric ulceration was inhibited by subcutaneous administration of BESPM. Since BESPM was less toxic than spermine for mice, BESPM or its derivatives may be useful for diseases which can be cured by polyamines.

Inhibition of gastric H+, K(+)-ATPase by chalcone derivatives, xanthoangelol and 4-hydroxyderricin, from Angelica keiskei Koidzumi

Two chalcone derivatives, xanthoangelol (1) and 4-hydroxyderricin (II) isolated from Angelica keiskei Koidzumi, inhibited pig gastric H+, K(+)-ATPase with IC50 values of 1.8 and 3.3 microM, respectively. The inhibition by I or II was competitive with respect to ATP and was non-competitive with respect to K+ I and II also inhibited K+, stimulated p-nitrophenyl phosphatase, with IC50 values of 1.3 and 3.5 microM, respectively. Proton transport in-vitro was inhibited by I or II, in a dose-dependent manner, 1 at 100 mg kg-1, i.p. significantly inhibited acid secretion and the formation of stress-induced gastric lesions. These results suggest that the antisecretory effect of 1 is due to the inhibition of gastric H+, K(+)-ATPase.

H2-receptor antagonism by a novel compound IT-066 assessed from [14C]aminopyrine accumulation in rabbit parietal cells

The H2-receptor antagonistic activities and properties of IT-066 were investigated in rabbit isolated gastric mucosal cell and were compared with those of famotidine and cimetidine. IT-066 inhibited dose dependently the histamine-stimulated [14C]aminopyrine ([14C]AP) accumulation in parietal cells. The antagonism was unsurmountable. The inhibitory action of IT-066 was enhanced by lengthening of its incubation time with the cells. IT-066 following 30 min preincubation with the parietal cells showed 32 and 1560 times the activity of famotidine and cimetidine, respectively, as an inhibitor of [14C]AP accumulation. The inhibitory activity of IT-066 on the histamine effect remained after repeated washing of the cells while with famotidine and cimetidine the response to histamine was restored after washout of the drugs from the cells. These data indicate that the antagonism of IT-066 on histamine H2-receptors is high and is unsurmountable in the isolated parietal cell model.

[Surgical and preoperative treatment of soft tissue sarcoma]

Preoperative therapy effects, resected margin and local radicality were investigated in 40 cases of soft tissue sarcoma in which preoperative therapy (mainly radiation therapy) had been given. The results indicated that there was no effect upon prognosis due to postponement of surgery in order to perform preoperative treatment. In cases in which radiation therapy was used for preoperative treatment, even when a surgical margin resulted with in a tumor, no recurrence was found. However, histologically there was concern that some portion of the living tumor cell in marginal area of the tumor might have remained. Thus, at the present stage in cases having undergone initial treatment, radiation limited to the specific area of the resected margin causing non-curative margin should be given. If combined with preoperative radiation therapy, surgical intervention involving "wide margin" can be considered radical. On the other hand, cases having undergone surgery before and receiving preoperative therapy that show good response nevertheless show numerous recurrences. These recurrences, however, invariably occur outside of the irradiated area, and may be attributed to the fact that tumor cell dissemination from the earlier surgery was not within the radiation field. Hence, it was considered that the area for radiation in the case of a recurrence should extend well beyond the scar area.

[An evaluation of MR imaging of soft-tissue masses in extremities]

We evaluated 22 soft-tissue masses in the extremities using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The twenty-two cases consist of 14 benign lesions and 8 malignant lesions. MR imaging is available to provide the representation of the extent of the masses, though characteristic diagnosis of them could not be identified. We think that there are more advantages to using MR imaging rather than computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of soft-tissue masses in extremities.

Effects of the new H2-receptor antagonist 3-amino-4-[4- [4- (1-piperidinomethyl)-2-pyridyloxy]-cis-2-butenylamino]-3-cyclobutene-1, 2- dione hydrochloride on gastric acid secretion and ulceration

The effect of 3-amino-4-[4-[4-(1-piperidinomethyl)-2-pyridyloxy]-cis- 2-butenylamino]-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione hydrochloride (IT-066), a new H2-receptor antagonist, on gastric acid secretion and on various experimental ulcers was investigated. IT-066 showed very potent and long lasting antisecretory action in pylorus ligated rats. The inhibitory potency of IT-066 given subcutaneously for gastric acid secretion was 1285 and 44 times higher than for cimetidine and famotidine, respectively. The duration of the inhibitory action of IT-066 was significantly longer than that of famotidine and cimetidine. In pylorus ligated rats, IT-066 showed almost 20 times higher potency than omeprazole with intraduodenal administration, and almost the same duration of action as omeprazole with one tenth the dose in oral administration. IT-066 showed a powerful protective effect on various experimental ulcer models. The potency of IT-066 administered subcutaneously was significantly higher compared with that of cimetidine, famotidine and omeprazole. IT-066 given orally also showed a more powerful antiulcer effect than cimetidine and omeprazole, and was comparable with that of famotidine in restraint and water immersion stress and cold-stress plus indometacin induced ulcer models in rats. These results suggest that IT-066 has powerful and long lasting antisecretory and antiulcer effects and is a useful antisecretory drug for treatment of peptic ulcer diseases.

Curative resection of multiple gastrinomas aided by selective arterial secretin injection test and intraoperative secretin test

Recently a number of surgeons have recommended radical resection of gastrinomas in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES). We have developed a useful technique for preoperative localization of gastrinomas--the selective arterial secretin injection test (SASI)--and we recommend an intraoperative secretin test (IOS) for deciding the radicality of resection of gastrinomas. Here the results of SASI and IOS tests in 11 patients with ZES are examined and compared with the results of other techniques. The SASI test localized gastrinomas in all of the patients, while the sensitivity of ultrasonography, computed tomography, arteriography, or portal venous blood samplings was between 1/11 and 5/11. On the basis of the results of the SASI test, radical resection of gastrinoma was performed in four patients (three pancreatoduodenectomies and one extirpation). After pancreatoduodenectomy, immunohistologic study of the specimen revealed multiple microgastrinomas and lymph node metastases in two patients and the coexistence of a microgastrinoma and a gastinoma in one patient. The IOS test was useful in the estimation of the advisability of radicality, and in two patients total gastrectomy was not performed because of the results of the IOS test. These four patients are well and have returned to work, and their serum gastrin levels are below 35 pg/mL. Thus we believe SASI and IOS tests are helpful for planning curative resection of gastrinomas.

[Localization of pancreatic insulinomas by combined radiographic methods]

Seventeen cases with a total of eighteen insulinomas were examined by ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), angiography, percutaneous transhepatic portal and pancreatic venous sampling (PTPS) and intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS). We discussed about diagnostic accuracy of insulinomas on these diagnostic modalities. Tumor localization was achieved by US in 39%, CT in 72% and angiography in 81%. Although total 15 tumors (83%) can be correctly detected, multiple lesions were not completely ruled out. We recommended the criteria in PTPS as follows: Insulin concentration level above 200 mu U/ml. Or, both of insulin concentration ratio (step-up site/control) above three and elevation of the CPR concentration level on the PTPS. According to these criteria, the accuracy rate was 91%. Overall preoperative diagnostic accuracy was 100%. IOUS allowed us to detect the localization of the tumors completely.

Effect of polyamine related tetraamines on anti-ulcerogenic activity and anti-H+,K+-ATPase activity

The relationship between the structure of polyamine related tetraamines and their anti-ulcerogenic activity in rats was studied. Among the tetraamines tested, linear tetraamines had stronger anti-ulcerogenic activity in both restraint stress-induced gastric ulceration and ulceration in pylorus-ligated rats. Macrocyclic tetraamines and polycyclotetraamines had less anti-ulcerogenic activity. Correlation was detected between the inhibitory effect of tetraamines on gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rats and their inhibitory effect on H+,K+-ATPase activity in rat gastric mucosa. Thermine and spermine were the most effective in these two inhibitions. Thus, it is suggested that primary aminogroups are important in both anti-ulcerogenic activity and anti-H+,K+-ATPase activity.

[Preoperative radiotherapy of bone and soft tissue sarcomas]

The role of preoperative radiotherapy was evaluated in 16 cases with soft tissue sarcoma and 13 cases with osteosarcoma. Nine osteosarcoma cases underwent radiotherapy of whole lesion, and 4 cases had radiotherapy only of the surgically incurable portion. There were no local recurrences in M0 cases, but skin necrosis occurred in the whole radiation group. As for the soft tissue sarcomas, local recurrence was not seen in virgin cases, but two cases which had received previous treatment showed local recurrence. There were no cases with severe side effects.

CONCLUSION

1. Partial radiotherapy was effective as preoperative treatment for osteosarcoma. 2. preoperative radiotherapy is better than postoperative radiotherapy from many standpoints.

[Evaluation method of surgical margin in musculoskeletal sarcoma]

The evaluation of surgical margin is useful in determining the curability of surgical treatment of musculoskeletal sarcoma and the degree of possibility to reduce later surgery as part of preoperative therapy. However, at present there has been no worthwhile evaluation method developed for these purposes. In this paper we propose a new evaluation system for surgical margin as drafted by the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Committee of JOA. This system was applied in 197 cases at the Cancer Institute Hospital to determine the clinical significance in the treatment of musculoskeletal sarcoma. In this method, surgical margin was classified into four types according to the distance between the surgical margin and the reactive zone of the tumor. The types of surgical margins (in order of surgical extent) are curative margin, wide margin, marginal margin, and intralesional margin. Surgical margin is said to be curative if the margin is more than 5cm outside the reactive zone. It is referred to as wide if the margin is less than 5cm and marginal if the margin is at the reactive zone. In our evaluation, a thin barrier is estimated as a 2cm thickness of normal tissue, a thick barrier as a 3cm thickness of normal tissue, and joint cartilage as 5cm thickness. Moreover, in all cases the surgical margin is considered to be curative if the margin is outside a barrier and there is normal tissue between the barrier and the reactive zone of the tumor. The results of the study were as follows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Pleuroperitoneal shunt for malignant pleural effusions]

The malignant pleural effusion was introduced into the abdominal cavity by the manual compression of a pleuroperitoneal shunt tube, which was indwelt in the subcutaneous tissue of the lateral chest under local anesthesia. Seven patients having malignant pleural effusion, due to lung cancer in 4 and breast cancer in 3, were used as subjects. This technique caused no serious complications. Retention of pleural effusion was markedly reduced in all of the 7 patients. Three patients, whose performance status (P.S.) was preoperatively determined to be 3 or 2, could be discharged during early periods. This technique seemed to be highly feasible in these patients, but not in those having P.S. of 4. Since peritoneal dissemination of the tumor was seen in 1 of 3 patients examined by autopsy, there is a possibility that this technique might have contributed to spread and scattering of tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity. These results suggested that this technique is useful therapeutic means for the treatment of patients in whom hospitalization is necessary due to the presence of malignant pleural effusion, while this technique involves the risk of artificial induction of peritoneal dissemination of tumor cells. Therefore, the application of this technique should be decided based on the prognosis of each patient.

Thermal salivation in rats, anesthetized with barbiturates, chloralose, urethane and ketamine

1. The relationship between thermal salivation (TS) and thermoregulation was studied in anesthetized rats. 2. Of the 6 anesthetics used, ketamine-anesthetized rats secreted the largest amount of saliva. Salivation, however, was thermal and not induced by ketamine itself. 3. Ketamine-anesthetized rats readily secreted saliva at core temperatures less than 40 degrees C but TS was remarkably enhanced by hyperthermia of 40-42.5 degrees C. 4. The equilibrium phase in the triphasic heat response of core temperature was a consequence of equilibrium between heat gain and heat loss by salivation.

[Pharmacodynamic study of the in vitro clonogenic assay--with reference to dose levels]

To determine the optimal condition of the clonogenic assay, the antitumor activities of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vitro and in vivo were investigated from a pharmacodynamic viewpoint using 8 human carcinoma xenografts. The clonogenic assay was performed by the continuous exposure method, and the antitumor effects were evaluated by the colony survival rates (T/Cs). The in vivo experimental chemotherapy was also performed by the nude mouse system, and the results were evaluated by the T/C ratios of the tumor weights. For pharmacokinetic analyses, the area under the concentration curves (AUCs) of 5-FU in vitro and in vivo were computed. The T/Cs of 5-FU were highly correlated to the AUCs both in vitro and in vivo. By using these AUC-T/C correlations, the concentration of 5-FU in the clonogenic assay to predict the T/C of the maximum tolerated dose in mouse was calculated to be 3 micrograms/ml mathematically. This concentration was then verified by the clonogenic assay, where T/Cs in vitro could successfully correspond to the T/Cs in vivo. (The predictable rate was 87.5%) From these results, this pharmacodynamic comparison between in vitro and in vivo chemosensitivities was thought to be a promising method for determining the conditions of the clonogenic assay.

Gastric protective effects of gastric secretagogues on 0.6N HCl-induced gastric lesions in rats

The effects of gastric secretagogues on 0.6N HCl-induced gastric lesions and gastric mucosal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contents were investigated in rats. Secretagogues such as histamine (Hist) and amogastrin (Gast) significantly inhibited the formation of gastric lesions induced by 0.6N HCl. The time course of the gastric protective effect of these secretagogues paralleled the increase of gastric acid secretion. This increase was due to the increase in acidity, not to the volume of the gastric juice. The gastric protective effects of Hist and Gast were inhibited by pretreatment with cimetidine, timoprazole and indomethacin. Hist and Gast caused an increase of PGE2 contents in gastric mucosa. These increases were inhibited by the administration of cimetidine and timoprazole. Carbachol (CCh), however, did not have any gastric protective effect; nor did it have any effect on PGE2 contents. CCh caused an increase of acid secretion due to the increase of the volume of gastric juice, but not to an increase in acidity. These results suggest that the gastric protective effect of Hist and Gast, induced by the increase of acidity in gastric juice, is due to the endogenous PGE2 synthesized by the stimulation of acid in the gastric mucosa.

Three-dimensional immunogold localization of alpha-actinin within the cytoskeletal networks of cultured cardiac muscle and nonmuscle cells

The ultrastructural distribution of alpha-actinin was studied in cultured hamster heart cells by immunogold replica electron microscopy. This technique enabled us to localize alpha-actinin within the cytoskeletal networks at high resolution and in three dimensions. Colloidal gold, indicating the presence of alpha-actinin, was localized on the Z bands of nascent myofibrils in myocytes and on stress fiber bundles in nonmuscle cells. alpha-Actinin staining was also seen on stellate foci, where cytoskeletal filaments converged along the inner myocyte cell membranes. Intermediate filaments were associated with Z bands of myofibrils, stress fibers, and subplasmalemmal actin networks at the specific points where alpha-actinin was localized on these structures. Heavy meromyosin treatment prior to immunostaining confirmed that the thin filaments contained actin. These results suggest that alpha-actinin serves to interlink these various cytoskeletal elements. In addition, this protein may be involved in the initial phases of filament organization during myofibrillogenesis along the inner surface of the myocyte plasma membrane.