Drug effects on distribution of [3H]3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in mice

The present study was undertaken to examine the drug interactions between 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and paroxetine or several compounds including the 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl (piperonyl) group in mice. The time course of radioactivity in the mouse brain after i.v. administration of the tracer amount (approximately 70 ng/kg) of [3H]MDMA was altered significantly by coinjection of carrier MDMA (15 mg/kg) or by pretreatment with paroxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p., 5 min). Furthermore, the radioactivity in the brain 60 min after injection of [3H]MDMA was increased significantly by pretreatment with paroxetine, but not by pretreatment with 6-nitroquipazine, fluoxetine, clomipramine, GBR 12909 or desipramine, indicating that paroxetine-induced alteration of the brain radioactivity was not due to the inhibitory effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake of paroxetine. The radioactivity in the brain 60 min after injection of [3H]MDMA was increased significantly by pretreatment with 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), MDMA, 1-piperonylpiperazine and N, alpha-dimethylpiperonylamine, but not by pretreatment with piperonylacetone, piperonyl butoxide and piperonyl isobutyrate. HPLC analyses indicated that the alteration of brain radioactivity 60 min after injection of [3H]MDMA was, in part, due to inhibition in the metabolism of [3H]MDMA to radioactive metabolite(s). The present results suggest that a specific mechanism for the 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl group which rapidly alters the disposition and metabolism of [3H]MDMA may exist in brain and peripheral organs of mice.

Alteration of pulmonary blood flow distribution in patients with congenital left to right cardiac shunt--pre- and postoperative study with macroaggregates of 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin

The pulmonary blood flow in 84 patients with left to right cardiac shunts was preoperatively and postoperatively examined by scintigram with macroaggregates of 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin. Lung biopsy was also performed in 28 patients. The regional pulmonary blood flow distribution curves obtained from perpendicular scintillation to the long axis of the right lung in the supine position were classified into 4 patterns (normal and types 1 to 3). The normal pattern displayed uniform distribution, however type 1 demonstrated a lack of upper corner in the curve. Type 2 showed 2 peaks (a lower peak in the upper and a higher peak in the lower part of the lung) with a dip between them. Finally only 1 peak in the lower part of the lung was manifest in type 3. The right Upper/Lower lung count ratio, R(U/L), expressed as the mean +/- standard deviation in each curve type was 0.82 +/- 0.12 (n = 23), 0.71 +/- 0.11 (n = 28), 0.6 +/- 0.08 (n = 17) and 0.58 +/- 0.18 (n = 16), respectively. The count ratios from the 3 abnormal types were statistically significant compared to the normal curve type (p < 0.01). In addition, the type 1 and 2 curves were significant compared to type 3 (p < 0.05-0.01). In patients under 3 years of age, lower R (U/L) count ratio expressed more severe pulmonary hypertension. Negative correlations were observed with the peak pulmonary/peak systemic pressure ratio, Pp/Ps, (r = -0.66, p < 0.01) and with the pulmonary vascular resistance index, PVRI, (r = -0.45, p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Promotion of cell adhesion on fibronectin during adenovirus infection of KB cells

Cytopathic effects of adenovirus-infected human cells consist of rounding and detachment from the substrate at late times postinfection. It is not known, however, whether any changes in cell adhesion are induced by adenoviruses before cytopathic effects become evident. We show here that attachment and spreading of human adenovirus type 2 (Ad2)-infected KB cells on fibronectin (FN) are, unexpectedly, promoted at intermediate times postinfection. The promotion of spreading by Ad2 is not only on fibronectin but also on laminin and vitronectin. In contrast, Ad2 or Ad5 mutants defective in the E1b 19-kDa function did not lead to a promotion in cell attachment but they led to a promotion in cell spreading. Inhibition of spreading of Ad2-infected KB cells on FN by the peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro is partial, although it is complete in uninfected KB cells. We found, however, that Ad2 infection does not significantly change the levels of expression of beta 1 integrin mRNA and FN receptor polypeptides. Our results thus suggest that adenovirus infection leads to a promotion in adhesion through influencing integrin molecules without altering the quantity and/or through activation in the cytoskeleton or some other pathway.

Effect of carbon tetrachloride on allylnitrile-induced head twitching

Allylnitrile is known to induce head twitching in rats and mice. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) impairs the hepatic mixed function oxidase system and lowers acute toxicity of nitriles. In the present study we examined the effect of CCl4 on the allylnitrile-induced head twitching to elucidate the mechanism of the abnormal behavior. In rats, CCl4 pretreatment inhibited the head twitching induced by allylnitrile (1.49 mmole/kg, po), the maximal and dose-dependent inhibition occurring when CCl4 was given just prior to the nitrile administration, while CCl4 post-treatment had no effect on the head twitching. A dose-dependent inhibition of cyanide formation arising from allylnitrile in the liver and a dose-dependent attenuation of acute toxicity of allylnitrile were observed when CCl4 was given just prior to the nitrile administration in rats and mice. Intracerebroventricular injection of allylnitrile (2.0 to 18 mumole/brain) induced no head twitching in rats. The results suggest that active metabolites of allylnitrile are responsible for the head twitching, and that CCl4 prevents the metabolic process in the liver by forming conjugates with allylnitrile, resulting in the inhibition of the head twitching.

Antiarrhythmic effects of bisaramil in canine models of ventricular arrhythmia

The antiarrhythmic effects of bisaramil were examined in canine models of digitalis-, adrenaline- and two-stage coronary ligation- induced arrhythmia. Bisaramil (0.3-1.5 mg/kg i.v.) suppressed all the arrhythmias. The antiarrhythmic plasma concentration (IC50) for arrhythmias induced by digitalis, adrenaline, and 24 h two-stage coronary ligation were 0.11, 0.81, and 0.75 micrograms/ml, respectively. Bisaramil is a potent class I agent, judging from its low antiarrhythmic plasma concentrations. Oral bisaramil (10 mg/kg) also suppressed 24-h coronary ligation-induced arrhythmia. These results indicate that bisaramil may be a useful drug for the treatment of various clinical ventricular arrhythmias.

Control of Ca2+ influx by manipulation of Ca2+ and/or Ca2+ antagonist in cardioplegic arrest

Maximum deactivation of the contractile elements using Ca2+ minimizes oxygen requirements during global ischemia, Ca2+ antagonists and Ca(2+)-free cardioplegia solutions are methods by which the Ca2+ flux can be manipulated. This study was performed with 5 experimental groups: 1) Standard cardioplegia (with Ca2+), 2) Ca(2+)-free cardioplegia, 3) Ca(2+)-free cardioplegia plus verapamil (0.5 mg/L), 4) Verapamil cardioplegia (with Ca2+), and 5) Ca(2+)-free cardioplegia, in which verapamil was administered at the onset of reperfusion (0.5 mg/L). Cardiac functions, heart rate, edema formation, and creatine kinase concentration were measured before and after 70 min of ischemia at a myocardial temperature of 20 degrees C. Ca(2+)-free cardioplegia may be beneficial under hypothermic conditions, but the "Ca2+ paradox" was still a matter of concern. Reperfusion with verapamil did not protect from reperfusion-related injuries. However, the use of verapamil provided more protection than did standard or Ca(2+)-free cardioplegic solutions. Since verapamil did not maintain membrane integrity during ischemia when combined with Ca(2+)-free cardioplegic solutions (prominent edema formation was observed), its combination with Ca(2+)-containing cardioplegic solutions is recommended.

Primary low cerebrospinal fluid pressure syndrome associated with galactorrhea

A 36-year-old woman with positional headache was found to have primary low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure syndrome and galactorrhea. The CSF pressure at lumbar puncture was not measurable. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the ventricle and cerebral sulcus were narrowed and the pituitary stalk was oppressed by the brain. Hyperresponsiveness of prolactin was noted after stimulation with thyrotropin-releasing hormone. These abnormalities disappeared with normalization of CSF pressure with the treatment. Galactorrhea was apparently due to oppression of the pituitary stalk by downward movement of the brain.

[Studies on urinary apolipoprotein H in diabetics]

In order to elucidate the diagnostic significance of urinary apolipoprotein H (apo H), known as beta 2-glycoprotein I, urinary apo H levels were measured by a non-competitive enzyme immunoassay in diabetics without hypertension and Albustix-positive proteinuria. The relationships between urinary apo H levels and urinary albumin (Alb) levels as well as clinical profiles in diabetics were investigated. The mean urinary apo H level in 45 diabetics was 264.2 +/- 189.5 micrograms/g.cr, and significantly higher than that in 41 healthy subjects (120.6 +/- 84.8 micrograms/g.cr, p < 0.01). Diabetics were classified into three groups based on urinary Alb levels; 17 group I patients with normoalbuminuria (U-Alb < 15mg/g.cr), 12 group II patients, whose urinary Alb levels were in between normo- and microalbuminuria (15 < or = U-Alb < 30mg/g.cr) and 16 group III patients with microalbuminuria (30 < U-Alb < or = 300mg/g.cr). The mean urinary apo H level in group I patients, who were regarded as without nephropathy, was 199.2 +/- 109.0 micrograms/g.cr, significantly higher than that in normal subjects (p < 0.01). The mean urinary apo H levels in group II and III were 271.4 +/- 177.1 and 327.8 +/- 246.1 micrograms/g.cr, respectively. These values were also higher than in normal subjects (both of p < 0.01). Urinary apo H levels correlated positively with urinary levels of glycosaminoglycan (r = 0.382, n = 45, p < 0.01), which was regarded as an indicator of the anion loss from glomerular basement membrane to urine, and with urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activities (r = 0.378, n = 37, p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Rises in urinary bicarbonate contents and pH of adult Tokyo citizens

Urinary bicarbonate has been considered to be negligible, and the pH of urine to be low (around pH 5.5) for these fifty years. It was, however, found that the contents of bicarbonate and pH of the urine of adult Tokyo citizens (435 adults including 148 males and 287 females) substantially increased. The findings may be correlated with increased inhaled amounts of carbon dioxide which finally causes the increase of urinary excretion of bicarbonate, though evidence that the gas accumulates in the atmosphere of Tokyo due to air pollution has not been directly demonstrated.

Effects of a new class I antiarrhythmic drug bidisomide on canine ventricular arrhythmia models

The antiarrhythmic and direct cardiovascular effects of a new antiarrhythmic agent, bidisomide, alpha-(2-[acetyl(1-methylethyl)amino]ethyl)-alpha-(2- chlorophenyl)-1-piperidinebutanamide, were investigated. To determine the anti-arrhythmic effects, spontaneously occurring adrenaline-, digitalis- and two-stage coronary ligation-induced arrhythmias were used. Bidisomide suppressed these three arrhythmia models. The antiarrhythmic plasma concentration, IC50, of bidisomide for digitalis-induced arrhythmia was 22.1 micrograms/ml, and those calculated for intravenous bidisomide in 24 h and 48 h coronary ligation-arrhythmias were 15.1 and 11.6 micrograms/ml and that calculated for oral bidisomide in 24 h coronary ligation-arrhythmia was 5.4 micrograms/ml and that for adrenaline induced arrhythmia was 58.7 micrograms/ml. In the blood perfused sinoatrial node and papillary muscle preparations, bidisomide decreased the sinoatrial rate and contractile force and increased the intraventricular conduction time and coronary blood flow. These results indicate that bidisomide is similar to other class I antiarrhythmic agents such as pirmenol and KW-3401 in its antiarrhythmic profile and is expected to become a clinically useful antiarrhythmic drug.

Effects of gallopamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker in models of ventricular arrhythmia in dogs

The antiarrhythmic effects of gallopamil on adrenaline-, digitalis- and two-stage coronary ligation-induced arrhythmias and on adrenaline-induced triggered arrhythmia were investigated. Gallopamil suppressed adrenaline-induced and adrenaline-induced triggered arrhythmias, and these antiarrhythmic effects of gallopamil were similar to those of verapamil. Gallopamil also showed some antiarrhythmic effect on the 48-h coronary ligation-induced arrhythmia. The plasma concentration of gallopamil which decreased the arrhythmic ratio for adrenaline-induced arrhythmia by 50% (IC50) was 32 ng/ml. These results indicate that gallopamil may be a clinically useful antiarrhythmic drug.

Significance of subclinical entrapment of nerves in lead neuropathy

We examined a left-handed 25-year-old man engaged for 2 years at a vinyl chloride resin factory where he had been exposed to lead stearate, a stabilizer of resin. Neurological examination revealed atrophy of small hand muscles, especially in the left dorsal interossei. Sensation of all modalities was intact. A nerve conduction study showed conduction block at the elbow, indicating possible cubital tunnel syndrome. Following CaEDTA therapy, continued recovery of conduction velocities, amplitude of compound muscle action potential, and diminution of conduction block at elbow were observed within a few months. In lead intoxication, nerves may incur mechanical damage. Subclinical entrapment may thus be an important factor leading to vulnerability of nerves in lead neuropathy.

High incidence of leukemic phase in follicular lymphoma in Akita, Japan: clinicopathologic, immunological and cytogenetic studies

A leukemic phase occurred in 7 of 11 (64%) Japanese patients with follicular lymphoma. The clinical and hematologic features at the onset of this phase were splenomegaly, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The lymphoma cells expressed monoclonal surface immunoglobulins with moderate to strong intensity in all 7 of the patients diagnosed as leukemic. Various B-cell associated antigens were expressed as follows: CD19 (5/6), CD20 (7/7), and CD10 (6/7). The reactivity to these markers was comparable in the lymph node and blood samples. The expression of CD38 antigen was much lower in the lymphoma cells of the blood than in those of the lymph nodes. Cytogenetic studies of the lymph nodes of follicular lymphoma in leukemic phase revealed a common chromosomal aberration, of t(14;18)(q32;q21) and +18, in 2 patients successfully analyzed. Although the follicular lymphomas in the leukemic phase in these patients in Akita, Japan, were consistent with those in the West with respect to morphology, immunology and cytogenetics, the high incidence of leukemic manifestations may be a salient feature of Japanese cases.

[Mechanisms of organ failure following cardiopulmonary bypass--preventive effects of Ca2+ blocker (nicardipine)]

The causes of organ failure following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were multi-factorial. Damage was initiated by elastase which was released from activated granulocytes under conditions of significant reduction in the protease inhibitor level (p < 0.01). The increase in endothelin excretion observed during and after the CPB induced a further vasoconstrictive response in the microvasculature and accelerated ischemic cellular damage. Upon completion of the CPB, the elevation of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase was influenced by the elastase and endothelin concentrations (r = 0.8 and r = 0.67 respectively). Renal damage, which was detected by an increase in renal tubular enzymes (N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase), was affected by endothelin (r = 0.61, 0.75) and elastase concentrations (r = 0.74, 0.75) respectively. In the group treated with nicardipine during the CPB, an increase in beta-glucuronidase was significantly low (p < 0.01) and renal tubular damage was significantly reduced. Moreover, lesser elevation of the elastase level on arrival in the ICU was evidenced (p < 0.05). Thus we concluded that nicardipine inhibited the release of elastase from the activated neutrophils and prevented the vasoconstriction caused by the endothelin secretion.

Effect of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on bronchial responsiveness in patients with asthma

We investigated the effect of 300 micrograms of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) daily on bronchial responsiveness to methacholine and pulmonary function of 22 subjects with asthma in a single-blind, crossover study. The severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness lessened significantly during treatment with BDP (P < .01). No significant changes occurred in FEV1 or in the control value of airway conductance. We conclude that a 300-micrograms total daily dose of BDP is an efficacious treatment for patients with asthma. Because suppression of adrenal function and systemic adverse effects can occur in asthmatic patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids, especially children, long-term treatment with inhaled steroids should employ minimal daily doses necessary.

Comparison of the effects of intra-third ventricular administration of interleukin-1 or platelet activating factor on ACTH secretion and the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system in conscious rats

The effects of centrally administered interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) or platelet activating factor (PAF) on adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and catecholamine secretion, blood pressure and heart rate were examined to determine if these agents stimulate similarly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system. Intra-third ventricular administration of IL-1 (50, 200 ng) evoked significant ACTH secretion. Centrally administered IL-1 (50 ng) elevated plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels, systolic blood pressure and heart rate. Plasma ACTH, noradrenaline and adrenaline levels were also increased by the higher dose (200 ng) of IL-1 while systolic blood pressure and heart rate were not affected. Intra-third ventricular administration of 9 micrograms of PAF elevated the plasma ACTH level while 3 micrograms of PAF did not stimulate ACTH secretion. Neither dose of centrally administered PAF affected any plasma catecholamine level or systolic blood pressure. These results suggest that central IL-1 stimulates both the HPA axis and the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system, that a higher dose of IL-1 stimulates a mechanism to antagonize the elevation of blood pressure and heart rate and that central PAF is not involved in the control of the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system. Thus, IL-1 and PAF do not interact in the brain, although they interact peripherally.

Pemphigoid vegetans represents a bullous pemphigoid variant. Patient's IgG autoantibodies identify the major bullous pemphigoid antigen

Pemphigoid vegetans is a rare disease; only four cases have been reported. The relationship of pemphigoid vegetans to bullous pemphigoid is not completely defined. We describe a case in a 77-year-old woman who had multiple well-circumscribed, erythematous, erosive, and vegetating plaques in the axillae and inframammary areas and in the neck. Microscopic examination revealed epidermal hyperplasia, dermoepidermal junctional separation, and prominent dermal eosinophilia. In the perilesional skin IgG was deposited linearly at the basement membrane zone. In addition, our patient's IgG autoantibodies, primarily the IgG4 subclass, reacted with the epidermal side of salt-split normal human skin and with the 230 kd major bullous pemphigoid antigen. We conclude that pemphigoid vegetans is best classified as a bullous pemphigoid variant.

Perfusion pressure control by adenosine triphosphate given during cardiopulmonary bypass

Administration of exogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a vasodilator during cardiopulmonary bypass was assessed in consecutive adult patients (n = 24) who demonstrated a high arterial perfusion pressure (mean, > 90 mm Hg). The action of ATP was characterized by rapid induction and stabilization of the blood pressure level. The dose of ATP ranged from 0.68 to 2.68 mg/min. Within 1 minute after the administration, there was a significant reduction in the perfusion pressure from 102 +/- 18 mm Hg (mean +/- standard deviation) to 72 +/- 19 mm Hg. The ATP was then able to maintain the desired pressure of 69 +/- 12 mm Hg at 5 minutes, 67 +/- 12 mm Hg at 10 minutes, and consistent values thereafter. After the ATP administration was discontinued, there was a prompt recovery of pressure without bradyarrhythmia. The frequency and amount of inotropes used were consistent with the control group (n = 26). Although the administration of ATP reduced the increase in serum catecholamine concentration, there were no significant changes in other vasoactive mediators (eicosanoid, angiotensin II, endothelin) between the two groups during cardiopulmonary bypass. There was neither an accumulation of metabolic products (uric acid, phosphate) nor a decrease in the level of divalent cation (Ca2+), which is observed when the cations combine with phosphates or adenosine nucleotides. This study confirmed the efficacy and safety of ATP infusion during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Biological monitoring of acrylonitrile exposure through a new analytical approach to hemoglobin and plasma protein adducts and urinary metabolites in rats and humans

A new, simple and fast procedure of measuring acrylonitrile (ACN) in ACN derived mercapturic acids such as S-(2-cyanoethyl)-L-cysteine(CyEC), and in hemoglobin (Hb) and plasma protein adducts and urinary metabolites in rats and humans exposed to ACN was developed. ACN in mercapturic acids or proteins was analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) by liberating ACN at a high-temperature in the injector port of GC with or without oxidizing sulfur atoms of the ACN-bound cysteines into sulfoxide form by hydrogen peroxide in vitro. At 350 degrees C, more than 90% of ACN in authentic CyEC was recovered by this method. Increasing a single ip dose of ACN from 5 to 50 mg/kg produced proportional increases in ACN bound to Hb 24 hr after the treatment. The alkylation of plasma protein with ACN was about 1/10 as low as that of Hb. After repeated daily ip doses of 1-10 mg/kg, ACN in Hb decreased with a half-life of about 9 days. ACN was also detected in the blood of workers exposed to ACN for 1 to 10 years at a Siberian synthetic rubber factory.

Hyperpermeability of abdominal capillary vessels to endothelin-1 in patients with diabetes mellitus

To elucidate the pathophysiologic significance of circulating endothelin-1 (ET-1) to the vascular lesions in diabetic patients, ET-1 levels in plasma and peritoneal dialysis fluid were measured in 11 patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) [five with diabetic nephropathy (group A); six with chronic renal failure without diabetes mellitus (group B)]. ET-1 levels were determined by a highly sensitive and specific enzymeimmunoassay. Plasma ET-1 levels in group A were not significantly different from those in group B (3.3 +/- 0.9 versus 3.5 +/- 0.9 pg/ml). However, the amounts of ET-1 in peritoneal dialysis fluid in group A were significantly greater than those in group B (19.2 +/- 13.2 versus 10.4 +/- 6.3 ng/day). These results suggest that abdominal capillary vessels in diabetic patients are hyperpermeable to ET-1.

[Enkephalinase activity in the guinea pig model of asthma]

Enkephalinase exists in airway epithelial cells, smooth muscle, and submucosa near glands, and cleaves tachykinins to inactive metabolites, thereby reducing there effects. To study the role of enkephalinase in asthmatic response, we measured its activity in guinea pig model of asthma. When compared with the control values, the enkephalinase activity was reduced during in immediate asthmatic response (IAR) and late asthmatic response (LAR). Compared with the control values (100%), each value was 79.7%, 73.4% in the trachea and 74.3%, 55.7% in the lung respectively. Tracheal muscle preparation taken from the control, IAR, and LAR groups were made and mounted in oxygenated modified Krebs-Ringer solution. The response was monitored by isometric transducer. Concentration response curves to NKA with or without phosphoramidon were obtained. The contractile responses of the LAR groups were enhanced in potency and efficiency. Phosphoramidon potentiated the NKA induced contraction of control and the IAR groups but was less potent in enhancing the contractile response in the LAR group, showing less enkephalinase activity in the LAR. These results suggest that the enkephalinase plays an important role in LAR. In LAR, the enkephalinase activity may be inhibited and the responsiveness of the smooth muscle to some bronchoconstrictor, such as tachykinins, may be increased.

Epithelial properties of human intestinal Caco-2 cells cultured in a serum-free medium

Human intestinal Caco-2 cells were cultured under serum-free conditions on an insoluble collagen and FCS matrix (Caco-2-SF), and a comparison was made between several characteristics of Caco-2 and Caco-2-SF cells. Their morphological appearance was identical. Slight differences were found in cell growth and expression of brush border enzymes between Caco-2 and Caco-2-SF cells. Similar levels of activity of Gly-Gly transport were expressed in both types of cell. Caco-2 cells cultured on permeable filters showed high transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), indicating the high monolayer integrity. The transepithelial transport activity for glucose, alanine and Gly-Gly was detected by measuring the change in short-circuit current (delta Isc) after adding each of these nutrients to the apical chamber. In Caco-2-SF cells, such parameters as TEER and delta Isc were reduced drastically, suggesting that the monolayer integrity and cell polarity that are important for transepithelial transport were not attained. These parameters, however, could be restored by adding FCS or by milk whey. The result suggested that FCS and milk whey contain factors which regulate the formation of the tight junctions and, consequently, the development of cell polarity. Thus the Caco-2-SF cell-culture system will provide a useful model for studying factors which regulate the intestinal transepithelial transport functions.

Ph+ acute myelogenous leukemia with t(7;11)(p15;p15) and clonal evolution in relapse after bone marrow transplantation

A 20-year-old female with Ph+ acute myelogenous leukemia (M2) associated with t(7;11)(p15;p15) is reported. Bone marrow aspirates were hypercellular with leukemic cells including Auer rods. Chromosome analysis showed t(7;11) and the Ph chromosome. After complete remission, normal karyotype was restored. Normal male karyotypic cells replaced the bone marrow following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from her brother. On day 358, cytogenetic study at relapse revealed 14q+ as an additional change and clearly showed that the abnormal clone was derived from the patient, because metaphases with XX were all of abnormal karyotype and those with XY were normal.

[Changes in bone and lipid metabolisms following oophorectomy and effects of estrogen replacement therapy]

The bone and lipid metabolisms in Japanese oophorectomized (OVX) women and effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) were investigated. Three hundred and two OVX women (mean age of 41.6) and 164 premenopausal women (mean age of 42.1) were examined. BMD of the lumbar spine, serum Ca, P, Al-p, total cholesterol (T-C), HDL-C and LDL-C were measured every three months. BMD within 2 years after OVX was not significantly decreased. The mean BMD between 2 and 5 years or over 10 years after OVX was 0.83 (p < 0.01) and 0.69 (p < 0.001), respectively. Serum Ca and P were increased for 2 years and Al-p was increased for 10 years after OVX. To investigate the effect of ERT on BMD, OVX women were divided into 3 groups: ERT, VD3 and no treatment groups. After 12 months of treatment, the mean % BMD in each group was 102.9, 100.6 and 97.8, respectively. T-C or LDL-C was gradually increased in 10 years after OVX. After 15 months of ERT, the mean percentages HDL-C and LDL-C in hyperlipidemic women (LDL-C > or = 150) were 110.5 (p < 0.05) and 75.2 (p < 0.001). ERT may be requisite for OVX women and effective in preventing increased bone turnover and hyperlipidemism following OVX.