Differential expression of the alpha 2 and beta messenger RNAs of Na,K-ATPase in developing brine shrimp as measured by in situ hybridization

We used in situ hybridization histochemistry with synthetic oligonucleotide probes to localize the mRNAs encoding the alpha 2- and beta-mRNAs of Na,K-ATPase during development of the brine shrimp Artemia. The mRNAs of the alpha 2- and beta-subunit were of low abundance in the cysts; in addition, less mRNA of the beta-subunit was localized. During emergence (12 hr), there was an increase in alpha 2-subunit mRNA in the gut mucosa, but there was a burst in beta-subunit mRNA throughout. As development progressed, the mRNAs of both the alpha 2- and beta-subunits showed a distinct pattern of expression in which the mRNA in the salt gland was of greatest abundance, followed by epidermal cells and gut mucosa. After 36 hr the alpha 2-subunit mRNA began to decrease in all positive cells but still remained highest in the salt gland and the brain region, while the mRNA of the beta-subunit kept increasing in the gut mucosa. Finally, the greatest abundance of the beta-subunit mRNA shifted from the salt gland to the antenna gland and the epidermal cells in the tail region, but the alpha 2-subunit mRNA did not. The more widespread distribution of the beta-mRNA than alpha 2-mRNA at certain stages (e.g., there was no alpha 2-mRNA in the antenna gland at the adult stage) is in all likelihood due to the marked drop in the alpha 2-subunit and a rise in alpha 1-subunit previously seen by Peterson et al. on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, as development progresses.

[Acute lymphocytic leukemia (L1) preceded by hypercalcemia]

A 37-year-old female with hypercalcemia presented with lumbago, nausea and vomiting. Peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) smears revealed no lymphoblasts on the first admission. The value of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP) was increased and osteoporosis was found in the lumbar vertebrae. After 5 months, diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) was made on the evidence that lymphoblasts were found in PB (1%) and in BM (98%). Treatment with vincristine, daunorubicin, prednisolone and L-asparaginase achieved complete remission (CR) and the serum calcium level returned to the normal range. She has maintained CR, and is currently treated with consolidation therapy by cyclophosphamide and methotrexate. Acute leukemia is known to be rarely accompanied with hypercalcemia. This rare case was accompanied with hypercalcemia in acute leukemia. Hypercalcemia appeared to be attributable to the increased bone absorption by PTHrP derived from tumor cells. This important case will help understanding the etiology of hypercalcemia associated with ALL.

[Evaluation of halothane induced HPV inhibition with analysis of pressure-flow curve]

We investigated the effect of halothane on the hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction using in vivo measurement of the pressure-flow curve of the left lower lobe in the dog. With hypoxic ventilation of the left lower lobe, the pressure-flow curve shifted to the right and the slope of the curve became flatter. Although inhalation of 1 MAC halothane by the left lower lobe during hypoxic ventilation had no effect on the pressure-flow curve configuration, inhalation of 3, 5 MAC made the slope steeper. We analyzed these changes by the distensibility model proposed by W. Mitzner et al, and our data support the hypothesis that hypoxic ventilation decreases the small pulmonary vessels of 1-4 orders and also increases the compliance of the orders of vessel where the constriction has occurred, and halothane antagonizes the HPV response by further increasing the compliance of the constricted vessels. The inhibitory effect of halothane on HPV was weaker in in vivo preparation compared with the effect in in vitro preparation. Some humoral factors in the perfusate could contribute to this effect.

Pseudo-adrenal incidentaloma: magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with para-adrenal Castleman's disease

We report a case of para-adrenal angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia (Castleman's disease) of the hyaline-vascular type. The mass could not be differentiated from an adrenal tumor by ultrasonography and computed axial tomography (CT). However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested the possibility of an extra-adrenal origin of the mass. The intensity of the mass by MRI was homogeneous and of a higher intensity in the T2-weighted image than in the T1-weighted image, a finding similar to lymphadenopathy, lymphatic tumorous mass or metastatic tumor of the lymph node. Ultrasonography, CT and MRI may not be useful in characterizing Castleman's disease, but MRI was useful to distinguish asymptomatic para-adrenal masses from those of adrenal origin.

Na,K-ATPase expression in the developing brine shrimp Artemia. Immunochemical localization of the alpha- and beta-subunits

Developing brine shrimp are a good experimental model for study of gene expression during development. Development is initiated on suspension of brine shrimp cysts in seawater. Only 48 hr are required for progression from cyst to the larval stage. We have localize the alpha- and beta-subunits in different cells by immunostaining as development progresses. Both alpha- and beta-subunits are first detected in epidermal cells in the trunk region at the emergence 2 stage (16-hr incubation). At the nauplius 1 stage (24 hr) the enzyme appears in the brain and epidermal regions, as well as in mesenchymal cells, with weaker staining in the salt gland. After further development (nauplius 2 stage, 36 hr) stronger staining appears in the salt gland and in the epidermal region. At the nauplius 3 stage (48 hr) the enzyme appears in the midgut mucosa. Co-localization of the alpha- and beta-subunits appears in all positive cells during development. In the epidermal and salt gland cells the enzyme is mainly localized on the basolateral membrane. The basolateral localization of the Na,K-ATPase in epidermal and salt gland cells suggests that Na+ is actively transported into the epidermal and salt gland cells and passively diffuses out from the apical region.

Synthesis and biological activity of 11-[4-(cinnamyl)-1-piperazinyl]- 6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin derivatives, potential agents for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders

A series of 11-[4-(cinnamyl)-1-piperazinyl]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e] oxepins and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their protective activities against complete ischemia, normobaric hypoxia, lipidperoxidation and convulsion. Structure-activity relationship studies of this series led to the finding of (E)-1-(3-fluoro-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin-11-yl)-4-(3- phenyl-2-propenyl)piperazine dimaleate (50), AJ-3941 with the most appropriate property for combined pharmacological activities. Compound 50 also shows an inhibitory effect against cerebral edema as well when orally given to rats.

[Urinary tract infections after kidney transplantation]

Clinical significance of urinary tract infections (UTI) after kidney transplantation was studied in 57 cases. Of these patients, the UTI occurred in 63% of cases during follow-up after transplantation. Although the bacteriuria were observed more frequently in living-related donor (LD) group at pre-operation, cadaveric donor (CD) group showed significantly higher frequency in bacteriuria and UTI after transplantation. The initial UTI occurred within 4 weeks after transplantation in 86% of cases. The significant risk factors in the occurrence of UTI were presence of bacteriuria in post-operation, CD group, mismatch numbers in HLA, amount of steroid, and ages of donor and recipient. Of the bacteria isolated, about half were pathogens in UTI, which was a 2 times higher risk compared with the time of chronic hemodialysis. Gram negative rods were found to be major pathogen in UTI cases. The effect of UTI on graft survival was not obvious. However, of the patients who have bacteriuria at operation, 52% were found to have bacteriuria due to the same strain during follow-up. Therefore, bacteriological examination of urine at transplantation must be done carefully.

[A case of adult T-cell leukemia with a defective HTLV-I proviral DNA, in which the single T-cell clone appeared to have progressed from chronic phase to crisis]

A 39-year-old woman was first admitted to our hospital with increased white cell count on May, 1983. Physical examination showed only mild splenomegaly. Hematological examination revealed leukocytosis (14,600/microliters) with ATL cells (59%). Serum anti-HTLV-I antibody was positive. Examination of HTLV-I provirus in the abnormal T cells revealed the defective type. She was diagnosed as chronic type of ATL based on the clinical features. Cytogenetic study of the ATL cells revealed 47, xx, +4. For 12 months, she was followed without any therapy. WBC reduced to almost normal range and ATL cells decreased to 3 to 6% for 8 months. On May, 1985, she was readmitted to our hospital because of leukocytosis (32,200/microliters), and increased ATL cells (57%). She was diagnosed as crisis of ATL. Investigation of the proviral DNA and chromosome showed the same results as those of the chronic phase, indicating that ATL cells in both the chronic phase and the crisis phase originated from the same clone. She died after 3 months from massive diarrhea. Postmortem examination showed the extensive infiltration of leukemic cell in the small intestine.

Hereditary hypotrichosis of the scalp

Hypotrichosis of the scalp was found in 4 individuals of a 6-generation Caucasian family. This congenital phenomenon is a rather rare subtype of hereditary hypotrichosis and affects only scalp hair. The hairs of the scalp were generally sparse and short vellus type from childhood and thinned progressively with age. Morphologic studies showed poor imbrication of cuticles and dysplastic bulbar structure of the anagen follicles. The density of hair follicles per/cm2 area was comparatively lower than that of normal individuals. The genealogical study and histomorphometrical findings of this autosomal dominant trait are discussed along with previously reported causes of hypotrichosis.

An autopsy case of necrotizing ventriculo-encephalitis caused by cytomegalovirus in Hodgkin's disease

A 59-year-old Japanese woman with Hodgkin's disease developed progressive dementia and died of pneumonia. The autopsy revealed necrotizing ventriculo-encephalitis caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examinations. It is suggested that CMV ventriculo-encephalitis could occur not only in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, but also in other immunocompromised hosts.

A new class of calcium antagonists. 2. Synthesis and biological activity of 11-[[4-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyryl]amino]-6,11- dihydrodibenzo[b,e]-thiepin maleate and related compounds

A series of [(epsilon-aminoalkanoyl)amino]-6,11- dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepins and -5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenes and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated for calcium antagonistic activity by calcium-induced constriction of potassium-depolarized rat aorta. Semiempirical molecular orbital calculations of the dibenzotricyclic systems indicated that calcium antagonistic activity increased with a decrease of the angle between the planes of the two phenyl rings. AM1 net charge calculations showed that a neutral or positive charge distribution in the bridge portion was necessary for activity. 11-[[4-[4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1- piperazinyl]butyryl]amino]-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin maleate (16, AJ-2615) showed a more gradual and longer lasting antihypertensive effect than diltiazem and nifedipine in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) administered orally. Compound 16 also possessed antianginal effects in methacholine-induced ST elevation and vasopressin-induced ST depression tests in rats. The alteration of the dibenzotricyclic system of 16 to 5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene (19, 5-[[4-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-butyryl]amino]-5H- dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene) resulted in selectivity for cardiac tissue over vascular tissue, thereby conferring antianginal activity without an effect on blood pressure. Antianginal potencies of 16 and 19 were equal to or somewhat more potent than those of diltiazem.

A new class of calcium antagonists. Synthesis and biological activity of 11-[(omega-aminoalkanoyl)amino]-6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a,11-octahydrodibenzo [b,e]thiepin derivatives

A series of 11-[(omega-aminoalkanoyl)amino]-6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a,11- octahydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin derivatives were prepared and found to be a structurally new class of calcium antagonists. The structure-activity relationship studies indicated that the optimum was (6aR*,10aR*,11R*)-11-[[4-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-1- piperazinyl]butyryl] amino]-6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a,11-octahydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin (31,pA2 8.16), which was superior to diltiazem (pA2 7.42) in calcium antagonistic activity. Compound 31 showed antihypertensive activity in anesthetized rats, without a significant effect on the heart rate. It had also antianginal effects in vasopressin-induced ST-depression and methacholine-induced ST-elevation testings in rats. These potencies of 31 were essentially equal to those of diltiazem.

Disorders of bone metabolism caused by small bowel resection in rats

Disorders of bone metabolism caused by resection of three quarters of the small bowel in rats were investigated biochemically and histomorphologically. Metabolic bone disorders developing 90 days after in 75%-distal-small-bowel resected rats were characterized by reduction in ash content of the femur and by the disappearance of the trabecular bone in tibial metaphysis. Biochemical studies showed significant decrease in serum Ca and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations in 75% distal small bowel resected rats. These data suggest that 75% distal small bowel resection impairs intestinal absorption of calcium and results in a negative calcium balance, which may contribute to the development of bone metabolic disorder in rats. On the other hand, 75% proximal small bowel resection causes no obvious metabolic bone disorders in rats, possibly because of the adaptation by the remaining part of the intestine.

Hippocampal damage associated with prolonged glucocorticoid exposure in primates

In the laboratory rat and guinea pig, glucocorticoids (GCs), the adrenal steroids that are secreted during stress, can damage the hippocampus and exacerbate the hippocampal damage induced by various neurological insults. An open question is whether GCs have similar deleterious effects in the primate hippocampus. In fact, we showed that sustained and fatal stress was associated with preferential hippocampal damage in the vervet monkey; however, it was not possible to determine whether the excessive GC secretion that accompanied such stress was the damaging agent. The present study examines this possibility. Pellets of cortisol (the principal GC of primates) were stereotaxically implanted into hippocampi of 4 vervet monkeys; contralateral hippocampi were implanted with cholesterol pellets as a control. One year later at postmortem, preferential damage occurred in the cortisol-implanted side. In the cholesterol side, mild cell layer irregularity was noted in 2 of 4 cases. By contrast in the cortisol-exposed hippocampi, all cases had at least 2 of the following neuropathologic markers: cell layer irregularity, dendritic atrophy, soma shrinkage and condensation, or nuclear pyknosis. Damage was severe in some cases, and was restricted to the CA3/CA2 cellfield. This anatomical distribution of damage, and the cellular features of the damage agree with that observed in instances of GC-induced toxicity in the rodent hippocampus, and of stress-induced toxicity in the primate hippocampus. These observations suggest that sustained GC exposure (whether due to stress, Cushings syndrome or exogenous administration) might damage the human hippocampus.

Brain damage induced by prenatal exposure to dexamethasone in fetal rhesus macaques. I. Hippocampus

Neurotoxic effects of prenatal administration of dexamethasone were examined in the fetal rhesus monkey brain at 135 and 162 days of gestation (term is 165 days). In an experimental design mimicking human clinical trials, dexamethasone was given intramuscularly to pregnant monkeys on day 132 (single injection with doses of 0.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg maternal body weight) or on days 132 and 133 (multiple injections at 12-h intervals with 0.125 x 4, 1.25 x 4, or 2.5 mg/kg x 4). The fetuses were delivered by caesarean section on day 135 or day 162 and hippocampal slices were prepared for evaluation. Light and electron microscopic observation revealed decreased numbers of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA regions and of granular neurons in the dentate gyrus associated with degeneration of neuronal perikarya and dendrites. Axodendritic synaptic terminals of the mossy fibers in the CA3 hippocampal region showed pronounced degeneration. Degeneration was dose-dependent and multiple injections induced more severe damage than single injections of the same total dose. Even the lowest dose (0.5 mg/kg, which is similar to the dose used in human clinical trials) produced these changes. Degenerative changes induced by dexamethasone treatment (5 mg/kg) on days 132 and 133 were also clearly evident in fetuses studied at 162 days. Therefore, caution is recommended in the use of prenatal corticosteroids in premature deliveries.

In-vivo and in-vitro hepatoprotective effect of 4-thia-prostaglandin E1 and 7-fluoroprostacyclin in rats

4-Thia-prostaglandin E1 and to a lesser extent 7-fluoroprostacyclin showed a potent protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in-vivo and in-vitro in rat.

The effects of topical diazoxide on hair follicular growth and physiology of the stumptailed macaque

Diazoxide, an anti-hypertensive agent, has diverse pharmacologic effects; hypertrichosis, hyperglycemia associated with suppression of insulin release, and elevation of serum levels of androgens. Taking advantage of the hypertrichotic side effects of diazoxide, we examined the effect of topical application of the drug on hair regrowth in the bald frontal scalp of stumptailed macaques (Macaca arctoides); we also monitored systemic side effects. Using 7 adult stumptails, we applied diazoxide (5% solution in a vehicle) topically on the bald frontal scalp, once a day, 5 days per week. Two of seven macaques had vehicle alone applied. Hair growth was monitored by photographic recording (once every month) and by sequential analysis of folliculograms from biopsied skin (once every 4 months). We also examined body weight, hematology, blood pressure, heart rate, serum levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, and glucose tolerance for a 4-month period. All 5 diazoxide-treated animals showed thickening and maintenance of the frontal hair during the entire treatment period (16 months). Analysis of folliculograms showed progressive enlargement of hair follicular size and acceleration of its cyclic growth from telogen to anagen phase and prolongation of anagen phase in all treated animals. Controls showed no consistent progressive changes of follicular growth. None of the animals treated with diazoxide showed abnormal changes in physical growth, cardiovascular function, serum levels of androgens, glucose tolerance (including insulin levels), or hematology.

The effect of topical minoxidil on hair follicular cycles of rats

To explore an easily accessible and reproducible model for examining the effect of minoxidil on hair growth, we studied the effect of minoxidil on the natural hair cycles of rats from birth to 80 days of age. During the 1st and 2nd postnatal cycles, the hair follicles grew very rapidly and the size of anagen follicles were markedly enlarged. In the 3rd cycle (50 days to approximately 100 days of age), duration of the telogen phase lasted approximately 20 days. Topical minoxidil, 1%, 3%, or 5% solution, applied on the backs of the rats from 23 days (weaning) to 80 days, induced a remarkable shortening of the telogen phase in the 3rd cycle. Although the dose-dependent response was very minimal, rats treated with 3% or 5% minoxidil showed similar effects in the 4th cycle. Minoxidil, however, did not induce prolongation of the anagen phase, but increased the rate of DNA synthesis in the anagen bulb during the 2nd and 3rd cycles. These results suggest that minoxidil specifically stimulates the secondary germ of the telogen follicles, resulting in rapid progression to anagen follicles.

A family case of pyruvate kinase variant, PK 'Nichinan'

A case of congenital hemolytic anemia caused by pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency variant designated PK 'Nichinan' is presented. A 29-old patient with a history of anemia and hepatosplenomegaly had an episode of aplastic crisis associated with fever, abdominal symptoms and worsening hepatosplenomegaly. Study of the family members revealed that his mother and two of three siblings showed decreased PK activity whereas his father showed normal PK activity with a normal level of glycolytic intermediates. The patient was assumed to be a double heterozygote with two separate mutant genes from the parents despite the apparent normality of his father's erythrocyte PK.

Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of cis- and trans-6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a,11-octahydro-11-oxodibenzo[b,e]thiepinacetic and -oxepinacetic acids

A series of cis- and trans-6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a,11-octahydro-11- oxodibenzo[b,e]thiepinacetic acids (6-9) and -oxepinacetic acids (10-13) were prepared and their antiinflammatory activity was examined in the rat carrageenan hind paw edema test. The antiinflammatory activity of these compounds depended on their stereochemical features (C6a, C10a, and C2'). The 6a,10a-trans compounds exhibited considerable antiinflammatory activity, whereas the 6a,10a-cis compounds were inactive. Among the trans compounds, 6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a,11-octahydro-11-oxodibenzo[b,e]thiepin-3-p ropionic acid (9a) and its oxepin analogue (13a) showed an antiinflammatory activity superior to that of indomethacin. The phenethyl ester (25) of 9a showed potent antiinflammatory activity, and its safety index (UD50/ED50) was over 14 times higher than that of indomethacin. The phenethyl ester (25) is the most favorable compound with high antiinflammatory activity and little ulcerogenicity.

[Spontaneous peripelvic extravasation: reports of two cases]

Spontaneous peripelvic extravasation must be distinguished from spontaneous rupture of the renal pelvis in urological emergency. The literatures revealed 42 cases of peripelvic extravasation and 35 cases of rupture of the renal pelvis in Japan. Most of them were caused by urolithiasis and malignant tumors. We report 2 cases of spontaneous peripelvic extravasation caused by urolithiasis, which were successfully treated conservatively.

[Intra-arterial chemotherapy with cisplatin in advanced urothelial cancer]

Thirty-two patients with advanced bladder cancer received intraarterial infusion of chemotherapy with cis-platin (CDDP). For twenty-one patients, the intraarterial infusion was carried out using Seldinger's method. On the other hand, for the eleven patients who were diagnosed as inoperable cases, the intraarterial infusion was carried out using the reservoir system. The mean regression in the size of the tumor was 64%, which was statistically superior to the mean regression in the intravenous administration group, was 45%. According to Shimosato's criteria, the pathological response was evaluated. Seven patients (22%) were detected as having more than grade III. On the other hand, among the intravenous administration group, only one case (11%) was detected as more than grade III. Following the intraarterial infusion of chemotherapy, subsequent surgical treatment was performed on 21 patients. Fourteen patients underwent the organ-preserving operation, either transurethral resection or segmental resection of the bladder, and seven patients underwent radical cystectomy. In seventeen patients (53%), there was no evidence of the disease. Especially, eleven patients (79%) who under went the organ-preserving operation had no evidence of the disease. The intraarterial infusion method of chemotherapy with CDDP showed a high response, both in terms of regression of tumor size and the pathological degeneration, compared to intravenous administration of CDDP. The subsequent surgical treatment following chemotherapy issues not only a better survival rate, but also makes possible preservation of organs.