[Liver metastases from breast cancer: survival and an attempt at cauterization and thermocoagulation therapy combined with selective intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy]

During the past thirteen years, 599 patients with primary breast cancer underwent surgery in our hospital. Nine of them died of liver metastases and the median survival time after detection of liver metastases was five months (range 1-32 months). Four are still alive with liver metastases. Based upon these results, we attempted intraoperative, ultrasound-guided cauterization and thermocoagulation for three patients to improve their prognosis and postoperatively treated them with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. During surgery, a monopolar electrode was inserted with an ultrasonic guide. One round of cauterization lasted for 10 seconds at 100 W, and was repeated until the tissue around the tumor became hyperechoic. The antitumor effect of the therapy was assessed by histological examination of resected liver tissues. Tumor coagulation and necrosis were observed to be consistent with the cauterized area. On CT scanning, treated areas were shown to be of low density and homogeneous. Since this therapeutic approach acts directly on unresectable tumors and is safe, it seems to provide a useful means for intraoperative regional treatment of tumors.

[Evaluation of subselective intraarterial infusion chemotherapy in far advanced gastric and colorectal cancer]

We investigated the usefulness of subselective intraarterial infusion chemotherapy in far advanced gastric and colorectal cancer. Among gastric and colorectal cancer cases undergoing surgery at our hospital for the past ten years, patients with and without palliative resection were studied. Forty gastric cancer patients and 29 colorectal cancer patients were treated by subselective intraarterial infusion chemotherapy. In gastric cancer cases without resection, a significantly longer survival was noted in patients undergoing this therapy with over 5 g of 5-FU than those treated with conventional chemotherapy. In gastric cancer patients with palliative resection and colorectal cancer patients, survival time was longer by intraarterial infusion with over 5 g of 5-FU, but not significant. Partial response was obtained in 5 cases of gastric cancer and 3 cases of colorectal cancer, and clinical symptoms were improved in 44% of the patients. The main complications of this therapy were myelosuppression and occlusion of the catheter, but none of them were serious. For the improved quality of life of cancer patients, subselective intraarterial infusion chemotherapy is considered a safe and useful form of treatment.

[Evaluation of colorectal hepatic metastases with combined modality therapy]

We treated synchronous hepatic metastases in colorectal cancers with combined modality therapy including hepatic resection, selective intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy, and thermocoagulation therapy using a microwave tissue coagulator and compared the value of such therapies. Synchronous hepatic metastases were noted in 563 patients with colorectal cancer who had undergone surgery in our department over the past ten years. Forty-four patients were studied. Six patients underwent hepatic resection only (group A). Another six were subjected to hepatic resection and the residual lesions were treated with selective intra-arterial infusions and thermocoagulation therapy (group B). Fourteen patients were treated with either selective or subselective intra-arterial infusions (group C). The remaining 18 patients were treated in other ways (group D). Cumulative survival, estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, was compared. One- and three-year cumulative survival rates of patients were 100% and 74% in group A, 100% and 67% in group B, 62% and 0% in group C, and 38% and 5% in group D, respectively. H1 patients accounted for 83% in group A, 33% in group B, 7% in group C, and 22% in group D. The high rate of survival in group A was because of the greater number of H1 patients. One- and three-year survival rated among H2-H3 patients were 100% and 54% in group B, 62% and 0% in group C, and 35% and 14% in group D, respectively. Survival of H2-H3 patients was higher in group B than in group C or D.

Peliosis of the spleen with intraperitoneal hemorrhage

We encountered a patient with steroid-related peliosis of the spleen, a rare disease characterized by multiple blood-filled cavities in the splenic parenchyma, with spontaneous intraperitoneal hemorrhage. The ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and angiographic images were compared with pathologic findings of the material obtained surgically.

Simple, noninvasive system for measuring the heart rate of avian embryos and hatchlings by means of a piezoelectric film

Using a flexible piezoelectric film, the authors developed a simple system to determine noninvasively the heart rate of chicken embryos and hatchlings. The film was piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is sensitive enough to detect cardiogenic ballistic movements of the egg (ballistocardiogram (BCG)) and precordial movements of the hatchling attributable to cardiac contractions (apexcardiogram (ACG)). The BCG could be detected, during the second half of incubation, by placing the egg on the PVDF film on a soft substrate. The detected signal was found to be a measure of movement velocity. The ACG could be measured when the hatchling's chest wall made contact with the PVDF film installed in a box in which the hatchling was confined. The heart rate was counted from the lag time of autocorrelation calculated for a certain time segment (e.g. 2 s) of the BCG and ACG recordings.

Maleylated human serum albumin inhibits HIV-1 infection in vitro

Maleylated-human serum albumin (Mal-HSA) inhibited human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection of MT-4 cells in vitro. It was also found to inhibit the fusion between uninfected CD4+ cells (Molt-4 clone 8 cells) and HIV-1 infected cells (Molt-4/HIV-1) to form syncytia. To investigate the mechanism of the inhibition, a study was designed to determine whether Mal-HSA could bind to CD4+ cells. Mal-HSA could bind to both MT-4 cells and Molt-4 clone 8 cells with high affinity, Kd = 2.0 nM and Kd = 5.8 nM, respectively. However, Mal-HSA could neither inhibit anti CD4 antibody Leu 3a binding to Molt-4 clone 8 cells nor modulate the expression of CD4 molecules on the surface of the cells. Mal-HSA binding to Molt-4 clone 8 cells was completely inhibited by sulfated polysaccharides bearing anti-HIV activity, such as dextran sulfate, fucoidan and carrageenan. Other HIV-1 susceptible human T-cell lines, such as Molt-4, CEM-5, H-9 and HuT-78 cells, also have Mal-HSA binding sites showing a high affinity, Kd = 0.9 +/- 0.4 nM. Mal-HSA binding proteins of Molt-4 clone 8 cells were identified by ligand blotting as 155 and 220 kDa proteins. Unlike dextran sulfate, Mal-HSA could not inhibit reverse transcriptase activity of HIV-1. These results indicate that Mal-HSA inhibits HIV-1 infection and syncytia formation, and suggest that 155 and/or 220 kDa proteins of target cells are involved in HIV-1 adsorption and/or the membrane fusion between HIV-1 and target cells.

Non-invasive determination of heart rate in newly hatched chicks

1. Using a flexible piezoelectric probe, we detected non-invasively the cardiogenic precordial movements of domestic fowl chicks and measured heart rate (HR) daily over the first week after hatching (day 0) for comparison with previously measured embryonic HR. 2. HR of the hatchlings was much more variable than embryonic HR. The mean HR at a given age also varied among the 5 chicks measured. 3. The overall mean HR was 280 +/- 20 (SD, n = 5) bpm on day 0. This value was similar to the prepipping HR and lower than that of externally pipped embryos. It increased to 342 +/- 39 bpm 3 days later.

Induction and function of Fc epsilon RII on YT cells; possible role of ADF/thioredoxin in Fc epsilon RII expression

The regulation of low-affinity Fc receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII) and the characteristics of both membrane and soluble forms of Fc epsilon RII were studied using YT cell line. We found that YT cells, a human NK like cell line, expressed Fc epsilon RII after IL-1 stimulation. Cross-linking of Fc epsilon RII on IL-1-stimulated YT cells as well as the transfectant of Fc epsilon RII-cDNA (YTSER) resulted in the up-regulation of IL-2R alpha (p55/Tac). A 59 kDa protein phosphorylated at tyrosine residues was co-immunoprecipitated with Fc epsilon RII from YTSER lysate using H107 anti-Fc epsilon RII mAb. YTSER not only expressed Fc epsilon RII on their surface but also secreted soluble form of Fc epsilon RII (sFc epsilon RII/sCD23; IgE binding factor). Affinity purification revealed that sFc epsilon RII released from YTSER is heterogeneous and consisted of several proteins differing in molecular weight. Both EBV+ B cells and HTLV-1+ T cells are high producers of ATL derived factor (ADF)/thioredoxin (TRX) and express Fc epsilon RII and IL-2R alpha respectively. To clarify the mechanism of Fc epsilon RII and IL-2R alpha induction by ADF/TRX, we examined the effect of ADF/TRX on the bindability of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), which is known to regulate IL-2R alpha gene expression. In the gel shift assay, ADF/TRX was shown to enhance the bindability of NF-kappa B to its responsive element.

[An attempt at intraoperative, ultrasound-guided microwave tissue coagulation for metastatic liver tumors]

Using a microwave tissue coagulator, we attempted intraoperative, ultrasound-guided cauterization and thermocoagulation of metastatic liver tumors. The procedure, safety and efficacy of this therapy were analyzed. During the past 2 years, this therapy was used in 10 patients with unresectable metastatic liver tumors. During surgery, monopolar electrodes were inserted with an ultrasonic guide. One round of cauterization lasted for 10 seconds at 100 W. It was repeated until the tissue around the tumor became hyperechoic. This therapy was used for 67 tumor lesions in total (2-22 lesions/patient). No complications were observed during or after this therapy, except for a case complicated by liver abscess. The anti-tumor effect of the therapy was assessed by histological examination of resected liver tissues. Tumor coagulation and necrosis were observed consistent with the cauterized area. The response to this therapy, assessed by diagnostic imaging, was CR (complete remission) in 3 cases, PR (partial remission) in 3, NC (no change) in 3 and PD (progressive disease) in 1. Thus, the efficacy (the percentage of cases showing CR or PR) was 60%. Since this therapeutic approach acts directly on tumors and is simple and safe, it seems to provide a useful means for intraoperative regional treatment of tumors.

[Role of p185c-erbB2 in endometrial cancer growth in vitro]

Human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (Ishikawa line) constitutively express c-erbB2 coded oncoprotein p185erbB2 (p185) which is believed to be an orphan receptor for an unknown growth factor. Since we have shown that expression of p185 in primary lesions of endometrial cancer correlates well with high frequency of lymph node++ metastases and that the metastatic cells in the nodes strongly expressed p185, the role of the oncoprotein in processes of metastases was studied. Culturing the cells in the presence of 15% FCS and with monoclonal antibody to the extracellular domain of p185 (CB-1) inhibited cell growth and attenuated p185 expression on Western blotting, whereas no change occurred with the control antibody. Cells cultured without FCS achieved only approximately 1/3 growth compared to cells with FCS, and further suppression of growth was observed after adding CB-1. When cells were cultured on human term amnion, basement membrane invasion with p185 expression was observed. In nude mice, intraperitoneal seeding resulted in implant formation which was also associated with positive p185 as well as cyclin immunohistochemistry. In the two experiments, treatment of cells with CB-1 inhibited invasion or implant formation. The present study suggests that a signal through p185 receptor molecules acts as a trigger for early proliferation, and interaction with the host may enhance up-regulation of p185.

Polymerized albumin receptor on rat liver cells

The polymerized albumin hypothesis was proposed for the mechanism of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection of human liver parenchymal cells on the basis that a receptor for polymerized albumin treated with glutaraldehyde was detected on isolated human liver parenchymal cells. However, some controversy exists regarding this hypothesis, because a receptor for formaldehyde-treated bovine serum albumin (f-BSA) has been found on liver non-parenchymal cells. Therefore, we characterized the uptake of polymerized rat serum albumin (p-RSA) and f-BSA by rat liver in vivo, and their bindings to liver cells in vitro. Most p-RSA and f-BSA was taken up by the liver after intravenous administration, and the uptake of p-RSA was inhibited by a 1,000-fold excess of f-BSA. In addition, more than 80% of p-RSA taken up by the liver was found in the non-parenchymal cells, and the remainder was found in the parenchymal cells. P-RSA as well as f-BSA could bind to isolated rat liver parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells. Furthermore, p-RSA and f-BSA could bind to isolated rat liver cell plasma membranes, and these bindings were completely inhibited by 1,000-fold excess of either f-BSA or p-RSA. These results indicate that there is a receptor, which can recognize both p-RSA and f-BSA, on not only rat liver non-parenchymal cells but also the parenchymal cells. It is also indicated that the receptor on the parenchymal cells as well as the non-parenchymal cells is involved in the in vivo uptake of p-RSA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Application of a shape memory alloy to hand splinting

This paper describes new passive splints which have been developed using a shape memory alloy. The peculiar feature of the splints is that the way in which they change shape in use conforms to the stretching motion which it would be desirable to apply in certain conditions of deformity. The alloy consists of 55.66% by weight Nickel and 44.34% Titanium. The heat treatment of the alloy for memorising shape was implemented at 500 degrees C for one hour. This alloy was easily bent when cool, but the original shape was recovered on heating. It was used as the supporting structure of the reverse knuckle bender splint and the cock-up splint. The new splints could be easily attached to the deformed limb after cooling. The splints avoided the development of spasticity, because they gradually recovered their original shapes and corrected the deformities when the heat of the room or body heat warmed the splints. Since the shape memory alloy has the dual function of thermal sensor and kinetic power source it was a simple device. The splint was, as a result, small and smart. It was apparent from clinical use that the splint was easy to wear and could be worn with comfort for an extended period. The design of the splints and the fabrication process are described and their application is indicated.

Evaluation of chemotherapy before limb-sparing surgery for osteosarcoma

Preoperative chemotherapy before limb-sparing surgery for osteosarcoma is used to reduce the size of the tumour, facilitate removal and prevent distant metastases. Fifteen patients with osteosarcoma were treated with six different protocols. Assessment of the clinical and radiological size of the lesion, of the histology of the resected specimen and of serum alkaline phosphatase levels were done. Greatest control of the tumour was obtained with the intravenous use of cisplatin, three times at intervals of three weeks before surgery, compared to the use of adriamycin or methotrexate in other protocols. Prompt surgery after preoperative chemotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy are advised.

[Gastric cancer presenting a variety of macroscopic and histopathological findings]

A 68-year-old man was admitted to hospital because of nausea and vomiting. Examination of the upper digestive tract led to a total gastrectomy. A histopathological examination revealed a Borrmann type 3 advanced cancer in the prepyloric antrum that showed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Found on the anterior wall of the middle corpus was an advanced cancer, mimicking a type IIc early cancer, that was poorly differentiated with dispersed signet ring cells. Between these two advanced cancers, another superficially extended cancer, consisting of a type IIa and IIb early cancer, was found. The type IIa cancer, located on the posterior wall of the angle, was a papillary adenocarcinoma and the type IIb cancer on the lesser curvature of the antrum was moderately differentiated. Therefore this patient displayed not only a type IIa and a type IIb cancer, but also a Borrmann type 3 cancer and an advanced cancer, mimicking type IIc, that were linked into one large lesion. Although the present case was not determined as being a multiple gastric cancer, it suggests the likelihood of a multicentric generation, growth, and extension of synchronous multiple cancers, in view of the variety of macroscopic and histopathological findings presented.

[Mesenteric desmoid found after surgery of familial polyposis coli; a case report]

A 51-year-old woman manifested with complaints of an abdominal mass 5 years after colectomy. In comparison with the cases previously reported, this desmoid had lower CT value (20-30 HU), and more vascularity with neovascularization on angiography. These findings seem to reflect the characteristic of much cellularity and malignancy of the desmoid.

Differential regulation of the low affinity Fc receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon R2/CD23) and the IL-2 receptor (Tac/p55) on eosinophilic leukemia cell line (EoL-1 and EoL-3)

Two types of activation Ag, low affinity FcR for IgE (Fc epsilon R2)/CD23 and IL-2R (Tac/p55), were expressed and differently regulated on human eosinophilic leukemia cell lines (EoL-1 and EoL-3). Because the binding of IgE on EoL-3 cells was completely inhibited by H107 (anti-Fc epsilon R2/CD23 mAb) but not by irrelevant mAb, essentially all the low affinity Fc epsilon R2 on EoL-3 seemed to be the Fc epsilon R2/CD23 molecules. Both IL-4 and IFN-gamma enhanced the surface expression of Fc epsilon R2, whereas IL-1, IL-2, and IL-5 showed no effects, as determined by surface staining with anti-Fc epsilon R2 antibody (H107). In contrast to Fc epsilon R2 up-regulation, IL-4 and IFN-gamma showed a differential effect on the regulation of IL-2R (Tac/p55). Whereas IFN-gamma up-regulated the receptor expression of IL-2R/Tac, IL-4 did not. The result suggests that these lymphokines are involved in the different aspects of the activation pathway of the eosinophils. The possible role of Fc epsilon R2 and IL-2R on the function of eosinophils in allergic reaction is discussed.

Differential regulation of the low affinity Fc receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon R2/CD23) and the IL-2 receptor (Tac/p55) on eosinophilic leukemia cell line (EoL-1 and EoL-3)

Two types of activation Ag, low affinity FcR for IgE (Fc epsilon R2)/CD23 and IL-2R (Tac/p55), were expressed and differently regulated on human eosinophilic leukemia cell lines (EoL-1 and EoL-3). Because the binding of IgE on EoL-3 cells was completely inhibited by H107 (anti-Fc epsilon R2/CD23 mAb) but not by irrelevant mAb, essentially all the low affinity Fc epsilon R2 on EoL-3 seemed to be the Fc epsilon R2/CD23 molecules. Both IL-4 and IFN-gamma enhanced the surface expression of Fc epsilon R2, whereas IL-1, IL-2, and IL-5 showed no effects, as determined by surface staining with anti-Fc epsilon R2 antibody (H107). In contrast to Fc epsilon R2 up-regulation, IL-4 and IFN-gamma showed a differential effect on the regulation of IL-2R (Tac/p55). Whereas IFN-gamma up-regulated the receptor expression of IL-2R/Tac, IL-4 did not. The result suggests that these lymphokines are involved in the different aspects of the activation pathway of the eosinophils. The possible role of Fc epsilon R2 and IL-2R on the function of eosinophils in allergic reaction is discussed.

Role of prolactin in age-related change in serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentrations

Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentrations were measured in 70 patients with prolactinoma and in 54 patients with acromegaly with normal adrenocortical function. Compared with values in normal subjects of corresponding age, serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels were increased in 22 patients with prolactinoma (31%) and in 5 patients with acromegaly (9%). The four acromegalic patients who had elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels had hyperprolactinemia. The mean serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentrations in patients with prolactinoma in each decade decreased with advancing age. There was a significant negative correlation between serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentrations and ages of the patients with prolactinoma. In all 8 women with prolactinoma as in 6 normal women, serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels declined definitely during the 9 years of follow-up despite persistent hyperprolactinemia. These results indicate that serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels are increased in a substantial number of patients with hyperprolactinemia, however, PRL per se may not play a significant role in the age-related change in serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels.

A receptor for formaldehyde-treated serum albumin on human placental brush-border membrane

Formaldehyde-treated serum albumin (f-Alb) is known to be taken up and degraded by sinusoidal liver cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. We report that 125I-labeled f-Alb (125I-f-Alb) binding to human placental brush-border membranes also occurs. This binding reached equilibrium within 40 min at 37 degrees C. Kinetic studies demonstrated the presence of saturable binding with an apparent Kd of 2.1 micrograms of f-Alb/ml and a maximal binding of 2.3 micrograms/mg of membrane protein at pH 7.5. Maximal binding was observed at between pH 7.5 and 8.0. 125I-f-Alb binding to the membranes was little inhibited by a 1000-fold molar excess of ovalbumin, human apo-transferrin and native bovine serum albumin. No binding was observed with membranes which had been pretreated with proteinase or trypsin. This f-Alb receptor was extremely heat-stable, since the binding was not abolished even by pretreatment of the membranes at 78 degrees C for 30 min. EDTA, Ca2+ and Mg/4 had no effect on 125I-f-Alb binding, so the binding was independent of divalent cations. These data suggest that a receptor specific for f-Alb exists on human placental brush-border membranes of syncytial trophoblasts.

Regulation of Fc epsilon R2/CD23 gene expression by cytokines and specific ligands (IgE and anti-Fc epsilon R2 monoclonal antibody). Variable regulation depending on the cell types

The regulation of human low affinity FcR for IgE (Fc epsilon R2/CD23) and the soluble Fc epsilon R2 [IgE binding factor (BF)] of monocyte (U937), T (ED), and B (JIJOYE) cell lines was examined by anti-Fc epsilon R2 mAb (H107, Mab176) and the cDNA probe for Fc epsilon R2. The effect of IL-4 and IFN-gamma on Fc epsilon R2 regulation was variable among these three cell lines. IL-4 and IFN-gamma enhanced the Fc epsilon R2 gene expression and the production of Fc epsilon R2 and IgE-BF on U937, whereas IL-4 and IFN-gamma had no significant effect on the Fc epsilon R2 expression on ED. On JIJOYE, IL-4 enhanced the Fc epsilon R2 and IgE-BF production on both protein and mRNA levels. In U937 and JIJOYE cells, there was a marked increase of Fc epsilon R2 mRNA after combined stimulation with IFN-gamma and IL-4. However, in JIJOYE cells, there was a dissociation between the surface expression of Fc epsilon R2 and Fc epsilon R2 mRNA treated with IFN-gamma plus IL-4. In these cells. IFN-gamma even down-regulated the IL-4-induced expression of surface Fc epsilon R2. Stimulation of JIJOYE cells with both IFN-gamma and IL-4 resulted in the increase of the IgE-BF in the supernatant, suggesting that IFN-gamma enhanced the release of IgE-BF from Fc epsilon R2. The results indicated that Fc epsilon R2 and IgE-BF expression is regulated by IFN-gamma at least on two different levels: on transcriptional levels and the levels of cleavage of the surface Fc epsilon R2 to release soluble Fc epsilon R2 (IgE-BF). Ligands binding to the Fc epsilon R2 such as IgE and anti-Fc epsilon R2 mAb enhanced the surface expression of Fc epsilon R2 on these Fc epsilon R2(+) cell lines. This was mainly due to the surface accumulation of the receptors on JIJOYE and U937. However, the stimulation of ED by H107 and anti-Fc epsilon R2 mAb significantly enhanced the mRNA expression, indicating that Fc epsilon R2 synthesis may also be up-regulated by the specific ligands in some cell types.

Regulation of Fc epsilon R2/CD23 gene expression by cytokines and specific ligands (IgE and anti-Fc epsilon R2 monoclonal antibody). Variable regulation depending on the cell types

The regulation of human low affinity FcR for IgE (Fc epsilon R2/CD23) and the soluble Fc epsilon R2 [IgE binding factor (BF)] of monocyte (U937), T (ED), and B (JIJOYE) cell lines was examined by anti-Fc epsilon R2 mAb (H107, Mab176) and the cDNA probe for Fc epsilon R2. The effect of IL-4 and IFN-gamma on Fc epsilon R2 regulation was variable among these three cell lines. IL-4 and IFN-gamma enhanced the Fc epsilon R2 gene expression and the production of Fc epsilon R2 and IgE-BF on U937, whereas IL-4 and IFN-gamma had no significant effect on the Fc epsilon R2 expression on ED. On JIJOYE, IL-4 enhanced the Fc epsilon R2 and IgE-BF production on both protein and mRNA levels. In U937 and JIJOYE cells, there was a marked increase of Fc epsilon R2 mRNA after combined stimulation with IFN-gamma and IL-4. However, in JIJOYE cells, there was a dissociation between the surface expression of Fc epsilon R2 and Fc epsilon R2 mRNA treated with IFN-gamma plus IL-4. In these cells. IFN-gamma even down-regulated the IL-4-induced expression of surface Fc epsilon R2. Stimulation of JIJOYE cells with both IFN-gamma and IL-4 resulted in the increase of the IgE-BF in the supernatant, suggesting that IFN-gamma enhanced the release of IgE-BF from Fc epsilon R2. The results indicated that Fc epsilon R2 and IgE-BF expression is regulated by IFN-gamma at least on two different levels: on transcriptional levels and the levels of cleavage of the surface Fc epsilon R2 to release soluble Fc epsilon R2 (IgE-BF). Ligands binding to the Fc epsilon R2 such as IgE and anti-Fc epsilon R2 mAb enhanced the surface expression of Fc epsilon R2 on these Fc epsilon R2(+) cell lines. This was mainly due to the surface accumulation of the receptors on JIJOYE and U937. However, the stimulation of ED by H107 and anti-Fc epsilon R2 mAb significantly enhanced the mRNA expression, indicating that Fc epsilon R2 synthesis may also be up-regulated by the specific ligands in some cell types.

Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic hormone in Cushing's syndrome

To examine a possible role for atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH) in the water and electrolyte disturbances associated with hypercortisolism, plasma ANH levels were measured in 18 patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome. Nine patients had elevated plasma ANH levels compared to normal subjects. The mean plasma ANH concentration [72.5 +/- 13.0 (+/- SE) pg/mL (23.5 +/- 4.2 pmol/L)] in the Cushing's syndrome patients was significantly higher than that in 40 normal subjects [37.6 +/- 1.9 pg/mL (12.2 +/- 0.62 pmol/L)]. A significant positive correlation was found between plasma ANH and cortisol levels in individual patients. There were no significant correlations, on the other hand, between plasma ANH concentrations and PRA, plasma aldosterone levels, or mean blood pressure. After treatment, plasma ANH concentrations decreased in all 6 patients who had elevated plasma ANH levels preoperatively. In 1 patient with Cushing's disease, plasma ANH levels changed in parallel with plasma cortisol concentrations during o,p'DDD treatment. Fifteen patients who were receiving long term synthetic glucocorticoid therapy for the treatment of miscellaneous diseases had a significantly higher mean plasma ANH level [50.2 +/- 4.0 (+/- SE) pg/mL (16.3 +/- 1.3 pmol/L)] than that in normal subjects. These results suggest that plasma ANH levels are elevated in a substantial number of patients with Cushing's syndrome due to either a direct stimulatory effect of glucocorticoid on atrial ANH secretion or, alternatively, intravascular volume expansion resulting from excessive cortisol secretion.

A ligand-receptor binding assay by receptor immobilization

Using transferrin-transferrin receptor binding as a model of ligand-receptor binding, we have developed a new and simple binding assay for the solubilized receptor. Solubilized membrane proteins containing transferrin receptor were immobilized by covalent binding to beads having chemical reactive epoxide groups, and then 125I-labeled transferrin was added to the beads. Dose-dependent, ligand-specific, and saturable binding of 125I-labeled transferrin to the immobilized membrane proteins were demonstrated and a Scatchard analysis derived affinity of Kd = 1.8 X 10(-9) M was obtained. These results indicate that the immobilization of receptors onto beads may be useful in a simple binding assay of the solubilized receptor.

[Synchronous triple primary malignant neoplasms in a 42-year-old female]

Synchronous triple primary malignant neoplasms, namely, retroperitoneal myxoid liposarcoma, sigmoid colon carcinoma and uterocervical carcinoma in situ in a 42-year-old female is reported. The retroperitoneal sarcoma and colonic carcinoma were resected simultaneously, while a hysterectomy was performed five months later. No genetic influence could be elicited in the present case. The synchronous triple primary, malignant neoplasms in this case should be considered as having arisen by mere chance. Other cases in which triple or more primary malignancies were resected are briefly reviewed. In addition, cases of triple or more primary malignant tumors with include at least one sarcoma are also reviewed.

Human lymphocyte Fc receptor for IgE: sequence homology of its cloned cDNA with animal lectins

We have purified the human lymphocyte Fc receptor specific for IgE (Fc epsilon receptor) and its soluble form by using the anti-Fc epsilon receptor monoclonal antibody H107. Using an oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the partial amino acid sequence of the soluble Fc epsilon receptor related to IgE binding factor, we cloned, sequenced, and expressed a cDNA for the receptor. The Fc epsilon receptor has 321 amino acid residues with no NH2-terminal signal sequence. The receptor was separated into two domains by a putative 24-amino acid residue transmembrane region located near the NH2-terminal end. The Fc epsilon receptor showed a marked homology with animal lectins including human and rat asialoglycoprotein receptors, chicken hepatic lectin, and rat mannose binding proteins.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder associated with squamous metaplasia and adenocarcinoma in situ of the mucosal columnar epithelium

A case of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder is presented. Unlike most previously reported cases, the tumor developed in association with squamous metaplasia as well as dysplastic and in situ adenocarcinomatous changes of the gallbladder epithelium. The significance of these lesions is discussed in relation to the histogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma of this organ.

Human placental ferritin receptor

Brush-border membranes from human placenta were prepared and their purity was clarified by biochemical and morphological methods. Ferritin binding to these prepared membranes was examined using horse spleen 125I-apoferritin, and was found to be completed within 10 min at 37 degrees C and pH 7.5. The amount of ferritin bound to the membranes was found to be proportional to the amount of membrane added and saturable for a given amount of the membrane in the presence of excess ligand. The membranes exhibited specific ferritin binding with a Ka of 2.3 X 10(7) M-1 at pH 7.5. A competitive binding assay indicated that horse spleen 125I-apoferritin binding was inhibited by a 10-fold molar excess of horse spleen ferric ferritin and a 500-fold molar excess of human transferrin. These results suggest that human placental brush-border membranes have specific receptors for horse spleen apoferritin molecules.

Benign lipoblastoma and liposarcoma in children

This report deals with a case of benign lipoblastoma and of myxoid liposarcoma occurring in the back of a 5-month-old infant and in the cheek of an 11-year-old boy, respectively. The benign lipoblastoma was characterized by a distinct lobulation of mature and immature fat lobules with a myxoid stroma, plexiform capillaries, and relatively uniform lipoblasts. The maturation of fat occurred from the peripherally located myxoid tissue to centrally located more mature fat cells. In our case, the capsular and interlobular mesenchymal tissue appeared to be intimately related to the formation of new immature fat lobules. In contrast, the myxoid liposarcoma showed a predominently myxoid appearance with many atypical bizarre lipoblasts; their nuclear atypia and pleomorphism were also evident in the cytologic examination of smears obtained from the gelatinous tumor. Furthermore, more mature fat cells, appearing as small foci, tended to be located at the periphery of the myxoid lobules that were incompletely separated by thin fibrous connective tissue septa.

Carcinosarcoma of the stomach. A case report with light microscopic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic study

Carcinosarcoma of the stomach is an uncommon lesion of uncertain histogenesis. Light microscopic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic examinations of the tumor in the present case favor the view that these carcinosarcomatous tumors may arise from mesenchymal (or sarcomatous) transformation of carcinoma cells.

Purification of somatostatin from frog brain: coisolation with retinal somatostatin-like immunoreactivity

Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI) was purified from frog brain and retina, and the structure of the brain peptide was determined. Frog brain (101 g) and retinal (45 g) tissues were extracted with 3% acetic acid, yielding 9.6 and 0.44 nmol of SLI, respectively. SLI was further purified by chromatography on a somatostatin immunoaffinity column followed by sequential application to reverse-phase C-18 HPLC columns. The brain and retinal peptides, purified roughly 100,000-fold with net yields of 7.5 and 2.3%, respectively, appeared identical in the final steps of purification. The amino acid sequence of brain SLI, as determined by a gas-phase automated Edman degradation technique, was as follows: Ala-Gly-(Cys)-Lys-Asn-Phe-Phe-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-(Cys). Our data indicate that despite structural variations in somatostatins of other lower vertebrates, the amino acid sequence of frog brain and, by deduction, retinal SLI is identical to that of somatostatin tetradecapeptide. These findings support the physiological relevance of studies directed at elucidating the neurotransmitter function of somatostatin using the well-established models of frog brain and retina.

Hyalinoid giant cell gastritis. A unique gastric lesion associated with eosinophilic hyalinoid degeneration of smooth muscle

A rare case of degenerative and inflammatory lesion of the stomach occurring in a 34-year-old woman is reported. Clinically, the lesion simulated gastric carcinoma because of the extensive involvement of the mucosa and submucosa by the process. Histologically, it was characterized by eosinophilic hyalinoid degeneration of smooth muscles in the muscularis mucosae as well as mucosal and submucosal blood vessels accompanied with foreign body giant cells and other inflammatory cells. The lesion occurred in association with chronic peptic ulcers, and a small submucosal nodule histologically compatible with inflammatory fibroid polyp coexisted within the area of this lesion. The patient has had no systemic disease and has been well for 4.5 years postoperatively. These clinical features suggest a localized nature of the lesion limited to the stomach. The term "hyalinoid giant cell gastritis" is proposed to describe this distinctive form of gastritis.

Hepatic metastasis 17 years following resection of low-grade leiomyosarcoma of the rectum

A case of histologically low-grade leiomyosarcoma of the rectum showing an unusually late appearance of hepatic metastasis is reported. This was found at autopsy 17 years after a curative resection of the primary rectal tumor that had been diagnosed initially as a leiomyoma.

Hyperplastic fundic gland polyp of the stomach

A case of a solitary pedunculated gastric polyp occurring in the fundic mucosa of a 47-year-old woman is reported because of its unique morphology. The polyp showed a peculiar lobulated configuration supported by smooth muscle bundles, and its epithelial component was composed mainly of a proliferation of relatively normal but disorganized fundic glands containing variable numbers of mucous, parietal, argyrophile, and chief cells. Although these histologic features may suggest a hamartoma-like quality, the lesion probably represents a peculiar form of localized hyperplastic process of the gastric mucosa exhibiting fundic glandular cell differentiation.

[Study on postoperative local chemotherapy of malignant brain tumors using ACNU and PSK]

There have been many attempts to treat patients with malignant brain tumors represented by glioblastomas using nitrosourea (NU) derivatives such as BCNU and CCNU but the clinical results are not so remarkable compared with previous reports concerning experimental studies. The reason for an efficacy of NU derivatives in brain tumors is considered to be its higher lipid solubility which makes the drug crossing the BBB easily. On the other hand, there is some evidence that higher lipid solubility did not guarantee NU to reach always to all portions of solid tumor after systemic administration. We have performed a chemotherapy of malignant brain tumors using ACNU for five years. This drug is not only lipid but also water-soluble in some grade; therefore, the drug is administrated intravascularly and locally with ease. Nine cases of malignant gliomas were treated with local chemotherapy employing ACNU and two cases of glioblastomas are surviving now over five years and about four years, respectively. From the anatomical standpoint of view, it is considered to be necessary for local chemotherapy of brain tumors to possess some pathognomonic characters such as cyst formations, central necrosis and localized cortico-meningeal adhesions, which are rather frequently found in malignant gliomas and are suspected also easily by CT examination preoperatively. A local chemotherapy in the present study has been performed using 10 to 50 mg of ACNU through an indwelling catheter inserted during operation. No general toxicity occurred in all patients except one, who experienced purulent meningitis after long-term drainage. In our study on concentration of ACNU, intracarotid injection resulted in higher concentration in brain tumor tissue than intravenous injection, but these concentration considered to be not high enough to suppress the tumor cell growth. On the other hand, the intracavitary concentration of ACNU at 24 hr after drug administration was high enough to suppress the tumor cell growth.