[Elderly dyserythropoietic anemia first diagnosed after presentation of hemorrhagic gastric ulcer]

A 71-year-old man presented with epigastralgia and tarry stool. Laboratory examination showed anemia (Hb 7.1 g/dl) due to hemorrhagic gastric ulcer and positive Coombs' test without features of hemolysis. Initial bone marrow smears disclosed normal granulocytes and megakaryocytes, but only erythroid hyperplasia with multinuclearity and megaloblastosis was identified. Cytogenetic studies revealed normal karyotype. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) type II was initially suspected. Serologically, however, acid hemolysis and anti-I * i tests were negative as were the results of another Coombs' test. The second bone marrow aspiration disclosed a marked decrease in multinucleated erythroblasts together with an increase in those that had internuclear chromatin bridges. Electron microscopy of bone marrow specimens demonstrated morphological features of CDA types I and II, thus yielding a final diagnosis of elderly dyserythropoietic anemia, which is similar to both CDA types. It was suggested that the reactive secretion of erythropoietin due to bleeding played a role in these pathologic changes.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate that underlies complex Ca2+ mobilization patterns

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) is a second messenger that elicits complex spatiotemporal patterns of calcium ion (Ca2+) mobilization and has essential roles in the regulation of many cellular functions. In Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells, green fluorescent protein-tagged pleckstrin homology domain translocated from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm in response to increased concentration of IP3. The detection of translocation enabled monitoring of IP3 concentration changes within single cells and revealed spatiotemporal dynamics in the concentration of IP3 synchronous with Ca2+ oscillations and intracellular and intercellular IP3 waves that accompanied Ca2+ waves. Such changes in IP3 concentration may be fundamental to Ca2+ signaling.

Characterization of Bacillus sp. endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and its application to deglycosylation of hen ovomucoid

A bacterial strain isolated from soil and identified as a Bacillus species produced two endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidases in the culture broth when it was cultivated on medium containing only hen ovomucoid. Almost no production of the enzymes occurred when the bacterium was grown on glucose medium. The two endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidases, named Endo-BI and Endo-BII, were separated and purified to homogeneity by preparative gel electrophoresis after partial purification by column chromatography on DEAE-resins. Endo-BI hydrolysed oligosaccharides of both hen ovalbumin and ovomucoid. In contrast, Endo-BII could act only on oligosaccharides of hen ovalbumin and showed almost no activity towards those of hen ovomucoid. Deglycosylation of hen ovomucoid was performed with the partly purified endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase preparation, with the aid of contaminating beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase. The deglycosylated ovomucoid exhibited no changes in trypsin inhibitory activity but was very unstable to heat treatment in comparison with native ovomucoid. These results suggest that oligosaccharides of ovomucoid have an important role in the stabilization of the protein against heat.

Allosteric regulation by cytoplasmic Ca2+ and IP3 of the gating of IP3 receptors in permeabilized guinea-pig vascular smooth muscle cells

1. The potentiation by Ca2+ of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-induced Ca2+ release was studied by measuring luminal Ca2+ concentrations of the Ca2+ stores using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, furaptra, in permeabilized smooth muscle cells. 2. Ca2+ release at 10 microM IP3 was potentiated by an increase in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in the presence of 10 mM EGTA. This effect was not due to the pharmacological effect of EGTA, because changes in the EGTA concentration at a constant Ca2+ concentration had no effect on the Ca2+ release rate. 3. With an increase in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration from 30 to 630 nM, the Ca2+ release rate at a saturating IP3 concentration increased 110-fold and the EC50 for IP3 increased from 0.07 to 1.0 microM. It was also indicated that the relationship between Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ release rate was shifted towards higher Ca2+ concentrations at higher IP3 concentrations. 4. These results suggest that IP3 and submicromolar concentrations of Ca2+ allosterically lower the affinity of the IP3 receptor for each other and are both required for IP3 receptor activation. These properties enable the IP3 receptors to detect simultaneous increases in IP3 and Ca2+ concentrations.

Atrial septal defect in cyanotic CL/Fr mice

OBJECTIVE

It is widely known that some newborn CL/Fr mice with cleft lip and palate (CLP) also have cyanotic symptoms, which have been thought to depend on an atrial septal defect (ASD). In a previous study, we found that cyanotic mice tended to have more severe types of CLP. We hypothesize that the mechanical airway obstruction due to a poorly developed palatal shelf and unmoved tongue in CLP(+) mice might be related to the occurrence of cyanosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between ASD and cyanosis in CLP(+) newborns.

METHOD

The newborn hearts from CLP(-), noncyanotic CLP(+), cyanotic CLP(+), CL/Fr mice and ICR mice were examined histologically, and the incidence and size of ASD was determined on neonatal day (ND) 0. In CLP(-) newborns, similar procedures were performed from ND 1 to ND 4. Furthermore, in CLP(+) newborns, development of the palatal shelf was examined.

RESULTS

While all the ICR mice had a well-developed atrial septum, and the incidence of ASD was 0%, about 80% of CL/Fr mice had ASD, irrespective of the presence or absence of CLP and cyanosis. On ND 0, the septum primum was significantly shorter in cyanotic CLP(+) mice than in CLP(-) mice. It also tended to be shorter in CLP(+) mice than in CLP(-) mice. Between the cyanotics and noncyanotics, there were no significant differences in the incidences of ASD and the rate of septal development. In CLP(-) mice, the septum primum developed well later and no ASD was observed on ND 4. Cyanotic newborns had significantly less developed palatal shelves than did noncyanotics.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyanosis may not be related to ASD and the rate of septal development, but may be related to the occurrence of CLP in this strain. Furthermore, we confirmed that some relationship exists between the development of the palatal shelf and cyanosis. The present study supports our hypothesis concerning the cause of cyanosis in CL/Fr mice.

Strain specific production of a negative regulator of IL-3 (NIL-3): difference in the negative feedback mechanism of hemopoiesis among mouse strains

The producing cells of the negative regulator of interleukin-3 (NIL-3) were investigated. The 5-fluorouracil-treated bone marrow cells did not produce NIL-3. The bone marrow cells of stem cell-depleted W/WV mouse did not produce the NIL-3, either. The production of NIL-3 was different among mouse strains. Mice of C3H/HeN, A/J and ICR strains produced NIL-3, but the C57BL/6 mice did not produce NIL-3. These results indicate that the negative feedback mechanism of hemopoiesis is different among mouse strains. In the present study, we could not definitely identify the NIL-3 producing cells, although the present results are suggestive that the stem cells in cycle are a NIL-3 producer. Instead, we found that hemopoietic regulatory mechanisms might be different among mouse strains, especially in C57BL/6 mice.

Embryologic features of term fetuses and newborns in CL/Fr mice with special reference to cyanosis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to clarify the embryologic features of CL/Fr mice in relation to cyanosis.

METHOD

Orofacial examinations were conducted on 18-day-old term fetuses and newborns. Except for open eyelids in a few cases, all of the external abnormalities in this strain were cleft lip and/or palate (CLP).

RESULTS

The CLP incidence in term fetuses was 28.4%. The body and placental weights were not different between CLP(+) and CLP(-) fetuses. Several types of CLP were found; the most frequent was bilateral complete CLP (60%) followed by left complete (16%). Bilateral complete CL, which is the most severe CL type, was associated with poorly developed secondary palate and wide cleft. In newborns, 39.4 % of CLP(+) mice showed cyanosis, where no CLP(-) mice had such signs. The body weight of cyanotic mice with CLP was significantly lighter than that of noncyanotic mice with CLP. Cyanotic mice had severe types of CLP and unelevated palatal shelves.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that mechanical airway obstruction may be one of the causes of cyanosis in newborn CL/Fr mice.

The urinary concentration of sialic acid is increased in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients with microangiopathy: a possible useful marker for diabetic microangiopathy

In order to investigate the relationship between urinary excretion of sialic acid and the severity of diabetic microangiopathy, urinary levels of sialic acid were determined in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The urinary molar ratio of sialic acid to creatinine in the diabetic patients was significantly higher than in the healthy controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, the urinary ratio was found to be gradually increased with the degree of diabetic microangiopathy. Urine molar ratio of sialic acid to creatinine in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy was significantly higher than in patients without retinopathy (p < 0.01). Urinary excretion in patients with macroproteinuria was also significantly higher than in patients without nephropathy (p < 0.01). Since urinary levels of sialic acid are proportionally increased with the severity of diabetic microangiopathy, the measurement of urinary sialic acid could become a useful biochemical means to monitor the degree of diabetic microangiopathy.

Hypoglycemic effect of the rhizomes of ophiopogonis tuber in normal and diabetic mice

The hypoglycemic effect of the rhizomes of Ophiopogonis Tuber (Liliaceae) was investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The n-butanol extract of rhizomes of Ophiopogonis Tuber (BM) (100 mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose of normal mice from 201 +/- 13 to 151 +/- 7 mg/100 ml 4h after intraperitoneal administration (p < 0.054), and also significantly lowered the blood glucose of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice from 590 +/- 28 to 470 +/- 37 mg/100 ml under similar conditions (p < 0.05). BM also tended to suppress epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia in mice. We concluded that the hypoglycemic effect of BM does not alter the insulin concentration.

Effect of polygonati rhizoma on blood glucose and facilitative glucose transporter isoform 2 (GLUT2) mRNA expression in Wistar fatty rats

The intraperitoneal administration of the methanol extract of Polygonati Rhizoma (OM) to Wistar fatty rats caused a significant decrease in the blood glucose level 4h after its administration at 800 mg/kg (p < 0.01). The hepatic content of facilitative glucose transporter isoform 2, liver type glucose transporter (GLUT2) mRNA content from rat liver significantly decreased in the intraperitoneally OM-treated rats compared to that in the controls (p < 0.01). These results suggest that the hypoglycemic effect of OM is presumably due, at least in part, to the reduction of GLUT2 mRNA expression. Because of this unique therapeutic mechanism, OM could be a new category of therapeutic agent for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Effect of a major metabolite of the antiallergic drug repirinast on phosphodiesterase and adenylate cyclase activities

MY-1250 (5,6-dihydro-7,8-dimethyl-4,5-dioxo-4H-pyrano [3,2-c]quinoline-2-carboxylic acid, CAS 63768-47-8), a major metabolite of the antiallergic drug repirinast (MY-5116, CAS 73080-51-0), inhibits antigen-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. MY-1250 causes a rapid increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels in rat peritoneal mast cells. MY-1250 inhibited cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activities from rat peritoneal cells and guinea pig lung tissue in a concentration dependent manner with IC50 values of 2000 mumol/l and 1670 mumol/l, respectively. However, MY-1250 showed no effect on adenylate cyclase activity from rat peritoneal cells. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of MY-1250 on histamine release may be partly due to the inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity.

Transglycosylation activity of Mucor hiemalis endo-beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase which transfers complex oligosaccharides to the N-acetylglucosamine moieties of peptides

A novel endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in the culture fluid of Mucor hiemalis isolated from soil was found to have transglycosylation activity. This endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, Endo-M, could liberate the complex type of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides by hydrolysis of diacetylchitobiose linkage from glycoproteins. The treatment of Endo-M with N-acetyl-glucosamine and asialotransferrin glycopeptide having the complex type of oligosaccharides resulted in the transfer of the released oligosaccharide from the glycopeptide to N-acetyl-glucosamine. The structure of the product after transfer was deduced to be (GlcNAc)2-Man-(Gal-GlcNAc-Man)2 by a combination method of pyridylamination and high performance liquid chromatography, and mass-spectrometry. The enzyme could transfer the complex type of oligosaccharide from asialotransferrin glycopeptide to bovine ribonuclease with the high-mannose type of oligosaccharide. This will lead to the construction of neoglycoproteins containing different types of oligosaccharides.

Pharmacological profile of the novel, potent and selective peptide leukotriene antagonist (E)-2,2-diethyl-3'-[2-[2-(4-isopropyl)thiazolyl]ethenyl]succinanilic acid

In this report, the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological profile of MCI-826 ((E)-2,2-diethyl-3'-[2-[2-(4-isopropyl) thiazolyl]ethenyl]succinanilic acid, CAS 121230-22-6) is described. In isolated guinea pig ileum, MCI-826 inhibited LTD4 (a peptide leukotriene, 10(-9) mol/l)-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 6.8 x 10(-12) mol/l. It had no effect on histamine (10(-5) mol/l)-, serotonin (2.5 x 10(-5) mol/l)-, or acetylcholine (5.5 x 10(-6) mol/l)- induced contractions in isolated guinea pig ileum. In isolated guinea pig trachea, MCI-826 demonstrated competitive antagonism of the contractile activity of LTD4 and LTE4 with pA2 values of 9.0 and 8.8, respectively. MCI-826 inhibited LTC4-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. However, in the presence of an inhibitor of the metabolism of LTC4 to LTD4, MCI-826 (10(-6) mol/l) produced no effect on LTC4 concentration-response curves in guinea pig trachea. In the in vivo study, the oral administration of MCI-826 caused a dose-dependent inhibition of LTC4- and LTD4-induced bronchoconstrictions in guinea pigs with an ED50 of 0.049 and 0.013 mg/kg, respectively. However, MCI-826 (3 mg/kg p.o.) showed no effect on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. The pharmacological half-life of orally administered MCI-826 as assessed by LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction was more than 12 h in guinea pigs. MCI-826 also inhibited antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in a dose-dependent manner with a MID (minimum dose that causes significant inhibition) of 0.1 mg/kg p.o. in guinea pigs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody on adhesion of erythroid leukemic cells (ELM-I-1) to hematopoietic supportive cells (MS-5): CD44, but not hyaluronate-mediated, cell-cell adhesion

Cocultivation of erythroid leukemic cells (ELM-I-1) with hemopoietic supportive cells (MS-5) resulted in a specific adhesion of ELM-I-1 cells to MS-5 cells. This phenomenon was designated as rosette formation. After induction of differentiation of ELM-I-1 cells, rosette formation was reduced, and no rosette formation was observed between erythrocytes and MS-5 cells. Studies on anti-adhesion molecule antibody treatment have revealed that CD44 plays a key role in rosette formation. Expression of CD44 on (the membrane of) ELM-I-1 cells was reduced after differentiation, and no CD44 expression was detected on erythrocytes. CD44 was also expressed on MS-5. Hyaluronate is known as the ligand of CD44, but neither hyaluronidase treatment nor addition of excess hyaluronate to the assay system affected rosette formation. These data indicate that hyaluronate is not responsible for rosette formation. Anti-CD44 antibody (KM81), which recognized the hyaluronate binding site of CD44, inhibited rosette formation. But other monoclonal antibodies against different epitopes except for the hyaluronate binding site, even those against CD44's hyaluronate binding site, did not inhibit rosette formation. Thus, rosette formation between MS-5 cells and ELM-I-1 cells is mediated by CD44 but not by the hyaluronate binding site of CD44.

Novel specificities of Mucor hiemalis endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase acting complex asparagine-linked oligosaccharides

Mucor hiemalis endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Endo-M) was proved to act on complex type biantennary oligosaccharides of glycoproteins by using dansylated asparagine-linked and pyridylaminated oligosaccharides, as the substrate. The enzyme could act on both asialo- and sialo-biantennary oligosaccharides. This is the only endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase known to act on sialo glycans, though their activity for them was weak. The enzyme could liberate complex type biantennary oligosaccharides from native human asialotransferrin, which was ascertained by a combination of the pyridylaminated method and HPLC. The enzyme had substrate specificity for high-mannose type oligosaccharides different from those of the endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidases of other microorganisms: ovalbumin glycopeptide-IV was a better substrate for Endo-M than glycopeptide-V. The enzyme could act on complex type triantennary oligosaccharides of dansylated glycopeptide prepared from calf fetuin. The enzyme had various novel specificities in regard to activities on complex type and high-mannose type oligosaccharides in glycoproteins.

Possible compensatory role of parathyroid hormone-related peptide on maintenance of calcium homeostasis in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Recent studies have revealed that altered mineral and vitamin D metabolism is observed in diabetic patients with the complication of osteopenia. In order to elucidate the role of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) on calcium homeostasis in diabetes, we have measured the serum level and urinary excretion of PTHrP as well as other serum calcium-regulating hormones in 106 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and 43 control subjects. The serum concentration of intact PTH was 2.34 +/- 0.13 (mean +/- SEM) pmol/l in NIDDM patients, which is significantly lower than the value of 3.11 +/- 0.14 pmol/l in the controls (p < 0.01). Both serum calcium and calcitonin, however, were not statistically different from controls. On the other hand, circulating PTHrP in NIDDM was 40.1 +/- 1.4 pmol/l, which is significantly elevated when compared to 27.3 +/- 1.3 pmol/l in the controls (p < 0.01). Moreover, urinary excretion of PTHrP also was significantly higher in NIDDM (p < 0.01). In the present study, the circulating calcium level was well preserved in NIDDM patients, although the PTH levels were shown to be decreased. The elevated serum PTHrP might, therefore, have a physiologically compensatory role on the calcium regulatory systems in NIDDM. Furthermore, this elevation is most likely due to the excess production of this peptide and not to the decrease in urinary excretion.

Application of poly(L-lactic acid) particles for the suppression of genetic resistance to bone marrow allografts by reticuloendothelial system-blockade

We have recently successfully achieved bone marrow allografts by reticuloendothelial system (RES)-blockade. Long-term survival of the recipient mice after BMT was achieved without apparent evidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), although T-cells were not depleted from donor marrow cells. Hemopoietic system of these recipient mice was replaced by that of donor origin [7]. As a first step to the application of this technique for human patients, we tested poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) particles as biodegradable particles. PLLA particles were phagocytized by macrophages when injected intravenously, and degraded slowly. PLLA has already been in clinical use as a bioresorbable suture material and matrix for drug release. We found that administration of PLLA prior to bone marrow transplantation resulted in a successful take of the allografts. In addition, PLLA was found not to show any antigenicity in normal mice.

Abnormal facilitative glucose transporter gene expression in human islet cell tumors

Our previous studies have shown that increased expression of GLUT1/erythrocyte and GLUT3/brain type glucose transporter genes in human tumors is associated with cellular transformation. We have now determined the levels of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding these two glucose transporter isoforms as well as that of GLUT2/liver isoform in insulin-, glucagon-, and gastrin-secreting islet cell tumors. Northern blot analysis and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of GLUT1 and GLUT3 mRNA in all human islet cell tumors and normal islets examined. In contrast, GLUT2 mRNA, which is present at high levels in normal islets, was not detected in insulinomas or other types of islet cell tumors. These results imply that GLUT1 and GLUT3 are primarily responsible for glucose uptake by these tumors.

Computational analysis of a holographic optical head configuration

The best configuration for holographic optical heads for compact disk players is discussed from the viewpoint of considering the misalignment allowance for head components. Focus-error and trackingerror signals of the proposed head configurations are simulated with a ray-tracing method and by using optical cross transfer function theory. The misalignment allowance for the head components, such as the objective lens, the holographic optical element, and the photodetector, are calculated for several configurations. The misalignment allowance is found to increase greatly when the holographic optical element is placed in close proximity to the objective lens and then when this assembly is moved as a unit.

MY-1250, a major metabolite of the anti-allergic drug repirinast, induces phosphorylation of a 78-kDa protein in rat mast cells

Repirinast (MY-5116; isoamyl 5,6-dihydro-7,8-dimethyl-4,5-dioxo-4H-pyrano [3,2-c]quinoline-2-carboxylate) is an anti-allergic drug of demonstrated effectiveness for treating bronchial asthma in humans. MY-1250 (5,6-dihydro-7,8-dimethyl-4,5-dioxo-4H-pyrano [3,2-c]quinoline-2-carboxylic acid), the major active metabolite of repirinast, inhibits antigen-induced histamine release from sensitized rat peritoneal exudate cells (PEC). When purified rat mast cells were treated with MY-1250 (2.5 x 10(-5) M) for 1 min, phosphorylation of a specific mast cell protein of apparent molecular mass of 78 kDa was observed as previously reported for sodium cromoglycate (SCG). Phosphorylation of this protein induced by MY-1250 and SCG occurred in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 2.0 x 10(-7) and 1.4 x 10(-5) M, respectively. MY-1250 did not inhibit calcium ionophore A23187 (1 microgram/mL)-induced histamine release from rat PEC. In the presence of calcium ionophore A23187 (1 microgram/mL), phosphorylation of this protein induced by MY-1250 was not evident. In conclusion, MY-1250 induced phosphorylation of a 78-kDa protein in rat mast cells and MY-1250 may inhibit histamine release by regulating phosphorylation of this protein in rat mast cells.

Development of an animal model of late asthmatic response in guinea pigs and effects of anti-asthmatic drugs

We developed an animal model of late asthmatic response (LAR) in guinea pigs and examined the effects of anti-asthmatic drugs and peptide leukotriene antagonist, MCI-826, on this model. Bronchial challenge of DNP-As (Dinitrophenylated-Ascaris suum extract)-sensitized guinea pigs induced a biphasic increase in pulmonary resistance (RL) with the maximal increase being observed immediately (IAR, immediate asthmatic response) and 3 to 5 hr after antigen inhalation (LAR). Twelve of 22 guinea pigs showed both IAR and LAR. The average increases in RL for all 22 guinea pigs at IAR and LAR, were 168 +/- 13 and 207 +/- 16 (% of baseline value), respectively. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of guinea pigs that received antigen, revealed increases in the numbers of eosinophils (7.3-fold compared to animals receiving saline) and neutrophils (5.3-fold compared to animals receiving saline) 4 hr after antigen inhalation. When DSCG (disodium cromoglycate) was administered (10 mg/kg, i.v.) before antigen challenge, DSCG significantly inhibited IAR (p less than 0.05) and slightly inhibited LAR (p less than 0.2). Theophylline (30 mg/kg, p.o.) administered before antigen, slightly inhibited both IAR and LAR (p less than 0.2). Salbutamol (3 mg/kg, i.p.) administered before antigen, significantly inhibited IAR (p less than 0.05), but did not affect LAR. These results were correlated with clinical trials. Moreover, peptide leukotriene antagonist, MCI-826, (E)-2,2-Diethyl-3'-[2-[2-(4- isopropyl)thiazolyl] ethenyl]succinanilic acid (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) administered 1 hr before antigen challenge, significantly inhibited both IAR and LAR (p less than 0.05). MCI-826 (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) administered 1.5 hr after antigen inhalation, also inhibited LAR (p less than 0.05). Analysis of BAL fluid revealed that DSCG and MCI-826 significantly inhibited the increase in eosinophils (p less than 0.05). These data suggest that leukotriene plays an important role in the development of the pathogenesis of LAR, and that our model is an useful experimental model for investigating the mechanisms of LAR and examining the effects of several anti-asthmatic drugs on LAR.

A successful therapy with plasma exchange for interstitial pneumonia of progressive systemic sclerosis

A 47-year-old woman who was diagnosed as progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) had acute and severe interstitial pneumonia. Based on the results of her chest roentgenogram, computed tomography, transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), her interstitial pneumonia was considered to be atypical of PSS. Although she was treated with corticosteroid, methylprednisolone pulse therapy and immunosuppressive drug, the effect of these drugs was insufficient as treatment for the interstitial pneumonia. Therefore, plasma exchange was attempted. After plasma exchange was carried out for three days, her symptoms improved as well as the laboratory data and chest roentgenogram without any severe side effects. We recommend plasma exchange for interstitial pneumonia of PSS as an effective treatment.

Magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of esophago-aneurysmal fistula

A 77-year-old woman who complained of dysphagia was found to have an aneurysm in the descending aorta. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the state of thrombi, a thin and irregular soft tissue signal between the aneurysm and the esophagus, which suggested an esophago-aneurysmal fistula revealed by the operation. MRI was effective in the evaluation of the status of aneurysm.