[A successful surgical treatment of traumatic dissecting aneurysm]

Dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm caused by blunt trauma was reported. A 64-year-old woman involved in automobile accident was transported to our hospital. Chest X-ray showed multiple rib fractures and enlargement of mediastinal shadow. Emergent CT scan and angiography (DSA) revealed aortic dissection (DeBakey IIIb). She suffered from acute renal and respiratory failure soon after admission, but underwent operation 6 months after the trauma because of enlargement of false channel. Graft replacement was performed and postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathologic findings showed dissection of adventitia of the aorta.

Assessment of membrane fusion efficiency and its use for distinguishing epitopes on the fusion (F) protein of Sendai virus (HVJ)

Upon incubation of radioiodinated Sendai virus with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells to induce viral envelope-cell membrane fusion, TCA-soluble radioactivity was found to be rapidly released from the virus into the medium. The amount of the TCA-soluble 125I species released into the medium was correlated with the extent of envelope-membrane fusion. Using a new method based on this phenomenon, we evaluated the fusion-inhibiting activity of monoclonal anti-F protein antibodies and could distinguish epitopes within partially overlapping regions of the F protein by their effects on fusion activity. We concluded this method is a reliable and sensitive one for measuring envelope-membrane fusion.

Effect of leucocyte products on platelet thrombus formation, coagulation and spontaneous thrombolysis, as measured from native human blood, in vitro

Contribution of leucocytes to formation and lysis of arterial (platelet) thrombi was investigated. Secretory products of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) during phagocytosis and cell lysates were prepared from eight volunteers. Platelet-rich thrombi were formed in flowing native human blood either by shear-stress or by collagen fibre, by haemostatometry. Tested in eight volunteers, PMN products significantly enhanced both thrombotic reactions and induced lysis of these thrombi. A specific inhibitor of leucocyte proteases (eglin c) inhibited platelet reaction to shear-stress and collagen and spontaneous thrombolysis. Our findings provide further evidence for the prothrombotic and potent thrombolytic effect of leucocytes associated with an arterial thrombus.

Excitatory and inhibitory effects of toluene on neural activity in guinea pig hippocampal slices

To investigate the effect of toluene and its derivatives on neural activity, postsynaptic field potential (population spike, PS) of granule cells as well as antidromic potential (AP) and presynaptic fiber potential (FP) (perforant path) were recorded in the guinea pig hippocampal slices. Toluene at the concentration of 0.2 ng/ml to 20 micrograms/ml in the perfusion medium increased the amplitude of PS to 109-150%. Toluene also increased the amplitude of FP and AP, although the most remarkable enhancement was observed in the PS. However, toluene at the concentrations over 1000 micrograms/ml completely depressed the PS, whereas it increased the amplitude of AP to 130% of the original level. These results indicate that toluene has excitatory and inhibitory biphasic effects on neurotransmission in the hippocampal slices according to concentration applied.

Contribution of proton transporter to acid-induced receptor potential in frog taste cells

1. The generative mechanism of the acid-induced receptor potential in frog taste cells was re-examined with micro-electrodes. 2. The amplitude of receptor potentials in a taste cell induced by 1 mM acetic acid increased as the concentration of Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ on the tongue surface was increased. 3. The amplitude of the acid-induced receptor potential was inhibited by about 40% by a proton pump blocker DCCD (N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide) added to superficial normal saline. 4. It is concluded that most of the acid-induced response in a frog taste cell was generated by current carried through proton-gated Ca2+ channel of the apical receptive membrane. The remaining part of the acid response was generated by current carried through a DCCD-sensitive proton transporter of the receptive membrane.

The optimum timing of resuscitative thoracotomy for non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a promising method for non-traumatic cardiac arrest. In this preliminary study, we investigated the optimum timing of thoracotomy which brings high rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and keeps the incidence of unnecessary thoracotomy minimal. Ninety-five adult patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were analyzed. Of those, 26 patients were treated by the open-chest CPR in a prospective consecutive fashion. In this group, the ROSC rate was investigated in connection with the interval from hospital arrival, or ambulance call, to thoracotomy. Another 69 patients were treated by standard CPR. In this uncontrolled group, the interval from arrival at hospital to ROSC was investigated to define the 'natural hospital course' by the conventional treatment. Patient characteristics in the open-chest CPR group and the standard CPR group were similar. In the open-chest CPR group, 15 patients obtained ROSC. There was a tendency that the ROSC rate was highest in the patients with thoracotomy within 5 min of hospital arrival and declined as the timing of thoracotomy was delayed. Similar tendency was noted when the timing of thoracotomy was counted from the ambulance call. In the standard CPR group, only two patients obtained ROSC during the initial 5 min of hospital course. These results suggest that thoracotomy within 5 min of hospital arrival brings the highest ROSC rate while keeps the incidence of unnecessary thoracotomy acceptable.

Disopyramide blocks pancreatic ATP-sensitive K+ channels and enhances insulin release

An antiarrhythmic agent, disopyramide, was found to enhance the insulin secretory capacity of Wistar rat pancreatic islets with a half-maximal concentration of 23.3 microM. Employing a patch-clamp technique, disopyramide was found to inhibit ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel activity in rat pancreatic beta-cells in primary culture without altering the unitary conductance. Half-maximal inhibition was achieved by the addition of 3.6 microM disopyramide to the intracellular bathing solution in the inside-out mode, 11.0 microM to the extracellular bathing solution in the outside-out mode, and 87.4 microM in the cell-attached mode. The binding of [3H]glibenclamide to pancreatic islets was inhibited by unlabeled glibenclamide but not by unlabeled disopyramide. Based on these observations, it is concluded that disopyramide blocks pancreatic KATP channels via binding to a site(s) distinct from the sulfonylurea receptor. This effect may be causatively involved in disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia.

Hyperpolarization induced by K+ channel openers inhibits Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release in coronary artery

The vasodilating mechanisms of the K+ channel openers--cromakalim, pinacidil, nicorandil, KRN2391, and Ki4032--were examined by measurement of the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) using the fura-2 method in canine or porcine coronary arterial smooth muscle. The five K+ channel openers all produced a reduction of [Ca2+]i in 5 and 30 mM KCl physiological salt solution (PSS), the effects of which were antagonized by tetrabutylammonium (TBA) or glibenclamide, but failed to affect [Ca2+]i in 45 and 90 mM MCl-PSS. Cromakalim and Ki4032 only partially inhibited the 30 mM KCl-induced contractures, whereas pinacidil, nicorandil, and KRN2391 nearly abolished contractions produced by high KCl-PSS. The increased [Ca2+]i and force produced by a thromboxane A2 analogue, U46619, were inhibited by K+ channel openers and verapamil. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, U46619 induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i with a contraction, which is effectively inhibited by cromakalim and Ki4032. Their inhibitory effects were blocked by TBA and counteracted by 20 mM KCl-induced depolarization. Cromakalim and Ki4032 did not affect caffeine-induced Ca2+ release. Cromakalim reduced U46619-induced IP3 production and TBA blocked this inhibitory effect. Thus, cromakalim and Ki4032 are more specific K+ channel openers than pinacidil, nicorandil, and KRN2391. The vasodilation related with a reduction of [Ca2+]i produced by K+ channel openers is due to the hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane resulting in not only the closure of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels but also inhibition of the production of IP3 and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores related to stimulation of the thromboxane A2 receptor.

A new tobacco mosaic virus vector and its use for the systemic production of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitor in transgenic tobacco and tomato

We have developed a new tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) RNA vector and have used it initially to systemically produce an angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitor peptide (ACEI) in tobacco and tomato plants. This vector incorporates a six base 3' context sequence, which permits readthrough of the stop codon for the TMV 130K protein gene, inserted between the stop codon for the coat protein (CP) gene and ACEI gene. In contrast to previous TMV RNA vectors, the new vector produced both an intact CP and a fused protein consisting of CP and ACEI (CP-ACEI). As a result, the vector could form virus particles and spread systemically from inoculated to non-inoculated leaves. In tomato plants, production of ACEI in fruit was also achieved.

Human salivary endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase HS specific for complex type sugar chains of glycoproteins

The enzyme that catalyzed the conversion of human salivary alpha-amylase family A (HSA-A) to family B (HSA-B) was identified. It was partially purified from the precipitate obtained by centrifugation of human saliva at 105,000 x g for 60 min by solubilization with 3[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate and column chromatographies with Sephacryl S-300-HR and hydroxylapatite. The enzyme preparation was practically free from contaminating exoglycosidases and proteases. The enzyme cleaved the N,N'-diacetylchitobiose moiety of the sugar chain of HSA-A, as shown by the isolation of the protein moiety which contained 1 GlcNAc and 1 Fuc residue and the sugar chain (Gal)2(Fuc)1(GlcNAc)2(Man)3(GlcNAc). This enzyme also cleaved the N,N'-diacetylchitobiose moiety of the sugar chain of human transferrin tetraglycopeptide Asn-Tyr-Asn(GlcNAc)2(Man)3(GlcNAc)2(Gal)2-Lys to yield equimolar amounts of peptide Asn-Tyr-Asn(GlcNAc)Lys and sugar chain (Gal)2(GlcNAc)2(Man)3(GlcNAc). The enzyme was identified as an endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase. The enzyme acted on HSA-A with desialylated and defucosylated outer chain moieties of the sugar chains at a similar rate as that of native HSA-A. The enzyme activity was reduced to 13 and 5% using HSA-A with the sugar chains whose outer chain moieties lacked Gal and GlcNAc, respectively, from the nonreducing end. The enzyme also acted on human transferrin, calf fetuin, and asparagine oligosaccharides of transferrin and fetuin. On the other hand, the enzyme did not act on ovalbumin, RNase B, Taka-amylase, yeast invertase, and ovalbumin asparagine oligosaccharides. These results indicate that human salivary endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase is specific for complex type sugar chains and can release the sugar chains from native glycoproteins and glycopeptides regardless of the existence of a Fuc residue on the proximal GlcNAc of the N,N'-diacetylchitobiose core of their sugar chains. The source of the enzyme was epithelial cells peeling from the oral cavity epithelium into saliva. The enzyme was thought to be integrated on the surface of the epithelial cell membrane. This enzyme was named endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase HS. Thus, these studies indicate that the properties of the enzyme are distinct from those of known endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase HS is a novel endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase.

Relationship between the incidence infection stones and the magnesium-calcium ratio of tap water

In a previous study we showed that the magnesium-calcium ratio of tap water is negatively correlated with the incidence of calcium-containing urinary stones. In this study we examined the relationship between the incidence of struvite stones, water hardness and the regional geological features on the basis of our previous study and an epidemiological study of urolithiasis performed in Japan. The magnesium-calcium ratio of tap water was found to correlate positively with the incidence of struvite stones. The tap water magnesium-calcium ratio was high in regions of basalt and sedimentary rock and was low in granite and limestone areas. The incidence of struvite stones in the regions of basalt and sedimentary rock was higher than that in the granite and limestone areas. Thus, this study suggested that the incidence of struvite stones is related to the magnesium-calcium ratio of tap water and to the regional geology, as is the case for calcium-containing stones.

Vasorelaxant mechanism of KRN2391 and nicorandil in porcine coronary arteries of different sizes

1. The relaxant mechanisms of action of KRN2391, a novel vasodilator, and nicorandil on epimyocardial coronary artery (2.5- 3.0 mm outer diameter) and mid-myocardial coronary artery (0.8-1.0 mm outer diameter) were investigated in porcine isolated coronary arteries. In addition, the vasorelaxant responses of KRN2391 and nicorandil were compared with those of nitroglycerin and cromakalim, a K+ channel opener, in epi- and mid-myocardial coronary arteries. 2. Nitroglycerin showed a more potent relaxant effect on epi-myocardial coronary arteries than on mid-myocardial coronary arteries, whereas cromakalim produced greater relaxation responses in mid-myocardial coronary arteries. There was no difference between epi- and mid-myocardial coronary arteries in terms of the relaxant effect of KRN2391 and nicorandil. 3. Relaxation induced by KRN2391 in epi- and mid-myocardial coronary arteries was inhibited by oxyhaemoglobin, a pharmacological antagonist of nitrovasodilators, and glibenclamide, a pharmacological antagonist of K+ channel opening drugs. However, the inhibitory effect of glibenclamide on KRN2391-induced relaxation was greater in mid-myocardial coronary artery than in epi-myocardial coronary artery. 4. Relaxation induced by nicorandil was inhibited by oxyhaemoglobin alone in epi-myocardial coronary arteries and by both oxyhaemoglobin and glibenclamide in mid-myocardial coronary arteries. 5. In epi- and mid-myocardial coronary arteries, relaxation induced by cromakalim was inhibited by glibenclamide but not by oxyhaemoglobin, whereas relaxation induced by nitroglycerin was inhibited by oxyhaemoglobin but not by glibenclamide. 6. These results suggest that KRN2391 and nicorandil exhibit a dual mechanism of action acting partly as a nitrate and partly as a K+ channel opener. The mechanism of action of these drugs depend on the segment of coronary artery studied. Furthermore, the dual mechanism of action of KRN2391 and nicorandil seems to contribute to the equipotent relaxant effect between epi- and mid-myocardial coronary arteries.

Long-term followup of the Kock and Indiana pouch procedures

Between 1984 and 1991, 115 consecutive patients underwent cutaneous continent urinary diversion comprising 76 Kock and 39 Indiana pouch procedures. The 2 different forms of achieving continent urinary diversion were subsequently compared in a long-term followup that evaluated complications, including pouch function and the need for revisions. In the Kock pouch group there were 14 (18.4%) early postoperative complications (3 months), which required 4 subsequent reoperations (5.3%). The Indiana pouch group had a similar incidence of early complications (17.9%) but there were no reservoir related problems. The long-term study group comprised 68 Kock and 37 Indiana pouch patients who were observed for 12 months or longer (mean followup 53 and 34 months, respectively). Of 9 efferent nipple valve malfunctions observed in the Kock pouch group 5 required surgical revision. Of 16 complications related to afferent limb function 15 were caused by the use of polyester fiber fabric for the anchoring collar and 8 of these 15 complications required surgical revision. The first 2 Indiana pouch patients had pouch deformities due to incomplete detubularization of the cecum that required surgical repair. Overall, surgical revisions, including minor repairs, were performed on 15 Kock pouch patients (22.1%) and 4 Indiana pouch patients (10.8%). Both forms of the procedure preserved continence to a satisfactory degree. Urinary tract stones developed in 18 patients (26.5%) from the Kock pouch group, usually on the exposed staples or the eroded, nonabsorbable collar used to construct the nipple valves. Stone formation was rare (5.4%) in the Indiana pouch group. The incidence of ureteral implantation stricture was low in both procedures. There was no significant difference in the incidence of bacteriuria between the 2 methods of urinary diversion. These data demonstrate that the Kock pouch and Indiana pouch procedures can be accomplished with the same early postoperative complication rate. Our 8-year experience showed a high incidence of Kock afferent nipple valve malfunction. However, most of these malfunctions were due to the use of a nonabsorbable collar and can be avoided. When taking this into account, therefore, it can be concluded that the Indiana pouch functions as well as the Kock pouch with roughly the same incidence of late complications and the same reoperation rate but with a lower incidence of stone formation.

Superoxide dismutase with prolonged in vivo half-life inhibits intravascular hemolysis and renal injury in burned rats

Although superoxide radicals and related metabolites have been postulated to underlie the pathogenesis of burn injury, critical evidence supporting this hypothesis is lacking. To test whether superoxide radicals play critical roles in burn injury, the effect of a superoxide dismutase (SOD) derivative (SM-SOD) was tested on intravascular hemolysis and renal tubular injury in rats subjected to burn shock. Within 3 hours after a given full-thickness burn of approximately 24% of body surface area, plasma levels of lipid peroxides increased significantly with concomitant increase in intravascular hemolysis. Histological examination showed a marked deposition of hemoglobin-like casts in renal tubules of the burned rats. Intravenous administration of SM-SOD (10 mg/kg) 30 minutes before the burn injury significantly inhibited the increase of plasma lipid peroxides and the occurrence of intravascular hemolysis. SM-SOD also inhibited the deposition of casts in renal tubules. These results indicate that superoxide radicals play critical roles in the pathogenesis of intravascular hemolysis and renal damage induced by burn injury.

Clinical evaluation of the use-dependent QRS prolongation and the reverse use-dependent QT prolongation of class I and class III antiarrhythmic agents and their value in predicting efficacy

We measured the QRS duration during a treadmill exercise test and the QT interval using a 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram at various heart rates to identify use-dependent QRS prolongation and reverse use-dependent QT prolongation of class I and III antiarrhythmic drugs. Use-dependent QRS prolongation was detected in 61%, 53%, and 64% of patients receiving disopyramide, mexiletine, and pilsicainide, respectively. Reverse use-dependent QT prolongation was found in 40% and 70% of patients receiving disopyramide and E4031. Drugs suppressed > or = 75% of the total premature ventricular contractions in all patients who had both use-dependent QRS prolongation and reverse use-dependent QT prolongation, in 79% of patients with use-dependent QRS prolongation alone, in 70% with reverse use-dependent QT prolongation alone, and in 11% with neither use-dependent QRS prolongation nor reverse use-dependent QT prolongation. Use-dependent QRS prolongation and reverse use-dependent QT prolongation were identified noninvasively and were useful in evaluating antiarrhythmic efficacy.

Ionic mechanism of minoxidil sulfate-induced shortening of action potential durations in guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Patch-clamp techniques were used to study pharmacological effects of minoxidil sulfate (MNXS) on the membrane currents of enzymatically isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. In the whole-cell current-clamp mode, MNXS (100 microM) shortened the action potential duration without affecting the resting membrane potential. This action was antagonized in part by 1 microM glibenclamide, a specific blocker of ATP-sensitive K+ channel. Under the whole-cell voltage-clamp condition, MNXS increased the time-independent outward current, in a dose-dependent manner, at voltages more positive to -73.5 mV. This MNXS-induced outward current was inhibited completely by 1 microM glibenclamide. In inside-out patch membranes, MNXS (100 microM) applied to the cytosolic side produced a reversible activation of ATP-sensitive K+ channels. This MNXS-dependent increase in the single-channel activity was abolished by increasing the ATP concentration to 3 mM or by adding 1 microM glibenclamide. Even after complete rundown of the channel activity in inside-out patches, MNXS could reactivate in part the channel in 22 of 35 patches. In addition, MNXS was found to suppress whole-cell L-type Ca++ channel currents in a dose-dependent manner. This MNXS effect on Ca++ currents was not antagonized by 1-3 microM glibenclamide. We conclude that MNXS shortens the cardiac action potential duration by both increasing ATP-sensitive K+ channel currents and decreasing L-type Ca++ channel currents.

Development of active center-directed plasmin and plasma kallikrein inhibitors and studies on the structure-inhibitory activity relationship

The molecule of trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarbonylphenylalanine 4-carboxymethylanilide (8), which is a potent and selective inhibitor of plasma kallikrein, can be divided into three parts (P1, P1' and P2'), each of which contains one of the rings. In order to study the role of each part in the manifestation of potent and selective inhibitory activity and the relationship between the structure and inhibitory activities toward plasmin, plasma kallikrein, urokinase and thrombin, each part was substituted with various other moieties to give many kinds of analogs and their inhibitory activities against the above enzymes were examined. Among them, trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarbonyl-O-2-bromobenzyloxycarbon yltyrosine 4-acetylanilide (12) inhibited plasmin and plasma kallikrein with IC50 values of 2.3 x 10(-7) M and 3.7 x 10(-7) M, and K(i) values of 1.2 x 10(-7) M and 1.3 x 10(-7) M, respectively.

[A clinical experience of agranulocytosis just after open heart surgery]

A 63-year-old woman who underwent aortic and mitral valve replacement developed agranulocytosis just after operation. It was considered that agranulocytosis was caused by bone marrow suppression by antiarrhythmic agent and extracorporeal circulation. Her white blood cell counts decreased to 300/mm3 on the third postoperative day, but increased surprisingly 5 days after administration of G-CSF. Fortunately she did not suffered from severe infection, and thereafter postoperative course was uneventful. Although agranulocytosis just after open heart surgery has not been reported, it appears that G-CSF might be useful.

Human olfactory neurons respond to odor stimuli with an increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+

The sense of smell allows terrestrial animals to collect information about the chemical nature of their environment through the detection of airborne molecules. In humans smell is believed to play an important role in protecting the organism from environmental hazards such as fire, gas leaks and spoiled food, in determining the flavor of foods, and perhaps in infant-parent bonding. In addition, the study of human olfaction is relevant to a number of medical problems that result in olfactory dysfunction, which can affect nutritional state, and to the study of the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases which manifest themselves in the olfactory epithelium. Although much is known about behavioral aspects of human olfaction, little is understood about the underlying cellular mechanisms in humans. Here we report that viable human olfactory neurons (HON) can be isolated from olfactory tissue biopsies, and we find that HON respond to odorants with an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Cai]).

The prognostic value of the HNK-1 (Leu-7) antigen in prostatic cancer--an immunohistochemical study

The anti-HNK-1 (Leu-7) monoclonal antibody (MAb) was revealed to be reactive with noncancerous and cancerous prostatic epithelial cells, although this antibody was originally found to be reactive against natural killer cells. However, the prognostic significance of HNK-1 antigen in prostatic cancer patients remains unknown. The expression of HNK-1 antigen on prostatic cancer was investigated immunohistochemically using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method with the anti-HNK-1 monoclonal antibody. Of the 52 patients with prostatic cancer, 49 patients (94%) showed reactivity to anti-HNK-1 MAb and the immunoreaction was associated with the histological differentiation of prostatic cancer. Well differentiated cancer showed the highest percentage of positively stained cancer cells and poorly differentiated cancer showed the lowest percentage. No statistically significant differences existed between groups classified by stage, although the more advanced cancers tended to have weaker reactions. The five-year survival rate and interval free of progression were then studied using the Kaplan-Meier method on 33 patients with stage D2 disease who had received endocrine therapy. The findings indicated that a high survival rate and a longer interval free of progression were associated with a higher fraction of positively stained cancer cells. In conclusion, the expression of HNK-1 antigen on prostatic cancer may be a useful prognostic factor in patients with prostatic cancer.

Expansion of alpha beta T-cell receptor-bearing intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes after microbial colonization in germ-free mice and its independence from thymus

A large proportion of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) comprises alpha beta and gamma delta T-cell receptor (TcR)-bearing T cells. The numbers of alpha beta and gamma delta IEL are reported to be very different between germ-free and conventional microbial conditions. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of both types of TcR-bearing cells after microbial colonization in germ-free mice and the influence of thymus deprivation on IEL populations during the microbial association process. Immediately after association with microbes in germ-free animals, the number of alpha beta TcR-bearing IEL gradually increased. Fourteen days after microbial association the number of alpha beta IEL equalled that of gamma delta TcR-bearing IEL. Approximately 1 month after microbial association, the number of alpha beta IEL was several times greater than that of gamma delta IEL, having almost reached the level in conventional mice reared in a conventional animal room after birth. On the other hand the number of gamma delta IEL hardly changed throughout this microbial association process. Two-colour analysis involving anti-alpha beta TcR and anti-Lyt-2 or Lyt-3 antibodies showed that the major fraction of IEL that increased after microbial association comprised alpha beta TcR-bearing T cells expressing CD8 antigen composed of a homodimer of alpha-chains, which was not detected in other gut associated-lymphoid tissues (GALT) such as Peyer's patch, mesenteric lymph node and lamina propria tissue. The number of alpha beta T cells in these GALT increased within 1 week more quickly than that of IEL. The increase in alpha beta IEL after microbial association was not prevented by thymectomy. These results strongly suggest that the progenitors of alpha beta TcR-bearing IEL expand outside the thymus in response to microbial colonization in germ-free mice.

Serine released from hippocampal slices during deprivation of oxygen and glucose enhances the effects of glutamate on neuronal function

Using guinea-pig hippocampal slices, we determined the amount of various amino acids released into the medium during deprivation of oxygen and glucose. Within 10 min of slices being deprived of O2 and glucose, the amounts of serine, aspartate, alanine, glycine, GABA, taurine and threonine released into the medium increased up to 1.7 (serine), 1.6 (aspartate), 1.6 (alanine), 1.9 (glycine), 2.0 (GABA), 1.4 (taurine) and 1.8 (threonine) times the control levels, respectively. The amount of serine released 10 min after O2 and glucose deprivation was four times as great as that of glutamate. The dose-response effects of glutamate and serine were studied on the population spikes evoked in the granular cell layer. Bath application of 100 microM serine elevated the amplitude of the population spike to 117% and at 10 mM depressed it completely. The dose-response curve for glutamate displayed a similar pattern but the effectiveness was 10 times higher than that of serine. The combined application of glutamate (300 microM) and serine (2 mM) produced a dramatic reduction in and depression of the amplitude of the population spike, although 300 microM glutamate and 2 mM serine individually failed to show a significant effect. The population spike was depressed by the addition of 1 mM glutamate but, after washing, it recovered completely. On the other hand treatment with 1 mM glutamate together with 5 mM serine caused no recovery of the population spike even after removal of the agents.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Treatment results of total cystectomy for patients with bladder cancer]

We assessed the treatment outcome of total cystectomy for 93 patients (71 men and 22 women) with bladder cancer treated in the Public Toyooka Hospital from 1970 to 1989. Patient age varied from 36 to 87 (mean 67). The overall actuarial survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 51% and 36%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates were 72% for grade 2 and 44% for grade 3 disease. The 5-year survival rates according to the pathological stage were 66% for pT0-1, 51% for pT2, 35% for pT3, 44% for pT4a disease. A statistical difference was noted between the 5-year survival rate of patients with pT0-2 disease and that with pT3. Patients with pT4aN0 disease showed a relatively high survival rate (67%). The 5-year survival rates were 54% for the patients with negative lymph node and 22% for those with positive lymph node. Although we could not demonstrate the efficacy of preoperative radiotherapy, the combination of radiation and chemotherapy was suggested to improve the survival after cystectomy. Patients who received simultaneous urethrectomy showed a higher 5-year survival rate as compared to those who did not.

Effect of a peptide leukotriene receptor antagonist, ONO-1078, on guinea-pig models of asthma

Peptide leukotrienes have been suggested to play an important role in bronchial asthma. As antigen-induced bronchoconstrictions, airway hyperreactivity, and pulmonary eosinophil accumulation are characteristics of the pathology of asthma, we investigated the effect of a peptide leukotriene receptor antagonist, ONO-1078, on these responses using guinea-pig models of asthma. Oral administration of ONO-1078 (3 mg/kg) significantly inhibited slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis-mediated bronchoconstriction induced by i.v. administered ovalbumin. ONO-1078 (30-100 mg/kg), when administered orally both 1 h before and 4 h after ovalbumin challenge, significantly reduced immediate- and late-phase asthmatic responses, with peak responses occurring immediately and 5-11 h after challenge with inhaled ovalbumin. Oral administration of ONO-1078 significantly reduced the airway hyperreactivity (10-30 mg/kg) and the pulmonary eosinophil accumulation (30-100 mg/kg) observed 4 and 24 h after ovalbumin challenge, respectively. These results suggest that ONO-1078 may be of therapeutic use for bronchial asthma.