Opposite morphological responses of partially denervated cortical serotonergic and noradrenergic axons to repeated stress in adult rats

We examined plastic changes in serotonin (5-HT) axons following repeated stress in the adult rat brain, and compared stress-induced changes between 5-HT and noradrenaline (NA) axons. We locally injected the specific neurotoxin to 5-HT axons or to NA axons into the frontal cortex to cause partial denervation. The animals were mildly restrained from 1 day after the neurotoxin injection and this stress was repeated daily for 20 min during the first 2 days and for 40 min during the next 11 days. On the fourteenth day after injection, the brains were removed to visualize 5-HT and NA axons by immunohistochemistry. Repeated stress did not significantly alter the denervation area of 5-HT or NA axons, but the density of 5-HT axons was increased whereas that of NA axons was decreased in cortical regions outside the denervation site. In addition, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was increased in cortical regions where the 5-HT axon density was increased in response to stress. These results suggest that repeated stress causes opposite changes in the morphology of partially denervated 5-HT and NA axons in the cerebral cortex. The stress-induced increase in BDNF expression may contribute to 5-HT axon sprouting following repeated stress.

Scanning laser Doppler flowmeter study of retinal blood flow in macular area of healthy volunteers

AIM

To compare the interocular and intraocular differences of capillary perfusion, and the intraocular regional differences of retinal blood flow in the macular area of healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Tissue blood flow in the macula was examined in both eyes of 20 healthy volunteers with the Heidelberg retinal flowmeter. Blood flow measurements were made in a 10 degrees x 2.5 degrees area superior and inferior to the macula. The mean blood flow (MBF) was calculated by an automatic full field perfusion image analyser program. The MBF in the right and left eyes and in the superior and inferior macular areas of the same eye were compared.

RESULTS

The ratios of the MBF in the right eye to the left eye in the macular areas were 1.00, and 1.03, respectively. The ratio of the MBF in the superior macular area to the inferior area was 1.01 for the right eyes and 1.04 for the left eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Because no significant differences were found in the MBF between the two eyes and between the superior and inferior macular areas in the same eye, interocular (for example, affected eye versus fellow eye) and intraocular (superior versus inferior macular areas) comparisons of MBF can be made to determine if changes in retinal perfusion have occurred.

Cooperative induction of 15-lipoxygenase in rheumatoid synovial cells by IL-4 and proinflammatory cytokines

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the expression of 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX), whose metabolities are known to suppress the inflammatory reaction, in freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial cells.

METHODS

Adherent synovial cells were prepared by enzymatic digestion of synovia obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Protein expression of 15-LOX was determined by Western blot analysis. The messenger RNAs of 15-LOX were determined by reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial cells did not express 15-LOX at either the mRNA or protein levels. IL-4 induced the protein expression of 15-LOX after 24 hours of culture. Although interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), major inflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid synovia, did not induce the expression of 15-LOX, IL-4 and these inflammatory cytokines synergistically enhanced the protein expression of 15-LOX. The synergistic effect was also observed at the level of mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that IL-4 cooperated with the inflammatory cytokines IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha to enhance the expression of 15-LOX in rheumatoid synovial cells. Since 15-LOX metabolites have potent anti-inflammatory actions, our data suggest that IL-4 might downregulate rheumatoid inflammation via the induction of 15-LOX and its metabolites.

Resting T cells negatively regulate osteoclast generation from peripheral blood monocytes

There is accumulating evidence that T cells may be involved in osteoclastogenesis in a variety of murine systems. However, the precise role of human T cells in the regulation of osteoclast generation is still unclear. To address this issue, we investigated the effect of resting peripheral T cells on receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast generation from human peripheral monocytes. Although osteoclasts were not generated in the culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the presence of RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), the addition of cyclosporine A (CsA), a potent inhibitor of T-cell function, resulted in the formation of an increasing number of lacunae resorption on dentine, suggesting T cells may inhibit osteoclast formation. In a coculture of T cells and monocytes, which were isolated from PBMC, T cells inhibited the osteoclast generation from monocytes, as determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and a pit assay using dentine. This inhibition of osteoclast generation by T cells was also observed in a culture of the parathyroid hormone-stimulated SaOS4/3 osteoblast cell line and monocytes. The culture in Transwell plates revealed that the cell-to-cell interaction was not required for the inhibition, suggesting that T-cell cytokines may be responsible for the inhibition. Among inhibitory T-cell cytokines on osteoclastogenesis, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were actively produced by CD4 T cells but not CD8 T cells in the coculture of T cells with monocytes, and the neutralizing antibodies to these cytokines partially rescued the T-cell-induced inhibition of osteoclast formation. Although CsA did not affect RANKL-induced osteoclast generation in the culture of monocytes alone, it completely rescued the T-cell-induced inhibition of osteoclast formation and strongly inhibited the production of GM-CSF and IFN-gamma. Thus, we demonstrate that resting T cells negatively regulate the osteoclast generation via production of GM-CSF and IFN-gamma by CD4 T cells and that CsA stimulates the osteoclast generation through the inhibition of the production of these cytokines. These findings provide new insight into therapeutic strategies for immunosuppression-induced bone loss in transplant and other diseases.

Synthesis of size-controlled cobalt ferrite particles with high coercivity and squareness ratio

Cobalt ferrite particles with diameters ranging from a few micrometer to about 15 nm were synthesized using a modified oxidation process. The fine control of the particle size was achieved by introducing various concentrations of Fe(3+) ions at the beginning of the reaction. Among the particle sizes obtained by using this method, particles with a grain size of about 36 nm showed a magnetization (M(s)) of 64 emu/g and a maximum coercivity (H(c)) of 2020 Oe at room temperature. The corresponding squareness ratio was found to be 0.53.

D-penicillamine cooperates with copper sulfate to enhance the surface expression of functional Fas antigen in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts via the generation of hydrogen peroxide

OBJECTIVE

D-penicillamine (DP) has been shown to cooperate with copper ion to inhibit cell growth in a variety of cell types. To determine whether this inhibitory action is involved in Fas-mediated apoptosis, we examined the effect of DP and copper sulfate on the expression and function of Fas antigen in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (RSFs).

METHODS

The expression of Fas antigen on the cell surface was determined by flow cytometric analysis. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the protein expressions of Fas and Fas-ligand In addition, the amounts of apoptotic cells were determined by 4', 6-diamidino-2'-phenylindol dihydrochloride (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI) staining.

RESULTS

Although DP and copper sulfate alone did not affect the surface expression of Fas antigen on RSFs, both in combination augmented the Fas expression in dose- and time-dependent manners. The enhanced expression of Fas antigen on their surface was also observed in interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and/or tumor necrosis factor a (TNFalpha) stimulated RSFs. On the other hand, the combination of DP and copper sulfate did not increase the amounts of cellular Fas protein, as determined by Western blot analysis. To determine whether the induced Fas antigen is functional, we examined the effect of DP and copper sulfate on Fas-mediated apoptosis, using an agonistic anti-Fas antibody. The treatment of this antibody induced the apoptosis in untreated RSFs, as determined by DAPI staining. The combination of DP and copper sulfate further enhanced the Fas-mediated apoptosis. The enhanced apoptosis and cell surface expression of Fas was completely prevented by catalase, indicating that hydrogen peroxide may be involved in these effects of DP and copper sulfate. The protein expression of Fas-ligand, a natural ligand for Fas antigen, in RSFs. was expressed in untreated RSFs. However, the protein levels were not modulated by DP and copper sulfate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrated that DP cooperated with copper sulfate to enhance the cells surface expression of functional Fas antigen in RSFs. In addition, Fas-ligand was expressed in the RSFs. These findings suggested that DP might regress rheumatoid synovial hyperplasia via Fas-mediated apoptosis.

Microcirculation in the macular area of eyes with an idiopathic epiretinal membrane

PURPOSE

To measure the microcirculation in the macula area of eyes before and after the removal of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) by vitreous surgery.

METHODS

Tissue blood flow in the macula was examined with the Heidelberg retina flowmeter in 12 eyes with an ERM before and 3, 6, and 12 months after vitrectomy. Blood flow measurements were performed in a 10 x 5 degree area in the macula that was divided into superior and inferior areas. At least three measurements were obtained, and the mean blood flow (MBF) was calculated by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. The ratio of the MBF in the affected eye to that in the fellow eye was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The ratios of the MBF in the affected to the fellow eye in the superior area before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were 0.73, 0.51, 0.77, 0.88, and 1.01, respectively. The ratios of the MBF in the inferior area for the same periods were 0.70, 0.52, 0.75, 0.83, and 0.98, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with an ERM showed abnormal hemodynamics in the macula that gradually improved after vitrectomy to a status comparable with the MBF of the normal fellow eye.

Clinical application of a new compact CT system to assess 3-D images for the preoperative treatment planning of implants in the posterior mandible A case report

When treatment planning before placing dental implants in the posterior region of the mandible, the locations of the inferior alveolar nerve and mental foramen need to be ascertained, as they determine the bone height available and the implant length selected. The purpose of this study was to introduce the clinical application of a newly developed compact computed tomography system (Ortho-CT) to assess three-dimensional (3-D) images for the preoperative treatment planning of implants in the posterior region of the mandible. To evaluate the 3-D images, we scanned using the Ortho-CT system the mandible with a radiopaque template placed in the posterior region. The Ortho-CT images provided excellent information for evaluating the morphology of the mandible, and for showing the location of the inferior alveolar nerve, mental foramen and the relationship of the template to the bone. We consider that Ortho-CT is a useful aid to preoperative treatment planning of implant therapy in the mandible.

Light induced apoptosis is accelerated in transgenic retina overexpressing human EAT/mcl-1, an anti-apoptotic bcl-2 related gene

BACKGROUND/AIM

EAT/mcl-1 (EAT), an immediate early gene, functions in a similar way to bcl-2 in neutralising Bax mediated cytotoxicity, suggesting that EAT is a blocker of cell death. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of overexpression of the human EAT gene on light induced retinal cell apoptosis.

METHODS

EAT transgenic mice incorporating the EF-1alpha promoter were utilised, and expression of human EAT was detected by RT-PCR. Light damage was induced by raising mice under constant illumination. Two groups of animals, EAT transgenic mice (n=14) and littermates (n=13), were examined by ERG testing and histopathology at regular time points up to 20 weeks of constant light stimulation. Electrophysiological and histopathological findings were evaluated by established systems of arbitrary scoring as scores 0-2 and scores 0-3, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean score (SD) of ERG response was significantly lower in EAT transgenic mice (0.79 (0.89)) than in littermates (1.69 (0.48)) (p<0.01). Although the differences between the two survival curves did not reach statistical significance (p=0.1156), the estimated incidence of electrophysiological retinal damage was higher in EAT mice (0.0495/mouse/week; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0347-0.0500) than in littermates (0. 0199/mouse/week; 95% CI 0.0035-0.0364). The mean scores (SD) for histopathological retinal degeneration were 2.31 (0.63) in littermates and 1.43 (1.22) in EAT transgenic mice (p=0.065). However, Kaplan-Meier curves for histopathological failure in two groups of mice showed that retinal photoreceptor cells were preserved significantly against constant light in the littermate compared with transgenic mice (p=0.0241). The estimated incidence of histopathological retinal damage was 0.0042/mouse/week in the littermates (95% CI 0-0.0120) and 0.0419/mouse/week in the EAT mice (95% CI 0.0286-0.0500).

CONCLUSION

Retinal photoreceptor cell apoptosis under constant light stimulation is likely to be accelerated in transgenic retina overexpressing EAT.

Fat adherence syndrome after retinal surgery treated with amniotic membrane transplantation

PURPOSE

We present favorable results with amniotic membrane transplantation in a patient who developed fat adherence syndrome after retinal surgery.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

A 37-year-old man had diplopia resulting from hypotropia of the left eye after retinal detachment surgery. Removal of a previously implanted silicon sponge had little effect because of fibrous adhesion between the inferior rectus muscle and adjacent periorbital fat. We performed amniotic membrane transplantation combined with conventional extraocular muscle surgery.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, supraduction of the left eye became almost full. The field of binocular vision was extended markedly by treatment, both in the primary position and with downward gaze. These improvements remained stable over 1 year of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Amniotic membrane transplantation appears to be effective for preventing regrowth of restrictive scar tissue in the fat adherence syndrome.

Identification of rab7 as a melanosome-associated protein involved in the intracellular transport of tyrosinase-related protein 1

The melanosome is a unique secretory granule of the melanocyte in which melanin pigments are synthesized by tyrosinase gene family glycoproteins. Melanogenesis is a highly regulated process because of its inherent toxicity. An understanding of the various regulatory mechanisms is important in delineating the pathophysiology involved in pigmentary disorders and melanoma. We have purified and analyzed the total melanosomal proteins from B16 mouse melanoma tumors in order to identify new proteins that may be involved in the control of the melanogenesis process. Melanosomal proteins were resolved by two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a predominant spot (27 kDa with isoelectric point 5.8-6.4) was excised and digested with cyanogen bromide, and the fragments were sequenced. Synthetic oligonucleotide primers were synthesized corresponding to the peptide sequences, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification of total RNA from B16 cells was carried out. Sequencing of one of the polymerase-chain-reaction-mediated clones demonstrated 80%-97% sequence homology of 200 bp nucleotide with GTP-binding proteins at the 3'-untranslated region. GTP-binding assay on two-dimensional gels of melanosomal proteins showed the presence of several (five to six) small GTP-binding proteins, suggesting that small GTP-binding proteins are associated with the melanosome. Among the known GTP-binding proteins with similar molecular weight and isoelectric point ranges, rab3, rab7, and rab8 were found to be present in the melanosomal fraction by immunoblotting. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed that rab7 is colocalized with the tyrosinase-related protein 1 around the perinuclear area as well as, in part, in the perikaryon, thereby suggesting that rab7 might be involved in the intracellular transport of tyrosinase-related protein 1. Tyrosinase-related protein 1 transport was blocked by the treatment of B16 cells with antisense oligonucleotide to rab7. We suggest (i) that rab7 is a melanosome-associated molecule, (ii) that tyrosinase-related protein 1 is present in late-endosome delineated granules, and (iii) that rab7 is involved in the transport of tyrosinase-related protein 1 from the late-endosome delineated granule to the melanosome.

A melanosome-associated monoclonal antibody J1 recognizes luminal membrane of prelysosomes common to biogenesis of melanosomes and lysosomes

Melanogenesis cascade may be directly or indirectly linked to the dynamics of endosome-lysosome biogenesis. This study aims to identify how and to what extent the endosome-lysosome system is involved in melanosome biogenesis, by utilizing a novel melanogenesis marker, J1, which we identified in the process of developing monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against human melanosomes. The antigenic epitope of MoAb J1 was expressed by all of the melanotic and nonmelanotic cells examined. It was expressed primarily by granular structures located in regions proximal to the Golgi complex. Most of MoAb J1 positive granules were co-stained with melanogenic markers, tyrosinase or tyrosinase-related protein (TRP-1). The epitope of MoAb J1 was also coexpressed by most, but not all, of LGP85 (a lysosomal marker) positive granules in both melanoma and non-melanoma cells, indicating that MoAb J1 recognizes a subset of lysosomal vesicles. MoAb J1 did not, however, react with vesicles with late/early (syntaxin 8/ EEA1) endosomal markers. Further examination using fluorophore-labeled pepstatin, a marker of lysosomal luminal content, confirmed that MoAb J1 specifically recognizes the luminal surface of lysosomes. These results indicate that MoAb J1 possesses an antigen epitope that is expressed in the luminal component of prelysosomal granules which are involved in the biogenesis cascade common to both melanosomes and lysosomes. We suggest that tyrosinase family protein, tyrosinase and TRP-1 are transported to melanosomes from TGN via these prelysosomal granules after being transiently transported to late endosomes.

Posterior Synechia of the Iris After Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Phacoemulsification, and Intraocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE

Combined pars plana vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation has become a widely accepted treatment for cataracts in patients with vitreoretinal diseases. We examined factors influencing the development of posterior synechia after this triple procedure.

METHODS

One hundred and three patients (107 eyes) were evaluated. The frequency of postoperative posterior synechia, the preoperative diagnosis, whether gas tamponade was used, and the type of lens implanted were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one eyes (19.6%) developed posterior synechia, and the highest rate (12/39 eyes, 30.8%) was in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Posterior synechia was more frequent after gas tamponade (28.1%) than in eyes without tamponade (10.1%). In proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients, fibrin deposition and the amount of retinal photocoagulation were causative factors for posterior synechia.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors promoting postoperative synechia after the triple procedure included (1) the existence of PDR, (2) expanding gas tamponade, (3) fibrin deposition in PDR, and (4) the amount of photocoagulation in PDR.

Infant leukemia suggestive of natural killer cell precursor origin followed an unusual clinical course

We report a patient with infant leukemia showing the rare phenotypes of CD2+, CD4+, CD7+, CD56+, CD3-, CD5- who followed an unusual clinical course. The patient was a 3-month-old girl who was admitted because of unusual purpura looking like a black ring. On admission WBC count was 85.8 x 10(9)/l and bone marrow aspiration revealed a nucleated cell count of 112.0 x 10(9)/l with 70.8% atypical lymphocytes. On the 3rd hospital day, the WBC count decreased by about 1/5 without chemotherapy and partial remission was obtained. But about 3 weeks later, the WBC count increased again and she died. Based on surface marker analysis, genotypic analysis and autopsy, we diagnosed infant leukemia suggestive of natural killer (NK) cell precursor origin.

Clinical application of a new compact computed tomography system for evaluating the outcome of regenerative therapy: a case report

BACKGROUND

The limitations of conventional 2-dimensional (2-D) radiographs have been emphasized in many studies. Because the image is a 2-D map of the 3-dimensional (3-D) tooth and periodontal tissue, these structures may be superimposed on each other. Recently, 3-D image analysis by computed tomography (CT) was introduced to dentistry, but it has been used only rarely in the periodontal field.

METHODS

The purpose of this case report was to introduce the clinical application of a newly developed, compact computed tomography system for evaluating the outcome of regenerative therapy in an adult patient with periodontitis (male, aged 55 years). To evaluate the bone defects including furcation involvement, we took an intraoral radiograph and performed CT scanning on tooth #19. We recorded a number of clinical parameters at the time of surgery. We compared the images of the bone defect obtained by CT images and the conventional radiograph with the true bone defect morphology at the surgical site.

RESULTS

One year after the periodontal surgery, we again took CT scans and a conventional radiograph, and the new images of the bone defect were compared and evaluated. The new CT images were reconstructed for 3-D evaluation and compared with those taken before surgery. The CT provides 3-D images of excellent quality for evaluating the morphology of the periodontal bone defect and furcation involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

We consider that CT is a useful aid in periodontal examination and diagnosis, and in the prediction and evaluation of periodontal treatment outcomes.

Intracellular vesicular trafficking of tyrosinase gene family protein in eu- and pheomelanosome biogenesis

The intracellular vesicular trafficking in the melanosome biogenesis (melanogenesis) is reviewed with the incorporation of our own experimental findings. The melanosome biogenesis involves four stages of melanosome maturation, which reflect the transport of structural and enzymatic proteins from Golgi (trans-Golgi network: TGN) to the melanosomal compartment and their organization therein. The major melanosomal proteins include tyrosinase gene family protein (tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein; TRP), lysosome-associated membrane protein (Lamp) and gp100 (pmel 17). They are glycosylated in the endoplasmic reticulum, and transported by vesicles from the TGN to the melanosomal compartment. During the formation of transport vesicles, they assemble on the cytoplasmic face of the TGN to select cargo by interacting directly or indirectly with coat proteins. Tyrosinase and TRP-1 possess the dileucine motifs at the cytoplasmic domain, to which adapter protein-3 binds to transport them from the TGN to stage I melanosomes (related to late endosomes) and then to stage II melanosomes. A number of small guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins, including rab 7, appear to be involved in this vesicular transport. Phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase also regulates this membrane trafficking of melanosomal glycoprotein. Eumelanogenesis is controlled by melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and all three tyrosinase gene family proteins are transported from the TGN to stage II melanosomes that are elliposoidal and contain the structural matrix of filaments/lamellae. In contrast, pheomelanogenesis is primarily regulated by agouti signal protein, and only tyrosinase is transported from stage I melanosomes to stage II melanosomes that are spherical and related to lysosomes. Because of the absence of TRP-1 and TRP-2 in pheomelanogenesis, it may be suggested that tyrosinase is involved in lysosomal degradation after forming dopaquinone, to which the cysteine present in the lysosomal granule binds to form cysteinyldopas that will then be auto-oxidized to become pheomelanin.

On- and off-responses of the photopic electroretinograms in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis

PURPOSE

To examine the physiologic condition of the middle retinal layer of patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (xlRS) by studying the on- and off-responses of the photopic electroretinograms (ERGs).

METHODS

Eleven unrelated Japanese men (mean age; 24.9 +/- 7.6 years) who were clinically diagnosed with xlRS and molecularly confirmed as having XLRS1 mutations were investigated. For the photopic ERGs, the a-, b- and d-wave amplitudes elicited by long duration stimuli were recorded, and the responses from the xlRS patients were compared to those recorded from normal subjects (n = 14, mean age, 27.5 +/- 4.5 years). We also examined the relationship between the photopic ERG responses and the genotype.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the a- and d-wave amplitudes in the xlRS patients (34.2 +/- 8.7 microV, 52.5 +/- 10.4 microV, respectively), and those in normal subjects (40.4 +/- 10.3 microV, 44.7 +/- 6.3 microV, respectively). The mean b-wave amplitude in the xlRS patients was significantly smaller (10.5 +/- 7.7 microV) than the mean of normal subjects (46.4 +/- 10.2 microV) (P < 0.0001). No significant correlation was found between the ERG responses and the locus of the mutation.

CONCLUSION

The photopic ERG demonstrated considerable impairment of the on-pathway arising from an abnormality of the on-bipolar cells or possibly secondary to Müller cell abnormality in xlRS.

[Objective evaluation of visual field loss in a patient with branch retinal artery occlusion and brain infarction]

PURPOSE

To evaluate visual field loss using multifocal ERG(m-ERG), multifocal VEP(m-VEP), and Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter(HRF) in a patient with branch retinal artery occlusion(BRAO) and brain infarction.

CASE

A 38-year-old man noticed inferior-nasal visual field loss in the left eye, and was referred to Keio University Hospital. He suffered from paralysis in the left leg due to brain infarction at the age of 24. However, he had not noticed visual field loss due to the brain infarction. His left fundus showed retinal edema in the area of a superior-temporal retinal artery occulusion. He was diagnosed as having BRAO. The Goldmann and Humphry perimetric examinations revealed homonymous quadrantanopia in the upper left field as well as inferior visual field defect in the left eye.

RESULTS

Both m-ERG and m-VEP, especially second-kernel responses, were reduced in the affected retinal area of BRAO. But only m-VEP was affected in the corresponding area of homonymous quadrantanopia in the upper left field. The retinal flow in the area with BRAO evaluated by HRF was decreased in some areas and not in others, suggesting that retinal function was not necessarily consistent with retinal circulation.

CONCLUSIONS

m-ERG and m-VEP are useful To differentiate retinal lesions from brain lesions in visual field loss.

Development of a new in-laboratory XAFS apparatus based on new concept

In a conventional in-laboratory XAFS apparatus using conventional X-ray source, sealed tube or rotating anode, has been used. In which the X-ray source is fixed and the sample is moved (translated and rotated). Hence it has been difficult or required a complex method in order to put a heavy element, such as a cryogenic cooler, high temperature furnace and an in-situ reacting cell, at a sample position. Nowadays, there is a strong demand for obtaining dynamic information of a sample and in-situ observation becomes almost unavoidable. We have developed a compact X-ray tube and a new goniometer on which X-ray source is moved and monochromatic X-ray comes out of goniometer is fixed. Therefore it becomes easier to put a various cell at a sample position.

Comparison of scleral buckling and vitrectomy for retinal detachment resulting from flap tears in superior quadrants

PURPOSE

To compare the surgical results of vitrectomy and scleral buckling for uncomplicated superior retinal detachment caused by flap tears.

METHODS

Included in the study were 225 patients (225 phakic eyes) undergoing primary surgery by three surgeons between January 1990 and December 1996 for superior retinal detachment caused by flap tears (138 eyes by scleral buckling, 87 eyes by vitrectomy); all patients had been followed up for longer than 6 months after surgery. The choice of one of the two procedures was based on each surgeon's preference. The surgical outcome and the rate of complications were retrospectively compared between the two groups of eyes.

RESULTS

Initial and final anatomical success rate were 92% and 100% after each procedure. Retinal redetachment after the initial procedure was due to new retinal breaks in 5 eyes, reopening of original breaks in 2 eyes of vitrectomy cases, and due to malpositioned buckle in 11 eyes of scleral buckling cases. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy occurred in 3 eyes of vitrectomy cases.

CONCLUSION

Primary vitrectomy was as successful as scleral buckling for treating superior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Even though the high incidence of postoperative cataract formation was the major drawback, vitrectomy had some advantages over scleral buckling.