[Analysis of T cell epitopes on birch pollen allergen]

Allergy to birch pollen is common in the Northern Europe, North America, and in Japan, mainly in Hokkaido Island. Previously, we have reported the positive association of birch pollen allergy in HLA-DR9 antigen. We also have identified the recognition sites in 17kDa protein (Bet v1), known as the major allergen of birch pollen, by using T cell proliferation assay against the trypsin digested materials of the 17kDa protein. In this study, overlapping synthetic peptides correspond to the Bet v1 sequences were used to investigate the specificity of T cell responses in two HLA-DR9 positive patients. Three of the epitopes, residues 35-52, 75-92, and 102-119, were recognized by T cells from both patients. These three epitopes include HLA-DR9 binding motifs. Then we established T cell clone specific to p75-92 residue. 78-89 peptide was the core sequence of the epitope for the T cell clone contained the anchor residues characteristic to HLA-DR9. Within the core sequence, five residues were identified as critical for recognition on the basis of inhibition of the T cell proliferative response against singly substituted analogue peptides.

The apical caecal diverticulum of the chicken identified as a lymphoid organ

A peculiar structure, observed as a dome-like protrusion at the apex of the caecum, was investigated macroscopically and histologically in healthy White Leghorn chickens. It was hemispheric or spherical in shape and as it consisted of a lumen with a wall occupied by lymphoid tissue, this structure was designated the apical caecal diverticulum (ACD). ACD were detected in 25.2% of examined chickens and had a mean diameter and height of 1.9 mm and 1.2 mm respectively. Histologically, both the lamina propria mucosae and the submucosa of ACD consisted of well developed aggregated lymphoid nodules. Each nodule was covered by follicle-associated epithelium which contained cells resembling M cells. Some secondary nodules extended into the subserosa. The muscularis mucosae and the stratum circulae of the tunica muscularis disappeared near the entrance to ACD. The stratum longitudinale also gradually decreased in thickness around the entrance, becoming an extremely thin layer in the diverticulum wall. At the caecal apex, each stratum of the tunica muscularis was thinner than in the caecal body and separated into several muscle bundles. These bundles were occasionally displaced by developed lymphoid nodules, causing them to protrude into the subserosa. The high frequency of ACD suggests that caecal apex may be sites for immunological surveillance in the chicken caecum. In addition to the intense and frequent antiperistalsis at the apex suggested by Yasukawa (1959), possible causes for the formation of ACD included (1) the fragility of the tunica muscularis at the ACD, and (2) the local removal of the physical supporting structures by the development of lymphoid nodules.

[Evolution of nursing at University Hospitals: depositions by nurses who worked during the seventies]

This study is part of a more extensive project that proposes to recover significant aspects related to nursing care evolution from 1950s until 1990s. This study is developed through the technique of oral declaration by active and retired registered nurses, in the context of an university-hospital from São Paulo State. The present study emphasizes the outcomes referring to the 1970s. As result becomes evident the undertaken effort by nurses in the struggle for profession's recognition and prestige; intense and deep transformations related to nurse's new roles as leadership of nursing staff and member of medical team.

A 15 year follow-up study of patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in Osaka, Japan. Long-term prognosis and causes of death

A 15 year follow-up study of diabetic patients was performed in Osaka, Japan. The subjects studied were 1939 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), of whom 1000 (51.5%) were alive, 880 (45.4%) had died and 59 (3.0%) were untraceable at the end of 1993. The mortality rate per 1000 person-years of the subjects increased from 28.94 in 1960-1984 to 35.74 in 1985-1993, but the ratio of numbers of observed to expected deaths (O/E ratio) declined from 1.77 to 1.52 for the corresponding periods, suggesting an improvement in the prognosis for diabetic patients, with the exception of patients 65 years or over at the time of entry. Cerebro-cardiovascular and renal diseases were major causes of death, accounting for 48.4% of all deaths. In particular, disease of the heart was the cause of death in 20.5% of all deaths, cerebrovascular disease in 14.5% and renal disease in 12.0%. The O/E ratio was 11.30 for renal disease, which was remarkably high. The O/E ratios were 1.48 for malignant neoplasms, 3.02 for cancer of the liver and 2.15 for cancer of the pancreas. In the subjects less than 65 years of age at entry, a significant decrease in the O/E ratio for overall deaths, malignant neoplasms, disease of the heart, cerebrovascular disease and renal disease was observed, but no notable difference in the O/E ratio for ischemic heart disease was found between the periods 1960-1984 and 1985-1993. By contrast, in the case of subjects 65 years or more at entry, the O/E ratios for overall deaths, malignant neoplasms, disease of the heart, ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease increased markedly in the later period, while there was a considerable decline in renal disease indicated during this period. The analysis suggested a structural change in causes of death of Japanese diabetic patients in recent years, with a relative increase in ischemic heart disease and a relative decrease in renal disease.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with pleural metastasis complicated by hemothorax

Hemothorax can be caused by rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hemoperitoneum is a well-known cause of death caused by rupture of a primary HCC lesion. Rupture of a HCC metastasis has not been adequately described. This is the first report of a HCC patient who died of hemothorax due to rupture of a pleural metastasis. The patient, a woman, died in respiratory failure 2 wk after rupture of her HCC metastasis in the pleura. Autopsy revealed moderately differentiated HCC in the liver, lung, and pleura. We discuss treatment options for ruptured pleura-based HCC metastases.

Morphological studies of the hyalocytes in the chicken eye: scanning electron microscopy and inflammatory response after the intravitreous injection of carbon particles

Hyalocytes in the pecten oculi and ciliary body of adult chickens and their response to Escherichia coli were investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and the inflammatory response following the intravitreous injection of colloidal carbon examined by microscopy. In normal chickens, the hyalocytes were mainly found on the pleats of the pecten oculi and on the ciliary body. There were no hyalocytes on the retina. There is thus a close relationship between the vasculature in the tissues surrounding the vitreous chamber and the distribution of hyalocytes. The hyalocytes, which were predominantly spindle shaped or oval in contour, displayed a ruffled surface with occasional blebs, filopodia and lamellipodia. Flattened hyalocytes with relatively few and short pseudopodia were frequently observed, especially on the ciliary body. Hyalocytes responded quickly to E. coli bacteria which they phagocytosed. The response to colloidal carbon in the vitreous chamber had 3 distinct changes. In the 1st (2 d after carbon injection), the hyalocytes, the resident macrophages, actively ingested the carbon particles without significant leucocyte recruitment. In the 2nd stage (at 7-14 d), a large number of macrophages infiltrated the ciliary body and emigrated into the vitreous chamber. In the 3rd stage (at 30 d), the infiltration by macrophages into the ciliary body was complete. The carbon-laden macrophages disappeared from the vitreous body but accumulated on the pecten oculi and retina. They were exclusively drained through the scleral venous sinus in the iridocorneal angle.

Experimental study of combined hyperthermic and photodynamic therapy on carcinoma in the mouse

PURPOSE

This study investigates the cytotoxic effect of photodynamic therapy using high-power laser irradiation on cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High- or low-power irradiation from a pulsed Nd:YAG dye laser with or without a photosensitizer was administered to an NR-S1 carcinoma in the mouse dorsum.

RESULTS

Photodynamic therapy with high-power laser irradiation yielded better results than conventional photodynamic therapy or hyperthermia with high-power laser irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Photodynamic therapy with high-power laser irradiation is more effective because it generates both a hyperthermic and a photodynamic effect.

Detection of S-phase cells in smear cytology using in vitro bromodeoxyuridine labeling

A technique is described for rapid detection of S-phase cells of tumor tissues in smear specimens using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunostaining. Mouse NR-S1 tumors and human tumor specimens were prepared for smear cytology after incubation in RPMI 1640 culture medium containing 200 microM BrdU at 37 degrees C under 3 atm for 1 hr. Samples were fixed in 70% ethanol for 30 min and used immediately or air dried for 30 min. Samples were then denatured in either 4 N HCl or 0.07 N NaOH to prepare partially single-stranded DNA. Fixation with air drying for 30 min followed by 30 min in 70% ethanol and 1 min denaturation with 0.07 N NaOH resulted in satisfactory staining quality. Cultured tumor specimens were processed for routine paraffin sections after smears were made for cytology. The labeling indices of the smear specimens and of the paraffin sections gave similar results. This technique should be useful in evaluating the cell proliferative potential of tumor tissue in smear cytology without processing paraffin sections.

Bradykinin enhances GLUT4 translocation through the increase of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase in primary adipocytes: evidence that bradykinin stimulates the insulin signalling pathway

It has been suggested that bradykinin stimulates glucose uptake in experiments in vivo and in cultured cells. However, its mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of bradykinin on the insulin signalling pathway were evaluated in isolated dog adipocytes. The bradykinin receptor binding study revealed that dog adipocytes possessed significant numbers of bradykinin receptors (Kd = 83 pmol/l, binding sites = 1.7 x 10(4) site/ cell). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification showed the mRNA specific for bradykinin B2 receptor in the adipocytes. Bradykinin alone did not increase 2-deoxyglucose uptake in adipocytes; however, in the presence of insulin (10(-7) mol/l) it significantly increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner. Bradykinin also enhanced insulin stimulated GLUT4 translocation from the intracellular fraction to the cell membrane, and insulin induced phosphorylation of the insulin receptor beta subunit and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) without affecting the binding affinities or numbers of cell surface insulin receptors in dog adipocytes. The time-course of insulin stimulated phosphorylation of the insulin receptor beta subunit revealed that phosphorylation reached significantly higher levels at 10 min, and stayed at the higher levels until 120 min in the presence of bradykinin, suggesting that bradykinin delayed the dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor. It is concluded that bradykinin could potentiate insulin induced glucose uptake through GLUT4 translocation. This effect could be explained by the potency of bradykinin to upregulate the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity which stimulates phosphorylation of IRS-1, followed by GLUT4 translocation.

Genetic homogeneity of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale isolated from geographically distant regions

To evaluate the genetic homogeneity of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, restriction enzyme analysis of mitochondrial(mt) DNA was performed on 29 isolates of T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale isolated from Belgian or Indian patients with dermatophytosis. The restriction enzyme profiles of these mtDNAs were compared with those of the teleomorphic members composing the T. mentagrophytes complex. Using the restriction enzymes MspI, HaeIII, HindIII and BglII the restriction profiles of all the examined clinical isolates showed the same profiles as those of Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii. T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale isolates found in Japan have been shown to have the same profiles as those of A. vanbreuseghemii. Therefore, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale is considered to be a highly homogeneous taxon phylogenetically related to A. vanbreuseghemii.

The innervation of the chromaffin cells in the head kidney of the carp, Cyprinus carpio; regional differences of the connections between nerve endings and chromaffin cells

Nerve fibres and their connections with chromaffin cells in the carp head kidney were studied by light and electron microscopy. Some nerve bundles entered the head kidney from the dorsal aspect along veins. Many unmyelinated axons emerged from the nerve bundles to invade the clusters of chromaffin cells, the distribution of which was restricted to the neighbourhood of the venous trunks and their tributaries. Most of the nerve endings were attached to a chromaffin cell by synaptic junctions and were generally invaginated into the cell. Some nerve endings were flattened in shape and connected with two chromaffin cells. Occasional exocytotic figures of synaptic vesicles opening into the intercellular space, or synaptic junctions along the course of the nerve fibre were observed. The percentage of the chromaffin cells supplied by nerve endings in the head kidney as a whole was similar to that in primitive amphibians. The distribution of the chromaffin cells and the frequency of their innervation suggest that carp chromaffin cells are phylogenetically similar to those of amphibians. The frequencies of synaptic connections in the carp head kidney showed regional differences. The number in dorsal portion was significantly higher than that in two ventral portions. It is suggested that chromaffin cells in the head kidney are separable into two populations: one (in the dorsal portion) shows closer and the other (in the ventral portions) less contact with nerve fibres. The fine structure of the nerve endings indicates that catecholamine secretion of carp chromaffin cells is partially modulated by nerve fibres (probably preganglionic cholinergic fibres). However, the low frequency of synaptic connections on the chromaffin cells and their distribution suggest that carp chromaffin cells are mainly modulated by the endocrine system via the bloodstream.

Dissolution of residual microfragments with citrate therapy after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Residual microfragments after ESWL were studied for their presence and for possibility of dissolution with citrate therapy. Among 123 patients with renal stones who became stone-free following ESWL, a computed tomogram (CT) identified remaining microfragments within the treated kidney in 31.7% of the patients, even though stone fragments were not detectable on ordinary x-ray (KUU). The experiments, in which calcium oxalate stone fragments collected after ESWL were incubated in buffer solutions with citrate 0 to 4 mmol/L, showed that citrate dissolved the stone fragments. Using human urine as a solution, the dissolving effect was greater in spot urines after alkali citrate administration than in control urines. Eighteen patients with microfragments underwent a follow-up CT 3 months later. The results showed that the microfragments had disappeared in 6 of 11 (54.5%) patients who had been taking alkali citrate, whereas microfragments remained unchanged in all 5 patients without medication. Our results suggest that citrate therapy would be advisable as a prophylaxis for stone recurrence especially after ESWL treatment.

Minipreparation of total cellular DNA is useful as an alternative molecular marker of mitochondrial DNA for the identification of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum

Total cellular DNA was extracted from 18 isolates of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and six isolates of unidentified Trichophyton species taken from tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea pedis patients by a minipreparation method. The DNA was digested with the restriction enzymes HaeIII and MspI, followed by electrophoresis on agarose gels. The restriction enzyme profiles of the DNAs were compared with those of mitochondrial (mt) DNA extracted from reference strains of T. mentagrophytes (Arthroderma simii, A. benhamiae and A. vanbreuseghemii) and T. rubrum. All 18 T. mentagrophytes isolates showed the same DNA profiles as mtDNA from A. vanbreuseghemii. The six unidentified Trichophyton isolates exhibited DNA profiles the same as that of mtDNA from T. rubrum. Consequently, these isolates were identified as T. rubrum. In conclusion, restriction enzyme analysis of total cellular DNA prepared by the minipreparation method is considered to be useful as an alternative method of mtDNA analysis and is helpful for the identification of these dermatophyte species.

Development of a ferrocene-mediated needle-type glucose sensor covered with newly designed biocompatible membrane, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate

To prepare the long-life and stable glucose sensor, we developed the ferrocene-mediated needle-type glucose sensor covered with newly designed biocompatible membrane, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate (MPC-co-BMA) membrane. In this membrane, the hydrophilic phosphorylcholine chains were grafted on the hydrophobic polymer surface. 1. The poly(MPC-co-BMA) membrane inhibited platelet activation and protein adhesion on the surface, showing excellent biocompatibility. These results suggested that the hydrophilic phospholipids chains might have the potential for suppressing activation and adsorption of biochemical molecules. 2. The ferrocene-mediated needle-type glucose sensor covered with poly(MPC-co-BMA) membrane achieved excellent results in vitro. Subcutaneous tissue glucose concentrations were measured in a wide range from 1.7 to more than 16.7 mmol/l. The correlation between subcutaneous tissue (Y) and blood (X) glucose concentrations was Y = 1.04X + 0.12 (r = 0.98). The subcutaneous tissue glucose concentrations could be monitored precisely for 7 days without any in vivo calibrations, and for 14 days by introducing in vivo calibrations. We therefore conclude that this sensor is stable and reliable, as compared to any other glucose sensors we developed.

Characterization of nodules induced by bioactive glass on cultured periodontal-ligament fibroblasts

We previously reported that materials leached from bioactive glass (BG) and vitamin D3 induced the formation of nodules on cultured periodontal-ligament fibroblasts (PLF). In this study, we have investigated the relationship between the conditions of the materials and nodule formation, analyzed morphologically, and also studied whether the production of nodules was specific to cultured PLF. PLF and skin fibroblasts were cultured in the presence or absence of BG. The amounts of calcium, phosphate, sodium and silicon in the culture medium and the number of nodules were measured at the 55th day. The nodules were observed microscopically and analyzed using an X-ray microanalyzer. In PLF, nodules were formed regardless of the presence or absence of BG; however, they were more numerous in the presence of BG. In skin fibroblasts, nodules were not observed. The amounts of calcium and silicon were higher in the presence of BG, while the amount of phosphate was lower. The nodules appeared crystalline with a spongy structure and contained calcium and phosphorus. Our results show that the nodules were associated with PLF and precipitated by the materials (higher concentrations of calcium and silicon), and they were spongy crystal composed of calcium and phosphorus.

Expression of insulin receptor on clonal pancreatic alpha cells and its possible role for insulin-stimulated negative regulation of glucagon secretion

In pancreatic alpha cells, the existence and function of the insulin receptor has not yet been fully established. In this study, to confirm the expression of functional insulin receptors in pancreatic alpha cells, we performed: 1) insulin receptor binding assay, 2) Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) amplification of insulin receptor mRNA, 3) immunocytochemical staining, 4) biosynthetic labelling of insulin receptor protein using [35S]methionine, 5) analysis of insulin-stimulated autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor in glucagon secreting cell lines, In-R1-G9 and alpha TC clone 6 cells. Glucagon secretion decreased with the addition of insulin in both cells. The receptor binding studies using [125I-Tyr-A14] insulin revealed that both cells possessed a significant number of insulin receptors (In-R1-G9:K1 = 2.1 x 10(9) mol/l-1, K2 = 6.2 x 10(7) mol/l-1, R1 = 0.27 x 10(4), R2 = 1.86 x 10(4) sites/cell; alpha TC clone 6: K1 = 2.1 x 10(9) mol/l-1, K2 = 7.3 x 10(7) mol/l-1, R1 = 0.27 x 10(4), R2 = 1.95 x 10(4) sites/cell). Northern blot analysis as well as RT-PCR amplification showed the mRNA specific for insulin receptor in both cells. By immunocytochemical staining using anti-insulin receptor alpha-subunit antibody, positive immunostaining for insulin receptor was observed in both cells. [35S]Methionine labelling of both cells followed by immunoprecipitation using anti-insulin receptor antibody showed the correct size of the insulin receptor protein. The insulin receptor expressed in these cells underwent autophosphorylation by insulin stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mortality from coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease and associated risk factors in diabetic patients in Osaka District, Japan

Mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), as well as associated risk factors, were examined. The subjects studied were 1939 non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients and 503 deaths were observed during a mean follow-up period of 9.4 years. Of these deaths, 62 were CHD deaths and 84 were CVD deaths. The mortality rates per 1000 person-years from CHD were 3.95 for males and 2.57 for females and those from CVD were 5.12 and 3.86 for males and females, respectively, showing a higher mortality for males and an increasing trend with age. The baseline factors associated with CHD mortality were age at entry into the study, hypertension, ischemic ECG changes, serum cholesterol level, diabetic retinopathy and albuminuria, while those associated with CVD were age at entry, hypertension, ischemic ECG changes, diabetic retinopathy, albuminuria and therapeutic regimen, all of which were found to be significant by univariate analysis. The relationships were further analyzed by the multiple logistic method. In addition, the baseline characteristics of the patients who died of CHD and CVD were compared with those of patients who died from other causes. The baseline characteristics in cases of deaths from CHD and CVD were significantly different from those of deaths from other causes in terms of obesity, ischemic ECG changes, serum cholesterol level and serum triglycerides level for deaths from CHD and in terms of age at onset, age at death and hypertension for deaths from CVD.

Elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes from children with atopic dermatitis

We examined peripheral blood mononuclear leucocyte cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE) activity in 80 children (aged 2-12 years) with atopic dermatitis. The enzyme activity (35.1 +/- 18.6 U) in children with atopic dermatitis was significantly higher than that (19.1 +/- 12.6 U) in age-matched non-atopic controls. There was no significant difference in the cAMP-PDE activity between children with mild atopic dermatitis and children with severe atopic dermatitis. These findings support the view that elevation of peripheral mononuclear leucocyte cAMP-PDE activity in patients with atopic dermatitis is a gene-associated abnormality.

Ultrastructure of blood vessels in the head kidney of the carp, Cyprinus carpio

The ultrastructural features of blood vessels were examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy in the perfused and nonperfused head kidney of the carp. They consisted mainly of the sinusoidal capillaries, arterioles, veins and portal veins. The sinusoidal capillaries were composed of endothelial cells that frequently exhibited large pores and an indistinct basal lamina. Some endothelial cells were trabecular in shape and protruded into the lumen. The reticular cells frequently attached to the outside of the endothelial cells, and macrophages were located on the luminal and abluminal surfaces of the endothelial cells. The arterioles possessed continuous endothelial cells with a thick basal lamina, continuous smooth muscle layers and a thick adventitia with collagen fibres and reticular cells. The veins were characterised by fenestrated endothelial cells and thin connective tissue. The portal veins were composed of continuous electron-lucent endothelial cells and thick layers of reticular cells and collagen fibres. The differences between the endothelial cells in each blood vessel probably reflect the various functions of the carp head kidney. The ultrastructural features of the sinusoids and the portal veins resemble those of lymphatic vessels of mammals and appear to relate to macrophage and lymphoid cell migration and proliferation in the carp head kidney.

[Analysis of birch pollen allergen]

Birch Pollen is one of common causal agents of nasal allergy (pollinosis) in Hokkaido, Japan. We have previously reported the positive association of the pollinosis with HLA-DR9 antigens. It was reported by others that Bet vI, a 17kDa protein with known amino acid sequences represented the major allergen of birch pollen in Europe. We have tried to determine the location of possible allergenic activity on the 17kDa protein of Japanese birch pollen (Betura Platyphylla var. Japonica). In this study, we have examined the lymphocytes proliferative response (LPR) for trypsin digested materials of a 17kDa protein obtained from Betura Platyphylla var. Japonica. The strong response of lymphocyte was observed against the peptide fragments composed of amino acids from 22nd to 33rd (22-33) and from 56th to 66th (56-66) of the Bet vI molecule. It was also found that our 17kDa protein had isoleusine substitution for phenylalanine at position 31. By using synthetic peptides, we showed that asparagine at position 29 of 22-33 and glutamic acid at position 61 of 56-66 were critical for LPR.

Impaired ability of neutrophils to produce oxygen-derived free radicals in patients with chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma

To evaluate whether neutrophil bactericidal function, the ability to produce oxygen-derived free radicals, is altered in patients with chronic liver disease, we measured chemiluminescence amplified by a luciferin analog (Cypridina luciferin analog-dependent chemiluminescence) and luminol (luminol-dependent chemiluminescence) in response to N-formyl-Met-Lue-Phe by neutrophils from patients with chronic liver diseases due to C and/or B type hepatitis: chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Both Cypridina luciferin analog-dependent chemiluminescence and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence were significantly decreased in neutrophils from patients with chronic liver disease (hepatocellular carcinoma < cirrhosis < chronic active hepatitis) when they were compared with normal healthy subjects. The reduction of Cypridina luciferin analog-dependent chemiluminescence in chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis was more sensitive than Cypridina luciferin analog-dependent chemiluminescence; however, in hepatocellular carcinoma, luminol-dependent chemiluminescence was more reduced than luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Although there were not significant correlations between glutamic pyruvic transaminase and Cypridina luciferin analog-dependent chemiluminescence/luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, there were significant negative correlations between total bilirubin and Cypridina luciferin analog-dependent chemiluminescence/luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations between albumin/prothrombin time and Cypridina luciferin analog-dependent chemiluminescence/luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. These data suggest that an impaired ability to produce oxygen-derived free radicals may contribute to the susceptibility to infection in patients with chronic liver disease.

Changes in causes of death in diabetic patients based on death certificates during a 30-year period in Osaka District, Japan, with special reference to cancer mortality

As reported previously, we have conducted studies on causes of death among diabetic patients during the 25-year period, from 1960 to 1984, in Osaka District, Japan. We have now added the most recent 5-year data, for 1985-1989, and analyzed changes in causes of death during the entire 30-year period as a whole. The subjects studied were those for whom a total of 32,222 death certificates had been filed in Osaka Prefecture, from 1960 to 1989, with diabetes mentioned either as the underlying cause or as a contributory condition. The relative number of death certificates mentioning diabetes as the underlying cause, which had been decreasing during the 25-year study period, showed a further decrease, reaching the lowest value, 33.4%, for the period 1985-1989. The mean age at death exceeded 70 years for all causes of death, showing a continuous increasing trend. An increase in disease of the heart and a decrease in cerebrovascular disease were observed, making the difference between the two causes greater since 1980-1984. Malignant neoplasms, ischemic heart disease, and pneumonia and bronchitis also showed steady increases. The O/E ratios (ratio of observed/expected number of deaths) for cirrhosis of the liver and tuberculosis were markedly increased, while that for malignant neoplasms was only about 0.5, suggesting extreme underestimation of the number of diabetic cases with cancer. Among malignant neoplasms, an increasing trend in liver cancer was remarkable and was associated with a relatively high O/E ratio.

Anatomical and histological re-examination of Appendices colli in the goat

Appendices colli (App. colli) were investigated by anatomical and histological methods in the goat. App. colli were composed of elastic cartilage located at central and the skin covering the cartilage, which included arterioles along the cartilage and nerve bundles. Three types of muscles connected to App. colli; superficial muscle bundles, a branch of the omohyoideus muscle, and a muscle arising from the pharyngeal raphe (appendico-pharyngeal muscle). The latter two muscles were connected to the root of the App. colli where the muscle fibers transformed into the perichondrium of the elastic cartilage. The appendico-pharyngeal muscle was innervated by branches from the glossopharyngeal nerve which were composed of myelinated nerve fibers. The subcutaneous area of the App. colli was supplied by cutaneous rami of the vagus and the second cervical nerves. The innervation and the musculature confirmed that the cartilage of the App. colli were derived from third and fourth branchial arches.

Effect on insulin sensitivity of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors with or without a sulphydryl group: bradykinin may improve insulin resistance in dogs and humans

The present study compared the effect on insulin sensitivity of ACE inhibitors with a sulphydryl group (captopril) or those without a sulphydryl group (delapril and enalapril) during the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp test in both animal and clinical experiments. A possible contribution of bradykinin to the improvement of insulin sensitivity by ACE-inhibition was also studied. In healthy control and depancreatized dog experiments, administration of captopril either intravenously (3.0 mmol.kg-1) or orally (5.0 mmol.kg-1) increased insulin sensitivity indices and plasma bradykinin concentrations. In comparison, intravenous administration of an active metabolite of delapril (3.0 mmol.kg-1) and oral administration of either delapril or enalapril (5.0 mmol.kg-1) showed slight, but not significant increases in insulin sensitivity indices and plasma bradykinin concentrations. Infusion of a bradykinin antagonist (N-alpha-adamantane-acetyl-D-Arg-[Hyp3,Thi5,8,D-Phe7]-b bradykinin) (0.5 nmol.kg-1 x min-1) abolished the effect of captopril on insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, intravenous administration of bradykinin (0.1 nmol.kg-1 x min-1) increased insulin sensitivity indices. In clinical experiments, insulin sensitivity indices decreased in the following order: normotensive healthy subjects, hypertensive non-diabetic patients, normotensive NIDDM patients and hypertensive NIDDM patients. In these four groups, oral administration of captopril (2.0 mmol.kg-1) significantly increased insulin sensitivity indices, and a concomitant increase in plasma bradykinin concentrations was observed. By contrast, oral administration of enalapril or delapril showed slight, but not significant effects on insulin sensitivity indices and plasma bradykinin concentrations. From these studies, it is concluded that ACE inhibitors with a sulphydryl group have more potent action on the improvement in insulin sensitivity than those without a sulphydryl group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of herbimycin A, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, on protein tyrosine kinase activity and phosphotyrosyl proteins of Ph1-positive leukemia cells

Herbimycin A, a benzoquinonoid anasamycin antibiotic, preferentially inhibited the in vitro growth of Ph1-positive leukemia cell lines. On the other hand, genistein, which was developed as an inhibitor of receptor-type tyrosine kinase, and other protein kinase inhibitors showed no selective inhibition of Ph1-positive leukemia cell growth. Herbimycin A also displayed an abrogative effect on the transformation of murine hematopoietic cells by transfection with a bcr/abl oncoprotein-expressing retroviral vector. The antitumor action of herbimycin A on Ph1-positive leukemia cells is related to an inhibition of activity of bcr/abl protein tyrosine kinase and a subsequent reduction of the constitutive phosphotyrosyl proteins, however, the antibiotic has no effect on the expression of bcr/abl mRNA and oncoprotein. Therefore, herbimycin A may provide an important insight into the oncogenic action of bcr/abl oncoprotein and the future development of oncoprotein-targeted therapeutic agents.

Histopathological features of recalcitrant erythema of the face in adult patients with atopic dermatitis

Recalcitrant erythema on the face of 21 adult patients with atopic dermatitis was histologically examined. All patients had been applying topical corticosteroids to the facial erythema for three years or more. The histopathology of the recalcitrant facial erythema was not homogeneous. Thus, the facial erythema was roughly classified into three categories: 1) erythema which mainly showed eczematous changes, 2) erythema which mainly showed steroid-induced rosacea-like changes, and 3) erythema which showed both eczematous changes and steroid-induced rosacea-like changes. The majority (75%) of recalcitrant facial erythema belonged to the third category.

[Analysis of antigenic peptides obtained from Japanese birch pollen]

Allergic rhinitis caused by birch pollen is common in parts of Northern Europe, North America and the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The major antigenic fragment of European birch (Betula verrucosa) pollen allergen with a M. W. of 17k dalton was isolated and termed Bet vI. The amino acid sequence of Bet vI has already been identified. We have attempted to identify an antigenic peptide of Japanese birch (Betula platyphylla var. Japonica) pollen allergen. Seventeen Kd fragments separated from pollen allergen by SDS-PAGE were shown to bind with IgE in the pooled sera of pollinosis patients. The fragment was digested with trypsin and fractionated by reverse phase HPLC. Five fractions were identified to have in vitro activities, such as the lymphocyte proliferative response, in pollinosis patients. Amino acid sequences of peptides in the fractions were determined. The sequence of a 12-mer peptide was shown to correspond to that of No 22-33 of Bet vI, except for the amino acid at the 31st position, phenylalanine, which was instead isoleucine. Synthetic peptides based on this sequencing were shown to cause proliferation of lymphocytes, derived from pollinosis patients, which was blocked by monoclonal antibodies to HLA-DR molecules.

Patch test reactions to the acetone-soluble fraction of human dander in atopic dermatitis

An acetone-soluble fraction of human dander provoked positive patch test reactions in 45 (38%) of 120 patients with atopic dermatitis. The positive patch tests were rare in normal controls and clinical controls. The positive patch test reactions histologically showed spongiosis and mononuclear cell migration in the epidermis, edema and mononuclear cell infiltrate in the upper dermis. Scratch tests with the acetone-soluble human dander fraction were positive in only 2 (2%) of the 120 patients examined. It was suggested that in a considerable number of patients with atopic dermatitis, an acetone-soluble fraction of human dander provokes a delayed-type skin reaction without inducing an immediate-type skin reaction.

New insight into oncoprotein-targeted antitumor effect: herbimycin A as an antagonist of protein tyrosine kinase against Ph1-positive leukemia cells

Herbimycin A, a benzoquinonoid anasamycin antibiotic, has been shown to reserve the oncogenic phenotypes of p60v-src transformed cells by the virtue of the inhibition of src protein tyrosine kinase. Furthermore, we previously demonstrated that herbimycin A displayed the antitumor activity on Ph1-positive leukemia cells and bcr/abl oncoprotein-associated transformed murine hematopoietic cells with the transfection of a retroviral vector expressing bcr/abl. Herbimycin A showed preferential inhibition on the in vitro growth of Ph1-positive leukemia cells and bcr/abl oncoprotein-associated murine hematopoietic cells through the inhibition of bcr/abl tyrosine kinase activity and the reduction of subsequent phosphotyrosyl proteins. Recently, from the view of investigating the oncogenic significance or of developing a future clinical application in malignancies, several developing agents targeted against oncoprotein have been tried. We reviewed the present progress in the mechanism of oncoprotein-targeted antitumor effects and focused on herbimycin A-induced antitumor activity on Ph1-positive leukemia cells.

Bioactive glass promoted formation of nodules in periodontal-ligament fibroblasts in vitro

The effects of bioactive glass and vitamin D3 on cultured fibroblasts derived from periodontal-ligament, with respect to their proliferation and alkaline-phosphatase activity were studied. The cells were cultured with or without the bioactive glass and/or vitamin D3, then the number and alkaline-phosphatase activity of the cells were measured periodically until the 33rd day. Formation of mineralized deposits was assessed by staining with alizarin red and von Kossa staining techniques. Fewer fibroblasts grew when they were cultured in the presence of bioactive glass and/or vitamin D3 as compared to those cultures without them. Alkaline-phosphatase activity was greater in the fibroblasts cultured with bioactive glass and vitamin D3 than in the cells grown without them. Mineralized deposits assessed by alizarin red and von Kossa staining techniques were observed microscopically around the fibroblasts cultured with bioactive glass and/or vitamin D3. A nodule visible after drying was evident only when both bioactive glass and vitamin D3 were present in culture. The results showed that although the bioactive glass and vitamin D3 decreased cell proliferation, they increased the alkaline-phosphatase activity of the fibroblasts which formed a nodule, suggesting an effect which might be useful for implant materials.

Mitosis of mast cells in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis

Mitoses of mast cells with cytoplasmic granules were observed in 6 out of 55 skin lesions of atopic dermatitis. It is thus likely that the local proliferation process of mast cells contributes to the increased number of mast cells in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis. Mitotic mast cells with cytoplasmic granules were also observed in 2 out of 8 dinitrochlorobenzene contact dermatitis lesions provoked in patients with atopic dermatitis. It is suggested that some mast cells in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis might be involved in the pathogenesis of type IV eczematous skin lesions of the disease.

Noninvasive measurement of blood glucose concentrations by analysing Fourier transform infra-red absorbance spectra through oral mucosa

Whether Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflection prism could be applied for noninvasive glucose measurement through oral mucosa was evaluated. As a result, the same absorbance peak at 1033 cm-1 as in glucose aqueous solution was found in the absorbance spectra through mucous membrane. However, these glucose specific peaks were interfered with by the baseline drifts owing to prism attachment and the background spectra from body constituents other than glucose. Therefore, to eliminate these interferences, the calibration curve between the second derivatives of the absorbance peak at 1033 cm-1 and those at 2920 cm-1 was calculated (r = 0.910). By using this calibration curve, the spectral changes due to prism attachment were first eliminated. Secondly, by obtaining the second derivative of the difference between the postprandial absorbance peak and the fasting sample as a characteristic of an individual, high correlations between the corrected second derivatives of absorbance spectra through the mucous membrane of the lip at 1033 cm-1 and the increases in blood glucose concentrations above fasting levels were observed (r = 0.910). In conclusion, it was suggested that Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy could be useful for noninvasive monitoring of glucose through oral mucosa.

Melanotrophs of Xenopus laevis do respond directly to neuropeptide-Y as evidenced by reductions in secretion and cytosolic calcium pulsing in isolated cells

Neuropeptide-Y (NPY) is present, along with dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid, in the neurons innervating the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland of Xenopus laevis, and all three neurotransmitters have been shown to inhibit melanotroph secretion from isolated neurointermediate lobes. However, unlike dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid, NPY has been reported to be without inhibitory effect on secretion from dispersions of intermediate lobe cells. Moreover, binding studies have been taken as indicating that Xenopus melanotrophs lack NPY receptors, although such receptors appear to be present on folliculostellate cells. For these reasons, NPY has been considered to act indirectly on Xenopus melanotrophs; the putative intermediary is supposed to be the folliculo-stellate cell. However, the present experiments show that NPY does strongly inhibit melanotroph secretion from cells dispersed from Xenopus intermediate lobes. In addition, they demonstrate that NPY acts directly on individual Xenopus melanotrophs (immunohistochemically identified and under conditions that preclude any interaction between cells) to inhibit the intermittent rises in cytosolic free Ca (cytosolic Ca pulsing). From these observations, we conclude that NPY does act directly on melanotrophs of Xenopus.

The proportion of death certificates of diabetic patients that mentioned diabetes in Osaka District, Japan

To determine the accuracy of the stated causes of death in diabetic patients, we analyzed 503 death certificates of diabetic patients who had been followed up for 9.4 years on average at Osaka Medical Center for Adulthood Diseases and had died during the observation period from 1960 to 1984. Of the certificates examined, only 213 (42.4%) mentioned diabetes, either as the underlying cause or as a contributory condition. The proportion of certificates that mentioned diabetes was related to the underlying cause of death; it was 18.7% for malignant neoplasms, 40.5% for cerebrovascular disease and 46.9% for disease of the heart, while it was 81.8% for renal disease. The proportion was higher for females (48.7%) than for males (39.5%), and a significant difference was observed between the sexes in the proportion in the case of disease of the heart. The proportion was not related to any significant extent to the year of death or the age at death. However, it was related to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level and type of treatment. It was 37.8% and 54.4% for patients with FPG < 200 mg/dl and FPG > or = 200 mg/dl, respectively, 24.1% for those treated with diet, 51.4% for those treated with oral hypoglycemic agent and 80.7% for those treated with insulin. As a result, it was found that the proportion of death certificates that mentioned diabetes was related to the accompanying complications and the severity of diabetes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Influence of epinephrine infusion on the metabolism of exogenous lipid emulsions after 70% hepatectomy in the rat]

We investigated the effects of epinephrine on the metabolism of a lipid emulsion administrated to rats after 70% hepatectomy. Sprague-Dawley rats were underwent 70% hepatectomy and then were given lipid total parenteral nutrition (lipid-TPN) for 96 h. To increase catabolism after hepatectomy, epinephrine (Bosmine) infused continuously with the lipid-TPN. With increasing doses of the epinephrine, weight loss and the increased urinary excretion of nitrogen and 3 methyl histidine were observed. This indicated that administration of epinephrine after hepatectomy produced a model of increased surgical stress. As the epinephrine dose increased the linoleic acid content of the hepatic phospholipids increased and the arachidonic acid decreased at 96 h after hepatectomy. Epinephrine apparently inhibited the activity of the delta 5.6 desaturase involved in the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids, leading to changes of the cell membrane fatty acid composition that could possibly influence membrane function. Thus, the fatty acid composition of lipid emulsions for TPN should be tailored according to the severity of surgical stress, because the pattern of secretion of stress hormone is dependent on the degree of such stress.

Descendant family history of atopic dermatitis

Descendant family history of atopic dermatitis was examined in 270 adult patients with this skin disease and their 529 children. Of the 529 children, 316 (60%) had a history of atopic dermatitis. Boys and girls were equally affected. The prevalence of affected children was 56% (180/321) in those patients whose spouses did not have a history of both atopic dermatitis and respiratory atopy, 81% (48/59) in those patients whose spouses had a history of atopic dermatitis, and 59% (88/149) in those patients whose spouses had a history of respiratory atopy only. These results indicate that the mode of inheritance of atopic dermatitis is autosomal dominant. They also suggest that the genetic background of atopic dermatitis is not identical with that of respiratory atopy.

Effect of a monoclonal anti-sperm antibody (A-1) on in vitro fertilization in the mouse

We prepared four monoclonal antibodies raised against mouse spermatozoa. The ability of the hybridoma culture supernatants to inhibit in vitro mouse fertilization was determined. One of these monoclonal antibodies, termed A-1, strongly inhibits sperm penetration into zona pellucida of egg in a concentration-dependent fashion. On the other hand, even in the presence of the same concentration of A-1 antibody, sperm binding to comulus-free eggs was slightly inhibited and sperm-egg fusion was not inhibited at all. Immuno-fluorescence studies with A-1 showed that it recognizes an antigen(s) localized in the acrosome of mouse spermatozoa. In the case of unfixed sperm, the acrosome-intact sperm (i.e., sperm bound to egg zona pellucida) and unbound sperm were slightly immunostained with A-1 antibody (1.6% and 9.0%, respectively). All the full acrosome reacted sperm (i.e., sperm penetrating into the perivitelline space) were not immunoreacted. On the other hand, when sperm were fixed with methanol, approximately 80% of unbound sperm were immunoreacted with this antibody. Furthermore, almost all of zona-binding sperm were immunostained, whereas acrosome reacted, penetrating sperm were not. These data suggested that the antigen recognized by A-1 was located inside the plasma membrane of spermatozoa, and appeared on the surface of the spermatozoa during the period of penetration into egg zona pellucida. After sperm penetration into the perivitelline space this antigen must be released from the sperm.

[A prospective study on necessary and sufficient retinal photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy]

The present studies were performed to determine whether slight photocoagulation was better than heavy photocoagulation for the early stage of progressive proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The authors selected 17 patients who had bilateral PDR of equal severity (BI or BII stage according to Fukuda's classification). In every case, we randomly performed heavy photocoagulation (laser burns were 1142 +/- 179) to one eye and slight photocoagulation (405 +/- 166) to the other eye. More than 6 months after the last photocoagulation, the effects of these treatments were compared in both eyes by fundus pictures, visual acuity and posterior vitreous fluorophotometric values. The results of judgement by fundus pictures and by vitreous fluorophotometric values were in perfect agreement. Eight cases (47%) in whom eyes received slight photocoagulation showed result better than the other eye. Two cases (12%) which received heavy photocoagulation were better than the other eye. Seven cases (41%) showed the same level of severity. No significant differences were found between slight and heavy photocoagulation.

[Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of FUT-187. (V)--Perinatal and postnatal study in rats with oral administration of FUT-187]

FUT-187 was given orally at 20, 120 and 720 mg/kg to female rats during the perinatal and postnatal periods and the effect on dams and offspring were evaluated. One dam during the terminal period of gestation and 3 dams after delivery in the 720 mg/kg group died due to FUT-187. In dams, an increased pancreas weight in the 20 mg/kg or more groups, temporary salivation after dosing in the 120 mg/kg or more groups, and a depression of body weight gain and decreased food intake and weight of the carcass in the 720 mg/kg group were statistically significant in comparison with controls. In offspring, postnatal death rate in the 720 mg/kg group tended to increased. Decreased body weight gain and delayed appearance of abdominal hair and descent of testis in the 720 mg/kg group were statistically significant in comparison with controls. There were no treatment-related abnormalities in visceral examination, organ weight, skeletal examination, sensory function, behavioral function, learning ability or reproductive function. Based on these results, it is concluded that the no-effect-dose levels of FUT-187 are less than 20 mg/kg for dams, and 120 mg/kg for reproductive performance of dams and offspring development.

[Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies of FUT-187. (I)--Fertility study in rats with oral administration of FUT-187]

FUT-187 was given orally at 20, 120 and 720 mg/kg during the pre-pairing period (63 days prior to pairing in males and 14 days prior to pairing in females) and the pairing period to male and female rats and in the early stage of pregnancy (days 0 through 7 of gestation) to female rats, and the effects of the test compound on male and female reproductive performance and fetal development were evaluated. One male of the 720 mg/kg group died due to treatment. Temporary salivation was observed in males and females in the 20 mg/kg or more groups. In males, increases in the weight of the pancreas in the 120 mg/kg or more groups and the adrenals in the 720 mg/kg group, a depression of body weight gain and decreases in food intake and weight of the carcass in the 720 mg/kg group were statistically significant in comparison with controls. In females, an increase in the weight of the pancreas in the 120 mg/kg or more groups, a slight depression of body weight gain during the early stage of pregnancy and a decrease in the food intake, and a decrease in the weight of the carcass in the 720 mg/kg group were statistically significant in comparison with controls. No dose-related changes were found in the estrus, copulation, insemination and fertility indices. In fetuses, decreased numbers of corpora lutea, implantation and live fetuses were observed in the 720 mg/kg group. There were no treatment-related abnormalities in fetal mortality, sex ratio, weights of fetuses and placenta, and external and visceral examinations. Based on these results, it is concluded that the no-effect-dose levels of FUT-187 are less than 20 mg/kg for the parents, 720 mg/kg for reproductive performance and 120 mg/kg for fetal development.

Familial primary hyperparathyroidism: study of the pedigree in three generations

The familial occurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism in which the proband is a 55-year-old man is reported. His 58-year-old sister and 40-year-old brother had undergone partial parathyroidectomy, and histological examination revealed hyperplasia in both cases. Their father and a daughter of the proband had a history of nephrolithiasis. The three siblings showed high levels of plasma parathyroid hormone (even the two postoperative cases). All of them had a history of nephrolithiasis and peptic ulcers. In the proband, image studies did not reveal any abnormality in the neck region. At present, the three cases do not exhibit any abnormalities in the pancreas or the pituitary by imaging studies and endocrine tests.

Abnormal glucagon response to arginine and its normalization in obese hyperinsulinaemic patients with glucose intolerance: importance of insulin action on pancreatic alpha cells

An excessive glucagon secretion to intravenous arginine infusion was found in obese hyperinsulinaemic patients with glucose intolerance. This study was designed to determine whether the glucagon hyperresponsiveness to arginine in these patients would improve by insulin infused at a high enough dose to overcome insulin resistance. By infusing high dose insulin during arginine infusion, the previously exaggerated glucagon response to arginine could be normalized. To normalize the abnormal glucagon response, insulin doses of 4.2 +/- 0.7 and 3.8 +/- 0.5 IU were required during arginine infusion in obese hyperinsulinaemic patients with impaired glucose tolerance and Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, respectively. This achieved plasma peak insulin levels 3 to 4 times higher than those observed in non-obese healthy subjects. Furthermore, we clarified whether or not the effect of normalizing insulin action and/or glycaemic excursions contributed to normalizing the exaggerated glucagon response to arginine in these patients. Blood glucose was clamped while high dose insulin was infused at the same levels as observed during the arginine infusion test with no insulin infusion. As a result, normalization of the exaggerated plasma glucagon response was achieved, whether hyperglycaemia existed or not. These results clearly demonstrate that, similar to non-obese hypoinsulinaemic Type 1 (insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients, the exaggerated Alpha-cell response to arginine infusion in obese hyperinsulinaemic patients with glucose intolerance is secondary to the reduction of insulin action on the pancreatic Alpha cell, and that the expression of insulin action plays an important part in normalizing these abnormalities.

[Citrate as an inhibitor of stone formation--with reference to intestinal citrate absorption and the influence of citrate on intestinal calcium absorption]

The response of serum citrate to the oral citrate load was studied in seven healthy subjects. Serum citrate was significantly elevated from 15 to 60 min post-load with some individual variations. In 27 stone-formers serum citrate and the response to the oral citrate administration was studied and compared with the results obtained on healthy subjects. The serum citrate concentration of stone-formers was 1.99 +/- 0.49 mg/dl as compared to 1.61 +/- 0.35 mg/dl in healthy subjects. After citrate administration serum citrate increased significantly in both groups, but no significant difference was shown in response to the oral citrate load between these two groups (3.44 +/- 0.94 mg/dl in stone-formers, 3.16 +/- 0.38 mg/dl in healthy subjects). In Sprague-Dawley rats each weighing about 200 g urinary citrate and calcium excretion were studied after administration of sodium citrate or calcium chloride or both. The concomitant equimolar administration of sodium citrate and calcium chloride did not have significant influence on urinary citrate or calcium excretion as compared when citrate or calcium was given alone. However, the calcium excretion was significantly decreased with the administration of citrate and calcium ata molar ratio of 1:2.