Identification of basic fibroblast growth factor in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was identified in the papillary carcinoma of the human thyroid. Immunohistochemically, it was found that the reactivity for bFGF was localized in the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells of the five papillary carcinomas. However the extract of the papillary carcinomas contained the mitogenic activity for endothelial cells. This bioactive molecule was determined as bFGF by using the heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography and western blot analysis. The bFGF derived from human thyroid papillary carcinoma and the recombinant human bFGF stimulated the bromodeoxyuridine incorporation by the cultured human thyroid papillary carcinoma cells. These cells also showed positive staining for thyroglobulin and cytokeratin. These results indicate that bFGF, probably produced by the neoplastic cells, plays an important role in the development of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with stimulation of angiogenesis as well as proliferation of the parenchymal cells.

Establishment and immunohistochemical characterization of an experimentally induced transplantable malignant schwannoma in the rat and two derived cell lines

Oral administration of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine induced gastrointestinal tumors in 15 out of 19 rats: six adenomas, seven adenocarcinomas, one fibrosarcoma and one malignant schwannoma that was homotransplantable. Both the original and transplantable tumor exhibited characteristic morphological features and immunoreactivity identical to that of a human malignant schwannoma: positive reaction for S-100 protein, neuron specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, myelin basic protein and vimentin. In addition, alpha-smooth muscle actin was expressed in both tumors. Cultured tumor cells derived from the transplantable tumor at passage 3 produced 18 clones which showed anchorage independent growth in soft agar. From these clones, two cell lines showing characteristic immunoreactivity, designated as RMS-1 and 2, were established. In general, the immunoreactivities of the two cell lines were similar to those of the original tumor; however, the RMS-1 cell line demonstrated positive immunoreaction for neurofilaments and RMS-2 was negative for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Subcutaneous, injection of cultured cells from both cell lines into athymic BALB/c nude mice induced tumors identical to the original tumor. In the present study, transplantable malignant schwannoma was established in the rat and two phenotypes were isolated and established as cell lines.

[The dose-response study of sparfloxacin against skin and soft tissue structure infections in the field of surgery]

Sparfloxacin (SPFX), a new oral quinolone antimicrobial, was evaluated for the clinical efficacy against skin/soft tissue structural and osteomyelitic infections. SPFX was administered to a total of 101 patients with various infections such as infected atheroma, periproctal abscess, subcutaneous abscess, wound infections, felon, cellulitis, furuncle, pilonidal sinus, sappurative mastitis, lymphangitis, hemorrhoidal fistula, osteomyelitis. The clinical efficacy in the evaluable 101 cases was assessed by the physician in charge as excellent in 19 cases, good in 64, fair in 11 and poor in 7, the efficacy rate being 82.2%. In contrast, the clinical efficacy in 101 evaluable cases by the criteria of the committee as excellent in 36 cases, good in 45, fair in 8, and poor in 12, the efficacy rate being 80.2%. Clinical efficacy rating was not significantly difference between 200 mg/day group and 300 mg/day group. The bacteriological eradication rate was 86.5% in 53 cases with monomicrobial infection and 90.3% in 33 cases with polymicrobial infections. Of 18 cases whose infections were previously intractable with other drugs and treated thereafter with SPFX, 15 were judged in the efficacy as excellent or good. The side effects observed in 2 cases during the treatment were epigastralgia and nausea which were tolerable and did not require withdrawal of SPFX. No abnormal laboratory value was found in the several required tests. The MIC values measured for 108 strains (90.0%) of 120 clinical isolated of 35 species were lower than 0.78 microgram/ml.

Mixed medullary and follicular carcinoma of the thyroid: report of two cases with an immunohistochemical study

Two cases of mixed medullary and follicular carcinoma of the thyroid (MFC) and two cases of thyroid carcinoma resembling MFC are reported with a description of their histological and immunohistochemical features. Two cases of MFC with lymph node metastasis were histologically distinguishable from each other because one had a follicular structure filled with a thyroglobulin (TG)-positive colloid-like substance and the other did not have it. Although one of the thyroid carcinomas resembling MFC was similar to the case of MFC with a follicular structure in its primary lesion, it showed no lymph node metastasis. The metastatic lesion of the thyroid carcinoma resembling MFC consisted of TG-positive cells and neighboring calcitonin (CT)-positive cells. However the primary lesion exhibited the typical features of papillary carcinoma except for the presence of a small lesion which stained negatively for both TG and CT. The two types of tumor were not intermingled in a single tumor. These cases of thyroid carcinoma resembling MFC have a possibility of being MFC. However they should not be classified as MFC because lymph node metastasis or the coexistence of medullary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma in their primary lesion was not proved.

Dietary fiber intake of Japanese younger generations and the recommended daily allowance

A method was introduced for the estimation of total dietary fiber (TDF) intake of a population using a menu-oriented questionnaire and a menu-based calculation table. TDF intake correlated well with age in a population investigated, and in younger generations TDF consumption was very low (less than 11.5 g/day in teenagers). The similar results were obtained from the calculation using data of National Nutrition Survey (10.7 g/day). The foodstuffs they consumed were more processed and refined. This fact suggested that in younger generations a future resumption of their present eating habits might produce a serious lack of TDF intake in later years. To clarify the optimal level of TDF intake for the upper limit of recommended daily allowance (RDA) of an average Japanese, the following were measured and calculated. (I) Estimation of recent TDF intake (1990) and of 30 and 50 years ago (1955, 1935), based on TDF data of foodstuffs by the enzymatic-gravimetric method. (II) Measurement of the TDF of model duplicate meals and model composite diets for the average Japanese in 1985 using the same assay method. (III) Conversion of a recommendation of 20-35 g/day for American into RDA for Japanese considering energy consumption and lower fat intake. (IV) Re-estimation of the literature data on the adverse effects of DF on the human mineral balance considering the insufficient calcium intake of Japanese. The results indicated an RDA of 10-12 g TDF/1,000 kcal fit better for an average Japanese.

Biotin-containing intranuclear inclusions in endometrial glands during gestation and puerperium

Intranuclear inclusions sometimes are observed in endometrial glands, especially during puerperium, and superficially they resemble those from herpesvirus-infected cells. To study the significance of the inclusions, endometrial and placental tissue from 215 subjects, including 69 pregnancy-associated samples, were examined. With screening by peroxidase-labeled avidin alone, followed by the peroxidase reaction, only pregnancy-related endometrium (in 32 cases) demonstrated reactivity in the intranuclear inclusions. These intranuclear inclusions demonstrated positive immunostaining for biotin using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method in all but six cases, whereas there was no reaction for Herpes simplex in any of the cases. The endometrial tissues of the 32 cases were obtained from the 16th gestational week to the 37th postpartum day. Although the histogenesis of these intranuclear inclusions has not been clarified, they should not be mistaken for those in endometrial cells infected by herpesvirus because of intranuclear biotin and a false-positive histochemical reaction in the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method.

Short- and mid-term follow-up results after percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy

This study reports the clinical follow-up for 6 months of 52 patients who underwent percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC). PTMC resulted in an increase in mitral valve area from 1.1 +/- 0.3 to 1.7 +/- 0.4 cm2 (p < 0.0001), a decrease in mean left atrial pressure from 16 +/- 7 to 13 +/- 5 mmHg (p < 0.0001), and an increase in exercise time from 4.6 +/- 2.1 to 6.3 +/- 2.3 min (p < 0.0001). At 6 months follow-up, mitral valve area was unchanged (1.7 +/- 0.4 cm2). Of 52 patients, 33 showed clinical improvement and 19 had no clinical improvement after PTMC. Univariate analysis showed (1) younger age, (2) echocardiographic score of 8 or less, (3) existence of mitral regurgitation of less than grade 2 after PTMC, and (4) amelioration in left atrial dimension, mean pulmonary artery pressure and exercise time after PTMC as correlative factors for clinical improvement. In conclusion, PTMC was an effective procedure for mitral stenosis, especially in younger patients with an echocardiographic score of 8 or less. Change in left atrial dimension was a good indicator of the effectiveness of PTMC.

[Dose finding study of cefepime for chronic respiratory infections]

In order to determine the optimal dose of cefepime (CFPM) for respiratory tract infections, a dose finding study was conducted in patients with chronic respiratory tract infections, and the clinical properties of the drugs were compared with those of ceftazidime (CAZ). Each drug was administered by intravenous drip infusion at the dose of 2 g/day of CFPM, 4 g/day of CFPM or 2 g/day of CAZ for 14 days. 1. The overall efficacy rates evaluated by the committee were 82.6% (19/23) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 85.0% (17/20) for the 4 g/day group and 79.3% (23/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group, with no statistically significant difference among the three groups. 2. The overall efficacy rates evaluated by the attending physicians were 91.3% (21/23) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 78.9% (15/19) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 75.9% (22/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group, with no significant difference among the three groups. 3. Bacteriological eradication rates were 88.2% (15/17) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 68.8% (11/16) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 63.2% (12/19) for the CAZ 2 g/day group, with no statistically significant difference among the three groups. 4. The incidences of adverse reactions were 3.8% (1/26) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 9.1% (2/22) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 3.4% (1/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group, with no significant difference among the three groups. The incidences of abnormal laboratory findings were 37.5% (9/24) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 15.0% (3/20) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 3.4% (1/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group. There was a significant difference among the three groups. 5. Utility rates assessed by the committee were 81.8% (18/22) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 76.2% (16/21) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 75.9% (22/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group. Utility rates assessed by attending physicians were 90.9% (20/22), 78.9% (15/19) and 72.4% (21/29), respectively. There was no significant difference among the three groups. From the above results, it is concluded that the optimal dosage of CFPM is 2 g/day for chronic respiratory tract infections.

Immunoreactive copper-zinc superoxide dismutase in damaged human myocardium

The myocardium in 50 autopsy cases was studied using immunostaining for copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) and standard histochemical procedures. Mucinous degeneration observed in 42 cases showed moderately enhanced expression of immunoreactive CuZn-SOD in lesions which were stained strongly by periodic acid-Schiff but negative with Heidenhain iron-hematoxylin (HIH), von Kossa and luxol fast blue (LFB) stains, whereas coagulation necrosis in 4 cases revealed almost identical immunostaining for CuZn-SOD and HIH to that of contraction band necrosis, i.e. strongly positive HIH staining but negative immunostaining. Basophilic alteration of the myocardial cells in sections fixed with 4% formalin in 2% calcium acetate was seen in 29 cases, being identified frequently in isolated cells as well as in several foci varying considerably in size. This type of alteration demonstrated significantly enhanced expression of immunoreactive CuZn-SOD and was strongly positive with von Kossa and LFB stains. The present study indicates that the myocardium can be affected by free radicals produced in any organ of the body, and that subsequently, insoluble phospholipids react with calcium ions in the fixative and accumulate in the basophilic sarcoplasm.

Pulmonary blastoma. A case report

Pulmonary blastoma occurred in a 71-year-old man. Bronchial brushing specimens showed numerous epithelial cells and only a few mesenchymal cell clusters. The epithelial cells were round to oval, more uniform and smaller than ordinary adenocarcinoma cells. The nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio of these cells was increased, with an even chromatin distribution, and nucleoli were inconspicuous. Mesenchymal cell clusters were markedly hypercellular and consisted of small and short spindle-shaped cells with hyperchromatic nuclei. Although it is very difficult to diagnose pulmonary blastoma correctly by cytology, the possibility of pulmonary blastoma should be considered when small, nonsquamous neoplastic cells are observed, particularly in association with small and short spindle-shaped cells reminiscent of mesenchymal origin.

Single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of intravenous cefpirome (HR810) to healthy volunteers

The safety and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple administrations of cefpirome (HR810), a new cephalosporin antibiotic agent with a broad antibacterial spectrum, were studied in healthy male volunteers. The single administration protocols included a 3-minute intravenous injection of 0.5 g or 1 g, and a 1-hour intravenous drip infusion of 0.5 g, 1 g, or 2 g. The multiple administration protocols included nine intravenous injections and 1-hour intravenous drip infusions of 1 g of cefpirome twice a day at intervals of 12 hours. Cefpirome was tolerated, and only a few mild, subjective and hepatic-function side effects were observed. There were no severe abnormalities. The drug concentrations in the plasma and the urine were determined by means of HPLC and bioassay, and the results correlated well (r = 0.99). The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a two-compartment model. The elimination half-life (t1/2 beta) was about 1.7 hours for both intravenous injection and intravenous drip infusion and was not dose-dependent. AUC and Cmax were dose-dependent in this study, although an accumulation due to multiple administrations was not observed, and there were no changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters after the initial and the final administrations. The recovery rate of the unchanged compound in the urine was more than 80% in the 24 hours after a single administration and was the same after multiple administrations. Bioautography did not show any active metabolites in the plasma or the urine. The results, for safety and pharmacokinetics, show that cefpirome can be expected to have excellent clinical efficacy for bacterial infections.

Localized primary amyloid tumor of the thyroid developing in the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

A case of localized primary amyloid tumor of the thyroid gland developing in the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis was studied using histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The patient was diagnosed as having Hashimoto's thyroiditis by histological examination of the thyroid and by the presence of a high titer of serum thyroglobulin and thyroid microsomal antibodies. In addition, the thyroid gland exhibited multiple nodular deposits of amyloid which were resistant to prior incubation with potassium permanganate. The amyloid deposits were surrounded by numerous histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells which contained small amyloid droplets in their cytoplasm. However, no amyloid deposits were observed in the walls of blood vessels. Immunohistochemistry showed that the amyloid was strongly positive for amyloid P component, IgG and kappa light chains. Ultrastructurally, the amyloid was composed of straight fibrils with a diameter of 7 to 10 nm. Histiocytes extended slender cytoplasmic processes in a radial fashion into amyloid fibrils, which exhibited a highly organized star-like pattern. This was considered to be an extremely rare case of localized primary amyloidosis of the thyroid, in which IgG, especially kappa light chains (AL), was present as a precursor protein.

Primary and metaplastic choriocarcinoma of the bladder. A report of two cases

Two cases of primary choriocarcinoma arose in the urinary bladder in males aged 72 and 70 years. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in serum and urine was significantly elevated in both cases. Cytologic features consisted of bizarre mononucleate and multinucleate giant cells with numerous erythrocytes, necrotic cells and neutrophils, indicating the possibility of choriocarcinoma. Histologically, one tumor consisted of an admixture of choriocarcinomatous areas and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with or without syncytiotrophoblastic differentiation, and the other was composed of pure choriocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that syncytiotrophoblasts and a small number of TCC cells were intensely positive for hCG in their cytoplasm. The histogenesis of choriocarcinoma arising in the bladder is considered to be metaplasia or retro-differentiation from TCC to trophoblasts because of TCC's differentiating to hCG-positive trophoblasts, as seen in one of the present cases.

Myocardial damage caused by free radicals in experimentally induced myonephropathic metabolic syndrome in dogs

Myocardial damage was studied in the dog heart with experimentally induced myonephropathic metabolic syndrome (MNMS). The animals underwent a ligation of the infrarenal arteries with a re-establishment of arterial flow 5 hours after the operation (group 1) and all showed the typical phenomena of MNMS and revealed basophilic changes in the myocardial cells fixed with 4 per cent formalin in 2 per cent calcium acetate. These degenerated cells were distributed in either the left or right ventricle, or even in both as several foci composed of a considerable number of the myocardial cells. Most of these cells showed a significantly enhanced expression of immunoreactive copper-zinc superoxide dismutase in their sarcoplasm. With luxol fast blue staining, the basophilic myocardial cells appeared to be deep blue in color which indicated an accumulation of phospholipid. Such basophilic cells in the animals undergoing a sham operation (group 2) were only sporadically observed in the myocardium fixed with the same fixative. The present study including morphological procedures indicates that dog MNMS causes severe myocardial damage with superoxidation due to an excessive production of free radicals after the re-establishment of arterial flow.

The proliferative kinetics of somatostatin-producing cells in the rat antral mucosa after truncal vagotomy

The kinetics of somatostatin-producing cells (D-cells) in the rat antral mucosa after truncal vagotomy were studied using double immunostaining for bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and somatostatin. Both the concentration of somatostatin and D-cell density in the antral mucosa demonstrated a significant increase on the 3rd day after truncal vagotomy. With the single labeling of BrdU, a few D-cells showed positive immunostaining for BrdU throughout the experimental period in both vagotomized and sham operated rats. With cumulative labeling, the BrdU labeled cells demonstrated a linear increase in an identical number for each experimental time-point in both groups. The labeling index of BrdU in the D-cells increased significantly, beginning on the 3rd day and attaining a maximum level of 41.8% on the 10th day, in the vagotomized group after cumulative labeling. In this group, however, the density of D-cells with no immunoreactive BrdU also increased quickly on the 3rd day with cumulative labeling. The present study indicates that the most important factor involving D-cell hyperplasia observed after truncal vagotomy is the activation of pre-existing D-cells to synthesize and release hormones, together with the rapid replication of progenitor cells and their maturation to D-cells.

Oncogenic vitamin D resistant hypophosphatemic osteomalacia (benign ossifying mesenchymal tumor of bone): case report

A 53-year-old Japanese woman suffered hypophosphatemic osteomalacia secondary to bone tumor. Her clinical symptoms did not improve for a long time following the oral administration of Alfacalcidol (vitamin D3). A bone survey using radiographs revealed a small tumor located in the proximal head of the left fibula. Hypophosphatemia and low levels of 1-alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1-alpha,25(OH)2D3) returned towards normal levels soon after an en-bloc tumor resection, and bone pain and muscle weakness gradually disappeared. The histology, especially of the trabecular bone of the left fibula, showed typical features of osteomalacia with demineralization. The tumor comprised numerous small blood vessels, spindle shaped or oval neoplastic cells, a few multinucleated giant cells, osteoid tissue with or without calcification, chondroid tissue and hemangioma. The spindle shaped or oval cells contained a round nucleus with no mitotic figures. These clinical and histological findings coincide well with a diagnosis of benign ossifying mesenchymal tumor of the bone with vitamin D resistant hypophosphatemic osteomalacia.

[Clinical evaluation of cefuzonam (CZON) for bacterial pneumonia and lung abscess: comparative study with cefotiam (CTM)]

A double blind study was conducted to objectively evaluate the usefulness of Cefuzonam (CZON) in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia and lung abscess. Cefotiam (CTM) was used as a control drug. Each drug was administered by intravenous drip infusion at 1 g at a time, twice daily, for 14 days as a rule. The results are as follows: 1. Enrolled in this study were 145 cases in total, comprising 72 of CZON group and 73 of CTM group. Of the total cases, 109 (53 of CZON group and 56 CTM group) were evaluated for clinical efficacy by the evaluation committee. Exclusion rate and background of patients were not significantly different between the two groups. 2. Clinical effectiveness assessed by the committee showed the efficacy rates of 84.9% (45 cases out of 53) for the CZON group and 83.3% (47 cases out of 56) for the CTM group, with no significant difference between the two groups. 3. The bacteriological eradication rates were 89.5% (17 strains out of 19) for the CZON group and 78.3% (18 strains out of 23) for the CTM group, with no significant difference between the two groups. 4. The incidence of side effects was 5 cases (7.5%) for the CZON group and 3 cases (4.2%) for the CTM group. The incidence rate of laboratory test abnormality was 28.4% (19 cases out of 67) for the CZON group and 31.3% (12 cases out of 67) for the CTM group. There was no significant difference between the two groups. 5. Usefulness rates calculated by the committee were 79.2% (42 cases out of 53) for the CZON group and 76.8% (43 cases out of 56) for the CTM group. There was no significant difference between the two groups. These results show that CZON is a useful drug in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia and lung abscess.

[Clinical evaluation of BMY-28100 for bacterial pneumonia in comparison with cefaclor in a double-blind study]

The efficacy, safety and usefulness of BMY-28100 for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia were compared with those of cefaclor (hereinafter referred to as CCL) in a double-blind study. The daily dosages were 750 mg for BMY-28100 and 1,500 mg for CCL, divided into 3 administrations daily. These drugs were administered orally for at least 14 days. A total of 172 cases were enrolled in this study. Of these, cases which deviated from the protocols were excluded from evaluations. Thus, clinical efficacy was evaluated in 124 cases, adverse reactions were evaluated in 160 cases, and abnormal laboratory test values were evaluated in 146 cases. The following results were obtained. 1. Efficacy rates ("good" or better responses) in bacterial pneumonia cases as evaluated by the subcommittee were 81.7% (49/60) in the BMY-28100 group and 89.1% (41/46) in the CCL group, thus no significant difference was found between the 2 groups. 2. Efficacy rates ("good" or better responses), as evaluated by investigators, in the same bacterial pneumonia cases which were subjected to the evaluation by the subcommittee were 83.3% (50/60) in the BMY-28100 group and 88.9% (40/45) in the CCL group, thus no significant difference between the 2 groups was found also. 3. Bacteriological response rates in bacterial pneumonia cases were 86.2% (25/29) in the BMY-28100 group and 85.7% (18/21) in the CCL group with no significant difference between the 2 groups. 4. Incidences of subjective/objective clinical adverse symptoms were 3.5% (3/85) in the BMY-28100 group and 1.3% (1/75) in the CCL group, and no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups. No significant difference was also found between the 2 groups in incidences of abnormal laboratory test values, as abnormalities were found in 21.1% (16/76) of the cases in the BMY-28100 group and 25.7% (18/70) in the CCL group. 5. As for overall usefulness of the drug in bacterial pneumonia cases, utility rates ("useful" or better evaluations) as evaluated by the subcommittee were 83.6% (46/55) in the BMY-28100 group and 90.5% (38/42) in the CCL group, and the rates as evaluated by investigators in cases judged as evaluable by the subcommittee were 78.3% (47/60) and 82.2% (37/45), respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups. The utility rates as evaluated by investigators in cases in which diseases were diagnosed as bacterial pneumonia or lung abscess by investigators were 78.3% (47/60) in the BMY-28100 group and 82.2% (37/45) in the CCL group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effects of dietary iodine on chemical induction of thyroid carcinoma

Effects of dietary iodine on the induction of thyroid carcinoma using N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) were studied. Male Wistar rats were fed with an iodine-adequate diet (IAD group), an iodine-rich diet (IRD group) and an iodine-deficient diet (IDD group), respectively, until the time of sacrifice. From the 2nd experimental month, animals were injected with BHP once a week for 10 weeks. In the IAD and IRD groups, benign nodules and papillary carcinoma were found. The incidence of rats with benign nodules was 100% in both groups and animals with papillary carcinoma in the IAD and IRD groups comprised 33% and 29%, respectively. The area of the thyroid gland occupied by nodular lesions was much narrower in the IRD group than in the IAD group. In the IDD group, the thyroid showed marked enlargement due to multiple nodular proliferation of follicle cells. The incidence of rats with carcinoma was 100%, and not only papillary but also follicular carcinoma and one pulmonary metastasis were found. As the iodine content of the diet decreased, the nodular lesions increased in width and number, and the incidence of carcinoma in rats became higher. These effects of dietary iodine are probably related to the goitrogenic and/or promoting effects of TSH.

Dynamics of gastrin-producing cells in the rat after truncal vagotomy. Evaluation by double immunostaining for bromodeoxyuridine and little gastrin

The mechanism of hyperplasia of gastrin-producing cells (G-cells) in the rat antral mucosa after truncal vagotomy was studied using double immunostaining for bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and little gastrin (G17). With single labeling of BrdU, a few G-cells (less than 1%) showed positive immunostaining for BrdU in the nucleus throughout the experimental period in both vagotomized rats and those given a sham operation. The labeled cells in both groups demonstrated a linear increase of BrdU labeling in an identical number of cells for each experimental time-point. The labeling index of the G-cells increased rapidly from day 2 to day 6 and attained a maximum level of 44.0% on day 10 in the vagotomized group after cumulative labeling. Even in this group, however, many G-cells showed no BrdU immunoreactivity throughout the experimental period. These cells did not replicate during the experimental period, but showed an intense reaction product for G17 in their cytoplasm after vagotomy. The present study indicates that the most important factor involved in G-cell hyperplasia observed after truncal vagotomy is the activation of pre-existing G-cells to synthesize and release hormone, together with the rapid maturation of progenitor cells to mature G-cells.

Effects of monensin on subcellular structure, thyroglobulin secretion and peroxidase activity of cultured thyroid cells obtained from patients with hyperthyroidism

The effects of monensin on subcellular structure, release of thyroglobulin (TG) and peroxidase (PO) activity were investigated using primary cultures of thyroid cells obtained from patients with Basedow's disease (Basedow's cells). TG concentration in the culture medium was measured by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay and the amount of TG in cultured cells was measured with an identical sandwich enzyme immunoassay after lysis of the cells with Triton X-100. PO activity of cultured cells was measured by a biochemical method. Addition of TSH (10 mU/ml/day) to the culture medium increased the synthesis and release of TG. When monensin (1 micron/l) was added to the medium on the last day of a 3-day incubation with TSH, the Golgi complex showed vacuolative change ultrastructurally, and the amount of intracellular TG was increased, whereas the amount of TG in the culture medium and PO activity became lower than those in the control group. These results suggest that in cultured Basedow's cells, TG is secreted through the Golgi complex, and that the activity of PO is elevated after processing in the Golgi complex.