In vivo administration of serum thymic factor (FTS) prevents EMC-D virus-induced diabetes and myocarditis in BALB/cAJcl mice

The effect of serum thymic factor (FTS) on the D-variant of encephalomyocarditis (EMC-D) virus-induced diabetes and myocarditis in BALB/cAJcl mice was investigated. Mice pretreated with 50 or 10 micrograms of FTS were infected with 10 or 10(3) PFU of EMC-D virus. In the mice inoculated with 10 PFU of virus, 40% developed diabetes on post-infection day (PID) 14, whereas those treated with FTS (50 micrograms/administration) on day 2 and 1 before infection did not develop diabetes. FTS (10 micrograms)-pretreated mice developed diabetes. In histological observation, FTS non-treated mice which developed diabetes showed severe necrosis and inflammation of mononuclear cells in the islets of Langerhans and myocardia on 19 PID. Mice pretreated with 50 micrograms of FTS, however, manifested mild islet degeneration without any myocardial inflammation. Furthermore, in FTS non-treated mice, immunohistological staining showed a loss of insulin granules. This loss was markedly reversed and insulin granules remained largely intact in FTS-pretreated mice. Viral titers in pancreas of FTS-pretreated mice approximated well to those of non-treated mice on PID 4, 7 and 19. In mice inoculated with higher titer of EMC-D virus (10(3) PFU), however, 50 micrograms of FTS pretreatment did not change the course of these acute pathological developments (diabetes and myocarditis observed from PID 4).

Evaluation of the argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region, nuclear DNA content and mean nuclear area in transitional cell carcinoma of bladder using a quantitative image analyzer

To search for reliable parameters that reflect the biological potential of bladder cancer, the argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR), nuclear DNA content and mean nuclear area (MNA) were studied in paraffin-embedded materials of 75 primary transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) using a quantitative image analyzer, and were also compared with histological findings and prognosis. The AgNOR parameters studied were the mean AgNOR count (C-AgNOR) and the percentage of cells exhibiting more than 4 AgNOR dots within nuclei (P-AgNOR), whereas the DNA parameters were the 2c deviation index (2cDI) and 5c exceeding rate (5cER). These 5 parameters significantly correlated with the histological grade (p < 0.0001, respectively). Similarly, these 5 parameters correlated with the histological stage, but the correlation was higher in 2cDI and 5cER (p < 0.0001, respectively) in comparison with the AgNOR parameters and MNA. Using univariate analysis, the prognostic relevance was noted in all but P-AgNOR. The 5cER value could discriminate histological grade-II tumors in relation to prognosis, whereas the remaining parameters could not. In addition, the significant difference between noninvasive and invasive tumors was noted in 2cDI and 5cER (p < 0.05, respectively), but not in C-AgNOR, P-AgNOR and MNA. These results suggest that (i) 2cDI and 5cER exhibit superiority over the AgNOR parameters and MNA in predicting survival, and (ii) in histological grade-II tumors, evaluation of the 5cER value is most important when predicting survival as well as judging the necessity for further aggressive treatment in patients with TCCs of the bladder.

The effect of nilvadipine on bloodflow in the dorsal pedis artery in type 2 diabetic patients--a study using duplex Doppler ultrasonography

The effects of nilvadipine on the peripheral circulation in the lower extremities using a duplex system of two-dimensional colour and pulse Doppler ultrasonography were studied in 32 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and mild essential hypertension. The patients (19 men and 13 women) were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The anatomical cross-sectional area and blood flow index of the dorsal pedis artery were determined by colour and pulse Doppler ultrasonography before and 60 min after administration of 4 mg nilvadipine or placebo. Pulse rate and blood pressure were measured simultaneously. There were no significant changes in pulse rate or blood pressure after administration of either drug. Both cross-sectional areas (from 4.3 +/- 0.4 to 5.2 +/- 0.5 mm2, p < 0.05) and blood flow index (from 40.3 +/- 4.3 to 58.8 +/- 9.0, p < 0.05) were significantly increased in the treatment group, whereas there were no significant changes in either measurement in the control group. The findings showed that a single administration of nilvadipine increases blood flow in the dorsal pedis arteries of diabetic patients.

Efficacy of Ibudilast on lower limb circulation of diabetic patients with minimally impaired baseline flow: a study using color Doppler ultrasonography and laser Doppler flowmetry

Ibudilast is a prostacyclin-mediated vasodilator and antiplatelet agent. The hemodynamic effects of ibudilast were evaluated in 41 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus by means of two-dimensional Doppler ultrasonography and laser Doppler blood flowmetry. Before and one hour after oral administration of ibudilast (10 mg), or elastase (1800 U) as a control, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the dorsal pedis artery, its blood flow index (BFI), and dermal microcirculatory blood volume (MBV) were measured. In the ibudilast group, all of the parameters (CSA, BFI, and MBV) significantly increased as compared with the elastase group. These data suggest that ibudilast is effective in ameliorating diabetic macroangiopathy and microangiopathy of the lower limbs.

Inherited muscular disorder in mutant Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica): relationship between the development of muscle lesions and age

The progression of the pathological changes that occur in the skeletal muscle was examined in 19 Japanese quail of the LWC strain, affected with an autosomal dominant inherited muscular disorder producing electrical myotonia. The muscle samples were obtained every 10 days from 20 to 70 days of age. Muscle samples from 18 age-matched commercial quail were used as normal controls. Characteristic histological lesions found in the skeletal muscles included sarcoplasmic masses, ringed fibres, internal migration of nuclei and fibre size variation. These lesions, which mainly occurred in the proximal muscles, appeared first in the pectoral region and later in the muscles of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. The most predominant lesion observed at all ages consisted of sarcoplasmic masses. The presence of histological changes did not affect muscle fibre typing by two staining methods, for myosin ATPase at pH 4.5, and by NADH-TR stain. The histological changes were observed in type 2A and less commonly in 2B fibres, but not in type 1. The pectoralis thoracicus muscle, in which lesions were particularly common, showed abnormally large type 2B muscle fibres at 20 days of age. These fibres began to decrease in size at 30 days of age, and at 70 days had become strikingly atrophic, their diameter being only about half that observed at 20 days. The atrophic type 2B muscle fibres were eventually replaced by lipocytes. Chronological staging of the histopathological changes in muscle was impossible since no inter-relationship was observed between the age of the quail, the severity of clinical signs and the extent of muscle lesions. This variability in the severity and age of onset may have been due to the variable expression or incomplete penetrance of the defective gene. Because the disorder is hereditary and progressive in nature, it can be classified as a type of progressive muscular dystrophy.

A new inherited muscular disorder in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Thirteen adult mutant (LWC strain) Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), between the ages of 8 and 60 weeks were examined for a progressive muscular disorder. The disorder, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, was clinically apparent as early as 28 days of age; it was characterized by generalized myotonia, muscle stiffness, and muscle weakness. Affected birds were identified by their inability to lift their wings vertically upward and by their inability to right themselves when placed on their dorsum. Electromyographic studies in two mutant quails showed high-frequency repetitive discharges comparable to those of myotonic runs. These discharges persisted after nerve resection. The distinctive histopathologic changes in the various muscles examined were ring fibers, sarcoplasmic masses, and internal migration of sarcolemmal nuclei. A slight decrease in the size of type IIB muscle fibers and a slight increase in the size of type IIA fibers were observed in the M. pectoralis thoracicus of affected quails. In older affected birds, inter- and intrafascicular fatty infiltration with replacement of type IIB fibers by fat cells was seen in the pectoral muscles. Single fiber necrosis, nonspecific lymphorrages, and variations in the muscle fiber size and shape were also noted. The typical muscle lesions and multisystem involvement, which was manifested by testicular degeneration and atrophy in the male LWC specimens and bilateral lenticular cataracts in 6 of 13 affected mutant quails, suggest resemblance of this new inherited muscular disorder to myotonic dystrophy in man.

High glucose increases platelet-derived growth factor production in cultured human vascular endothelial cells and preventive effects of eicosapentaenoic acids

The regulation of the production of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and the influence of high glucose concentration, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were studied in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUE). The PDGF production of HUE increased markedly depending on glucose concentration. However, EPA (3 x 10(-4)M) markedly inhibited PDGF production [27.5 mM glucose group: 123 +/- 3% of control (5.5 mM glucose group), 27.5 mM glucose+EPA group: 104 +/- 5% of control]. These results suggested that a high glucose concentration and a high osmotic pressure-induced increase in PDGF production is involved in the development and progression of diabetic macroangiopathy. As eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits the PDGF production induced by high glucose concentration in HUE, use of this agent may exhibit anti-arteriosclerotic effects.

[P-glycoprotein expression in hematological malignancies]

To clarify the common characteristics among P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-expressing hematological malignancies and whether chemotherapies could or could not induce P-gp expression, we analyzed P-gp/MDR1 expression in tumor cells from 200 Japanese patients (104 with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML); 30 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); 66 with mature lymphoid malignancies). Functional P-gp expression was examined by Rhodamine-123 efflux test, and estimated with the data by RT-PCR method. In mature lymphoid malignancies, the cells of T or natural killer (NK) cell malignancies frequently expressed P-gp/MDR1. In AML, frequent P-gp/MDR1 expression was associated with the expression of CD7 or c-kit and with 8; 21 chromosomal translocation (p < 0.01), which were thought to be the characteristics of the hematopoietic stem cell. Though the expression of P-gp/MDR1 was more frequent at onset than at relapse phase, the increase is thought to result from the expansion of blastic fraction expressing P-gp/MDR1. In ALL, P-gp/MDR1 expression was not frequent in B-cell precursor lineage (three of eighteen patients), but the incidence was high in CD7(+) surface CD3(-) cases (seven of the cases). These results indicate P-gp/MDR1 expression is more frequently in the tumor of T, NK cell and stem cell, reflecting the characteristics of its normal counterpart.

Restoration of myo-inositol uptake by eicosapentaenoic acid in human skin fibroblasts cultured in high-glucose medium

The effects of elevated glucose and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 omega 3) on myo-inositol uptake in human skin fibroblasts (HSF) were evaluated. Myo-inositol incorporation into HSF was dependent on an active transport system via Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity based on the results with Na+ deprivation and ouabain (5 mM). Although glucose (27.5, 55 mM) inhibited 2-[3H] myo-inositol uptake, the addition of EPA (3 x 10(-4) M) prevented glucose-mediated inhibition. Since EPA decreased glucose-mediated inhibition of myo-inositol uptake, this agent might ameliorate some of the devastating functions associated with diabetes.

Indomethacin-induced lesion modifies contractile activity in rat small intestines

BACKGROUND

Indomethacin induces intestinal lesions. The change in contractility of segments with lesions was studied.

METHODS

Motility was recorded in segments with lesions isolated from the rat small intestine 24 h after a subcutaneous injection of indomethacin (20 mg/kg).

RESULTS

Concentration-contraction curves for acetylcholine shifted leftward independently of the degree of severity of lesions, but the curves for carbachol and 5-hydroxytryptamine did not. Contractions produced by intramural nerve stimulation were enhanced in segments with no visible damage but decreased with progression of lesions. Neostigmine augmented them in normal rats but not in indomethacin-treated rats. The peristaltic activity was enhanced in segments with no visible lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that treatment of the rat with indomethacin enhances contractility of the small intestine owing to diminution of acetylcholinesterase activity independently of the degree of lesions and reduces it owing to decreased responsiveness of enteric neurons with the progression of lesions.

Smaller axon and unaltered numbers of microtubules per axon in relation to number of myelin lamellae of myelinated fibers in the mutant quail deficient in neurofilaments

To characterize the morphological features of the myelinated fibers in the mutant quails deficient in neurofilaments (NF), caused by a nonsense mutation in the NF-L gene, the morphological parameters of the axon and myelin sheath, and their relationships in the peroneal nerve were evaluated. In the mutant, the axonal area was smaller than in the control (P > 0.01), reflecting the lack of large diameter axons. There was no significant difference in the mean number of myelin lamellae and of their spacings between controls and mutants. Therefore, it was decided to analyze the alteration of axonal parameters in relation to the number of myelin lamellae. In the regression analysis, the number of microtubules (MT) per square micrometer of the axonal area was greater in the mutant than in the control (P < 0.05); however, the number of MT per axon was similar in controls and mutants with the same given number of myelin lamellae. The number of MT+NF per axon was smaller in the mutant than in the control only for myelinated fibers with more than 25 myelin lamellae (P > 0.05). These findings indicate that there was a less significant effect of NF deficiency on the smaller than on the larger myelinated fibers. There was no compensatory increase in the numbers of MT per axon of the myelinated fibers in the mutant as found previously in the unmyelinated fibers of the mutant.

Clinical value of argyrophilic organizer region in bladder transitional cell carcinoma

For the purpose of elucidating whether or not argyrophilic organizer regions (AgNORs) predict the biological behaviors of bladder tumors, the AgNOR was analyzed in 80 primary bladder transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs), using the computer-assisted image analyzer. The AgNOR parameters used were the mean AgNOR count (C-AgNOR) and the percentage of cells exhibiting more than 3 AgNOR dots or 4 AgNOR dots within nuclei (3P-AgNOR and 4P-AgNOR, respectively). The correlation of C-AgNOR with 3P-AgNOR and 4P-AgNOR reached a high statistical significance (p < 0.0001, respectively). All of these three AgNOR parameters correlated with histological grade, whereas the difference between grade I and II proved to be higher in 3P-AgNOR and in 4P-AgNOR (p < 0.01, respectively) as compared with that in C-AgNOR (p < 0.05). Similarly, these three parameters correlated with histological stage, whereas the statistical significance of the correlation was less prominent in C-AgNOR. Moreover, the prognostic relevance was noted in C-AgNOR (p = 0.041), whereas it was indicative in 3P-AgNOR as well as in 4P-AgNOR (p = 0.090 and p = 0.061, respectively). These results suggest that 3P-AgNOR and 4P-AgNOR reflect the difference in the proliferative activity of individual TCCs more precisely than C-AgNOR. Since the biological behaviors of individual TCCs cannot be predicted by the proliferative activity alone, the AgNOR in TCCs has a rather limited value regarding the prediction of survival.

Acrylamide-induced peripheral neuropathy in normal and neurofilament-deficient Japanese quails

Morphological effects of acrylamide (AC) on the peripheral nerves in normal and neurofilament (NF)-deficient (Quv) Japanese quails were investigated. AC (100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally every other day. After the birds manifested neurological signs, they were necropsied (after 10 approximately 21 AC injections) and the sciatic and tibial nerves were examined. In both normal and Quv qualis, AC produced axonopathy with a distal-proximal progression. In AC-intoxicated normal quails, the nerve fiber pathology was characterized by typical Wallerian-like degeneration, consisting of axonal degeneration, myelin breakdown, macrophage migration. Schwann cell proliferation and regeneration of nerve fibers. Ultrastructurally, AC-induced NF accumulation was detected in the axon of myelinated nerve fibers. In AC-intoxicated Quv qualis, axonal degeneration with accumulation of membranous organelles occurred; however, sequential events of Wallerian-like degeneration were not as prominent as in AC-intoxicated normal qualis. These results demonstrated that NF-deficient Quv quails are sensitive to neurotoxic effects of AC. On the other hand, the different pathology of AC-intoxicated normal and Quv qualis indicates the presence or absence of NFs influences the appearance and extent of AC axonopathy.

Phenotyping of CYP1A2 in Japanese population by analysis of caffeine urinary metabolites: absence of mutation prescribing the phenotype in the CYP1A2 gene

Caffeine has been used as a metabolic probe to determine the relative levels of CYP1A2 activity in different individuals, since this compound is specifically 3-demethylated by CYP1A2. Urine specimen obtained at a 4-5-h interval after caffeine ingestion from 205 Japanese were analyzed using the [1,7-dimethyluric acid + 1,7-dimethylxanthine]/caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) ratio, which better correlated with the rate constant for caffeine 3-demethylation than other ratios. The probit analyses of nonsmokers (n = 147) and smokers (n = 58) suggested that the CYP1A2 activity was not normally distributed and appeared bimodal. The breakpoints were at 5.0 and 6.0 of (1,7-dimethyluric acid + 1,7-dimethylxanthine)/1,3,7-trimethylxanthine ratio in nonsmokers and smokers, respectively. The bimodal probit plot suggested the existence of poor and extensive phenotypes. The percentage of individuals with the poor phenotype in Japanese was 14.1%. Induction of CYP1A2 by cigarette smoking was confirmed by the higher molar ratio observed in smokers (P < 0.0001). The CYP1A2 ratio was also higher in males than in females (P = 0.04). A reproducibility study of 12 subjects in an 11 month interval period showed that intraindividual variability did not alter this CYP1A2 phenotypic classification. Family study in eight pedigrees suggested that the poor phenotype of CYP1A2 inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The sequences of CYP1A2 gene from poor and extensive metabolizers were analyzed. Although no differences of nucleotide sequence were observed in exons, exon-intron junctions and 5'-flanking regions (up to -2.6 kilobases) of CYP1A2 gene between each phenotype, there were some sequences which differed from the previous reported data. This is the first report in which the CYP1A2 phenotype and a genetic polymorphism in the CYP1A2 gene were comparably investigated.

Differential modulation of behavioral responses by [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly-ol]enkephalin, [D-Ala2] deltorphin II and [D-Pen2, L-Pen5]enkephalin in the mouse

The effects of [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO), a mu-selective opioid receptor agonist, [D-Ala2]deltorphin II (DELT) and [D-Pen2, L-Pen5]enkephalin (DPLPE), delta-selective opioid receptor agonists, on different behavioral responses were investigated in mice by multidimensional behavioral analyses. DAMGO (0.1 and/or 0.3 microgram) produced a marked increase in circling, rearing and grooming within 15-30 min after the start of behavioral measurements. DELT (0.3, 1.0 and/or 3.0 micrograms) produced a significant increase in linear locomotion and circling within 15-30 min after the start of behavioral measurements, whereas DPLPE (10.0 micrograms) increased only circling. The behavioral effects of DAMGO, DELT or DPLPE were almost completely antagonized by beta-funaltrexamine (2.5 and 5.0 micrograms) or naltrindole (3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg). These results suggest that opioid peptides selective for receptor types elicit different behavioral responses in mice. Moreover, the different behavioral effects between DPLPE and DELT may be due to the delta opioid receptor subtypes such as delta-1 and delta-2.

Opioid peptides selective for receptor types modulate cocaine-induced behavioral responses in mice

The effects of intracerebroventricular injection of mu-, kappa- and delta-selective opioid agonists on cocaine-induced behavior were investigated in mice using multidimensional behavioral analysis. Cocaine (3.0 mg/kg) produced a marked increase in linear locomotion, circling, rearing and/or grooming, although the mu-opioid agonist [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly-ol] enkephalin (DAMGO) (0.003 and 0.01 microgram), the kappa-opioid agonist dynorphin A- (1-13) (3.0 and 12.5 micrograms) or the delta-opioid agonist [D-Pen2, L-Pen5]enkephalin (DPLPE) (0.3 and 1.0 micrograms) did not significantly affect behavioral responses. DAMGO (0.003 and 0.01 microgram) and dynorphin A- (1-13) (12.5 micrograms) inhibited the cocaine (3.0 mg/kg)-induced increase in linear locomotion, circling and/or rearing. In contrast, DPLPE (1.0 micrograms) enhanced the cocaine (3.0 mg/kg)-induced increase in circling. The effects of DAMGO (0.003 microgram), dynorphin A- (1-13) (12.5 micrograms) and DPLPE (1.0 micrograms) were fully reversed by receptor-selective opioid antagonists, such as beta-funaltrexamine (5.0 micrograms), Mr2266 (5.6 mg/kg) and naltrindole (10.0 mg/kg), respectively. These results suggest that the activation of mu- and kappa-opioid receptors inhibits cocaine-induced behavior, while that of delta-opioid receptors enhances the behavior.

Acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in the central nervous system of Japanese quails. Comparative studies of normal and neurofilament-deficient quails

Acrylamide (AC) neurotoxicity in the central nervous system (CNS) in normal and neurofilament (NF)-deficient mutant (Quv) Japanese quails was investigated. Acrylamide (100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally every other day. After the birds manifested neurological signs, they were necropsied (after 10-30 AC injections) and examined morphologically. All of the AC-intoxicated normal quails showed distal, retrograde nerve fiber degeneration associated with neurofilamentous axonal swellings in the spinal nerve tracts. There were axonal swellings without degenerative changes in other parts of the CNS. In Quv quails, distal nerve fiber degeneration was not observed in the spinal nerve tracts, although AC-induced membranous organelle accumulations were found in preterminal and terminal nerve fibers. Cytological remodeling similar to the axon reaction was seen mainly in dorsal root ganglia of AC-intoxicated normal and Quv quails. In addition, perikaryal response indicating impaired metabolic activity was observed in Quv quails. The present study showed that Quv quails are sensitive to neurotoxic effects of AC. It is suggested that AC-induced neurotoxicity is not initiated exclusively through its action on NF.

Greater number of microtubules per axon of unmyelinated fibers of mutant quails deficient in neurofilaments: possible compensation for the absence of neurofilaments

Morphometric evaluations were performed on the peroneal nerve from mutant quails deficient in neurofilaments (NF) to elucidate the effect of an absence of NF on unmyelinated axons. The diameter frequency distribution of unmyelinated axons was similar between controls and mutants. The mean transverse axonal area, axonal circumference and circularity index of the unmyelinated axons were also similar in controls and mutants. However, the number of microtubules (MT) per axon was greater (P < 0.01) in the mutants than in the controls. The regression analysis relating the number of MT per axon to the diameter of unmyelinated axons indicated a greater number of MT in the mutants than in the controls (P < 0.05-0.01). A significantly greater number of MT per axon in the mutants may suggest a compensatory increase of MT in the absence of NF. This may conserve the size and transverse circular profile of the unmyelinated axons which are probably maintained by both MT and NF in the controls. The number of MT may be increased at the expense of the soluble fraction of tubulin.

Eicosapentaenoic acid enhances intracellular free calcium in cultured human endothelial cells

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) caused elevations of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) measured by fura-2 fluorescence in cultured human endothelial cells. The EPA-induced increase in [Ca2+]i could still be observed when either cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase inhibitors were added. These results suggest that EPA itself rather than its metabolites has direct effects on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, causing the elevation of [Ca2+]i.

Calcific tendinitis of the gluteus maximus tendon with cortical bone erosion: CT findings

A case of calcific tendinitis of the gluteus maximus tendon with cortical erosion is presented. Roentgenography demonstrated calcification on the posterior surface of the proximal femur. Computed tomography showed flame-like appearance of calcific tendinitis and bone erosion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed minimal inflammatory reaction around the lesion.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia: value of MR imaging for determining histologic type

PURPOSE

To assess the value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for determining the histologic type of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Unenhanced T1- and T2-weighted images and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images were obtained in the transverse plane at 1.5 T in 33 patients with BPH. Hyperphasia was classified as stromal or nonstromal. Nonstromal hyperplasia was diagnosed if (a) the nodules in the inner gland had heterogeneous high signal intensity on T2-weighted images and peripheral enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced images, (b) a surgical capsule was present, or (c) the inner gland volume to total volume ratio was greater than 0.75.

RESULTS

A correct diagnosis was made with MR imaging in 23 of 24 patients with nonstromal hyperplasia and eight of nine with stromal hyperplasia (94% accuracy). In nonstromal hyperplasia, nodular lesions were seen in 20 patients and a surgical capsule was seen in 19. Eighteen patients had a transition zone ratio greater than 0.75.

CONCLUSION

MR imaging appears to be useful for choosing the type of pharmacotherapy performed because accurate histologic assessment is possible.

The effect of exercise on plasma biopterin levels

The plasma total biopterin and tetrahydrobiopterin levels of 29 normal volunteers were measured before and after exercise by ergometer, and those of 10 were also measured until 24 h after exercise. An increase of plasma total biopterin and tetrahydrobiopterin was observed only after strong exercise, which exhausted the subjects, the ratio of tetrahydrobiopterin to total biopterin not differing before and after exercise. The increase of plasma biopterins disappeared 2 h after exercise. The mechanism of the increase of plasma biopterins was thought to be different from that of patients with affective disorders.

Changes in plasma tetrahydrobiopterin levels of depressives in depressive and remission phases: reconfirmed by measurement with an internal standard

Plasma total biopterin and tetrahydrobiopterin levels of 10 normal controls and 10 patients with monopolar depression were measured with and without internal standard. The levels did not differ between the two methods. A significant increase of total biopterin levels and the lower ratio of tetrahydrobiopterin to total biopterin in the depressive phase were observed in the plasma of patients with depression compared to normal controls, and these changes in plasma biopterin tended to normalize in the remission phase.

Eicosapentaenoic acid enhances myo-inositol uptake in cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells

The effects of elevated glucose and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5) on myoinositol uptake in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) were evaluated. Myo-inositol incorporation into HASMC was dependent on an active transport system via Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity based on the results with Na+ deprivation and Ouabain (5 mM). Although glucose (27.5, 55 mM) inhibited 2-[3H] myo-inositol uptake, the addition of EPA (3 x 10(-4) M) prevented glucose-mediated inhibition. In addition, EPA potentiated Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity of HASMC. Since EPA decrease glucose-mediated inhibition of myo-inositol uptake, this agent might ameliorate aortic smooth muscle cell function associated with diabetes.