Dipeptidyl peptidase IV as a differentiation marker of the human endometrial glandular cells

To investigate the involvement of membrane-bound peptidases in the human endometrial function, we examined the expression of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV and its enzyme activity. Immunohistological studies revealed that DPP IV was detected on human endometrial glandular cells and endometrial surface epithelium, but not on endometrial stromal cells or decidual cells in the first trimester of pregnancy. DPP IV expression on glandular cells and surface epithelium was weak in the proliferative phase, began to increase gradually in the early secretory phase, and was strong in mid-to late secretory phase and in the first trimester of pregnancy. DPP IV enzyme activity was detected histochemically in glandular cells and surface epithelium in the mid-secretory phase, and became stronger in the late secretory phase, but was rarely detected in the proliferative phase and early secretory phase. During the first trimester of pregnancy DPP IV enzyme activity in glandular cells and surface epithelium was slightly weaker than in the late secretory phase. Endometrial stromal cells and decidual cells, however, had no detectable DPP IV enzyme activity at any time throughout the menstrual cycle or during the first trimester of pregnancy. These findings indicate that DPP IV is a differentiation marker for glandular cells and surface epithelium and that active DPP IV is present in both areas during the peri-implantation period and thereafter.

Expression of aminopeptidase N and neutral endopeptidase on the endometrial stromal cells in endometriosis and adenomyosis

Indirect immunofluorescence staining revealed that endometrial stromal cells (ESC) in the ectopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis or adenomyosis expressed aminopeptidase N/cluster of differentiation (CD) 13 antigen and neutral endopeptidase/CD10 antigen, both of which are expressed on ESC in the normal endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. Thus, ESC in the ectopic endometrium resembled ESC in the normal endometrium not only morphologically but also antigenically. Both peptidase antigens may be useful markers for the histological diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Sympathetic and metabolic mechanisms of the cerebrovasomotor function of the caudal ventrolateral medulla in rats

We attempted to elucidate the cerebrovasomotor function of the caudal ventrolateral medulla. Sixty-one rats were anaesthetized, paralysed and artificially ventilated. The microsphere method was employed for the measurement of blood flow. Microinjection of an antagonist of excitatory amino acids, kynurenate (2 nmol), into functionally identified depressor sites within the caudal ventrolateral medulla produced arterial hypertension of about 140 mmHg. We found that the cerebral blood flow was substantially increased, but was maintained at the same level (17 rats) as that observed under phenylephrine-induced hypertension (26 rats). Bilateral severing of the cervical sympathetic trunks resulted in a further increase in blood flow in all brain regions studied (18 rats). The response was most significant in the cerebral parasagittal cortex (164 +/- 31% of baseline without, and 211 +/- 43% with sympathectomy; mean +/- S.D.; P < 0.001). The contributions of the cerebral metabolic mechanism to this flow increase under denervation was minimal, as evidenced by the observation of disproportionately smaller changes in cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen during any type of hypertension. We conclude that the cerebrovasomotor functions of the caudal ventrolateral medulla may operate to keep an equilibrium between simultaneously working tonic inhibitions against sympathetic vasoconstriction as well as against vasodilatation. This dual effect is mediated by excitatory amino acid receptors located within this particular brain area. The vasodilator mechanism may be of neurogenic origin. When the function of the brain area is suppressed, the subsequently disinhibited vasodilator mechanism dominates the cerebrovascular autoregulatory function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sarcoid granuloma-like lesions in the lungs of broiler chicks

Sarcoid granuloma-like lesions were observed in the lungs of two broiler chicks showing depressed growth. Multinucleated giant cells in the lesions often contained foreign bodies comprising amorphous and laminated material. These were morphologically similar to Schaumann bodies found in human sarcoidosis. This is the first report of sarcoid granuloma-like lesions and Schaumann body-like material in chickens.

A glycine-rich sequence in the catalytic site of F-type ATPase

Affinity labeling and genetic studies on the glycine-rich sequence of the beta subunit of E. coli F-type ATPase are discussed. A model of the structure of the enzyme near the gamma phosphate moiety is proposed.

[Acoustic neurinoma associated with facial neurinoma--a case report]

A 38-year-old man developing slowly progressive left facial paresis was admitted to our hospital. The clinical diagnosis of "adhesive arachnoiditis was made. The first operation was performed in December 1987, and his symptom disappeared postoperatively. Three years later, left facial paresis recurred together with trunkal ataxia. A computed tomography and magnetic resonance image revealed two tumors located at the left cerebellopontine angle region and in the left middle cerebral fossa. These two tumors were thought to arise in the different cranial nerve. Under the clinical diagnosis of acoustic neurinoma associated with facial nerve neurinoma, the two step-operation was designed for total removal of the tumor in December 1990 and January 1991. Intraoperative finding confirmed that these two tumors had the different origin. Pathologic diagnosis was compatible with neurinoma. This patient had no family history of "Neurofibromatosis".

Primary hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in the adult

A case is reported of a 55 year old male patient with primary hypertrophic pyloric stenosis who was subjected to distal gastrectomy. Adult hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is an uncommon condition which is usually misdiagnosed as carcinoma of the antrum. It is a benign disease resulting from hypertrophy of the circular fibres of the pyloric canal and is recognizable radiologically by narrowing and elongation of the pyloric canal and endoscopically by appearances resembling those of the cervix. This condition is probably congenital although aetiology has not been established. In the absence of symptoms, no clinical treatment is required. However, surgical intervention is advocated, when stenosis gives rise to symptoms, there is a suspicion of malignancy, or the ulceration due to the disease. Distal gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy is the treatment of choice.

Electrolyte disturbances caused by intravenous contrast media

The changes in serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, and total calcium) produced by high-dose (3 ml/kg) intravenous contrast media were investigated in Japanese white rabbits. The test solutions included sodium/meglumine diatrizoate (370 mgI/ml), sodium/meglumine ioxaglate (320 mgI/ml), iohexol (350 mgI/ml), iopamidol (370 mgI/ml), 20% mannitol, and isotonic saline. The alterations in serum ionized calcium were relatively small and transient, and correlated with changes in the hematocrit. Diatrizoate caused a significant decrease in ionized calcium in comparison with other contrast media and mannitol. The ratio of ionized calcium to total calcium showed no significant decrease in any group. The changes in potassium did not correlate with those in hematocrit. Diatrizoate caused a smaller decrease in potassium than low-osmolality contrast media, which may suggest that diatrizoate caused a shift in potassium from extravascular space to intravascular space. In conclusion, intravenous infusion of high doses of low-osmolality contrast media did not cause clinically significant alterations in serum electrolytes.

Effect of colostomy on the utilisation of dietary nitrogen in the fowl fed on a low protein diet

1. The effect of the inhibition of urine back-flow into the colon and caeca by colostomy on the utilisation of dietary nitrogen by fowls fed on a low protein diet and receiving free or restricted water supply was investigated. 2. Colostomy caused an increase in water excretion and a resultant increase in water intake to maintain water balance. 3. Colostomy tended to decrease nitrogen balance and nitrogen utilisation (N balance/N intake) to negative values, and these decreases became significant when water was restricted (P less than 0.05). 4. Excretory uric acid, ammonia, urea and total nitrogen were significantly increased after colostomy in water-restricted fowls (P less than 0.05), but such significant effects were not observed, except for ammonia, in fowls given water ad libitum. 5. It is concluded that the back-flow of urine into the caeca plays a significantly useful role in the utilisation of nitrogen in the fowl fed on a low protein diet especially when water intake is restricted.

Evaluation of high-resolution CT after tympanoplasty

The temporal bones of 28 patients who underwent tympanoplasty were evaluated with high-resolution CT (HRCT). Seventeen patients had undergone tympanoplasty with a columella, used to form an ossicular reconstruction. The incus body was used as the columella in 4 patients and a prosthesis was used in 13 patients. No columella was used in the other 11 patients. After tympanoplasty, CT demonstrated normal appearance in 8 patients. Of the other 20 patients, 16 were diagnosed with chronic otitis media, and 4 were diagnosed with recurrent cholesteatoma on the basis of follow-up CT examinations. Seven underwent reoperation. In all 4 patients with recurrent cholesteatoma, the diagnosis was pathologically confirmed at reoperation. In 1 patient diagnosed with chronic otitis media, the pathological diagnosis was recurrent cholesteatoma. The columellae in 8 of the 17 patients could not be identified on CT because of surrounding soft tissue mass, but in the other 9 patients the condition of the ossicular reconstruction was well demonstrated. Prosthesis dislocation was apparent in 2 patients. We recommend HRCT examination in the follow-up of tympanoplasty patients.

Temporomandibular joint movement. Evaluation of protrusive splint therapy with GRASS MR imaging

Ten temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 5 healthy volunteers and 19 TMJs of internal derangements in 16 patients with splint therapy were examined with MR imaging. T1-weighted images were obtained only in the closed mouth position, and gradient recalled acquisition in steady state (GRASS) images were obtained in active opening and closing phases, allowing a pseudodynamic display of TMJ movement. All patients received protrusive splint treatment. The usefulness of MR imaging to assess the efficacy of splint therapy was evaluated. Corrected disk position with the splint in place was clearly demonstrated in 9 TMJs, corresponding with elimination of reciprocal clicking. Ten other TMJs of anterior disk displacement without reduction showed uncorrected disk position by the splint. This information could confirm the therapeutic efficacy, or suggest other treatment alternatives. GRASS MR imaging can provide accurate and physiologic information about disk function in initial and follow-up assessment of protrusive splint therapy.

Conformational feature of neuroactive domoic acid: X-ray structural comparison with isodomoic acid A and alpha-kainic acid

As an aid for developing a new type of potent insecticide acting on the neuromuscular junction, conformational characteristics of domoic acid and isodomoic acid A, the naturally occurring glutamate agonists, were investigated by X-ray crystal analyses. Conformational comparison with a neuroactive alpha-kainic acid provides information concerning the stereochemical feature responsible for the biological activity.

Molecular abnormalities of a human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase variant associated with undetectable enzyme activity and immunologically cross-reacting material

Among a large number of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) variants associated with different severity of clinical manifestations, enzyme deficiency, and kinetic abnormalities found in humans, only one variant exhibits no measurable activity and lacks an immunologically cross-reacting material in blood cells and other tissues. The mRNA content of the patient's lymphoblastoid cells was found to be normal, and the size of mRNA was also normal (i.e., approximately 2.4 kb). Western blot hybridization indicated that the patient's cells did not produce cross-reacting material. The variant mRNA was reverse transcribed and amplified by PCR. Nucleotide sequencing of the variant cDNA showed the existence of three nucleotide base changes, i.e., a C----G at nucleotide 317 (counting from adenine of the initiation codon), which should cause Ser----Cys substitution at the 106th position (counting from the initiation Met); a C----T at nucleotide 544, which induces the Arg----Trp at the 182d position; and a C----T at nucleotide 592, which induces Arg----Cys at the 198th position of the protein. The existence of three mutation sites was confirmed by sequencing of selected regions of the variant gene. No base deletion or frameshift mutation was found in the variant cDNA. No nucleotide change was detected in the extended 5' region, which included the most distal cap site. When the variant cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli, the G6PD activity was approximately 2% of that expressed by the normal cDNA, and cross-reacting material was undetectable. However, when the variant mRNA was expressed in the in vitro translation system of rabbit reticulocytes, the variant protein was produced. These results suggest that extremely rapid in vivo degradation or precipitation of the variant enzyme induced by the three amino acid substitutions could be the major cause of the molecular deficiency.

In vitro comparison of the spiral Z stent and the Gianturco Z stent

A new spiral Z stent is described, and its characteristics are compared in vitro with those of the modified Gianturco Z stent. The spiral Z stent has a more uniform expansile force throughout its effective length; is more compressible, thus allowing for use of a smaller introductory catheter; and is more stable than the modified Z stent. Flexibility of both stent types is similar. Advantages of the spiral Z stent promise to be beneficial for clinical use.

Human endometrial stromal cells and decidual cells express cluster of differentiation (CD) 13 antigen/aminopeptidase N and CD10 antigen/neutral endopeptidase

With specific monoclonal antibodies, we found that human endometrial stromal cells and decidual cells express two function-related surface antigens. Indirect immunofluorescence staining revealed that both endometrial stromal cells and decidual cells during the first trimester of pregnancy expressed cluster of differentiation (CD) 13 antigen and CD10 antigen, which are identical to aminopeptidase N and neutral endopeptidase, respectively. By flow cytometric analysis, CD13 antigen was detected on 82-93% of the examined cells, and CD10 antigen was detected on 75-93% of the examined cells in endometrial stromal cell-enriched preparations. Furthermore, peptidase activity was detected in these cell preparations by an assay based on the hydrolysis of alanine-p-nitroanilide into p-nitroaniline and alanine.

Positron-emitting N-[18F]fluoroalkyl and [18F]fluoropyrrolidinyl analogues of eticlopride as potential in vivo radioligands for dopamine D2 receptors

N-Fluoroalkyl and 4-fluoropyrrolidinyl eticlopride analogues with high affinity toward central nervous system dopamine D2 receptors in vitro were labelled with positron emitting fluorine-18 (t1/2 = 110 min), and their in vivo biodistribution was investigated in rats. N-[18F]Fluoro-ethyl and -propyl eticlopride derivatives showed poor in vivo selectivity in the rat brain. On the other hand, 4-[18F]fluoropyrrolidinyl eticlopride exhibited almost constant and relatively high striatal concentration. The striatal/cerebellar radioactivity ratio, which corresponds to the ratio of a brain D2 receptor-rich to poor region, gradually increased to 5.2-6.4, 90 min after the injection. The striatal accumulation was selectively inhibited by pre-injection of haloperidol, a dopamine D2 antagonist, without affecting accumulation in other tissues. Thus, the selective striatal accumulation of 4-[18F]fluoropyrrolidinyl eticlopride in striatal tissue appears to be due to the specific binding to dopamine D2 receptors.

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI in intracranial, extraaxial tumors and cysts

Intravoxel incoherent motion MRI was used to assess six intracranial, extraaxial cysts and tumors including two epidermoids, two cystic acoustic schwannomas, and two arachnoid cysts. A maximum gradient strength of 0.7 g/cm was used simultaneously along all axes (maximum gradient beta value: 445 s/mm2) and comparisons were made with an external water phantom. In epidermoid tumors the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was similar to that of normal brain, thus indicating their solid nature. In acoustic schwannomas an ADC similar to the external water phantom indicated cystic components, whereas an ADC similar to brain was found in the solid portions of the tumor. The ADC of arachnoid cysts was similar to that of the water phantom, indicating their fluid nature. Due to macroscopic CSF flow, cisternal CSF showed high ADC, which enabled epidermoid tumors to be highlighted.

[Intra-bullous ventilation of giant bulla: does slow ventilation space on multi-breath nitrogen washout test mean that giant bulla is present?]

Intra-bullous ventilation and uneven ventilation in patients with giant bulla were studied by the multi-breath nitrogen washout and 133Xe washout tests. Fourteen patients underwent the nitrogen washout test before and after bullectomy; 2 of them also underwent the 133Xe washout test before surgery. After bullectomy, pulmonary nitrogen clearance delay and alveolar dilution rate (ADR) of slow ventilation space improved significantly (p less than 0.01) from 202.5% to 51.5%, and from 0.98 to 0.95, respectively. The dilution rate of 133Xe in the bullous region, based on the 133Xe clearance curve, showed the same values as the nitrogen washout test. Therefore, we considered that bullous ventilation could be estimated by the ADR of the nitrogen washout test and that uneven ventilation resulted from the ADR difference between the giant bulla and the nonbullous lung. When the nonbullous lung region was emphysematous, however, it was impossible to estimate the intra-bullous ventilation from the nitrogen washout test.

Determination of conjugated bile acids in human urine by high-performance liquid chromatography with chemiluminescence detection

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the conjugated 1 beta- and 6 alpha-hydroxy bile acids, including common bile acids, in human urine using high-performance liquid chromatography with chemiluminescence detection is described. After extraction of urine with C18 silica cartridges, the bile acids were separated into non-conjugated, glycine, taurine and sulphate fractions by ion-exchange chromatography on a lipophilic gel. Solvolysis of the sulphate was carried out by treatment with trifluoroethanol in acetone containing hydrochloric acid, and the liberated amino acid conjugates were fractionated again. The individual bile acids were separated on a reversed-phase C18 column (Bile Pak II), with detection by an immobilized 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme reactor and chemiluminescence reaction of the generated NADH using 1-methoxy-5-methylphenazinium methylsulphate-isoluminol-microperoxidase system. The assay method showed the detection limits ranging from 8 to 250 pmol for the bile acids tested. Analysis of urine samples obtained from newborns, non-pregnant women and women in late pregnancy showed a large difference in bile acid composition and conjugation mode, suggesting that bile acid metabolism is different during fetal and neonatal periods.