Effects of insulin and 1 alpha-hydroxy vitamin D3 on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed a low zinc diet

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (LZ-DM rats) developed nephrocalcinosis after being fed a low zinc diet for 4 weeks. However, administration of 1 alpha-hydroxy vitamin D3 (1-OHD3) or insulin inhibited the formation of nephrocalcinosis. The urinary calcium level increased when 1-OHD3 was administered to these rats, but decreased in the group receiving insulin. It was also observed that the femur recovered its hardness when insulin was administered, although the hardness in the LZ-DM rats remained lower than that of the control rats. Rat femur hardness, however, did not completely recover with 1-OHD3 treatment. These results indicate that the effects of insulin and 1-OHD3 differ, even though nephrocalcinosis was reduced by administration of either insulin or 1-OHD3. It appears that insulin assists bone formation, and the 1-OHD3 hastens calcium excretion.

Conditioned responses in the visual cortex of dogs. I. During wakefulness

Repetitive electrical stimulation or double shocks of the optic chiasm were used as cue stimuli for alimentary lever-press in dogs. Changes in evoked potentials recorded from the visual cortex were examined by using 'matrix' and component analysis. Peak-to-peak amplitude of components 4 and 5 (C4-5) increased preceding initiation of the lever-press, whereas component 1 or 2 remained unchanged. The enhancement of C4-5 amplitude was suppressed during extinction and reappeared during the reacquisition phase. Possible artifacts and relation between enhancement of EP and lever-press behavior were discussed. The results demonstrate that the enhancement of C4-5 amplitude before the lever-press initiation is the conditioned response in the central nervous system.

Conditioned responses in the visual cortex of dogs. II. During sleep

Repetitive electrical stimulation of the optic chiasm was used as a cue stimulus for alimentary conditioned lever-press in dogs. During sleep after conditioning, the cue was presented to test whether the conditioned response (CR) can be emitted during sleep and whether CR in visual cortex (VC) is due to change in excitability in VC. Though level-press behavior never occurred without accompanying EEG arousal responses, rate of occurrence periods of EMG (percent EMG) and rate of EMG in the lever-press forelimb increased in the conditioned animals. Amplitudes of components 4 and 5 of the evoked potential in VC enhanced during both slow-wave (SS) and fast-wave sleep (FS) with similar time course as in wakefulness. In addition, correlation between latency of the EMG and of maximum enhancement of the amplitudes which was obtained during wakefulness remained during these sleep stages. Enhancement of the amplitudes was greater during sleep than during wakefulness; no significant difference was found between SS and FS. These results support the hypothesis that the CR in VC is attributed to excitability change and suggest that CR, in the peripheral and central level, can be emitted during SS and FS periods in dogs.

A novel mutation of coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO) gene in a Japanese family

Hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by a deficiency of coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO). Only 11 mutations of the gene have been reported to date as the mutations responsible for HCP. We report here a novel mutation of the gene responsible for the disease in a Japanese family. Analysis of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified DNA fragments of the gene by direct-sequencing and/or cloning-based sequencing methods revealed the gene abnormality responsible for the disease. The mutation found was a single base deletion of T at nt position 526, which results in frame shift and truncation of coded protein at amino acid position 204. Screening of pre-symptomatic cases seemed to be possible by PCR restriction analysis using restriction enzyme Xcm I.

Effect of pretreatment with antibiotics on the hydrolysis of salicyluric acid in rabbit intestinal microorganisms

The effect of pretreatment with antibiotics on the hydrolysis of salicyluric acid in rabbit intestinal microorganisms was investigated. Latamoxef sodium (LMOX, 25 mg/kg/d, intravenously) and cephalexin (CEX, 16.7 mg/kg/d, orally) were administered for 1 or 3 d. The blood concentration of salicyluric acid and salicylic acid following oral, intracecal and rectal administration of salicyluric acid was determined. By the pretreatment with LMOX for 1 or 3 d, the blood concentration of salicylic acid following oral administration of salicyluric acid was slightly decreased. In rabbits pretreated with CEX for 3 d, the blood concentration of salicylic acid was detected at low concentration. By the pretreatment with LMOX and CEX, however, the decrease in the blood concentration of salicylic acid following rectal administration of salicyluric acid was not observed. Although the examination of population of intestinal microorganisms induced by the pretreatment with antibiotics was not performed, the metabolic activity of intestinal microorganisms may be changed.

Inhibitory actions of prostaglandin E1 on neurogenic plasma extravasation in rat airways

To determine whether neurogenic inflammation can be inhibited by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), that is suggested to have an inhibitory effect on neuropeptide release from airway sensory nerves, we examined plasma extravasation in the airways of anesthetized rats in vivo with Evans blue due as a marker. Neurogenic inflammation was produced by an i.v. injection of capsaicin (100 micrograms/kg) or by antidromic electrical stimulation of the right vagus nerve (4 Hz, 1 ms, 4 V for 1 min). Capsaicin injection significantly increased leakage of dye in the trachea and main bronchi. Similar increases in leakage were seen in the trachea and right bronchus on electrical stimulation of the right vagus nerve. PGE1 (1-1000 micrograms/kg) inhibited the leakage induced by capsaicin in the trachea and bronchi concentration dependently with complete inhibition at a concentration of 1000 micrograms/kg. Likewise, PGE1 (1000 micrograms/kg) significantly inhibited electrical stimulation-induced leakage in the trachea and right bronchus (P less than 0.01). I.v. substance P (SP; 1 microgram/kg) increased Evans blue dye extravasation in the same way as the leakage induced by capsaicin and electrical stimulation but PGE1 (1000 micrograms/kg) failed to inhibit SP-induced leakage in the trachea and main bronchi (P greater than 0.20). These results suggest that PGE1 inhibits neurogenic plasma leakage by presynaptic inhibition of the release of neuropeptides from sensory nerves.

Cellular analysis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids in infiltrative and fibrotic stages of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

We performed cellular analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) from 20 patients in different stages of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and compared the results with those from 16 controls and 10 sarcoidosis patients. Patients with IPF were divided into infiltrative and fibrotic groups as diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsy and chest x-rays. Total cell numbers counted from BALF in IPF patients were not different from those from controls and were lower than in sarcoidosis patients (p less than 0.01). Lymphocytes in BALF were significantly higher in the infiltrative type IPF than in the fibrotic type (p less than 0.05), but there was no significant difference in fibrotic type IPF and control subjects. Numbers of neutrophils and eosinophils counts were not significantly different between infiltrative type and fibrotic type. The neutrophil count in fibrotic type IPF was higher than in control subjects (p less than 0.01) but not in infiltrative type IPF. 67Ga scintiscanning uptake correlated with the lymphocyte population (r = 0.65, p less than 0.01) but with neutrophils. These findings suggest that lymphocytes play a major role in the pathogenesis of the infiltrative type of IPF and that neutrophils are related to the development of fibrotic changes in IPF.

Molecular scanning for mutations in the melanocortin-4 receptor gene in obese/diabetic Japanese

Decreased function of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) was reported to cause late-onset obesity and insulin resistance in rodents. Thus mutations in the MC4R gene drew strong attention as a possible cause of obesity and diabetes. We screened for mutations in the MC4R gene in extremely obese [body mass index (BMI) > or = 35 kg/m2] Japanese with diabetes by direct sequencing. A heterozygous mutation (V103I) was detected in one case (2.0 %), however the frequency was not significantly different from that in non-obese (BMI < or = 24 kg/m2) and non-diabetic subjects (2.7 %). No other mutations were detected. These results suggest that mutations including V103I in the MC4R gene are not a major cause of obesity or diabetes in Japanese.

Suppression of intracellular resistance factors by adriamycin augments heat-induced apoptosis via interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme activation in pancreatic carcinoma cells

Combination of heat and various anticancer drugs can exert a synergistic antitumor effect in vitro and in vivo, though the mechanism is not clear. We have previously shown that endogenous tumor necrosis factor (enTNF) acts as an intracellular resistance factor to inhibit the cytotoxic effect of heat by scavenging oxygen-free radicals via the induction of manganous superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Consequently, we examined whether the suppression of these resistance factors by combining anticancer drugs and heat causes an augmentation of heat-induced cytotoxicity. The human pancreatic carcinoma cell line, PANC-1, constitutively expresses appreciable amounts of enTNF and also demonstrates heat resistance. After treatment of these cells for 15 hr with adriamycin (ADM), the expression of enTNF was decreased by 43%, and MnSOD activity was suppressed by 55%. The cytotoxic effects of the treatment of PANC-1 cells with ADM followed by heat were greater than the sum of those observed with the agents administrated individually. Heat-induced apoptosis was also augmented by pretreatment with ADM. Furthermore, the interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme inhibitor, Ac-YVAD-CMK, reversed the augmented cytotoxicity. Our results indicate that suppression of intracellular resistance factors such as enTNF and MnSOD plays an important role in apoptosis seen after heat and ADM combined therapy.

Role of Leukotriene-degrading enzymes in pulmonary response to antigen infusion in sensitized guinea pigs in vivo

To determine the role of leukotriene (LT)-degrading enzymes in allergic reactions, we studied the effects of inhibitors of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) and dipeptidases on increases in pulmonary insufflation pressure (PIP) and vascular permeability induced by ovalbumin (OA) antigen in guinea pigs sensitized to OA antigen in vivo. Vascular permeability was assessed by the amount of extravasated Evans blue dye from the trachea, main bronchi, and segmental bronchi. An intravenous (i.v.) administration of OA antigen (200 micrograms/kg) caused increases in PIP and extravasated Evans blue dye, and OA antigen-induced effects were potentiated by gamma-GTP inhibitor L-serine borate (3 x 10(-5) M/kg, i.v.) (P < 0.05) and an inhibitor of dipeptidases, L-cysteine (3 x 10(-5) M/kg, i.v.) (P < 0.01). OA antigen-induced increases in PIP and Evans blue dye extravasation were in part inhibited by LT-receptor antagonist ONO-1078 (10(-4) M/kg, i.v.). Guinea-pig tracheal tissues contained gamma-GTP and microsomal dipeptidase activities. Histochemical and immunohistochemical studies indicate that gamma-GTP-like activity existed in the epithelium and smooth muscle, and an activity of microsomal dipeptidase was observed in the endothelial cells of microvessels and epithelium. These results suggest that LT-degrading enzymes have an important role in regulating allergic reaction in the airway in vivo.

Dependence of collateral and small airway resistances of CO2 and volume in dog lobes

We examined the hypothesis that collateral channels were identical within small airways and ducts, therefore both should respond similarly to chemical and mechanical stresses. A double lumen catheter was wedged into a segmental bronchus of the dog and humidified air or 10% CO2 in air (Vs) flowed at a segmental bronchial pressure (Pb) of 2 cm H2O. A small circular area about 1 cm diameter was peeled from the wedged segment and covered with a capsule glued to the surrounding pleura for measuring either a small airway flow (Vsaw) or capsule pressure (Pcap). Collateral resistance (Rcoll) and small airway resistance (Rsaw) were calculated as Rcoll = Pb/(Vs-Vsaw), Rsaw = (Pb-Pcap)/Vsaw, respectively. Hypocapnia (air) resulted in increases in Rcoll and Rsaw, while hypercapnia (10% CO2) generally had the opposite effect. Gcoll and Gsaw both increased linearly with lung volume (VL). The pattern of the responses of Rsaw closely paralleled those of Rcoll to local hypercapnia and hypocapnia, and to changing VL, implying that the major sites of resistance along collateral channels and along the airways are functionally and structurally similar.

Enhanced antitumor effect of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor in combination with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in BALB/c mice

The synergistic antitumor effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was investigated. G-CSF was administered subcutaneously to BALB/c mice inoculated with Meth-A cells at a dose of 2.5 micrograms/day for 5 consecutive days. When TNF (1 x 10(3) U) was administered intravenously to mice which had been pretreated with G-CSF, tumor growth showed a 74.1% inhibition 17 days after the tumor cell inoculation, compared to that of untreated mice. In this experiment, G-CSF significantly (P < 0.025) enhanced the antitumor effect of TNF. The in vitro cytotoxicity of TNF (10 U/ml) towards Meth-A cells was increased about 5.2-fold in the presence of neutrophils (E/T = 50) as compared to the cytotoxicity obtained with TNF alone. A combination of TNF and G-CSF (50 ng/ml) in the presence of neutrophils, resulted in a 2.1 times greater cytotoxicity against Meth-A cells as compared to that obtained without G-CSF. Significant augmenting effects of G-CSF on superoxide (O2-) production by TNF-stimulated neutrophils were observed. These observation suggest that the neutrophil plays an important role in the antitumor action of TNF on Meth-A cells, and that the antitumor effect of TNF is enhanced by combination with G-CSF.

A new aspect of tolbutamide metabolism in the rabbit: the role of 1-butyl-3-(p-formylphenyl)sulphonylurea

We investigated the metabolism of tolbutamide by using synthetic 1-butyl-3-(p-formylphenyl)sulphonylurea (ATB), an intermediate in the metabolic pathway of tolbutamide. ATB (40 mg kg-1) administered intravenously to rabbits was oxidized to 1-butyl-3-(p-carboxyphenyl)sulphonylurea (CTB) and also reduced to 1-butyl-3-(p-hydroxymethylphenyl)sulphonylurea (HMTB). Therefore, it is likely that in the metabolism of tolbutamide, the oxidation of HMTB to ATB involved the reverse reaction, suggesting the reduction of ATB to HMTB. The oxidation of ATB to CTB was inhibited by disulfiram pretreatment. ATB was detected in the blood following intravenous administration of HMTB in rabbits pretreated with disulfiram. These results, confirm that ATB is an intermediate in the oxidative metabolism of tolbutamide in the rabbit.

Fine needle aspiration of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis in an intramammary lymph node. A case report

BACKGROUND

Cytologic findings of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis (TL) have been only sporadically reported. Intramammary lymph node is an extremely rare site for TL.

CASE

A 47-year-old, healthy, female presented with a breast tumor, which was aspirated. The cytomorphologic features were interpreted as suggestive of TL. Histopathology of the excisional biopsy specimen and subsequent serologic examination confirmed the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

We obtained several characteristic findings in aspiration of TL. Of these, epithelioid cell clusters and monocytoid cells were the most diagnostic.

Tracheobronchial mucociliary clearance and alveolar epithelial permeability measured by PET with 18FDG powder

Tracheobronchial mucociliary clearance and alveolar permeability were measured with positron emission tomography using a water-soluble dry aerosol, sodium-N-acetyl-neuraminate tagged with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18FDG powder). Five normal volunteers inhaled 1.5-2.0 mCi of FDG powder by a single deep breath. The distribution of radioactivity, measured by scanning during a period of 120 min, showed that the 18FDG powder deposition progressed from the central airways to the peripheral alveolar areas. In the tracheobronchial system the radioactivity decreased to 24% of the initial deposition at 60 min. In the peripheral alveolar area, where absorption into blood or lymphatic flow crossing the epithelial layer represents a unique mechanism of clearance for water-soluble 18FDG powder, alveolar radioactivity decreased slowly to approximately 70% of the initial deposition at 60 min after inhalation. Positron emission tomography using 18FDG powder provides a regional evaluation of both mucociliary transport in the tracheobronchial system and epithelial permeability in the alveolar area.

The Musashino Plan: Japan's home equity conversion program for social, health and financial services

Recent concerns regarding the growth of the elderly population concomitant with the difficulties faced by government to provide sufficient supportive services have resulted in innovative plans for alternative financing. Home equity conversion for the "real estate rich, cash poor" elderly represents one such plan. This study reports on one of only two known government-based programs, the Musashino Plan of Japan. An overview of its historical development and its organizational structure is initially provided followed by a report of a community attitudes survey which attempted to assess preliminary program support. In addition, the experiences of the Plan are also discussed in terms of its eligibility requirements, financial accounting system, types and costs of services provided, client description and enrollment experience and service utilization pattern. This study concludes with a discussion of its limitations, potential and implications for growth from a cross-cultural perspective.

[A simulation study to evaluate the statistical noise and spatial resolution in image reconstruction of emission computed tomography--with respect to the optimization of the filter function in the convolution integral]

Filtered backprojection method has been commonly used to reconstruct images in the field of the computed tomography (CT). However, in the emission CT such as positron and single photon CT, poor counting static which are caused by limited dosage to patients, limited counting rate capacity and limited efficiency of the imaging device, produce a statistical noise in the reconstructed image. The magnitude of the statistical noise and the spatial resolution were evaluated for various shapes of the filter used in the convolution integrals of the filtered back-projection procedure. The statistical noise was proportional to the inverse of the root of the total number of counts for any filters. The high-frequency-cut characteristic of the filter reduced the statistical noise, but increased the spatial resolution in the images. It was possible to optimize the shape of the filter for given total number of counts and required statistical noise and spatial resolution.

Preparation of a fine powder of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose suitable for inhalation to diagnose lung diseases by means of PET

Fine 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18FDG) powder was obtained by adding diethyl ether into a methyl alcohol solution of 18FDG and other sugar as seed. When micronized particles of sodium N-acetyl-neuraminate (Neu5Ac-Na) were used as seed crystals, particles containing 18FDG were obtained and 80% of them were smaller than 10 microns in size. More than 60% of these crystals were 4-6 microns in size. In a preclinical study of forced inhalation in a dog, the 18FDG fine powder was mainly distributed in the trachea. The radioactivity in the trachea then increased once and a gradual decrease followed. The radioactivity was transferred into the blood and radioactivity incorporation into the heart was observed. After a normal volunteer inhaled 18FDG dry powder aerosol, the radioactivity was found in the respiratory tract and the peripheral area of the lung by means of PET. Absorption and in vivo dynamics of the 18FDG were also analysed.