SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns of human parotid saliva treated with polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine in vitro

In the intraoral application of polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I) as an antimicrobial agent, a color fading phenomenon is observed that might be caused by the binding of iodine with saliva. We have investigated the binding of iodine with saliva as iodine binding factor (IBF). The presence and characteristics of the IBF were investigated in parotid saliva stimulated by sour lemon drops, unstimulated parotid saliva, and whole saliva. A high level of the binding ability with iodine was observed in stimulated parotid saliva with the treatment of PVP-I compared with the unstimulated, but there were no significant differences in the amounts of total proteins between the stimulated and unstimulated. Electrophoretic patterns of saliva treated with PVP-I and untreated were examined to detect the IBF. The protein band of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis near M.W. 60,000 of stimulated parotid saliva disappeared after treatment of PVP-I. This evidence indicates that the color fading phenomenon of PVP-I is associated with a polypeptide level in saliva.

Possible mechanism for the inhibition of acid formation by the proton pump inhibitor AG-1749 in isolated canine parietal cells

We have reported previously that 2-[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluorethoxy)-2-pyridyl]methyl] sulfinil]- 1H-benzimidazole (AG-1749) inhibits (H+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase after being transformed into its cyclic sulfenamide form (AG-2000) or disulfide form (AG-1812) under acidic conditions. In this study, mechanisms related to the inhibition of acid formation by AG-1749 were investigated in isolated canine parietal cells. AG-1749 suppressed the acid formation stimulated by histamine, carbachol or dibutyryl cyclic AMP with IC50 values of approximately 0.09 microM: AG-1749 being twice as potent as omeprazole. The inhibitory effect of AG-1749 was antagonized by dithiothreitol (1 mM). 2-Cyclo-hexen-1-one (3 mM) decreased cytosolic glutathione to less than 10% of control value, and caused a 3-fold increase in the inhibitory effect of AG-1749. Glutathione, however, when added exogenously, did not affect the action of AG-1749. The inhibition was reversed by removing AG-1749 from the medium or by adding dithiothreitol (1 mM). The reversal of inhibition by these two procedures was hardly affected by puromycin (100 microM) or cycloheximide (300 microM) but significantly prevented by 2-cyclo-hexen-1-one (1 mM). Exogenously added AG-2000 (10 microM) or AG-1812 (5 microM), active forms of AG-1749, did not inhibit acid formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of pH on acid production from sorbitol in washed cell suspensions of oral bacteria

The acid production from sorbitol and glucose was studied under anaerobic conditions in resting cell suspensions of bacteria from the predominant sorbitol-fermenting human dental plaque flora, belonging to the genera Streptococcus, Lactobacillus and Actinomyces. The acid production activity of the bacterial cells was followed by titration with alkali, at environmental pH 7.0, 6.0 and 5.0 after addition of carbohydrate solution. The metabolic end products formed in the suspensions were analyzed thereafter by isotachophoretic and enzymatic methods. The results showed that sorbitol was fermented at a slower rate than glucose. Lowering the environmental pH decreased the acid production activity from the two carbohydrates. Compared with glucose, the catabolism of sorbitol was affected to greater extent by the pH conditions. The total amount of acids formed from sorbitol was considerably less than from glucose. Lactic acid, which was the major end product in glucose-challenged suspensions, was produced only in low concentrations from sorbitol by all strains tested. The ratio strong (formic + lactic)/weak acids was moreover lower for sorbitol than for glucose. The present results further illustrate some of the mechanisms behind the low cariogenic potential of this sugar substitute.

[Non-ketotic hyperosmolar diabetic coma in neurosurgical cases; review of 7 cases]

Neurosurgical patients with non-ketotic hyperosmolar diabetic coma (NHC) in our institution were analysed retrospectively. Seven cases were diagnosed as NHC being 0.47% of the number of inpatients in the last 5 years. The age ranged from 60 to 72 years old (mean 65) and there were 6 males and 1 female. Only 2 patients (29%) had a clear past history of diabetes mellitus. Prior to the NHC, systemic infection was present in 2 cases. Intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) was performed in 5 cases, glycerol osmotherapy in 3 cases, diphenylhydantion therapy in 3 cases and tube feeding in 2 cases. The overall mortality rate in our series was 71% (5 cases), of which 2 cases died within 2 days due to cardiopulmonary failure, and 3 cases in the chronic stage died due to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), or due to renal failure. The prognosis of NHC in neurosurgical patients is generally bad because of the presence of consciousness disturbance prior to the onset of NHC, which may mask the symptoms occurring from the NHC. Other predisposing factors could be systemic infection, IVH or tube feeding, and osmotic agents which are frequently used in neurosurgical patients. There was a tendency for NHC to occur predominantly in the chronic stage after the blood sugar had returned to normal range from the hyperglycemic state in the acute stage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibitory effects of methyl 7-butyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3-methylamino-4,6-dioxo-5-propyl- 2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2-carboxylate (AA-2379) on lysosomal enzyme and arachidonic acid release from rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes and its mode of action

AA-2379 (methyl 7-butyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3-methylamino-4,6-dioxo-5-propyl- 2H-pyrazolo [3,4-d]pyrimidine-2-carboxylate) has antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities, and inhibits the type III allergic (Arthus) reaction. In the studies reported here, we investigated the effect of AA-2379 on rat polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions to clarify the mechanism of the antiinflammatory and antiallergic actions of AA-2379. AA-2379 at 10(-4) M inhibited lysozomal enzyme release. AA-2379 inhibits formyl methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)- and C5a-induced arachidonic acid release; their 50% inhibitory concentrations were 2.8 x 10(-5) and 3.8 x 10(-5) M, respectively. Because dibutyryl cAMP, a cAMP analogue, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, a cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, inhibited fMLP-induced arachidonic acid release, and AA-2379 inhibited cAMP phosphodiesterase and increased cAMP content in PMNs, it is likely that AA-2379 inhibited arachidonic acid release by increasing cAMP content in rat PMNs. Furthermore, from the studies of fMLP-induced arachidonic acid release in Ca free medium it is suggested that AA-2379 inhibits the process which depends on Ca concentration in the medium. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of AA-2379 on inflammation and allergic reactions such as the Arthus reaction is partly exerted by inhibiting PMN functions such as arachidonic acid and lysozomal enzyme release.

An erythromycin derivative, EM-523, induces motilin-like gastrointestinal motility in dogs

The effect of an erythromycin derivative, EM-523, on gastrointestinal motility was investigated in conscious dogs and compared with that of motilin cisapride, trimebutine and metoclopramide. In the fasting state, EM-523 given i.v. or i.d. at 3 micrograms/kg or more induced contractions in the stomach that migrated along the small intestine. The pattern of the contractions was very similar to that induced by motilin. In the digestive state, EM-523 increased the amplitude of gastric contractions. Cisapride and metoclopramide increased gastrointestinal motility both in the fasting and digestive states; however, their contractile pattern was different from that of EM-523. Trimebutine did not induce gastric motility in the fasting state but rather decreased gastric motility in the digestive state. The contractions induced by EM-523 and motilin were inhibited by atropine but were not affected by naloxone, suggesting that the cholinergic pathway is important in the exertion of their action. These results indicate that EM-523 mimics motilin in stimulating gastrointestinal motility and that this agent may be useful treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric stasis, gastroesophageal reflux, and postoperative ileus, and so forth.

A case of unilateral adrenal medullary hyperplasia

We report a case of unilateral hyperplasia of the adrenal medulla. The patient showed clinical features suggestive of pheochromocytoma. Removal of the hyperplastic adrenal gland resulted in complete disappearance of all prior symptoms, decrease of the plasma and urinary catecolamine levels and no high uptake in [133I] metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. A histological study revealed diffuse hyperplasia of the adrenal medulla. Up to now, there are relatively few reports of adrenal medullary hyperplasia in English literatures.

A small temporal lobe glioma detected only by magnetic resonance imaging

The authors were able to demonstrate a very small glioma (1.0 x 0.8 cm in size) of the temporal lobe using MRI. They discuss the relative merits of CT and MRI in the diagnosis of gliomas in terms of their size. CT fails to detect tumours less than 2.0 x 1.5 cm in size which are not calcified. So far, MRI has revealed a tumour as small as 1.0 x 0.8 cm. Therefore, MRI is superior to CT for detecting small gliomas.

[Distribution of dental plaque and time analysis of toothbrushing without instruction in school children and students]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate oral hygiene before and after individual method toothbrushing without instruction and to analyze toothbrushing times for school children from 6 to 13 years of age. Subjects were 150 pupils from primary to junior high school affiliated with the faculty of education of an university located in Setagaya, Tokyo: 38 first-grade pupils aged 6, 36 fourth-grade pupils aged 9, 37 sixth-grade pupils aged 11, and 39 second-year junior high school pupils aged 13. Assessments of dental plaque were made by two dentists using the PHP plaque score (Podshadely and Haley, 1968) for primary school pupils and OHI-S (only DI-S; Greene and Vermillion, 1964) for junior high school pupils. Plaque distribution disclosed by an Erythrosine solution was examined before and after toothbrushing, and the performance of toothbrushing by subjects was recorded on video-tape through a one-way mirror so that the children were unaware. Toothbrushing time was measured by 2 or 3 examiners using a time counter of video-monitor. Average scores for dental plaque before and after toothbrushing were almost the same for first and fourth-grade primary school pupils; but scores decreased with a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.01) for sixth-grade pupils. Distribution patterns of plaque scores for fourth-grade pupils showed characteristically narrow ranges (2-5 before brushing and 1-4 after brushing). The majority of subjects (69.4%) had scores of 2-3 after brushing, Whereas only 8.3% showed a range of 2-3 before brushing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Dental health status of junior high school students in the suburbs of Chiba city]

The Population of 12-15 years is a key age group for oral health because the permanent dentition and periodontal tissues are almost complete at this stage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate oral health status and to develop an effective school dental health program for junior high schools students. The survey was performed on 527 persons aged 12-13 at 2 junior high schools in the suburbs of Chiba city. Periodontal disease was evaluated on the basis of the CPITN, and analyzed for severity and region of periodontal disease. Gingivitis was examined with PMA index, using color photo slides taken of anterior dentition at the time of inspection. At the same time, caries experience and oral hygiene index were also estimated. The results were as follows: (1) The mean DMFT was 3.89. Caries prevalence in females was higher than males. Ratio of treated teeth rate was 77.03%; that of untreated teeth rate was 22.65%. Females revealed less treatment for caries than males. Oral hygiene index showed significant difference between males and females. Labial and buccal parts of the maxillary and molar region on the mandibular showed remarkable plaque deposition. Calculus accumulation in this population was greatest on the lower incisor. (2) The mean PMA index was 7.36. Gingivitis was highly prevalent in both sexes, although it was more severe in males. There was correlations between PMA index and OHI. (3) From the results of CPITN, 10.6% of the subjects showed no signs of periodontal disease (Code 0), and 5.7% exhibited gingival bleeding (Code 1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of low-concentration polymyxin B on insulin secretion induced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), glucose, or tolbutamide from the isolated perfused rat pancreas

To evaluate the role of protein kinase C on insulin secretion, we investigated the effects of low-concentration polymyxin B (100 mumol/L) on insulin secretion from the isolated perfused rat pancreas induced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 10 nmol/L), a protein kinase C activator, glucose (10 mmol/L), or tolbutamide (738 mumol/L). Polymyxin B, a potent and relatively selective protein kinase C inhibitor at this low concentration, did significantly inhibit the gradual rise of insulin secretion induced by TPA (P less than .05). As for glucose or tolbutamide stimulation, polymyxin B significantly inhibited not only the second phase but also the first phase of insulin secretion (P less than .05) without changing the secretion patterns. Although the possibility of nonspecific effects of polymyxin B other than protein kinase C inhibition could not be excluded, the data suggest that protein kinase C might be involved in insulin secretion as a potentiating modulator.

Congenital arteriovenous malformation of the scalp--case report

A case of congenital arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the scalp containing a complex vascular network is described. The AVM was totally removed, together with its feeding artery and draining veins. Congenital AVM of the scalp is rare; only 21 other cases have been reported since 1973. All involved complex vascular networks, and about one half of the patients had red or purple birthmarks. These clinical features clearly differ from those of traumatic arteriovenous fistulae of the scalp. Although many treatment approaches have been tried, total excision appears to be the most appropriate.

Antisecretory and antiulcer activities of a novel proton pump inhibitor AG-1749 in dogs and rats

The antisecretory and antiulcer activities of 2[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridyl]methyl] sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (AG-1749) were investigated in dogs and rats. AG-1749 inhibited both the (H+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase activity in canine gastric microsomes and dibutyryl cyclic AMP-stimulated acid formation in isolated canine parietal cells and suppressed the acid secretion stimulated by histamine, pentagastrin, bethanechol or a peptone meal in Heidenhain pouch dogs; the ID50 values were between 0.2 and 0.7 mg/kg p.o. AG-1749 inhibited both the histamine-stimulated and the basal acid secretion in pylorusligated rats and prevented water immersion stress or aspirin-induced gastric lesions and mepirizole or cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats; the ID50 values were between 0.3 to 3.6 mg/kg p.o. or i.d. Furthermore, AG-1749 prevented gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol or acidified aspirin, and accelerated the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric or duodenal ulcers in rats. The inhibitory potency of AG-1749 in dogs was much the same as that of omeprazole and about half that of ranitidine. However, it was about 2 to 10 times more potent than omeprazole and 4 to 34 times more potent than ranitidine in rats. These results suggest that AG-1749 exerts prominent antiulcer activities mainly by suppressing acid secretion via an inhibition of a proton pump in gastric parietal cells and partly by protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa against various ulcerative stimuli.

Possible mechanism for the inhibition of gastric (H+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase by the proton pump inhibitor AG-1749

Mechanisms related to the inhibition of (H+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) by 2-[[[3-methyl-4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-2-pyridyl]methyl] sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (AG-1749) were studied using canine gastric microsomes. AG-1749 (1-100 microM) inhibited the K+-stimulated ATP hydrolysis and vesicular accumulation of H+. AG-1749 bound to the microsomes concentration-dependently and decreased the number of free SH groups; the binding correlating with the enzyme inhibition. Both the binding and inhibition were antagonized by dithiothreitol. N-ethylmaleimide inhibited the (H+ + K+)-ATPase and decreased the binding of [14C]AG-1749 to the microsomes. The inhibitory effect of AG-1749 gradually increased with incubation time, and was enhanced by lowering the pH. AG-2000 and AG-1812, acid-induced rearrangement products of AG-1749, inhibited (H+ + K+)-ATPase potently, rapidly and independently of pH; the inhibition was antagonized by dithiothreitol. We propose that AG-1749 is transformed into its active forms within the acidic compartment of the parietal cells and that the active compounds inhibit (H+ + K+)-ATPase activity by reacting with the SH groups of the enzyme.

Morphometrical and biochemical differences of endocrine pancreata between spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats with or without neonatal streptozotocin-induced diabetes

We studied the morphometrical and biochemical changes of endocrine pancreata in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) with or without noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus induced by neonatal streptozotocin (STZ) treatment at 4 months of age. Female (2-day-old) neonates were intraperitoneally injected with 62.5 or 75.0 mg/kg of STZ for SHR, 87.5 or 100.0 mg/kg of STZ for WKY, and vehicle for control. In STZ-treated groups, overt hyperglycemia developed in SHR with significantly decreased serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI), whereas in WKY, hyperglycemia was very mild and serum IRI was not lowered. The number and mean size of pancreatic islets did not differ between SHR and WKY, although mean islet size was reduced by half in both compared with that in the corresponding control, respectively. Percentage distribution of insulin-positive B cells in the islet was significantly reduced more in SHR than in WKY (34% of control versus 64% of control, p less than 0.05). Furthermore, pancreatic IRI content was far more reduced in SHR than in WKY (3% of control versus 43% of control, p less than 0.001). In vehicle-treated groups, the glycemic levels and the morphometrical islets did not differ between SHR and WKY. However, serum IRI was significantly lower but pancreatic IRI content was higher in SHR than in WKY. The mechanisms of strain differences between SHR and WKY seen in the present study were discussed.

A technique for replantation of the finger tip

The finger-tip replantation technique reported here has evolved over 15 years. Indications for surgery include both strong patient desire and specialized use of the finger tip. Palmar flaps are elevated as full-thickness skin grafts to avoid injury to palmar veins. Arteries and palmar digital veins are repaired using an open-vessel technique. Postoperative care varies from immediate discharge with follow-up to inpatient care using surgical leeches or continuous bleeding as a method of drainage should venous congestion develop. The survival rate of 26 finger tips replanted using this technique between 1981 and 1987 was 69%. Two-point discrimination returned in 75% of patients, and 25% had two-point discrimination of less than 5 mm. The distal interphalangeal joint retained an average range of motion of 56 degrees. Appearance was excellent, and patient satisfaction was high.

Inhibitory effect of methyl 7-butyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3-methylamino-4,6-dioxo-5-propyl-2H-pyrazol o[3, 4-d]pyrimidine-2-carboxylate (AA-2379) on type III allergic (Arthus) reaction

Methyl 7-butyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3-methylamino-4,6-dioxo-5-propyl-2H- pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2-carboxylate (AA-2379), a non-steroidal, non-acidic agent, markedly inhibits type III allergic (Arthus) reaction; the ID50 values of AA-2379 in the rat reversed passive Arthus pleurisy, the rat active Arthus pleurisy, and the reversed passive Arthus reaction in rat skin were 5-10 mg/kg, p.o., and 30 mg/kg of AA-2379 inhibited the active Arthus reaction in rabbit skin by about 50%. Dexamethasone, but not acidic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aminopyrine, inhibited the Arthus reaction. The vascular permeability in the reversed passive Arthus pleurisy is enhanced biphasically in the early response mediated by physiologically active amines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, and in the late response mediated by complements and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). AA-2379 inhibited the late response more potently than the early one. Furthermore, when given after the early response was reduced, AA-2379 obviously inhibited the late response. Rat zymosan-induced paw edema and mouse zymosan-activated serum-induced peritonitis, mediated by complements, were dose-dependently inhibited by AA-2379; the ID50 values were 11.4 and 10.2 mg/kg, p.o., respectively. The results suggest that AA-2379 differs from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in strongly inhibiting the late response of the Arthus reaction, which associated with PMNs.

Antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of methyl 7-butyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3-methylamino-4,6-dioxo-5-propyl-2H-pyrazol o[3, 4-d]pyrimidine-2-carboxylate (AA-2379), a novel non-acidic agent

The antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of methyl 7-butyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3-methylamino-4,6-dioxo-5-propyl-2H-pyrazolo[ 3, 4-d]pyrimidine-2-carboxylate (AA-2379), a novel non-acidic agent, were examined. 1. AA-2379 had a potent antiinflammatory activity; 3-25 mg/kg, p.o. of the compound inhibited rat carrageenin-, bradykinin-, trypsin-, formalin-, dextran-, and nystatin-induced paw edema; mouse traumatic edema; and rat croton oil pouch inflammation by about 30%. The compound at 25-50 mg/kg, p.o. also inhibited the vascular permeability induced by histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin. 2. AA-2379 had an analgesic activity; the ID50 values in mouse phenylquinone-induced writhing were 10.1 mg/kg, p.o. and the compound at 12.5 mg/kg, p.o. inhibited dog urate arthritis. 3. AA-2379 at 3-10 mg/kg, p.o. showed antipyretic activity in febrile rats and rabbits. 4. AA-2379, at 500 mg/kg, p.o. was not ulcerogenic in rats. 5. These data show that AA-2379 is more active than non-acidic antiinflammatory agents, such as tiaramide and aminopyrine.

Residual B cell function in patients with long-standing NIDDM and its relation to metabolic control and diabetic complications

We have evaluated the residual pancreatic B cell function by glucagon load test in 28 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) of a duration of 20 years or more. The increase in serum C-peptide at 6 minutes after glucagon administration (delta C-peptide) was used as an index of residual B cell function. There was much less delta C-peptide in patients treated with insulin than in those treated with sulfonylurea (p less than 0.05), and it was significantly correlated with the body mass index (r = 0.40, p less than 0.05). Long term metabolic control assessed by the average annual mean fasting blood glucose for the observation period (mean, 21 years) was not correlated with delta C-peptide (r = -0.13). The prevalence of retinopathy which needed photocoagulation therapy and of neuropathy in patients with poor residual B cell function (delta C-peptide less than or equal to 0.3 ng/ml) was the same as that in those with good residual B cell function (delta C-peptide greater than or equal to 1.0 ng/ml). The present study shows that the residual B cell function is not correlated with long term glycemic control and the prevalence of diabetic complications in long-standing NIDDM patients.

[Unusual postoperative hemorrhage in a patient with ruptured aneurysm and hemophilia B]

A case of ruptured cerebral aneurysm with hemophilia B is reported, and discussion is made concerning the management of mild type hemophilia in surgical operations. A 41-year-old male came to our hospital with complaints of severe headache, vomiting, and transient consciousness disturbance. His dentist said the patient had a mild bleeding tendency when he was 30 years old, however no postoperative hemorrhage was repeated in appendectomy in his childhood. He also had had no episodes of spontaneous bleeding. CT scan on admission showed subarachnoid hemorrhage, and angiography revealed a ruptured aneurysm at the trifurcation of the left middle cerebral artery. His coagulation screening tests (bleeding time, clotting time, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time) were normal. An aneurysmal neck clipping was carried out, and operators did not detect any bleeding tendency during the surgery. CT scan on the next day showed no remarkable finding. On the third postoperative day, right hemiparesis occurred. Left putaminal hemorrhage took place. His coagulation tests and FDP were also normal. The hematoma was partially evacuated. After the second operation his condition was good, and rehabilitation program started. On the 15th hospital day his consciousness deteriorated suddenly, and CT scan showed a massive epidural hematoma on the left. His prothrombin time elongated mildly, but other tests were normal. Coagulation factors VIII and IX were examined and the factor IX was 22.5% of control. He was thought to be a patient with mild type hemophilia B. Despite a third operation for hematoma removal he died on the 20th hospital day. Mild type hemophilia B does not bleed spontaneously.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Post-inflammatory arachnoid cyst of the quadrigeminal cistern. Observation of development of the cyst

Arachnoid cysts of the quadrigeminal cistern are rare. Patients with this lesion are usually normal at birth, and signs of increased intracranial pressure (IICP) develop at about 4 to 12 months of age. However, there has been no report about this mechanism. A case of arachnoid cyst of the quadrigeminal cistern is presented. In this case, the process of the cyst growth was observed during the course of follow-up for shunted hydrocephalus. Symptoms coincided with the growth of the cyst. Therefore, the development of the clinical symptoms was thought to be due to IICP caused by cyst expansion. Our case was complicated by inflammation, something that may offer a key to solving the mechanism of cyst fluid accumulation and the relationship between symptoms and development of the cyst.

Tumor cord and growth in human brain tumors based on mathematical morphology

The growth of human brain tumor was quantitatively investigated by using the anti-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) monoclonal antibody and the texture analyzing system (TAS). Tissues from thirty eight patients consisting of 22 gliomas, 8 brain metastases, 1 cerebellar hemangioblastoma and 7 normal white matters were applied in this study. Mean values of growth fractions (GFs) were 29.4% in group 1, 14.8% in group 2, and 6.5% in group 3. The higher value of GFs showed a significantly larger degree of perivascular aggregation of S-phase cells (DPAS). The mean number of cells in each tumor cord was approximately 20, which is not significantly larger than that of the normal group. But there was a significant difference between the non-selected area of the histologically malignant or benign gliomas and the proliferating area of the biologically malignant or benign brain tumors (t-value; p less than 0.001). A significant difference was also noticed in the mean area and diameter of tumor cords (t-value; p less than 0.001). From the point of view of biological behavior in human brain tumor, it is suggested that one tumor cord contains approximately 20 viable cells in the proliferating area in both benign and malignant brain tumors, and that if viable cells increase to more than 20 cells in one TC, necrotic cells and the diameter and area of the TC will increase, because the vessel-density is decreased by the occlusion of the vessels and the death of the endothels.

Moyamoya disease

The authors reviewed the Japanese literature on moyamoya disease. In the article we discuss the history of such investigations in Japan, the signs and symptoms, the diagnosis (especially concerning diagnostic criteria and magnetic resonance imaging), the pathology in relation to its etiology, and the current methods of treatment. On the whole, the main aim of the paper was to introduce our concept of moyamoya disease that is now current in Japan.

Early development of nephropathy in a new model of spontaneously hypertensive rat with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

We designed the present study to clarify whether the development of nephropathy was accelerated by a combination of hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Spontaneously hypertensive rats with non-insulin-dependent diabetes induced by neonatal streptozotocin treatment (25.0-75.0 mg/kg) were separated into severely or mildly diabetic groups according to their non-fasting plasma glucose levels at 12 weeks of age and the findings were compared with the data on a control group treated with citrate buffer alone. The natural courses of urinary excretion rate of total protein, the molecular composition by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with laser densitometer and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase were measured in the three groups from 12 weeks until 36 weeks of age. Total urinary protein in the control group decreased with age (p less than 0.05), while in the mildly diabetic group changes were nil; in the severely diabetic group, however, the excretion rates of total urinary protein and high molecular weight protein consistently and progressively increased with age (p less than 0.05). The low molecular weight protein continuously decreased with age in the mildly diabetic and control groups (p less than 0.05), while in the severely diabetic group there was no decrease after 28 weeks of age. The urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase markedly increased (p less than 0.05) in the severely diabetic group throughout the period compared with findings in the control group, but drastically decreased (p less than 0.05) in the mildly diabetic group with age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Marked cerebrospinal fluid collection associated with hepatic failure

We report two cases with abnormal CSF accumulation in the cranium. One case had marked dilatation of the ventricular system, for which a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was carried out. The shunt was not beneficial and it turned out that the patient was suffering from ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. The second case developed marked subdural effusion after fulminating hepatic failure and septicemia, for which drainage of the subdural space and subsequent insertion of Ommaya reservoirs were carried out. In spite of successful CSF control, the outcome was bad, both cases being incapacitated due to severe encephalopathy probably caused by hyperammonemia. The results of serial computed tomographic follow-up are presented.

Contribution of glycemic control to the levels of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), total protein, beta 2-microglobulin and serum NAG in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus without macroalbuminuria

To clarify the significance of the parameters which might indicate the abnormalities in the kidney, urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), urinary total protein (TP), urinary beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2MG) and serum NAG were determined in 61 type 1 diabetics who had neither retinopathy nor macroalbuminuria (negative albuminuria by Albustix), and in 19 age, sex-matched nondiabetic subjects. Urinary NAG, urinary TP and serum NAG levels were significantly elevated in the diabetics compared with the nondiabetic subjects, even though in the diabetics, whose duration of diabetes was not longer than 2.5 years. The relationships between these parameters and glycemic indices at different periods were studied in diabetics. Urinary NAG was correlated the strongest with the mean blood glucose level over the 7 days before the collection of urine (r = 0.47) among the 5 glycemic indices. On the other hand, urinary TP and urinary beta 2MG were correlated the strongest with the urinary glucose at the time of collection of urine (r = 0.77 and r = 0.37, respectively) among the 5 glycemic indices. No correlation of urinary NAG, urinary TP or urinary beta 2MG with stable HbA1 was observed. On the multiple regression analysis, 32% of the changes in urinary NAG, 61% of urinary TP, 19% of urinary beta 2MG and 20% of serum NAG were explained merely by the blood glucose levels, respectively. No relationship was observed among each parameter and duration of diabetes, insulin dose, urinary excretion of C-peptide or lipid levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sex differences in diabetes induced by neonatal streptozotocin treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats

We examined the sex differences in the development of diabetes due to neonatal streptozotocin (STZ) treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) which are more prone to diabetes than normotensive rats. Male and female SHR were intraperitoneally injected with various doses of STZ at 2 days after birth. In those treated with vehicle or 25 mg/kg of STZ, there were no sex differences in plasma glucose levels, which changed little during the 12 weeks of observation. When treated with 50 mg/kg of STZ, however, male SHR developed overt hyperglycemia greater than 300 mg/dl plasma glucose after 8 weeks of age, while females showed a minimal change in plasma glucose levels. When given 75 mg/kg of STZ, female rats developed overt hyperglycemia at 4-6 weeks of age, during which time male SHR showed no apparent hyperglycemia. At 8 weeks or later, however, both males and females had similarly high levels of plasma glucose. Glycosylated hemoglobin at 12 weeks was compatible with plasma glucose levels in each group. The present results indicate that there are sex differences in susceptibility to neonatal STZ treatment and in development of hyperglycemia.

The effect of inhaled leukotriene D4, histamine, or antigen on central and peripheral airways of guinea pigs: analysis of bronchograms with an interactive image analysis system

The effect on guinea pig airways of the inhalation of leukotrienes, histamine or antigen was investigated by measuring changes in lung volume and analyzing the airway area on bronchograms with the Zeiss interactive image analysis system (IBAS). LTC4, LTD4, LTE4 and histamine inhaled through an ultrasonic nebulizer caused inflation of the lung: LTD4 was the most potent of the leukotrienes and was 100 times more potent than histamine on a molar basis. The results of analyses of areas of large and small bronchi and bronchioles on the bronchograms indicated that LTD4 selectively decreased the area of the peripheral airways. Inhalation of an antigen in actively sensitized animals resulted in inflation of the lung and in a selective decrease in the area of the peripheral airways. Anaphylactic bronchoconstriction provoked by antigen inhalation was clearly inhibited by AA-861, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor but not significantly by mepyramine, an antihistamine. These observations indicate that LTD4 is a potent constrictor of the peripheral airways in guinea pigs and that the anaphylactic bronchoconstriction provoked by antigen inhalation could be mediated by LTD4 in actively sensitized guinea pigs.

[Spontaneous occlusion of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation--report of a case]

The authors report a case of spontaneous occlusion of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) verified by the second angiography performed 3 days after the initial one. This 65-year-old man had a sudden attack of headache, nausea, and vomiting and was admitted to our hospital next day. On admission, CT scan showed subcortical hemorrhage in the right temporo-parietal area and right CAG showed a small AVM in the same area. The main feeder was a MCA distal branch and the drainer joined Labbe's vein. Repeated angiography 3 days after initial one failed to demonstrate the AVM. Craniotomy was performed and thrombosed AVM was totally removed. Mechanism for disappearance of the malformation is assumed to be acute thrombosis due to intracranial hemorrhage and arteriosclerotic change. The literature is reviewed.

Pituitary adenoma composed of two compartments each secreting prolactin or growth hormone

We report a case of pituitary adenoma with two compartments, i.e. a part within the sella turcica and a part infiltrating the sphenoid bone beneath the sella, producing growth hormone (GH) and prolactin. The patient had the amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome, but not acromegalic symptoms. Although the two compartments were united through a small dural perforation, immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that GH and prolactin were separately secreted from the intrasellar and extrasellar components, respectively. Somatotropic adenomas frequently produce prolactin, but it is unusual for these hormones to be secreted from distinctly different parts of the same lesion.

Diabetes induced by neonatal streptozotocin treatment in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats

The development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) induced by neonatal streptozotocin (STZ) treatment was compared between male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). The animals were intraperitoneally given 37.5, 50.0, 62.5, or 75.0 mg/kg of STZ at two days of age. At two days after STZ injection, plasma glucose was elevated in both groups of rats according to the dose of STZ, but the level was higher in SHR than in corresponding WKY. At ten days of age, plasma glucose in WKY returned to the similar level to that in vehicle-treated control irrespective of the doses of STZ, while in SHR it remained above control and its level was significantly higher than that in WKY. At 12 weeks of age, plasma glucose was within the control range in WKY, while in SHR it was markedly and dose-dependently elevated. The present study indicates that SHR are susceptible to NIDDM induced by neonatal STZ treatment. The difference in response to STZ between SHR and WKY was discussed.

Spinal antinociceptive effects of adenosine compounds in mice

The effects of injecting ATP, ADP, AMP, adenosine and adenine intrathecally on the pain response induced by the injection of substance P (10 ng/mouse) intrathecally were studied. All the compounds except adenine inhibited the pain response in a dose-related manner. The ED50 values of ATP, ADP, AMP and adenosine were 2.10, 0.93, 0.88 and 0.48 micrograms/mouse, respectively. Pretreatment with theophylline at a dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. markedly diminished all the antinociceptive effects. The effect of adenosine was not affected by s.c. injection of naloxone. These results suggest the existence of adenosine receptors which modulate spinal nociceptive sensory processing, independently of the endogenous opiate system.

Avian sarcoma virus 17 carries the jun oncogene

Biologically active molecular clones of avian sarcoma virus 17 (ASV 17) contain a replication-defective proviral genome of 3.5 kilobases (kb). The genome retains partial gag and env sequences, which flank a cell-derived putative oncogene of 0.93 kb, termed jun. The jun gene lacks preserved coding domains of tyrosine-specific protein kinases. It also shows no significant nucleic acid homology with other known oncogenes. The probable transformation-specific protein in ASV 17-transformed cells is a 55-kDa gag-jun fusion product.

A profile of plasma branched chain amino acids in a totally pancreatectomized patient: effects of glucagon replacement under a steady feeding state

Physiological amounts of glucagon replacement brought about the reduction of plasma branched chain amino acid levels as well as glucogenic amino acid levels in a totally pancreatectomized patient who was under a steady feeding state, i.e., constant administration of an elemental diet combined with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. This finding suggests that glucagon may play a physiological role not only on glucogenic amino acids but also branched chain amino acids in plasma in feeding state.