Purification of an immunosuppressive principle from Ehrlich carcinoma ascites

An immunosuppressive factor was purified from Ehrlich carcinoma ascites by the combination of ultrafiltration and Sephadex chromatography. The resulting product showed 50% reduction in the number of splenic plaque-forming cells in mice immunized with sheep red blood cells when as low as 50 mug dose was given twice intraperitoneally before erythrocyte injection. The molecular size of the product was between 30,000 and 100,000, and it was relatively heat unstable.

A study of Western Red Cedar sensitivity: workers' allergy reactions and symptoms

In 154 individuals who work with Western Red Cedar in Japanese wooden frame factories a high incidence (24.7%) of bronchial asthma was observed. A positive intradermal test was found in 89% of the asthmatics and in 56% of all. A highly positive inhalation test was obtained only in the asthmatic group. It is suggested that other symptoms in addition to bronchial asthma might be caused by Western Red Cedar because of the frequency of positive skin reactions to the Western Red Cedar antigen.

A new electrode for electromyographic study of bronchial smooth muscle

The contribution of the bronchial smooth muscles to asthmatic attack has been supposed by many studies such as measurement of the intrabronchial pressure and bronchographical studies, but electromyographical evidence has not been established yet. A new bipolar platinum-ring electrode fixed on polyethylene catheter was invented in order to record action potentials from the bronchial smooth muscle through the intrabronchial lead. Action potentials obtained by this electrode were compared with those obtained by the direct peribronchial needle electrode during either artificial or spontaneous respiration in dogs and a monkey. Electrophotographical analysis confirmed that action potentials obtained by our new electrode were similar in discharge pattern to those by the direct peribronchial needle electrode. The active contribution of the bronchial smooth muscle to the maintenance of the bronchial caliber during spontaneous respiration was observed by our new electrode. Accordingly, this electrode is applicable to electromyographical studies of the bronchial smooth muscle.

Electromyographic study of bronchial smooth muslce in bronchial asthma

We succeeded in recording action potentials from the bronchial smooth muscles in 10 healthy males and 20 cases of bronchial asthma by means of the new electrode described by us in the preceding paper (Akasaka et al. 1975). From these electromyographic studies, we presented the direct evidence of spasm of the bronchial smooth muscles as one of the etiological factors responsible for the airway narrowing in asthmatic attack.

[Clinical manifestation of muco- and pyocele of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses (author's transl)]

We, neurosurgeons, frequently encounter patients whose chief compiants are visual disturbance, disorder of the ocular movement, trigeminal neuralgia and/or panhypopituitarism wich have been called as superior orbital fissure syndrome or orbital apex syndrome. Among these, there might be considerably high incidence of mucocele or pyocele of posterior ethmoid sinuses. We have experienced 12 cases of mucocele in past 5 years, which were confirmed by operation. The most reliable method to diagnose mucocele or pyocele at this moment is by the radiogical procedures, and among all, tomogram of the skull is essential. This procedure not only clearly demonstrates the existence of mucocele in a certain sinus but also provides us informations about the surrounding bony stracture. Diagnosis becomes more definite if the epipharyngography demonstrates no filling of postive contrast medium into suspected paranasal sinuses. Treatment of choice for this disease is firstly drainage of mucocele or pyocele by transnasal approach, to avoid postoperative meningitis or brain abscess, and secondarily dissection of the arachnoidal adhesion around the optic chiasm by intracranial approach if it is necessary. Recently, we perform the drainage of mucocel and peeling off of affected mucosa via transnasal route using microsurgical technique. Results are all satisfactory.

[Three cases of spontaneous bilateral external carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (dural arteriovenous shunts in the region of the cavernous sinus) (author's transl)]

Since Fincher reported a case with arteriovenous fistula between the external carotid artery and dural sinus, many type of cases have been reported. On the other hand, so called the external carotid avernous fistula has been recognized less 20 cases in literature. We have observed three additional cases of dural arteriovenous shunts in the region of the cavernous sinus. Case 1. A 52 year old woman had suffered from left side sever headache. There was weakness of the left extraocular muscles and left ptosis. A bruit was heard over the left orbit. She was treated for hypertension since 38 year old. And she has no history of recent trauma. Selective internal and external carotid angiographies showed the bilateral external carotid cavernous sinus fistula. No operative treatment was performed in this case and the symptomes disappeared with decrease of blood pressure. Case 2. A 50 year old man came to this clinic with chief complaints of right ptosis, diplopia and headache. He was treated for diabetes mellitus and hypertension for six month...

A study of western red cedar-induced asthma

Seventeen asthmatic patients who were workers dealing with Western Red Cedar in a Japanese wooden frame factory were studied. One fraction from the aqueous extract of the lumber induced a positive skin test, Prausnitz-Kustner test and the inhalation test. This confirms the existence of antigen in Western Red Cedar and its ability to produce allergic asthma in sensitive workers.

Optimum Thickness of MnBi Films for Magnetooptical Memory

Magnetic behavior of thermomagnetically written domains in MnBi films (400 A to 1200 A thick) has been studied. The written domains were circular in shape but became deformed and irregular with increasing film thickness. The circular domains of 1.5 microm in diameter were stable only in the films thinner than 700 A for writing and erasing processes. The stability of written domains can be explained by introducing measured wall coercivity values into a domain theory. The film wall coercivity was varied from 250 Oe to 800 Oe in inverse proportion to the film thickness.