Estrogen induces epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and its ligands in human fallopian tube: involvement of EGF but not transforming growth factor-alpha in estrogen-induced tubal cell growth in vitro

We studied the estrogen-dependent expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF) alpha, and EGF receptor gene transcripts in human fallopian tubes in vivo and in vitro. Competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on the fallopian tube RNA samples from the postmenopausal women with or without estrogen replacement. Amounts of EGF, TGF alpha, and EGF receptors gene transcripts in the estrogen-treated group (n = 3) were significantly (P < 0.01) more than those in the untreated group (n = 3). Competitive PCR also showed that EGF, TGF alpha, and EGF receptor gene transcripts level in tubal cells were increased by estrogen in vitro: messenger RNA levels of these factors were significantly (P < 0.01, n = 3) increased in cells incubated with 10(-8) M estrogen compared with those in cells without estrogen treatment. We studied whether EGF and/or TGF alpha is involved in the estrogen-induced tubal cell growth in vitro. Estrogen enhanced the [3H]-thymidine incorporation into the cell in dose- and time-dependent manners in culture: estrogen treatment for more than 12 h significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the [3H]-thymidine incorporation into the cell at 10(-8) M. The estrogen-induced cell growth was observed in association with the increase in EGF, TGF alpha, and EGF receptor messenger RNA levels by estrogen. If the EGF and/or TGF alpha is involved in the cell growth, then the estrogen-induced cell growth should be suppressed by blocking the action of EGF and/or TGF alpha. Therefore, we examined the effects of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against EGF, TGF alpha, and EGF receptors. Anti-EGF antibody significantly reduced the estrogen-induced increase in [3H]-thymidine incorporation, whereas anti-TGF alpha antibody failed to show the effect. Anti-EGF receptor antibody showed a significant suppressive effect on the estrogen-induced increase in [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Moreover, the growth inhibitory effect by 1 microgram/ml anti-EGF was restored by 10(-8) M EGF but not by TGF alpha even at 10(-6) M. All these data suggest that estrogen induces EGF and TGF alpha/EGF receptors in the human fallopian tube and that EGF but not TGF alpha may be involved in the estrogen-induced human tubal cell growth in vitro.

Early recovery of host-derived hematopoiesis in marrow transplant recipients conditioned with high-dose busulfan and cyclophosphamide

Three marrow transplant recipients with hematologic malignancies (two AML, one myelodysplastic syndrome) experienced prolonged pancytopenia after allogeneic BMT following conditioning with non-TBI regimens containing high-dose busulfan and cyclophosphamide (Bu/CY), despite the use of G-CSF. Early recovery of host-derived hematopoiesis ensued. Although neutrophil counts in these patients exceeded 500 x 10(6)/l by day 30 after transplant, these cells were of host origin. This early recovery of host-derived hematopoiesis has been observed rarely among patients conditioned with TBI-based regimens. When patients conditioned with Bu/CY show delayed hematologic recovery, mixed chimerism should be considered even in the presence of normal neutrophil recovery.

Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate stimulation of placental proliferin and proliferin-related protein secretion

To identify factors that regulate proliferin (PLF) and PLF-related protein (PRP) secretion by the mouse placenta, placental cells from day 9 of pregnancy were cultured for up to 5 days, and PLF and PRP release into the medium was assessed by RIA. Transforming growth factor-alpha, interleukin-1 alpha, and interleukin-6 did not regulate either PLF or PRP secretion. However, treatment of primary placental cell cultures with 8-bromo-cAMP, cholera toxin, or forskolin resulted in 2- to 3-fold increases in the percentages of PLF- and PRP-producing cells in the population and corresponding increases in both PLF and PRP messenger RNA and secreted protein. The increase in the number of PLF-producing cells was accompanied by an increase in the number of cells expressing both PLF and mouse placental lactogen-I. These data suggest that cAMP levels can regulate trophoblast giant cell differentiation and, consequently, the amount of PLF and PRP secretion.

Enantioselective determination of pazinaclone, a new isoindoline anxiolytic, and its active metabolite in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of the enantiomers of pazinaclone (DN-2327), a new anxiolytic agent, and those of its active metabolite, M-II, in rat plasma. Organic solvent extraction of pazinaclone, M-II, and internal standard (I.S.) in plasma was followed by separation of the analytes from other metabolites using an achiral reversed-phase column. Fluorescence detection was employed with excitation and emission wavelengths of 328 and 367 nm, respectively. Separation of all the enantiomers and I.S. was then accomplished with normal- and chiral-phase columns connected in series. For each analyte, the lower quantitation limit was 0.5 ng/ml. The assay has been applied to a chiral inversion study in rats. Chiral conversion from one enantiomer of pazinaclone to the other hardly occurred. This method is suitable for enantioselective pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic studies in animals.

Quality of hematologic recovery in patients with aplastic anemia following cyclosporine therapy

To evaluate quality of hematologic recovery in aplastic anemia (AA) patients treated with cyclosporine A (CyA), we examined polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNCL) from 25 AA patients for clonality and glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein expression. Using three different X-linked gene probes, we failed to detect clonal hematopoiesis in seven CyA-responsive female patients. Clonal hematopoiesis was detected in two of six female patients refractory to CyA therapy, although one of these two patients had shown monoclonality before therapy. Flow-cytometric analysis revealed a normal expression of GPI-linked membrane proteins, including CD55, CD59, and CD16 on PMN in all patients treated with CyA, irrespective of response, except for one patient who had a small proportion of GPI-anchored membrane protein-negative cells before therapy. The proportion remained unchanged 41 months after hematologic recovery following CyA therapy. These findings suggest that successful therapy of AA with CyA may not be associated with a significant risk of developing late clonal complications, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and myelodysplasia.

Development of a novel luminol-related compound, 3-propyl-7,8-dihydropyridazino-[4,5-g]quinoxaline-2,6,9(1H)- trione, and its application to hydrogen peroxide and serum glucose assays

Manual and flow injection methods with chemiluminescence detection were developed for the determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using a novel luminol-related compound, 3-propyl-7,8-dihydropyridazino[4,5-g]quinoxaline-2,6,9(1H)-trione (PDIQ), having a higher efficiency than luminol. The methods are based on the chemiluminescence produced by the reaction of H2O2 with PDIQ in the presence of microperoxidase in alkaline media. Detection limits for manual and flow injection methods are 13 pmol per 100 microliter of test solution and 1.3 pmol per 100 microliter injection volume, respectively, at a ratio of chemiluminescence intensities (or peak heights) of test to blank of 2. The manual method was applied to the determination of glucose in human serum. The method correlated well with the conventional spectrophotometric method (4 = 0.998).

Combination treatment of the partial D2 agonist terguride with the D1 agonist SKF 82958 in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned parkinsonian cynomolgus monkeys

The optimal combination of a dopamine D2 agonist and a D1 agonist was evaluated for symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease. Behavioral effects of combination treatment of the full D2 agonist quinpirole or the partial D2 agonist terguride with the full D1 agonist SKF 82958 [(I) 6-Chloro-7, 8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2, 3, 4, 5-tetra-hydro-1H-3-benzazepine] were investigated in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned parkinsonian cynomolgus monkeys with attention to the induction of hyperactivity such as irritability, excitability and aggressiveness and of dyskinesias such as licking of paws, chewing and biting. Both quinpirole and SKF 82958 alone improved the parkinsonism with a slight induction of the hyperactivity and dyskinesias. Terguride also improved the parkinsonism but did not induce the hyperactivity and dyskinesias. Combination treatment of quinpirole with SKF 82958 not only showed a tendency to augment the antiparkinsonian effects but also induced the marked hyperactivity and dyskinesias. On the other hand, combination treatment of terguride with SKF 82958 also augmented the antiparkinsonian effects but did not induce any hyperactivity and dyskinesias. These findings suggest that combination therapy with a partial D2 agonist and a full D1 agonist or monotherapy with a dopamine agonist that has both partial D2 and full D1 agonist properties might be beneficial for treating motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease without inducing dopaminergic side effects.

DNase I interaction on muscle Z-line

The effect of deoxyribonuclease I on muscle Z-line structures was re-examined. Under conditions of deoxyribonuclease I activation (presence of the divalent cation Ca2+ and Mg2+), a deoxyribonuclease I preparation did not affect Z-line structure if phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, an inhibitor of serine proteases, was also present. In the absence of protease inhibitor, both Z-lines and M-lines were digested, even in the presence of EDTA and EGTA as inhibitors of deoxyribonuclease I. These electron microscopic observations were consistent with the following results from sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis: when the protease was inhibited but deoxyribonuclease I was activated, myofibrillar proteins remained essentially intact. However, degradation of proteins in both rabbit psoas and chicken pectoralis myofibrils was observed in the presence of deoxyribonuclease I inhibitors when the protease inhibitor was absent. Our data strongly suggest that the interaction of deoxyribonuclease I with Z-line proteins previously reported is most likely due to contamination of the deoxyribonuclease I fraction by the serine-type proteases.

Cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate stimulates mouse placental lactogen-I (mPL-I) secretion but inhibits mPL-II secretion at midpregnancy

To determine whether cAMP regulates mouse placental lactogen-I (mPL-I) and mPL-II secretion at midpregnancy in vitro, mouse placental tissue from day 9 of pregnancy was dispersed with collagenase, cells were fractionated on a Percoll gradient, and the purified trophoblast cells were plated in a serum-free medium. The cells were then incubated with various agents that increased the intracellular cAMP level for 5 days. 8-Bromo-cAMP stimulated mPL-I secretion, but inhibited mPL-II secretion in a time- and dose-dependent manner without changing the amount of newly synthesized trichloroacetic acid-precipitable proteins. Cholera toxin and forskolin, which increase intracellular cAMP accumulation, also regulated mPL-I and mPL-II secretion in the same manner. 8-Bromo-cAMP increased the intracellular mPL-I concentration, decreased the intracellular mPL-II concentration, and increased the immunoprecipitable newly synthesized mPL-I concentration in both the medium and cells. 8-Bromo-cAMP increased the expression of mPL-I messenger RNA and decreased the expression of mPL-II messenger RNA. The sequential reverse hemolytic plaque assay and double immunocytochemistry indicated that 8-bromo-cAMP regulates the subpopulation of giant cells containing and releasing mPL. These findings suggest that an increase in intracellular cAMP stimulates mPL-I secretion, but inhibits mPL-II secretion by changing the subpopulation of giant cells containing and releasing mPL.

Fine structure of podocytes in the bovine renal corpuscle

Thick primary processes issued from the hemispherical or plate-like cell bodies of podocytes in bovine renal corpuscles. These processes branched into secondary and tertiary ones, but no fine pedicels were observed on the outer surface of the podocytes by scanning electron microscopy, because each primary process closely interdigitated with those of adjacent cells. Many pedicels, however, were observed under the processes by using the freeze-fractograph and a transmission electron microscope.

Changes in epidermal growth factor receptor and the levels of its ligands during menstrual cycle in human endometrium

We examined menstrual cycle-dependent changes in the expression of human endometrial epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and their mRNA using immunoblot analysis, 125I-EGF binding, and competitive reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also studied their localization in the endometrial tissue by immunohistochemistry. Endometrial samples were obtained at three stages of menstruation: the early follicular stage, which exhibits low serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels; the late follicular stage, which exhibits high E2 and low P levels; and the luteal stage, which exhibits high E2 and P levels. Immunohistochemical examination showed that EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR were localized to the endometrial epithelium. Immunoblot analysis revealed that endometrial EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR levels were significantly (p < 0.01) increased at the late follicular and luteal stages compared to the early follicular stage. 125I-EGF-specific binding levels at the late follicular and luteal stages were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than at the early follicular stage, consistent with the results of immunoblot analysis. Competitive RT-PCR revealed that EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR mRNA levels were significantly (p < 0.01) higher at the late follicular and luteal stages than at the early follicular stage. Changes in EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR mRNA levels were consistent with changes in protein levels. These findings suggest that synthesis and expression of human endometrial EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR vary with the stage of the menstrual cycle and that their expression in the human endometrium is associated with the increase in the serum E2 but not with the increase in P levels.

Opposite effects of transforming growth factor alpha and epidermal growth factor on mouse placental lactogen I secretion

This study was undertaken to determine whether transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) regulates the production of mouse placental lactogen I (mPL-I) and mPL-II in a manner that is similar to that of epidermal growth factor (EGF), which was previously shown to stimulate mPL-I secretion and inhibit mPL-II secretion. In contrast to the activity of EGF, human (h) and rat (r) TGF-alpha (each at 100 ng/ml) inhibited secretion of mPL-I by placental cells isolated from mice on day 7 of pregnancy. Maximum inhibition of mPL-I secretion occurred on the third day of a 5-day culture period and ranged between 37% and 56% in multiple trials. Incubation of cells with hTGF-alpha and EGF was not followed by a change in the mPL-I concentration of the medium, suggesting the peptides antagonized each other's effects. hTGF-alpha and rTGF-alpha inhibited secretion of mPL-II; maximum inhibition ranged between 62% and 84% in multiple trials. The lowest concentrations of hTGF-alpha that affected mPL-I and mPL-II secretion were 10 ng/ml and 1 ng/ml, respectively. EGF and hTGF-alpha bound to the same receptors on placental cells, as assessed by cross-linking, and both peptides stimulated receptor phosphorylation, as assessed by Western blot analysis. There are three types of mPL-containing cells in placental cultures: cells that contain only mPL-I, cells that contain only mPL-II, and cells that contain both mPLs. The percentage of each type of mPL-containing cell in the culture was determined by immunostaining. hTGF-alpha affected the differentiation of the subpopulations of PL-containing cells in a manner that differed from that of EGF. The data suggest that TGF-alpha and EGF do not regulate the production of mPL-I and mPL-II in a similar manner.

Possible involvement of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release mechanism in Ag(+)-induced contracture in frog skeletal muscle

To determine if an Ag(+)-induced contracture is associated with the Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release mechanism in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, effects of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release modulators on the Ag(+)-induced contracture were studied with single fibers of frog toe skeletal muscle. The fiber treated with 1 mM caffeine contracted significantly much more than controls without caffeine at Ag+ concentrations below 1 microM. Procaine shifted the Ag+ concentration-tension curve to the right, dose-dependently. When 10 mM procaine was applied to contracting fibers not treated with caffeine, the duration of 5 microM Ag(+)-induced contracture was shortened with a little decrease in tension amplitude, that was different from the effect of procaine on caffeine contracture. In caffeine solution, 0.5 microM Ag+ caused a long-lasting contracture with sometimes two peaks. 2 mM procaine led to disappearance of such two peaks, resulting in shortening of the contracture. K+ contracture was potentiated by 1 mM caffeine only at lower concentrations of K+, and inhibited by 10 mM procaine. These results suggest that the Ag(+)-induced contracture is composed of two components: Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release-dependent and -independent. 5 microM Ag(+)-induced contracture slowly relaxed with a wavy tension pattern to the resting level when 0.05 mM dithiothreitol was applied around peak of the tension. This relaxation was accelerated by procaine application. These findings may be explained by attributing a portion of Ag(+)-induced contracture to the effect of Ca2+ released through the Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release mechanism in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Variable optical delay line based on a birefringent planar optical platform

A variable optical delay line is proposed for accurately adjusting optical signal timing in photonic systems. This delay line is based on a birefringent planar optical platform characterized by the multiple reflection of light beams. It consists of a birefringent plate, lambda/4 plates, mirrors, and a liquid-crystal layer. It can select an arbitrary delay from a set of discrete delays precisely determined by the thickness of the birefringent plate. A feasibility study confirms seven-step delay line operation with a 240-ps unit delay.

Estimation of the possible scale for holographic switches with liquid-crystal displays

Simulating the positions of output beams under the assumption that a liquid-crystal display acts as a binary phase modulator reveals that the number of the outputs increases almost linearly with the square root of the number of pixels assigned to an input. This result is confirmed by experiments, and it is estimated that 1016 outputs can be obtained when the number of pixels is 700 × 700. Holographic switches with liquid-crystal displays are therefore suitable for large-scale switches.

Increase of (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity in hepatic plasma membranes of rats administered orally calcium: the endogenous role of regucalcin

The alteration of the plasma membrane (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity in the liver of rats administered orally calcium chloride solution was investigated. The plasma membrane (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity was significantly increased by a single oral administration of calcium (10, 25 and 50 mg/100 g body weight) in rats. This increase was seen between 10 and 60 min after the administration. The presence of anti-regucalcin IgG (1.0-5.0 micrograms/ml) in the enzyme reaction mixture caused a complete inhibition for the elevation of the plasma membrane (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity by the addition of regucalcin (0.25 microM). Also, the calcium administration-induced increase in hepatic plasma membrane (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity was completely abolished by the presence of anti-regucalcin IgG (1.0 and 2.5 micrograms/ml). Moreover, the calcium administration-induced increase in hepatic plasma membrane (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity was not inhibited by vanadate (0.1 and 0.2 mM) addition into the enzyme reaction mixture, although the inhibitory effect of vanadate was seen in the plasma membranes from normal rat liver. Now, the activating effect of regucalcin (0.25 microM) on hepatic plasma membrane (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase was not inhibited by vanadate addition. The endogenous regucalcin may play a role in the calcium administration-induced increase of (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase activity in the liver plasma membranes of rats.

Surgical treatment of atrioventricular atresia combined with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

BACKGROUND

Tachyarrhythmia has been thought to be an absolute contraindication for the Fontan operation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three patients, 22, 9, and 11 years of age, diagnosed as having atrioventricular atresia combined with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome underwent surgical treatment. Each had drug-resistant atrioventricular tachycardia that required direct cardioversion. Two patients with tricuspid atresia had an intermittent right-sided accessory pathway (ACP), and one with mitral atresia had a concealed left-sided ACP. The ACP was divided using an epicardial approach in two patients and an endocardial approach in one. Simultaneously, the Fontan operation was performed with atrioventricular connection (modified Fontan operation) in one patient, and a total cavopulmonary connection performed in another patient. In the remaining patient, ACP division was performed 3 years after the Fontan operation.

RESULTS

There was no early death or other fatal complication, and the hemodynamic results were excellent. During the mean follow-up period of 68 months (range, 5 to 127 months), there has been no late death or recurrence of tachyarrhythmia.

CONCLUSION

Tachyarrhythmias caused by ACPs are not contraindications for the Fontan operation. Concomitant surgery is advocated, as excellent short- and long-term results may be expected in these patients.

An X-ray diffraction study on a single frog skinned muscle fiber in the presence of vanadate

Using a technique to obtain a detailed X-ray diffraction pattern from a single frog skinned muscle fiber with synchrotron radiation and an imaging plate, we studied the arrangement of myosin heads to which ADP and vanadate are bound. The presence of 1 mM vanadate during contraction caused trapping of ADP and vanadate on the myosin head. Both in the presence and absence of Ca2+, the intensities of the equatorial reflections indicated that most of the heads with ADP and vanadate were located close to the backbone of the thick filament. The presence of the first myosin layer-line at 43 nm-1 also suggested that the heads formed a helix around the shaft of the thick filament. Weak intensity of actin layer-lines suggested that the myosin heads were detached from the thin filament. The results suggest that the myosin-ADP-vanadate complex has a weak affinity toward actin regardless of the state of the regulatory system on the thin filament.

Glutathione S-transferases as a cefpiramide binding protein in rat liver

To clarify the intrahepatical transport mechanism of cefpiramide, we investigated effects of various agents mainly excreted into the bile by several different mechanisms on the biliary excretion of cefpiramide in rats. Sulfobromophthalein, indocyanine green, bilirubin and probenecid, known to be bound to glutathione S-transferases (GST) (EC 2.5.1.18) in liver cytosol, reduced the biliary excretion of cefpiramide, while neither secretory IgA, which is transported via vesicles in the liver, nor colchicine, which inhibits movements of vesicles, had any effect on the excretion of cefpiramide. Propranolol and metoprolol, metabolized by mixed function oxidases, had no effect on the biliary excretion of cefpiramide. In the chromatography of liver cytosol, the amount of sulfobromophthalein or benzylpenicillin bound to the GST fraction decreased in the presence of cefpiramide or probenecid. The study showed that cefpiramide was transported in the liver without relation to mixed function oxidases or vesichle-mediated transporting system, but in relation to GST which binds cefpiramide, sulfobromophthalein, benzylpenicillin and probenecid, indicating an important role of GST in the cefpiramide excretion into the bile.

Risk factors for the development of acute disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Since acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) often contributes to a fatal outcome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), prediction of its development is important to prevent the occurrence of such an event. To analyze the risk factor(s) contributing to the development of acute DIC in SLE, we carried out a retrospective study of a series of 129 SLE patients, eight of whom developed DIC during the course of this disease, to assess which of the easily assessable parameters, present at the time of first medical examination, were of predictive significance. The important individual variables, determined by univariate analysis, were male sex, leukopenia, and infection. These factors were placed in a multivariate logistic regression model, and only one factor, infection at first medical examination, was found to have predictive significance for the development of acute DIC in SLE patients. The prevention and control of infection in SLE patients might have implications for preventing the development of acute DIC.

Inhibition of growth hormone-releasing factor production in mouse placenta by cytokines using gp130 as a signal transducer

The aim of this study was to investigate whether mouse placenta produces mature mouse GHRF (mGHRF) and whether cytokines regulate placental mGHRF production. Using Sephadex G-50 gel filtration chromatography and reverse phase HPLC, we identified immunoreactive mGHRF in acid-ethanol extract of placental tissues, which had chromatographic characteristics identical to those of hypothalamic mature mGHRF peptide. The major peak of immunoreactive GHRF in the medium from cultured placental cells was resolved by HPLC at a fraction identical to hypothalamic mature mGHRF. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and oncostatin-M, which all use gp130 as a signal transducer, significantly inhibited mGHRF secretion by cultured placental cells. However, IL-1 alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha had no effect on mGHRF secretion. Antibodies to IL-6 or IL-6 receptor completely blocked the inhibitory effect of IL-6 on mGHRF secretion. Anti-LIF, and oncostatin-M inhibited the expression of mGHRF messenger RNA. These results suggest that mouse placenta produces and releases the mature mGHRF, which is indistinguishable by chromatographic criteria from that produced by the hypothalamus, and that signals through gp130 lead to the inhibition of mGHRF production and release in the mouse placenta.

The frequency of sarcoidosis in Finland and Hokkaido, Japan. A comparative epidemiological study

Finland and Hokkaido resemble each other; the four season climate with cold winters and cool summers is the same as is the frequency of tuberculosis. The size of the population is almost the same. From the 1984 Japanese nationwide sarcoidosis survey we got the data from Hokkaido (288 patients) in order to compare the information with similarly collected data in Finland from 1984 (1,378 patients). The crude prevalence of sarcoidosis was 28.2 per 100,000 in Finland and 3.7 per 100,000 in Hokkaido. The annual incidence was 11.4 per 100,000 in Finland and 1.0 per 100,000 in Hokkaido. The sex distribution was similar; 63% vs 67% women in Finland and Hokkaido, respectively. At diagnosis the Hokkaidoan patients were significantly younger. In Hokkaido more cases were detected via mass X-ray survey (43% vs 34%). Among symptomatic patients eye symptoms were more frequent in Hokkaido, whereas respiratory and joint symptoms and erythema nodosum were more frequent in Finland. Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL) was equally distributed (82% vs 84% whereas parenchymal lesions were seen more often in Finland (49% vs 25%) as well as peripheral lymphadenopathy (16% vs 8%).