The gene poxn controls different steps of the formation of chemosensory organs in Drosophila

The gene poxn codes for a transcriptional regulator that specifies poly-innervated (chemosensory), as opposed to mono-innervated (mechanosensory), organs in Drosophila. The ectopic expression of poxn during metamorphosis results in a transformation of the morphology and central projection of adult mechanosensory organs toward those of chemosensory organs. Here we show, by electron microscopy analysis of normal and transformed bristles and by Dil labeling of the innervating neurons, that poxn also controls the number of neurons. To determine whether poxn can transform not only the sense organ precursor cells but also their daughter cells, we examine the effects of the ectopic expression of poxn at different stages of the lineage, and we conclude that poxn can act at a late stage to affect the fate of the undifferentiated neuron.

Effect of actarit on type II collagen-induced arthritis in mice

The effect of actarit (MS-932, CAS 18699-02-0), an antirheumatic drug, on type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice was studied. Mice were immunized twice with bovine CII, actarit being given orally once a day for 35 days after the 1st immunization. Clinical assessment showed that actarit had no effect on the incidence or day of onset of arthritis but that it lowered the arthritis score dose-dependently. Radiography showed that actarit reduced new bone formation in the limbs, and a histopathologic examination showed that it reduced synovitis, erosion of cartilage and bone destruction. Actarit suppressed the delayed-type mouse ear skin reaction to CII but had no effect on the level of serum anti-CII antibodies. These results suggest that actarit inhibits the development of CII-induced arthritis in mice by suppressing delayed-type hypersensitivity to CII.

[A case of paradoxical cerebral embolism through a patent foramen ovale diagnosed by necropsy]

A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for disturbed consciousness and left-side motor sensory deficit. His blood pressure was 142/100 mmHg and an electrocardiogram was normal. CT of the brain revealed a low density area in the distribution of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). Cerebral angiography demonstrated occlusion of the right internal carotid artery and an embolus. We diagnosed cerebral embolism, but we could not detect source of embolism. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he died four days later. At necropsy, an elongated piece of thrombus 10 cm in length was lodged in a patent foramen ovale lying in each atrium. No other thrombus was seen in the heart, the myocardium and coronary arteries were normal. Both main pulmonary arteries contained thrombus. The lungs showed edema and congestion. There was no thrombus of both common iliac veins. The right internal carotid artery was occluded at its bifurcation by embolus, distal to which the cavernous segment was 7 cm filled with clot. We reported a rare paradoxical cerebral embolism through a patent foramen ovale diagnosed by necropsy. If no left-sided circulatory source can be demonstrated, the possibility of a paradoxical embolism should be considered.

Diastolic suction in the human ventricle: observation during balloon mitral valvuloplasty with a single balloon

Diastolic suction has been demonstrated experimentally as a ventricular negative pressure when the ventricle is allowed to relax completely in the absence of filling, but it has not been extensively studied in the in vivo human heart. In balloon mitral valvuloplasty with a single balloon, the mitral orifice is occluded and inflow is considered to be completely obstructed during a balloon inflation. To demonstrate diastolic suction in the human ventricle, we measured left ventricular pressure during valvuloplasty with a high-fidelity catheter tip manometer in 17 patients. Left ventricular pressure fell below zero during a balloon inflation in all patients (-2 to -12 mm Hg). The peak negative diastolic pressure showed significant correlations with end-systolic volume index (r = 0.53, p = 0.03) and with the ejection fraction (r = 0.80, p = 0.0001). Thus diastolic suction was demonstrated in the human beating heart, and the sucking effect was potent in the heart with small end-systolic volume and high-ejection fraction.

Enhancement of noradrenaline release from rat frontal cortex by thyrotropin releasing hormone and its analog, (3R,6R)-6-methyl-5-oxo-3-thiomorpholinylcarbonyl-L-histidyl-L-prolinami de, as studied by intracerebral microdialysis

The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and NS-3 [CG-3703: (3R,6R)-6-methyl-5-oxo-3-thiomorpholinylcarbonyl-L-histidyl-L- prolinamide], a metabolically stable analog of TRH, on the extracellular concentration of noradrenaline (NA) in the frontal cortex of urethane anesthetized rats were examined by using intracerebral microdialysis coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. NS-3 (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg i.v.) produced a significant increase in NA release. This effect reached to its peak 20 to 40 min (174% of basal level) after NS-3 (0.3 mg/kg) injection and exhibited a duration of 80 min. TRH (10 mg/kg i.v.) also significantly increased NA concentrations to the same extent as that produced by 0.3 mg/kg of NS-3, although the effect of TRH was transient. Blockade of NA reuptake by perfusion with desipramine (10(-7) M) caused a gradual increase in extracellular NA concentration. NS-3 at 0.3 mg/kg (i.v.) produced a significant elevation of NA concentrations after desipramine perfusion. When NS-3 (10(-6) and 10(-5) M) was perfused to the frontal cortex through the dialysis probe for 1 hr, no significant change in cortical NA concentration was observed. In contrast, perfusion of NS-3 (10(-5) M) through the dialysis probe implanted into the locus ceruleus induced a significant increase in the cortical NA release. These results suggest that NS-3 is far more active than TRH in facilitating cortical NA release and that the locus ceruleus is one of sites of action of this drug.

Case of Williams elfin facies syndrome with pulmonary artery sling

We report the presence of pulmonary artery sling in a 4-year-old girl with the Williams elfin facies syndrome. A history of heavy and persistent wheezing during the first few months of life, associated with the current presentation of heart murmur and pulmonary stenosis, led us to investigate the presence of pulmonary artery sling. Both pulmonary artery sling and cardiovascular anomalies in Williams elfin facies syndrome have previously been linked to developmental anomalies of the 6th aortic arch. This appears to be the second reported case of this rare combination of anomalies.

Inhibition of histamine secretion by wortmannin through the blockade of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in RBL-2H3 cells

The surface engagement of high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor (Fc epsilon RI) of rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 (RBL-2H3) cells induced histamine secretion and leukotriene release following activation of the tyrosine kinase Lyn together with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase). Wortmannin inhibited the activity of partially purified PI3-kinase from calf thymus, as well as the PI3-kinase activity in anti-PI3-kinase p85 immunoprecipitates from RBL-2H3 cells, at a concentration as low as 1.0 nM and with IC50 values of 3.0 nM, but did not inhibit PI4-kinase activity. The inhibition of PI3-kinase by wortmannin was irreversible. Wortmannin inhibited both Fc epsilon RI-mediated histamine secretion and leukotriene release up to 80% with IC50 values of 2.0 and 3.0 nM, respectively. Wortmannin inhibited PI3-kinase activity in intact cells up to 80% with an IC50 value of 2.0 nM, which is almost equal to those for PI3-kinase in vitro and for histamine secretion and leukotriene release. With anti-wortmannin antibody, we have shown that wortmannin binds to the 110-kDa protein, but not to PI3-kinase 85-kDa regulatory subunit both in vitro and in whole cells. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the potencies of wortmannin derivatives as inhibitors of PI3-kinase and as inhibitors of histamine secretion. Wortmannin had no effect on the activation of the tyrosine kinase Lyn. These results suggest that PI3-kinase is involved in the signal transduction pathway responsible for histamine secretion following stimulation of Fc epsilon RI and that wortmannin blocks these responses through direct interaction with the catalytic subunit of this enzyme.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer responding well by preoperative chemotherapy with CDDP and MMC]

A 35-year-old female who suffered advanced gastric cancer (classified Borrmann type 3) with para-aortic lymph nodes swelling received chemotherapy preoperatively. These lymph nodes, which could be detected by abdominal CT scan, were highly suspected of metastasis from gastric cancer. The regimens of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were Mitomycin C (MMC) 8 mg/m2 and Cis-platinum (CDDP) 75 mg/m2, administered intravenously as one course. After she was given these two courses, we performed total gastrectomy, pancreatico-splenectomy, and lymph-adenectomy curatively. The patient has been maintained in an outpatient clinic for one and half years without any evidence of recurrence.

[ELISA tests for detection of Helicobacter pylori antibodies]

The efficacy of commercial ELISA tests for detection of Helicobacter pylori antibodies was investigated. Some investigators reported that six commercial ELISA tests had sensitivities of 81-96%, and had specificities of 29-96%. It is possible that some of false-negative results by ELISA may occur for patients who are in the acute phase of infection. When ELISA tests gave false-positive results, it should be taken into account that there might be some false negative diagnoses for the gastric H. pylori status, arising from sampling errors. Some of the false-positive results by ELISA might indicate the previous infection only.

Metabolism of 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha-diol in ileectomized rats

The effect of ileectomy on the composition of biliary bile acids and the metabolism of 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha-diol was studied in rats. In the ileectomized rats, there was an increase in the percentage of cholic acid group (cholic acid and deoxycholic acid) as compared with the normal rats. After rats with a bile fistula were given intravenously 5 beta-[7 beta-3H] cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha-diol, there was a 3-fold increase in the percentage of [3H]cholic acid in the ileectomized rats compared to the normal rats. The findings have suggested that an increase in the percentage of cholic acid group in the ileectomized rats is due to the increased formation of cholic acid through an alternative pathway which involves 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha-diol.

[The effect of the eradication of H. pylori on the intractable ulcer]

On 25 cases (gastric ulcer 14 cases and duodenal ulcer 11 cases) of the intractable ulcer which was H. pylori-positive, we eradicated H. pylori. The eradication was done during 14 days by a triple therapy: bismuth subnitrate 2.0 g, metronidazole 0.75 g, AMPC 0.75 g/day). All cases were confirmed to be eradicated by culture and microscopic examination. 24 cases (gastric ulcer 13/14 and duodenal ulcer 11/11) were confirmed to be completely cured. After the eradication, we ceased the maintenance therapy by H2RA and followed them up, however, no ulcer relapses were found up to 9 months. It was considered that the eradication against H. pylori was a very effective method to the intractable ulcer.

Age-related changes in the microvessels of the human stomach: an ultrastructural study

The ultrastructure of microvessels in the gastric mucosa of patients with atrophic gastritis was investigated. In the gastric mucosa of atrophic gastritis, the endothelial cells of microvessels were irregularly swollen and subendothelial spaces were enlarged. The basement membrane underlying the endothelium was thickened. Degeneration of smooth-muscle cells was also evident in the media. These changes appear to correspond to sclerosis or aging of the microvessels. Such sclerotic changes in microvessels may initiate deterioration of the microenvironment in the gastric mucosa and may consequently affect metabolic activity of the gastric mucosal cells. Those sequences might induce degeneration or abnormal differentiation of mucosal cells. Such vascular changes may advance slowly and increase in intensity with advancing age. The final result would be the histologic changes associated with atrophic gastritis.

Histologic differentiation and motility of rat stomach

An ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study was done to investigate the normal developmental process of rat gastric wall. Neuronal processes were observed on the external side of immature muscle cells on gestational day 15, and Auerbach's plexus was found on gestational day 18, after which neuronal elements extended just under the subepithelial area. Myofilaments appeared in undifferentiated mesenchyme cells on gestational day 15. On day 17, stomach was responsive to Ach stimulation. On the day after the initiation of gastric motility, gastric glands started to form on the mucosal surface. At the same developmental stage, some parts of the mucosal epithelium and the submucosal connective tissues were stained with antiserum against tenascin. Endocrine and parietal cells appeared in the mucosal epithelium on gestational day 19. Dense secretory granules on the apical surface of mucosal epithelium were increased between day 20 and 21. The cytoplasmic organelles gradually developed with advancing fetal age. We suggest that tenascin may play a role in gastric gland formation and that there are some relationships between gastric gland formation and gastric motility. We believe that the development of subepithelial tissues may be closely associated with epithelial growth.

Serological survey for Borrelia burgdorferi infection in cattle in southern Hokkaido

By means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi were examined in 970 cattle from southern Hokkaido, Japan. The seropositivity rate in the cattle less than 2 years old differed significantly from that in those 3 years old or more. A seasonal variation was also observed in the rate of seropositivity to B. burgdorferi. High levels of anti-B. burgdorferi antibody were detected even in sera from a healthy group of cattle, indicating that there are likely to be many inapparent cases of B. burgdorferi infection. This article discusses the syndromes associated with Lyme borreliosis and addresses the issues of diagnosis and treatment in animals.

[Relationship between Helicobacter pylori colonization in the gastric mucosa and the severity of atrophic gastritis]

We studied the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis. Eighty non-ulcer patients underwent endoscopy with biopsy. Detection and quantitative assessment of H. pylori was made based on smear, culture and tissue section (Gram stain). The extent of atrophic gastritis was assessed endoscopically according to the classification of Kimura and Takemoto. Severity of glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia was assessed histologically. H. pylori infection was accompanied by or preceded the extension of atrophic gastritis. In patients with severe atrophic gastritis H. pylori was not detected. In the advanced stage of atrophic gastritis H. pylori might be cleared from the gastric mucosa. Our results suggest that H. pylori may be one of the factors for the extension of atrophic gastritis.

Human smooth muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms as molecular markers for vascular development and atherosclerosis

Smooth muscle myosin heavy chains (MHCs) exist in multiple isoforms. Rabbit smooth muscles contain at least three types of MHC isoforms: SM1 (204 kD), SM2 (200 kD), and SMemb (200 kD). SM1 and SM2 are specific to smooth muscles, but SMemb is a nonmuscle-type MHC abundantly expressed in the embryonic aorta. We recently reported that these three MHC isoforms are differentially expressed in rabbit during normal vascular development and in experimental arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether expression of human smooth muscle MHC isoforms is regulated in developing arteries and in atherosclerotic lesions. To accomplish this, we have isolated and characterized three cDNA clones from human smooth muscle: SMHC94 (SM1), SMHC93 (SM2), and HSME6 (SMemb). The expression of SM2 mRNA in the fetal aorta was significantly lower as compared with SM1 mRNA, but the ratio of SM2 to SM1 mRNA was increased after birth. SMemb mRNA in the aorta was decreased after birth but appeared to be increased in the aged. To further examine the MHC expression at the histological level, we have developed three antibodies against human SM1, SM2, and SMemb using the isoform-specific sequences of the carboxyl terminal end. Immunohistologically, SM1 was constitutively positive from the fetal stage to adulthood in the apparently normal media of the aorta and coronary arteries, whereas SM2 was negative in fetal arteries of the early gestational stage. In human, unlike rabbit, aorta or coronary arteries, SMemb was detected even in the adult. However, smaller-sized arteries, like the vasa vasorum of the aorta or intramyocardial coronary arterioles, were negative for SMemb. Diffuse intimal thickening in the major coronary arteries was found to be composed of smooth muscles, reacting equally to three antibodies for MHC isoforms, but reactivities with anti-SM2 antibody were reduced with aging. With progression of atherosclerosis, intimal smooth muscles diminished the expression of not only SM2 but also SM1, whereas alpha-smooth muscle actin was well preserved. We conclude from these results that smooth muscle MHC isoforms are important molecular markers for studying human vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation as well as the cellular mechanisms of atherosclerosis.

Medium-term results of percutaneous transluminal balloon aortic valvuloplasty with Inoue balloon catheter for congenital aortic stenosis

Although percutaneous transluminal balloon aortic valvuloplasty (PTAV) has been performed for congenital aortic stenosis in infants and children for several years, its efficacy and the associated aortic regurgitation (AR) have not been widely discussed. Percutaneous transluminal balloon aortic valvuloplasty using an Inoue balloon catheter was performed for congenital aortic stenosis in 12 patients (4-16 years old) in this study. The systolic aortic valve pressure gradient ranged from 42 to 111 mmHg before PTAV and became < 50 mmHg immediately after PTAV in 10 cases (83%). Eight of these 10 patients had no increase in the gradient during subsequent observation for a period of 9-40 months. Aortic regurgitation increased immediately after PTAV in nine cases (75%). It increased from grade 1 to grade 2 in eight cases and from grade 1 to grade 3 in one patient; no significant enlargement of the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and no significant change in the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) or the cardiac index was observed during follow-up in these patients. There was a correlation between the diameter of the balloon and efficacy; an appropriate diameter was considered to be about 90% of the aortic annular diameter. Changes in the hemodynamic parameter after PTAV with an Inoue balloon were small in most patients and this procedure is considered to be a treatment that should be attempted prior to surgery for congenital aortic stenosis.

[Clinical study of 8 cases of spontaneous esophageal rupture]

Among 8 patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture, mean age was 46.5 years, and there was only one female. Vomiting after drinking was the main cause of onset. In 4 patients who underwent drainage of the thoracic cavity or initial treatment by surgery within 24 hrs after onset, closure after layer-layer suture of the site of rupture was made in two patients in whom definitive diagnosis was obtained at the first medical examination and early discharge was possible. A definitive diagnosis was obtained after drainage of the thoracic cavity in the other two patients, and esophagectomy without thoracotomy was performed on the 55th day after onset in one and the other patient received only conservative treatment without surgery, both patients were discharged. Of 4 patients who underwent treatment after 24 hrs, two patients who recovered included one who received only conservative treatment and another who underwent closure by suture of the site of rupture and covering with a pedicled omental flap 12 days after onset. The other two patients died of MOF after operation. We propose the following guidelines for treatment of this condition; In patients in whom surgical treatment is possible within 24 hrs after onset, closure by layer-layer suture of the site of rupture may be indicated. In cases in which more than 24 hrs has elapsed after rupture spontaneous closure sometimes can be expected in patients with a rupture would less than 2 cm. In patients accompanied with progressing mediastinitis or pyothorax with drainage procedure surgical treatment is indicated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)