Host range phenotype induced by mutations in the internal ribosomal entry site of poliovirus RNA

Most poliovirus strains infect only primates. The host range (HR) of poliovirus is thought to be primarily determined by a cell surface molecule that functions as poliovirus receptor (PVR), since it has been shown that transgenic mice are made poliovirus sensitive by introducing the human PVR gene into the genome. The relative levels of neurovirulence of polioviruses tested in these transgenic mice were shown to correlate well with the levels tested in monkeys (H. Horie et al., J. Virol. 68:681-688, 1994). Mutants of the virulent Mahoney strain of poliovirus have been generated by disruption of nucleotides 128 to 134, at stem-loop II within the 5' noncoding region, and four of these mutants multiplicated well in human HeLa cells but poorly in mouse TgSVA cells that had been established from the kidney of the poliovirus-sensitive transgenic mouse. Neurovirulence tests using the two animal models revealed that these mutants were strongly attenuated only in tests with the mouse model and were therefore HR mutants. The virus infection cycle in TgSVA cells was restricted by an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-dependent initiation process of translation. Viral protein synthesis and the associated block of cellular protein synthesis were not observed in TgSVA cells infected with three of four HR mutants and was evident at only a low level in the remaining mutant. The mutant RNAs were functional in a cell-free protein synthesis system from HeLa cells but not in those from TgSVA and mouse neuroblastoma NS20Y cells. These results suggest that host factor(s) affecting IRES-dependent translation of poliovirus differ between human and mouse cells and that the mutant IRES constructs detect species differences in such host factor(s). The IRES could potentially be a host range determinant for poliovirus infection.

Expression of interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme gene family and bcl-2 gene family in the rat brain following permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery

Recent investigations have been suggesting that some neuronal subpopulations may die via programmed cell death after focal ischemic injury. To clarify the possible roles of the genes involved in the cell-death program, this study examined the expression of three members of the interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (Ice) gene family (Ice, Nedd2, and Yama/CPP32) and two members of the bcl-2 gene family (bcl-2 and bcl-x) in the rat brain after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Northern blot analysis revealed a transient induction of Nedd2 mRNA 8 h after the ischemic insult (3.8-fold) and an increase in Yama/CPP32 mRNA 16 to 24 h after the insult (5.8-fold at 24 h), whereas the expression of Ice remained constant. The expression of bcl-2 and bcl-x remained constant after the ischemic insult. Taking into account the key role of the Ice gene family in the execution of programmed cell death, the induction of Ice gene family might play a causative role in apoptotic cell death.

BAY K 8644 and ClO4- potentiate caffeine contracture without Ca2+ release channel activation

Effects of perchlorate (ClO4-) and BAY K 8644 on caffeine contracture and Ca2+ release channel current were studied in frog skeletal muscle. Single fibers produced a small transient contracture on addition of 2.2 mM caffeine. ClO4 at 10 mM enhanced caffeine contracture 3.7-fold. This effect was inhibited by 10 microM nifedipine pretreatment. An increase in caffeine contracture was also obtained after exposure to 0.1 microM BAY K 8644 for 1 h. At 20 mM, external K+ potentiated caffeine contracture 2.2-fold. ClO4- (< 10 mM) and BAY K 8644 (0.1-1 microM) did not affect open probability (Po), unitary conductance, and open and closed time constants of the Ca2+ release channel current. BAY K 8644 at 0.1 microM did not further enhance the channel that had been activated by 2 mM caffeine. However, 20-30 mM ClO4 increased Po significantly and led the channel to a long open state by increasing the slow open time constant and decreasing the fast closed time constant. These results suggest that binding of ClO4 and BAY K 8644 to dihydropyridine receptors elicits a further increase in Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Suppressive effects of chronic hyperprolactinemia on penile erection and yawning following administration of apomorphine to pituitary-transplanted rats

Recent studies showed in vivo and in vitro that acutely introduced prolactin (PRL) excess was capable of diminishing penile erectile function independently of the LH-testosterone (T) dynamics. In the present investigation, we examined if such independent suppressive effects can be demonstrated in the pituitary-transplant rat model with chronically elevated serum PRL. We also compared the effects of pituitary transplantation and castration on the level of erectile activity. Rats were made hyperprolactinemic by homologous transplantation of three anterior pituitaries underneath the kidney capsules, with the eutopic pituitaries left in situ. Before and 3, 5, and 8 weeks after transplant or sham surgeries, 80 micrograms/kg s.c. injection of apomorphine was given as an inducer of erection. This was followed by 30-minute observation periods during which the numbers of erections and yawning were recorded. Similar experiments were also performed with castrated rats without transplanted pituitaries. In the transplanted rats plasma PRL was markedly elevated (51.4 +/- 3.7 ng/ml) and was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the values in the sham group (6.0 +/- 2.7 ng/ml). In contrast, plasma T was not different (P > 0.05) between the two groups. The castrated rats showed very low plasma T (0.17 +/- 0.01 ng/ml, P < 0.05 compared to the sham group) and normal PRL (P > 0.05). The numbers of both erection and yawning were significantly (P < 0.05-0.01) less in the transplant than in the sham group 8 weeks after surgeries. Castrated rats showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) only in the numbers of erection. These results indicated that the pituitary transplantation with chronic excess of PRL and castration with T deficiency caused roughly comparable degrees of suppression of penile erectile activity through mechanisms presumably independent from one another in the rat.

Primary culture of chicken hepatocytes in serum-free medium (pH 7.8) secreted albumin and transferrin for a long period in free gas exchange with atmosphere

To study liver functions of chicken, we examined the primary culture of chicken hepatocytes, and found an easy method of long-term culture with free atmosphere exchange. Chicken hepatocytes were obtained by collagenase perfusion and cultured at 37 degrees C as a monolayer without substratum in serum-free L-15 medium (pH 7.8) with free atmosphere exchange. The amounts of albumin and transferrin in medium were assayed by ELISA. The culture of chicken hepatocytes was maintained in the serum-free L15-medium )pH 7.) and 37 degrees C with free atmosphere exchange for 20 days. The amount of albumin secreted in the medium decreased to low levels early in culture; however, this was followed by marked increase from day 9 to day 17 of culture. The amount of transferrin was constant until day 6, then it too increased with further culture. We reported an easy method for the simple monolayer culture of chicken hepatocytes in serum-free L12 medium (pH 7.8) with free atmosphere exchange over an extended period. Expression of liver-specific functions, viz. albumin and transferrin synthesis, was observed after 1 week of culture.

[Enteral alimentation at home: why PEG now?]

The history of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is relatively short. In 1980, a report entitled "Gastrostomy without laparotomy: A percutaneous endoscopic technique" by Ponsky and Gaudere was first published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery. Thereafter, PEG soon saw widespread use in Western countries because of its clinical efficacy and economy. It has been performed in about 170,000 cases annually in the US. In contrast, its spread in Japan has been extremely slow: only about 10,000 cases have undergone this procedure annually, and this number accounted for less than 5% of patients receiving enteral alimentation. The reason why PEG has not spread may be the medical insurance system in Japan and the local distaste for operation scarring. However, in consideration of the unprecedented ageing of society that is surely coming in the near future, the role of PEG in Japan must be reexamined. In this report, we presented the methodology of enteral alimentation at home by means of PEG, giving special consideration to: (1) "What points are improved by using enteral alimentation at home by means of PEG in various diseases; (2) dysphagia due to cerebral angiopathy; (3) terminal cancer; (4) otolaryngological diseases; and (5) Crohn disease. We also discussed "Why PEG is important now?" in performing enteral alimentation at home.

Depression among cancer patients

This study was done to investigate the frequency of co-morbidity and to demonstrate the best method for assessing depression among cancer patients. The subjects were 50 (25 male and 25 female) cancer patients and 50 (25 male and 25 female) medically ill patients. All subjects were interviewed by psychiatrists and were administered psychological tests such as SAS (self-rating anxiety scale), SDS (self-rating depression scale), POMS (Profile of Mood States), HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and DRP (Depression-related personality traits). The psychiatric interview revealed that 44% of cancer patients and 38% of the medical patients had mental disorders according to DSM-IV. The most frequently observed disorder was depression, which was seen in 28% of the cancer patients and 30% of the medical patients. The cancer patients with depression scored significantly higher on the DRP and the Anger mood state of POMS than did the medically ill patients with depression. In addition, most psychological tests employed had no discrimination between depressed and normal subjects among the cancer and the medical patients. However, it was found that the Depression scale in HADS (HADS-D) split depressed patients from normal subjects since the HADS-D was composed of items that were not concerned with physically ill conditions.

Identification of K1/K10 and K5/K14 keratin pairs in human melanoma cell lines

Keratin expression in cultured malignant melanoma cells has been studied only rarely. Moreover, no studies have reported of universality of keratin expression in human malignant melanoma cells. In this study, therefore, we analyzed keratin expression in eight cell lines. Using a low-salt aqueous solution without high salt and Triton X-100, as a washing buffer for keratin extraction, followed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and immunological analysis, we demonstrated keratin expression in all eight human malignant melanoma cell lines. The keratin polypeptide expressions common to all melanoma cells were K1, K5, K10 and K14. In addition, K8, K13, K17 and K18, respectively, were detected in individual cells. A measure of keratin expression universality in malignant melanoma cells may have implications regarding their invasive and metastatic behaviors, co-expressed with vimentin.

Lobectomy by video-assisted thoracic surgery for a hilar bronchial carcinoid tumor

A 45-year-old man with bronchial carcinoid arising from the subsegmental middle-lobe bronchus was treated by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Lobectomy with mediastinal and hilar lymph node sampling was successfully performed in this patient. To obtain a tumor-free surgical margin on the middle-lobe bronchus, the interlobar pulmonary artery was retracted posteriorly, the middle-lobe bronchus anteriorly. The bronchus was then stapled and transected.

[Clinical study of home hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for liver metastasis from colorectal cancer]

The clinical response and QOL were examined with 16 outpatients treated with home hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for liver metastasis from colorectal cancer. Fluorouracil 1,000 mg/body/week was administered by 5-hour intra-arterial infusion with a portable disposable pump. Six out of 8 who replied to a questionnaire survey led a their usual life during the treatment, and the average hospitalization period was only 7 days (including mortal cases). The clinical response was evaluated with 13 patients; 3 prophylactic treatment cases were excluded from the original 16 cases. The number of partial responses and no change were 3 and 7, respectively, and the overall response rate was 23.1%. These studies suggest that home hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy is beneficial for patients with liver metastasis by improving their QOL.

Lung tissue behavior in the mouse during constriction induced by methacholine and endothelin-1

Recently, mice have been extensively used to investigate the pathogenesis of pulmonary disease because appropriate murine models, including transgenic mice, are being increasingly developed. However, little information about the lung mechanics of mice is currently available. We questioned whether lung tissue behavior and the coupling between dissipative and elastic processes, hysteresivity (eta), in mice would be different from those in the other species. To address this question, we investigated whether tissue resistance (Rti) and eta in mice would be affected by varying lung volume, constriction induced by methacholine (MCh) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), and high-lung-volume challenge during induced constriction. From measured tracheal flow and tracheal and alveolar pressures in open-chest ICR mice during mechanical ventilation [tidal volume = 8 ml/kg, frequency (f) = 2.5 Hz], we calculated lung resistance (RL), Rti, airway resistance (Raw), lung elastance (EL), and eta (= 2piRti/EL). Under baseline conditions, increasing levels of end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure decreased Raw and increased Rti. The administration of aerosolized MCh and intravenous ET-1 increased RL, Rti, Raw, and EL in a dose-dependent manner. Rti increased from 0.207 +/- 0.010 to 0.570 +/- 0.058 cmH2O.ml-1.s after 10(-7) mol/kg ET-1 (P < 0.01). After induced constriction, increasing end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure decreased Raw. However, eta was not affected by changing lung volume, constriction induced by MCh and ET-1, or high-lung-volume challenge during induced constriction. These observations suggest that 1) eta is stable in mice regardless of various conditions, 2) Rti is an important fraction of RL and increases after induced contriction, and 3) mechanical interdependence may affect airway smooth muscle shortening in this species. In mammalian species, including mice, analysis of eta may indicate that both Rti and EL essentially respond to a similar degree.

Giant degenerative perineurial cell tumor

We report a case of giant perineurial cell tumor, probably benign, with extensive degenerative changes. The secondary changes were reminiscent of those in giant ancient neurilemomas. To our knowledge, there has been no documentation of the imaging features in perineurioma. The MR findings of the present tumor, especially on T2-weighted images, correlated well with the histologic appearance.

Genomic organization, expression, and chromosomal mapping of the mouse adrenomedullin gene

We have isolated and characterized the mouse adrenomedullin (AM) gene (Adm) and determined its chromosomal location. The gene spans approximately 2.1 kb and is organized into four exons separated by three introns. The transcription start site was determined to be the adenine nucleotide at -618. The mouse AM 5'-flanking region contains a TATA box-like sequence and several cis-acting regulatory elements. Analysis of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences revealed that mouse preproAM is a 184-amino-acid polypeptide, from which AM and proAM N-terminal 20 peptide are cleaved. Using restriction fragment length variants on a DNA panel of interspecific backcross mice, we mapped Adm to a distal region of mouse chromosome 7.

[Usefulness of contrast-enhanced CT of the peritoneum to evaluate efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for peritoneal dissemination in an advanced gastric cancer case]

We performed contrast-enhanced CT before and after chemotherapy in a patient with advanced gastric cancer to assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for peritoneal dissemination. The patient was preoperatively given combined chemotherapy with UFT and CDDP. Hepatic metastatic and peritoneal disseminated foci were markedly reduced on CT. Thus CT proved to be useful for assessing peritoneal dissemination and the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Roles of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in hyperpnea-induced constriction in guinea pigs

It has been reported that hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs is a potential model for exercise-induced asthma in humans. We hypothesized that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) could modulate leukotriene D4 (LTD4)-induced responses and be involved in the pathophysiology in this asthma model. We measured tracheal (Ptr) and alveolar pressure (PA) using alveolar capsules in open-chested, mechanically ventilated (f = 1 Hz, VT = 9 ml/kg, PEEP = 4 cm H2O) guinea pigs. Animals were intravenously pretreated with saline (SAL), CGRP(8-37) (CGRP receptor antagonist), CGRP, MK-571 (LTD4 receptor antagonist), MK-886 (5-lipoxygenase inhibitor), or CGRP(8-37) + MK-571, and then underwent dry gas hyperpnea challenge (HC, 95% 02-5% CO2, 150 breaths/min, 7 min). We calculated resistance of lung (RL), tissue (Rti), and airway (Raw). HC increased RL, Rti, and Raw in SAL controls (322 +/- 27, 430 +/- 59, 299 +/- 23% baseline, respectively). MK-571, MK-886, and CGRP significantly reduced the responses to HC, while CGRP(8-37) enhanced HC-induced responses. Pretreatment with CGRP(8-37) and MK-571 in combination attenuated HC-induced constriction. In addition, pretreatment with CGRP reduced responses induced by intravenous administration of LTD4. These observations suggest that CGRP might be involved in the pathophysiology of hyperpnea-induced constriction in guinea pigs via modulation of LTD4-elicited responses.

Inhibition of Trypanosoma cruzi growth in mammalian cells by purine and pyrimidine analogs

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease, exhibits two different developmental stages in mammals, the amastigote, an intracellular form that proliferates in the cytoplasm of host cells, and the trypomastigote, an extracellular form that circulates in the bloodstream. We have already established an in vitro culture system using mammalian host cells (HeLa) infected with T. cruzi in which the time course of parasite growth is determined quantitatively. We adopted this system for the screening of anti-T. cruzi agents that would ideally prove to be effective against trypanosomes with no toxicity to the host cell. Of the purine analogs tested, allopurinol markedly inhibited the growth of amastigotes in a dose-dependent manner, with no lethal effect on trypomastigotes. 3'-Deoxyinosine and 3'-deoxyadenosine also suppressed T. cruzi growth inside the host cell, with the concentrations causing 50% growth inhibition being 10 and 5 microM, respectively, in contrast to a concentration causing 50% growth inhibition of 3 microM for allopurinol. Among the pyrimidine analogs examined, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (zidovudine) significantly reduced the growth of the parasite at concentrations as low as 1 microM. The anti-human immunodeficiency virus agents 2',3'-dideoxyinosine and 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine caused a decrease in amastigote growth, while 2',3'-dideoxycytidine and 2',3'-dideoxyuridine had no inhibitory effect. When Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts were used as host cells, allopurinol, 3'-deoxyinosine, 3'-deoxyadenosine, and 3'-azid-3'-deoxythymidine also markedly inhibited T. cruzi proliferation. These results indicate that our culture system is useful as a primary screening method for candidate compounds against T. cruzi on the basis of two criteria, namely, intracellular replication by the parasite and host-cell infection rate.

Studies on the site of ethanol action in inducing prolactin release in male rats

Hypersecretion of prolactin (PRL) has been implicated as one of the factors that mediate ethanol-induced hypogonadism, but the site(s) in the central nervous system where ethanol acts to lead to the stimulation of PRL secretion is unknown. To clarify the site(s) of ethanol action, medial basal hypothalamic deafferentation (MBHD) or medial basal hypothalamic ablation (MBHA) were performed stereotaxically in male rats, and their PRL secretory capacity in response to acute ethanol administration was compared with that of intact or sham-operated controls. In intact control rats, plasma immunoreactive PRL concentration increased markedly (P < .001 v saline injection) following ethanol 400 to 500 mg/100 g body weight (BW) intraperitoneally (IP). The PRL response was dose-related and reached a maximum plateau level at 15 minutes. Plasma PRL returned to a near-basal level by 60 minutes. The response was blocked completely (P < .001) by pretreatment with dopamine (1 mg per rat), a specific inhibitor of adenohypophyseal PRL secretion. In sham-operated rats and in MBHD and MBHA rats, ethanol (500 mg/100 g BW IP) induced a significant (P < .001 to .05) elevation of PRL relative to the respective saline treatment. The basal level was significantly (P < .005) lower in the MBHD group (5.3 +/- 0.9 ng/mL) and significantly (P < .001) higher in the MBHA group (101.1 +/- 15.7 ng/mL) than in the sham group (17.2 +/- 5.9 ng/mL). These results suggest the following: (1) acute ethanol administration stimulates PRL secretion from the pituitary in a dose-related manner, (2) ethanol appears to have direct stimulatory effects on adenohypophyseal PRL secretion, and (3) extrahypothalamic brain areas exert a stimulatory influence and the hypothalamus an inhibitory influence on basal PRL secretion.

[Experimental study on CDDP, 5-FU concentrations of paraaortic and mesenteric lymph nodes after subphrenic infusion]

We examined about CDDP, 5-FU concentration of paraaortic and mesenteric lymph nodes in rats after subphrenic infusion. Rats were administrated 5-FU 1 ml (250 mg/kg) or CDDP 1 ml (2.5 mg/kg) via three routes, subphrenic, Douglas, and intravenously. Compared 5-FU concentration of lymph nodes between intravenous infusion group and intraperitoneal infusion group (subphrenic infusion group + Douglas infusion group) after high dose administration, the concentration of lymph nodes in the intraperitoneal group were about 2.5 times higher value maintained than that of the intravenous infusion group significantly. Also the same results were obtained even in the cases administrated regular dose CDDP. Compared subphrenic infusion group with Douglas infusion group for CDDP, 5-FU concentration of lymph nodes, there was no significant difference between 2 groups. However, there was a tendency that the CDDP, 5-FU concentration of lymph nodes of the subphrenic infusion group was higher value maintained than that of the Douglas infusion group. Therefore it is conceivable that the subphrenic infusion therapy may be expected for the clinical application in the future.

Relationship between narcissistic tendencies and psychiatric conditions in patients undergoing physical rehabilitation

This study examined the relationship between psychiatric conditions and narcissism in 78 patients with physical rehabilitation for illnesses such as cerebrovascular disease. The frequency of psychiatric disorders (Major Depression and Adjustment Disorder) was significantly higher for the patient group than for the healthy control group. The patients had significantly higher scores on measures of psychiatric symptoms including depression and lower scores on a narcissistic factor (Self-sufficiency) than the controls. In the patient group, the Self-sufficiency scores were significantly and positively correlated with Vigor scores. In the patient and control groups, although the correlation coefficient was not high and no significant difference was noted, the Self-sufficiency scores were negatively correlated with the Depression scores. These findings suggest that, in patients undergoing physical rehabilitation, poor Self-sufficiency is related to a decrease in vigor as a depressive symptom, perhaps due to the loss of physical functioning.

Behavior of calcium and phosphate in artificial casein micelles

This study investigated the behavior of Ca and phosphate in artificial casein micelles using 45Ca and 32P by means of UF, equilibrium dialysis, and gel permeation HPLC in the presence of 6 M urea. Artificial casein micelles were prepared at a casein concentration of 2.5% with 30 to 40 mM Ca, 22 to 27 mM phosphate, and 10 mM citrate using 45Ca or 32P. About 75 and 65% of colloidal 45Ca and 32P, respectively, in artificial casein micelles that were formed in the presence of 30 mM Ca and 22 mM phosphate were exchanged after dialysis of artificial casein micelles against a simulated milk ultrafiltrate at 4 degrees C for 72 h. The percentages of 45Ca and 32P in the fraction of casein aggregates that were crosslinked by micellar Ca phosphate were 26.9 and 27.6%, which decreased to about 10% after equilibrium dialysis against a simulated milk ultrafiltrate at 4 degrees C for 72 h. The proportion of exchanged colloidal 45Ca and 32P in artificial casein micelles during dialysis for 72 h were higher at 25 degrees C than at 4 degrees C, suggesting that the exchange of Ca and phosphate between the diffusible and colloidal phases depended on temperature. The results suggest that the exchange of Ca and phosphate between diffusible and colloidal phases proceeds slowly, and a portion of the Ca and phosphate in the artificial casein micelles is difficult to exchange.

Secretory function of adrenal chromaffin cells cultured on polypyrrole films

Polypyrrole (PPy) is a conducting polymer and is obtained electrochemically on an electrode such as indium-tin oxide (ITO). In this study, in order to develop a novel cell-culture system which makes it possible to communicate with cultured mammalian cells, bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were cultured on PPy-coated ITO plates for 7 days and the influence of PPy-coating on the cell functions was investigated. Since the chromaffin cells synthesize and secrete catecholamines such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, the amount of synthesized and released catecholamines from the chromaffin cells cultured on PPy-coating and ITO itself were measured. The cells on the PPy-coated ITO plate could be kept in culture, without any significant changes in morphology and in the secretory responsiveness to acetylcholine as compared with those of the cells cultured on collagen. On the contrary, the cells on the ITO plate lost the responsiveness, while the amount of catecholamines synthesized was affected little by both PPy and ITO surfaces. It is suggested that PPy supports the secretory function of the chromaffin cells when they are cultured on it. This paper describes that PPy films are applicable as a polymer-modified electrode which support the cell function without collagen.

Common acute lymphoblastic leukemia preceded by hypercalcemia in an infant

A case of common acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) preceded by hypercalcemia was observed in an infant. A high blood level of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTH-rP) was detected during the first examination at Ohashi Hospital. Treatment with antineoplastic agents led to complete remission. The blood PTH-rP level decreased as a result of treatment. PTH-rP produced by leukemic cells was though to be the cause of the hypercalcemia.

[A case of huge renal angiomyolipoma calculated doubling time]

A 32-year-old man was admitted with a sudden onset of severe left flank pain. The abdominal and MRI showed bilateral renal tumors with left perirenal hematoma. Selective right renal biopsy under the guidance of ultrasonography revealed that right renal tumor was angiomyolipoma (AML). After performing left renal embolization of the left renal artery, left was performed. The histology of the excised specimen was also AML. This patient had visited to the other clinics in 1985 and in 1988, and was examined by CT. Accordingly, doubling time of this tumor was calculated by ellipsoid method. Doubling time in 1985-1988 was days, and that in 1988-1995 was 675 days. Growth change of left renal AML did not show curve.