Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a clinico-radiological study of 74 cases

A clinico-radiological analysis of 74 cases of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is reported. Eighteen cases (24%) were asymptomatic or only had neck or shoulder pain; 16 cases (22%) showed signs of radiculopathy, and the remaining 40 cases (54%) had myelopathy. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament developed most frequently at C5, and was rare in thoracic and lumbar regions. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament led to stenosis of the spinal canal; more marked stenosis caused clinical myelopathy. The data showed that 30% of stenosis caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was critical for the production of myelopathy.

Actions of antisecretory agents on proton transport in hog gastric microsomes

The properties of K+-stimulated ATP hydrolysis (K+-ATPase) and vesicular accumulation of H+ (H+ accumulation) in hog gastric microsomes were investigated. The microsomes consisted of smooth surfaced vesicular particles, 70-300 nm in diameter. Both the activities of ATPase and the vesicular accumulation of H+ were stimulated by K+ in the presence of Mg2+, and enhanced by the K+-ionophore, valinomycin. However, there were differences in regulation of K+-ATPase and H+ accumulation by K+ ions, i.e. K+ at concentrations higher than 10 mM decreased K+-ATPase activity but further enhanced H+ transport. This observation suggests that the two reactions are partly independent. The H+ accumulation was inhibited by omeprazole, fenoctimine, spermine, and NaSCN, but not by cimetidine, prostaglandin E2, and atropine. The inhibitory effect of omeprazole on H+ accumulation paralleled the inhibition of K+-ATPase, while fenoctimine, spermine, and NaSCN suppressed H+ accumulation, without inhibiting K+-ATPase, under appropriate concentrations. In addition, the spontaneous diffusion of H+ across the microsomal membrane was markedly enhanced by fenoctimine, but not by the other agents used. These results indicate that omeprazole inhibits H+ accumulation by inhibiting K+-ATPase, fenoctimine suppresses H+ accumulation mainly by increasing the loss of accumulated H+ from the microsomal vesicles, spermine and NaSCN reduce H+ accumulation by inhibiting the transport of H+ into microsomal vesicles.

Acute brain swelling during evacuation of subdural hematoma caused by delayed contralateral extradural hematoma: report of two cases

Two patients experienced severe brain swelling during the evacuation of acute subdural hematomas. Postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans revealed delayed extradural hematomas on the sides opposite the subdural hematomas. Extradural bleeding occurred in the area of the fractured skull. One patient improved neurologically after evacuation of the extradural hematoma, and the other was not operated because he was moribund. Drilling exploratory burr holes in the fractured area may have been a better strategy than awaiting a postoperative CT scan. The reduction of intracranial pressure after the removal of subdural hematoma was postulated to be the most important factor contributing to the formation of the extradural hematoma.

Mechanism of action of an antiallergic agent, amlexanox (AA-673), in inhibiting histamine release from mast cells. Acceleration of cAMP generation and inhibition of phosphodiesterase

Amlexanox markedly inhibits histamine release from rat mast cells. To clarify the mechanism of this inhibition, we investigated the effect of amlexanox on cAMP content, which, when increased, inhibits histamine release in rat peritoneal mast cells. At concentrations of 10(-8)-10(-6)M, amlexanox or isoproterenol increased the cAMP content of mast cells over that of control cells about 2-fold. When the mast cells were incubated with 10(-8), 10(-7) and 10(-6) M of amlexanox combined with 10(-7) M isoproterenol, the cAMP contents were synergistically increased 15-, 60- and 88-fold, respectively. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) at 10(-6)-10(-4) M increased the cAMP content 1.7-3.8-fold, and a combination of 10(-4) M IBMX and 10(-7) M isoproterenol synergistically increased the cAMP content 41-fold. A combination of amlexanox and IBMX synergistically increased the cAMP content 19-fold. The increase in cAMP content, when amlexanox and isoproterenol were combined, was transient; it peaked at 0.5 min after the drugs were administered, then decreased to 20-30% of the peak value about 2 min later. Pretreatment of mast cells with amlexanox reduced the effect of the combination of amlexanox and isoproterenol, indicating tachyphylaxis; pretreatment with IBMX had no such effect. The cAMP content of macrophages was also increased by amlexanox, but when combined with isoproterenol or PGE2, the effect was additive. Amlexanox inhibited cAMP phosphodiesterase in rat mast cells; its IC50 value was 1.4 X 10(-5) M, and its inhibitory activity was half that of IBMX.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood pressure changes in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats with neonatal streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes

We examined the blood pressure changes in hypertensive and normotensive rats with Type 2 diabetes induced by neonatal streptozotocin (STZ) treatment. STZ was intraperitoneally injected at 2 days of age with the dose of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg for male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and with 75, 100, 125 and 150 mg/kg for male normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Blood pressure was measured by indirect tail-cuff method until 12 weeks of age. STZ-treated SHR, of which plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin increased and body weight decreased with the dose of STZ, developed and maintained hypertension, same as did the vehicle-treated control SHR. On the other hand, STZ-treated WKY which developed only mild hyperglycemia lost body weight with the dose of STZ but the blood pressures rose slightly, these changes being correlated with the glycemic levels. The explanation for these differences between SHR and WKY remained to be elucidated.

Late radiation effects in the mouse brain. A quantitative study on PAS positive deposits

Mice received whole brain irradiation (250 kV roentgen rays) with single doses ranging from 13 to 25 Gy. PAS positive deposits, microscopically observed in the dorsal part of the ventral thalamic nucleus, were quantitatively scored at different intervals between 20 and 85 weeks after irradiation. A significant dose-dependent inhibition of the formation of these deposits was observed in the irradiated brains.

Intracerebral hematoma developing during MR examination

We report a case of a 78-year-old woman with cerebellar infarction who developed intracerebral bleeding during the magnetic resonance (MR) examination. The intensity of the hematoma was heterogeneous corresponding to the heterogeneous density shown on CT study that immediately followed the MR examination.

A case of porencephaly associated with aneurysm

A case of aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery with congenital porencephaly in the same region is reported. The cyst was opened and the aneurysm was wrapped with a muscle strip. The resected specimen of the cyst wall contained a parenchymal layer with hemosiderinladen macrophages. It is speculated that bleeding from the aneurysm during the perinatal period caused the porencephaly.

Regrowth patterns of supratentorial gliomas: estimation from computed tomographic scans

To clarify the regrowth patterns of benign and malignant gliomas, we chose 27 intervals (between two operations or between an operation and autopsy) from 21 patients with pathologically verified recurrent supratentorial gliomas. Serial computed tomographic (CT) scans of these cases were analyzed to determine the doubling time (Td) calculated from the change in volume of enhanced and low density areas, the enhancement effect graded from 0 to 4 according to the Hounsfield number, and the presence of dissemination and contralateral extension. We studied 5 benign gliomas (including 1 case of radiation necrosis), 8 malignant astrocytomas, and 8 glioblastomas. The Td's of enhanced areas on CT scans of benign gliomas, malignant astrocytomas, and glioblastomas were 937 +/- 66.5 days, 65.1 +/- 29.4 days, and 48.1 +/- 20.9 days, respectively. The Td's of low density areas were 895 +/- 130.6 days, 70.8 +/- 22.2 days, and 50.5 +/- 14.7 days. There was a significant correlation between the Td's of the enhanced and low density areas (0.97). The enhancement effect increased at recurrence in 55% of the cases, with an average increase of 1.1 grades. The increase in enhancement effect at recurrence showed a tendency to become smaller as the tumor's degree of anaplasia increased. Radiotherapy was effective in significantly retarding the growth rate of malignant gliomas, whose Td's were doubled. Although the Td's of both enhanced and low density areas of benign gliomas were significantly longer than those of malignant gliomas, there was no significant difference in the Td's of enhanced areas between malignant astrocytomas and glioblastomas.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Estimation of growth fraction with bromodeoxyuridine in human central nervous system tumors

Twenty-five patients with tumors of the central nervous system received bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR), 200 mg/sq m, by intravenous infusion every 8 hours for 3 days before surgery. Excised tumor specimens were fixed in chilled 70% ethanol, embedded in paraffin, and cut into 6-micron sections. Each section was reacted with monoclonal antibodies against BUdR and stained with immunoperoxidase to identify nuclei that had incorporated BUdR. The growth fraction of each tumor was estimated by calculating the ratio of BUdR-positive nuclei to the total number of tumor cells in three to six microscopic fields in viable areas of the tumor. In seven cases, the tumor doubling time was measured from the serial computerized tomography scans and an attempt was made to estimate the cell cycle time. The growth fractions ranged from 9.1% to 46.5% in malignant gliomas, 2.0% to 6.7% in low-grade gliomas, 11.2% to 43.2% in metastatic brain tumors, 0.8% to 1.9% in pituitary adenomas, 3.9% to 4.6% in acoustic neurinomas, and 6.2% to 8.2% in meningiomas and cerebellar hemangioblastomas. The estimated cell cycle time was 5 to 12 days in most malignant gliomas and brain metastases; however, the actual cell cycle time should be substantially shorter because cell loss was not considered in the calculation. Although the growth fraction appeared to correlate with the biological malignancy of each tumor, the tumor doubling time did not reflect growth potential. It is possible that unpredictable cell loss plays an important role in tumor growth at certain sizes. Therefore, the cell cycle times calculated in this study are considerably overestimated and should be interpreted with caution.

A new model of type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus in spontaneously hypertensive rats: diabetes induced by neonatal streptozotocin treatment

This study was designed to develop an animal model of Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes with persistent hypertension. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats were treated with 25.0, 37.5, 50.0, 62.5 or 75.0 mg/kg of streptozotocin given intraperitoneally at 2 days of age and maintained for 12 weeks. In the rats which received 50.0 mg/kg or more streptozotocin, overt hyperglycaemia gradually and consistently developed following incomplete recovery from an initial hyperglycaemia. Compared to vehicle-treated controls, body weight gain in these animals did not differ for the first 8 weeks; thereafter, it was slightly but significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced. The animals treated with 25.0 or 37.5 mg/kg streptozotocin developed mild to moderate hyperglycaemia, but their body weight gain was similar to controls. The relationships between streptozotocin dose and metabolic responses (plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, urinary glucose, food intake, etc.) were clearly demonstrated. Systolic blood pressure rose with progressing age in both controls and streptozotocin-treated rats, irrespective of dosage or metabolic response. This new rat model of Type 2 diabetes associated with persistent hypertension may be useful in studying these combined effects on small and large vessels.

[Inhibition of the slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis generation by ubiquinone derivatives]

The slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) is generated in lung fragments of the actively sensitized guinea pig by an antigen-antibody reaction. The SRS-A generation in lung fragments was inhibited by its quinonyl acid (QS), and quinonyl-alcohol (QSA) derivatives of ubiquinone from a concentration as low as 10(-7) M. It was of interest that the C10 and C13 side chain length in the 6-position of ubiquinone provided the highest activity. These compounds showed no antagonistic activity towards the contractile response of guinea pig ileum to SRS-A, indicating that the compounds inhibit the biosynthesis of SRS-A.

[Effects of ipriflavone (TC-80, an anti-osteoporotic drug) on acute and chronic pain]

The effects of TC-80 on acute and chronic pain in rats and mice were examined. Single oral administration of TC-80 at 50-300 mg/kg was not analgesic in the phenylquinone writhing, acetic acid writhing, and hot plate tests in mice or the tail flick test in rats. Three-weeks administration of TC-80 in a dose of 100 mg/kg/day, p.o., to rats had no analgesic action in the acetic acid writhing and tail flick tests. When TC-80 was given orally in a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks to rats with adjuvant arthritic chronic pain, analgesic effects were observed 2 weeks after the start of administration in males and in ovariectomized estrone-supplemented females; the effect seen in the females was statistically significant. Changes in the bones of the hind paws were examined radiologically, and synovitis, periosteal new bone formation and bone destruction were examined histopathologically in the females. These variables were improved by treatment with TC-80 for 3 weeks. It is concluded that TC-80 has no analgesic effect, but may inhibit chronic pain by anti-osteoporotic action on bone disease.

Spizofurone, a new anti-ulcer agent, increases alkaline secretion in isolated bullfrog duodenal mucosa

The effect of spizofurone, a new anti-ulcer agent, on alkaline secretion was studied in an isolated sheet of bullfrog (10(-4)-10(-3) M) as well as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 10(-8)-10(-5) M) added to the nutrient solution increased alkaline secretion, transmucosal potential difference (PD) and short-circuit current (Isc), in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximum increases in alkaline secretion stimulated by spizofurone and PGE2 were much the same. Spizofurone also showed this effect when added to the secretory solution while PGE2 did not. Treatment with indomethacin partly but significantly inhibited the effect of spizofurone, but did not affect that of PGE2. These results indicate that the increase in alkaline secretion in bullfrog duodenal mucosa seen in the presence of spizofurone is mediated, at least in part, by stimulation of endogenous PGs synthesis.

Quantitative histology of peritumoural low density area associated with glioma on CT; image analyzing study of peritumoural low density area after steroid-osmotherapy

In this study, an invasive site of the tumour cells was quantitatively investigated in the low density area (LDA) on computerized tomography (CT) after steroid and osmotic drug therapy (SOT) by using a texture image analyzing computer system (TAS). Twenty six patients with gliomas (10 benign, 16 malignant) were applied in this study. According to the effect to reduce the volume of LDA, patients were classified into three groups as follows; good, poor, and failed. The reduction effect of the low density volume was not significantly different between the benign and malignant gliomas. Cells including those with a large nucleus with 6.8-9.1 microns in diameter were not observed in the control group, but they were observed in the adjacent and distant parts from the centre of the enhanced tumour element in the peritumoural LDA with 0.87-0.99 percent of all cells in both the poor and failed groups. But in the good group they were significantly rarely observed in the peritumoural LDA after SOT (p less than 0.05). Furthermore, they were significantly frequently observed in the adjacent part from the centre of the enhanced tumour element in the peritumoural LDA with 0.9 percent of all cells after SOT in the malignant gliomas in comparison with the benign gliomas (p less than 0.05). Conclusively it was suggested that the treatment of glioma with peritumoural LDA on CT must be extended to the adjacent and distant part from the centre of the enhanced tumour element in the peritumoural LDA as well as the treatment of the enhanced tumour mass on CT in the poor and failed groups.

[Spinal epidural arteriovenous malformation fed by bilateral internal iliac arteries]

A rare case of a spinal epidural AVM fed by bilateral internal iliac arteries is reported. The patient was a 50 years old female with symptoms of slowly progressive paraparesis and sensory disturbance below L-2 associated with sphincter disorders. Myelography disclosed a serpiginous filling defect at the lumbar region. Selective internal iliac arteriograms disclosed an AVM fed by bilateral lateral sacral arteries. The nidus was excised totally, then a gradual improvement of those symptoms followed. Reviewing the literature, only 9 cases of spinal AVM of this type have been reported. In the majority of these cases, symptoms progressed slowly from the lower sacral level up to a level close to the end of the drainer. These symptoms were considered to be caused by steal phenomenon as well as by venous congestion due to arterialized intradural draining veins.

[Cerebral venous thrombosis associated with the use of oral contraceptives]

The entity of cerebrovascular diseases associated with the use of oral contraceptives is well known but quite rare in Japan in contrast to Western countries. We recently encountered a 38 years old female with cerebral venous thrombosis considered to be caused by oral contraception. This patient took oral contraceptives for 17 days following therapeutic abortion, and was transferred to our hospital because of disturbed consciousness. CT scans disclosed a right temporo-occipital subcortical hemorrhagic infarction and bilateral thalamic infarction. Cerebral angiograms showed non-filling of cortical veins in the same area. The internal cerebral vein, vein of Galen and right transverse sinus were not visualized either. The hematoma and necrotic tissue were removed to avoid farther neurological deterioration. The brain was swollen and hyperemic, and thrombosed cortical veins were clearly recognized at operation. Twelve cases, including ours, of cerebrovascular diseases associated with oral contraception were reported up to now in Japan, and only 3 of them were diagnosed objectively as venous or sinus thrombosis. The average age of these 12 cases was 34 years old and many of them experienced abortion or therapeutic abortion. There was no relationship between the dose of estrogen and the onset of cerebrovascular diseases. We believe that the onset of this pathological state is based on gynecological hypercoagulable state, and the oral contraception may play a role of a trigger. Oral contraception should be contraindicated in patients with gynecological hypercoagulable state, hypertension and/or smoking habit.

Role of leukotrienes in rat reversed passive Arthus pleurisy and the effect of AA-861, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor

In studies of the role of leukotrienes in inflammatory reactions, the induction of rat reversed passive Arthus pleurisy (a type III allergic reaction) was employed. Increases of exudate volume, vascular permeability, and migration of inflammatory cells in the pleural cavity were observed. The vascular permeability was enhanced biphasically during 0-30 min (early response) and during 3-6 h (late response) after induction of the pleurisy. The infiltration of inflammatory cells, mainly polymorphonuclear leukocytes, into the cavity increased and reached a maximum 6 h after the pleurisy was induced. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), 5-monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), consisting of LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4, were detected in the exudate by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography during the early response. The contents of LTC4 reached a maximum 10 min after the challenge, followed by a rapid decrease within 1 h. The rise and decay of LTC4 correlated with the increase in vascular permeability during the early phase. AA-861, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, given intrapleurally inhibited the increase in vascular permeability, cell migration, and generation of leukotrienes during the early phase of the pleurisy. These results indicate that products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, such as LTC4 and LTB4, may play an important role as chemical mediators in the inflammatory reaction.

Electroencephalography in minor head injury in children

EEG and CT scans of 280 cases of minor head injury in children under 15 years of age were studied. Abnormality on initial EEG was shown in 42.5%. Those who lost consciousness had a higher incidence of abnormality than those who did not, and it was higher between 4 and 13 years of age. The sleep state has much influence on the finding. The patients should be awake or in a light sleep stage. The most frequent abnormality was slow waves, seen predominantly in the occipital regions, and which tended to disappear more easily than the paroxysmal ones. The EEGs became or remained normal in 95%, excluding incompletely followed-up cases. There was no case of post-traumatic epilepsy in our series, but 4 cases of post-traumatic early convulsions, in which the EEGs were variable. CT scan disclosed abnormality in 6%.

The antiallergic agent amoxanox suppresses SRS-A generation by inhibiting lipoxygenase

Amoxanox has potent antiallergic activity because it inhibits the release of chemical mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes. We studied the in vitro effect of amoxanox on arachidonic acid metabolism, including the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways. Amoxanox inhibited calcium ionophore A23187-induced formation of 5-HETE, LTB4, SRS-A (LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4), and 12-HETE in rat peritoneal resident monocytes. These results indicate that amoxanox inhibits 5- and 12-lipoxygenases. The compound, however, did not affect the formation of TXB2 or 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in guinea pig lung fragments and PGE2 or PGF2 alpha in bovine seminal vesicles, suggesting that it did not inhibit cyclooxygenase. These results show that the antiallergic action of amoxanox is associated, at least in part, with the reduction of leukotrienes due to the inhibition of lipoxygenases.

Delayed intracerebral hemorrhage after ventriculoperitoneal shunt

A serious intracerebral hemorrhage occurred as a result of a measurement for grip power performed on the 7th postoperative day of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This type of delayed intracerebral hemorrhage after the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt has not been described in the literature. The increased intracranial venous pressure produced by Valsalva's effect induced this complication, which is also considered to be the same mechanism as traumatic delayed intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intracerebellar hemorrhage due to cerebellar hemangioblastoma

A rare case of a bleeding from a cerebellar hemangioblastoma is described. The tumor was diagnosed preoperatively with a computed tomography scan and a vertebral angiogram. The characteristic computed tomography scan findings and probable mechanism of bleeding are discussed.

Avian retrovirus S13: properties of the genome and of the transformation-specific protein

The avian retrovirus S13 codes for an env-linked transformation-specific glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 155,000 (gp155). Treatment of gp155 with endoglycosidase H or growth of S13-infected cells in the presence of tunicamycin reduces the molecular weight of gp155 to about 140K, but these gp155-related molecules may still contain sugar residues. The gp155 protein is not incorporated into virions; it is phosphorylated, but in immunoprecipitates does not show protein kinase activity. The genome of S13 is an 8.5-kilobase (kb) RNA; the helper virus genome is 7.5 kb in size. The putative onc sequences of S13 do not hybridize to DNA probes representing src, erb A, erb B, myc, myb, fps, fms, H-ras, B-lym, abl, rel, and ets.

Gastric mucosal protection by spizofurone

The protective effect of spizofurone (AG-629) on the rat gastric mucosa was studied in the presence of various stimuli. Spizofurone given orally markedly inhibited gastric lesions induced by ethanol (ED50 = 6.5 mg/kg). Spizofurone inhibited ethanol-induced gastric lesions even when administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), but the onset of action after oral administration was shorter. Spizofurone given orally or i.p. in a dose range of 25-200 mg/kg inhibited indomethacin-induced gastric antral ulcers in re-fed rats. Furthermore, spizofurone potentiated the inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2 on indomethacin-induced gastric antral ulcers. Spizofurone given i.p. prevented a decrease in potential difference and the formation of gastric lesions induced by intragastric instillation of 30 mM aspirin in 0.1 N HCl. Spizofurone given i.p. inhibited the increase in net fluxes of H+ and Na+ caused by intragastric instillation of 15% ethanol in 0.1 N HCl. These findings indicate that spizofurone, like prostaglandin E2, exerts gastric mucosal protection and even potentiates the anti-ulcer effect of prostaglandin E2. The gastric mucosal protection by spizofurone is ascribed in part to preservation of the mucosal barrier.

Studies on antianaphylactic agents. 7. Synthesis of antiallergic 5-oxo-5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-b]pyridines

5-Oxo-5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxylic acids 23 and their tetrazole analogues 24 were synthesized from 4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-3-carbonitriles 3 or 2-amino-4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxaldehydes 4. When administered intravenously, they exhibited antiallergic activity in a reaginic PCA test in rats. In the carboxylic acid series, the activity was influenced by the substituents at the 2-position and increased substantially in the following order: Me, OMe less than NH2 less than OH, H less than NHOMe. On the other hand, in the tetrazole series, 2-unsubstituted derivatives showed the highest activity. Regardless of the kinds of substituents at positions 2 and 3, compounds bearing an alkyl group, especially an isopropyl group at the 7-position, were superior in activity to the corresponding unsubstituted compounds. Among these alkyl derivatives, 3-carboxylic acid derivatives, i.e., 23c (7-ethyl), 23g (2-amino-7-isopropyl), 23r [2-(methoxyamino)-7-isopropyl], and a 3-tetrazole derivative 24c (7-isopropyl), were 41-184 times as potent as disodium cromoglycate. They also exhibited remarkable activity when administered orally; clinical studies on 23g (AA-673) are in progress.

Spizofurone (AG-629) increases gastric mucosal blood flow in dogs: a possible mechanism of its anti-ulcer effect

The effect of spizofurone (AG-629), a new anti-ulcer agent, on gastric mucosal blood flow was investigated in anesthetized dogs and the effects were compared with those of prostaglandin E2. Intravenous administration of spizofurone in doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg caused a dose-related increase in gastric mucosal blood flow. Spizofurone (1-10 mg/ml) given intragastrically for 15 min produced a sustained increase in gastric mucosal blood flow in a concentration-dependent manner; with 3 mg/ml there was about a 50% increase in gastric mucosal blood flow at the peak and a 2 h duration of action. The mode of action of spizofurone was similar to that of prostaglandin E2. The reduction in the gastric mucosal blood flow as induced by indomethacin was markedly improved by spizofurone. The topical action of spizofurone was confirmed in an in situ experiment using a stomach flap fixed to a lucite chamber. These results indicate that spizofurone increases gastric mucosal blood flow after systemic and topical administration, and this increase in gastric mucosal blood flow would account for the anti-ulcer effects of this drug.

Inhibition by amoxanox (AA-673) of the immunologically, leukotriene D4- or platelet-activating factor-stimulated bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs and rats

We studied the effects of amoxanox (AA-673) on allergic asthma and spasmogen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs and rats. Amoxanox given orally or parenterally inhibited allergic asthma mediated by IgE, IgG1, or heterologous IgG in guinea pigs and by IgE in rats. This compound also reduced leukotriene D4- and platelet-activating factor-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs, strongly suggesting an antagonistic activity against slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A). Histamine- or acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction was not significantly affected by amoxanox. These antiasthmatic effects of amoxanox seem to be associated with an inhibition of the release of chemical mediators such as histamine and SRS-A and with an antagonism against SRS-A.

Mechanism of the action of amoxanox (AA-673), an orally active antiallergic agent

Amoxanox inhibited immunologically stimulated and LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in laboratory animals. Amoxanox, like DSCG, inhibited rat IgE-mediated PCA and histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells, and suppressed immunologically stimulated or calcium ionophore A23187-induced SRS-A generation in rat peritoneal cavity and guinea pig lung fragments. This compound also reduced the contractile response of guinea pig lung parenchymal and ileal strips to LTD4, but did not significantly affect the response of the ileum to either histamine or acetylcholine. Therefore, the antiallergic action of amoxanox seems to be associated with inhibition of chemical mediator release and antagonistic activity on SRS-A.

DNA replication of simian virus 40 chromatin in digitonin-treated and saponin-treated permeable cells

Permeable cell systems have been developed by treatment of simian virus 40 (SV40)-infected cells with digitonin or saponin for studying in vitro DNA replication of chromatin. SV40 DNA replicated efficiently in these systems in the presence of the four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates, ATP, Mg2+, and the proper ionic environment. Analysis of the time course of the replicated SV40 DNA I, II and replicating intermediates by gel electrophoresis and autoradiography indicated that SV40 DNA replicated completely in the form of nucleoprotein complexes (SV40 chromatin).

Accessory cerebral ventricle of the occipital lobe. Morphogenesis and clinical and pathological appearance

Small separated accessory ventricles in the occipital lobe were observed in 21.3% of 404 patients, as seen by computerized tomogram. There was no significant preponderance in regard to sex or laterality. The accessory ventricles were clinically not significant. As seen at autopsy, accessory ventricles were found in the subcalcarine white matter, posterior to the occipital horn of the lateral ventricle, in 29.5% of 200 "normal" brains. Again, there were no significant sex and laterality differences. Accessory ventricles were never found in brains of fetuses or newborn babies. The youngest child in whom an accessory ventricle was found was 1 month old. No accessory ventricles were larger than 1 cm in diameter; they were slit-like, triangular or oval in shape. Histologically, they showed subtotal loss of the ependymal layer, subependymal gliosis, and/or fibrosis, and, in some cases, hyalinofibrotic capillary degeneration. Electron microscopy of the remaining ependymal cells in the accessory ventricle showed marked atrophy. Accessory ventricles are formed at the tip of the occipital horn postnatally through the expansion of the deep calcarine fissure, increase in brain volume in the region, and subsequent fusion of the mediolateral ventricular walls.

[A case of spinal epidural abscess in a renal transplant recipient]

A 44-year-old male underwent a cadaveric renal transplantation at the university hospital of Tsukuba on March 3, 1979. On June 11, 1979, he was discharged this hospital. Immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine and methylprednisolone was done. On November 1, 1979, he developed back pain associated with fever. On November 3, 1979, he was admitted to the university hospital of Tsukuba. Laboratory study revealed leucocytosis. CRP inserum was positive. But pneumonia, urinary tract infection and infectious skin lesion were ruled out by physical, radiological and laboratory examination. On November 16, 1979, he became paraparetic. On the next day, he consulted the neurosurgical unit. Neurological findings were as follows: paraplegia, and hypesthesia and hypalgesia below the level of T4, and bilateral hyperrefrexia of P.T.R. and A.T.R. Lumbar myelogram revealed a complete block at the level T7. On November 17, 1979, a laminectomy from T4 through T7 was performed. The epidural abscess containing yellow pus was found and totally removed. Gram-positive rods were isolated on bacteriologic culture. On the 7th postoperative day, the sensory level dropped to L4 bilaterally and the muscle strength in the lower extremity became fair. About 3 years after operation, he became to be able to walk without cane. Discussion was made about this case together with previously reported cases.

[Psychiatric symptoms of patients with chronic subdural hematoma]

Thirty-two cases with chronic subdural hematoma in adults were analyzed from two standpoints; one is the characteristics of pre- and post-operative psychiatric symptoms, the other is the common factors in patients with post-operative psychiatric symptoms. The average age of subjects was 55.4 years, and psychiatric symptoms were noticed in 18 cases (56%). Main pre-operative psychiatric symptoms were disorders of intellectual capacity including memory and orientation disturbance and were able to be classified into amnestic syndrome and dementia according to DSM-3. Outcome in amnestic group was good in contrast to that in dementia group mostly complicated by post-operative psychiatric symptoms. Post-operative psychiatric symptoms were seen in 6 cases. The average age of these cases was 68.2 years which was higher than that of asymptomatic group. And these were classified as dementia according to DSM-3. Common factors in these 6 cases were as follows: Accompanied by marked pre-operative psychiatric symptoms. High age. Complicated by post-operative subdural fluid collection with certain mass effects. Long period from head injury to operation. Accompanied by other complications such as cirrhosis of liver and hypertension. Subdural fluid collection following surgery is a problem under discussion. We obtained favorable results by subdural-peritoneal shunt.

Use of evoked responses to measure laser photoradiation tissue effects

The amount of argon laser irradiation necessary to first produce marked changes in somatosensory evoked potentials when applied to the dorsal columns of cats was used to measure the enhancement of tissue response by fluorescein previously injected intravenously. The mean radiant exposure was roughly 2700 J/cm2 in normal control animals compared to a mean radiant exposure of only about 560 J/cm2 in animals given fluorescein. Thus, the presence of fluorescein in these tissues enhanced the laser's effectiveness by a factor of 5. We suggest the use of evoked responses as a measure of laser photobiological effectiveness.

Juxtasellar mycotic abscess

A rare case of juxtasellar mycotic abscess with suprasellar extension is reported. The patient had double vision, only a mild abducens palsy, and no sign of inflammation, history of nasal sinusitis, or diabetes mellitus. Although a histologic examination showed massive fungal mycelia with thin capsules and no tumor cells, the neuroradiologic findings were like those in a clival chordoma or epidermoid tumor.