Peripheral neuropathy in the WBN/Kob rat with chronic pancreatitis and spontaneous diabetes

BACKGROUND

To elucidate the mechanisms of peripheral nerve damage in diabetic neuropathy, various animal models have been studied. The WBN/Kob rat is a new animal model that develops chronic pancreatitis and spontaneous diabetes. It remains unestablished whether spontaneously diabetic rats of this strain develop peripheral neuropathy, comparable to the human diabetic neuropathy.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

In the present study, we examined electrophysiologic, biochemical, and structural changes of peripheral nerve in 12- and 20-month-old diabetic WBN/Kob rats.

RESULTS

All the WBN/Kob rats showed slowing of motor nerve conduction and temporal dispersion of compound muscle action potential. Biochemical measurement revealed increased sorbitol and decreased myoinositol levels in the sciatic nerve. Structurally, de- and remyelination was the major abnormality in the sciatic and tibial nerves in 12-month-old rats. Twenty-month-old rats showed in addition, structural changes indicative of axonal degeneration and dystrophy. Morphometric analysis demonstrated reduced myelinated fiber occupancy and decreased mean myelinated fiber size. These structural changes appeared to be the most conspicuous around the endoneurial vessels. They were less severe in the sural nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

The WBN/Kob rat develops demyelinating, predominantly motor neuropathy, later accompanied by axonal changes. The neuropathic manifestations are unique as compared with those found in other spontaneously diabetic animal models. Late appearing axonal changes may correlate to diabetic dysmetabolism but the mechanism of early demyelination remains to be determined.

Diagnosis of gastric adenoma versus early gastric cancer by bromodeoxyuridine immunohistochemistry from gastric biopsy specimen

Differentiation between gastric adenomas and type IIa early gastric cancer by macroscopic and histologic examinations is often difficult. This study has shown that there are differences in the distribution of S-phase cells in these two types of tumour, and these differences can be exploited to differentiate between them. The distribution of S-phase cells was assessed by Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry using an in vitro BrdU-labelling method. Biopsy specimens were obtained from 27 lesions (12 adenomas and 15 type IIa early gastric cancers), and the distributions of BrdU-labelled cells in the tumour thickness as well as in the superficial layer of the tumour were determined. Significant difference was seen in the labelling of the two tumour types with regard to both these parameters. Using the criteria of BrdU immunohistochemistry, the accuracy of differentiation between gastric adenomas and cancers was 88.9%. Therefore, it is concluded in this study that in vitro BrdU labelling is a useful method of diagnosing gastric adenomas and cancers.

Injectable microspheres with controlled drug release for glaucoma filtering surgery

The authors evaluated the effects of biodegradable poly (lactic acid) microspheres that provided the controlled release of the antimetabolic agent adriamycin (ADR) to prevent post surgical fibrosis after glaucoma filtering surgery. Fifty six eyes of 28 rabbits underwent posterior lip sclerotomy and received a 0.2 ml subconjunctival injection that contained microspheres 90 degrees from the filtering site immediately after surgery. Microspheres containing ADR (100 or 200 micrograms) were randomly administered to one eye. The fellow eyes served as controls and received microspheres without the drug. Intraocular pressure in the eyes treated with the microspheres that contained the drug was significantly lower than that in the control eyes from days 7-12 in the 100 micrograms group and from days 6-16 in the 200 micrograms group (P < .05). Eyes that received ADR had a significantly longer patent filtering bleb compared with the control eyes (P < .05). No corneal complications were observed in the eyes treated with 100 micrograms of ADR and the control eyes. Peripheral corneal opacities (25%) and epithelial erosion (17%) were observed in the eyes that received the 200 micrograms dose, but the cornea returned to normal after 4 wk. These results suggest that controlled-drug-release microspheres with an antimetabolic agent may be promising for preventing fibrosis after surgery.

Biodegradable microspheres containing adriamycin in the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy

The use of biodegradable polymer microspheres containing adriamycin for the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in an experimental rabbit model was investigated. A single injection of microspheres containing 10 micrograms of adriamycin effectively decreased traction retinal detachment to 10% (n = 10), whereas 50% of eyes injected with blank microspheres (n = 10) developed retinal detachment (P < 0.05). A single injection of microspheres, containing 3 micrograms of adriamycin, did not suppress retinal detachment. Electroretinographic and histologic studies confirmed that the 10 micrograms injection of adriamycin in microspheres was not toxic to the retina, although the injection of the same amount of free adriamycin caused retinal necrosis and detachment. Thus, microspheres containing adriamycin hold promise as a new treatment modality for PVR.

Incidence of Paneth cells in minute tubular adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the large bowel

This study attempted to demonstrate the incidence of Paneth cells within large bowel tubular adenoma and adenocarcinoma according to location and macroscopic appearance using minute tumors (up to 5 mm in size). We have shown that Paneth cells were sometimes seen in the early stage of the development of large bowel epithelial neoplasia. According to the macroscopic appearance (elevated or depressed type), in large bowel epithelial neoplasia, there was a statistical difference between the depressed type (32.5%, 14 of 40 cases) and the elevated type (16.6%, 24 of 145 cases) (Chi square analysis, p < 0.05) in the incidence of Paneth cells. Paneth cells were seen more frequently in adenocarcinoma (45.8%, 11 of 24 cases) than in tubular adenoma (16.8%, 27 of 161 cases), with a significant statistical difference (Chi square analysis, p < 0.01). According to location, in both tubular adenoma and adenocarcinoma, Paneth cells were more frequently observed in the proximal colon (tubular adenoma: p < 0.01, adenocarcinoma: p < 0.05, Chi square analysis).

Gastric polyposis caused by multifocal histiocytosis X

A rare case of gastric polyposis caused by infiltration of Langerhans' cells is reported. A 53 year old Japanese woman complaining of vague abdominal discomfort, was found at endoscopy to have numerous polyps all over the gastric wall. An endoscopic biopsy specimen showed characteristic infiltration of Langerhans' cells in the lamina propria of the mucosa. Functional abnormalities such as impaired gastric acid secretion or malabsorption were not associated with this lesion and the patient was treated conservatively. During follow up over two years, she had a cutaneous eruption with infiltration of histiocytes and osteolytic lesions in the skull. However, no progressive changes occurred in the stomach. This probably benign self-limiting lesion of gastric histiocytosis X may be one of the manifestations of multifocal histiocytosis X, but its aetiology and appropriate treatment have not yet been determined.

Controlled cisplatin delivery system using poly(D,L-lactic acid)

Cisplatin (CDDP)-containing poly(D,L-lactic acid) microspheres (CDDP-MS) and beads (CDDP-B) with an average molecular weight of the oligomer of 1.2 x 10(4) and 4% CDDP loading were prepared. In Tris buffer, 95% of CDDP disappeared from CDDP-MS within 3 d. In vitro and in vivo, CDDP-B released CDDP for 30-57 d, and for 21-42 d, respectively. The other CDDP-B with an average oligomer molecular weight of 9.6 x 10(3) with 5% lactic acid monomers, that contained 4% CDDP, showed a two-phase CDDP release pattern and CDDP disappeared within 41 d in vitro, and within 21 d in vivo. Histologically, tissue necrosis surrounding the CDDP-B was not severe.

Evaluation of a bilayer artificial skin capable of sustained release of an antibiotic

A bilayer artificial skin, composed of an upper silicone sheet and a lower collagen sponge, has been developed by modifying a technique proposed by Yannas and Burke. We have applied it clinically with success, but infection sometimes occurred in the area where the artificial skin was placed. To use it safely in an infected wound, we developed a new type of artificial skin capable of sustained release of antibiotic. Microspheres of poly-L-lactic acid containing an antibiotic, were installed in the upper silicone sheet. The usefulness of the new type of artificial skin was suggested by in vitro studies.

In vitro evaluation of sustained drug release from biodegradable elastomer

Poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA), poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), and their copolymers (PLA-CL) with various monomer compositions were synthesized, and their properties as matrix for the sustained release of drugs were evaluated. The copolymerization technique produced very soft films which incorporated the drugs without deterioration of the elastic properties. Cisplatin and MD-805 were loaded in the films by casting the polymer solution containing the drugs. Fractions of the drugs released from the PLA-CL films were governed by the initial loading, the film thickness, and the polymer molecular weight. The drug release profiles obeyed the classical Fickian diffusion equation at least in the early stage, but significant hydrolytic degradation of the matrix polymers occurred in the later stage, influencing the kinetics of drug release. The monomer composition of copolymer affected the release profile more strongly than the initial molecular weight of the copolymer.

Intranasal infection of Getah virus in experimental horses

Aerosol transmission in equine Getah virus (GV) infection was examined by intranasal inoculation with 10(3.0) to 10(7.0) TCID50 of the MI-110 strain in 7 experimental horses. The establishment of intranasal infection of GV was confirmed in all these horses by detecting serum neutralizing antibody against the MI-110 strain. Horses inoculated with more than 10(4.0) TCID50 of the virus manifested mild pyrexia, eruptions, serous nasal discharge, lymphopenia or monocytosis. Viremia ranging from 10(1.0) to 10(3.5) TCID50/0.2 ml occurred in horses inoculated with 10(5.0) TCID50, or more. Virus recovery from the nasal cavity was observed only in horses inoculated with 10(7.0) TCID50, and the viral titers recorded were 10(3.0) TICD50/ml or less. From these results, it is assumed that GV disseminated from the nasal cavity of naturally infected horses, except for intranasal infection with a lot of the virus, is probably very low in titer. So it seems to be rare that GV in natural cycles is spread from horse to horse by aerosol transmission.

Effect of viral inoculum size on appearance of clinical signs in equine Getah virus infection

A study was performed to examine the effect of viral inoculum size on the appearance of clinical signs in equine Getah virus (GV) infection by intramuscular inoculation with 10(1.3) to 10(6.3) TCID50 of the MI-110 strain in 6 experimental horses. When inoculated with more than 10(3.3) TCID50 of the virus, every horse developed pyrexia, edema in the hind legs, serous nasal discharge, lymphopenia and viremia in the relatively early stage of disease. On the other hand, enlargement of the submandibular lymph node was observed only in horses inoculated with 10(5.3) and 10(6.3) TCID50 of the virus, while typical eruptions were developed in every horse inoculated with 10(4.3) TCID50 or less. These results demonstrated that the appearance of clinical signs in equine GV infection was dependent on viral inoculum size. Besides, it was assumed to be rare chance that eruptions and enlargement of the submandibular lymph node were developed simultaneously in a horse.

Biodegradation and antitumour effect of adriamycin-containing poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres

Adriamycin-containing poly (L-lactic acid) microspheres were prepared to develop a slow-releasing and long-acting adriamycin delivery system. An almost constant release of adriamycin from the adriamycin-containing poly(L-lactic acid) was achieved in Tris buffer and adriamycin disappeared within 20 d. Adriamycin was not detected in serum for up to 14 d, when the suspension of the adriamycin-containing poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres was injected into lung parenchyma, the femoral muscles of rabbits or the peritoneal cavity of mice. However, adriamycin remained in the rabbit muscles for up to 10 d under formation of scar tissue. When free adriamycin was added to P815 tumour cells in culture, the cell survival rate decreased with the exposure time. The treatment with the adriamycin-containing poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres showed a higher survival rate for mice bearing P815 tumour cells than with free adriamycin. In addition, the systemic side effects were insignificant when the adriamycin-containing poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres were given to mice instead of free adriamycin.

Salt formation of lactic acid oligomers as matrix for sustained release of drugs

The calcium and sodium salts of L- and D,L-lactic acid oligomers were obtained by immersion of the oligomer powders (weight average mol. wt 3000-10,000) in aqueous solutions of CaCl2 and NaCl, respectively, at room temperature (22 degrees C). The salt formation was analysed by atomic absorption measurement. The thermal properties, including glass transition temperature, melting temperature, and softening temperature, were altered by conversion of the terminal free acid of the oligomer to its salt. An in-vitro release test of an anti-cancer drug from the oligomer beads showed that the drug was released more rapidly from the beads prepared from the non-converted oligomers than those prepared from the salts when the release test was carried out in media containing no calcium and no sodium ions.

[A study on BrdU labelling index of gastric cancer using in vitro labelling method]

In order to reveal the effect of environmental factors to BromodeoxyUridine labelling index (BrdU L.I.) and its usefulness as clinicopathological information, 522 specimens obtained from 121 lesions of gastric cancer were studied. Five hundred twenty two specimens in which BrdU had been incorporated using an in vitro labelling method were divided into 3 groups according to their degree of necrosis and cell infiltration. The average L.I. of the specimens with no or slight necrosis was 23.3 +/- 8.7%, medium, 14.2 +/- 10.0%, and severe necrosis, 6.6 +/- 3.8%, with no or slight cell infiltration, 25.3 +/- 9.5%, medium, 21.0 +/- 7.1%, and severe cell infiltration, 21.2 +/- 6.1%, therefore L.I. correlated to necrosis and cell infiltration. Representative values for each lesion were adopted and compared using 3 methods. In method A, a representative value of the L.I. for each lesion was chosen using all biopsy specimens, method B using specimens without necrosis, and method C, specimens without necrosis and cell infiltration. L.I. correlated to stage and the lymphnode metastasis only using methods, B and C and more strictly using method C. Necrosis and cell infiltration should be considered in adopting a representative value of the L.I. for each lesion. Method C is considered to be a best among the three studied, and the L.I. of gastric cancer may be considered a clinicopathological marker.

[Studies of morphometric analysis and cell cycle of gastric epithelia of rat administered minimal mixed bile acids]

The gastric epithelia of the rat after administrated with the minimal mixed bile acids and lysozyme for 9-weeks were studied using morphometric analysis and anti-Bromodeoxyuridine staining immunohistochemistry. Our results show that the atrophic changes and increased anti-BrdU antibody staining positive and mitotic cells of the pyloric glands area in the group administration only bile acids. Lysozyme inhibited bile acids activation on these changes of this area.

Microspheres of biodegradable polymers as a drug-delivery system in the vitreous

Microspheres of biodegradable polymers were evaluated as a potential controlled-release drug-delivery system in the vitreous. The microspheres were prepared with polymers of poly(lactic acid) or copolymers of glycolic acid and lactic acid. The release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) from the microspheres was studied in vitro. Poly(lactic acid) microspheres released 70-85% of total 5-FU over 7 days. Microspheres of polymers with a smaller molecular weight released the drug more rapidly. Copolymer microspheres released 98% of 5-FU over 2 days. The rate of drug release was controllable by changing the molecular weight of the polymers or using a matrix of copolymer. The intravitreal kinetics of the microspheres were studied in ten rabbits in vivo. A suspension of microspheres was injected into the vitreous cavity of five normal eyes and five vitrectomized eyes. By 48 +/- 5.2 days after injection, the microspheres disappeared from the vitreous cavity in the five normal eyes. Clearance from the vitreous cavity was accelerated in the five rabbits that underwent vitrectomy (14 +/- 2.4 days; P less than 0.001). No difference was found in the b waves of electroretinograms before and after injection of the microspheres. The histologic study showed no abnormal findings as a result of the injection. These results suggested that microspheres of biodegradable polymers may be a potential delivery system for the controlled release of drugs in the vitreous.

[Chemotherapeutic evaluation of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with a complication of hepatic dysfunction]

A retrospective study on the evaluation of antituberculous drugs for patients with hepatic dysfunction was undertaken to clarify treatment regimens. The values of GOT, GPT and T. Bil were used as indicators of liver function, and the "deterioration" in the liver function was defined as a level greater than 1.5 times the initial value. Of total 538 cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis, 103 cases (19.1%) had abnormalities in liver functions before chemotherapy, and 21 of 103 cases showed the deterioration in their liver functions during chemotherapy. There was little relationship between the initial status of liver functions and the incidence of their deteriorations after chemotherapy. Nine of 21 cases did not exceed the 3 times of normal ranges of liver functions. These nine cases could tolerate the same regimens of chemotherapy, and showed satisfactory clinical responses to chemotherapy with two exceptions: one died of tuberculosis and the other cerebrovascular disease. On the other hand, of 12 cases with elevated values of hepatic function greater than 3 times the normal limits, 6 cases discontinued chemotherapy. One case, however, died of hepatic failure related to chronic active hepatitis. Eight of 12 cases showed the rapid improvement of liver dysfunctions. These results suggest that antituberculous drugs are acceptable to patients with hepatic dysfunction as long as the elevations of GOT, GPT and T. Bil stay within 3 times of normal limits. Further chemotherapy could be continued under careful monitoring of liver functions even if the cases exhibit elevated levels of liver functions greater than 3 times the normal ranges.

Treatment of malignant pleural effusions with doxorubicin hydrochloride-containing poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres

For the treatment of malignant pleural effusions, we prepared doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin)-containing poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres (ADR-MS). In vitro, 50 percent and 100 percent release times of ADR from ADR-MS were 6.3 and 20 days, respectively. After intrapleural administration of ADR-MS for seven patients at an ADR dose of 40 mg, ADR was detected in the effusions for more than two weeks; however, ADR concentrations in serum were very small, consistent with minimal transpleural absorption of ADR. These results indicated the slow release of ADR into the pleural cavity. Furthermore, the amount of drained ADR was less than a few percent of the administered dose. In some cases, malignant cells in the effusion disappeared after the treatment. No complications related to the procedure occurred, and the patients developed no systemic symptoms. One patient died after four months, and the other six patients are alive after 21 to 31 months without reaccumulation of the effusion. The local administration of ADR-MS produces a localized high and systemic low concentration of ADR, which could potentially improve the patient's quality of life.

A bioabsorbable delivery system for antibiotic treatment of osteomyelitis. The use of lactic acid oligomer as a carrier

We prepared a composite of D,L-lactic acid oligomer and dideoxykanamycin B for use as a biodegradable antibiotic delivery system with sustained effect. The composite was implanted in the distal portion of the rabbit femur, and the effective concentration of the antibiotic was measured in the cortex, the cancellous bone, and the bone marrow. In all bone tissues around the implant, the concentration of antibiotic exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration for the common causative organisms of osteomyelitis for six weeks. Most of the implant material had been absorbed and the bone marrow had been repaired to a nearly normal state within nine weeks of implantation. The implant caused no systemic side effects, and it is likely to prove clinically useful as a drug delivery system for treating chronic osteomyelitis.

[Five cases of tuberculosis occurring in an accounting office during 5-year period]

Five cases of pulmonary tuberculosis occurred in an accounting office during 5-year period. Patients 1 and 2 were hospitalized in January and March respectively in 1984. Patients 3 and 4 were found to have abnormal shadows in 1987. Patient 5 was admitted to our hospital in July, 1988. Patients 1 and 2 showed a similar pattern of drug resistance. The desk of Patient 3 was located in front of the desk of Patient 1. Retrospective review of chest X-ray film of Patient 3 taken two years before admission revealed that active contagious tuberculosis had been misdiagnosed as inactive type, resulting in delayed treatment. Patients 4 and 5 worked near to Patient 3 for the past two years. PPD skin test was carried out on 47 workers in the same room and other rooms as well. The distribution of maximum diameters of erythema for workers in the same room did not show a bimodal distribution, but the mean diameter (30.6 +/- 16.4 mm) was larger than that (22.3 +/- 17.2 mm) for workers in other rooms. Preventive administration of Isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH) was made for 10 workers. These observations suggest that routine chest X-ray film should be carefully checked, and PPD skin test should be performed to those at risk of tuberculosis infection.

Lactic acid oligomer microspheres containing hydrophilic drugs

A new method was developed for preparation of biodegradable lactic acid oligomer microspheres containing hydrophilic drugs. The microspheres were obtained by removal of solvent from an O/O (oil-in-oil) emulsion through evaporation. The solvent used for the dispersed phase solution was an acetonitrile: water mixture, while the continuous phase medium was cottonseed oil. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (ADR) and insulin were successfully entrapped in the microspheres with high trapping efficiencies of 80 to 90%, and their release profiles were not accompanied with the significant burst effect. The release rate of the drugs from the microspheres was greatly affected by the initial loading of the drugs and the molecular weight of the lactic acid oligomer.

[Intracavitary microspheres incorporating cisplatinum in the treatment of malignant effusions--clinical trials]

A new dosage form of cisplatinum (CDDP), lactic acid oligomer microspheres incorporating cisplatinum (CDDP-ms), is designed to slowly release 70% of contained CDDP. CDDP-ms's acute toxicity is as low as 57% of the toxicity of CDDP aqueous solution, and its therapeutic efficacy is statistically significantly strong as compared with that of CDDP aqueous solution, when examined with experimental peritoneal carcinomatosis induced by mouse M5076 ovarian sarcoma. Clinical trials were carried out in 10 patients with malignant ascites (gastric cancer 6, pseudomyxoma peritonei 2, colon cancer 1, pancreas cancer 1) and in one patient with pleural effusion (lung cancer). CDDP-ms at 100 mg/person in terms of CDDP was injected at bolus into the affected cavity. In the 10 patients with ascites, 7 responded completely, two partially and one did not respond. The patient with pleural effusion responded partially. The response rate was 91%. Five of the 11 patients complained of temporary nausea or vomiting. In 5 patients fever higher than 38 degrees C was seen. No other side effect such as kidney, nor liver-damage or blood cell count abnormality was noted.

[Pulmonary tuberculosis with chemotherapy related liver dysfunction]

A retrospective study of the hepatotoxicity of antituberculous drugs was undertaken to establish preventive measures for elevated transaminases by analyzing its clinical courses. Four hundred and forty six patients with normal liver function on admission were enrolled in this study. More than 50% of total 113 cases who showed abnormalities of transaminases were aggravated up to 4th week after administration of drugs, and 80% up to 8th week. The initial values of elevated transaminases did not relate to recovery rate, and could tolerate the additional administration of drugs. However, cases with higher peak values and exacerbation in transaminases showed a tendency of delayed normalization. These results indicate that the chronological observation of transaminases is useful to determine whether or not the antituberculous drugs should be discontinued when hepatic dysfunction occurs. Moreover, they suggest that patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis may continue chemotherapy with the same regimen under careful observation of liver function even when their transaminase values exceed 100.

[A study of causes of death among patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis from the standpoint of host factors]

To clarify the clinical features of fatal cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis, 36 patients with sputum positive for tubercle bacilli on admission were examined retrospectively. They were divided into two groups, those who died of tuberculosis (Group I), and those who died of non-tuberculous diseases (Group II). The mean age of all the patients was 74.8 years, and the male: female ratio was 7 : 3. In Group I (n = 26), the direct causes of death were respiratory failure (35%), general weakness (27%) and acute progression of tuberculosis (31%), and in Group II (n = 10), about half of the patients died of neoplasms. In addition, a control group (Group III) (n = 27) of patients matched for age and sex with Group I, was examined. They were tuberculous patients who had improved and were subsequently discharged after chemotherapy. Compared with Group III, more patients in Group I showed poor oral feeding and had been bedridden on admission. Their nutritional status was significantly poorer, based on determination of total serum protein, albumin, total serum cholesterol, and hemoglobin. With respect to cell-mediated immunity, Group I patients showed significantly lower peripheral lymphocyte counts and a reduced PPD skin reaction. However, the disease was more serious in Group I than in the control. It was suggested that patients subsequently died of active pulmonary tuberculosis showed not only serious illness, but also malnutrition and depressed cell-mediated immunity.

[Intravitreal drug delivery by microspheres of biodegradable polymers]

We evaluated the efficacy of microspheres of biodegradable polymers as a slow releasing drug delivery system in the vitreous body. Microspheres containing 5-FU were prepared with polymers of poly-(lactic acid) or copolymers of glycolic acid and lactic acid. The release of the drug was studied in vitro. Poly-(lactic acid) microspheres released 5-FU for 7 days. The intravitreal kinetics of the microspheres was studied in rabbits in vivo. The microspheres disappeared from the vitreous cavity of normal eyes by 48 +/- 5 days after injection. Disappearance was accelerated from the vitreous cavity of vitrectomized rabbits (14 +/- 2 days, p less than 10(-6)). No abnormality was found on electroretinographic or histological examinations after microspheres injection. These results suggested that microspheres of biodegradable polymers could be useful as a potential drug delivery system for sustained drug release in the vitreous body.

[Pathological studies of multiple submucosal gastric gland lesions in thirty-eight cases]

We have examined 38 stomachs with the adenocarcinoma and multiple submucosal gastric gland (SG) lesions. Almost the SG lesions consisted of the foveolar epithelium, which stained negative with alcian blue whereas the ordinary glands stained positive with con-A (III), or with both types of epithelium, and they had no atypicality. Only 14 out of 2,188 SG lesions (0.63%) showed atypical proliferation. Three hundred and forty-nine out of 1,535 SG that were examined by lysozyme staining were strongly lysozyme positive. Almost all the propria mucosa in the areas of the minute SG showed erosive lesions with an atrophy of ordinary glands, glandular erosion, and a regenerative epithelium. Eleven stomachs (11/38 cases, 29.0%) had multiple adenocarcinomas.

Induction of immune response and protection from equine viral arteritis (EVA) by formalin inactivated-virus vaccine for EVA in horses

Thirty-nine horses included 3 pregnant mares were examined by inoculating with formalin inactivated-virus vaccine for EVA. Antibody response of horses after one dose vaccination was somewhat poor and 50% effective inoculum dose of the vaccine should be included 10(8.4) pfu of virus before inactivation. After 2 doses given at an interval of 4 weeks, the horses developed such high titer of SN antibody as up to 1:5,120. The SN titer declined rather rapidly, but supplemental administration of the vaccine at an interval of more than 2 months elicited a prompt antibody response and SN titers persisted as 1:80 to 1:320 at 6 months after the administration. Therefore, supplemental administration of the vaccine as booster every 6 months or 1 year would be capable of maintaining high titer of SN antibody. The inactivated-virus vaccine prevented horses from clinical disease of EVA and protected pregnant mares from abortion by challenge exposure with virulent virus. Fifty percent protective dose in SN titer of 1:43 was confirmed by clinical signs and viremia.

Vascular lesions in the biopsied bronchus of patients with sarcoidosis changes of the endothelial cells in aggregation of eosinophils

1) Aggregates of eosinophils closely related to the enlarged endothelial cells in the capillary vessels were recognized in 64% of 28 cases in biopsied specimens of the major bronchus of patients with sarcoidosis. 2) Electron microscopy revealed the vacuolated central cores or matrix in the specific granules of the eosinophils adjacent to the swollen vascular endothelial cells, frequent findings with attachment of the blood platelets to the damaged plasma membrane of the endothelial cells eventually becoming occluded in the lumen with platelet thrombosis, and multilayer formation of the basement membrane of the capillary vessels. 3) Sarcoidosis is suggested to be a pathological process producing both granuloma formation in each organ and vascular endothelial cell changes in the capillary vessels accompanied by aggregation of eosinophils in some periods of the disease process due to unidentified etiological factors.

Targeted and sustained delivery of aclarubicin to lymphatics by lactic acid-oligomer microsphere in rat

We examined targeted delivery of an anticancer drug, aclarubicin (ACR), to the lymphatic system in rats by encapsulation of the drug in microsphere (MS) prepared from nontoxic and biodegradable L-lactic acid-oligomer with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 3600. ACR was released at an almost constant rate from two kinds of ACR-MSs having different size (1-5 microns and less than 1 micron) over 20 d in phosphate-buffered saline at 37 degrees C. The intraperitoneal administration of both ACR-MSs (dose of ACR; 5 mg/kg) to rats sustained an almost constant ACR level (300-400 and 400-600 ng/ml) in the lymph of the thoracic duct during over 10 d, and the ACR level in the blood was extremely low, although intraperitoneal injection of ACR alone gave lower level of ACR in the lymph than in the blood level within 12 h.

Pathogenicity for horses of original Sagiyama virus, a member of the Getah virus group

Sagiyama virus is a member of the Getah virus group. Its pathogenicity for horses was examined. All the horses infected with the original 4 strains of Sagiyama virus (M6/Mag 33, Mag 121, Mag 132 and Mag 258) developed pyrexia ranging from 39.0 to 40.0 degrees C. Other clinical signs, characterized by eruptions, edema in the hind legs, enlargement of the submandibular lymph node and mild leukopenia, were also manifested. Viremia occurred 1-4 days post-inoculation (p.i.). Virus was recovered from spleen, liver, lung and various lymph nodes of a horse autopsied on Day 4 p.i. The maximum titer of virus (10(6.0) TCID50 g-1) was detected in the inguinal lymph node. Seroconversion was demonstrated in all the infected horses on Day 5 p.i. These clinical signs and virological findings were similar to those of horses infected naturally. The results indicate that Sagiyama virus has pathogenicity for horses and is similar to that of Getah virus.

Clinical and virological observations on swine experimentally infected with Getah virus

The pathogenicity of Getah virus for swine was examined. All 8 pigs (4 adults and 4 piglets) inoculated with Strains MIP-99 and MI-110 developed pyrexia ranging from 39.4 to 40.7 degrees C and anorexia. Mild depression and diarrhea were observed in 2 of the 4 piglets. These clinical signs were transient. Viremia occurred 1-2 days post-inoculation (p.i.) and the maximum titer was 10(3.0) TCID50 0.1 ml-1. The virus was recovered from a piglet autopsied on Day 3 p.i. from spleen and various lymph nodes. The maximum titer of virus (10(3.75) TCID50 0.1 g-1) was detected in the inguinal lymph node. Seroconversion was demonstrated in all the pigs on Day 6 p.i. These results suggest that Getah virus is mildly pathogenic for swine, which may play a role as an amplifying host in nature.

Transplacental infection in mice inoculated with Getah virus

Transplacental transmission was demonstrated in pregnant mice subcutaneously inoculated with Getah virus. Viremia was shown in the infected dams, and high-titered virus was detected in the placenta and later in the fetus, suggesting virus invasion of the fetus through hematogenous infection of the placenta. High-titered virus was shown in the fetal brain and muscle and in the brain of the young dying soon after birth. Intrauterine infection resulted in a reduction of the litter size, number of young born alive and survival rate to 1 week of age. These results were further corroborated by necropsy performed several days after virus inoculation. The stage of gestation at the time of virus inoculation greatly influenced these results. Dams inoculated at 12 days of gestation delivered all dead babies, whereas virus inoculation at 5 days of gestation had no effect on the number of young born alive. The dams inoculated at 8 days of gestation had reduced litter sizes and those inoculated at 16 days of gestation produced slightly fewer live babies. Gestational stage at the time of virus inoculation also influenced viral growth in fetuses and placentas. The infection rate was low in dams inoculated at 5 days of gestation, high in dams inoculated at 8 or 16 days of gestation and 100% in dams inoculated at 12 days of gestation. High-titered virus was shown in placentas and fetuses of the dams inoculated at 8, 12 or 16 days of gestation. These results suggest that Getah virus may readily cross the placental barrier through hematogenous infection of the placenta in mice.

Lysozyme activity of cystic mucosal and submucosal glands in the stomal area of the gastric remnant

In order to study the lysozyme activity in the cystic mucosal and submucosal glands in the stomal area of the gastric remnant, which is one of the components of gastritis cystica polyposa, we carried out a pathological and immunohistochemical examination of 55 patients with gastric remnants, including 19 with stomal carcinoma, after partial gastrectomy for benign gastro-duodenal diseases. These stomach specimens were examined immunohistochemically for lysozyme. The cytoplasm of some epithelial cells of cystic mucosal and submucosal glands, which showed characteristic changes in the gastro-intestinal stoma as well as background changes in the stomal carcinoma, showed a strongly positive reaction for lysozyme. These strongly lysozyme-positive cells in the cystic mucosal glands appeared more frequently in the cases of stomal carcinoma than in the non-cancerous controls.