Serum hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor levels in small cell lung cancer patients

Serum hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) levels were measured in 25 patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), 16 patients with benign lung diseases and 15 healthy subjects with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients with SCLC did not have bacterial or interstitial pneumonia. Patients with benign lung diseases included eight with bacterial pneumonia, three with interstitial pneumonia, and five with benign lung tumor. Serum HGF/SF levels were significantly higher in patients with SCLC (mean +/- S.D.: 0.40 +/- 0.17 ng/ml) than in healthy subjects (0.26 +/- 0.093 ng/ml) (P = 0.0083). Patients with bacterial pneumonia had significantly higher serum HGF/SF (0.52 +/- 0.19 ng/ml) than did those with benign lung tumors (0.27 +/- 0.058 ng/ml) and healthy subjects (P = 0.013 and P = 0.0019, respectively). By clinical stage of SCLC, HGF/SF levels were 0.34 +/- 0.12 and 0.47 +/- 0.20 ng/ml in patients with limited disease and extensive disease, respectively; this difference was not significant (P = 0.080). Although serum HGF/SF levels were increased in patients with SCLC, this increase might not have been related to tumor burden.

Expression of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase and activation of progelatinase A in human osteoarthritic cartilage

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are expressed in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage and are thought to be involved in the degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM). Among these proteinases, MMP-2 (gelatinase A) demonstrates a wide range of substrate specificity against the ECM present in cartilage. Although MMP-2 expression increases in OA cartilage, the activation mechanism of the corresponding zymogen (pro-MMP-2) in cartilage is unknown. In this study, we examined the expression pattern of membrane-type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP) in human OA articular cartilage and its correlation with the activation of pro-MMP-2. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrate that MT1-MMP localizes to the chondrocytes in the superficial and transitional zones in all of the samples examined directly correlating with cartilage degradation. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed the predominant expression of MT1-MMP mRNA in the OA cartilage. In situ hybridization revealed the site of expression of MT1-MMP in OA cartilage to be the chondrocytes. Through gelatin zymography and a sandwich enzyme immunoassay it was demonstrated that OA cartilage explants secrete significantly higher levels of pro-MMP-2 than normal samples. Pro-MMP-2 activation was enhanced in the OA cartilage samples and correlated with MT1-MMP expression in the cartilage. Plasma membranes prepared from cultured chondrocytes with MT1-MMP expression and those directly isolated from OA cartilage could activate pro-MMP-2. MT1-MMP gene expression in cultured chondrocytes was induced by treatment with interleukin-1 alpha and/or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These data suggest that cytokine-induced MT1-MMP in the chondrocytes may play a key role in the activation of pro-MMP-2 in the OA articular cartilage, leading to cartilage destruction through ECM degradation.

Strain differences in the induction of intestinal metaplasia by X-irradiation in rats

Strain differences in the susceptibility of rats to induction of intestinal metaplasia by X-irradiation were examined. The gastric regions of 5-week-old males of five inbred strains of rats (F344/NSlc, Copenhagen, Buffalo/NacJcl, and ACI/NHos) and three strains of randomly bred rats (HOS:Donryu, Slc:Wistar, Slc:SD) were irradiated with a total dose of 20 Gy X-ray given in two equal fractions at 3-day interrals. When examined after the rats were killed, 6 months after the last irradiation, the number of intestinal metaplastic crypts positive for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was highest in the Donryu and lowest in the Copenhagen rats. Morphologically, the number of crypts with intestinal metaplasia in the glandular stomachs of Donryu, Wistar, SD, and Buffalo rats was higher than the number in ACI, F344, and Copenhagen rats. Intestinal metaplasia was more frequently observed in the pyloric than in the fundic glands. These results demonstrate that the induction of intestinal metaplasia by X-irradiation in rats is greatly influenced by the rat strain.

Up-regulation of the estrogen receptor by triiodothyronine in rat pituitary cell lines

The effects of thyroid hormones on estrogen receptor (ER) levels in four different rat pituitary clonal cell lines designated as MtT/Se, SM, S and E, were investigated. When T3 was added at 10(-7) M, a significant increase in ER was evident after 9 h with maximum levels reached after 24-48 h in MtT/Se (270% of control), MtT/SM (160%) and MtT/S (140%). No significant increase was noted in MtT/E cells in which the T3 receptor (T3R) level was only one-tenth of that in the other cells, suggesting a direct link between ER expression and T3R binding. ER levels began to increase at 10(-10) M and reached maxima at 10(-8) M in MtT/Se, SM and S cells. Up to 10(-5) M of retinoic acid (RA) did not change ER levels in any of the cell lines. When Se cells were treated with cycloheximide before T3 administration, the increase in ER was completely blocked. Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from T3-treated MtT/Se cells revealed a limited 1.4-fold increase in ER mRNA at 10(-7) M. In conclusion, thyroid hormones (but not RA) increase ER levels in pituitary cells by a process requiring protein synthesis, and which is accompanied by an increase in the mRNA.

Plasma concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The clinical significance of plasma concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) was investigated in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

Plasma was obtained from 138 healthy individuals and 70 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Aichi Cancer Centre between August 1994 and July 1995. Plasma concentrations of MMP-9 were measured using a one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay employing monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

Patients with gastric cancer had plasma higher concentrations of MMP-9 than normal subjects. Postoperative concentrations of MMP-9 were lower than preoperative levels. In addition to patients with advanced cancer, those with early gastric cancer also exhibited higher mean values of and positivity rates for MMP-9 than healthy individuals. Preoperative plasma MMP-9 concentration correlated closely with Union Internacional Contra la Cancrum tumour node metastasis (pTNM) stage, severity of T, N and M classification, and tumour size.

CONCLUSION

Plasma MMP-9 concentration can be used for detection of primary or recurrent gastric cancer, and for estimation of tumour extent.

Measurement of serum p53 protein in patients with small cell lung cancer and results of its clinicopathological evaluation

Serum p53 protein levels were measured in 36 patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 35 patients with benign lung diseases in order to evaluate the relationship of these levels to clinicopathological features of SCLC. Serum levels of p53 protein were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, p53 protein level was 23.92 +/- 6.78 pg/ml in patients with SCLC, and similar to that (17.47 +/- 2.86 pg/ml) in patients with benign lung diseases. By the clinical stage of SCLC, the mean level of p53 protein was 16.68 +/- 4.62 pg/ml in 21 patients with limited disease, and lower than that in 15 patients with extensive disease (34.05 +/- 14.84 pg/ml) (P = 0.23). The levels of p53 protein were not correlated with age, smoking index, or presence of cancer history for patients with SCLC. However, immunohistochemical examination disclosed a mild correlation between the expression of p53 protein by SCLC tumor and p53 protein serum level (r = 0.45, P = 0.02). Two patients with SCLC had an elevated serum level of p53 protein (> 2 S.D. above the mean for benign lung diseases). However, measurement of p53 protein serum level was not found to be clinically useful for detection of SCLC.

Changes in serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and type IV collagen in patients with various types of glomerulonephritis

One of the major causes of glomerular sclerosis which precedes renal failure is an increase in glomerular extracellular matrices (ECMs). Glomerular ECMs which are composed of mesangial matrix and basement membrane play an important role in physical, mechanical and structural functions of the glomerulus. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the enzymes which degrade both the collagenous and noncollagenous components of the ECMs. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are inhibitors of MMPs. The regulations by MMPs and TIMPs are considered to contribute to maintain homeostasis in the production and degradation of ECMs in the glomeruli. In the glomeruli of patients with glomerulonephritis, the imbalance between production and degradation of ECMs is supposed to cause the increase in ECMs and glomerular sclerosis. In this study, serum concentrations of MMP-1, -2, and -3, TIMP-1 and 2 and type IV collagen were measured in patients with IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis and membranous nephropathy. In patients with IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis which are mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, the levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-2 were increased. On the other hand, the levels of type IV collagen, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were increased in patients with membranous nephropathy in which the thickening of basement membrane is characteristic. These differences may be caused by the difference of the pathogenesis of these diseases. The present results suggest that the imbalance between the metabolism of ECMs occurs in patients with glomerulonephritis and contributes to the progression of glomerulonephritis.

[Experience of 28 deliveries in 21 kidney transplant recipients]

BACKGROUND

Risk factors to induce graft dysfunction during pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients were studied.

METHODS

A total of 28 deliveries from 21 female kidney transplant recipients were analyzed.

RESULTS

All recipients were maintained on either azathioprine-based (n = 17) or cyclosporine-based (n = 11) immunosuppressive regimens. Graft dysfunction (creatinine clearance < 40 ml/min) occurred in 8 cases (8 patients) during pregnancy. No acute rejection, however, could be observed. In a case-controlled study comparing a group with graft dysfunction vs. a group with good graft function, there were significantly differences in the incidence of the cases with pre-existing hypertension (62.5% vs. 10.0%), the age of the grafted kidney (58.1 vs 47.6 year), the maternal anemia (Hb: 10.3 vs. 11.8 g/dl) and the creatinine level (1.4 vs. 1.0 mg/dl) at the first trimester. These findings suggested that poorer graft function had been underlying before pregnancy and that additional loading of the pregnancy reduced further graft function, while the deterioration would be recovered after delivery in all cases except one case.

CONCLUSION

Risk factors to induce graft dysfunction during pregnancy are as follows. 1) high age of the grafted kidney (> 50 year), 2) pre-existing hypertension, 3) maternal anemia (Hb: < 11 g/dl) and 4) high creatinine level (> 1.3 mg/dl) at the first trimester.

[Effect of FUT-187, oral serine protease inhibitor, on inflammation in the gastric remnant]

Excessive enterogastric reflux following partial gastrectomy is believed to be responsible for the cause of inflammation in the gastric remnant. We examined the effect of FUT-187, a synthetic serine protease inhibitor, on symptoms and endoscopic findings in 33 patients who were diagnosed endoscopically as postgastrectomy gastritis. Patients took 50 mg FUT-187 orally after each meal and at bedtime for 8 weeks. Before treatment, 30 patients (91%) suffered from several symptoms including regurgitation and/or bitter taste in the mouth (49%), epigastric pain (42%) and nausea (36%). From endoscopic observation, erythema was detected in 32 patients, edema in 23 patients and erosion and/or ulcer in 9 patients. After treatment the global improvement rating for subjective symptoms was 76.7% (23/30) and the improvement of endoscopic findings was 63.6% (21/33). Diarrhea was observed in one patient but could be easily controlled by discontinuation of the drug. Our results suggest that FUT-187 can be a useful drug for the treatment of postgastrectomy gastritis with its efficacy and safety.

[Clinical study of occupational uroepithelial cancer]

We studied 438 persons who were engaged in the production and use of aromatic amines (benzidine sulfate, beta-naphthylamine, alpha-naphthylamine and dianisidine). Among these 438 persons, 88 new cases of occupational uroepithelial cancer had occurred from 1949 to 1995. The incident rate of occupational uroepithelial cancer was 20.1%. The average exposure period of these 88 cases to the aromatic amines was 7.40 years (range, 0.75-26.75), and the incidence rate of tumors increased with the length of exposure to aromatic amines. The average latent period was 26.79 years (range, 1.33-48.50), and the average age of first onset was 52.59 (range, 24-79). Recently it has been determined that the longer the latent period, the older the age of first onset. Of these 88 cases, the tumor sites were bladder in 67 cases (76.1%) and upper urinary tract (renal pelvis and/or ureter) in 5 cases (5.7%). The other 16 cases (18.2%) were the bladder and upper urinary tract. The screening examination for chemical workers using urinary cytology was begun in 1962. In our cases, urine cytology was a useful method for diagnosing occupational uroepithelial cancer. As for initial treatment of the 88 cases, transurethral surgery was most frequently performed, that is on 58 cases (65.9%). However, eight cases (9.1%) had to undergo a total nephroureterectomy, and six cases (6.8%) had a total cystectomy. Recurrence was observed in 61 cases (69.3%) out of the 88 patients with an average of 1.81 times. The other organic cancers developed in 39 cases (8.9%) out of 438 workers who were exposed to aromatic amines and in 8 cases out of 88 patients (9.1%). Prognosis of the 88 patients is that, the number of alive and dead is 51 (58.0%) and 37 (42.0%) respectively on December 31, 1995. Twenty-eight patients (31.8%) died of uroepithelial cancer, and five patients (5.7%) died of other organic cancers. The survival rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 years was 87.9%, 74.0%, 65.9% and 56.3%, respectively. From these results, patients with occupational uroepithelial cancer and workers who are exposed to aromatic amines should undergo long term observation.

Elevation of serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -3 as new predictors of recurrence in patients with urothelial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The relationship between serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-3 and recurrence in patients with urothelial carcinoma after complete resection was studied to determine whether the enzymes could be a new predictor of recurrence.

METHODS

Serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-3 in 146 healthy controls, 52 patients with superficial (noninvasive) and 35 patients with advanced (invasive or metastatic) bladder carcinoma, and 30 patients with advanced upper urothelial carcinoma (renal pelvis and ureter) were measured by a one-step sandwich enzyme assay.

RESULTS

Among the 53 patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma who underwent complete resection, the 1- and 3-year disease free survival rates of patients with elevated serum levels of either or both of the enzymes were 51% and 19%, respectively, whereas those of patients with normal serum levels of these enzymes were much higher, 86% and 79%, respectively (P < 0.005). In pT2N0M0 and pT3N0M0 patients who underwent complete resection, the recurrence rate in those with preoperative elevated serum levels of either or both of the enzymes was significantly higher than that in patients with normal levels (75% vs. 8%; P < 0.001). The 1- and 3-year disease free survival rates of pT2N0M0 and pT3N0M0 patients with elevated serum levels of either or both of the enzymes were 55% and 21%, respectively, which was significantly lower than that of patients with normal levels (92%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that the elevation of serum levels of either MMP-2 or MMP-3 or both could be new predictors of recurrence in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma after complete resection.

Elevated plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (92-kd type IV collagenase/gelatinase B) in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), a 92-kd gelatinase/type IV collagenase, has been implicated as playing an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. A previous study showed that serum type IV collagenase activity correlated with metastasis by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aims of this study were to determine the plasma levels of immunoreactive MMP-9 in patients with HCC and to compare the levels with the clinical features including vascular invasion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 100 patients with HCC, 21 patients with chronic hepatitis (CH), 24 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 138 healthy control subjects. Plasma MMP-9 levels were measured with a specific one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

Plasma MMP-9 levels in HCC (62 [33 to 130 ng/mL] median [25%, 75%], 13 to 660 ng/mL, minimum, maximum) were significantly elevated compared with those in normal controls (36 [25 to 45], range, 2.8-70 ng/mL), in CH (28 [18 to 30], 13 to 66 ng/mL) and in LC (35 [26 to 58], 16 to 86 ng/mL) (P < .0000001; P = .0000003; and P = .00205, respectively). When the cut-off level was defined as 60 ng/mL from a receiver operating characteristic curve, plasma MMP-9 concentrations had a sensitivity of 53% and a specificity of 89% for the detection of HCC from CH and LC. The levels were significantly higher in HCC patients with macroscopic portal venous invasion (79 [36 to 160], 15-660 ng/mL) than those without the invasion (44 [27 to 80], 13 to 210 ng/mL) (P = .00726). Plasma MMP-9 levels in patients with HCC were not correlated with tumor number, size, volume, or serum alpha-fetoprotein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data suggest that plasma MMP-9 levels can be a candidate for a novel marker for HCC. The levels appear to reflect its potential and ongoing activity of vascular invasion. A long-term follow-up of the patients will be necessary to determine whether increased plasma MMP-9 levels are predictive of more invasive and metastatic HCC.

Clinical usefulness of serum cytokeratin 19 fragment as a tumor marker for lung cancer

Serum soluble cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA) levels were measured in 251 patients with lung cancer and 139 patients with benign lung diseases to determine the clinical usefulness of CYFRA level determination in the diagnosis and monitoring of lung cancer. Serum levels of CYFRA were measured by a 2-step sandwich ELISA method. When the cut-off value was defined as 3.5 ng/ml, which was associated with a specificity of 95% for benign lung diseases, CYFRA had a high sensitivity (53%) in all patients with lung cancer. Both the serum level of CYFRA and its sensitivity increased significantly with the increase in clinical stage. A comparison of areas under receiver operating characteristic curves showed that CYFRA had the most power of discrimination in the diagnosis of lung cancer among markers including carcinoembryonic antigen, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and neuron-specific enolase. A good correlation was found between serial changes in serum CYFRA levels during therapy and clinical responses for 18 patients who underwent chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Our findings suggest that CYFRA may be a marker of choice for screening and monitoring of lung cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma.

Determination of stromelysin-1, 72 and 92 kDa type IV collagenase, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and TIMP-2 in synovial fluid and serum from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between serum and synovial fluid (SF) concentrations of stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to assess the role of these proteins in cartilage destruction and their clinical value as indicators of disease activity.

METHODS

Enzyme linked immunoassays (ELISA) were used. SF and serum samples were collected simultaneously from 55 patients with RA. Radiographic (Larsen grade) and clinical evaluations were also done.

RESULTS

There was significant correlation between SF concentrations of MMP-3 and MMP-9. In addition, there was significant negative correlation between SF concentrations of TIMP-2 and MMP-2, 3, and 9. The only correlation observed among MMP and TIMP in serum was that of MMP-3 with MMP-2. Significant correlation was also found between MMP-3 concentrations in the serum and SF. There were no significant correlations between radiological grade and concentrations of these proteins. Patients with mild to moderate functional disability showed significantly higher serum TIMP-1 concentrations than patients with severe disability.

CONCLUSION

Extremely high concentrations of MMP-3 in SF of the patients with RA may contribute to its elevation in serum. It would seem that regulation of TIMP production depends upon the disease state and not the concentration of MMP. Discrepancies between concentrations of TIMP and MMP in SF may be responsible for cartilage destruction in RA.

Intraluminal tumor of the common bile duct as a metastasis of renal cell carcinoma

A 57-year-old woman was admitted for evaluation of liver dysfunction. A physical examination revealed jaundice and a left abdominal mass, which was diagnosed as being a large renal tumor. Cholangiography showed a smooth filling defect 1 cm in diameter at the common bile duct. Left nephrectomy, and resection of the common bile duct were performed. The pathological diagnosis was metastasis of the common bile duct wall resulting from renal cell carcinoma. Metastatic common bile duct tumors are extremely rare. However, it is important to consider that this is one of the causes of obstructive jaundice.

[Tumor enucleation for intrapelvic schwannoma: a report of two cases]

A 65-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were diagnosed with intrapelvic tumors originating from the sacral nerves by computed tomographic (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography. These tumors were tightly adhered to the iliac arteries and veins and could not be resected completely. Since the cryostat sections revealed benign schwannomas histopathologically, we enucleated the tumors without the pseudocapsules. All of the 57 intrapelvic schwannomas previously reported in Japan were resected with pseudocapsules. Both of our patients showed improvement of subjective symptoms, but should be followed up and examined for the presence of regrowth of tumors.

Prognostic significance of circulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 ratio in recurrence of urothelial cancer after complete resection

The relationship between the serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2):tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) ratio and disease recurrence was examined in 53 urothelial cancer patients with muscular invasion or with lymph node metastasis who underwent complete resection. The mean MMP-2:TIMP-2 ratio in 31 patients with recurrence was significantly higher than that in 22 patients without recurrence (P < 0.05). Disease-free survival of patients with high MMP-2:TIMP-2 ratios was extremely poor compared with that of patients with lower ratios (P < 0.01). Cox's multivariate analysis suggests that the serum MMP-2:TIMP-2 ratio would be a new independent prognostic indicator of urothelial cancer recurrence.

Production of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in human breast carcinomas

We examined production and tissue localization of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (tissue collagenase), MMP-2 (gelatinase A), MMP-3 (stromelysin-1), MMP-9 (gelatinase B), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in human breast carcinomas. In more than half of the cases, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were immunolocalized in carcinoma cells and MMP-2 was on the carcinoma cell membranes as well, whereas MMP-3 was positively stained in less than 15% of the cases. MMP-1 staining in carcinoma cells was significantly higher in scirrhous carcinoma than in other types of carcinoma. MMP-9 expression was remarkably higher in the carcinoma cases with lymphnode metastasis than in the non-metastatic cases. MMP-3 was mainly expressed in T-lymphocytes infiltrated in the tumor stroma. Stromal fibroblasts were positive for all these MMPs except for MMP-3. The TIMP-1 levels released into the culture media by carcinoma tissues were significantly lower than those by fibroadenoma tissues, although there were no significant differences in the levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2. Gelatin zymographical analyses showed that the activation rate of the zymogen of MMP-2 (proMMP-2) is significantly higher in the more advanced carcinoma group with lymphnode metastasis than in the metastasis-negative and fibroadenoma groups. These data indicate that MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are highly expressed in human breast carcinoma tissue and suggest that activation of proMMP-2 may be an indicator of lymphnode metastasis of the breast carcinoma.

[A case of primary intracranial malignant fibrous histiocytoma associated with peritumoral hemorrhage]

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is common among the soft-tissue sarcoma and especially occurs in the retroperitoneum and the four extremities. However primary intracranial MFH is an extremely rare occurrence. A case with primary intracranial MFH associated with peritumoral hemorrhage is reported. A 81-year-old woman was admitted to our department with impaired consciousness and left hemiparesis. On admission, she was drowsy. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed a low density mass lesion of 4.5 x 3.5 x 6.0cm in diameter, which was surrounded by a high density area suggesting hematoma, in the right frontal lobe adjacent to the falx cerebri. The low density mass was homogeneously enhanced by contrast medium. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the mass was hypointense on T1 weighted image and hyperintense on T2 weighted image. After administration of Gd-DTPA, the mass was homogeneously enhanced and the falx cerebri was also enhanced at the site of attachment. Right carotid angiogram showed a tumor stain fed by the anterior cerebral artery. On operation, bleeding was encountered between the tumor and the falx cerebri on opening the dura mater. Hematoma existed between the tumor and the normal cerebral parenchyma. The tumor was sharply demarcated and didn't invade the normal cerebral parenchyma or the falx cerebri, so we considered that the tumor originated from the meninges. Histologically, pleomorphic spindle cells in atypical storiform pattern were observed. Multinucleated giant cells were also seen. This case suggested to us that primary intracranial MFH may be associated with intracranial hemorrhage.

Blockade of the estrogen induced increase in progesterone receptor caused by propylthiouracil, an anti-thyroid drug, in a transplantable pituitary tumor in rats

It is well known that estrogen (E2) induces progesterone receptor (PR) in the uterus and the mammary gland. In MtT/F84, a pituitary tumor, which was established in our laboratory and has been maintained with in vivo passages, we investigated the PR regulation by E2 in relation to the host's thyroidal status. The PR level in the tumor had increased five fold 48 h after an E2 injection. When the host rats were treated with propylthiouracil (PTU), an anti-thyroid drug, the induction of PR after an E2 injection was completely blocked. This result is consistent with our previous findings indicating that E2 responsiveness in the tumor may be under the control of thyroid hormones. The estrogen receptor (ER) level in the tumor treated with PTU was 15% of the control. This low ER level may account for the blocking of PR induction after an E2 injection. When the host animals were continuously treated with various doses of E2, the PR level in the tumor rose in correlation with the E2 doses. PTU administration, however, did not prevent long term induction of PR by continuous E2 treatment. Our findings suggest that PTU lower the ER level and suppresses the short term estrogenic actions such as PR induction after an E2 injection.