n-Butyrate enhances induction of thyroid hormone-responsive nuclear protein

Effects of n-butyrate on nuclear thyroid hormone receptors and on thyroid hormone-responsive nuclear protein were investigated by means of a perfusion system in rat liver. Treatment with 5 mM n-butyrate resulted in an increase (150%) in the maximal binding capacity of 3,5,3'-L-triiodothyronine (T3) nuclear receptors without altering the affinity of receptor for T3. However, further perfusion for 4 h decreased the number of the receptors to the control level. n-Butyrate increased the amount of acetylated histone H4. The ability of nuclear T3 receptors to bind to core histones was diminished by acetylation of the core histones. Thyroid hormone-responsive nuclear protein (n protein) was increased by T3. The induction of the n protein by T3 was augmented by n-butyrate. These results suggested that n-butyrate modulates thyroid hormone-responsive gene expression in rat liver via the increased number of nuclear receptors or changes in the chromatin constitution.

[The relaxation of human corpus cavernosum caused by nitric oxide]

Non-adrenergic non-cholinergic nerves (NANC) are thought to be important in the relaxation of corpus cavernosum for erectile function. On the other hand, it has been shown that nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from L-arginine and released by the endothelium of blood vessels and accounts for the activity of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). We studied whether electrical field stimulation (EFS) of isolated strips of human corpus cavernosum released NO and whether it could act as a NANC neurotransmitter. Human penile tissue specimens were mounted in an organ bath and the isometric tension recorded. EFS was applied to precontracted strips between two parallel platinum electrodes. Relaxation induced by EFS was not influenced by guanethidine or atropine, but was markedly inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine which is an analog of L-arginine that inhibits the conversion of L-arginine to NO, and hemoglobin which is an agent that inhibits the biological actions of NO. Methylene blue which is an inhibitor of cytosolic guanylate cyclase also reduced the relaxation of EFS, but not completely. The inhibitory effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine was reversed by addition of excess L-arginine. Exogenous NO relaxed human corpus cavernosum. The relaxation was only a transient response and concentration-dependent. The profile of responses is similar to that evoked by EFS. Our data clearly demonstrate the release of NO during EFS and the function of NO as a NANC neurotransmitter. Human penile erection may be mediated by NO generated in response to NANC neurotransmission.

[A case of penile revascularization by Hauri's method for arteriogenic impotence]

In a 35 year old arteriogenic impotent patient without a history of hypertension, arteriosclerotic disease, or diabetes mellitus, the corpus cavernosum of the penis was revascularized using Hauri's method. Before surgery, erection after the intra-cavernous injection of 20 micrograms of prostaglandin E1 was very weak. In a color ultrasonography the peak systolic velocity of the cavernous arteries was recorded as being only 18 cm/sec. Furthermore, no artery except the right dorsal artery was evident even with a digital subtraction angiography. Accordingly he was diagnosed as having arteriogenic impotence, and we carried out the corpus cavernosum revascularization using Hauri's method under microscopic magnification. The dorsal artery and the deep dorsal vein were anastomosed side-to-side, and the hypogastric artery and dorsal artery were anastomosed end-to-side. After the revascularization surgery, the peak systolic velocity of cavernous arteries returned to normal (53 cm/sec), and the penis showed complete erection after an intracavernous injection of 20 micrograms of prostaglandin E1. Before surgery this patient had no experienced sexual intercourse, but he could achieve full sexual intercourse 2 weeks after the surgery. His erectile ability has been maintained for 4 months since the surgery. This is the 1st case of arteriogenic impotence treated using Hauri's method in Japan.

Voltage clamping of a frog (Rana catesbeiana) taste cell with a single microelectrode

1. Receptor currents in frog taste cells induced by taste stimuli of NaCl and HCl were studied in situ using a voltage clamp method with a single microelectrode. 2. Under voltage clamping of a taste cell at -20 mV an inward receptor current of a mean of 176 pA was induced by taste stimulation with 0.5 M NaCl and the input resistance was largely reduced during the stimulation. 3. A large sustained inward current was evoked by HCl stimulation but the input resistance was slightly reduced. 4. Increasing the holding potential in the negative direction linearly increased the inward receptor current by NaCl stimulation but did not remarkably change it by HCl stimulation.

[Surgical treatment of the primary cardiac rhabdomyoma in the neonate--a case report]

A successful surgical treatment of intracardiac rhabdomyoma in a 12-day-old female is reported. The neonate was first noted to have a cardiac murmur and she was diagnosed cardiac tumor by two dimensional echocardiography. It showed multiple cardiac tumors which occupied the right ventricular outflow tract and interventricular septum. Under the routine cardiopulmonary bypass the tumor of the right ventricular outflow tract was removed. Histological examination revealed a rhabdomyoma. Follow-up evaluation 7 years after operation showed normal growth and development of the patient. A repeated two dimensional echocardiogram revealed no sign of recurrence and the left ventricular cavity was not obstructed by the residual tumor in the interventricular septum. We reviewed 10 cases treated surgically in infancy including three neonate in Japan.

Contribution of proton transporter to acid-induced receptor potential in frog taste cells

1. The generative mechanism of the acid-induced receptor potential in frog taste cells was re-examined with micro-electrodes. 2. The amplitude of receptor potentials in a taste cell induced by 1 mM acetic acid increased as the concentration of Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ on the tongue surface was increased. 3. The amplitude of the acid-induced receptor potential was inhibited by about 40% by a proton pump blocker DCCD (N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide) added to superficial normal saline. 4. It is concluded that most of the acid-induced response in a frog taste cell was generated by current carried through proton-gated Ca2+ channel of the apical receptive membrane. The remaining part of the acid response was generated by current carried through a DCCD-sensitive proton transporter of the receptive membrane.

[Transition of diagnosis and treatment for impotence]

Statistic study was made on 685 outpatients with erectile dysfunction during 13 years periods from 1979 to 1991 in the Department of Urology, Takamatsu Red Cross Hospital. The age distribution showed the highest frequency in the thirties decade (27.9%). 1. Diagnosis Nocturnal penile tumescence monitoring was the only method to distinguish organic impotence from functional impotence during the first 5 years. From 1984 we have been able to diagnose corporal veno-occlusive insufficiency (CVI) by papaverine test and dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography. Measurement of penile brachial index and pelvic angiography were performed to diagnose arterial insufficiency (AI). In neurological examination we have measured bulbo-cavernosus reflex latency and nerve conduction velocity of the dorsal penile nerve and performed microvibration measurement and sweat spots test. All diagnostic methods were established in 1987 and we have been able to classify about 80% patients. We classified 305 patients during the last 5 years from 1987 as follows: psychogenic; 31.1%, CVI; 20.0%, AI; 7.9%, neurogenic; 7.9%, others; 14.1%, drop-out and unknown; 19.0%. 2. Treatment In the beginning only counseling and drug therapy were performed. However we lately performed various suitable methods for individuals based on their diagnoses. We performed counseling, drug therapy and intracavernous injection of vasoactive drug therapy for recovery of spontaneous erection (vascular training) for psychogenic IMP. The efficacy rate of counseling was low (30.4%) but that of drug therapy was 41.6%, and that of vascular training, 64.2%. For CVI without other factors we performed venous surgeries. Only about 25% of them perform sexual intercourse with or without self injection of vasoactive drug (self injection).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A study of osteopenia in liver cirrhosis by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)]

We studied osteopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Total body bone mineral density showed a positive correlation with the lumbar spine bone mineral density, and % age matched total body bone mineral density under 90% was defined as osteopenia. The incidence of osteopenia in 54 patients with liver cirrhosis was 20.4%. Since this osteopenia had no relationship to the general risk factors for osteoporosis, it was suggested that it is a complication specific to liver cirrhosis. Because the level of serum total bilirubin and the activity of serum total alkaline phosphatase in the group with osteopenia were usually higher than those in the group without osteopenia, it was suggested that osteopenia in liver cirrhosis might be related to hepatic dysfunction.

Activation of the secretory pathway leads to a decrease in the intracellular amyloidogenic fragments generated from the amyloid protein precursor

The activation of the secretory pathway for the amyloid protein precursor (APP) by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in human glioblastoma A-172 cells leads to a decrease in intracellular beta-amyloidogenic fragments derived from APP. The result suggests that a metabolic switch of APP from the endosomal/lysosomal pathway to a secretion route occurs after PMA treatment.

[6 cases of CABG post coronary stent]

In recent years, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has been actively carried out as a therapeutic method of the ischemic cardiopathies, and Stent therapy has been clinically applied as settlement method of problematical points of the acute occlusion and dissection of the coronary artery by PTCA. We experienced 6 cases necessitated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) after insertion of Palmaz-Schatz Stent until March 1992. The emergent bypass was carried out in 3 of 6 cases because thrombotic occlusion developed although Stent was inserted in thrombotic occlusion after PTCA, while 2 cases were not life-saved because of the cardiac function was worsened before operation. Other 3 cases were life-saved by expectant treatment even though stenosis developed again after Stent therapy. Stent therapy is a useful method, while severity in cases using CABG and operative complexity are expected by development of new problematical point in the future.

[Relationship between aging and hydroxyproline content of serum in human being]

The authors have studied the effects of physical exercise on extracellular substances of several tissues in animals. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) exist in the form of peptide and the free state in blood. It is generally thought that Hyp in blood derived from the decomposition of collagen in tissue. To clarify the influence on collagen metabolism due to aging and exercise training, we attempted to see the changes of Hyp content of serum before and after exercise in human being. Subjects were 51 adult aged 20 to 74 years, and 10 nonathletes and 51 athletes, aged 18 to 22 years. The Hyp content in serum was measured by woessner's method. The Hyp content of serum decreased with age. This fact suggests that the formation of intramolecular and intermolecular cross-links in collagen of tissue is accelerated by aging. And there is a possibility that the proportion of insoluble collagen increased in tissue of aged human being. Before the exercise, Hyp content of serum in athlete was lower than that in nonathletes. Hyp content of serum increased remarkably after the exercise in athlete. These results suggest that the collagen metabolism may be accelerated by continuous exercise training.

[Long-term results of isolated mitral valve replacement using bioprosthesis]

We evaluated late clinical results of 134 hospital survivors, of whom 152 patients underwent isolated mitral valve replacement with bioprosthesis from September, 1976 to July, 1989 for acquired valvular heart diseases. One hundred fifty-two bioprosthesis consisted of Hancock porcine aortic, 44, Carpentier-Edwards porcine aortic, 28 Ionescu-Shiley pericardial 46 and Carpentier-Edwards pericardial 34. The cumulative follow-up period was 1151.0 patient.year (pt.yr). The actuarial survival rate with Kaplan-Meier method was 82.4%, 79.9%, 76.0% at 5, 7 and 10 years respectively. The actuarial event free rate of primary tissue failure was 96.7%, 82.8% and 56.7% at 5, 7 and 10 years respectively. The linealized rate of bioprosthetic valve endocarditis was 0.3%/Pt.yr. Although 104 patients (77.6%) of 134 received postoperative anticoagulant therapy with Warfarin sodium about for one year. Thromboembolic complications occurred at rate of 1.3%/Pt.yr. The bioprosthesis in the mitral position is now used only in the selected patients because of the limited long term durability and necessity of permanent anticoagulant therapy.

Protein kinase C and its endogenous substrate proteins in isolated cow liver parenchymal cells

Protein kinase C activity was evaluated and its endogenous substrate proteins were explored in isolated cow liver parenchymal cells. Protein kinase C activity was detected in both cytosolic and total particulate fractions of the cells. At least four proteins in cytosolic and seven proteins in total particulate fractions were found to be substrates for protein kinase C. These results suggested that protein kinase C-catalyzed protein phosphorylation was involved in the regulation of functions of cow liver parenchymal cells.

[A study of sensitization and symptoms in adult asthmatics who keep cat and dog]

We studied hypersensitivity to cats and dogs in three hundred adult asthmatics who kept them. Some findings were noted as follows. 1) The mean duration for which cats were kept was 6.2 +/- 10.1 (1 S.D.) years and that for dogs was 4.2 +/- 9.6 (1 S.D.) years. 2) The positive rate in intradermal tests to dog dander was 7% and to cat hair-epithelium 32%. The positive RAST (score > or = 2) rate to cat epithelium was 36.1%, to dog dander 31.6% and to dog epithelium 7.3% respectively. 3) Eleven to 18% of the dog keepers and 23 to 36% of the cat keepers whose RAST score were positive were aware of the relationship between pets and asthma, specifically concerning eye and nose symptoms. 4) Thirty percent of the cat and dog keepers had become sensitized to them after keeping them for under one year. The positive RAST rate was unchanged in those who kept Japanese native dogs but increased in those who kept foreign breeds after 3 to 6 years. The rate of sensitization rate to cats tended to increase along with the period for which they were kept. 5) Dog dander RAST scores among the foreign breed keepers were significantly higher than those among the native dog keepers. If the dog breed was the same, the RAST score was not higher if the dog was kept indoors than if it was kept outdoors. We concluded that a possible reason why the RAST scores were higher among those who kept foreign breeds was that foreign breeds have stronger allergenicity.

Cloning and expression of large isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase from human pancreatic islet

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) catalyzes formation of gamma-aminobutyric acid from glutamic acid and is a major autoantigen in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Its two isoforms, GAD65 and GAD67, are encoded by two separate genes. We prepared human islet cDNA library and screened it with cDNA probes of rat brain GAD67. We cloned the cDNA for GAD67, the large isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase, and determined its nucleotide sequence. Sequencing of the resulting clone identified a 1,785 residue open-reading frame encoded a 594 amino acid polypeptide that showed a 99.4% similarity with GAD67 from human brain. The bacterially expressed human islet GAD67 protein was enzymatically active and immunoreactive. The isolation of cDNA for this additional islet GAD isoforms will be important in studying the etiology and pathogenesis of IDDM.

Bovine haptoglobin as a possible immunomodulator in the sera of transported calves

Bovine haptoglobin, which has been recognized as an acute phase protein following tissue injury and inflammation, was detected as a 33 k + 20 k Dalton fraction in the sera from calves transported by road for 2 days. The sera also possessed suppressive activity on lymphocyte proliferative response to concanavalin A. A significant correlation (r = 0.57, P < 0.05) was observed between haptoglobin concentrations and lymphocyte suppression in the sera. Furthermore, the haptoglobin fraction obtained from acute phase sera exerted dose-dependent suppression on lymphocyte blastogenesis. These circumstantial data suggest the possible involvement of bovine haptoglobin, at least in part, as an immunomodulator in serum suppression of lymphocyte blastogenesis in transported calves.

[A case of pure trigeminal motor neuropathy]

A 38-year-old man suffering from pure trigeminal motor neuropathy was admitted with a complaint of occipitalgia. Neurological examination showed severe wasting of the left masseter muscle on chewing. The jaw deviated to the left when he opened his mouth. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal. The CT scan demonstrated a low density area in the left masseter, temporalis, lateral and medial pterygoid muscles. On MRI, the lesion of the left masseter, temporalis, lateral and medial pterygoid muscles showed high intensity of T1 and T2 weighted images. The cervical MRI revealed the non-communicating syringomyelia. Blink reflex, auditory brainstem response and trigeminal sensory evoked potentials were normal. EMG findings from the left masseter showed a neurogenic pattern. Muscle biopsy of the left temporal muscle demonstrated only fibroadipose tissue. Therefore, the present case was diagnosed as pure trigeminal motor neuropathy. It was suggested that multiple sclerosis might play an important role in the pathogenesis of this illness.

[Surgical treatment of membranous ventricular septal aneurysm with posterior ventricular septal defect--a case report]

A 45-year-old woman was hospitalized for examination of a cardiac murmur. She had undergone surgery for a membranous ventricular septal defect at the age of 22. Cardiac catheterization showed a membranous ventricular septal aneurysm and a residual shunt. At reoperation, we found the membranous septal aneurysm to be accompanied with a posterior ventricular septal defect. The septal defect was closed with a Dacron patch, and the septal aneurysm was excised, with direct closure. Membranous ventricular septal aneurysm is generally associated with membranous ventricular septal defect. Cases of membranous ventricular septal aneurysm with posterior ventricular septal defect are rare.

NMDA receptor, protein kinase C and calmodulin system participate in the long-term potentiation in guinea pig superior colliculus slices

To investigate the involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, protein kinase C (PKC) and calmodulin on long-term potentiation (LTP) formation in the superior colliculus (SC), the effects of an NMDA receptor antagonist (D-APV), PKC inhibitors (H-7, K-252a, K-252b, polymyxin B), a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (H-8) and a calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase inhibitor (calmidazolium) on LTP formation were studied in guinea pig SC slices. APV (100 microM) masked the expression of LTP by tetanic stimulation, but the LTP once formed was not influenced by application of APV. LTP was blocked by application of H-7 (100 microM), but LTP reappeared 20 min after removal of H-7 from the perfusion medium without further tetanic stimulation. On the other hand, established LTP was also inhibited by application of H-7 even 90 min after the tetanic stimulation. Application of K-252a (500 nM) inhibited LTP formation, but K-252b (500 nM) had no inhibitory effect on LTP formation since K-252b, unlike K-252a, cannot permeate the cell membrane. Tetanic stimulation was applied 20 min after application of polymyxin B (1 microM) to the medium but it could not induce LTP, while established LTP was not influenced by the drug. Application of calmidazolium (50 microM) inhibited LTP formation, but had no inhibitory effect on LTP once formed. These results suggest that both the NMDA receptor and calmodulin system are involved in the induction of LTP after tetanic stimulation. This leads to PKC activation which maintains the LTP.

[A case of thymic cyst & thymolipoma with ocular myasthenia gravis]

A 65-year-old woman with ocular myasthenia gravis (MG) and thymic tumor underwent expanded thymectomy. Histologically the tumor was thymic cyst and thymolipoma. To our knowledge, there has been no case reported in medical literatures, which is thymic cyst & thymolipoma with ocular MG. This case suggests some effect of steroid therapy.

[Clinical use of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheets (GORE-TEX SHEETS) as a pericardial substitute after aorto coronary bypass grafting]

Reoperation after cardiovascular surgical procedures are often accompanied by the possibility of injuring the heart the great vessels, and extracardiac grafts during resternotomy. To reduce the risk associated with resternotomy and to facilitate dissection of intrapericardial adhesion, we have used GORE-TEX SHEET as pericardial substitute since January, 1989. In case GORE-TEX SHEET are implanted in the mediastinum, prolongation of the foreign body reaction, mediastinitis, increasing postoperative hemorrhage should be in mind. In this study, the biocompatibility of GORE-TEX SHEET was examined clinically. The following postoperative indices such as duration of fever, change of the WBC counts, WBC fraction, CRP, mediastinal hemorrhage are evaluated. These results showed no statistical significance between GORE-TEX SHEET group and autologous pericardial group by the randomized study. We recommend use of GORE-TEX SHEET as a pericardial substitute in cases of major cardiovascular operation using median sternotomy.

[A case of myocardial revascularization in a patient after renal transplantation]

A 46-year-old woman after renal transplantation 10 years ago underwent CABG using the right internal thoracic artery to LAD, the left internal thoracic artery to Circumflex and the right gastroepiploic artery to RCA, with the diagnosis of unstable angina (triple vessels disease) after failed PTCA. The postoperative course has been uneventful. To our knowledge, this is the first case who underwent GABG after renal transplantation in Japan.