[Study on the relationship between vascular invasion and prognosis in patients with locally confined renal cell carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

There exists controversy concerning the relationship between the vascular invasion and the prognosis in the locally confined renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We have tried to study on the relationship between the vascular invasion and the prognosis in these patients.

METHODS

Of the five hundred and forty-eight patients with RCC who did not have lymph node and distant metastasis, the 464 patients without having the micro- and/or macro-vascular invasion (tumour thrombus) were analysed as the control, and the remaining 85 with micro- and/or macro-vascular invasion were subject to this study.

RESULTS

There observed a significantly favourable prognosis in the patients with RCC who did not have the vascular invasion (pV0) compared with the patients who had the vascular invasion (pV1a: n = 43, P = 0.00068, pV1b: n = 34, 0 < P < 0.00006, pV2: n = 8, P = 0.012). Furthermore, the patients with pV1a showed a significantly favourable prognosis compared with the patients with pV1b (p = 0.00032), and the patients with pV2 (0 < P < 0.00006), and the patients with pV1b (P = 0.00032), and the patients with pV2 (0 < P < 0.00006), and the patients with pV1b also showed a significantly favourable prognosis compared with the patients with pV2 (0 < P < 0.0006). As to the relationship between the tumour size and vascular invasion (V-stage) the tumour size got larger along with the elevation of the V-stage, and there also observed a significant difference of the tumour size between the patients with pV10 and pV1a (P = 0.00578), with pV0 and pV1b (0 < P < 0.000061) and pV0 and pV2 (P = 0.0002). The same result was obtained in the relationship between the localization of the tumour and prognosis, i.e., the patients with pV2 showed a higher frequency of larger occupation of the tumour within the kidney compared with other V-stage patients. Regarding the recurrence rate, there observed a tendency toward high frequency of recurrence along with the elevation of V-stage. Furthermore, there observed an untoward relationship between the elevation of the V-stage and the periods of recurrence after nephrectomy. In an effort to analyse the disease-free survival, there observed a significant difference among the patients with pV0, pV1a, pV1b and pV2.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the vascular invasion is a very important prognostic factor in the patients with locally confined RCC. Furthermore, along with the elevation of the V-stage, it directly reflects the poorer prognosis.

Distinct and overlapping patterns of localization of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family members and a BMP type II receptor during fracture healing in rats

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors (BMPRs) are thought to play an important role in bone morphogenesis. The purpose of this study was to determine the locations of BMP-2/-4, osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, also termed BMP-7), and BMP type II receptor (BMPR-II) during rat fracture healing by immunostaining, and thereby elucidate the possible roles of the BMPs and BMPR-II in intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification. In the early stage of fracture repair, the expression of BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 was strongly induced in the thickened periosteum near the fracture ends, and coincided with an enhanced expression of BMPR-II. On day 7 after fracture, staining for BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 immunostaining was increased in various types of chondrocytes, and was strong in fibroblast-like spindle cells and proliferating chondrocytes in endochondral bone. On day 14 after fracture, staining with OP-1 antibody disappeared in proliferating and mature chondrocytes, while BMP-2/-4 staining continued in various types of chondrocytes until the late stage. In the newly formed trabecular bone, BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 were present at various levels. BMPR-II was actively expressed in both intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification. Additionally, immunostaining for BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 was observed in multinucleated osteoclast-like cells on the newly formed trabecular bone, along with BMPR-II. In reference to our previous study of BMP type I receptors (BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB), BMPR-II was found to be co-localized with BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB. BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 antibodies exhibited distinct and overlapping immunostaining patterns during fracture repair. OP-1 may act predominantly in the initial phase of endochondral ossification, while BMP-2/-4 acts throughout this process. Thus, these findings suggested that BMPs acting through their BMP receptors may play major roles in modulating the sequential events leading to bone formation.

Developmental change of lateral ventricular volume and ratio in Beagle-type dogs up to 7 months of age

Eighteen healthy Beagle-type dogs were studied using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging from a few days after birth up to 7 months of age. We evaluated the onset of lateral ventricular expansion, the developmental change of lateral ventricular volume and the ratio of the largest to the smallest lateral ventricular volume. The onset of lateral ventricular expansion was defined as the day that the expansion by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was first visible in unilateral or bilateral lateral ventricles on the transverse images at the level of the intraventricular foramen. It was found that the expansion of lateral ventricles were first detectable at 3-4 weeks. Lateral ventricular volume ratio varied most from the onset of lateral ventricular expansion to 75 days of age and stabilized after that, although absolute brain and lateral ventricular volumes continued to increase.

[Study on the relationship between tumour necrosis factor gene polymorphism and prognosis in the patients with renal cell carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

Clinical significance of polymorphism of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) genes encoded on the short arm of the 6th chromosome in the patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been evaluated well so far. We studied on the TNF genes polymorphism of RCC focusing on the relationship between the genetic polymorphism and the prognosis.

METHODS

The subjects were seventy-three patients with RCC treated at our hospitals during the past 20 years. The genomic DNA was examined by the methods of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) from frozen peripheral blood of these patients. The items examined were the genetic polymorphisms of TNF-alpha (alpha 1, alpha 2) and TNF-beta (beta 1, beta 2), and we tried to study on the prognostic outcome of RCC based upon each zygote of TNF.

RESULTS

1) The proportion of TNF-alpha and TNF-beta polymorphisms: We observed TNF-alpha 1/1 homozygote in 71 patients (97.3%). As to TNF-beta polymorphism, we observed TNF-beta 2/2 homozygote in 33 patients (45.2%), TNF-beta 1/2 heterozygote in 31 (42.5%) and TNF-beta 1/1 homozygote in 9 (12.3%). The proportion of TNF-beta polymorphism was almost the same as that of healthy Japanese. 2) PROGNOSIS: Regarding the 17-year survival, all patients with TNF-beta 1/1 homozygote were alive, and we observed a significantly favourable prognosis in the patients with TNF-beta 1/1 homozygote compared with other zygotes of TNF-beta polymorphism. The reasons for these favourable prognosis were thought that the patients with TNF-beta 1/1 homozygote showed much lower stage and/or grade than those of other zygotes.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the TNF-beta gene polymorphism is a useful marker for understanding the prognosis of RCC and a part of cellular immunity related to the tumour and its host.

Decreased circulating levels of vitamin K and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in osteopenic elderly men

Changes in the circulating factors participating in involutional osteoporosis have been intensively investigated in women, but little is known about this in men. We investigated the possible participation of circulating factors including testosterone, vitamin D metabolites, and vitamins K1 and K2 in osteopenia in elderly men. In a group of 27 ambulatory men aged 74 +/- 10 years (mean +/- SD; range, 60 to 90), the bone mineral density (BMD) of the second to fourth lumbar vertebrae was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and expressed as a Z score, the age-adjusted BMD value for the Japanese population (mean +/- SD, 0 +/- 1). Although the plasma level of total testosterone significantly decreased with age in the group, it did not significantly correlate with the Z score. However, the plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), phylloquinone, menaquinone-7 (MK-7), and albumin were significantly positively correlated with the Z score. Moreover, plasma 25-OHD and both phylloquinone and MK-7 were significantly positively correlated in the subjects. These observations suggest that depressed circulating levels of 25-OHD and vitamin K concomitantly and cooperatively participate in osteopenia in elderly men, which may reflect the etiology of the type II moiety of involutional osteoporosis.

Incidence of urolithiasis in northeast Thailand

BACKGROUND

Urolithiasis is a major health problem in the northeast part of Thailand. In this study, we examined the prevalence of renal stone disease and differences of urinary components between stone formers and healthy control subjects in northeastern rural areas of Thailand.

METHODS

We selected 3 villages in the rural areas of Khon Kaen province in northeast Thailand. Three hundred and sixty-seven persons were asked questions relating to urolithiasis and were examined by abdominal ultrasound (US). We collected a spot urine sample from stone formers and healthy control subjects from each village.

RESULTS

Abnormal findings by US were detected in 39 individuals (10.6%), and included 31 individuals with renal calculi (8.4%), 16 with hydronephrosis (4.4%), and 1 individual with a renal cyst (0.3%). This yielded a disease rate of urinary stones in this study of 16.9%. The male/female ratio was 2/1 and the average age of the individuals examined was 40.3 +/- 13.9 years. However, there was no significant difference between the urinary parameters of stone formers and the healthy control subjects.

CONCLUSION

There was a high incidence of renal stone disease in the northeast part of Thailand, but the tendency for hypocitraturia was only found in stone formers.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the lateral ventricles in beagle-type dogs

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed on 21 presumed normal Beagle-type dogs. The size and symmetry of their lateral ventricles were evaluated and dogs were categorized on the basis of the percentage of their ventricular height (Vh) to brain height (Bh) and the ratio of the largest to the smallest ventricular area (rVA). Eleven dogs had lateral ventricles classified as normal sized (0-14% Vh/Bh) while 10 of 21 dogs had moderate enlargement (15-25% Vh/Bh) of one or both lateral ventricles. None of the dogs had severe lateral ventricular enlargement. Degree of asymmetry was also arbitrarily categorized on basis of rVA as normal to minimal (rVA < 1.5), mild (1.5 < rVA < 2.0), or severe (2.0 < rVA). Of the dogs having normal-sized lateral ventricles, six of eleven had symmetric, three of eleven had mildly asymmetric and two of eleven had severely asymmetric lateral ventricles. Of the dogs having at least one moderately enlarged lateral ventricles, five of ten had symmetric lateral ventricles, and two of ten had mild asymmetry and three of ten had severe asymmetry. Gender and body weight had no statistical relationship to lateral ventricle symmetry. Clinically insignificant ventricular enlargement and asymmetry was common in this group of Beagle dogs.

The mitogenic effect of parathyroid hormone is associated with E2F-dependent activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (cdc2) in osteoblast precursors

Injections of parathyroid hormone (PTH) have been reported to stimulate skeletal accretion through increased bone formation in several species, and osteoblast proliferation is a critical component of bone formation. However, the biological mechanisms of PTH-stimulated bone cell proliferation are largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that PTH stimulates proliferation of the osteoblast precursor cell line, TE-85, in association with increasing cdc2 protein levels and its kinase activity. cdc2 antisense oligonucleotides blocked PTH-induced DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression. Analysis of the time course of PTH-stimulated cdc2 message levels demonstrated that cdc2 mRNA levels were increased 1.5- to 4-fold between 3-18 h following release from cell synchronization. Transfections of TE-85 cells with a series of cdc2 promoter-luciferase deletion constructs revealed PTH stimulation of the cdc2 promoter. Promoter constructs containing a mutation in the E2F binding site were not stimulated by PTH. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated increased free E2F levels in TE-85 nuclear extracts in response to PTH. Furthermore, the ratios of hyperphosphorylated to hypophosphorylated forms of Rb protein were increased by PTH treatment. These results demonstrate that PTH-stimulated cdc2 expression was associated with TE-85 cell proliferation and that the mechanism of stimulating cdc2 gene expression involved increasing the levels of free E2F.

[Case report on the patient who showed a primary lung carcinoma accompanied with lung metastasis from renal cell carcinoma simultaneously during the clinical follow-up]

BACKGROUND

We have studied on the patient who showed a primary lung carcinoma and microscopic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma simultaneously after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

PATIENT

A 57-year-old man who had an incidentally discovered right renal cell carcinoma at the time of the examination of different disease, and received nephrectomy. Two years and four months after nephrectomy, a solitary primary lung carcinoma was found. Therefore, he received lobectomy. Histopathological examination revealed that the lung tumour was a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and peripheral lesions of the lung tumour, it was also discovered small clear-cell carcinoma simultaneously. At that time, we could not diagnose this carcinoma as a metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Nine months after lobectomy, new coin lesions were appeared in the lung. Therefore, we diagnosed a minimum clear lesion which was found nine months ago was metastatic renal cell carcinoma clinically. At present, the patient receives interferon-alpha therapy.

RESULTS

As a result, we diagnosed primary lung carcinoma and small metastatic renal cell carcinoma simultaneously. However, the latter diagnosis could be obtained through the progression of the disease.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that we must give heed to the patients with new cancerous lesions histologically when the patients treated of cancer previously.

[Serum bone Gla-protein increases following short-term oral administration of active vitamin D3 in the elderly with vitamin D deficiency]

Serum bone Gla-protein (BGP) is produced by osteoblasts in a vitamin K-dependent process. It is well known that serum BGP levels increase after oral administration of active vitamin D3 in postmenopausal women and patients with chronic renal failure before dialysis. These findings indicate that active vitamin D3 increases the BGP production by osteoblasts. In the present study, a daily oral dose of 2 micrograms of 1 alpha (OH)D3 was administered to 10 elderly males (age, 75.0 +/- 10.9 years) and 8 young males (age, 29.0 +/- 3.2 years) to compare the changes in serum BGP levels between the two groups. None of the subjects had severe renal or hepatic dysfunction or abnormalities in calcium (Ca) metabolism. Serum BGP and 1,25(OH)2D levels in both groups were measured before the initial administration, at 24 h and at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the start of administration. Serum parathyroid hormone (m-PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Ca and phosphorus levels were also measured in the elderly group. Serum BGP levels before the initial administration were 4.63 +/- 1.8 ng/ml in the elderly group and 4.33 +/- 0.92 ng/ml in the young group, with no significant difference between the two groups. In both group serum 1,25(OH)2D levels were slightly increased at 24 h after administration. In the elderly group serum BGP levels increased significantly to 11.5 +/- 3.0 ng/ml, an increase of approximately 250%, 1 week after the initial administration and the increase was maintained for up to 3 weeks after the administration commenced. However, no changes in serum BGP levels were noted in the young group. In the elderly group serum m-PTH levels were 544 +/- 257 pg/ml, almost the upper normal limit, before, and decreased slightly after, the administration of 1 alpha (OH)D3. Serum ALP levels also decreased slightly after the administration and serum Ca levels were slightly increased, however, the changes were within normal limits. We conclude that osteoblastic function is activated after short-term administration of active vitamin D3 in vitamin D deficient elderly subjects.

Effect of simultaneous bilateral tibial nerve stimulation on somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) in dogs

Since somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) by hindlimb nerve stimulation are known to ascend bilaterally in the spinal cord, it was investigated whether or not simultaneous bilateral stimulation causes facilitation or inhibition of the stimuli. In an experiment using 36 adult Beagle dogs, the difference between simultaneous bilateral stimulation and unilateral stimulation was studied as to latencies and amplitudes. No significant difference was noted. However, the detection of far-field potentials by bilateral stimulation was not effective in which case far-field potentials did not recorded by unilateral stimulation. It was therefore confirmed that simultaneous bilateral stimulation does not cause facilitation or inhibition in the relay pathways, and does not affect the latency.

Temperature control for kinetic refolding of heat-denatured ovalbumin

The folding of heat-denatured ovalbumin, a non-inhibitory serpin with a molecular size of 45 kDa, was examined. Ovalbumin was heat-denatured at 80 degrees C under nonreducing conditions at pH 7.5 and then cooled either slowly or rapidly. Slow cooling allowed the heat-denatured ovalbumin to refold to its native structure with subsequent resistance to digestion by trypsin. Upon rapid cooling, by contrast, the heat-denatured molecules assumed the metastable non-native conformations that were susceptible to trypsin. The non-native species were marginally stable for several days at a low temperature, but the molecules were transformed slowly into the native conformation. Considering data from size-exclusion chromatography and from analyses of CD, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, and adsorption of the dye 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate, we postulated that the non-native species that accumulated upon rapid cooling were compact but structureless globules with disordered side chains collectively as a folding intermediate. Temperature-jumped CD experiments revealed biphasic kinetics for the refolding process of heat-denatured ovalbumin, with the features of increasing and subsequently decreasing amplitude of the rapid and the slow phases, respectively, with the decrease in folding temperature. The temperature dependence of the refolding kinetics indicated that the yield of renaturation was maximal at about 55 degrees C. These findings suggested the kinetic partitioning of heat-denatured ovalbumin between alternative fates, slow renaturation to the native state and rapid collapse to the metastable intermediate state. Analysis of disulfide pairing revealed the formation of a scrambled form with non-native disulfide interactions in both the heat-denatured state and the intermediate state that accumulated upon rapid cooling, suggesting that non-native disulfide pairing is responsible for the kinetic barriers that retard the correct folding of ovalbumin.

[Cerebral infarction and asymptomatic arteriosclerosis obliterans in the elderly]

We examined the associations between cerebral infarction (CI), asymptomatic arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO), and known risk factors for these diseases. The subjects were 67 elderly patients (11 men and 56 women, mean +/- SD age of 79.6 +/- 8.5 years). in 44 patients CI was diagnosed by CT scan; 23 were classified as having cortical infarction and 21 as having lacunar infarction. In 41 patients asymptomatic ASO was diagnosed by an ankle-pressure index (API) of less than 0.9. To identify risk factors for these diseases, we examined the association among these diseases and hypertension (blood pressure > or = 140/90 mmHg), hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol concentration > or = 220 mg/dl), hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride concentration > or = 150 mg/dl), low HDL-cholesterolemia (HDL-C concentration < 40 mg/dl), high LDL-cholesterolemia (LDL-C concentration > or = 150 mg/dl), and glucose intolerance (fasting blood sugar concentration > or = 110 mg/dl). The incidence of asymptomatic ASO in the subjects with CI was significantly higher than that in the subjects without CI (chi 2 test; p < 0.05, odds ratio 6.4), including cortical infarction (p < 0.05, odds ratio 8.9) and lacunar infarction (p < 0.05, odds ratio 3.8). Patients with lacunar infarction were more likely to have hypertension than were controls (p < 0.05). Cortical infarction was not associated with these risk factors. Both low HDL-C and high LDL-G were more common in patients with asymptomatic ASO than patients without asymptomatic ASO (p < 0.05). These results indicate that CI and asymptomatic ASO are strongly associated in the elderly, especially in subjects with cortical infarction, and that aging itself contributes to cortical infarction.

Expression of p27Kip1 in osteoblast-like cells during differentiation with parathyroid hormone

PTH is a major systemic regulator of bone metabolism and plays an important role in both bone formation and resorption. PTH either inhibits or stimulates osteoblastic cell proliferation depending on the model that is studied. We analyzed the cell cycle of the UMR-106 cell line, a relatively differentiated osteoblastic osteogenic sarcoma line in which PTH is known to inhibit proliferation but the mechanism of action is unknown. PTH decreased the proportion of cells in S phase and increased the number of G1 phase cells. We examined the effect of PTH on the regulators of the G1 phase cyclin-dependent kinases and found that PTH increased p27Kip1, but not p21Cip1, levels. This effect was mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP, but not by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The protein kinase A inhibitor KT5720 abolished the effect of PTH on the increase in p27Kip1 expression. PTH increased CDK2-associated p27Kip1 without affecting the levels of CDK2. CDK2 activity was down-regulated by both PTH and 8-bromo-cAMP treatment. These data suggest that PTH blocks entry of cells into S phase and inhibits cell proliferation as the consequence of an increase in p27Kip1, which is mediated through the protein kinase A pathway. The inhibition of G1 cyclin-dependent kinases by p27Kip1 could cause a reduction of phosphorylation of key substrates and inactivation of transcription factors essential for entry into S phase. The inhibition of cell cycle progression through PKA-mediated p27Kip1 induction might play an important role in PTH-induced differentiation of osteoblasts.

[Study of the effects of treatment with interferon for the advanced renal cell carcinoma based upon the survival rate]

BACKGROUND

There is no consistent acknowledgment with the effects of the prolongation of survival for the advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with interferon (IFN). Therefore, we tried to study on the effects of such prolongation of survival for the advanced RCC through the comparative analysis between the patients treated with IFN and the patients treated with other treatment modalities in the past years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We differentiated the patients treated with IFN (recurrent patients after nephrectomy as Group I, and patients with stage 4B as Group II) from the patients treated with other modalities (recurrent patients after nephrectomy as Group III, and patients with stage 4B and Group IV). We compared the survival rate between the two groups (Groups I vs III, and Groups II vs IV).

RESULTS

Regarding the various factors affecting prognosis of RCC, no significant difference was observed among these groups. 1) There observed a significantly favorable survival rate in the Group I compared with the Group III, and the same result was observed in the Group II compared with the Group IV. 2) In the patients with performance status (P.S.) 0 and low grade, there observed a significantly favourable survival rate in the Group I compared with the Group III, and the same result was observed in the Group II compared with the Group IV. Furthermore, in the patients with low stage, the Group I showed a significantly favourable survival rate compared with the Group III. 3) In the study on the number of metastatic organs (1, 2 and 3 organs or more), there observed a significantly favourable survival rate in the Group I compared with the Group III for all numbers of the metastatic organs. The same result was observed in the group II compared with the Group IV, except for the patient with 3 organs or more. Regarding the operative procedures for the metastatic side, the patients who did not receive the operative procedures showed a significantly favourable survival rate in the Group I compared with the Group III. The same result was observed in the Group II compared with the Group IV. 4) As to the survival rate based upon the response rate, only the patients with no change (N.C.) showed a significantly favourable survival rate in the Group I compared with the Group III. The same result was observed in the Group II compared with the Group IV.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the treatment with IFN for the advanced RCC would much contribute to the prolongation of the survival in comparison with the previous patients who received other treatments.

[Ultrastructural study of lens in rat hereditary cataract by quick-freezing and deep-etching]

The cytoskeleton of lens fiber cells in rats with hereditary cataract (ICR/f) was studied by quick-freezing and deep-etching. Two kinds of filamentous structure with diameters of 5 and 10 approximately 15 nm were observed in the cortical fiber cells. They showed meshwork structures which were buried in globular particles. These filamentous structures were mostly absent in the nucleus fiber cells, but aggregated and fused globular particles with diameters of 10 approximately 20 nm were observed. Small cavities were sometimes observed in their cytoplasm. Between lens fiber cells, many globular structures were also seen. These changes might represent the degeneration of the lens fiber cells in cataract lenses.

[A study of the clinical effect of hormone replacement therapy for patients with stress incontinence]

BACKGROUND

Our purpose was to clarify the effect of hormone replacement therapy (H.R.T.) for patients with stress incontinence.

METHODS

We investigated 25 postmenopausal women, age 54-73 years, with a leakage volume is less than 15 g/day. In this study 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogen and 2.5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate were administrated for a total of 4 months. A clinical evaluation, measurement of volume of leakage per day and urodynamic evaluation (urethral pressure profile) were performed three times at pre administration, and at 2 months and 4 months after administration.

RESULTS

Five of the 24 patients (20.8%) were improved significantly both clinically and urodynamically. Six patients (25.0%) improved clinically, and two patients (8.3%) improved urodynamically, the remaining 11 patients (45.8%) showed no change. Side effects occurred in eight cases. In one patient, it was necessary to stop administration due to severe irregular genital bleeding and leukorrhea, and in one patient the dosage was reduced due to swelling of breasts. The side effects of swelling of breasts and genital bleeding were relatively mild in the remaining six patients and they could continue H.R.T. administration.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that H.R.T. for patients with stress incontinence is not necessarily superior to the other non surgical methods. However, it may provide an alternative treatment method for incontinence.

Dogs develop resistance to Rhipicephalus sanguineus

The capacity of Beagle dogs to develop resistance against infestation by adult females of Rhipicephalus sanguineus was investigated. The number of successive engorged females recovered from dogs at the second infestation of the tick was significantly less than at the first infestation. However, there were no significant differences in body weight, body length, body width of engorged females, feeding behavior, preoviposition periods or egg weight.

[Effectiveness of Ge-132 to relieve pain and smooth home care administration for the terminal cancer patient]

Measures to alleviate pain are the most important issue in care of the cancer patient. In the present study, we investigated whether the use of narcotics could be reduced in the use of Ge-132 (Repargermanium) when used alone or together with a narcotic as a means to facilitate pain management in home care. The patients have died at home over the past 2 years with various types of cancer under our hospital supervision. Five were cases of bone metastasis, 6 of ascites. All cases had been given Ge-132, 750 approximately 2,500 mg/day (mean 1,000 mg) either orally or by IV. For pain control the first choice was MS Contin, and when the need arose the route used was intravenous or by suppository. We investigated the rate of narcotic usage and the dosage of same. Narcotics were used in 7 of the 16 patients (44%) who died at home, and the daily dose was 20 approximately 240 mg (mean 60 mg). By using Ge-132 as a pain killer the rate of narcotics use and the dosage were decreased, resulting in less side effects from the narcotics. Thus, Ge-132 proved effective in relieving the pain of the terminal cancer patient receiving home care, and since it has no side effects it assures smooth home treatment.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of feline serum amyloid A protein by use of immunological cross-reactivity of polyclonal anti-canine serum amyloid A protein antibody

Immunological cross-reactivity between feline and canine serum amyloid A protein (SAA) was studied to establish enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with heterologous antibody. Purified feline SAA formed a precipitin line in immunogel double diffusion with anti-canine SAA antibody. Immunological cross-reactivity was similarly observed in ELISA. In sandwich ELISA with anti-canine SAA antibody, a dose-response curve was obtained over the range of 2 micrograms/ml to 123 micrograms/ml of purified feline SAA. From the present findings, the sandwich ELISA is found to have high repeatability for quantitation of purified feline SAA and may be applicable to determine the serum concentration of feline SAA.

Phenotype frequency of human leukocyte antigens in Japanese patients with renal cell carcinoma who responded to interferon-alpha treatment

BACKGROUND

Because of the high cost, low overall response rate (10% to 20%), and poor quality of life during interferon therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma, it is important to distinguish patients likely to respond to treatment. The expression of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) may serve as a clinical marker for response to interferon treatment in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

We compared HLA phenotype frequency in 37 Japanese patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who showed a favorable response to interferon-alpha, in 93 similar patients, before treatment, who did not receive interferon-alpha, and in 939 healthy Japanese volunteers (historical control data).

RESULTS

Six HLA antigens, B35, Bw48, Bw60, DRw6, DRw8, and DR9, were expressed at a significantly lower rate in the 93 pretreatment patients with renal cell carcinoma, compared with the control subjects. Three HLA antigens, excluding Bw60, DRw6, and DRw8, were expressed at a significantly higher rate in the patients who responded to interferon-alpha, compared with the pretreatment patients with renal cell carcinoma and control subjects.

CONCLUSION

Three HLA antigens, B35, Bw48, and DR9, were expressed at a significantly higher rate in patients with renal cell carcinoma who showed a sensitivity to interferon-alpha, and could be important markers for clinical response to this antitumor therapy.

[Study on anti-tumour effects of interleukin 12 for spontaneously arose murine renal cell carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

We studied on the anti-tumour effects of recently cloned cytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12) for murine renal cell carcinoma (RC-2) with special reference to the difference of its activity based upon the different method of administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten days after RC-2 inoculation to subcutaneous of BALB/C mice, the recombinant murine IL-12 (rMu-IL-12 was administered (0.5 microgram/mouse, 1.0 microgram/mouse and 2.0 micrograms/mouse) 5 times per week for 3 weeks. Two administration methods were applied: intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) and subcutaneous administration near grown tumour (s.c.). We evaluated the efficacy of IL-12 for the RC-2 by means of the ratio of relative mean tumour weight (TRW/CRW), the degree of histological degeneration and the survival time of tumour-bearing mice. Furthermore, the serial body weight of mice excluding the tumour weight was monitored in order to evaluate the side effect of IL-12.

RESULTS

1) The ratio of TRW/CRW: As to the experiment of IL-12 injected at 0.5 microgram/mouse, the anti-growth effect was more potent in the i.p. group than in the s.c. group. On the other hand, as to the higher dose groups including 1.0 microgram/mouse and 2.0 micrograms/ mouse groups, the s.c. groups showed more potent anti-tumour growth effects than the i.p. groups. 2) The histological effect: All examined groups showed the degree of grade II degeneration which meant the existence of viable tumour cells after the treatment had been finished. Furthermore, we found out the different pattern of degeneration between the two administration groups (i.p. and s.c.). Namely, there observed sporadicaly degeneration in the i.p. groups, and also observed uniform degeneration close to the injected area in the s.c. groups. 3) Survival time: All treated groups showed a significant prolongation of survival compared with the control, but no significant difference was observed between these two different injected groups. 4) Side effects: Through monitoring serial changes of body weight of treated mice, no significant decrease of body weight due to the administration of IL-12 was observed in all experiments.

CONCLUSION

The anti-tumour effects of IL-12 for murine renal cell carcinoma with special reference to the difference of anti-tumour effect based upon the different method of administration shows that more potent anti-tumor growth effects are observed in the i.p. group dosed at 0.5 microgram/mouse than in the s.c. group. On the other hand, as to the escalating doses, more potent anti-tumour effects are observed in the s.c. groups than in the i.p. groups. Through all treatment groups, no complete regression of the tumour is observed. Therefore, further precise study to clarify the immunological reaction between tumour and its host derived from the administration of IL-12 must be needed in order to establish more effective treatment with IL-12 in the future.

[Clinicopathological study on patients with chromophobe cell renal carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

Reports on the patients with chromophobe cell renal carcinoma were very few. Therefore, the clinical features of this disease are uncertain. Based upon this background, we have studied on the clinicopathological characteristics of chromophobe cell renal carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1957 to 1995, seven hundred and fifty-one patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were treated at the Jikei University Hospitals. Of these patients, 36 (4.8%) with chromophobe cell renal carcinoma were diagnosed by histopathological examination. Of these 36 patients, the objective patients were 34 who could be followed-up along with long interval.

RESULTS

The age distribution was 28 to 83 years old (mean was 54.1 years). Regarding to the sex difference, there observed male in 22 patients and female in 12 patients (sex ratio was 1.8: 1). Furthermore, the affected side was even, but there observed the symptoms of urinary tract mainly of haematuria in 24 patients (76.5%). As to the laboratory examination, there observed the abnormality of the acute phase reactants in 20% of patients. The greater diameter of the tumour was distributed from 1.5 to 17 cm (mean: 6.9 cm), and no consistent tendency of tumour localization was observed. Regarding the preoperative angiography, there observed the hypovascular/ avascular pattern in 15 patients (44.1%). As to the stage and grade, there observed the low stage patients in 30 (88.2%) and low grade patients in 27 (79.4%). With respect to the prognosis, the 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years survival rates for chromophobe cell renal carcinoma were 97.1%, 81.6%, 81.6%, 70.2%, 61.9% and 46.7% respectively. After comparing the survival rate of the same stage and grade patients between the objected patients and the common types of RCC, there observed a favourable prognosis in the patients with chromophobe cell renal carcinoma. Especially in patients with eosinophilic variant, no cancer related death was observed.

CONCLUSION

The clinicopathological characteristics of chromophobe cell renal carcinoma show the hypovascular/avascular in angiography, low rate of laboratory abnormality, low stage/ low grade and a favourable prognosis compared with the common types of RCC.

[Effect of estriol and bone mineral density of lumbar vertebrae in elderly and postmenopausal women]

To compare the efficacy of estriol (E3) in postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis, we administered orally 1 g/day calcium lactate either alone (control groups) or with 2 mg/day estriol (estrogen groups) for 10 months to 20 postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years and to 29 elderly women aged 70-84 years, and measured their bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebrae by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Out of 41 subjects who completed 10 months of treatment, 8 postmenopausal women and 12 elderly women in the estrogen groups had significant (p < 0.05) increases in bone mineral density (5.59 +/- 4.79% of the respective basal values). Ten postmenopausal women and 11 elderly women in the control groups had decreases bone mineral density (-4.02 +/- 7.00% and -3.26 +/- 4.60% of the respective basal values) at the 10th month. Genital bleeding as a side effect of estriol was seen in 6 out 29 elderly subjects at this dose. Moreover, decreases in the levels of calcium, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in serum, and an increase in the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were seen only in the elderly women receiving estriol. Although a lower dosage of estriol may be recommended for elderly subjects, these observations suggest that hormone replacement therapy with estriol is effective against degenerative osteoporosis, and that low-turnover bones in elderly women are also responsive to estriol.

[Clinicopathological characteristics of small size renal cell carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

We tried to identify which size or less means small size in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with prognosis including Robson's stage 1.

METHODS

We classified RCC based upon the tumour size into cases with 2.5 cm or less (NO, VO, MO: group I: n = 27, cause-specific cases = 26) and cases with 2.6 to 3.0 cm (NO, VO, MO: group II: n = 31, cause-specific cases = 27). Based upon this classification, we studied on the clinical features of small size RCC.

RESULTS

(1) Regarding the clinical features including mean age, sex ratio, affected side, opportunity of diagnosis, diagnostic approach and preoperative laboratory findings, no specific difference was observed between groups I and II except for the localization of tumour in the kidney (a significantly high rate was observed in the mid portion of the tumour in group I compared with that in group II). 2) The mean size of group I was 1.98 cm (0.7 to 2.5 cm), and that of group II was 2.84 cm (2.6 to 3.0 cm). On the other hand, the mean size of Robson's stage 1 was 5.5 cm (0.7 to 18.0 cm). Therefore, the tumour size of Robson's stage 1 was significantly larger than that of groups I and II (p < 0.001). 3) The survival rate of group I showed worse trend than that of group II after 12 years postoperatively, but no significant difference was observed between these 2 groups. Furthermore, the survival rate of Robson's stage 1 showed better trend than that of the tumour size with 3.0 cm or less, but no significant difference was observed between these 2 groups. 4) As to the grade in each group, no significant difference of survival was observed. 5) As to the recurrent rate in each group, it was 19.2% in group I, 7.4% in group II and 18.5% in Robson's stage 1. Therefore, no significant difference of recurrent rate was observed in these groups.

CONCLUSION

It is difficult to identify which size or less means small size RCC associated with prognosis. This is because no specific clinical feature was observed in these small size cases compared with Robson's stage 1 which consisted with larger size tumour.

Seasonal occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus in Okayama Prefecture, Japan and effect of temperature on development of the tick

The seasonal occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus on dogs was examined at a kennel in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The number of ticks suddenly decreased after treatment with an acaricide in late August. Small numbers of adults and nymphs were detected in September and October, then ticks were not seen on the dogs early in November, when the mean temperature was below 15 degrees C. Then 3 dogs were found to be infested by some adult ticks toward the end of March, when the mean temperature was about 11 degrees C. The effects of temperature on the oviposition and the development of the tick were examined under laboratory conditions. The larval and nymphal post parasitic period, the pre-oviposition period and the oviposition period were prolonged when the temperature was decreased from 37 to 23 degrees C. The oviposition period was extremely long at 14 degrees C, but the tick could not develop below 14 degrees C. No eggs hatched below 14 degrees C. The ability to attach an engorge of adult ticks was examined under cold conditions. Unengorged adult ticks could attach to rabbits on the ear which were kept in an outdoor kennel in October, November and March, however they could not engorge completely in November. They could not attach on rabbits from December to February. The longevity of the tick was also examined under low temperatures. Unengorged adults could attach and engorge on rabbits after kept at 12 degrees C with 50% relative humidity (RH) for 140 days or 12 degrees C with 50% RH for 40 days followed by 4 degrees C with 50% RH for 100 days. These findings suggest that R. sanguineus could be established in Okayama Prefecture under optimum condition.

[Helical CT for secondary screening of lung cancer]

Helical CT was used on a trial basis for secondary screening of lung cancer, and its clinical usefulness is discussed in this report. The subjects 157 patients with abnormal shadows on plain chest X-ray images acquired between November 1993 and August 1994. Imaging parameters used for screening CT were as follows: 50 mA, 120 kV, a couch-top movement speed of 20 mm/s, and a beam width of 10 mm. The entire lung field was scanned during a single breath-hold. Reconstructed images were generated at 10-mm intervals by the 180 degree interpolation method, and films were produced. Images of the entire lung field were made during a single breath-hold in all patients. Abnormal shadows were detected in 73 of 157 patients by screening CT. These 73 patients included 14 with lung cancer, 53 with benign lesions, one under observation, and five others. The average diameter of the tumors was 11.1 mm. The lung cancers detected all arose in the periphery, and were classified into stage I (10 paeitents), stage IIIA (3 patients), and stage IV with bone metastases (1 patient). Lung cancers in clinical stage I (3 patients) and stage IV (1 patient) were difficult to see on plain chest X-ray films. We conclude that screening CT is useful for early diagnosis of lung cancer because the entire lung field can be imaged during a single breath-hold. Therefore, helical CT can be expected to be useful in screening for lung cancer.

[Study on the pathological grade in the primary and distant metastatic lesions of renal cell carcinoma]

We studied the pathological features of renal cell carcinoma focusing on the changes of grade in the primary and metastatic lesions. The subjects consisted of 46 patients who received both nephrectomy and excision of distant metastatic lesions. As to the grade of metastatic lesions assessed according to the grade of primary lesion, over 40% of metastatic lesions did not coincide with the primary lesion except for grade I. In the study on the grade in each metastatic organ, as to lung metastasis, the rate of low grade malignancy (grades I and II) was 84.6%, and the same tendency was observed in the spleen (85.7%), adrenal gland of the affected side (71.4%), liver (100%) and brain (66.7%). On the other hand, as to the osseous metastasis, the rate of high grade malignancy (grades III and IV) was 87.5%, and the same tendency was observed in the contralateral adrenal gland (100%) and bladder (100%). We conclude that a lower grade clones as well as higher grade clones in the primary lesion must be analyzed to elucidate the metastasis of renal cell carcinoma.

[Ultrastructural study of lens fiber cells by quick-freezing and deep-etching]

The ultrastructure of lens fiber cytoskeleton was studied by quick-freezing and deep-etching. Lenses of 5 Wistar male rats were divided into lens cortex and lens nucleus. Filamentous structures were clearly observed in the cortical fiber cells, which had diameters in 10 approximately 15 nm or about 5 nm. They showed a meshwork structure. On the other hand, the filamentous structures showed a linear, dense, and laminar pattern in the nuclear fiber cells. These ultrastructural changes of cytoskeletons may be related to the elongation and differentiation of lens fiber cells and may be important for maintaining transparency of the lens.

[Clinical characteristics of 7 renal cell carcinoma patients developing a solitary pancreatic metastasis after nephrectomy]

BACKGROUND

A solitary metastasis from renal cell carcinoma is rarely occurred evidence. Therefore, we intended to study on the clinical characteristics of those patients who developed a solitary pancreatic metastasis after nephrectomy.

METHODS

Of seven hundred and fifty-two patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who had been treated during the past 38 years, 7 patients developed a solitary pancreatic metastasis after nephrectomy. We studied on the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities and prognosis of these 7 patients.

RESULTS

Regarding the age distribution at the time of nephrectomy, the median age was 48 years old. Therefore, the median age of patients developing a pancreatic metastasis was 10 years younger than that of the whole group of RCC. Regarding the sex ratio of these 7 patients, there was no difference between the male and female group (male in 4, female in 3). Therefore, relatively higher rate of pancreatic metastasis in female patients was observed compared with the male counterpart. Furthermore, no difference in the affected side of the primary tumour was observed in these 7 patients (left in 4, right in 3). Regarding the stages at the time of nephrectomy, a majority of patients (85.7%) showed low stages (stages 1 and 2). As to the grade of primary lesion, a majority of these tumours (85.7%) showed low grades (grades I and II). In an analysis of the interval from the time of nephrectomy to the pancreatic metastasis, the median interval was 140 months. Therefore, the percentage of the late recurrent patients was 71.4%. As to the site of metastasis in the pancreas, various sites in the pancreas was affected, with dominant site being its body. The median size of metastatic lesion was 4.25 cm. Regarding the treatment of pancreatic metastasis, resection of the metastasis was performed in 5 patients, and the remaining 2 patients received chemotherapy in combination with administration of interferon. As to the clinical courses of these 7 patients, other organs became involved with metastases in 6 patients, and 5 of them died with the median survival of 18 months. Furthermore, of the remaining 2 patients, one survived for 73 months with persistent cancer, and the other survived for 4 months without cancer.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, renal cell carcinoma accompanied by later development of pancreatic metastasis tend to occur in younger patients and have higher incidence in females than in males when compared with otherwise similar renal cell carcinomas. Furthermore, they tend to be of low stage and grade, have longer intervals to the occurrence of metastasis and carry a poor prognosis.

[Surgical treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

We studied the indication and the limitation of surgical treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) based upon the survival rate for 48 patients (recurrent in 37, stage 4B in 11) who received the surgical therapy for the metastatic lesions.

METHODS

We examined many factors including performance status (P.S.), laboratory findings, initial stages, surgical curability, operated organs, combined treatments with operation and grade of primary lesion in subjected patients.

RESULTS

Regarding the performance status (P.S.) of the patients, those with P.S. 0 showed a favourable survival compared with those with P.S. 1 and 2, and significant differences were observed. Furthermore, the patients with P.S. 1 showed a favourable survival compared with those with P.S. 2, and a significant difference was observed between these two groups. The patients who manifested 2 or more abnormalities of the acute phase reactants showed unfavourable survival compared with those who manifested 1 or less abnormalities of the acute phase reactants, and a significant difference was observed between these two groups. As to the stage of the patients with stages 1 and 2 at their initial presentation, the patients who received the surgical treatment showed a favourable survival compared with those who did not, and significant differences were observed. As to the patients with stage 4B, although their clinical background was quite different, the patients who received the surgical treatment also showed a favourable survival compared with those who did not, and a significant difference was observed. In an analysis of the curability obtained by surgical procedures, the patients who were thought to have the curable surgery showed a favourable survival compared with those who were thought to have non-curable surgery, but no significant difference was observed between these two groups. In an analysis of the organs excised as a treatment for metastasis, the patients who underwent the operation for the affected adrenal gland and lung showed a relatively favourable survival. On the other hand, the patients who underwent the operation for the contralateral adrenal gland and pancreas showed an unfavourable survival. Regarding the combination treatment with operation, the patients who received the interferon and interleukin-2 treatment showed a favourable survival. No significant difference was observed among any combination treatments if operation was omitted from the combination. Regarding the grade of primary lesion, no consistent trend was observed.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the surgical treatment should be indicated based upon the P.S. of the patients, the findings of acute phase reactants and the stage at the initial presentation of patients. Furthermore, the metastatic organs and the application of cytokine must be considered in the treatment of advanced RCC.

Development of peripheral blood mononuclear cell response to mitogens in Japanese black newborn calves

Development of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) in 5 Japanese Black newborn calves was examined by the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay until the day 28 after birth. The PHA responses of PBMC from calves aged from 0 to 7 days were less than those of PBMC from control adult cattle. While the difference of the Con A response of PBMC between newborn calves and adults was not significant statistically. These results suggest that the response of T cell to PHA may be insufficient at early stage after birth in Japanese Black.

[Immunohistochemical study of PCNA, EGFR, c-erbB-2 and p53 in carcinomas of large intestine]

Immunohistochemical stainings for EGFR, c-erbB-2, p53 and PCNA were performed on 36 and 30 cases of intramucosal and advanced carcinomas of large intestine. Positive rate was 58.3%, 41.6%, 58.3% and 60.6% for EGFR, c-erbB-2, p53 and PCNA in the intramucosal cases, and 66.7%, 50%, 66.7% and 72.6% in the advanced ones, respectively. Relationship between EGFR and c-drbB-2 was more significant in the advanced carcinomas than that in the intramucosal ones. It seemed likely that relationship between p53 and c-erbB-2 was more significant than that between p53 and EGFR. Positive rate of PCNA was of intimate relationship among that of EGFR, c-erbB-2 and p53, and the positive rate increased in the advanced carcinomas.

Incidence of brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, at a kennel in Okayama Prefecture

Twenty two adult dogs suffered from tick infestation at a kennel in Okayama Prefecture in the summer of 1994. Four of them had been introduced from U.S.A. Some dogs showed pyoderma, anemia, neutrophilia or eosinophilia. Neither Babesia gibsoni nor Hepatozoon canis was detected on the smear samples of peripheral blood. The ticks detected were morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This case was a rare incidence of the tick in the other areas of Japan than Okinawa.

Lungworm, Filaroides osleri, infection in a dog in Japan

A 7-month-old male Pomeranian had severe dyspnea for 2 weeks. The lateral bronchogram showed a stenosis of the trachea. Inspite of supportive therapy including supplemental oxygen, the dog died 5 days later. Six pedunculated nodules were recognized in the mucosal surface of the trachea at necropsy. The tracheal nodules were histopathologically granuloma characterized by many coiled parasites containing a little collagen fibers, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. Female parasites had a lot of embryonated eggs in the uterus. Immature worms were observed in the dilated lymph vessels of bronchial and bronchiolar wall in the lungs. The worms were identified as Filaroides osleri based on the parasitological examinations.

Alterations of bone mineral density of the femurs in hemiplegia

We evaluated the bone mineral density (BMD) of the bilateral femurs in 112 patients with hemiplegia using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in order to elucidate the effect of disuse and immobilization. BMD of the paretic side was significantly reduced compared with that of the non-paretic side in hemiplegic patients (femoral neck 0.582 +/- 0.014 g/cm2 versus 0.623 +/- 0.014 g/cm2 and total femur 0.645 +/- 0.02 g/cm2 versus 0.702 +/- 0.017 g/cm2; mean +/- SEM, P < 0.01, respectively). Femoral BMD in both the paretic and nonparetic limb had significantly (P < 0.01) lower values than in age- and sex-matched controls, but the paretic side had a more significant reduction of BMD; femoral neck -20% versus -14% and total femur -24% versus -18%. In addition, patients with impaired activities of daily living (ADL), evaluated by a mobility score, had significantly decreased BMD ratios of paretic/nonparetic side than patients with improved ADL (femoral neck 91% versus 97%, P < 0.01 and total femur 89% versus 94%, P < 0.05). Our results indicated that BMD of both femurs of patients with hemiplegia was reduced, although the paretic side showed a greater BMD decrease. This decrease might be prevented or reduced by improvement of ADL.

[A study on the relationship between the production of cytokines and the biological features of cachexia using renal cell carcinoma heterotransplanted to nude mice]

We studied the biological features of cacheixa using renal cell carcinoma heterotransplanted to nude mice (JRC 11) where cachexia was caused after the inoculation of tumour. The results of our study were as follows; 1) The JRC 11 tumour expressed mRNA of interleukin-6 by the analysis using the polymerase chain reaction method (PCR). 2) The human IL-6 was detected in the sera of nude mice according to the growth of JRC 11. On the other hand, human IL-1-beta, human tumour necrosis factor (hTNF)-alpha and human interferon (hIFN)-gamma were not detected. 3) The serial body weight of nude mice excluding tumour weight decreased at the 3rd week after the inoculation of tumour compared with tumour non-inoculated mice (control). Furthermore, the experimental group performed the resection of JRC 11 at the 3rd week after the inoculation of tumour showed a re-increase in the body weight, and reached the same weight as that of the control group at the 6th week after the inoculation of tumour. At the same time, serum hIL-6 was not detected in this group. 4) The serial weight of visceral organs including the liver, kidney and spleen began to decrease at the 3rd week after the inoculation of tumour compared with the control group. We conclude that serum IL-6 is defined as a promoter of cachexia in renal cell carcinoma relating to paraneoplastic syndrome.

[Prognostic factors in patients with stage 4B renal cell carcinoma following nephrectomy]

We studied on prognostic factors in 106 patients with stage 4B renal cell carcinoma having distant metastases at the diagnosis. In this study, we excluded patients who died after nephrectomy within 30 days and those who died without cancer. As the result, significant differences were observed upon the 8 factors in those patients as summarized bellow: 1) The histological malignancy (grade): there observed an improved survival in patients with grade II compared to those with grade III and IV. 2) The opportunity of diagnosis: we classified the patients into 4 types: patients with urinary symptoms, those with non-urinary symptoms, those with metastatic symptoms and those with tumours found incidentally. There observed an improved survival in patients with tumours found incidentally compared to those with urinary symptoms and non-urinary symptoms. 3) The number of 5 laboratory findings such as anaemia, positive reaction of C-reactive protein (CRP), elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), elevation of alpha 2-globulin and immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP): there observed an improved survival in patients with less than 2 abnormal laboratory findings compared to those with more than 3. 4) The regional lymph node metastasis: there observed an improved survival in patients without lymph node metastasis compared to those with lymph node metastasis. 5) The number of metastatic organ: there observed an improved survival in patients with one organ metastasis compared to those with more than two. 6) The treatment modality: there observed an improved survival in patients receiving interferon (IFN) therapy/IFN plus chemotherapy than those receiving chemotherapy alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Study on the establishment of erythropoietin producing human renal cell carcinoma heterotransplanted to nude mice]

We conducted the establishment of erythropoietin (Epo) producing human renal cell carcinoma heterotransplanted in nude mice (JRC 901) and analysed its histopathological and biological characteristics. Regarding to histopathological analysis, JRC 901 showed renal cell carcinoma with granular cell subtype, alveolar pattern and grade II malignancy. In an effort to the electron microscopic analysis, JRC 901 showed renal cell carcinoma with microvilli, rich lipid droplets and mitochondria. As to the tumour doubling time, the JRC 901 showed 14.81 days in a logarithmic phase. As to the karyotype, the JRC 901 showed human, 46, XY, -11, 8p+, 17q-, +mar. After tumour inoculation to the nude mice, the blood level of Epo increased at 5 weeks, and its level reached at 485.2 mU/ml at 12 weeks after tumour inoculation. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining using anti-Epo showed positive staining within cytoplasm of JRC 901. Moreover, the production of Epo was observed in the level of mRNA (264 bp) using RT-PCR method. We conclude that the JRC 901 is a human renal cell carcinoma heterotransplantable to nude mice and this tumour produce the Epo after tumour inoculation to nude mice.

[Which time constant of left ventricular relaxation is the most sensitive measure in acute myocardial ischemia?]

To investigate which time constant of isovolumic left ventricular pressure (LVP) decay is the most sensitive measure in acute myocardial ischemia, the time constant of isovolumic relaxation (IR) was calculated by two different models, the semilogarithmic model assuming a zero of LVP decline (TL) and an exponential model (Texp) with an asymptote (extrapolated baseline pressure to which LVP would fall if decay continued indefinitely), in 10 patients before and during ergonovine-induced vasospastic angina. Two time constants were derived from the exponential method as the times for LVP at peak negative dP/dt to decline by 1/e (Texp (1/e)) and by one half (Texp (1/2)). Three changes in LVP during isovolumic relaxation were analyzed and fitted to the two models described above: the LVP from the peak negative dP/dt 1) to when LVP fell to 5 mmHg above LV end-diastolic pressure (EDP), 2) until 40 msec had passed, and 3) to the LVP level 5 mmHg above LVEDP during coronary spasm. There were significant increases in TL, Texp (1/e) and Texp (1/2) in each period of the LVP during vasospastic angina. However, no significant change in Texp or asymptote was observed during angina. We concluded that TL measured by the semilogarithmic model assuming a zero of LVP decline and Texp (1/e) or Texp (1/2) derived from the exponential model are adequately sensitive for detecting acute myocardial ischemia due to coronary spasm.

[Study on mucosal carcinomas of the large intestine, polypectomized for the recent 5 years]

Intramucosal carcinomas of the large intestine, polypectomized from 1988 to 1992 were investigated. Out of 111 lesions of intramucosal carcinoma, 106 cases (95.5%) co-existed with adenoma. The incidence of co-existence with adenoma was 0%, 14.4%, 31.5%, 26.1%, 18.9% and 9.0% in the lesions within 4mm, 5-9mm, 10-14mm, 15-19mm, 20-29mm, and over 30mm in diameter, respectively. The incidence of gross findings in the co-existed cases of cancer and adenoma was 0.9%, 15.1%, 32.1%, and 51.9% for IIa, Is, Isp, and Ip types, respectively. Histological incidence of co-existed adenomas was 63.2%, 31.1% and 5.7% for tubular, tubulovillous and villous types. Occupation rate of cancer tissue was within half in the majority of co-existed lesions.

Endothelin-1 in cerebrospinal fluid in elderly patients with hypertension and dementia

Endothelin-1, a potent endothelium-derived vasoconstrictive peptide, is also known to exist in the central nervous system. We determined endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity in cerebrospinal fluid by a radioimmunoassay in 32 normotensive or hypertensive elderly subjects (79 +/- 8 years old) with or without multi-infarction dementia. The mean value of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly (P < .05) elevated in subjects with essential hypertension (> or = 160/95 mm Hg, n = 5, 79 +/- 9 years old) compared with those with borderline hypertension (140-159/90-94 mm Hg, n = 4, 78 +/- 5 years old) and normotensive subjects (< 140/90 mm Hg, n = 23, 79 +/- 8 years old). The value of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly (P < .05) positively correlated with both systolic (r = .38) and diastolic (r = .42) blood pressures in all subjects. On the other hand, mean values of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity in cerebrospinal fluid were also significantly (P < .05) elevated in the groups of patients with multi-infarction dementia that had profoundly decreased Mini-Mental State scores (< or = 10, n = 6) and moderately decreased Mini-Mental State scores (11 to 20, n = 14) compared with those values in subjects with normal cognitive function (score for Mini-Mental State > or = 21, n = 12).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Changes of serum hemolytic activity and the number of reticulocytes in canine Babesia gibsoni-infection

When the serum hemolytic activity in Babesia gibsoni-infected dogs was determined with self red blood cells from the infected animals, the decrease in the activity is paralleled with the increase in the number of reticulocytes. The activity determined with red blood cells from phenylhydrazine-induced anemia also decreased parallel with the increase in the number of reticulocytes. These results suggest that the rapid decrease in the serum hemolytic activity after reaching the peak is due to the increase in reticulocytes, which are probably unsusceptible to the hemolytic factor(s).

Simple and efficient purification of C-reactive protein from canine serum

Simple purification method for canine serum, C-reactive protein (CRP) was established. By combining an affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4B coupled with o-phosphorylethanolamine and a gel filtration on a column of Sephacryl S-300, about 9 mg of purified CRP from 50 ml of canine serum was obtained. The method is simple and efficient to purify canine CRP.