[Long-term patency of aorto-coronary saphenous vein grafts]

One hundred eighty-two cases with 814 aorto-coronary saphenous vein grafts were studied according to coronary risk factors (smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity and family history). The patency rates of all cases were as follows, early-term (within one year after operation): 92.3%, mid-term (within 5 years after operation) 80.7%, long-term (more than 5 years after operation): 66.0%. Coronary risk factors have great influence upon the mid- and long-term patency, especially upon the latter. The long-term patency rate of the grafts complicated with hyperlipidemia was 57.4% and that without hyperlipidemia was 81.8% (p less than 0.01). Hyperlipidemia, complicating 55.5% of all cases, was one of the most influential factors on the patency and also the most difficult one to be controlled. In the United States and Europe, many cases were complicated with hyperlipidemia, and it was considered that the poor patency of the saphenous vein grafts in those countries was due to this fact. Pathological studies revealed that hyperplasia of intima and media, characteristics of venosclerosis, appeared frequently in the saphenous vein grafts having more than three risk factors, and that the factors had effect not only upon arteries but also upon veins. So we conclude that saphenous vein grafts are the materials of good long-term patency, and that the control of the risk factors, particularly hyperlipidemia, is the key to improve the patency.

Concentrations of blood and urine ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetate and acetone during experimental hangover in volunteers

Blood and urine samples were analyzed for ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetate and acetone during experimental hangover in 6 healthy male volunteers (A, B, C, D, E, F). They drank freely for some 4 hr. In flushers (A, F) at 9 hr after ingestion (ethanol: 92 g, 1.2 g/kg and 1.3 g/kg), acetaldehyde levels were low in the blood, but high in the urine (37 microM, 45 microM). Heavy drinkers, non-flushers of B (ethanol: 176 g, 2.5 g/kg), C (157 g, 2.4 g/kg) and E (182 g, 2.9 g/kg) had a slightly high [lactate]/[pyruvate] ratio and 3-hydroxybutyrate in the blood at 11 hr after alcohol ingestion. Blood ethanol levels were dose dependent and blood acetaldehyde in B and C had a slightly high 6.3 microM and 8.0 microM 9 hr later, respectively. B, C and E had a high urine acetone concentration (100 microM over) in hangover. In C, in particular, urine acetate and acetone levels were unusually high. The ratio in blood (urine) among alcohol metabolites at 9 hr after drinking was approximately ethanol 1000 (1000): acetaldehyde 0.2-1.0 (0.1-5.9): acetate 36-163 (22-1554): acetone 1-11 (3-47).

Pharmacological studies on novel muscarinic agonists, 1-oxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane derivatives, YM796 and YM954

We have investigated the pharmacological profiles of the novel muscarinic agonists, 1-oxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane derivatives, YM796 (2,8-dimethyl-3-methylene) and YM954 (2-ethyl-8-methyl-3-oxo). These compounds, like the putative M1 agonists, RS86 and AF102B, inhibited [3H]pirenzepine binding to cerebral cortical membranes in the micromolar range and weakly inhibited [3H]quinuclidinyl benzylate binding to cerebellar membranes. Their (-) isomers had Hill coefficients lower than 1.0. (+/-)-YM796, (+/-)-YM954 and RS86, but not AF102B, stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in hippocampal slices, an effect which is mainly linked to M1 receptors. (+/-)-YM796 (0.031 mg/kg p.o.) and (+/-)-YM954 (0.016 mg/kg p.o.) reversed the cognitive impairment in nucleus basalis magnocellularis-lesioned rats in a passive avoidance task more effectively than did RS86 and AF102B. Similar results were obtained in scopolamine-treated rats. Finally, (+/-)-YM796 was weaker than (+/-)-YM954 and RS86 in the induction of tremor, hypothermia and contraction of isolated ileum, which are mainly mediated by M2 and/or M3 receptors. These results suggest that (+/-)-YM796, (+/-)-YM954 and RS86 have M1 agonistic activity in central nervous system and that (+/-)-YM796 has relatively weak M2 and/or M3 agonistic activity.

Effects of amino acids on acute alcohol intoxication in mice--concentrations of ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetate and acetone in blood and tissues

Condensation reactions between some SH-amino acids (L-and D-cysteine 1%) and acetaldehyde (50 microM) were studied in vitro experiment. In the aqueous solution, free acetaldehyde was reduced to 41.3% by L-cysteine and to 36.4% by D-cysteine. In the reaction with human blood medium, after the medium was deproteinized with perchloric acid reagent, acetaldehyde was reduced to 47.0% by L-cysteine and to 43.8% by D-cysteine. D-Cysteine appears to have great stability of reacting acetaldehyde. In vitro experiment reactability for D-cysteine exhibited 3-8% higher than that for L-cysteine. Next, effects of some amino acids on alcohol metabolism were studied in male ICR mice. The animals were given ethanol through a gastric catheter at a dose of 2 g/kg and they were intraperitoneally injected L-cysteine (300 mg/kg), D-cysteine (300 mg/kg), L-alanine (300 mg/kg) and control (saline), respectively in the period of one hour before the injection of ethanol. Blood and tissues samples were analyzed for ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetate and acetone during alcohol intoxication in mice by head space gas chromatography. In the groups administered D-cysteine and L-cysteine, the mice showed a definitely faster oxidation and disappearance of ethanol. Especially in the D-cysteine group, ethanol levels in blood, liver and brain remained lower than that in the other groups (p less than 0.01). Acetaldehyde levels in blood, liver and brain remained low by L-cysteine. Ethanol metabolites during alcohol oxidation by chemical reactabilities of L- and D-cysteine showed different distribution in the mice, respectively. In the mice received L-alanine, acetate and acetone levels in blood, liver and brain were distinctly reduced (p less than 0.01). L-Alanine is reported to supply an abundance of pyruvic acid that performs the NAD-generating system. NAD produced is introduced to alcohol metabolism and the TCA cycle. It was thus presumed that the L- or/and D-cysteine, and L-alanine was effective in acute alcohol intoxication by heavy drinking.

[Induction of Cd and Zn-thionein in a clonal osteogenic cell, MC3T3-E1]

Clone MC3T3-E1 cells at various differentiation stages were exposed to 0.44-13.3 microM Cd or 50-175 microM Zn in culture medium. After a 2-h culture period, the amount of Zn accumulated in the cells was shown to be larger than that for Cd, but the production of Zn-thionein was much less compared with that of Cd-thionein. After a 24-h incubation period, the synthesis of Zn-thionein increased markedly at levels of 150 microM Zn or greater, Cd induced metallothionein (MT) synthesis in a dose-dependent manner at 0.44 microM Cd or greater. Since calcified cells differentiated into osteoblastic cells also produced MT, osteoblasts were confirmed to have an ability to induce MT synthesis. Initiation of production of Cd-or Zn-thionein in the cells occurred at an accumulation of about 0.4 nmol Cd and 2.5 nmol Zn/mg cytosol protein. The ratios of thionein-binding Cd/Cd accumulated in the cytosol and thionein-binding Zn/Zn accumulated in the cytosol were 0.11 mol/mol and 0.067 mol/mol, respectively. These results show that the concentration of accumulated Zn necessary for initiating production of MT is about six times that of Cd and one molecule of Cd induces thionein about 1.6 times as effectively as one molecule of Zn does.

[Experimental study on myocardial preservation with perfluorochemical]

The effect of perfluorochemical as cardioplegic solution was studied with isolated canine hearts. They were divided into two groups as follows each consisting of ten, and cardioplegia was made every 30 minutes during 3 hours of ischemia. Group I: The solution was oxygenated to PaO2 of 542 +/- 67 mmHg (mean +/- SD). Group II: The solution was deoxygenated to PaO2 of 55 +/- 12 mmHg. Both temperature were 20 degrees C. After 3 hours cardiac arrest, the hearts were fixed to the perfusion unit filled up with the diluted blood. Then hemodynamic and biochemical variables were measured every 30 minutes. There were some significant differences between the groups. Hemodynamic indices especially negative LV max dp/dt were recovered excellently in Group I but not so much in Group II. Negative LV max dp/dt, which was the distinction of the diastole, showed significant difference more than positive LV max dp/dt, which was the distinction of the systole. It was considered that under the same condition, negative LV max dp/dt reflected not only compliance but also preparatory ability of the left ventricle, and it could be one of the important indices evaluating cardiac function. As regarding metabolism, delivery of oxygen with cardioplegic solution was good for the aerobic metabolism also after reperfusion, and in these circumstances, catecholamine was available effectively to the hearts. The conclusion is as follows. It is important for myocardial preservation to suppress the anaerobic metabolism and to keep the circumstances in which catecholamine was available effectively. And oxygenated PFC is good to preserve myocardium and useful as cardioplegic solution.

Determinations of ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetate in blood and urine during alcohol oxidation in man

Blood and urine samples were analyzed for ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetate during alcohol oxidation in Japanese men by head space gas chromatography, following the consumption of 16 ml/kg of beer during a 20 min period. The maximum level of blood/urine ethanol was found to be 15-17 mM (20-22 mM), while that of acetaldehyde in a flusher and in non-flushers was 20 microM (52 microM) and 2-5 microM (10-13 microM), respectively. Acetate levels in these groups ranged from 0.2 mM (0.1 mM) to 0.8 mM (1.0 mM). Blood ethanol levels were dose dependent, whereas acetaldehyde and acetate levels reflected individual metabolic rates. The relative concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde in blood and that of acetate in alcohol metabolism could be summarized as follows: 7500 (15 mM): 1-3 (2-5 microM); 250-400 (0.5-0.8 mM) for non-flushers; and 7500 (15 mM): 5-10 (10-20 microM): 250-400 (0.5-0.8 mM) for a flusher.

Studies on the interaction between polyion and counterions by sound velocity (II)

Sound velocities in polyacrylate solutions neutralized by tetraalkylammonium hydroxide were measured at various concentrations of added NACl. From the results, the degree of counterion binding to polyion and the extent of the changes in hydration volume due to ion binding were determined as a function of the degree of neutralization, alpha. The ion binding accompanying the volume changes appeared above about alpha = 0.6 and the ion binding process depended on the charge density of the polyion. The effect of the size of the tetraalkylammonium ion on ion binding was negligibly small.

[Combination of radiotherapy with cisplatin in esophageal cancer]

Combination of radiotherapy with Cisplatin was performed in order to improve the results obtained with radiotherapy alone in the treatment of esophageal cancer. The therapeutic effect of this regimen and administration of Cisplatin were analyzed in 7 primary and 8 recurrent esophageal cancer patients from April 1983 to February 1985 in N.I.R.S. Cisplatin 10 mg/m2, without hydration and diuresis, was given daily followed by radiotherapy of 2 Gy daily for five consecutive days. The course was performed for two consecutive weeks and repeated after a one-week withdrawal of Cisplatin alone. Total doses of Cisplatin were 200 mg and the total dosage of radiotherapy including fast neutrons was TDF 110 to 120. Cisplatin 30 to 50 mg/m2 was continued monthly for maintenance every four weeks after the second course. Response rates in primary and recurrent cases were 71.4% and 62.5% respectively. Administration of Cisplatin 10 mg/m2 daily was useful since nausea and vomiting rarely appeared and bone marrow toxicity and renal dysfunction as side effects were mild and reversible. In the combination of radiotherapy with Cisplatin, it seemed most effective to perform radiotherapy immediately after Cisplatin administration, considering the change in serum concentration.

Survival effect of coenzyme Q10 and naloxone on experimental stroke gerbils

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and the opiate antagonist naloxone were compared as to their effect on the survival of mongolian gerbils with unilateral carotid ligation-induced stroke. Without medication all of the stroke gerbils died within 28 hours, but with a subcutaneous implantation of a 10 mg pellet of naloxone, 20% of the gerbils lived for 4 weeks. When a 250 mg pellet of CoQ10 was implanted subcutaneously, a definite effect on survival was observed, with 45% of the stroke gerbils living for 4 weeks. Considering that the action mechanisms of CoQ10 and naloxone are different, the combined use of these drugs in the treatment of stroke needs to be investigated.

Unerupted second primary molar positioned inferior to the second premolar: clinical report

A case is presented of a ten-year-old boy having a tooth inferior to the right second premolar, which appeared to be the unerupted primary mandibular right second molar. These teeth were extracted.

Deranged Ca, Al and Mg content in the tissues of patients with chronic renal failure, as measured by non-destructive neutron activation analysis

Ca, Al and Mg content in the bone, aorta, skin and hair of 55 persons was measured by non-destructive neutron activation analysis. The Ca content in the bone of nondialyzed and dialyzed patients was found to decrease. Al and Mg were relatively higher than Ca in the patients compared to the controls. The present study suggests that fluctuation in the content of Al and Mg may have some relation to renal osteodystrophy such as osteomalacia as well as similar and related disorders. Al and Mg content in the aorta, and that of Ca in the hair of uremic patients, were higher than the controls. The mean Ca content in the skin of the patients was 25% higher than the controls. These findings indicate 1) that Al and Mg are possibly related to the advance of osteodystrophy, and 2) that Ca, Al and Mg deposits in the organs of uremic patients are a reflection of metabolic disorders in chronic renal failure.

Study on the metabolism of volatile hydrocarbons in mice--propane, n-butane, and iso-butane

A study was conducted to establish whether volatile hydrocarbons, such as propane, n-butane and iso-butane, are metabolized in mice or not. In mice having inhaled these gases, isopropanol and acetone were yielded from propane, sec-butanol and methyl ethyl ketone from n-butane, and tert-butanol from iso-butane as the respective metabolites. In addition, liver microsomes were found to contain the enzymic system participating in these metabolisms. In vitro reactions with liver microsomes produced isopropanol from propane, sec-butanol from n-butane, and tert-butanol from iso-butane. It was assumed that hydrocarbons were first converted to (omega-1)-alcohols by microsomal enzyme system and then to corresponding ketones by alcohol dehydrogenase.

Effects of bencyclane on concussion following head injury in mice

Bencyclane showed a dose-dependent anti-concussive effect with a duration of at least 60 minutes in an experimental model of concussion induced by head injury. This long-lasting effect cannot be explained only by the changes in the serum level of the agent or the increase in brain circulation due to its vasodilative action, both of which are of much shorter durations. Our findings suggest that bencyclane causes alterations in brain metabolism, which is partly responsible for reduction in the duration of the experimental concussion.

Relationships of structure to binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and related compounds with the GABA and benzodiazepine receptors

The relationship of the structure of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 45 related compounds to their binding with the GABA and benzodiazepine (BDZ) receptors was investigated. In the course of evaluating the cross-reactivity of the 45 GABA-related compounds in a GABA radioreceptor assay (GABA-RRA) using [3H]GABA and rat brain synaptic membranes, it became clear that for the molecule to react with GABA-receptors the amino group must be free, but that the carboxy group is not essential. It was also demonstrated that the molecule lost its cross-reactivity if the distance between the alpha-carbon and the amino group exceeded a certain limit, and, additionally, that the cross-reacting potency depended on the stereospecificity of the compound. When the cross-reactivity of GABA related compounds with the GABA receptor was compared with their enhancement of BDZ receptor affinity, a parallelism was found between the two actions. Between d-gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (d-GABOB) and 1-GABOB, however, no difference was found in the BDZ receptor affinity-enhancing effect, although there was a large difference in the cross-reactivity in the GABA-RRA. This indicates that the stereospecificity of the beta-carbon is crucial for the binding of the molecule to the GABA receptor but not essential for its binding to the BDZ receptor, suggesting that the GABA receptor and the BDZ receptor each recognize a different site of the molecule.

Breakdown of cartilage proteoglycan in a tissue culture model of rheumatoid arthritis

Proteoglycan breakdown was studied in a coculture model which mimics the confrontation between synovium and cartilage that occurs in rheumatoid arthritis. Bovine nasal-septum cartilage discs radioactively labeled (35SO2-4 with or without [3H]glucosamine) and 'chased' in non-radioactive medium were cultured in contact with minced rheumatoid synovial membranes for intervals up to 8 days. Synovium-stimulated (2-3-fold) cartilage breakdown was unaffected by ascorbate supplementation. Labeled products (small molecules plus proteoglycan complexes) in culture media were characterized by chromatographic, sedimentation and enzymic digestion methods. Breakdown was dominated by the release of a range of proteoglycan products, fully disaggregated and incapable of reaggregation with added hyaluronate. Because constituent glycosaminoglycans were of uniform size, proteoglycan polydispersity was attributed to differences in core protein length. Hydrocortisone inhibited degradation and partially prevented the shift of proteoglycans to lower average molecular weight. An additional breakdown pattern occasionally noted during the initial 48 h of coculture was characterized by release of a subpopulation of low charge-density proteoglycan bearing shortened glycosaminoglycan chains, consistent with glycosidase action. We conclude that rheumatoid synovia exhibit two distinct cartilage degradative potencies in vitro that may be important in vivo: (a) A variable hyaluronidase-like activity at early culture times, and (b) a dominant proteolytic activity generating an array of disaggregated proteoglycan products that differ largely on the basis of their core lengths. The response to hydrocortisone is consistent with inhibition of proteolysis through the stabilization of cellular membranes.

Chronic thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) administration on TRH receptors and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in CNS

Intraperitoneal injections of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH, 6 mg/kg/day) to rats for 14 days resulted in a significant loss (20 25%) of TRH binding sites in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and cerebral cerebral cortex. The TRH-mediated loss was reversible and reflected a decrease in binding sites but no change in affinity. On the other hand, this TRH treatment did not affect the specific brain binding of [3H]QNB. The results suggest that TRH participates in regulating CNS-TRH receptors.