Muscarinic cholinergic receptors in human gastric mucosa

Muscarinic cholinergic receptor sites in human gastric mucosa were analyzed directly by using radioligand binding techniques with the specific muscarinic antagonist 3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) as ligand. Specific binding of 3H-QNB to membrane preparations from human gastric mucosa was saturable, of high affinity (Kd = 4.17 +/- 1.94 nM, Bmax = 0.37 +/- 0.04 pmol/mg protein) and selectively inhibited by muscarinic antagonists (atropine, scopolamine) and agonists (acetylcholine, pilocarpine). These findings provide direct evidence for the existence of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in human gastric mucosa. The specific 3H-QNB binding to its receptor was blocked by atropine but not by histamine, cimetidine, pentagastrin, or synthetic human gastrin. The muscarine and histamine H2-receptor, or muscarine and gastrin receptor, probably do not share the same locus.

Histopathologic study on development and extension of atrophic change in the gastric mucosa

A histopathologic study was carried out on 30 resected stomachs with various gastric or duodenal diseases. Both the pyloric gland cells and the parietal cells were counted in serial sections of the surgically resected stomach. A good correlation (p less than 0.001) was found between the number of pyloric gland cells and parietal cells. The number of both glandular cells was greatest on the greater curvature and fewest at the part closer to the antrofundic mucosal border on the lesser curvature. In addition, a fairly uniform pattern was observed in the distribution of the parietal cells. The maximum density area of parietal cells was centered on the greater curvature of the stomach body, and this density decreased concentrically in proportion to the distance from the center. This uniform pattern was seen in almost all specimens, with or without atrophic change in the gastric mucosa. These results suggest that atrophic change does not develop in a particular part of the stomach but wholly and equally in the gastric mucosa.

A study on the distribution of G-cells in human gastric mucosa

The distribution of G-cells in the gastric glands was studied quantitatively using the indirect immunoperoxidase method in 37 resected stomachs: 11 for esophageal cancer, 14 for gastric cancer, 4 for gastric ulcer, 7 for duodenal ulcer, and 1 for atypical epithelium. G-cells were seen in the pyloric glands and in the pseudopyloric glands in the atrophic fundic gland area. No G-cells were found in the fundic glands or in the cardiac glands. There was a significant correlation between the number of G-cells and the pyloric and/or pseudopyloric glandular tubes (p less than 0.01). The number of G-cells per glandular tube was 1.9 +/- 0.5 in the pyloric glands and 1.2 +/- 0.4 in the pseudopyloric glands on the pyloric part of the atrophic fundic gland area. G-cells were rarely seen in the pseudopyloric glands on the cardiac part of the atrophic fundic gland area. It is suggested that the pseudopyloric glands without G-cells in the cardiac region are akin to cardiac glands.

A specific gastrin receptor in human gastric mucosa

Biological active 125I-synthetic human gastrin (125I- SHG ) appeared to bind specifically on human gastric mucosal membrane preparations. Gastrin binding was reversible, saturable and of high affinity (Kd = 3.44 +/- 3.44 X 10(-10)M) with the binding site (3.66 +/- 0.34 fmol/mg protein) at 37 degrees C for 30 min (pH 7.4). Specific gastrin binding was present in the fundic mucosa and absent from the antral, duodenal, jejunal, and colonic mucosa. Gastrin analogues (tetragastrin, pentagastrin, caerulein, and synthetic human gastrin) inhibited 125I- SHG specific binding. However, the specific gastrin binding was not inhibited by glucagon, insulin, acetylcholine, atropine, histamine, or cimetidine. It was suggested that gastrin and histamine H2 receptor or gastrin and muscarinic cholinergic receptor did not share the same locus.

Stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity and DNA synthesis by phorbol esters or bile acids in rat colon

The changes of colonic epithelial ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and DNA synthesis following intrarectal administration of a tumor-promoting agent, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), or various bile acids to male noninbred rats were studied. A single instillation of TPA, at a dose as low as 16 nmol, led to a significant (about 10-fold) increase in colonic ODC activity. Peak ODC activity was observed at 4 hr, and the enzyme activity returned to the control level about 24 hr after intrarectal TPA. This pattern was almost the same as that observed after sodium deoxycholate treatment. TPA showed more potent induction of ODC activity than deoxycholate, although the maximal induction was greater in the case of deoxycholate treatment. Both TPA and deoxycholate stimulated DNA synthesis at 2 days after intrarectal instillation, after an initial depression at 4-12 hr. A structure-activity study of 26 bile acids revealed that 5 beta-cholanoic acid with alpha-hydroxy groups in two of the 3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha positions and 5 beta-cholanoic acid with a 3 alpha-hydroxy group induced colonic ODC activity significantly, while the 3 alpha, 6 alpha-dihydroxy acid did not. Replacement of hydroxy groups by keto groups or a change from alpha to beta configuration decreased the ODC-inducing activities. Tri-substituted 5 beta-cholanoic acid derivatives, whether hydroxy or keto, did not stimulate ODC. These data indicate that a specific bile acid structure with a definite spatial relationship of the hydroxy groups is required for induction of colonic ODC activity.

Electron microscopic observation of gastric mucosal capillaries in diabetics--relationship between diabetic microangiopathy and complications following gastrectomy

An electron microscopic study was made of the gastric mucosal capillaries (GMC) of diabetic patients. Ultrastructural findings, including diabetic microangiopathy (DMA), and clinical features of these diabetic patients were investigated in relation to anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy. The gastric mucosa of resected stomachs from 12 diabetics and 10 nondiabetics were examined. Ultrastructurally, DMA was demonstrated in the stomachs of diabetics, in which the basement membrane of GMC was thicker. The degree of this DMA in the stomach significantly correlated with the duration of diabetes and the degree of DMA found in the skin, but not with age and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level. Marked DMA was observed with significant frequency in diabetics with anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy. In our hospital, anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy occurred in 9 out of 53 diabetics. Diabetics with anastomotic leakage had severe FPG, a long duration of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. It seems reasonable to presume that anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy occurs more frequently in diabetics with ultrastructurally severe DMA, clinically severe FPG and relatively long duration of diabetes.

beta-Galactosidase-neuraminidase deficiency (galactosialidosis): clinical, pathological, and enzymatic studies in a postmortem case

Three male siblings in a Japanese family were affected with beta-galactosidase-neuraminidase deficiency (galactosialidosis). One patient died at 45 years of age, and postmortem liver and brain tissues were studied enzymatically. The residual activity of neuraminidase was relatively high in these tissues. Neuraminidase activity did not change in the tissues after repeated freezing and thawing of the homogenates, whereas this enzyme in control tissues lost 30 to 60% of its activity. There was a profound deficiency of beta-galactosidase in the tissues of the patient. Michaelis constant, pH profiles, and cryostability were identical for the patient and control patients. Cathepsin B was moderately increased in activity in the patient's tissues.

Changes of alveolar stability and phospholipids in pulmonary surfactant in acute pancreatitis

We investigated changes of alveolar stability and phospholipids in the pulmonary surfactant in case of acute pancreatitis induced in rats. Alveolar stability was examined by recording the pressure-volume relationship. The lung volumes during deflation decreased significantly at equivalent transpulmonary pressures, particularly when the pressure was lower than 6 cm H2O. Bubble stability ratio and surface tension indicated that the surface activity of the pulmonary surfactant did decrease in the rats with acute pancreatitis. The alveolar phospholipid content decreased, and the lecithin fraction also decreased significantly, as compared to the control groups. The metabolism of alveolar lecithin was examined following intravenous administration of 14C-labeled palmitate. The biological half-life of the radioactivity of alveolar lecithin was approximately 6 hours in the pancreatitis group, 12 hours in the hepatic ducts ligated group and 14 hours in the simple laparotomy group. The degradation of alveolar lecithin, as well as its synthesis, was accelerated in the rats with acute pancreatitis. However, a decrease in alveolar phospholipid, mainly in lecithin fraction, indicated that the synthesis was inadequate to maintain normal levels and the impairment in pulmonary surfactant may result in a respiratory insufficiency.

[Biological and clinical analysis of breast cancer in relation to hormone receptors]

We examined whether or not the presence of hormone receptors (ERC, PRC, and ERN) were related to morphological and functional features in breast cancers. Well-differentiated tumors were more frequently receptor positive while poorly differentiated tumors were generally receptor negative. And labelling index and receptor contents were negatively correlated. There was a significant inverse correlation between the receptor contents and numbers of intracellular organellas in ultrastructural features of breast cancer cells. In LMI tests by 3-M KCl cancer extracts, migration of leucocyte from patients with poorly differentiated tumors were more frequently inhibited than those well differentiated tumors. Patients with receptor positive tumors were more endocrine sensitive and had better prognosis.

Histamine release inhibition and prevention of the decrease in membrane fluidity induced by certain anti-allergic drugs: analysis of the inhibitory mechanism of NCO-650

NCO-650 exerted a dose-dependent inhibition of histamine release from isolated rat mast cells without affecting the Ca-uptake and intracellular cAMP levels. When the membrane stabilizing action of NCO-650 was investigated with the liposomes prepared by various phospholipids with or without cholesterol, it became clear that compound 48/80 decreases the order parameter of liposomes and NCO-650 inhibits the decrease of order parameter. Histamine release from histamine-containing liposomes was brought about by compound 48/80 at concentrations higher than 0.5 micrograms/ml, and pretreatment of the liposomes with NCO-650 inhibited histamine release due to compound 48/80. The incorporation of NCO-650 in the liposomes was effective in abolishing the phase transition of the lipid bilayer membranes from crystalline gel to liquid crystalline phases, and decreased the phase transition temperature. Those changes in the lipid bilayer membranes correspond to those displayed by incorporation of cholesterol in the liposomes. An increase of permeability of lipid membrane by compound 48/80 may be due to partial loosening of the lipid order; NCO-650 rigidified the liposome membrane and as a result of this, it decreased histamine release.

Studies of the mechanisms of gastric bleeding under obstructive jaundice. Role of biogenic amines

Mechanisms of gastric bleeding under obstructive jaundice were studied in adult male Wistar rats. Following ligation of the common bile duct, mucosal noradrenaline significantly decreased in both the pyloric and fundic gland areas of the gastric mucosa by 20 days after the operation. Serotonin increased only in the pyloric gland area, and histamine increased in the fundic gland area. Urinary excretion of free noradrenaline significantly increased after the ligation. Three weeks after the ligation, restraint and water immersion experiments were conducted. Under water immersion, gastric blood flow significantly reduced in rats with obstructive jaundice compared to controls. Acid output decreased in both groups. Gastric bleeding was noted in the fundic gland area significantly earlier in the ligated rats than in the non-ligated rats. Administration of noradrenaline s.c. 30 minutes before immersion significantly blocked the reduction in gastric blood flow and protected the gastric mucosa against acute bleeding under immersion. These results suggested that prolonged obstructive jaundice may deplete noradrenaline in the gastric mucosa, and that gastric mucosal ischemia caused by this sympathetic dysfunction plays an important role in the formation of acute gastric bleeding under obstructive jaundice.

Mechanisms of fat malassimilation following total gastrectomy in rats

The present study is designed to elucidate the mechanisms of fat malassimilation following total gastrectomy. Using male Wistar rats, total gastrectomy with an esophagoduodenostomy was performed. Totally gastrectomized and normal control rats, provided with intestinal lymph fistula or closed intestinal loops with intact blood supply, were used for the absorption studies. The lymphatic absorption of the emulsion in the totally gastrectomized rats, administered into the duodenum, was significantly less than that in the control, administered into the stomach or duodenum. Fat assimilation in the totally gastrectomized rats was obviously disturbed. In the totally gastrectomized rats, the lymphatic absorption of the micelle was significantly higher than that of the emulsion. An examination of the lipid absorption in the closed intestinal loops, injected micellar solution, showed no differences between the control and totally gastrectomized rats in the lumen or wall recovery, while, the total esterified lipids in the intestinal mucosa from the ligament of Treitz to the cecum of the totally gastrectomized rats were significantly less than those of the control. These results suggest that postgastrectomy fat malassimilation is due to both an impaired micellar formation and the disturbed resynthesis of triglyceride from absorbed fatty acid and monoglyceride.

Neuropathological findings of an autopsy case of adult beta-galactosidase and neuraminidase deficiency

An autopsy case of a Japanese male with familial beta-galactosidase and neuraminidase deficiency is reported. The clinical picture was characterized by adult onset, a gargoyle-like face, cerebellar ataxia, myoclonus, convulsions, retinal degeneration and cortical blindness. Histopathologically, most neurons seemed to have become degenerated in the whole cerebral cortex. Moreover, the calcarine cortex appeared spongy with depopulation of nerve cells. Stuffed neurons or neuronal storage changes were found throughout the brain, especially in the motor nuclei of the spinal cord and brain stem. The inclusions in the stuffed neurons revealed various profiles on the electron microscope. They were composed of membranous lamellar and/or multilamellar structures, often accompanying vacuoles and reminiscent of lipofuscin-like profiles.

Measurement of nuclear estrogen receptors by charcoal adsorption: relationships of cytoplasmic and nuclear estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors in human breast cancer

Nuclear estrogen receptors (ERN) were measured in human breast cancer and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary carcinoma using the dextran-coated charcoal method without addition of an adsorbing material such as hydroxyapatite. Cytoplasmic estrogen receptors (ERC), cytoplasmic progesterone receptors (PgR), and ERN were measured in 111 primary and 11 locally recurrent breast cancers. ERC were found in 52%, PgR in 35%, and ERN in 40%. ERN and PgR were more frequent in tumors with a higher level of ERC. PgR were more frequent in ERN-positive tumors, and ERN were more frequent in PgR-positive tumors. The addition of an ERN assay to both ERC and PgR assay may be more informative for prediction of estrogen dependency than the mere determination of the existence of receptors in the cytoplasm.

Relationship between the content of estrogen and progesterone receptors and the pathological characteristics in human breast cancer

Assays of estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PgR) were performed by using the dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) method in 124 cases of invasive breast cancer. The results were correlated with clinical and pathological characteristics. There was no correlation between steroid hormone receptor contents and menopausal status, size of tumor, axillary lymph node status, or histological type. The presences of ER and PgR were significantly correlated with histological grade and its mitotic component. 78.3% of well-differentiated (Grade I) tumors were ER positive. Of this number, 61.1% were also PgR positive. In contrast, 69.0% of poorly differentiated (Grade III) tumors were ER and PgR negative. Tumors with a prominent lymphoid infiltration demonstrated a low frequency of positive ER and PgR. There was a significant inverse correlation between the degree of lymphoid infiltration and histological grade. These results suggest that the ER and PgR status of tumors may indicate a malignancy, and prognostic information can thus be obtained independently of other known factors such as size of the tumor and axillary lymph node status.

Effects of glucagon on myoelectrical activity of the stomach of conscious and anesthetized dogs

Effects of glucagon on gastric electrical and mechanical activities recorded by means of a chronically implanted suction electrode and a force strain gauge transducer were examined in conscious and anesthetized dogs. Glucagon (1-10 micrograms/kg) induced inhibition of gastric electrical activity together with mechanical activity in conscious dogs. The plasma glucagon level following exogenous glucagon administration which induced the inhibitory effects on electrical and mechanical activities was over 5 ng/ml. alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents did not significantly alter the inhibitory effect of glucagon. Changes in plasma concentrations of glucose, cAMP, insulin, gastrin and catecholamines after glucagon administration were not correlated with the inhibitory action of glucagon on the gastric electrical and mechanical activities. Glucagon at higher concentrations (10(-6) -5 x 10(-6) g/ml) did not produce appreciable changes in motility of the canine gastric strips in vitro. In an anesthetized condition, the inhibitory action of glucagon was completely abolished. Results indicate that exogenously applied glucagon possibly acts directly on the central nervous system, and thus resulted in the inhibition of the gastric electrical and mechanical activities.

beta-Galactosidase-neuraminidase deficiency in adults: deficiency of a freeze-labile neuraminidase in leukocytes and fibroblasts

4-methylumbelliferyl neuraminidase activity was studied in fibroblasts, leukocytes, and frozen tissues from adult patients with beta-galactosidase-neuraminidase deficiency and specific clinical manifestations. This enzyme was almost completely deficient in fibroblasts, but the residual activity was relatively high (20% of the control mean) in the leukocytes from the patients. The frozen liver from one patient showed the enzyme activity as high as controls. This enzyme consisted of two components, freeze-labile and freeze-stable, and it was demonstrated that only the labile enzyme was deficient in fibroblasts and leukocytes. The apparently normal activity of neuraminidase in frozen autopsy tissues of a patient may be explained by the loss of the labile component in control tissues after a long-term freezing. The neuraminidase activity was variable in parents and no definite conclusion was drawn on the hereditary nature of the disease.

Solitary ulcer of the rectum: report of a case and review of the literature

A 13-year-old girl with Prader-Willi syndrome was admitted to our hospital with an 18-month history of anal bleeding and mucus discharge on defecation. Physical examination revealed obesity, hypogonadism, hypotonia and hypomentia. On digital examination, a nodular mass was palpated on the right wall of the ampulla recti, which was suspected to be carcinoma on a barium enema study. Proctoscopic examination revealed a large, irregular ulceration with white slough at the base, surrounded by the nodular and lumpy mucosa. The lesion was excised by the abdomino-anal pull-through method. The resected specimen showed a lesion of large, shallow, irregular ulcer, 5.0 x 2.2 cm in size. Microscopic examination revealed obliterated lamina propria by fibroblasts and muscle fibers derived from the muscularis mucosae, and misplaced cystic dilated glands in the submucosa at the margin of the ulcer. The gross and microscopic appearances are identical to those of "solitary ulcer of the rectum" described by Madigan and others, and similar to those of "colitis cystica profunda" described by Goodall and others. According to these findings, this lesion was diagnosed as solitary ulcer of the rectum. In the present report, the relationship between solitary ulcer of the rectum and colitis cystica profunda was discussed.

Studies on alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme in gastric carcinoma tissues

An analysis of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzyme in 75 gastric carcinoma tissues was performed. The properties and the originating cells of ALP isoenzymes in them were clarified by using both enzyme histochemical and biochemical methods which had respective superiorities. Also the relationship between intestinal metaplasia and gastric carcinoma was discussed. Liver, placental and small intestinal type ALPs were found in the carcinoma tissues. No ALP activity was found in the carcinoma cells except in the stromal cells in 46 out of 75 cases. In all of these cases, only liver type ALP was found. While, in 29 cases, the activity was also found in carcinoma cells. In these cases, placental and small intestinal type ALPs were found in addition to liver type ALP in 26 and 3 cases, respectively These results indicated that liver type ALP came from the stromal cells and placental and small intestinal type ALPs came from carcinoma cells. The ALP found in carcinoma cells was placental (Nagao isoenzyme) type in most cases. While, the ALP in intestinal metaplastic epithelial cells was small intestinal type in all cases. No sufficient evidence indicating the relationship between intestinal metaplasia and gastric carcinoma was obtained in respect of ALP isoenzyme.

Lysosomal enzyme in endotoxin shock

Lysosomal enzymes are released in the blood stream in various types of shock. The role of the released enzymes in the development of irreversible shock is still controversial. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of the administration of lysosomal enzymes in normal rats and rats treated with endotoxin. Lysosomal enzymes were prepared from the isologous liver. They were given either intravenously or intraperitoneally to normal rats. No hemodynamic effect was observed. They were also given to the rats that received the lethal dose of endotoxin. No hemodynamic effect was found in this group. The survival time and the time course of the blood pressure to death did not change. The lysosomal enzyme preparation was given to the rats that received various dosages of endotoxin of less than LD190. The mortality rate of the rats that received endotoxin was not modified by the administration of the lysosomal enzyme preparation. These results indicate that lysosomal enzymes released into the blood in endotoxin shock may not contribute significantly to the irreversibility of shock.

Validity of long-term recordings of electrical activity of the stomach by chronically implanted monopolar suction electrodes in the conscious dog

Twenty-four-hour changes in gastric electrical activity were recorded in conscious dogs by means of chronically implanted monopolar suction electrodes. The electrical activity consisted of an initial potential followed by a second potential with various amplitude and duration depending upon the time after feeding. Amplitude of the second potential was well correlated to magnitude of each contraction. Characteristics of the electrical activity were qualitatively similar to those obtained with the intracellular microelectrode technique. 24-hour changes in cycles of electrical activity were divided into four phases; the first phase (lasting for 2--4 hours after feeding) characterized by a significant decrease in the cycle, the second phase (until 6--8 hours after feeding) in which the cycle gradually increased, the third phase (10--16 hours after feeding), and the last phase (lasting to the next meal), showing a marked variation in the cycle. These changes occurred irrespectively at the time of feeding and were consistent day after day as long as the animals were held on a constant feeding schedule. The recording method was suitable for recording gastric electrical activity which would provide more precise informations occurring in the intracellular electrical activity of the stomach in a long period of time under a physiological condition.

The role of gastric glucagon immunoreactivity in pancreatectomized dogs

Immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) or glucagon immunoreactivity is known to be increased in the plasma of insulin-deprived pancreatectomized dogs, most of it originating in the stomach. We attempted to clarify the extent to which gastric IRG is involved in glycogenolysis in the liver of insulin-deprived, pancreatectomized dogs. Mongrel dogs underwent total pancreatectomy. IRG levels in portal vein blood increased to 760 +/- 186 pg/ml on the 4th postoperative day while the insulin levels were negligible. On the 4th postoperative day some of the dogs underwent total gastrectomy. IRG levels in the portal vein blood of pancreatectomized dogs decreased from 760 +/- 186 pg/ml to 135 +/- 44 pg/ml one hour after gastrectomy. Glucose containing insulin was then infused into both pancreatectomized and pancreatectomized-gastrectomized grups of dogs. Glycogen synthesis in the liver during glucose and insulin infusion was much the same in both groups. However, glycogen degradation after glucose and insulin infusion was completely suppressed in pancreatectomized dogs without a stomach while pancreatectomized dogs alone showed marked glycogenolysis in the liver. No difference in portal IRI and blood sugar level was found in both groups while a marked difference in portal IRG were observed. These findings indicate that the IRG released from the stomach plays a significant role i glycogen metabolism in pancreatectomized dogs.

alpha-Guanidinoglutaric acid in cobalt-induced epileptogenic cerebral cortex of cats

Guanidino compounds in the cobalt-induced epileptogenic cerebral cortex of cats were fluorometrically analysed by a JASCO G-520 guanidino compounds analyser, and an unknown high peak was observed in the chromatogram that was identical to the peak of authentic alpha-guanidinoglutaric acid. In another experiment, the substance was extracted from the cobalt focus tissue, converted into dimethylpyrimidyl derivative-butylester, and analysed by a GC/MS technique. The mass spectrum of the substance was identical to the dimethylpyrimidyl derivative of alpha-guanidinoglutaric acid butylester (M+ = 365).

Histochemical observations of polyglucose synthesized by enzyme activities in human gastric carcinoma

Polyglucose particles histochemically synthesized from glucose 1-phosphate by phosphorylase and branching glycosyltransferase were observed in the gastric carcinoma cells, in intestinal metaplastic epithelium of the gastric mucosa and in fetal epithelium of the fetal gastric mucosa by light and electron microscopical studies. Light microscopical observations resembled those in previous reports. As for the electron microscopical observations, in gastric carcinoma cells, the polyglucaose synthesizing area were expansively widened by a deposition of synthesized polyglucose particles. Three patterns of their intracellular distribution, (Focal type, scattered type and singly deposited type) were observed. Besides, two types of polyglucose particle were synthesized. One type appeared as monoparticles which were relatively similar in size and the other type appeared as rosette-like structures which varied in size. Larger polyglucose particles which resembled the polyglucose particle synthesized in the fetal epithelium were observed among them. In the intestinal metaplastic epithelium, polyglucose particles which were similar in size were synthesized in narrow focal areas of the cytoplasmic matrix. The distribution, shape and size of polyglucose particles synthesized in the carcinoma cells were irregular as compared with those in the intestinal metaplastic elpithelium. It seems that these irregularities were due to the influence of enzymne deviation caused by carcinoma.

The physicochemical nature and biological function of extrapancreatic immunoreactive glucagon

The physicochemical nature and biological function of extrapancreatic immunoreactive glucagon in the plasma of totally pancreatectomized dogs were studied. The experimental animals were divided into two groups. Group A received only total pancreatectomy while group B had total pancreatectomy plus total gastrectomy. The blood was taken from both groups of dogs and glucagon was extracted using acid alcohol. The amount of IRG contained in the plasma extract was measured and the glycogenolytic activity of the plasma extract was studied using a rat-liver perfusion. The plasma extract from group A showed almost the same glycogenolytic activity as a commercial beef-pork glucagon but the plasma extract from group B manifested no glycogenolytic activity. The plasma from both groups were fractionated using column chromatography and their physicochemical nature was compared. The IRG in the plasma from group A was fractionated into 3 types, molecular weight 9000, 7000 and 3500, while the IRG in the plasma from group B was found to be of M.W. 9000 and 7000. These results lead to the following conclusions: 1) Extrapancreatic IRG in the plasma is fractionated into three types. 2) The glycogenolytic activity of extrapancreatic IRG is assumed to depend on the IRG fraction of molecular weight 3500. 3) Most of the extrapancreatic IRG fraction of M.W. 3500 originates in the stomach.

Anti-inflammatory activity of a proteolytic enzyme, Prozime-10

Prozime-10 (P-10), a proteolytic enzyme extracted from cultured broth of Aspergillus melleus, was injected intravenously into rats in dosages of 1--10 mg/kg and was found to alleviate carrageenin edema. Thermal denaturation diminished not only the proteolytic activity but also the antiedematous effect. Carrageenin-induced granuloma pouches in rats were reduced by P-10 in a dose-dependent manner (1--5 mg/kg). With P=10 (5 mg/kg i.v.), adjuvant arthritis was inhibited by 62% in the primary phase and by 57% in the secondary phase. Serum concentration of immunoprecipitable P-10 reached 100 mg/l within 30 min after the intraduodenal administration of P-10 (200 mg/kg) and was concomitant with a 3-fold increase in the blood esterolytic activity. When P-10 was injected (5 mg/kg i.v.) into rats, the plasma corticosterone level increased to a maximum of 4 times the preinjection level. These observations indicate that: (a) P-10 can be absorbed from the gut in sufficient quantities to bring about anti-inflammatory activity, and (b) the anti-inflammatory activity of P-10 can be related, in part, to the ability of P-10 to affect the release of glucocorticoids.

Inhibition of human leukocyte migration in agar by 3-M potassium chloride extracts of stomach, colon, and lung cancers

Inhibition of leukocyte migration in agarose-agar was used as a probe for tumor-associated antigen in 3-M KCl solubilized extracts of gastric, colon, and lung cancers from humans. Twelve of 40 (30%) leukocyte preparations from gastric cancer patients, 10 of 21 (48%) from colon cancer patients, and 7 of 14 (50%) from lung cancer patients were inhibited by their respective histologically homologus cancer extract. However, among 75 preparations from various cancer patients, leukocytes from only 2 gastric cancer patients were inhibited by paired normal gastric tissue extracts. Only 2 of 68 preparations from normal individuals and none of 67 preparations from patients with nonmalignant diseases, such as gastric peptic ulcer, gastritis, colon polyposis, colitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and sarcoidosis, were inhibited by cancer extracts. These findings suggest the presence in KCl extracts of gastric cancer of presumed tumor-associated antigen(s) that is antigenically distinct from that of either colon or lung cancer.

Postoperative evaluation of the exocrine function of the pancreas after pancreaticoduodenectomy

The exocrine function of the residual pancreas of eight patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy was studied with the 131I-triolein absorption test and by 75Se-selenomethionine scintiscanning. In six patients, a pancreaticojejunostomy was performed, while in the other two patients, the pancreatic duct of the residual pancreas was ligated. The fecal 131I-triolein excretory rate in the duct ligation group was more than 50 per cent, while, in all but one patient in the duct anastomosis group, it was less than 10 per cent. Pancreatic scintiscanning in the duct ligation group was negative before and after operation. All of the patients with anastomosis of the duct had an image of the pancreas before operation. However, postoperatively, scintiscanning of the pancreas was negative in two patients and became negative late in the postoperative period in four others without any decline of fat absorption. The cause for this postoperative change in scintiscanning of the pancreas and the discrepancy of this finding with that obtained with the 131I-triolein absorption test remains to be studied.

Evaluation of fibergastroscopic biopsy in the diagnosis of gastric cancer: a study of 339 cases

Three hundred and sixty-five biopsies under direct vision, using a fibergastroscope, were performed on 339 patients with gastric cancer from 1966 to 1975. Diagnostic accuracy improved with an increased in the number of biopsy specimens and reached 100% when 6 or more biopsy specimens were obtained. Positive specimens were obtained with 48.5% of the biopsied tissue from the center of the lesion (A), 52.2% from the inner margin of the lesion (B1), 19.6% from the outer margin of the lesion (B2), and 1.6% from the area around the lesion (C). The combined result of the biopsies from A and B1 was highly positive in 49 out of 51 cases (96.1%). Diagnostic accuracy of the early cancer reached 96.9%. This was significantly higher than that of advanced cancer (80.3%). False negative biopsies were found in 51 (16.3%) of the 313 patients who were gastrectomized and diagnosed by histological examinations. Twenty-three of the 27 patients, who were diagnosed as benign either by x-ray or endoscopic examination, and 4 of the 5 patients who were diagnosed as benign under both examinations, were found to have positive results by biopsy. Positive biopsy examination was particularly helpful with patients showing on inconclusive or benign diagnosis by x-ray and/or endoscopic examinations.

Cutaneous mycosis caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus

A 20-year-old woman had erythematous scaly plaques persistent for 15 years on the left cheek. Cultures from scales and biopsy specimens on Sabouraud's glucose agar repeatedly yielded floccose lilac colonies, and those on a Czapek's solution agar plate developed deep purplish red pigment, which is characteristic of Paecilomyces lilacinus. The PAS stain of the tissue section showed ovoid, divergent, or club-shaped fungal elements among the inflammatory cells or in giant cells. Two months after the patient and a control subject were inoculated with the isolates, P lilacinus could be reisolated from the patient only. Oral administration of griseofulvin significantly reduced erythema and papules. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of deep cutaneous mycosis caused by P lilacinus.

Effects of diphenhydramine, naphazoline and m-amino-alpha(1-aminoethyl)benzyl alcohol dihydrochloride on the nasal mucosa determined by impedance method: a simple method for evaluation of nasal decongestant

A simple, new method was devised for evaluating nasal decongestants. In anesthetized dogs, two needle electrodes were inserted bilaterally into the superficial mucosa of the nasal wings. An impedance plethysmorgraphy provided with a DC output was used to measure impedance between the two electrodes. When 1% histamine solution was sprayed into a nostril focusing on the inside mucosa of a nasal wing, impedance decreased markedly and thereafter recovered to a control level within 1-1.5 h. Comparable responses were obtained when the same solution was sprayed into the opposite nostril. The drugs to be tested were administered intravenously or topically between these two histamine application. Intravenous administrations of diphenhydramine (0.5 mg/kg) and m-amino-alpha)1-aminoethyl) benzyl alcohol dihydrochloride (0.1 mg/kg) inhibited the histamine effect completely. Pretreatment with naphazoline administered topically also inhibited impedance changes cause by histamine application. Local appliations of acetycholine (10%) and bradykinin (0.1%) did not change nasal impedance significantly in any instances.