Autoradiographic demonstration of lansoprazole uptake sites in rat antrum and colon

To investigate possible effects of lansoprazole other than its acid suppression through the parietal cell, uptake sites for lansoprazole were studied by autoradiography in rat antral and colon mucosa. Autoradiography was performed using two different methods, i.e., routine fixation and in vitro autoradiography on cryostat sections. Our results showed that the uptake sites for lansoprazole in the gastric antrum were located in the interstitial cells, including unmyelinated nerve fibers, whereas those in the colon mucosa corresponded to epithelial cells and some of the interstitial cells. With electron microscopy, the uptake sites for lansoprazole in the colon epithelial cells were seen exclusively near the apical plasma membrane. On the basis of these findings, lansoprazole may have effects on autonomic nerve and colon epithelial function as well as on acid secretion.

Alteration of ammonia and carnitine levels in short-term treatment with pivalic acid-containing prodrug

We investigated the influence on mitochondrial functions in carnitine deficiency caused by short-term treatment of cefteram-pivoxil (CFTM-PI) which is one of pivaloyloxymethyl-esterified antibiotics in adult volunteers and diseased children. Administration of CFTM-PI caused hypocarnitinemia in all cases, and we observed a significant elevation of blood ammonia levels compared with those after its withdrawal in diseased children. A significant negative correlation was found between the levels of serum free carnitine and blood ammonia, and a positive correlation was observed between serum carnitine and blood glutamine levels in all adult samples and samples during administration in diseased children. Our data suggest that these antibiotic medications affect the mitochondrial function even in a short-term treatment and that L-carnitine supplementation would be necessary for patients treated with CFTM-PI.

Mapping of regions of physical deletion on chromosome 16q in prostate cancer cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

Recent evidence suggests that a tumor suppressor gene important in the progression of prostatic carcinoma may reside on chromosome 16q. The exact location and identity of this gene are unknown. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization in a novel manner to define more clearly the location of this gene. Region-specific chromosome 16 cosmid contig probes were hybridized directly to interphase prostatic carcinoma nuclei in order to measure physical deletion of chromosomal loci. Fifteen of 30 tumors (50%) showed evidence of physical deletion of 16q24. Other probes were used to test for regions of chromosome 16 deletions in the same specimens, and a map showing a region of common deletion was created. This map showed the proximal terminus of the region of common deletion to be located distal to 16q23.1. These data correlate well with loss of heterozygosity data in the literature and provide further evidence for the presence of a prostatic carcinoma tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 16q.

Quantitative autoradiographic localization of [3H]3-OH-PCP (1-(1(3-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexyl)piperidine) binding sites in rat brain

Binding of a novel radioligand, [3H]3-OH-PCP (1(1(3-hydroxyphenyl) cyclohexyl)piperidine), to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-coupled and -uncoupled PCP sites was investigated in the rat brain. The highest densities of [3H]3-OH-PCP binding were observed in the hippocampal formation, notably in the stratum radiatum and oriens of CA1 region, and dentate gyrus. There were relatively high levels of binding in the olfactory system, superficial layer of cortices, the amygdala and the thalamus. In contrast, lower levels of binding were found in the globus pallidus, cerebellum, and brain stem, except for the superior colliculus. These findings demonstrate that [3H]3-OH-PCP binds to discrete regions within the rat brain. Its distribution is consistent with autoradiographic localization of [3H]TCP and [3H]MK-801 binding sites in the rat brain, suggesting that [3H]3-OH-PCP binds to NMDA/PCP ion-channel complexes in preference to sigma sites.

MR angiography of cerebral vasospasm in preeclampsia

Cerebral vasospasm was demonstrated with MR angiography in a patient with preeclampsia. MR angiography 5 days after the onset of symptoms clearly demonstrated diffuse intracranial vasospasm. The follow-up study confirmed the resolution of vasospasm successfully.

Fluoride distribution of rat molar cementum in relation to age and fluoride levels in the drinking water

The present study was undertaken to determine the fluoride distribution profile in rat molar cementum with age in relation to fluoride in drinking water. Fifty-four female Wistar rats were used for the experiment. Before the experiment 6 rats were killed under chloroform anesthesia at 4 weeks of age as controls. The remaining 48 rats were divided into two groups: a control group given distilled water and the other group given water containing 100 ppm fluoride ad libitum. Six rats from each group were killed at the ages of 6, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. The fluoride distribution in the molar cementum was analyzed from the surface to the cementodentinal junction by abrasive microsampling. The fluoride concentrations in molar cementum from control rats on distilled water remained relatively constant until 24 weeks. A small increase then occurred between 24 and 48 weeks. The fluoride concentration in cementum from rats drinking water containing 100 ppm fluoride increased markedly with age, both in outer and inner regions of the molar cementum for all rats. On the other hand, the fluoride concentration in the cementum of older rats drinking water with 100 ppm fluoride was significantly higher in the outer than in the inner region of the cementum. It was concluded that the fluoride distribution in rat molar cementum may increase throughout life in relation to the fluoride level in the drinking water.

[Clinical evaluation of the Terumo ES H51 semi-automatic blood pressure measuring device]

The relative accuracy of a semi-automated portable blood pressure (BP) measuring device, Terumo ES-H51, which is based on the auscultatory method, was assessed by comparison with simultaneous sphygmomanometric measurement on 48 patients, including hypertensive patients. During rest, mean differences and limits of agreement (mean +/- 2SD) were -1.3 mmHg, -7.9 and 5.3 mmHg, respectively for systolic BP, and -0.2 mmHg, -8.4 and 8.0 mmHg, respectively for diastolic BP. Although the differences between ES-H51 and sphygmomanometric measurement did not increase with repeated measurements or with changes of BP during the induction of anesthesia, blood pressure measurement by ES-H51 was sometimes impossible or erroneous during upper abdominal surgeries in 5 patients. We concluded that ES-H51 has satisfactory accuracy, and is suitable for blood pressure assessment during the peri-operative period but not during surgery.

Ultrastructural alterations of hepatocytes in the tumour-bearing, cachectic rat

Morphologic changes in the hepatocytes of tumour-bearing rats at the pre-cachectic and cachectic stages were studied by electron microscopy and were quantitatively analysed by a morphometric method. Ten male F-344 rats, subcutaneously inoculated with methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma cells (TBR) were compared with ten pair-fed controls (CTR). There was no significant difference in the size of the cells or their nuclei, the number of mitochondria, or the number of lysosomes, between TBR and CTR at either the pre-cachectic or cachectic stage. Although the size of mitochondria of TBR was already significantly enlarged at the pre-cachectic stage, before the food intake of the TBR had decreased, the micro-structure within the mitochondria was unaltered. Marked differences were observed in the number, arrangement and distribution of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, all of which decreased significantly in TBR compared with CTR at both the pericentral and periportal zones. Changes at the periportal region were further pronounced at the cachectic stage. These results, distinct from the changes seen in simple starvation, may confirm a part of the biochemical evidence specific to tumour induced metabolic alterations.

Acquisition of pathogenicity of a Newcastle disease virus isolated from a Japanese quail by intracerebral passage in chickens

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was isolated from a Japanese quail (Cotornix cotornix japonica). The effect of intracerebral and intranasal passages of the NDV in chickens on the pathogenicity was studied. Pathogenicity of the viruses of different passage levels was compared with that of the original isolate by the mean death time with the minimum lethal dose in chicken embryos, intracerebral pathogenicity index in day-old chicks, intravenous pathogenicity index with 6-week-old chickens and the mortality rates of chickens and quails inoculated intravenously or intranasally. The original isolate from the quail did not kill chickens but only embryos and some one-day-old chicks, exhibiting a mesogenic character. Pathogenicity of the virus of the 10th intranasal passage was not different from that of the original isolate. The viruses passaged intracerebrally, on the other hand, killed chickens of all ages by either route of inoculation, showing a velogenic property. Virus recovery from the blood and the brain was positive only in the chickens infected with brain-passaged viruses by any route of inoculation. Virus titers in the tissues of chickens infected with the brain-passaged viruses were higher than those with the original isolate and the virus of the 10th intranasal passage. These results indicate that the enhanced pathogenicity of the mesogenic NDV isolate from the quail for chickens was induced by acquiring the properties of neurotropism and pantropism through intracerebral passage in chickens.

Metastatic pineocytoma of the spinal cord after long-term dormancy

An unusual tumor in the spinal cord of a 57 year old man is reported. At the age of 42 years, the patient had had a pineal region tumor that subsequently disappeared completely after local radiation therapy only. Eleven and 15 years later, at the ages of 53 and 57 years, respectively, solitary spinal cord tumors were found and removed. Pathological examination revealed that these tumors were of neurogenic origin and showed the characteristic features of pineal parenchymal tumors such as pineocytoma and pineoblastoma. Based on the cytology of individual tumor cells and the absence of mitotic figures and necrotic foci, this patient was diagnosed as having metastatic pineocytoma of the spinal cord. This case suggests that distant, subarachnoidal metastasis to the spinal cord can occur in pineocytomas even after long-term dormancy.

Inhibitory effects of diazoxide or polymyxin B on glucose transport by isolated rat erythrocytes or adipocytes

The inhibitory effects of diazoxide or polymyxin B on 3-O-methylglucose uptake were studied in isolated rat erythrocytes or adipocytes to elucidate the mechanisms of the actions of these agents. One to three mmol/L diazoxide significantly inhibited 3-O-methylglucose uptake into erythrocytes by 11-33% without altering the equilibrium space, while 0.3 mmol/L diazoxide did not. The inhibitory effect was exerted in a dose-dependent manner in this concentration range. To test whether polymyxin B affects the process of insulin action or the glucose transport activity recruited by insulin, adipocytes prestimulated with insulin and exposed to 2 mmol/L potassium cyanide (KCN) were employed since the cells, on which glucose transporters recruited by insulin were located quiescently, were useful to estimate the effect of an agent on glucose transport activity per se. Polymyxin B (100 micrograms/mL) inhibited the insulin-stimulated uptake activity in this transport system by 22.5% while it inhibited the insulin-stimulated uptake activity in intact adipocytes which were not exposed to KCN by 32.2%. These results suggest that diazoxide inhibits the function of the erythrocyte glucose transporter, GLUT1 (classified by Bell et al.), and indicate that the inhibition of the glucose transport activity recruited by insulin is the major effect of polymyxin B (100 micrograms/mL) and the inhibition of the process of insulin action is rather small.

[Replacement of distal arch aneurysm: distal hemiarch replacement]

Among thoracic aortic aneurysm, operative result for distal arch aneurysm is poor. Approach auxiliary technique, and operative procedure are still controversial. We noticed that distal arch aneurysm frequently involve anterior lesser curvature of aortic arch, then we have designed "distal hemiarch replacement" that preserve branches of aortic arch and replace lesser curvature of arch sufficiently. Furthermore, we managed to prevent cerebral injury by atheromatous embolism using intraoperative echogram to detect atherosclerosis of aortic arch and the branches. Median approach, selective cerebral perfusion, and distal hemiarch replacement were performed consistently for seven distal arch aneurysm. As the result, all cases recovered without neurological deficit except one ruptured emergency case. Distal hemiarch replacement for distal arch aneurysm enabled sufficient essential removal and reconstruction of the thoracic aorta with minimal invasion. Intraoperative echogram could reduce operative cerebral injury and brought sufficient operative results.

Analysis of 16,16-dimethylprostaglandin E2-induced diarrhea in cecectomized rats

The 16,16-dimethylprostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2)-induced diarrhea was analyzed in cecectomized rats prepared by resecting the cecum and its vasculature without disturbing the ileocecal junction. dmPGE2 (0.1-1.0 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently increased the number of defecation episodes and induced a soft and watery stool in cecectomized rats. At 0.3 mg/kg, the diarrhea-inducing effects of dmPGE2 were more pronounced in cecectomized than in control rats. When given i.p., dmPGE2 (0.3 mg/kg) induced a watery stool in cecectomized and control rats with the same efficacy, although these effects were short-lasting as compared to oral administration. Castor oil (4 ml/kg, p.o.) also induced diarrhea, but did not produce a watery stool in cecectomized rats. There were no differences between cecectomized and control rats in basal small intestinal transits or in dmPGE2 (0.3 mg/kg, p.o.)-induced enhancements. Moreover, the basal and dmPGE2-induced jejunal net fluid transfers were the same in cecectomized and in control rats. On the other hand, the enhanced secretion of colonic fluid by dmPGE2, given intraluminally, was only half of that in control rats, whereas the colonic transit-enhancing effect of dmPGE2 in cecectomized rats was more pronounced than in control rats at 15 but not at 30 min after its administration. The basal colonic fluid contents and transits were the same in cecectomized and in control rats. Loperamide and morphine (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) inhibited the dmPGE2 (0.3 mg/kg, p.o.)-induced diarrhea in cecectomized rats. N-methyllevallorphan (5 mg/kg, s.c.) completely antagonized the inhibitory effect of loperamide and partly antagonized the effect of morphine. These results suggest that oral administration of dmPGE2 induces a more pronounced secretory diarrhea in cecectomized than in control rats, probably due to the lack of the reservoir function of the cecum in the operated animals. This secretory diarrhea model is suitable for evaluating the antidiarrheal activity of drugs.

[A procedure for recording electroretinogram (ERG) with a contact lens-type electrode, and effect of sodium iodate on ERG in rats]

A procedure for recording the electroretinogram (ERG) in rats with a contact lens-type electrode was developed in order to examine visual toxicity overtime. Rats received a single intravenous injection of sodium iodate (SI), a retinotoxic compound, via the tail vein at a dose of 12.5, 20, 25 or 50 mg/kg, and the ERG was recorded for 10 days after dosing. Histopathologic examination of the retinas was then conducted. 1. The rats were anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride (50 mg/kg, i.m.) after 90 to 120 min of dark-adaptation. Thirty-two responses to repetitive 1.2 joule light stimuli at 0.5 Hz interstimulus intervals were averaged by a microcomputer. Under these conditions, stable ERG a-wave, b-wave and oscillatory potentials could be recorded for 10 days. 2. At 12.5 mg/kg of SI, no treatment-related abnormalities were observed on the ERG. Doses of 20 mg/kg or more of SI caused depression of the amplitudes of the ERG a-wave and oscillatory potentials 2 hrs or 1 day after dosing. Following these changes, the amplitude of the ERG b-wave decreased 1 or 2 days after dosing. 3. Upon histopathologic examination of the retina, folding of the outer nuclear layer, disarrangement of the rods and cones and swelling and decrease of the pigment epithelial cells were observed at 20 mg/kg or more. The severity of the retinal lesions correlated well with the changes in the ERG. 4. Using this recording technique, it was confirmed that a stable ERG could be recorded repeatedly in rats, and the effects of SI on the ERG could be detected. Furthermore, histopathologic examination revealed that the severity of the retinal lesions correlated well with the changes in the ERG. These results indicate that the ERG recording technique employed in this study is useful for evaluating retinal toxicity in rats.

Expression of the c-met protooncogene in human hepatocellular carcinoma

The c-met protooncogene is a growth factor receptor with tyrosine kinase activity. Recently the hepatocyte growth factor was identified as the ligand for this receptor. Because the hepatocyte growth factor is a most potent mitogen in hepatocytes, possible involvement of c-met expression in hepatocarcinogenesis is suspected. In this study, we examined c-met expression in 23 hepatocellular carcinoma cases by means of Northern-blot analysis and an immunohistochemical study. Northern-blot analysis revealed c-met mRNA expression in the tumors of 6 of 19 patients (31.6%); in the immunohistochemical study, c-met protein was detected in 16 of 23 patients (69.6%). With both methods, c-met was found to be overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma compared with the surrounding normal liver. Comprehensive analysis showed that c-met protein expression was correlated with poor-to-moderate differentiation of cancer cells (p < 0.05). Tumor proliferative activity of hepatocellular carcinoma was evaluated by means of Ki-67 labeling index. All cases with increased tumor proliferative activity showed c-met protein expression, although the elevation of proliferative activity in the c-met-positive group was not statistically significant. These data suggest that the overexpression of c-met plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Advanced primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the small intestine in childhood: report of four cases

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the small intestine (PLI) is an uncommon malignancy in childhood which carries a poor prognosis. Consideration of the possible diagnosis of PLI is important when children have vague abdominal symptoms, since thoughtful multidisciplinary treatment can result in a better prognosis. This paper reports the cases of four children who have presented to our hospital since 1985 with advanced stage III or IV PLI. All the children had a huge abdominal mass but none of them had complete intestinal obstruction. Regarding the diagnosis, ultrasonography frequently reveals a hypoechoic thickening of the intestinal wall with dilated intestinal loops. A delayed primary or second-look operation may be the treatment of choice following adequate chemotherapy, while total parenteral nutritional support may prevent gastrointestinal complications. Three of the four patients have been in complete remission for 2 to 4 1/2 years since their initial treatment.

[Two cases of testicular tumor with brain metastasis]

During the last 8 years, 70 cases of testicular tumor were treated in our department. Of them 2 cases had brain metastasis. Case 1; A 37-year-old male was admitted with the chief complaint of cough. Retroperitoneal lymph node and lung metastases were discovered (stage IIIB, pT4aN1M1). Resected right testis was diagnosed as embryonal carcinoma, teratoma and STGC histopathologically. After 3 courses of PVB (cisplatinum, vincristine, bleomycin) chemotherapy right hemiplegia occurred and computerized tomographic (CT) scan revealed brain metastasis. His general condition degraded rapidly and he died of brain herniation 3 months after orchiectomy. Case 2; A 32-year-old male was admitted because of right testicular swelling and lung metastases (stage IIIB, pTiN0M1). Pathological examination revealed embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor and teratoma. After 4 courses of chemotherapy with cisplatinum (CDDP), vincristine, methotrexate, peplomycin, and etoposide all lung metastases were disappeared. A few months later left hemiplegia by brain metastasis appeared suddenly. Four additional courses of high dose chemotherapy and resection of brain metastasis was performed. Complete remission continued for 13 months. The prognosis of testicular tumor with brain metastasis was very poor. During the last 8 years, 21 cases of testicular tumor with brain metastasis were reported in the Japanese literature. A follow-up study of prognosis in the literature was performed and discussed.

Leptosins I and J, cytotoxic substances produced by a Leptosphaeria sp. Physico-chemical properties and structures

Leptosins I and J, belonging to a series of epipolythiodioxopiperazines, have been isolated from the mycelium of a strain of Leptosphaeria sp. OUPS-4 attached to the marine alga Sargasssum tortile. Their relative stereostructures have been elucidated by chemical and spectral evidence. These compounds exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against cultured P388 cells.

Effects of alcohol on lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol elevation

The mechanism whereby alcohol increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels is unclear. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) act on lipoprotein metabolism. The purpose of the present study is to determine which one or what combination of these factors is responsible for the rise in HDL-C levels following alcohol ingestion. After 3 weeks of abstinence, 12 men consumed 0.5 g/kg bw of alcohol per day for 4 weeks; 13 abstaining men served as controls. Mean plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels were unchanged in either group throughout the study. Among the alcohol consumers, plasma triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and A-II levels increased significantly after 3 weeks of alcohol loading but were unchanged in the control group. High-density lipoprotein3 cholesterol (HDL3-C) levels increased significantly in the alcohol consumers after 4 weeks of alcohol loading whereas high-density lipoprotein2 cholesterol (HDL2-C) levels were unaffected. In the controls, neither HDL2-C nor HDL3-C changed significantly. Post-heparin plasma (PHP) LPL activity and mass increased significantly (P < 0.01) after the alcohol ingestion (controls remained unchanged) without changing LPL specific activity. HL, CETP and LCAT activities were unaffected in both groups. We conclude that of the factors considered, LPL contributed the most to the alcohol-induced rise in HDL-C.

The effects of using a leukocyte removal filter during cold blood cardioplegia

During myocardial ischemia, neutrophils and platelets exert negative effects on the myocardium. In this study, we used a leukocyte removal filter during cardioplegia, and investigated its effect on myocardial damage during reperfusion by measuring the plasma levels of granulocyte components, platelet components, and cardiac enzymes [creatinine phosphokinase (CK) and creatinine phosphokinase myocardial band (CK-MB)] in 24 patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients were divided into two groups of 12 according to whether or not a filter was placed in the cardioplegic route. Blood samples were drawn directly from the coronary sinus before aortic cross clamping, and at 1, 5, and 15 min after declamping. Group F, which had the filter, showed better cardiac enzyme and lipid peroxidation results than group N, which did not. The results of this study suggest that the application of a filter during cold blood cardioplegia may reduce myocardial damage.