[Comparison of positivity rates for antibodies against measles, rubella, chickenpox and mumps by assays]

Our previous study found mistakes by some doctors in the choice of an assay for determining antibodies in Japan. To compare the positivity rates for antibodies by assays, we measured the antibodies of measles, rubella, chickenpox and mumps from the same sera using such methods as the EIA, HI and CF assays. The subjects were 175 nursing students. The positivity rates for measles, chickenpox and mumps by the EIA assay were 96.6%, 93.7%, and 83.3%, respectively. Those for rubella by the HI and CF assays were 92.0% and 10.1%. The sensitivity rates for measles, chickenpox and mumps by the HI and CF assays, based on the results of the EIA assay, were 75.1%, 102.4% and 69.2% in the HI assay, and 20.6%, 38.7% and 8.0% in the CF assay, respectively. Our previous study showed that the sensitivity of the HI assay for rubella antibody is same as that of the EIA assay in Japan. Currently an EIA assay should be chosen for these antibodies and the HI assay or IAHA assay should be possible selections for rubella and chickenpox. However, international comparison of the cutoff titers for these antibodies should be considered.

Quantitative correlation between initial dissolution rate and heat of solution of drug

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to estimate the initial dissolution rate of drug substances by isothermal microcalorimetry. A theory was presented on the basis of Gibbs free energy and the Noyes-Whitney equation.

METHODS

Polymorphic forms and quenched glass of indomethacin, and some different crystallinity samples of terfenadine were used. The heats of solution of samples were measured by isothermal microcalorimetry. The initial dissolution rates of samples were measured by rotating disk method at 25 degrees C.

RESULTS

Each drug showed a linear correlation between the heats of solution and the logarithms of initial dissolution rate, irrespective of their different crystal structure, such as polymorphic forms and crystallinity. The logarithms of initial dissolution rates were well correlated with the degree of crystallinity obtained by the isothermal microcalorimetry.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial dissolution rates of drug substances could be estimated quantitatively from the heats of solution as estimated from the present theory. Isothermal microcalorimetry was extremely useful for the estimation of the initial dissolution rates of polymorphs and of partially crystalline samples.

[Clinical development of antitumor agent in Europe and USA--experience on CPT-11 development]

Irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) was approved first in Japan in January 1994, then in France in May 1995 and in the USA in June 1996. These approvals were given based on Japanese non-clinical data and the clinical data from phase I and II studies conducted independently in each country. It took almost 3 years in Japan to gain approval; however, six months were sufficient for approval in France and the USA. Systems are well established in Europe and the USA for clinical studies and the development of antitumor agents. It appears that, in Europe and the USA, cancer patients are well supported by society and that cancer chemotherapies are well understood in society as well.

Quantitative detection of apoptotic thymocytes in low-dose X-irradiated mice by an anti-single-stranded DNA antibody

The quantitative detection of apoptotic cells in low frequency in the thymus of mice irradiated with X-rays using an anti-single-stranded DNA antibody was explored. The antibody against single-stranded DNA (anti-ssDNA) was obtained with rabbits hyperimmunized with complexes of alkaline-denatured calf thymus DNA. AKR female mice were irradiated with 10 to 100 cGy or 4 Gy X-rays; thereafter, thymus sections were prepared at various times after irradiation. The detection and counting of apoptotic cells in the section were performed after histochemical staining using an anti-ssDNA antibody. The results demonstrate that, although sensitive and quantitative detection of apoptotic cells in irradiated thymus using the anti-ssDNA antibody is possible, the sensitivity is lower compared to that of in situ end-labeling methods, such as TUNEL or ISEL. The antibodies could also be used for rat thymus and spleen. In addition, an increase in positively stained cells by both methods was detected as early as 6 min after the irradiation of mice.

[Measures against hospital infection for students in medical schools in Japan--a survey by questionnaires]

We sent questionnaires to 80 medical schools in Japan to know what the problems in hospital infection for students in medical schools are. Seventy-one % were sent back to us. There have been hospital infection from patients to students in 12% of the medical schools, included 3 cases each of measles, chickenpox and mumps, 2 cases each of rubella, hepatitis B and tuberculosis. Fourteen % of the medical schools had reports about the past history of infection and vaccination from students, 70% of the schools determined their antibodies and the 28% did nothing. Ninety-three%, 25%, 23%, 18%, and 15%, of the schools determined antibodies for hepatitis B, rubella, measles, chickenpox and mumps, respectively. Some assays of the measurement were low in sensitivity. The cost for the determination was fully paid in 48% of the schools, but only partially supported in 35%. Tuberculin reaction was performed in 40% of the schools and then BCG was done in 57%. Vaccination was recommended in 40% of the schools. The cost of vaccination was all paid in 38% of them, which was only for hepatitis B, and partially supported in 15% of them.

Role of ATP7B in biliary copper excretion in a human hepatoma cell line and normal rat hepatocytes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of copper in the body caused by a defect of biliary copper excretion. The Wilson's disease gene has been cloned; however, the precise localization of the gene product (ATP7B) and its role in biliary copper excretion have not been clarified.

METHODS

We constructed a chimeric protein between green fluorescent protein (GFP) and ATP7B (GFP-ATP7B) and expressed it in a human hepatoma cell line (Huh7) and isolated rat hepatocytes. The Golgi apparatus, late endosomes, lysosomes, and bile canaliculus were visualized by fluorescence microscopy. Brefeldin A and nocodazole were used to redistribute the Golgi proteins. Bafilomycin A1 was used to analyze the association between GFP-ATP7B and the late endosomes.

RESULTS

GFP-ATP7B colocalized with rhodamine-dextran and late endosome markers but not with the Golgi markers, lysosome markers, or a tight junction protein. Brefeldin A and nocodazole redistributed the Golgi proteins, but they did not affect the distribution of ATP7B.

CONCLUSIONS

Although it is widely believed that ATP7B is located at the Golgi apparatus, its main localization is in late endosomes. ATP7B seems to translocate copper from the cytosol to the late endosomal lumen, thus participating in biliary copper excretion via lysosomes.

Enantiomer separation of pharmaceuticals by capillary gas chromatography with novel chiral stationary phases

New chiral stationary phases of polydimethylsiloxane anchored with (S)-(-)-t-leucine derivatives were provided for use in enantiomer separation of pharmaceuticals by capillary gas chromatography. Fifteen pharmaceuticals were separated into their enantiomeric pairs by converting them into pentafluoropropionyl and heptafluorobutyryl derivatives. The separation factor and resolution obtained from the new phases were superior to those from the conventional Chirasil-Val capillary column.

[A case of non-convulsive status epilepticus worsened Wernicke's aphasia reversely]

A 62-year-old right-handed woman had presented progressive speech impediment over 4 months. She was alert without any convulsions or involuntary movements. Neurological examination showed Wernicke's aphasia, constructional apraxia. Her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an old cerebral infarction in the left parieto-occipital area, in addition to ischemic changes in the bilateral deep white matter. Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) predominant in the posterior left hemisphere. The PLEDs as well as the cortical symptoms improved after an administration of anti-convulsive agents, thus establishing the diagnosis of non-convulsive status epilepticus (NSE). It should be emphasized that NSE manifesting as Wernicke's aphasia should be distinguished from dementia syndrome because it is a treatable disorder.

Copper-transporting P-type adenosine triphosphatase (ATP7B) is associated with cisplatin resistance

The accumulation of cisplatin is decreased in many cisplatin-resistant cell lines, and an active efflux pump for cisplatin exists in some of them, but it has not yet been identified. In this study, we transfected the copper-transporting P-type ATPase cDNA (ATP7B) into human epidermoid carcinoma KB-3-1 cells. The transfectant, KB/WD cell line, which overexpressed the P-type ATPase, ATP7B, was resistant to both cisplatin (8.9-fold) and copper (2.0-fold). The accumulation of cisplatin in KB/WD cells was lower than in mock-transfected KB/CV cells, and the efflux of cisplatin from KB/WD cells was enhanced compared with KB/CV cells. KB/WD cells were sensitive to other heavy metals, such as antimony, arsenate, arsenite, cadmium, and cobalt. ATP7B was overexpressed in cisplatin-resistant prostate carcinoma PC-5 cells but not in the parental PC-3 cells and the revertant PC-5R cells. ATP7B may be involved in cisplatin resistance in some tumors.

Testing for rubella-specific IgG antibody in urine

BACKGROUND

In Japan rubella vaccination is generally done once during a lifetime, and the vaccination rate decreased after a revised vaccination law in 1995. History of rubella or vaccination may still be unreliable. Testing for rubella antibody is significant to prevent the occurrence of congenital rubella syndrome. However, the collection of blood samples to detect antibodies from young children is invasive and difficult.

METHODS

For this study we obtained 853 matched serum and urine samples from 904 healthy students 10 or 14 years of age in the Ibara and Yoshii districts of Okayama, Japan, for a comparison of antibodies for rubella in the matched samples. The serum and urine antibodies were measured with hemagglutination-inhibition and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively, and with our urine-based antibody test.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity and concordance rates of this urine-based antibody test were 96, 99 and 97% based on the serum antibody results of both assays. The coefficiency was 0.627 between the titers of the urinary and serum antibodies by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The urinary antibodies were stable for at least 5 months at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C.

CONCLUSIONS

Urine-based assay methods are helpful not only because they avoid the invasive approach of venipuncture but also because unprocessed urine specimens can be used and urinary antibody is stable for a long period. Therefore this test is suitable for screening. In addition protective amounts of rubella antibody in blood can be reliably assessed by means of urine samples.

Determination of hydration kinetics of sulfaguanidine anhydrate in aqueous solution by calorimetry

A heat conduction microcalorimeter was used to evaluate the isothermal transition in water from anhydrate to monohydrate at 298 K. Sulfaguanidine (SGN) anhydrate was used as a model compound for the measurement of hydration kinetics in water. It is the well-known that SGN is very slightly soluble in water and capable of existing as the anhydrate or monohydrate form in the solid state. The transition rates of SGN anhydrate to monohydrate in tablets and granules were investigated. The hydration kinetics of tablets with controlled surface areas, obtained by coating the side with paraffin in aqueous solution, followed an apparent zero-order mechanism. On the other hand, the transition mechanism of the granules involved a phase boundary-controlled contracting interface reaction.

Molecular state of chlorpheniramine in resinates

Chlorpheniramine (CPM) maleate was prepared as a series of resinates by the batch method. The several resinates were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and infrared (IR) spectrometry. The results from DSC and XRPD showed that the molecular state of the entrapped drug changed from the crystalline to amorphous state. IR spectra indicated that only CPM species was entrapped in the resinates. Moreover, it also showed that the positively charged amine group of the drug interacted with the sulfonate groups of the resin by ionic association. The dissolution of the drug and resinates was also studied where it was found that the dissolution of the resinates was retarded by their crosslinked structure and markedly affected by the quantity of resin.

Analysis of Ras-dependent signals that prevent caspase-3 activation and apoptosis induced by cytokine deprivation in hematopoietic cells

In hematopoietic cells, Ras has been implicated in signaling pathways that prevent apoptosis triggered by deprivation of cytokines, such as interleukin-3 (IL-3). However, the mechanism whereby Ras suppresses cell death remains incompletely understood. We have investigated the role of Ras in IL-3 signal transduction by using the cytokine-dependent BaF3 cell line. Herein, we show that the activation of the pro-apoptotic protease caspase-3 upon IL-3 removal is suppressed by expression of activated Ras, which eventually prevents cell death. For caspase-3 suppression, the Raf/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)- or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt-mediated signaling pathway downstream of Ras was required. However, inhibition of both pathways did not block activated Ras-dependent suppression of cell death-associated phenotypes, such as nuclear DNA fragmentation. Thus, a pathway that is independent of both Raf/ERK and PI3-K/Akt pathways may function downstream of Ras, preventing activated caspase-3-initiated apoptotic processes. Conditional activation of c-Raf-1 also suppressed caspase-3 activation and subsequent cell death without affecting Akt activity, providing further evidence for a PI3-K/Akt-independent mechanism.

Experimental gene therapy for brain tumors using adenovirus-mediated transfer of cytosine deaminase gene and uracil phosphoribosyltransferase gene with 5-fluorocytosine

Transduction of the cytosine deaminase (CD) gene into tumor cells followed by administration of 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), called 5-FC/CD gene therapy, was created as suicide gene therapy for various cancers. The uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (UPRT) gene, which is absent from mammalian cells, directly converts 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to 5-fluorouridine 5'-monophosphate. We evaluated whether the coexpression of CD and UPRT genes could generate a synergistic antitumor effect on experimental brain tumors. In vitro study showed that 9L cells, transduced with the UPRT gene by an adenovirus, were 16 times more sensitive to 5-FU, and CD + UPRT-transduced cells were 6,000 times more sensitive to 5-FC than parent cells, indicating that the acquisition of CD and UPRT further increased the 5-FC sensitivity of 9L cells compared with cells transduced with CD alone. In a rat brain tumor model, decreased amounts of CD and UPRT vectors were inoculated into the tumors to detect any additional effect of UPRT. CD and UPRT coexpression followed by 5-FC administration showed an antitumor effect as detected by sequential magnetic resonance imaging. This therapy significantly prolonged animal survival. These results suggest that 5-FC/CD + UPRT gene therapy can enhance the antitumor effect of 5-FC/CD gene therapy. Consequently, this approach might be a more feasible modality for the treatment of malignant brain tumors.

Quantitative relationship between solubility, initial dissolution rate and heat of solution of chiral drugs

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to clarify the quantitative relationship between solubility, initial dissolution rate and heat of solution of racemic compound and its enantiomers.

METHODS

Propranolol, propranolol HCl, tyrosine, and tryptophan were used as typical chiral drugs. The heat of solution of chiral drug was measured by an isothermal microcalorimeter and the heat of fusion was measured by a DSC. The free energy difference for the dissolution of drug was calculated from the solubility and initial dissolution rate data.

RESULTS

The free energy difference and enthalpy difference of the dissolution between the racemic compound and enantiomer of propranolol, propranolol hydrochloride, tyrosine, and tryptophan were obtained by the solubility, initial dissolution rate and heat of solution data. A good linearity was observed in the free energy difference and the enthalpy difference for the dissolution of them, except for propranolol HCl data. By considering the dissociation in solution, the data of propranolol HCl followed the regression line.

CONCLUSIONS

The free energy difference of the dissolution was linearly dependent on the enthalpy difference for the racemic compound and its enantiomers. The results fit the theoretical equation. It could be possible to estimate the solubility of chiral insoluble drug from the thermal data.

Rationality/antiemotionality personality and selected chronic diseases in a community population in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the relationships of the rationality/antiemotionality (R/A) personality with past histories of seven chronic diseases and current smoking habits in a community population in Japan.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted of all residents aged 35 years old or over (n = 37,287) in Takayama city, Gifu prefecture, Japan; the response rate was 90.3%. Data from 13,091 males and 14,061 females who completed all relevant questions were analyzed. The subjects were asked to complete an 11-item R/A personality scale developed by Grossarth-Maticek et al. (1985). Past histories of seven major chronic diseases and current smoking habit were also asked in the questionnaire.

RESULTS

Among males, the R/A scale score was significantly lower in those who had stroke, diabetes or allergy than in those who did not. Among females, the R/A scale score was significantly lower in those who had stroke, allergy or stomach cancer than in those who did not. Among females, current smokers had significantly lower R/A scores than non-smokers. After controlling for age, smoking and drinking, the R/A score was significantly and negatively associated with stroke among males and females; it was significantly and negatively associated with diabetes and allergy among males.

CONCLUSION

Our findings are contrary to those observed in Yugoslavia and West Germany, and suggest a cultural difference in the relationship between the R/A personality and disease occurrence.

[Accumulative vaccination rate of rubella and positive antibody rate in an area of Japan--future problems with rubella]

The rubella vaccination rate remarkably decreased in Japan after a revised vaccination law was passed in 1994, as a result of which individual vaccination replaced mass vaccination at each school. We investigated the rubella antibody of 887 students and the accumulative rubella vaccination rate in an area of Okayama. The vaccination rate in Ibara, where children were inoculated individually, was 22.8%. In contrast, in Yoshii, where the vaccination was done as mass at each school, the rate was 89.8%. After 2003, when the transit period of the law ends, children 12-90 months of age will be the subjects for rubella vaccine. We presume that the vaccination rate in the future will reach 40-50% through accumulative vaccination. Such a rate of vaccination cannot prevent rubella epidemics and congenital rubella syndrome. In addition, an individual's rubella vaccination is generally done once during lifetime. We doubt whether the immune response induced by a vaccine can be maintained for more than 20 years without boosting. We think that a second vaccination is necessary for at least young girls, and this should be performed as mass at each school.

[A case of Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae coinfection in a child]

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is often experienced as community-acquired pneumonia, whereas Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia is sometimes experienced as a vertical infection from mother to child through delivery, but is rare after six months of age. We reported the first case to date of a seven-year-old boy with coinfection of C. trachomatis and M. pneumoniae. The patient, who was referred to our hospital because of suspected pneumonia, had had severe cough and pyrexia for four days before his admission. The coinfection was confirmed because the antibodies to both bacteria were significantly increased. In addition the PCR for C. trachomatis detected the presence of C. trachomatis in the throat even after treatment. The PCR from a cervix swab of his mother and from a throat swab of his father were negative, but their antibodies to C. trachomatis were positive. We think that this may have been community-acquired pneumonia or due to persistent infection after a vertical transmission.

The Long-Evans Cinnamon rat: an animal model for Wilson's disease

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat is known to develop hepatitis and liver cancer spontaneously, phenomena attributed to abnormal copper metabolism. This mutant strain of rat shows some clinical features that are similar to those of Wilson's disease, including excessive copper in the liver, reduced excretion of copper into bile, a reduced level of serum copper and a remarkable decrease in serum ceruloplasmin activity. Molecular studies have revealed that the copper transporting P-type ATPase, atp7b, which is the rat gene homologous to human ATP7B, was found to be defective in the LEC rat. These observations have confirmed that the LEC rat is a rodent model for Wilson's disease. In addition, recent studies have suggested that the ATP7B protein is involved in the intracellular transport of hepatic copper. The absence or diminution of ATP7B function results in abnormal copper metabolism in the LEC rat and in patients with Wilson's disease.

Abnormal cortical processing of voluntary muscle relaxation in patients with focal hand dystonia studied by movement-related potentials

In order to clarify the abnormality in cortical motor preparation for voluntary muscle relaxation of the hand in patients with focal hand dystonia, Bereitschaftspotentials (BPs) preceding voluntary muscle contraction and relaxation were recorded in eight patients (three with simple writer's cramp and five with dystonic writer's cramp), and were compared with those from 10 normal subjects. Voluntary muscle relaxation: after keeping the right wrist in an extended position for > 5 s, the subject let the hand drop by voluntarily terminating muscle contraction of the wrist extensor without any associated muscle contraction. Voluntary muscle contraction: the right wrist was flexed by voluntarily contracting the wrist flexor muscle. Scalp EEGs were recorded from 11 electrodes placed over the frontal, central and parietal areas. In the control group, the BP measured at the movement onset was maximal at the left central area (C1), and distributed predominantly over the left hemisphere equally in both the contraction and relaxation tasks. In the focal hand dystonia group, BP was maximal at C1 in the contraction task, whereas, in the relaxation task, it was maximal at the midline central area (Cz) and symmetrically distributed. At the left central area, the BP amplitude in the focal hand dystonia group was diminished significantly in the relaxation task compared with the contraction task (P < 0.05). The present results demonstrate for the first time that the cortical preparatory process for voluntary muscle relaxation, or motor inhibition, is abnormal in focal hand dystonia.

Large bursa formation associated with osteochondroma of the scapula: a case report and review of the literature

Bursitis or large bursa formation associated with osteochondroma has rarely been reported. A 33-year-old male presented with upper back pain, a rapidly developing mass beside the lateral border of his right scapula and snapping elicited by movement of the scapula. Plain radiograms and CT revealed osteochondroma on the ventral surface of the scapula without any unmineralized component and a huge cystic lesion around the osteochondroma. Aspiration of the cystic lesion showed the presence of sero-sanguineous fluid. MRI following the aspiration showed a thin cartilaginous cap with distinct outer margin and no soft tissue mass around the cap. Pathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of osteochondroma with the large bursa formation. Clinical examination 19 months postoperatively showed an uneventful clinical course.

Inhibitory effects of ursodeoxycholic acid on N-methylnitrosourea-induced colon carcinogenesis and colonic mucosal telomerase activity in F344 rats

Bile acids are known to promote colon carcinogenesis. However, one study showed that ursodeoxychlic acid (UDCA) prevented azoxymethane-induced rat colon tumorigenesis. The aim of the present study with 3 sets of experiments was to explore the inhibitory effect of UDCA supplemented in the diet on colon carcinogenesis induced by the intrarectal administration of N-methylnitrosourea (MNU) in F344 rats. In experiment I, 5 rats per group were fed a diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.4%, 0.08% or 0.016% UDCA or chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) for 5 weeks after receiving 3 intrarectal doses of 4 mg MNU in week 1. The formation of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACFs, preneoplastic lesions) at week 6 showed a 24% and 23% reduction in the 0.4% and 0.08% UDCA groups, respectively, as compared to the control group, while it increased for the 0.4% and 0.08% CDCA groups, and was unaffected in the 0.016% UDCA and CDCA groups. In experiment II based on the results of experiment I, all rats received an intrarectal dose of 2 mg MNU 3 times a week for 3 weeks, and then were administered with 0%, 0.4% or 0.08% UDCA for 27 weeks. At week 30, the incidence of colon tumors in the UDCA groups was significantly lower than that in the control group: 20/50 (40%) and 9/25 (36%) vs. 17/25 (68%). The number of large-sized ACFs with 4 or more ACs showed a 47% and 59% reduction in the normal-appearing mucosa in the UDCA groups as compared to the control group, while the number of small-sized ACFs with 1-3 ACs was similar in all groups. The normal-appearing mucosa showed a noticeable level of telomerase activity (semiquantitative PCR-based TRAP assay) in the control group, and significantly reduced levels in the UDCA groups compared to the control group: 19.8 and 32.7 vs. 71.0 TPG unit in mean value. The colon tumors showed a high level of enzyme activity in both the control and UDCA groups. In experiment III, 6 rats per group were fed a diet supplemented with 0%, or 0.4% UDCA or CDCA for 5 weeks after receiving 3 intrarectal doses of 4 mg MNU in week 1. Two control groups did not receive any treatment with MNU and bile acids. The MNU-treated groups showed significantly elevated levels of colonic mucosal telomerase activity at week 6 as compared to the control group (6.5 TPG unit in mean value). It was noted that both UDCA and CDCA administration reduced the enzyme activity as compared to the group with MNU treatment alone: 24.7 and 25.2 vs. 40.1 TPG unit in mean value. Thus, the present study suggested that orally administered UDCA inhibited the growth of ACFs and the development of carcinomas in the colon of rats treated with MNU. Also, UDCA may suppress MNU-induced telomerase activation in normal-appearing but ACF-containing colon mucosa, and its mechanism appears to be different from that responsible for the anti-tumor promoting action of UDCA.

H-NMR and mass spectral study of a D-enriched acetylenic norlignan, asparenyol, from cultured cells of Asparagus officinalis

A suspension of cultured cells of Asparagus officinalis fed L-phenyl-D5-alanine-2,3,3-D3 (D5-phe) and DL-phenylalanine-3,3-D2 (D2-phe) yielded D-enriched asparenyol, 4-[5-(4-methoxyphenoxy)-3-penten-1-ynyllphenol (1). A H-NMR spectral study indicated that incorporation of deuterium atoms into the chains of the products was restricted to the C-9 position. The molecular ion regions of the MS of D-enriched metabolites, 1(D8-200), 1(D8-100) and 1(D8-50), obtained from feeding experiments using 200 mg, 100 mg and 50 mg of Ds-phe, respectively, coincided with the theoretical spectra. This confirmed that a single phenylalanine molecule supplies the nine carbon atoms in the -CH=CH-CH2-O-C6H4-O- moiety of 1. The biosynthetic sequence forming 1 as a norlignan class of metabolite is considered.

Assessment of subchondral bone blood flow in the rabbit femoral condyle using the laser speckle method

The laser speckle method is a new form of flowmetry that can obtain a two-dimensional distribution of blood flow in tissue. This method is a noncontact, simple, and rapid technique that may aid in the diagnosis of osteonecrosis. We investigated whether the subchondral bone blood flow within the femoral condyles of rabbits could be measured by the laser speckle method. The hydrogen washout method was chosen as a comparison technique because of its ability to allow repetitive measurements of blood flow in various conditions in one rabbit and because of its reliability, which already has been established. We simultaneously measured the bone blood flow in 20 femoral condyles of 10 rabbits with the laser speckle and hydrogen washout methods and found a significant correlation between the blood flow levels with use of these two methods. For the clinical application of the laser speckle method, we also investigated the influence of cartilage thickness on the measurements and the depth in the bone to which blood flow could be measured with this method. A cartilage thickness of 0.2 mm did not influence the measurement of the bone blood flow, and the depth in the bone to which the laser speckle method could be used was approximately 2 mm.