A monoclonal antibody which inhibits growth of T cell lines

In an attempt to elucidate the intricate structure and possibly the signal transduction pathway of the interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) we tried to produce monoclonal antibodies against putative human IL-2R-associated molecules which precipitated from YT2C2 cells with a monoclonal antibody (Mik beta 3) against the human IL-2R beta chain. One of the antibodies obtained (7 x A10) recognizes a cell surface molecule of about 120 kDa (p120). Cross-linking of [125I]-IL-2 and immunoprecipitation with 7 x A10 suggest that the p120 protein may somehow associate physically with the IL-2R beta chain. Although p120 itself did not bind IL-2, and 7 x A10 did not inhibit IL-2 binding to the IL-2R, growth of the human IL-2-dependent cell lines ED40515 and Kit225 was completely inhibited by adding 7 x A10 to the culture at a relatively low concentration (0.2 micrograms/ml). At a higher concentration (2 micrograms/ml) 7 x A10 inhibited the growth of YTC3 and YT2C2 cells expressing IL-2Rs with high and intermediate affinities, respectively. The B cell line FLEB-14 and the erythroid cell line K562, which both express p120 as determined by flow cytometry, but no IL-2R alpha or beta chains showed only slight proliferation changes at high 7 x A10 concentrations. Out of 16 lymphocyte cell lines tested so far, only Molt-4, Raji and Daudi did not express p120, and therefore 7 x A10 did not influence their growth behavior.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A 13-week subacute oral toxicity study of 6-amidino-2-naphthyl 4-[(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl) amino] benzoate dimethanesulfonate (FUT-187) in rats]

The toxicity of FUT-187, a synthetic protease inhibitor, was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. FUT-187 was given orally to the rats at doses of 2, 10, 50, 250 and 1250 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks, then the drug was withdrawn for 5 weeks for recovery. The results are summarized as follows: In the 1250 mg/kg/day group, 9 out of 20 males died with decreased body weight and exhaustion. Histopathological examination revealed renal papillary necrosis, ulcer in the urinary bladder, hemostatic lesions in the lungs and liver, ulcer or erosion in the stomach, duodenum and jejunum. The surviving animals in this group showed swelling of the limbs due to synovitis, transient salivation immediately after administration, suppression of growth with decreased food consumption. Urinalysis revealed a low pH, increased ketones and bilirubin excretion, dark yellowish change in color, the appearance of "leaflet-shaped" crystals and increased red blood cells and epithelial cells in the urinary sediment, increased water intake, decreased specific gravity and decreased sodium, potassium and chloride in the urine. Hematologically, there was an increase in the white blood cell count. A biochemical analysis of the blood revealed decreased amylase activity, glucose and total protein levels and increased GOT activity and inorganic phosphorus levels. Pathological changes were observed in the pancreas, kidney, digestive tract, urinary bladder and liver. The pancreas showed macroscopical enlargement and increased organ weight. Histopathologically, there were several alterations in the acinar cells, such as vacuolization due to increased fat droplets, nuclear irregularity, prominent nucleoli, irregular arrangement and vesiculation of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), dilatation of developed Golgi apparatus and increased free ribosomes. In the kidney, increased weight and pigmentation in the proximal tubular epithelium were noted. Electron microscopically, these pigments were recognized as secondary lysosomes containing filamentous material and electron dense granules within a lucent matrix. In the digestive tract, ulcer or erosion in the stomach and duodenum, and villous proliferation in the small intestine were observed. Furthermore, hyperplasia and vacuolization were noted in the mucosal epithelium of the urinary bladder. In addition, loss of perilobular fat droplets in the liver and increased adrenal weight without histological change were observed. After a 5-week recovery period, these changes disappeared almost completely. In the 250 mg/kg/day group, slight suppression of growth the appearance of "leaflet-shaped" crystals in the urinary , sediment, increased water intake and decreased sodium in the urine were observed. The pancreas showed enlargement, increased weight, acinar cell hypertrophy with increased zymogen granules, fine vacuolization, slight derangement and vesicular of rER, and dilatation of Golgi apparatus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[A 52-week oral chronic toxicity study of 6-amidino-2-naphthyl 4-[(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)amino] benzoate dimethanesulfonate (FUT-187) in rats with a recovery period of 5 weeks

The chronic toxicity of FUT-187, a synthetic protease inhibitor, was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. FUT-187 was given orally to the rats at doses of 0.4, 2, 10, 50 and 250 mg/kg/day for 52 weeks. The drug was then withdrawn for 5 weeks. The results are summarized as follows: There were no deaths or toxic signs caused by the drug throughout the experimental period. There were no drug-related changes in food consumption, ophthalmological examination, hematology or blood chemistry. Slight suppression of growth was observed in males in the 250 mg/kg group. This change was reversed on withdrawal of the drug. Drug crystals were observed in the urinary sediments of both sexes in the 250 mg/kg group, but this change disappeared on withdrawal of the drug. Gross pathological examination revealed the following changes: enlargement and nodule formation in the pancreas in both sexes given more than 10 mg/kg of the drug; dark red spots in the glandular stomach in males in the 250 mg/kg group; thickening of the small intestinal walls in both sexes given more than 50 mg/kg. Of these organs, no changes were observed in the stomach and small intestine at the end of the recovery period. Increased pancreas weight was observed in both sexes given more than 50 mg/kg of the drug. Examination at the end of the recovery period suggested reversibility, showing a lesser degree of change. Histopathological examination revealed the following changes in the pancreatic acinar cells: acidophilic foci and nodules in both sexes given more than 10 mg/kg of the drug; adenoma in one male in the 250 mg/kg group; increased zymogen granules in both sexes given more than 50 mg/kg of drug; fine vacuolization in females in the 250 mg/kg group. At the end of the recovery period, increased zymogen granules and fine vacuolization of the acinar cells were not found. Furthermore, erosion or healed erosion in the glandular stomach, duodenum and jejunum was observed in a few males or females in the 250 mg/kg group, but those changes disappeared after the recovery period. In the liver, altered cell foci was observed more frequently in males in the 250 mg/kg group than the other groups, but this change also disappeared after the recovery period. In addition, brown pigmentation in the proximal renal tubules of the kidney was observed in both sexes in the 250 mg/kg group, but lesions observed in the examination after the recovery period were less noticeable than in the examination at the end of the administration period.

[A 13-week subcutaneous toxicity study of prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) in rats]

The toxicity of Prednisolone farnesylate (PNF), a synthetic glucocorticoid, was investigated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. PNF was injected subcutaneously at doses of 0.03, 0.3, 3 and 30 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks. In addition, 18.7 mg/kg/day prednisolone (PN), which is approximate to 30 mg/kg/day PNF in prednisolone molarity, was also administered to the rat for comparison. The results are summarized as follows: 1. All animals from the PN 18.7 mg/kg/day group, and four(4) out of ten(10) males and three(3) out of ten(10) females from the PNF 30 mg/kg/day group died having shown weakened condition such as unkempt fur and emaciation. Histopathologically, systemic suppurative inflammation, as shown by pyeronephritis and abscess formation in many organs and tissues, was observed and it was considered that the administration of steroid induced weakened condition and systemic suppuration which resulted in death. In addition, atrophy was noted in the adrenal glands, lymphatic organs and skin, and histopathological lesions were also observed in the lungs, liver, pancreatic islets, bone, bone marrow and mammary glands. 2. Surviving animals in the PNF 30 mg/kg/day group showed almost the same changes as those observed in the dead animals that died. Hematological examination revealed an anemic change and a decrease in lymphocytes with an increase in segmented neutrophils and eosinophils. In the urinalysis and blood chemistry, the changes suggesting damages to the liver and kidneys were mainly observed. 3. In the PNF 3 and 0.3 mg/kg/day groups, several changes such as atrophy of the adrenal glands, lymphatic organs and skin were noted in a dose dependent manner. 4. In the PNF 0.03 mg/kg/day group, ther were no toxic signs. 5. Based on these results, it was concluded that the overt toxic dose of PNF was 0.3 mg/kg/day and the non-toxic dose was 0.03 mg/kg/day in the present study.

[A 13-week dermal toxicity study of prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) gel in rats with a recovery period of 5 weeks]

The toxicity of Prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) gel, a synthetic glucocorticoid, was investigated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. PNF gel was administered dermally to the rats at doses of 0.25, 1, 4 and 16 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks, then the drug was withdrawn for 5 weeks to evaluate the reversibility. In addition, 10 mg/kg/day prednisolone gel (PN gel), which is approximate to 16 mg/kg/day PNF gel in prednisolone molarity, was also administered to the rats for comparison. The results are summarized as follows: 1. In the PNF gel 16 mg/kg/day group, temporary erythema at the application site, retarded body weight gains, a decrease in the white blood cell count and lymphocyte ratio with an increase in the segmented neutrophil ratio, an elevation of serum AIP activity were observed. The pathological examinations revealed atrophy of the adrenal glands, lymphatic organs and skin. In addition, histopathological lesions were also found in the liver, pancreatic islets, bone, bone marrow and mammary glands. 2. In the PNF gel 4 mg/kg/day group, retarded body weight gains were observed, and histopathological lesions were noted in the adrenal glands, lymphatic organs, skin at the application site, liver and bone marrows. 3. In the groups that received less than 1 mg/kg/day of PNF gel, there were no toxic signs induced by the drug. 4. In the PN gel 10 mg/kg/day group, drug-related changes were almost similar to those of the PNF gel group, but the severity of the lesions was stronger than in the PNF gel group. 5. After the 5-week recovery period, the above changes almost completely disappeared and so it was demonstrated that the changes were reversible. 6. Based on these results, it was concluded that the overt toxic dose of PNF gel was 4 mg/kg/day and the non-toxic dose was 1 mg/kg/day in the present study.

[A 52-week dermal toxicity study of prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) gel in rats with a recovery period of 8 weeks]

The toxicity of Prednisolone farnesylate (PNF) gel, a synthetic glucocorticoid, was investigated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. PNF gel was administered dermally to the rats at doses of 0.125, 0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg/day for 52 weeks, then the drug was withdrawn for 8 weeks to evaluate the reversibility. The results are summarized as follows: 1. In the PNF gel 2.0 mg/kg/day group, thinning of the skin at the application site, slightly retarded body weight gains, a tendency toward a decrease in the white blood cell count, an elevation of serum GOT and GPT activity, free fatty acid level, and a decrease in alpha 1-globulin fraction were observed. In the pathological examinations, decreased organ weights of the thymus, spleen and adrenal glands, and thinning of the skin were observed. Histopathological examination revealed atrophy of the thymus and zona fasciculata of the adrenal glands, thinning of the skin with atrophied skin appendages, and hepatocellular hypertrophy with hypertrophied uncleus in the perilobular zone. 2. In the PNF gel 0.5 mg/kg/day group, thinning of the skin at the application site and a decrease in alpha 1-globulin fraction were observed. Histopathologically, thinning of the skin atrophied skin appendages was observed. 3. In the PNF gel 0.125 mg/kg/day group, there were no toxic signs induced by the drug. 4. After the 8-week recovery period, the changes in the skin were observed in the 2.0 mg/kg/day group, but the severity was lowered. The other changes disappeared and so it was demonstrated that the changes were reversible. 5. Based on these results, it was concluded that the overt toxic dose of PNF gel was 0.5 mg/kg/day and the non-toxic dose was 0.125 mg/kg/day in the present study.

[Sharp decline in plasma CEA and reduction of liver metastasis after UFT administration in a patient with recurrent gastric cancer]

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in plasma is useful for the detection of recurrent colonic or gastric cancer and the monitoring of plasma in patients with recurrent cancer displaying therapeutic effect. We report a sharp decline of CEA in a patient with recurrent gastric cancer by 6 months oral administration of UFT. The patient was an 81-year-old male who had undergone gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. Eight months post-operatively, the plasma CEA began to rise logarithmically, and recurrent tumor in the remnant stomach and liver metastasis were detected by fibergastroscope (FGS) and abdominal CT. After administration of UFT at a dose of 300 mg per day, CEA abruptly declined logarithmically and normalized in 6 months. Presently marked reduction of recurrent foci and metastases were found by FGS and abdominal CT. Therefore sequential changes in plasma CEA in this patient can be considered to reflect the effect of therapy for recurrent gastric cancer by UFT.

Membrane-associated phospholipase A2 stimulates DNA synthesis in two murine fibroblasts

The effect of human membrane-associated phospholipase A2 (M-PLA2) on DNA synthesis in fibroblasts was examined in order to clarify its biological function. Human M-PLA2 added exogenously to the fibroblast cell lines Swiss 3T3 and BALB/3T3 was found to augment their DNA synthesis. This stimulation of DNA synthesis was not affected by treatment with indomethacin. Our results suggest that human M-PLA2 itself has a mitogenic effect on fibroblasts independent of arachidonate products such as prostaglandins.

Influence of caffeic acid and other o-dihydroxybenzene derivatives on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-initiated rat forestomach carcinogenesis

Promotion effects of the o-dihydroxybenzene derivatives, protocatechuic acid (PCA), dopamine hydrochloride (DAH), dl-dopa and caffeic acid on forestomach and glandular stomach carcinogenesis were investigated in rats pretreated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Groups of 20 male F344 rats were given a single intragastric administration of 150 mg/kg body wt MNNG and starting 1 week later than received diet containing 1.5% PCA, 1.5% DAH, 1.5% dl-dopa or 1% caffeic acid or basal diet alone for 51 weeks and then killed. Other groups of 10-15 rats were given PCA, DAH, dl-dopa or basal diet alone without the MNNG pretreatment. On histological assessment, the incidences of forestomach papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas were significantly enhanced in the group treated with caffeic acid (95 and 100%) as compared with the control values (35 and 10%). Although the incidence was not different, the number of papillomas per rat in the group given DAH (0.79 +/- 0.79) was also significantly increased (0.35 +/- 0.49). PCA and dl-dopa treatments did not modify the development of neoplastic lesions in the forestomach epithelium to any significant extent. None of the four chemicals enhanced glandular stomach carcinogenesis. The results thus demonstrated that whereas caffeic acid and DAH respectively, exert strong and weak promotion activity for rat forestomach carcinogenesis this promotion potential is not shared by all dihydroxybenzene derivatives. An influence of substituents in the para position in addition to the o-dihydroxy moiety is indicated.

Effects of intracarotid infusion of neuropeptide Y on cerebral blood flow in rats

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) was continuously administered to Wistar rats intracarotidly via the external carotid artery and local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) was measured by a quantitative autoradiography using [14C]iodoantipyrine. A remarkable reduction in LCBF was observed in the NPY infused hemisphere. This depression was irregular and was particularly evident in the hippocampus, selective thalamic nuclei and the cerebral cortex.

Reversibility of catechol-induced rat glandular stomach lesions

The potential reversibility of glandular stomach lesions induced by the clastogen, catechol, was examined in groups of male F344 rats treated continuously with 0.8% catechol in the diet for 12, 24, 48, 72, or 96 weeks. After a return to basal diet for 84, 72, 48, 24, and 0 weeks, respectively, the animals were killed for histopathological examination. Incidences of submucosal hyperplasia, adenomas and adenocarcinomas, average number of tumors per rat, and the size of tumors in rats treated with catechol for 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 weeks increased time dependently. After cessation of catechol treatment, although average number of tumors per rat slightly decreased, the size of tumors tended to increase. Labeling indices in both tumorous and nontumorous areas decreased after cessation of catechol treatment. The results thus indicate that whereas some submucosal hyperplasias or adenomas may regress, others have the potential to develop into adenomas or adenocarcinomas. However, tumor growth does depend to a certain extent on continued catechol treatment.

[Evaluation of hepatitis B virus markers for surrogate testing of hepatitis C]

To evaluate the surrogate markers of non-A, non-B hepatitis virus (es) carriage state, the relationship between antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and antibody to HBc/HBs and liver enzyme (ALT) was sought in Saitama prefecture. Out of 36,642 blood donor samples, 410 (1.1%) samples were positive for anti-HCV. Anti-HCV was found in 1.79% of donors with anti-HBs and/or anti-HBc, which is 1.7 fold of the frequency found in donors (1.04%) negative for anti-HBc/HBs. In contrast to the reports from Europe or USA, a poor correlation of anti-HCV with the serological history of hepatitis B infection was observed. These results indicate that hepatitis B and hepatitis C were transmitted independently in the Japanese, which is more homogeneous socioeconomically than the European or American populations. On the other hand, anti-HCV prevalence was in close correlation to ALT level as observed in the USA and in Europe. As we predicted previously, ALT can be expected to reduce the incidence of post-transfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis, however, anti-HBc can not.

Para-methoxyphenol strongly stimulates cell proliferation in the rat forestomach but is not a promoter of rat forestomach carcinogenesis

The modifying effects of para-methoxyphenol (PMP) second stage treatment on N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-initiated rat forestomach carcinogenesis were investigated. Groups of 15 6 week old male F344 rats were given a single intragastric administration of 150 mg/kg body wt MNNG and starting 1 week later were administered powdered diet containing 2.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25 or 0% PMP until they were killed at week 52. PMP caused epithelial damage and hyperplasia in a dose-dependent manner in the forestomach epithelium, but nevertheless was not associated with any increase in the incidence of either papillomas or squamous cell carcinomas. The results thus clearly indicated that stimulation of cell proliferation does not necessarily correlate with promotion in the second stage of two-stage forestomach carcinogenesis.

Diffuse low-density areas in white matter on CT scans after intracarotid ACNU infusion--report of three cases

Since 1984, we have treated 11 malignant glioma patients with intracarotid infusion of ACNU [1-(4-amino-2-methyl-5-pyrimidinyl)-methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)- 3-nitrosourea hydrochloride] in addition to surgical removal and irradiation. We experienced three patients, who showed clinical manifestation of leukoencephalopathy and computed tomographic (CT) findings of diffuse low-density areas in the white matter on the side of ACNU infusion. Two of the three patients showed an additional CT finding of ring enhancement in the temporo-occipital region. The histological diagnosis of the first case was radiation necrosis, while that of the others was recurrent tumor with coagulation necrosis in the surrounding brain. Our experience suggests that intracarotid ACNU infusion increases the hazard of radiation necrosis, and the optimum dose and effective mode of administration should be evaluated.

Asian-American educational achievements. A phenomenon in search of an explanation

Considerable attention has been paid to the academic achievements of Asian Americans because there is convergent evidence that this population has attained high educational mobility. In trying to explain the achievement patterns, researchers have largely limited their investigations to one of two contrasting hypotheses involving (a) hereditary differences in intelligence between Asians and Whites and (b) Asian cultural values that promote educational endeavors. Research findings have cast serious doubt over the validity of the genetic hypothesis. Yet, there has been a failure to find strong empirical support for alternative hypothesis concerning cultural values. It is proposed, under the concept of relative functionalism, that Asian Americans perceive, and have experienced, restrictions in upward mobility in careers or jobs that are unrelated to education. Consequently, education assumes importance, above and beyond what can be predicted from cultural values. Research and policy implications of this view are noted.

[Three-month oral subacute toxicity study of mofezolac (N-22) in rats]

A three-month oral subacute toxicity study of mofezolac (N-22), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, was performed using dose levels of 6, 20, 60 and 200 mg/kg in rats, and recovery was also assessed one month after withdrawal. 1. Toxic signs caused by N-22 administration, observed only in the 200 mg/kg group, were as follows: soiling around the mouth and/or nose, piloerection, anemia, diarrhea, emaciation and decreased spontaneous locomotor activity. Nine males and thirteen females in the 200 mg/kg group excreted bloody diarrhea and died of general exhaustion between weeks four and thirteen of study. 2. In the 200 mg/kg group, decrease in food consumption and suppression of body weight gain were noted in males from about week four and in females from about week six after initiation of administration, and increase in water consumption was noted in males from about week seven. 3. Urinary examination revealed a decline in urinary pH in males of the 20 mg/kg and above groups and elevation of urobilinogen levels in males of the 60 and 200 mg/kg groups. 4. Hematological examination showed decreases in erythrocyte count (RBC), hematocrit value (Ht) and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and increase in reticulocyte rate in both sexes of the 200 mg/kg group and an increase in neutrophil rate in males of the 200 mg/kg group. 5. Biochemical examination demonstrated a decrease in chloride (Cl-) in males receiving the 20 mg/kg or above doses and a decrease in calcium (Ca++) in males of the 60 and 200 mg/kg groups. Moreover, there were decreases in cholinesterase (ChE) activity, total protein (TP) and albumin (Alb) values, as well as increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA) and potassium (K+) in both sexes of the 200 mg/kg group, along with elevations in GOT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in females of the 200 mg/kg group. 6. The absolute and/or relative organ weights for liver, kidneys, spleen and adrenals were increased in the 200 mg/kg group. 7. On pathological examination, perforating ulceration in the jejunum and ileum, turbid ascites, adhesion and inflammatory changes in capsules of the abdominal organs, splenomegaly, mesenteric lymph node hyperplasia and inflammatory changes in the thoracic cavity were observed in dead animals of the 200 mg/kg group. Similar pathological changes were observed in a few survival cases of the 200 mg/kg group. 8. After a one month recovery period, the above-mentioned changes had mostly recovered, indicating that they were reversible.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibitory effects of mold oil including gamma-linolenate on platelet thrombus formation in mesenteric microvessels of the rat

Diet including mold oil from a lipid accumulative fungus, containing gamma-linolenic acid, showed an inhibitory effect on thrombus formation in the microvessels of rats by the light/dye method of the authors. Male Wistar rats were fed for 3 to 4 weeks with two series of experimental diets and were examined for thrombus formation. The thrombus formation times to totally occlude, ts, were 347 sec for (mold + soybean)-oil and 236 sec for (palm + soybean)-oil in the first series of diets and 1288 sec for mold oil, 538 sec for olive oil and 575 sec for safflower oil in the second series of diets. Fatty acid composition of plasma, erythrocyte and liver lipids showed an increase in arachidonate content with the diet including the mold oil. Higher arachidonate content seem favorable in inhibiting thrombus formation with increasing PGI2 formation. In terms of the level of lipid hydroperoxides, indicated as a desaturation index of constituent fatty acids, the higher desaturation index with safflower oil gave shorter ts, which suggested some oxygen derived free radicals from polyunsaturated fatty acids were involved in the mechanism of thrombogenesis study by this method.

Asian-American educational achievements: A phenomenon in search of an explanation

Considerable attention has been paid to the academic achievements of Asian Americans because there is convergent evidence that this population has attained high educational mobility. In trying to explain the achievement patterns, researchers have largely limited their investigations to one of two contrasting hypotheses involving (a) hereditary differences in intelligence between Asians and Whites and (b) Asian cultural values that promote educational endeavors. Research findings have cast serious doubt over the validity of the genetic hypothesis. Yet, there has been a failure to find strong empirical support for alternative hypothesis concerning cultural values. It is proposed, under the concept of relative functionalism, that Asian Americans perceive, and have experienced, restrictions in upward mobility in careers or jobs that are unrelated to education. Consequently, education assumes importance, above and beyond what can be predicted from cultural values. Research and policy implications of this view are noted.

[Subarachnoid anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine]

The effect, duration and complications of subarachnoid anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine solution, adjusted at a gravity of 1.044 and 1.033 by adding glucose, were compared with those of isobaric 0.5% bupivacaine anesthesia. Thirty patients undergoing surgical operations on lower abdomen or lower extremities were divided into three groups and given 2.0 to 4.0 ml of bupivacaine at L3-4 according to the body height. The upper margin of analgesic zone at 15min and 60min after the subarachnoid injection of bupivacaine was higher in the hyperbaric groups, but it receded thereafter and significant differences were found at 120min compared with the isobaric group. Hypotension occurred less frequently in the hyperbaric groups. The short duration of analgesia in the hyperbaric groups may be attributable to the lower concentrations of bupivacaine, 0.40 and 0.45%, but the low frequency of hypotension might be due to the younger mean ages of these two groups. No notable complications were found in any group. Bupivacaine solution of 0.5% with a higher gravity is desired in the market.

Dose of urokinase for intracoronary thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Intracoronary thrombolysis is a logical therapeutic method and one of the challenging new treatments of acute myocardial infarction. However, a wide dose range of urokinase has been reported, and the optimal dose has not yet been established. In this study the fibrinolytic activity in patients with recanalized coronary arteries was compared with that in those with nonrecanalized arteries. The mean doses of urokinase in the recanalized and non-recanalized groups were 910,700 +/- 161,730 international units (IU) and 1,008,000 +/- 151,800 IU, respectively. The fibrinolytic activity was measured with alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor, alpha 2-macroglobulin, fibrinogen, plasminogen, and fibrin degradation products. No significant difference was observed in the fibrinolytic activity between the recanalized and nonrecanalized groups. Because the fibrinolytic activity in the two groups was thought to be activated sufficiently and to a similar degree, it appears that 1,000,000 IU of urokinase is adequate for intracoronary thrombolysis and larger doses cannot be expected to result in a higher rate of recanalization.

[Study on the toxicity of SF-1008C (II): Subacute toxicity study in rats]

The toxicity of an elemental diet (SF-1008C) for hepatic failure and recovery after administration were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were orally administered the drug in doses of 10, 20 and 30 g/kg/day for five weeks, after which, recovery was studied for five weeks. The results were summarized as below: In the 30 g/kg/day group, decreases in food and water consumption were observed, while the body weight gain and the rate of body weight gain were high compared to the treated control group. In addition, urinary pH and serum total protein were lower, and serum glucose and calcium levels were higher than in the treated control group, but these results were not considered to be due to the drug's toxicity. In the 20 and 10 g/kg/day groups, a slight decrease in food consumption was observed, though the rate of body weight gain was higher than in the treated control group. Slight decreases in urinary pH and serum total protein were observed, but were not considered to be due to the toxic effect of the drug. From the above results, it was concluded that the maximal non-effect dose of SF-1008C in oral administration was 30 g/kg/day, which was the maximally applicable dose in rats.

[Study on toxicity of halopredone acetate. (II). Subacute toxicity study in rats]

Halopredone acetate (THS-201), a synthetic corticosteroid, is expected to be used clinically for intra-articular injection because of its long-lasting activity in the synovial bursa. Subacute toxicity study was carried out on THS-201 by using Jcl: Wistar rats. THS-201 was subcutaneously administered to the rat in doses of 0.1, 0.5, 2.5 and 12.5 mg/kg/day, with the periods for administration and recovery being 3 and 2 months, respectively. Methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) was used for the positive control in dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day. In the group of THS-201 12.5 mg/kg, the below findings were observed: thinning of lumbar hair, swelling of injection site, suppression in body weight gain and decrease of food consumption. The lesions to lymphatic system were indicated by the examinations of peripheral blood, autopsy and histopathology. Slight changes in erythrocytic and biochemical values were seen, and foreign body granuloma was observed in injected subcutis. These findings, exception for lesion of injection site, were almost recovered after the 2 month-recovery period. In the group of THS-201 2.5 mg/kg, some of the changes were noted slightly. In the groups of THS-201 0.5 and 0.1 mg/kg, any toxic changes attributable to THS-201 were not observed. On the other hand, in the group of MPA 0.5 mg/kg, similar findings noted in THS-201 12.5 mg/kg group were observed, but these changes were recovered almost completely at the end of the 2 month-recovery period. It was concluded that the non-toxic dose and the defined toxic dose of THS-201 in this study were 0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg/day, respectively.

[Study on toxicity of halopredone acetate. (I) Acute toxicity study in mice and rats]

Since halopredone acetate (THS-201), a synthetic corticosteroid, is expected to be used clinically for intra-articular injections because of its long-lasting activity in the synovial bursa, its acute toxicity was compared with that of triamsinolone acetonide (TA) and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA). The test animals were Jcl: ICR mice and Jcl: Wistar rats, and drugs were administered orally, intraperitoneally and subcutaneously. The LD50 values of THS-201 both in mice and rats were estimated more than 5000 mg/kg at each route, and these are for above larger than those of TA or MPA. Moreover, in oral and subcutaneous administration of THS-201, no severe toxic signs were observed either in mice or in rats. In intraperitoneal injection, a few of mice and rats died after showing several clinical signs and suppression of body weight gain, and their autopsy revealed atrophy of thymus, spleen and adrenal, induction of infection and hemorrhage in digestive tract. On the other hand, the mice and rats administered TA or MPA revealed the severe toxic signs such as loss of hair gloss, marked emaciation, decrease in spontaneous movement, anemia, bloated face, decrease or suppression of body weight gain, atrophy of thymus, spleen and adrenal, severe induction of infection and lesions in digestive tracts. Accordingly, it is concluded that the acute toxicity of THS-201 in mice and rats was lower than that of TA or MPA.

[Study on toxicity of halopredone acetate. (III). Chronic toxicity study in rats]

Chronic toxicity study of halopredone acetate (THS-201), a synthetic corticosteroid, was carried out using Jcl: Wistar rats. THS-201 was subcutaneously administered to the rat in doses of 0.02, 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg/day, with the periods for administration and recovery being 12 and 2 months, respectively. In the group of THS-201 2.5 mg/kg, the below findings were observed: thinning of lumbar hair, suppression in body weight gain, decrease of food consumption in both sexes and decrease of water consumption in male. The lesions to lymphatic system were indicated by the examinations of hemogram, organ weight and histopathology. A few changes in urinary and biochemical values were seen, and foreign body granuloma was observed in the injected subcutis. After 2 month-recovery period, above-mentioned findings almost disappeared. In the group of THS-201 0.5 mg/kg, some of the changes were noted slightly and disappeared after the recovery period. In the groups of THS-201 0.1 and 0.02 mg/kg, any toxic changes attributable to THS-201 were not observed. It was concluded that the non-toxic dose and the defined toxic dose of THS-201 in this study were 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg/day, respectively.

[Pituitary oncocytoma]

Since the first reports of pituitary oncocytoma by Kovacs and Horvath, and Landolt and Oswald increasing numbers of cases have been reported with the advent of electron microscopy. It has been posturated that more cases were not precisely diagnosed because of lack of electron microscopic study. We reported two cases of pituitary oncocytoma and discussed clinicopathological aspects. Case 1 A 66-year-old woman had a 6 year history of visual impairment. Neurological examination revealed loss of vision on the left and decreased visual acuity (0.3) with temporal hemianopsia on the right. The endocrinological study revealed moderate panhypopituitarism. Plain skull X-ray, computed tomography and cerebral angiography showed the findings of a pituitary tumor with suprasellar extension. Subfrontal removal of the tumor followed by irradiation was performed. Case 2 A 50-year-old man was well until 8 years previously, when he experienced loss of libido. Three years before entry, the left sided exophthalmos and ptosis were noted. Neurological examination showed a severe visual impairment with a bitemporal field defect, bilateral optic atrophy and disturbance of eye movements on the left. Endocrinological study revealed panhypopituitarism. Radiological studies showed a pituitary tumor with a suprasellar extension and an invasion into the left orbital cavity. Transcranial and then transsphenoidal partial removal of the tumor were done followed by irradiation. Histological examination of the tumors revealed a poorly granurated adenoma with very weak affinity to acid dyes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hormonal disturbances of fluid-electrolyte metabolism under altitude exposure in man

Early alterations in fluid, electrolytes, and their regulating hormones were investigated in men exposed to 6,000 m simulated altitude (2 h-ascent, 2 h-sojourn, 2 h-return). Hematocrit and serum protein rose with elevated serum osmolality and reduced urine flow upon arrival at 6,000 m, suggesting decreased plasma volume probably due to hypotonic fluid shift to intracellular spaces. Serum K declined reflecting respiratory alkalosis. The exposure raised plasma antidiuretic hormone (ADH), plasma renin activity (PRA), serum cortisol and aldosterone. Increases both in ADH and aldosterone showed close correlations with that in cortisol, suggesting that ADH may be elevated by hypoxic stress in addition to elevated serum osmolality and decreased plasma volume, and that increased secretion of adrenocorticotropin may be the main cause of increased aldosterone, though PRA involvement cannot be excluded. These rises in ADH and aldosterone may act to retain body water, and the latter may exaggerate alkalosis; thus, these hormonal changes may be related to acute mountain sickness.

Sequential morphological studies of the esophageal carcinoma of rats induced by N-methyl-N-amylnitrosamine

N-Methyl-N-amylnitrosamine was given to male Wistar rats in the drinking water at a concentration of 0.003% for 8 weeks. Three rats were autopsied weekly from the first to the 25th week. The stages of hyperplasia, dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma in the esophagus were chronologically observed. Hyperplasia and dysplasia were found by the 6th week and continuously observed until the end of the experiment. Early squamous cell carcinomas were found in the 13th week. They showed endophytic or exophytic growths. Histologically, the endophytic growths were well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas and the exophytic growths were poorly-differentiated. Advanced carcinomas were first found in the 15th week and were almost well-differentiated. Carcinomas were not found in papillomas. The incidence of carcinomas increased with time, being 9 out of 15 rats (60%) in the final 21st through 25th weeks. Lymph node metastasis was found in one rat, killed at the 24th week.

Increased 125I-labelled concanavalin A binding to erythrocytes in diabetes mellitus

Percentage binding of 125 I-labelled concanavalin A to erythrocytes in diabetic patients was significantly higher than that in normal subjects (12.2 +/- 2.8 versus 8.1 +/- 1.8%, mean +/- SD, p less than 0.001). Insulin-dependent diabetic patients showed significantly higher concanavalin A binding than non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects (15.0 +/- 1.4 versus 11.4 +/- 2.5%, p less than 0.01). There was a highly significant correlation between percentage binding of 125I-labelled concanavalin A and glycosylated haemoglobin.

Insulin binding to erythrocytes in diabetes mellitus

Insulin binding to erythrocytes was studied in diabetic patients. Insulin binding was lower in untreated diabetics and diabetic patients treated with diet or insulin than in normal subjects. Binding variation was mainly due to decreased binding site concentration in untreated and insulin-treated patients, and to lowered insulin binding site affinity in diet-treated patients. Several patients treated with hypoglycemic agents showed higher insulin binding due to increased binding site concentration. Insulin binding to erythrocytes may not always reflect the insulin binding status of insulin sensitive tissues.