[Composite arterial conduits with internal thoracic artery and inferior epigastric artery for a myocardial revascularization]

From November 1992 to February 1995, 10 patients were submitted to myocardial revascularization using composite arterial conduit with internal thoracic artery (ITA) and inferior epigastric artery (IEA). The age ranged from 48 to 68 years (mean age, 60.3 years); all patients were male. All patients had double-or triple vessel disease. The mean ejection fraction was 61.8% (range, 43 to 77%). We used 28 arterial conduits including 5 right ITAs, 10 left ITAs, 10 IEAs, and 3 right gastroepiploic artery. 10 IEAs were anastomosed to one ITAs and 10 composite arterial conduits were constructed (branched in 3, lengthened in 7). In 5 patients a double ITAs were used in a single patient. There was no operative mortality and fetal complication. Early postoperative angiographic controls demonstrated 100% patency of composite grafts in 9 of 10 patients. The composite arterial graft using ITAs and IEAs is feasible and the anastomoses so performed are completely safe.

Immunochemical detection of metallothionein in brain

Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been used to determine the levels of metallothionein (MT) isoforms in the brain, its regions, and its cellular elements. MT is found abundantly in the astrocytes but not in the oligodendroglia or microglia. The induction of astrocytic metallothionein by cytokines suggests an important role for this protein in providing long-term protection against oxidative damage in tissue injury and inflammation.

[Ischemic cerebrovascular disease in patients with atrial fibrillation]

The purpose of this retrospective study was to elucidate 1) which subgroups are prone to have ischemic cerebrovascular disease (CVD) among patients with atrial fibrillation (Af), 2) vulnerable period of CVD after the diagnosis of chronic Af and 3) the clinical efficacy of antiplatelet therapy in chronic nonvalvular Af patients. During 9 years, a total of 479 patients included 124 cases with paroxysmal Af, 30 cases with paroxysmal Af initially which later changed to chronic Af and 325 cases with chronic Af were enrolled. Among these 355 cases with chronic Af, 57 cases had valvular heart disease (VHD). The results were as follows: 1) The high risk subgroups (incidence rate/100 person-years is more than 6) were chronic Af with VHD or hypertension. The low risk subgroups (less than 2) were paroxysmal Af under 60 years of age, chronic Af with mitral valve prolapse syndrome or with hyperthyroidism. 2) There was no vulnerable period for occurrence of CVD during 9 years' follow-up from the onset of Af. 3) No significant difference in the incidence of CVD was seen in the groups with antiplatelet therapy and without.

A warning detector for urinary incontinence for home health care

A telemetry system for monitoring urinary incontinence has been developed using two principles, temperature and impedance changes of a diaper. The system is composed of a pair of sensors, a transmitter, and a receiver. Temperature changes are monitored using thermistors, one in the center of the diaper and the other attached to the abdomen, and the temperature differences between them after urinary incontinence is detected. For the impedance method, two electroconductive cloths as electrodes placed in the diaper are used as sensors. Urine acts as a conductor to produce a current between the sensors. Clinical evaluation showed that both methods operate well; 13 of 17 incontinence episodes were detected using the temperature method and 32 of 35 with the impedance method. The misdetections were caused by faulty sensor arrangement for temperature measurement and by detection of exudates by the conductive sensors. These monitors may be used for the care of elderly people who use diapers for home health care, to save care time and help maintain hygiene.

Purification and characterization of cytoplasmic dynein of rabbit liver

Cytoplasmic dynein is a microtubule-dependent motor protein, which plays a role in intracellular transport. However, there have been few studies regarding the role of cytoplasmic dynein in the liver. Purification of cytoplasmic dynein from rabbit liver took advantage of the affinity of microtubule-dependent motor proteins for microtubules. Purified dynein contained heavy chain (450 kDa), intermediate chain (75 kDa), light chains (45-58 kDa) and dynactin (150 kDa). The subunit composition was consistent with previously reported data on brain cytoplasmic dynein. Microtubules prepared from bovine brain were driven by purified cytoplasmic dynein from rabbit liver, and movements of microtubules were visualized by video-enhanced differential interference contrast microscopy. The mean velocity of the motile microtubules was 1.09 +/- 0.13 microns/s. Our study provides evidence of rapid intracellular transport in hepatocytes controlled by cytoplasmic dynein.

[Central ocular hypotensive effect of noradrenaline]

We investigated the effects of topical and central administration of noradrenaline (NA) on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in pigmented rabbits. Unilateral instillation of NA (200 micrograms) produced no significant change in IOP. On the other hand, intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of NA (0.01-1 micrograms) decreased IOP in both eyes in a dose-related fashion. The ocular hypotensive effect of NA was diminished by sympathectomy of the superior cervical sympathetic nerve or by ICV pretreatment with yohimbine hydrochloride 1-10 micrograms). These results suggest that the hypotensive effects of contrally administered NA might be mediated by alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation in the central nervous system.

Comparison of 99Tcm-pyrophosphate, 201T1 perfusion, 123I-labelled methyl-branched fatty acid and sympathetic imaging in acute coronary syndrome

Among a group of patients (n = 15) with acute coronary syndrome, the results of using two new myocardial radiopharmaceuticals--123I-labelled 15-(p-iodo-phenyl)-3,R,S-methylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) and 123I-meta-iodobenzyl guanidine (MIBG)--were compared with dual 201Tl/99Tcm-pyrophosphate (Tl-PYP) imaging using single photon emission tomography (SPET). Defect scores were evaluated on a segment-by-segment basis for a total of 270 segments. For the 201Tl, BMIPP, and early and delayed MIBG studies, the mean (+/- S.D.) sums of defect scores were 9 +/- 8, 18 +/- 9, 22 +/- 12 and 29 +/- 9, respectively, revealing significantly higher scores for BMIPP and MIBG than 201Tl (P < 0.005). This was the case irrespective of various functional conditions, such as successful recanalization, failure of coronary angioplasty or restenosis. The culprit coronary artery was best identified using BMIPP, while MIBG SPET showed the most extensive defects. Normal perfusion with decreased BMIPP and MIBG uptake was frequently observed and associated with hypokinesis. 123I-BMIPP and MIBG are more sensitive for the detection of damaged myocardium, and the difference between perfusion and metabolism seems to reflect myocardial stunning.

Inhibitory effect of ferulic acid and isoferulic acid on murine interleukin-8 production in response to influenza virus infections in vitro and in vivo

We investigated the effect of ferulic acid (FA) and isoferulic acid (IFA), which are active components of the rhizoma of Cimicifuga species used frequently as anti-inflammatory drugs in Japanese Oriental medicines, on murine interleukin-8 (IL-8) production in response to influenza virus infections in vitro and in vivo by antibody-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the in vitro study, the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was infected with influenza virus at a dose of 10 plaque forming units (PFU)/cell and cultured in the presence or absence of drugs. Both FA and IFA reduced the IL-8 levels in the 20-h conditioned medium in comparison with control in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of IFA was greater than that of FA: IL-8 levels were reduced to 43% and 56% of the control in the presence of 100 micrograms/ml of IFA and FA, respectively. In the in vivo study, mice were infected with 1,000 PFU of virus and received daily oral administrations of Cimicifuga heracleifolia extract (5 mg/mouse/day), FA (0.5 mg/mouse/day), IFA (0.125 mg/mouse/day), or phosphate buffered saline. The three drugs showed a tendency to reduce IL-8 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) obtained 2 days after infection. Moreover, both FA and IFA also significantly reduced the number of exuded neutrophils into BAL. However, the drug administrations did not affect the virus yields in BAL. These data suggest that FA and IFA are novel and potent inhibitors of murine IL-8 production and might act as one of the main components of anti-inflammatory rhizoma of Cimicifuga species.

The substantia nigra is a major target for neurovirulent influenza A virus

Clinical and immunohistochemical studies were done for 3-39 d on mice after intracerebral inoculation with the neurovirulent A/WSN/33 (H1N1; WSN) strain of influenza A virus, the nonneurovirulent A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2; Aichi) strain, and two reassortant viruses between them. The virus strains with the WSN gene segment coding for neuraminidase induced meningoencephalitis in mice. The mice inoculated with the R96 strain, which has only the neuraminidase gene from the WSN strain, had mild symptoms and weak positive immunostaining to the anti-WSN antibody in meningeal regions. Both the WSN and R404BP strains, which contain the WSN gene segments coding for neuraminidase and matrix protein, were clearly neurovirulent both clinically and pathologically. On day 3 after inoculation with either of these two strains, WSN antigen was detected in meningeal and ependymal areas, neurons of circumventricular regions, the cerebral and cerebellar cortices, the substantia nigra zona compacta, and the ventral tegmental area. On day 7, meningeal reactions and neuronal staining were still seen, and advanced accumulation of the viral antigen was evident in the substantia nigra zona compacta and hippocampus. Double immunostaining demonstrated that the WSN antigen was only seen in neurons and not in microglia or reactive astrocytes. Immunostaining for the lectin maackia amurensis agglutinin, which recognizes the Neu5Ac alpha 2,3 Gal sequence, which serves as a binding site for influenza A virus on target cell membranes, showed that positive staining was localized in the ventral substantia nigra and hippocampus. These results suggest that neurovirulent influenza A viruses could be one of the causative agents for postencephalitic parkinsonism.

Ruptured subcapsular giant hematoma of the spleen as a complication of chronic pancreatitis

We present a 63-year-old man with chronic pancreatitis and the rare complication of giant subcapsular splenic hematoma. The hematoma showed no size reduction for 6 weeks. Then, the hematoma was infected with pseudomonas aeruginosa after the recurrence of the pancreatitis, and it finally ruptured. This case suggested that in cases of giant subcapsular splenic hematoma with chronic pancreatitis reductive pressure treatment should be administered as early as possible.

Factor VIIShinjo: a dysfunctional factor VII variant homozygous for the substitution Gln for Arg at position 79

We report a factor VII (FVII) variant, FVIIShinjo, characterized by normal FVII antigen levels and variable procoagulant activity using tissue thromboplastin from different sources. Normal FVII activity is obtained using human placenta thromboplastin but low activity using rabbit or bovine brain thromboplastin. Exons 2-8 and the intron-exon junctions of the FVII genes of the propositus were amplified by PCR from DNA extracted from peripheral white blood cells, and screened by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. DNA fragments showing aberrant mobility were cloned and sequenced. We detected a single-point mutation, a homozygous G to A transition at nucleotide position 6,055 in exon 4, which results in the substitution of Arg 79 by Gln in the first EGF-like domain. This mutation results in a loss of a site for the restriction endonuclease MspI. The Msp I digestion pattern of the PCR-amplified exon 3+4 fragments from each member of the family was determined. The Msp I haplotypes were consistent with this G to A transition being associated with reduced FVII activity as detected using thromboplastins from various species. We conclude that the Arg 79 to Gln substitution in the first EGF-like domain of FVII identified in the propositus is responsible for the inherited FVII abnormality in this Japanese family. We postulate that one of the sites of interaction between FVII and tissue thromboplastin includes Arg 79 in the first EGF-like domain of factor VII.

The role of acidic residues in the "fusion segment" of influenza A virus hemagglutinin in low-pH-dependent membrane fusion

To clarify the role of acidic amino acid residues in the "fusion segment" of hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A virus (H1N1) in pH-dependent membrane fusion, we have constructed and expressed five mutant HA cDNAs in CV-1 cells by SV40-HA virus vectors (SVHA). Fusion activities of the five mutant HAs were examined by lipid mixing and polykaryon formation assays. In spite of the substitution of Gly and Lys for the acidic residues, all the mutants were found to retain their low-pH-dependent fusion activity by lipid mixing assay. Although SVHA-G19(HA(2)19D-->G), -K11 (HA(2)11E-->K) and -K19(HA(2)19D-->K) induced polykaryon formation at low pH as wild type HA did, SVHA-G11(HA(2)11E-->G) induced limited polykaryon formation and SVHA-G11,19 (HA(2)11E-->G, 19D-->G) did not. The substitution of Gly for Glu at position 11 inhibited widening of the initial fusion pore. However, Lys mutants induced the formation of an initial fusion pore and widened it at low pH where Lys residues might have positive charges. These results suggest that the neutralization of the charges on acidic residues in the "fusion segment" at low pH is not important for interaction of the "fusion segment" with the target lipid bilayer or for triggering the membrane fusion.

Metabolism and cytotoxicity of propyl gallate in isolated rat hepatocytes: effects of a thiol reductant and an esterase inhibitor

The relationship between the metabolism and the cytotoxic effects of propyl gallate (PG) has been studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Addition of PG (0.5-2.0 mM) to the hepatocytes elicited concentration-dependent cell death, accompanied by decreases in intracellular ATP, adenine nucleotide pools, glutathione, and protein thiols. The rapid loss of ATP preceded the onset of cell death. PG in the hepatocyte suspensions was converted to gallic acid, 4-O-methyl-gallic acid, and other minor products over time. In addition, PG was converted to a dimer [dipropyl-4,4',5,5',6,6'-hexahydroxydiphenate (PG-dimer)] and ellagic acid via autooxidation. In comparisons of the toxic effects of PG and its metabolites at concentrations of 2 mM, the parent compound PG was the most toxic. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with diazinon (100 microM), an esterase inhibitor, enhanced PG-induced cytotoxicity. This was accompanied by delay of PG loss and inhibition of gallic acid formation. The cytotoxicity of PG was also enhanced by addition of the thiol reductant dithiothreitol (4 mM), although intracellular levels of glutathione and protein thiols were maintained during the incubation period. Dithiothreitol did not affect the hydrolysis of PG to gallic acid by esterases but did delay the conversion of PG and prevented the formation of PG-dimer. In isolated hepatic mitochondria, PG elicited a concentration-dependent increase in the rate of state 4 oxygen consumption, indicating an uncoupling effect. In contrast, PG-dimer inhibited the rate of state 3 oxygen consumption. Based on the respiratory control index, the order of potency for impairment of mitochondria was PG > PG-dimer > gallic acid = 4-O-methyl-gallic acid = ellagic acid - propyl alcohol. These results indicate (a) that PG-induced hepatotoxicity is mediated by the parent compound and not its metabolites, (b) that toxicity is associated with ATP depletion apparently independently of cellular thiol depletion, and (c) that mitochondria may represent critical targets of PG-induced cytotoxicity.

The reeler gene-associated antigen on Cajal-Retzius neurons is a crucial molecule for laminar organization of cortical neurons

In the neurological mutant mouse reeler, the histological organization of the neocortex develops abnormally and essentially results in an inversion of the relative positions of the cortical layers. The reeler mutation, therefore, provides an insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of the cortical layers. We have generated a monoclonal antibody (CR-50) that probes a distinct allelic antigen present in wild-type but not in reeler mutant mice. CR-50 reacted specifically with Cajal-Retzius neurons, one of the first cortical neurons to differentiate in the neocortex, but whose functional role is not known. When dissociated cerebral cortical cells were incubated with CR-50 in reaggregation culture, the genotype-dependent histogenetic assembly of wild-type cortical cells resembled that of reeler mutants. These findings revealed that the selective expression of a distinct molecule on Cajal-Retzius neurons is critical for the normal lamination of cortical neurons in the mammalian neocortex.

Isolation of bacteria degrading carbazole under microaerobic conditions, i.e. nitrogen gas substituted conditions

Microorganisms degrading carbazole (CA), a model substrate of heterocyclic nitrogen compounds in crude petroleum oil, were screened under microaerobic conditions, i.e. nitrogen gas substituted conditions. Eight bacteria were isolated and identified. For example, Bacillus sp. KUKK-4 degraded 31% of CA when cultivated for 28 days in a medium initially containing CA at 1000 mg/l with shaking under the microaerobic conditions.

Metallothionein binding zinc inhibits nuclear chromatin decondensation of human spermatozoa

Nuclear chromatin decondensation (NCD) of the human spermatozoa was induced by 1% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). NCD of the spermatozoa induced in healthy and fertile men was significantly stronger and at higher rates than that in infertile men. In 1% SDS with 6 mM zinc chelating EDTA, metallothionein (MT) significantly enhanced NCD in a healthy man. In contrast MT alone significantly inhibited sperm NCD. Sperm NCD rate induced by 1% SDS in 10 infertile men was significantly inhibited by adding 75 or 750 micrograms ml-1 of MT. By adding 1.5 mM zinc, MT at concentrations of 0.75, 7.5, 75, or 750 micrograms ml-1, enhanced the inhibitory effect of 1.5 mM zinc. This suggested that thiols in the MT could, when liberated from zinc by zinc-chelating EDTA, induce sperm decondensation by cleaving stabilizing S-S bridges and that zinc bound to MT could exert a chromatin stabilizing effect mediated by the zinc dependent type of chromatin stability. The present study suggested that zinc bound to MT, which is secreted mainly from the prostate gland, is one factor that contributes to the chromatin stabilizing effect of human prostatic fluid.

Transcriptional regulation of human thyroid hormone receptor beta 1 gene expression: effect of human retinoid X receptor and identification of a transcriptional silencer region

Effects of human retinoid X receptor alpha (hRXR alpha) and its ligand, 9-cis-retinoic acid, on T3-mediated auto-regulation of hTR beta 1 gene expression were examined using a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter system, and a deletional analysis of the promoter. hRXR alpha enhanced T3-dependent CAT induction mediated through the proximal (p) TRE in a ligand (9-cis-retinoic acid) independent manner. In a gel mobility shift assay, hRXR alpha enhanced the binding of hTR beta 1 to the pTRE by the formation of hRXR alpha-hTR beta 1 heterodimers. On the other hand, hRXR alpha and 9-cis-retinoic acid did not show any effects on T3-dependent CAT induction mediated through the distal (d) TRE or the binding of hTR beta 1 to the dTRE. A four hundred-base pair (bp) fragment adjacent upstream of the dTRE showed a T3 independent suppressor effect on the function of the pTRE and dTRE. Thus, this region may be an important regulator of the T3 dependent up-regulation of the TR beta 1 gene expression which is observed only under specific conditions.

Remnant-like lipoproteins stimulate whole blood platelet aggregation in vitro

We have developed a simple, rapid assay method to measure remnant-like lipoproteins by using an immunoaffinity gel mixture of anti apo B-100 and apoA-1 antibodies to Sepharose 4B. Characterization of the unbound lipoproteins has shown that they represent chylomicron and VLDL remnant particles (RLP). Preincubation of whole blood with RLP resulted in the enhanced activation of aggregation with ADP and collagen. Such enhancement was not observed in the presence of lipoprotein deficient serum or albumin preparation. The extent of enhancement was 2.78 times by 7.5 microM of ADP and 44 times by 0.5 microgram/ml of collagen in the presence of RLP-preparation 1 (RLP-1), respectively. In the presence of RLP-2, the enhancement was 5.37 times by 7.5 microM of ADP and 102 times by 0.5 microgram/ml of collagen, respectively. On the other hand RLP slightly inhibited PRP aggregation by these agonists. Inhibitions were 19% by 7.5 microM of ADP and 18% by 1.0 microgram/of collagen in the presence of RLP-1, respectively. Incubation of whole blood with RLP did not result in the release of factors to stimulate platelets or ADP- or collagen-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. The extents of enhanced aggregation in whole blood or inhibition in PRP were not correlated with RLP-cholesterol nor RLP-protein concentrations of RLP preparations used. These results may indicate that RLP not only interact with platelets but with erythrocytes or leukocytes. Our findings support the hypothesis that the postprandial increase in remnant lipoproteins is an atherosclerotic risk factor and may be a part of the reasons of thrombotic complications by stimulating platelets in patients with remnant hyperlipoproteinemia.

Prominent uptake of Tl-201 by duodenal leiomyosarcoma after exercise myocardial perfusion study

Thallium-201 SPECT performed preoperatively for the evaluation of myocardial ischemia in a 72-year-old man with duodenal leiomyosarcoma demonstrated prominent focal uptake in the abdomen. Comparing a transaxial slice of SPECT through the abdominal uptake to the CT scan, the uptake was confirmed to be corresponding to the tumor. The tumor was delineated clearly, in good contrast to the surrounding normal intestine, which showed far less Tl-201 uptake than the tumor. In the delayed SPECT performed 3 hours after injection, although the intestinal activity became perceptible, the tumor still could be differentiated from the surrounding normal intestine. In this case, the exercise might be attributable to the initial low Tl-201 uptake by the normal intestine, which might otherwise have been an obstacle to Tl-201 scintigraphy for abdominal tumor detection. This case suggests the use of exercise for avoiding unfavorable intestinal activity, and the possibility of Tl-201 SPECT for abdominal tumor imaging.

The morphology and innervation of the lateral pterygoid muscle of the dog

The number of heads possessed by the lateral pterygoid muscle was investigated in the dog. Only a single head was observed which it is suggested may correspond to the lower head in other mammals. It inserted both onto the condyle and into the articular disc. The nerve which innervated this muscle arose directly from the mandibular nerve, separate from the medial pterygoid nerve. Because of this, it should be termed the lateral pterygoid nerve and not the pterygoid nerve.