Mechanisms of veno-occlusion within and outside the canine corpus cavernosum penis using a pressure-flow technique and cavernoso-venography

BACKGROUND

Physiological erection of the penis requires multiple mechanisms causing an increase in the arterial blood influx into, and decrease in the venous drainage out of the cavernous space.

METHODS

We investigated the extent and location of the venous occlusion that occurs with penile erection within (intrinsic mechanism) and outside (extrinsic mechanism) the corpus cavernosum penis, using 15 adult male mongrel dogs. Under controlled flows produced by a combination of aortic ligation and constant infusion of saline into the corpus cavernosum penis, or into the deep dorsal vein, pressures within the cavernous space or deep dorsal vein were measured before and after electrical stimulation of the pelvic splanchnic (pelvic nerve), the hypogastric, and pudendal nerve. An increase in pressure following nerve stimulations represented an increase in outflow resistance due to occlusion of the venous system. Pre-and post-stimulation radiologic evaluations were performed to determine the site(s) of venous occlusion.

RESULTS

Unilateral stimulation of the pelvic nerve caused leftward shift of the corporeal pressure-flow curve. Bilateral stimulation of the pudendal nerve caused a marked rise in deep dorsal vein pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Both intrinsic and extrinsic venous occlusion mechanisms exist and that the former is activated primarily by unilateral stimulation of the pelvic nerve and the latter by bilateral stimulation of the pudendal nerve. The occlusion site for the extrinsic mechanism was localized to where the dorsal vein penetrates the muscles at the base of the pelvis, whereas the precise site for the intrinsic mechanism could not be determined.

[Left cardiac output curve and pulmonary venous return curve in patients with various heart diseases]

This study assessed the cardiac function of humans by drawing simultaneous left cardiac output and pulmonary venous return curves using radionuclide angiocardiography and right heart catheterization which allows recording of the pressure-flow relationship. Thirty-one subjects with various cardiac diseases were divided into two groups [18 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I and 13 patients with NYHA classes II or III]. Mean pulmonary filling pressure (Pmp) was calculated from the formula of Guyton, using pulmonary arterial compliance which was measured by Reuben's method and pulmonary venous compliance measured as reported previously. On the pressure-flow plane, the down slope of the pulmonary venous return curve was drawn by joining the points of (Pmp, 0) and (mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac output). To construct the cardiac output curve, two levels of lower body negative pressure were used to regulate the venous return to the heart. Pmp and the resistance to pulmonary venous return in NYHA II or III patients were significantly higher than those in NYHA I patients (Pmp: 16.3 +/- 1.5 vs 9.0 +/- 0.5 mmHg, p < 0.01; resistance to pulmonary venous return: 0.75 +/- 0.09 vs 0.43 +/- 0.04 mmHg/l/min, p < 0.01, respectively). The slope of pulmonary venous return curve in NYHA II or III patients was smaller than that in NYHA I patients and the pulmonary venous return curve in NYHA II or III patients shifted rightward. The slope of cardiac output curve in NYHA II or III patients was significantly smaller than that in NYHA I patients. This curve in NYHA II or III patients shifted downward and rightward. These results indicate that simultaneous cardiac output and pulmonary venous return curves may be a useful method for assessing the cardiac function in patients with various heart diseases.

Significance of aminopyrine breath test as a parameter of hepatic functional reserve in 40% partial hepatectomy of rats with CCl4-induced liver injury

Rats with CCl4-induced liver injury underwent partial (40%) hepatectomy. The [14C]aminopyrine breath test (ABT) values in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury were reduced by 34% compared with those in rats with normal liver. Preoperative ABT values clearly discriminated between survivors and those that died following 40% partial hepatectomy in rats CCl4-induced liver injury (P < 0.05). Hepatic protein synthesis was remarkably enhanced in CCl4-induced liver injury compared with normal liver (P < 0.001), and this was inversely correlated with ABT values (P < 0.001). These data show that the enhanced hepatic protein synthesis could induce a decrease of hepatic functional reserve. ABT seems to be a useful preoperative test for predicting surgical mortality following hepatectomy.

[Life satisfaction and its related factors among institutionalized patients at a Hansen's disease sanatorium]

We conducted a questionnaire survey on life styles and health status for 293 patients with Hansen's disease. They were admitted to the wards for disabled and physically able patients of Ohshima Seishoen, in Kagawa prefecture, in 1991. This institution is one of Japan's national leprosy sanitarians. We measured patients' life satisfaction with the Delighted-Terrible Scale. In this report, the distribution of life satisfaction and its associated factors were examined for 210(71.7%) respondents. Factors examined were length of treatment, physical health, and social aspects of life at the sanatorium. The major findings were as follows; 1. The patients aged under 60 had lower proportions of being satisfied with life than those aged 60 or older. The proportions of life satisfaction of the 40-59 age group were 17% for men and 22% for women, while for the 60 or older age groups were 33-44% for men and 41-45% for women. The proportions of life satisfaction in the 60 or older age groups were lower than those of community dwelling elderly persons. 2. We examined factors associated with life satisfaction for the respondents aged 60 or older. Dependence on activities of daily living (ADL) was associated with life satisfaction in some ADL items. Care and aid provided by the staff of the sanatorium may modify the relationship between ADL impairment and life satisfaction. For social aspects of life at the sanatorium, both having networks with family members and having resources other than family were associated with life satisfaction. Going out and positively spending their daily lives were associated with life satisfaction, too. These associations were significant for men. Similar patterns of association were observed for women, but were insignificant. This finding suggests that it is important for the health and medical care staff to pay attention to the social aspects of the life of elderly patients with Hansen's disease.

Suppression by prolactin of the electrically induced erectile response through its direct effect on the corpus cavernosum penis in the dog

PURPOSE

Men become impotent when exposed to hyperprolactinemia. To clarify its mechanisms the effects of intracorporal infusion of prolactin on electrically induced penile erection were evaluated in 12 male dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prolactin (10 micrograms./ml.) or control saline was directly infused into the corpus cavernosum penis 5 minutes before electrical pulse stimulation of the pelvic nerve and the intracorporal pressure was monitored.

RESULTS

In 8 dogs erection was markedly suppressed or completely abolished by prolactin. In the remaining 4, this effect of prolactin became manifest only when the ipsilateral internal pudenal artery was ligated. Saline infusion was without effect.

CONCLUSIONS

An excess of prolactin directly inhibited the smooth muscle relaxation of corpus cavernosum penis.

Growth rate of experimental colon cancer in the absence of fecal stream and antitumor effect of UFT in rats

Growth rate of a chemically-induced colon tumor in the absence of fecal stream was investigated and the tumors to a chemotherapeutic agent tested. Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats received dimethylhydrazine (40 mg/kg) s.c. once weekly for 10 wk to induce colon cancer. Then a colostomy was performed to produce a defunctioning colon without fecal stream. 22 wk after beginning the carcinogen treatment, a barium enema was performed to visualize tumors in the defunctionalized colon. 29 rats died postoperatively and 16 had no tumor radiographically. The remaining 35 rats were divided into a control group and UFT treatment group. After 5 wk of treatment, the barium enema was repeated. The mean doubling time of 19 tumors in the control group was 9.8 days +/- 4.0 (SD). Response to UFT was judged as effective when the doubling time exceeded 17.8 days, calculated from the mean +/- 2SDs in the control group. The response rate of UFT was 48%. The growth rate of colon tumors without fecal stream was faster and more stable than those with fecal stream; as a result, the sensitivity to UFT became higher than that in tumors with fecal stream (36%), which was reported in our previous study. The present experimental system may be more accurate for assessing the response to chemotherapeutic agents.

Improving workplace environments and working conditions at worksites providing school lunch service in Japan

With the cooperation of All Japan Prefectural and Municipal Workers' Union, we have started an overall program on occupational safety and health from 1984. This program has several strategies aimed at preventing occupational injuries and work-related diseases. At first, we analyzed the relationship between work-related hazards and occupational factors, and to identify dangerous or hazardous factors in the workplace. Second, we have conducted a couple of intervention studies at worksites and evaluated these improvements. Third, we discussed the priority, feasibility and cost of improvements with Workers' Union members and school lunch workers. Fourth, during the last decade, Workers' Union and many researchers have demanded that regulations be implemented which would establish comprehensive safety and health programs. Fifth, we provided the workers with procedures on how to improve working environments and conditions. These education and training programs are provided for small-group working ("safety and health circle"), and demonstrate to workers their abilities to solve occupational safety and health problems and to empower them with respect to health-related issues. Finally, we discussed and evaluated the preventive effects of improving workplace environments and working conditions. The overall program on occupational safety and health at worksites is developing nationwide and is gradually taking effect.

[Inhibitory effects of prostaglandin E1.alpha-cyclodextrin (PGE1.CD) on dimethylnitrosamine-induced acute liver damage in rats]

The effects of PGE1.CD on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced acute liver damage with intravascular coagulation in rats were biochemically and histopathologically investigated. PGE1.CD was administered i.v. from 30 min before to 24 hr after DMN-intoxication (pretreatment) and from 30 min after or from 4 hr after to 24 hr after DMN-intoxication (post-treatment). Pretreatment with PGE1.CD (0.2-2 micrograms/kg/min) dose-dependently suppressed the decrease of platelet counts and the elevation of blood biochemical parameters (PT, HPT, GOT, GPT, LDH, LAP, T-Bil) caused by DMN-intoxication. PGE1.CD (0.5 microgram/kg/min and over) significantly suppressed the DMN-induced histopathological changes (occurrence of hemorrhage and necrosis). Post-treatment with PGE1.CD (2 micrograms/kg/min) also suppressed the liver damage. Furthermore, pretreatment with PGE1.CD (2 micrograms/kg/min) not only suppressed the disruption of hepatocytes, but also prevented the damages of sinusoidal endothelial cells and lysosomal membrane, and it reduced the increase of lipid peroxidation. PGE1.CD (1 microgram/kg/min and over) significantly suppressed the decrease of hepatic tissue blood flow caused by DMN-intoxication. These results demonstrate that PGE1.CD has therapeutically efficacy against DMN-induced acute liver damage in rats; Therefore, it will be clinically useful for the treatment of severe hepatitis such as fulminant hepatitis with intravascular coagulation in the sinusoid.

In vitro antitumor activity of polymyxin acylase from Pseudomonas sp. M-6-3

Polymyxin acylase from Pseudomonas sp. M-6-3 can deacylate not only polymyxin group antibiotics, but also the long-chain fatty acyl group of proteins and peptides. We found the in vitro antitumor activity of polymyxin acylase against murine and human tumor cells, especially KB cells. The mechanism of the antitumor activity remains equivocal, but we speculate that it may result from the affinity of polymyxin acylase for long-chain fatty acyl proteins in human carcinoma cells.

Work-related factors of low back pain among nursing aides in nursing homes for the elderly

This survey was performed in December 1991 on 555 nursing aides (NAs) in 32 Special Nursing Homes for the Elderly (SNHs) in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. The purpose of the survey was to establish the relationship between low back pain among NAs in SNHs, and the degree of dependency in the activities of daily living (ADL) of the patients under their care. In order to investigate the work-related factors of low back pain, a questionnaire was sent to the NAs, requesting information on the NAs' low back pain condition. Another questionnaire was sent to the 32 SNHs, concerning the status of patients in the respective SNHs. Of the 463 NAs questionnaires which were returned, 443 female NAs' responses were analyzed. The following findings were observed. The prevalence of low back pain among the NAs was high (the one month prevalence was 77.0%), and of the afflicted NAs, 98 (24.5%) were visiting a health care provider. The NAs with low back pain experienced difficulty in completing their care-giving tasks, and complained about their working conditions and working environment more often than the NAs without low back pain. In addition, this study showed that, at SNHs where the proportions of dependence in patients' ADL were high, the prevalence of low back pain among their NAs was high. This fact was also confirmed by multiple logistic regression. We, therefore, suggest in this study that patients' care needs are associated with low back pain among NAs.

Age-related cochlear degeneration in senescence-accelerated mouse

Age-related hair cell loss and strial atrophy were investigated in an accelerated senescence-prone strain, SAMP1 mice, and an accelerated senescence-resistant strain, SAMR1 mice. The loss of inner and outer hair cells in SAMP1 progressed more rapidly than that in SAMR1 with age. In both strains, areas of the loss of inner and outer hair cells were located mainly in the apex and base. Atrophy of the stria vascularis was observed in both strains, but in SAMP1 it appeared to increase earlier than in SAMR1. These results reveal that age-related hair cell loss and atrophy of the stria vascularis comparable to that in the human cochlea occur earlier and progress more rapidly in SAMP1 than in SAMR1. Hearing impairment in SAM may be due to a combination of sensory and strial presbycusis as well as to neural presbycusis, as reported previously. The morphological changes in the cochlea observed in SAMP1 and SAMR1 make these strains suitable for the study of the mechanisms of presbycusis.

[Effect of a combination treatment using imipenem/cilastatin sodium with G-CSF on infections in neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies]

The clinical effectiveness of a combination treatment using imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) with G-CSF was studied in neutropenic patients (< 500/mm3) with hematological malignancies and secondary infections. Thirty seven patients were entered in the trial, and 30 patients were eligible. This combination was effective in 20 patients, thus the overall efficacy rate was 66.7 percent. The combination was effective in all 6 cases with septicemia, in 10 case out of 15 cases with fever after chemotherapy (efficacy rate; 66.7%), in 3 out of 8 cases with respiratory infections including 7 cases with pneumonia (efficacy rate; 37.5%), and a case with laryngopharyngitis. According to the order of the administration, the efficacy rates were 60.0% in 5 cases in whom G-CSF treatment was started before IPM/CS, 66.7% in 21 cases given both G-CSF and IPM/CS simultaneously, and 75.0% in 4 cases in whom IPM/CS was started before G-CSF. The difference was statistically not significant on the efficacy rates in the three groups. The efficacy in 18 cases treated with monotherapy on antibiotic was 72.2% and that in 12 cases treated with IPM/CS in combination with other antibiotics was 58.3%, and the difference in the efficacy rates in these two groups was not statistically significant. According to the neutrophil counts before and after the treatment, high response rate (60.0%) was obtained in cases of severe neutropenia (less than 100/mm3). Bacteriological examinations showed that all of bacteria detected as pathogens (10 strains of Gram-positive bacteria and 6 strains of Gram-negative bacteria) were eradicated, though 3 strains were replaced by other pathogens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Helminth survey of wildcats in Japan

Two Iriomote cats (Felis iriomotensis) and 2 Tsushima leopard cats (Felis bengalensis euptilura) killed probably by traffic accidents were submitted to the helminthological examination. In Iriomote cats, 8 species of parasites (Spirometra erinacei, Toxocara cati, Molineus springsmithi, Uncinaria maya, Capillaria aerophila, C. felis-cati, larvae of an unidentifiable lung worm and one species of Acanthocephala) were found. In Tsushima leopard cats, 10 species of parasites (Pharyngostomum cordatum, Spirometra erinacei, Toxocara cati, Molineus springsmithi, Arthrostoma hunanensis, Uncinaria felidis, Capillaria felis-cati, larvae of an unidentifiable lung worm, and two species of Acanthocephala) were detected.

beta-Mercaptoethanol differentially acts on the rat somatotrophs and lactotrophs in primary culture to suppress the secretion of immunoreactive hormones

We previously reported that beta-mercaptoethanol (ME) reduced the content of immunoreactive prolactin (iPRL) within the adenohypophyseal cells, primarily through its direct effect on the disulfide bonding of the PRL molecule. Because of the structural similarities between PRL and growth hormone (GH), the effects of ME on the hormonal dynamics of iGH were compared to those of iPRL. ME reduced secretion and intracellular content of both iGH and iPRL in the cultured rat adenohypophyseal cells. However, iGH was more resistant to the suppressive effects of ME than iPRL. This was particularly so with regard to the intracellular hormonal contents. While 0.01% ME caused approximately 90% reduction in the iPRL content of the lactotrophic cells, the highest tested dose of ME, i.e. 0.1%, showed only 20% reduction in the iGH content of the somatotrophic cells. Also, the minimum effective dose of ME to suppress iGH secretion was 10-fold higher than that required for the suppression of iPRL secretion. Significant suppression of iGH secretion was not observed until 120 min after the onset of ME incubation as opposed to 2-9 min for the suppression of iPRL. These findings, together with the lack of any direct effects of ME on the iGH molecule itself, strongly suggested that ME acted via different mechanisms and/or pathways in the somatotrophs and lactotrophs to suppress respective hormonal dynamics.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A model for sensitivity determination of anticancer agents against chemically-induced colon cancer in rats

Chemically-induced colon cancer was used to test the sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapeutic agents. Seventy-one Sprague-Dawley rats received dimethylhydrazine (20mg/kg) s.c. once weekly for 20 weeks to induce colon cancer. Then a barium enema was performed to see the size of colon tumors. The animals were divided into three groups that were subjected to the following treatments: 5-fluorouracil (5 FU); 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5 FU(FT); and a mixture of FT and uracil (UFT). After 5 weeks of treatment, the barium enema was repeated. "Response" was assessed on the basis of tumor doubling time. Response rates in the 5-FU, FT, and UFT groups were 25%, 33% and 36%, respectively and this reflects the clinical data of these drugs. The present system may be a predictive model for screening anticancer drugs for human colorectal cancer.

Loss of contractile activity of endothelin-1 induced by electrical field stimulation-generated free radicals

1. Electrical field stimulation (EFS; 10 V, 10 Hz, 2 ms) of porcine coronary artery strips precontracted with 10 nM endothelin-1 (ET-1) for 5 min caused a biphasic response, consisting of a slight contraction during EFS and a marked and irreversible relaxation just after EFS. This irreversible relaxation after EFS has never been investigated. In the present study, we have investigated the mechanism of the relaxation after EFS. 2. The EFS-induced response was not affected by the presence or absence of endothelium and was insensitive to 10 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX). 3. In the presence of free radical scavengers (40 u ml-1 superoxide dismutase (SOD), 1200 u ml-1 catalase or 80 mM D-mannitol), the relaxation after EFS was significantly inhibited. Moreover, relaxation after EFS was not observed in porcine coronary artery strips precontracted with 20 mM KCl. 4. In a cascade experiment, EFS of Krebs-Ringer solution containing 10 nM ET-1 induced marked suppression of the contractile activity of ET-1 in porcine coronary artery strips, which was in accord with the observed decrease in release of immunoreactive ET-1 (ir-ET-1). This effect of EFS was significantly inhibited by each of the free radical scavengers, 3 mM vitamin C, 40 u ml-1 SOD, 1200 u ml-1 catalase and 80 mM D-mannitol. 5. The exchange of 95% O2/5% CO2 gas for 95% N2/5% CO2 gas significantly inhibited the EFS-induced decrease in release of ir-ET-1. 6. Neither superoxide anions generated by xanthine (10 JM) plus xanthine oxidase (0.1 micro ml-1) nor hydrogen peroxide (10 microM) exogenously added to Krebs-Ringer solution containing 10 nM ET-1 affected the level of ir-ET-1.7. Generation of hydroxyl radicals was detected in the EFS-applied Krebs-Ringer solution. The EFS-induced generation of hydroxyl radicals was dependent on the period of stimulation and 02-bubbling, and significant generation of hydroxyl radicals was detectable with stimulation of over 5 min.Moreover, hydroxyl radicals generated in 50 mM NaCl solution containing 10 nM ET-1 by H202 plus Fe2 , i.e. the Fenton reaction, significantly decreased the level of ir-ET-l.8. These findings suggest that oxygen-derived hydroxyl radicals generated by EFS of porcine coronary artery strips inactivate ET-1, probably by structural modification. Thus, porcine coronary artery strips precontracted with ET-1 are potently relaxed by EFS.

[Inhibitory effects of OK-432 administered orally on colon carcinoma induced by DMH in rats]

Inhibitory effects of OK-432 administered orally on DMH-induced colon tumors in rats were examined. As for the immunological parameter, NK activity was measured. ODC activity and nuclear DNA ploidy pattern of the tumor involved areas were evaluated and the histological examination was done in the process of the occurrence of tumors. Rats were divided into four groups as follows; control group, OK-432 group, DMH group and DMH+OH-432 group. As for the appearance of DMH induced colon tumors, the average numbers of tumors per rat in the DMH+OK-432 group were inhibited significantly compared with those in the DMH group, and the rate of cancer in situ in the DMH+OK-432 group significantly increased compared with that in the DMH group. NK activity of lymphocytes in the spleen and lymph nodes in the colon was increased after the oral administration of OK-432, but it was decreased following the peak activity, and it was lower level than that of the control group. An appropriate oral administration of OK-432 may be effective against chemically induced carcinoma of the colon.

[B-lymphoma arising in the temporal muscle]

B cell lymphoma arising in skeletal muscle is described with the review of literature. A 72-year-old man visited our hospital on September 21st 1992, because of a right temporal mass which had grown gradually since one year previously. A CT scan and MRI showed a soft tissue mass adjacent to the temporal muscle expanding from the right temporal to infratemporal fossa. Physical examination on admission revealed that the mass at the right temporal region, was non-tender, elastic soft, and 5 x 2 cm in diameter. Some elastic hard masses at the right infraauricular region, approximately 1.5 x 1.2 cm in diameter, were also found. Histological examination of a biopsied specimen obtained from the temporal mass revealed B cell lymphoma, diffuse medium-sized cell type. Tests for surface markers using tumor cell suspension showed positive results for CD5, CD19, CD20, SmIg mu, delta, lambda, but negative for CD10. Chromosomal analysis revealed clonal aberrations, and the defining karyotype as 51, X, +X, -Y, +2, +3, +4, +8, +12. The patient achieved a complete remission after treatment with combination chemotherapy including doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, etoposide, vindesine, procarbazine, and prednisolone.

Impaired cell-mediated immunity to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in leukemic children with prolonged CMV viruria

To determine the role of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in leukemic children after CMV infection, CMI to CMV antigen was studied using CMV-specific lymphocyte blastogenic responses (LBR) and interferon (IFN) production. Four children, who continuously secreted CMV in urine more than 2 years after symptomatic CMV infection (CMV disease) (group 1), showed impaired LBR to CMV antigen, though they had normal LBR to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A). Impairment of LBR either to AD-169 strains or autologous and heterologous wild strains was observed. IFN production was not detected in three of four children. Six leukemic children, who had no viruria after cessation of CMV disease (group 2), showed good responses to CMV antigens. IFN was detected in all six children in group 2. Eight leukemic children, who were seropositive to CMV at the onset of leukemia (group 3), showed good responses to CMV antigens and IFN production. These results suggest that impaired cell-mediated immunity to CMV antigen might contribute to prolonged excretion of CMV in urine in leukemic children.

[Relationship of AIDS-related knowledge with attitudes of nursing students toward HIV-infected persons]

The relationship of AIDS-related knowledge of nursing students to their attitude toward HIV-infected persons was examined, and the effect of a 90-minute educational seminar on their knowledge and attitudes was evaluated. A survey of 72 nursing students was performed in Kochi prefecture in October, 1992 using a questionnaire. Eighty-six mothers whose children received medical examinations at the health center of the surveyed area during the same period functioned as the control group. Although the students had more knowledge about HIV/AIDS, their attitudes toward HIV-infected persons were no more positive than those of the control group. However the higher their level of knowledge was, the more positive their attitudes toward people with AIDS were. Two items of knowledge: symptoms of infection and safety in sharing utensils appeared to be related to positive attitudes. Those students who thought that "the number of HIV-infected persons will rapidly increase" tended to respond that "they are worried about getting AIDS in the future"; "they will not change their attitudes to their HIV-infected friends"; and "the persons who got AIDS through coagulation factor products should be supported." The results also show that a seminar about HIV/AIDS that provides information in a short period of time is effective in reducing prejudice and improving attitudes toward HIV-infected persons.

Chemical studies of Chinese licorice-roots. I. Elucidation of five new flavonoid constituents from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. collected in Xinjiang

From the air-dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Leguminosae) collected in Xinjiang province, China ("Shinkyo-Kanzo" in Japanese), five new flavonoid compounds named glucoliquiritin apioside (1) (a flavonone bisdesmoside), prenyllicoflavone A (5) (a bisprenylflavone), shinflavone (7) (a prenylated pyranoflavanone), shinpterocarpin (9) and 1-methoxyphaseollin (12) (both pyranopterocarpans), were isolated together with eight known saponins, seven known flavonoid glycosides, and eleven flavonoids. The structures of the new compounds have been elucidated on the basis of their chemical and physicochemical properties.

[DNA heterogeneity in oral cavity and hypopharyngeal carcinoma]

The study was carried out on 18 cases of oral cavity carcinoma and 12 cases of hypopharyngeal carcinoma to assess the degree of intratumoral heterogeneity and the relation to tumor size, lymph metastasis and histological type. In oral cavity carcinoma, 6 cases (33%) were aneuploid, while in hypopharyngeal carcinoma all were aneuploid. DNA heterogeneity was identified in 4 cases (22%) in oral cavity carcinoma, end in 6 cases (50%) of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. No correlation was found between DNA heterogeneity and tumor size, lymph metastasis and histological type. However, even early carcinomas have intratumoral DNA heterogeneity. It was supposed that the result which hypopharyngeal carcinoma had higher degree of aneuploid and DNA heterogeneity comparing with oral cavity carcinoma supported that hypopharyngeal carcinoma had higher clinical malignancy from the aspect of proliferative movement. The data indicate that it is impossible to analyze correct DNA content by only one specimen and it is important to investigate intratumoral DNA heterogeneity to research the mechanism of multiplicity and clinical malignancy of carcinoma.