Dissecting aneurysm in the proximal region of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery presenting as Wallenberg's syndrome--case report

A 29-year-old female presented with an unusual case of Wallenberg's syndrome due to a dissecting aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) manifesting as a sensation of heaviness in the occipital region and vertigo. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed infarction of the lateral aspect of the medulla oblongata. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed a spindle-shaped dilatation of irregular contour in the proximal portion of the left PICA. Pooling of contrast medium was noted in the venous phase but not double lumen sign. A suboccipital craniectomy confirmed these findings macroscopically. Blood flow meter monitoring before and after proximal clipping of the diseased vessel ensured the safety of the procedure. Follow-up DSA 3 years after surgery revealed no evidence of aneurysm recurrence.

[Clinical significance of DNA ploidy heterogeneity in early gastric cancers]

To evaluate the clinical significance of DNA ploidy heterogeneity (DH), four or more fresh tissue specimens were obtained from a tumor in 68 resected early gastric cancers. DNA content was measured by flow cytometry and the presence of DH was prospectively investigated. The incidence of DH correlated to invasion depth (m < sm), lymph vessel invasion (negative < positive) and tumor size (10 mm or less in diameter < more than 10). When the criteria of indication for minimum surgery were determined as the intramucosal cancer without n, ly and v factor, 85% of contraindication cases demonstrated DH. These results indicate that DH is a useful marker of tumor progression in early gastric cancer and will be an aid for determining indications for minimum resection.

[Flow cytometric analysis of DNA ploidy in intramucosal gastric carcinoma]

In order to investigate whether or not DNA ploidy was altered in intramucosal gastric carcinomas, nuclear DNA content of biopsy specimen was measured using flow cytometry in 38 intramucosal carcinomas. DNA aneuploidy was detected in 27 of 38 lesions (71.1%), and noted more frequently in differentiated carcinomas than in undifferentiated ones (83.0% vs. 20.0%, p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between the frequency of DNA aneuploidy and macroscopical type or tumor size. DNA aneuploidy was even found in two of three minute carcinomas (5 mm or less in diameter). DNA indices showed 1.2 or lower values in 40% of the lesions with DNA aneuploidy. The average value of DNA index was significantly larger in depressed type than in elevated type (p < 0.01). In conclusion, DNA ploidy is altered in most differentiated intramucosal carcinomas. A high resolution method is essential for accurate determination of DNA ploidy in intramucosal carcinomas, especially elevated ones.

[Flow cytometric DNA analysis of colorectal carcinoma in adenoma]

We evaluated the DNA ploidy in 23 lesions of colorectal carcinoma in adenoma (CIA) and 90 adenomas without carcinomas by flow cytometry using fresh samples. DNA ploidy of carcinoma and adenoma components were assessed, respectively, with 17 paraffin-embedded samples of CIAs. The incidence of DNA aneuploidy (AP) was significantly higher in CIAs than in adenomas (47.8% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.01). Even in adenoma components of CIAs, AP tended to be found more frequent than in adenomas (41.2% vs. 12.2%). The incidence of AP in adenoma components was similar to that in carcinoma components (35.3%) in CIAs. In conclusion, DNA aneuploidy in adenomas may be a marker of malignant potential.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides for IL-2, c-myc and transferrin receptor synchronize mitogen-activated lymphocytes in the G1 phase

In order to clarify the role and interrelationship of c-myc, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and transferrin receptor (TfR) expressions on PHA-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, we examined the effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against c-myc, TfR, and IL-2 mRNAs on DNA synthesis and cell-cycle phase. Exposure of PHA-stimulated lymphocytes to each antisense oligomer resulted in approximately 75-80% inhibition of DNA synthesis. TfR expression was not inhibited in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes by c-myc or IL-2 antisense oligonucleotides, suggesting that the expression of c-myc, TfR, and of IL-2 is regulated by an independent mechanism. All three antisense oligonucleotides for c-myc, TfR and IL-2 synchronized mitogen-activated lymphocytes to the G1 phase as assessed by morphologic blast formation and cell-cycle phase analysis.

Drug interaction effects on antitumour drugs (XV): Disulfiram as protective agent against cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity without compromising antitumour activity in mice

The prevention of cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity by disulfiram was studied in mice. A single dose of cyclophosphamide (100-400 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a significant dose-dependent increase in urinary bladder weight within 48 hr of treatment. Disulfiram prevented cyclophosphamide-induced bladder damage in a dose-dependent manner in mice when orally administered simultaneously with antitumour agents, but failed to diminish the acute toxicity, leukocytotoxicity and immunotoxicity of cyclophosphamide. The protective effect of disulfiram on the bladder was critically dependent on administration timing. Oral administration of disulfiram between 60 min. before and 60 min. after the injection of cyclophosphamide was found to be effective. The optimum time was simultaneous administration of both drugs. Diethyldithiocarbamate and carbon disulfide, metabolites of disulfiram, prevented cyclophosphamide-induced bladder damage when administered simultaneously with cyclophosphamide 1 to, 3 or 5 hr afterwards. Disulfiram slightly potentiated the antitumour activity of cyclophosphamide against Sarcoma 180 or EL-4 leukaemia in vivo when administered simultaneously with cyclophosphamide. In contrast, diethyldithiocarbamate or carbon disulfide did not interfere with cyclophosphamide antitumour activity when administered 3 hr after cyclophosphamide. From these preliminary studies, disulfiram appears to be a likely candidate for protection against cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity without compromising the therapeutic utility of the alkylating agent.

Development of the high endothelial venule in rat lymph node autografts

Vascular reconstruction during rat lymph node regeneration was investigated in autotransplanted mesenteric lymph node fragments, which had been implanted in the renal parenchyma. In addition to light microscopy, vascular casting and transmission electron microscopy were used. From day 3 onwards capillaries grew into the autografts together with lymphatic vessels. The capillaries showed obvious signs of proliferation by day 5. The surviving interstitial cells at the outer border of the transplant produced extracellular substance. High endothelial venules (HEV) differentiated from capillaries from about day 7. A first sign of their development was a vessel with a narrow, branching luminal space and with endothelial cells containing rich cytoplasm and small Golgi complexes. As the Golgi complexes grew and the cisternae and vesicles increased, the lumen dilated, the cell coat on the luminal surface became prominent, and, finally, lymphocytes emigrated through these venules from around day 10. The typical lymph node structure was complete by day 28. These results suggest that the interaction among the remaining interstitial cells, invading capillaries, and lymphatic penetration results in differentiation and maturation of HEV in lymph node regeneration. The development of Golgi complexes is strongly associated with lymphocyte emigration from the blood.

The unique ultrastructure of high-endothelial venules in inguinal lymph nodes of the pig

Lymph nodes in pigs are unique in their inverted structure, with the medulla in the periphery and the cortex in central areas. Furthermore, in this species most migrating lymphocytes do not use the classical route via efferent lymphatics to leave the lymph node. High-endothelial venules (HEV) are the entry sites for lymphocytes and in pigs probably also the exit site for recirculating lymphocytes. Therefore, the blood vessels and especially the HEV of the pig superficial inguinal lymph node were investigated as to whether morphological peculiarities could be found in the vascular system, using vascular casting, transmission- and scanning electron microscopy. A thin layer of capillary network surrounded the periphery of the lymph node and HEV branched acutely. The endothelial cells of HEV possessed well developed cytoplasmic organelles, interdigitated with each other, and demonstrated local cell-cell contacts. There were unusual cells bridging the adluminal wall of HEV. These cells were called intravascular bridging cells. They were characterized by an often invaginated nucleus, few pinocytotic vesicles, many microvilli on the surface, wide, flat, cytoplasmic processes like a pseudopod, Weibel-Palade bodies and local cell-cell contacts with endothelial cells. The pseudopod-like processes ramified over the endothelial junctions and covered lymphocytes. Lymphocytes were seen in different phases of migration between endothelial cells and in the intercellular junctions. The previous functional studies on the peculiar route of lymphocyte recirculation in pig lymph nodes are extended by these morphological data, showing a unique structure of HEV in pigs.

Three-dimensional measurement study of the maximum protuberance and cervical line of the upper molars

The maximum protuberance and the cervical line of 48 upper first molars and 56 second molars were observed using a three-dimensional measuring device. On the basis of the results, the relationship between the maximum protuberance and the cervical line was investigated on the respective contour line and lateral aspect waveform. The contour of the cervical line was positioned at the center of the maximum protuberance in both first and second molars. The distance of the lateral aspect between the measurement points of the maximum protuberance and the cervical line were wider in the mesiodistal direction than in the buccolingual direction. In the second molar, the distance between the maximum protuberance and the cervical line was narrower, and the stricture from the tooth crown to the cervical line on the second molar was decreased. The lateral aspect waveform of the cervical line and maximum protuberance tended to be similar, but the top-to-bottom distance of undulation on the maximum protuberance was longer than that of the cervical line. The buccolingual direction of the lateral aspect waveform showed much more marked fluctuations than that of the mesiodistal direction.

Dynamic activities of the frontal association cortex in calculating and thinking

We found 5-7 Hz magnetic theta waves in the frontal association cortex of adult human subjects during calculation and musical imagination by using 37-channel SQUID gradiometers. Simultaneous recording from the left and right cerebral hemispheres with two sets of 37-channel gradiometers revealed that the theta activity appeared in a waxing and waning manner in the frontal cortices of both hemispheres during the mental exercises. Electrical current dipoles for the theta waves were estimated to occur repeatedly and scatteringly in various parts of the frontal lobes of both hemispheres during continuous and intense mental exercises for 2 min. The results suggest a dynamic mode of activities in the frontal association cortex during mental effort such as calculating and thinking.

Affinity of okadaic acid to type-1 and type-2A protein phosphatases is markedly reduced by oxidation of its 27-hydroxyl group

Okadaic acid (OA), a potent inhibitor of type-1 and type-2A protein phosphatases (PP1 and PP2A), has four hydroxyl groups at 2, 7, 24 and 27 positions (see Figure 1). By chemical treatment of OA we synthesized a derivative, in which the 27-hydroxyl group was specifically oxidized (27-dehydro-OA). The inhibitory effect of this OA derivative was examined on the activities of PP1 and PP2A, which were inhibited by intact OA with dissociation constants (Ki) of 150 nM and 32 pM respectively. We found that the affinity of OA was decreased 40-fold (Ki = 6 microM) with PP1 and 230-fold (Ki = 7.3 nM) with PP2A after oxidation of the 27-hydroxyl group. According to the model of the three-dimensional conformation of OA on the basis of X-ray analyses, the 27-hydroxyl group appears to be present in a position relatively free from intramolecular bonding formation, in comparison with the other three hydroxyl groups. The marked increases in the Ki values for PP1 and PP2A, which indicate the reduction of the absolute values of the free energy of binding by 9 kJ/mol and 14 kJ/mol respectively, may imply that the 27-hydroxyl group serves as a binding site with the phosphatase molecules.

Detection of PML-retinoic acid receptor-alpha fusion transcripts in acute promyelocytic leukemia with trisomy 8 but without t(15;17)

Chromosome translocation t(15;17), the breakpoints of which are in the PML gene on chromosome 15 and retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RAR alpha) gene on chromosome 17, is specifically found in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Clinically typical APL without t(15;17) and with the PML-RAR alpha fusion transcripts or rearrangements in PML and/or RAR alpha gene has been reported, suggesting submicroscopic changes at the molecular level without apparent t(15;17) or observation of normal metaphases. Trisomy 8 is common in APL as a secondary chromosomal abnormality in addition to t(15;17), as well as in acute myelogenous leukemia in general, but it is rare as a sole chromosomal anomaly in APL. PML-RAR alpha fusion transcript was detected in an APL case with trisomy 8 but without t(15;17), indicating that the leukemic cells lacked t(15;17) and still expressed the PML-RAR alpha fusion transcripts. This indicates that the same submicroscopic molecular changes as in APL with t(15;17) do occur in APL without t(15;17) and supports the use of molecular analysis for PML-RAR alpha fusion in APL.

Characterization of a Rana catesbeiana lectin-resistant mutant of leukemia P388 cells

Sialic acid-binding lectin (SBL-C) from Rana catesbeiana eggs inhibits the growth of tumor cells such as P388 and L1210 leukemia cells (K. Nitta et al., Cancer Res., 54: 920-927, 1994). Here we report the establishment of an SBL-resistant P388 variant cell line, RC-150. Both P388 and RC-150 cells were agglutinated by SBL-C; however, growth of RC-150 cells was unaffected by SBL-C. Cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration and transglutaminase activity of RC-150 cells were 0.5 (110 nM) and 3 times (0.62 nmol/mg/min) as high as those of P388 cells, respectively. Microvilli and microplicae were observed on the surface of P388 cells by scanning electron microscopy but were rarely seen on RC-150 cells. Dansylcadaverine-labeled SBL-C bound to both P388 and RC-150 cells. Binding of SBL-C to these tumor cells appears to be mediated by two species of wheat germ agglutinin-stained cell membrane sialoglycoproteins. Labeled SBL-C entered P388 but not RC-150 cells, suggesting that internalized SBL-C acts as an inhibitor of cell proliferation.

Inhibition of cell proliferation by Rana catesbeiana and Rana japonica lectins belonging to the ribonuclease superfamily

Two frog egg lectins [Rana catesbeiana lectin (SBL-C) and Rana japonica lectin] preferentially agglutinate a large variety of human and animal tumor cells but not blood cells, lymphocytes, or fibroblasts. These lectins belong to the superfamily of pyrimidine base-specific RNases. The two lectins bound to a heparin-Sepharose column and were eluted from the column by an increase of NaCl molarity. Both their tumor cell-agglutinating activity and RNase activity were inhibited by heparin, and also by polyamines, such as spermine. Both lectins inhibited P388 leukemia cell proliferation. The inhibitory activity of SBL-C was blocked by addition of heparin. SBL-C inhibited protein synthesis by P388 cells, but RNase A did not. No lectin-induced antiproliferative effect was observed after sialidase treatment of cells. The antiproliferative activity of SBL-C was also inhibited by ammonium chloride treatment. These results suggest that internalization of the lectins by lectin receptor (sialoglycoconjugate)-mediated endocytosis is followed by cell death due to inhibition of protein synthesis. Administration of SBL-C i.p. delayed time to death in mice receiving i.p. transplants of Sarcoma 180 and Mep II cells.

Detection of a human chromosomal translocation t(8;9) in a baby with multiple malformations using two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization

A human chromosomal translocation t(8;9) was detected using two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes capable of staining the entire lengths of each of these chromosomes. The chromosome 8 probe was labeled with biotin and detected with Texas red, while the chromosome 9 probe was labeled with AAF and detected with FITC. In normal metaphase spreads, two metaphases from the proband, two red, one green and one part red and part green derivative chromosome were seen. The bicolor chromosome corresponded to translocation of a chromosome 8 segment to the distal part of the q region of one chromosome 9, as originally indicated by banding analysis. In interphase nuclei of the proband, four domains with bright fluorescence were recognized in many nuclei. Two were red, one was green, and the fourth had portions of both colors, indicating the presence of the translocation.

Expression of carbonic anhydrase isozymes II and III in developing bovine parotid gland

Two cytosolic carbonic anhydrase isozymes (CA-II and CA-III) were studied by immunohistochemistry in bovine parotid glands during fetal development. In a 3-month-old fetus of crown-rump length (CRL) 17 cm, the expression of CA-II in undifferentiated epithelial cells was observed, whereas immunostaining for CA-III remained negative. At 26 cm CRL (4-5 months old), weak expression of CA-III in large ductal epithelial cells was noted. The accumulation of secreted granules in primary acinar cells was initially observed at this stage. In a newborn calf, anti-CA-II reactivity almost disappeared from most duct segments. The time-dependent expression and distribution of the isozymes in parotid glands may reflect different biological functions of these structurally closely related isozymes. Bovine parotid acinar cells of fetuses would thus appear to possess all the cellular structures and immunohistochemical properties at 4 and 5 months of gestation. CA-II subsequently disappeared from duct segments and nearly all acinar cells in adults were present at or just after birth.

The age of onset of posterior vitreous detachment

The age of onset of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was studied in 930 eyes with a clearly defined onset time and no vitreoretinal diseases except refractive error or equatorial degeneration. We found a positive correlation between onset age of PVD and refractive error, with the regression line y = 0.91 x + 60.93 (y onset age, x diopter of refractive error). The higher the degree of myopia, the younger the onset age of PVD. Comparing onset ages for 240 eyes from males and 690 eyes from females, there was a possible tendency toward a lower PVD onset age for females. There was no significant difference in onset age between 112 eyes with and 818 eyes without equatorial degeneration of the retina.

Demonstration by DNA fingerprint analysis of genomic instability in mouse BALB 3T3 cells during cell transformation

We employed DNA fingerprint analysis to monitor DNA rearrangements in BALB 3T3 cells transformed spontaneously or by treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) and UV-C. The effect of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in combination with MCA was also examined. Twenty-three spontaneously transformed cells, 28 induced transformed cells (18 by 1 microgram/ml MCA, six by 5 micrograms/ml MCA, and four by UV-C), and 31 non-transformed subclones were isolated from parental BALB 3T3 A31-1-1 cells. The DNAs were digested with HinfI and subjected to DNA fingerprint analysis with three multi-locus minisatellite probes, Per-6, Core, and Ins. Per-6 was the most effective probe for detecting DNA rearrangements. Rearranged bands detected by the Per-6 probe were observed in 9/31 (29%) of non-transformed subclones, 14/23 (61%) of spontaneously transformed cells, 16/18 (89%) of cells transformed by 1 microgram/ml of MCA, 6/6 (100%) of cells transformed by 5 micrograms/ml MCA, and 4/4 (100%) of UV-C-transformed cells. Higher numbers of DNA rearrangements (> or = 3) occurred most frequently in the induced transformed cells. TPA enhanced the frequency of DNA rearrangements in cells transformed by MCA. These data indicate that (1) genomic DNA in BALB 3T3 cells is unstable and susceptible to rearrangement, (2) its instability is elevated during cell transformation, and (3) MCA and UV-C induce DNA rearrangements, and TPA enhances the effect of the former, probably via the recombination process. DNA fingerprint analysis is valuable for monitoring genomic instability during cell transformation.

[Determination of total bromine in foods by ECD gas chromatograph]

A determination method for total bromine that presents in various chemical forms in foods by gas chromatograph with ECD was investigated. Food samples were ashed with KOH at 600 degrees C for 2h and the residue was dissolved in water and filtered. The filtrate was acidified with sulfuric acid, and potassium permanganate solution was added to the solution. The liberated bromine was reacted with cyclopentanone and the product was extracted with hexane and quantified by gas chromatograph with ECD. Recovery of bromine by this method was more than 80% and the detection limit was lower than that of the conventional method. The total bromide in the samples prepared for the total diet study program was quantified by this method and the total intake of bromine was estimated. The total intake of bromine was 8-12 mg and about 20% of ADI (1 mg/kg/day).

Time-dependent changes of vasoactive substances in rat cerebral ischemia

Time-dependent changes in the tissue concentration of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the early stages of cerebral ischemia were studied immunohistochemically in the amygdaloid complex of rats subjected to 1 h cerebral ischemia. Immunoreactivity to TH on the lesioned side reached a nadir at 12 h after cerebral ischemia, then gradually increased over 24 h to normal reactivity, but TH immunoreactivity between the ischemic side and the contralateral side was no different for up to 12 h after ischemia. The blood concentrations of NA and A were elevated to about twice the control concentration 12 h after ischemia, then gradually decreased back to normal. NPY immunoreactivity of both sides did not change for up to 6 h after ischemia, but NPY immunoreactivity on the lesioned side decreased over 12 h and maintained a plateau. These findings suggest that responses to cerebral ischemia between catecholamines and peptides are varied.

Applications of DNA flow cytometry and fluorescence in situ hybridization using a chromosome-specific DNA probe on paraffin-embedded tissue sections of primary malignant melanomas

We have applied DNA flow cytometric analysis to paraffin-embedded tissue sections of primary malignant melanomas. Conventionally, flow cytometric analysis of paraffin-embedded tissue sections has been done by the method of Hedley et al. We added ultrasound treatment to the method of Hedley et al. and a lower value of coefficient of variation was shown. Furthermore, a new technique, fluorescence in situ hybridization with a chromosome-specific repetitive DNA probe, was used for the analysis of chromosomal numerical aberrations in the same paraffin-embedded tissue sections. The DNA flow cytometric analysis showed that in 8 cases six primary malignant melanomas were of the aneuploid pattern and two cases of lentigo maligna (melanoma in situ) were of the diploid pattern. By fluorescence in situ hybridization, the two cases with the diploid pattern had spots/nucleus of 1.28 and 1.12, and those with the aneuploid pattern had spots/nucleus from 2.01 to 2.27. Only one nodular melanoma in an aneuploid case showed spots/nucleus of 1.71. These data indicate that fluorescence in situ hybridization with chromosome-specific repetitive DNA probes can serve as a cytogenetic tool for the analysis of interphase nuclei of solid human tumors and may be useful for the study of tumor cell heterogeneity.