Cloning and sequence analysis of membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase cDNA of the silkworm, Bombyx mori

The nucleotide sequence (1974 bp) of cDNA coding for membrane-bound alkaline phosphatases (m-ALP) of Bombyx mori was isolated. The cDNA clone contained an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide (547 amino acids), which contains a hydrophobic signal peptide of 36 amino acids and the mature protein of 511 amino acids (Mr = 56,163). We found a highly hydrophobic domain presumed to be a membrane anchoring region at the C-terminus. Comparing analysis between Bombyx m-ALP and mammalian and Escherichia coli ALPs suggested an evolutionary relationship of sharing a common ancestral gene.

Superior vena cava flow and tricuspid anular motion after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, and role of right atrial relaxation on systolic venous return

To determine whether atrial relaxation or systolic descent of the tricuspid anulus is the predominant factor determining systolic venous return, 22 patients with atrial fibrillation were studied. Venous return (i.e., superior vena cava (SVC) flow) was measured using pulsed Doppler echocardiography. Systolic descent of the tricuspid anulus (i.e., total excursion of tricuspid anulus during systole) was also measured using echocardiography. Serial examinations were performed before and after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in 15 patients. In 11 patients, both the total excursion of the tricuspid anulus and SVC flow were examined in relation to the ratio of the preceding to the pre-preceding RR interval (R2/R1). Systolic forward flow of SVC increased as the ratio of late diastolic to total excursion of the tricuspid anulus (i.e., right atrial systolic function) increased. It correlated significantly with the ratio of late diastolic to total excursion of the tricuspid anulus but not with total excursion. Total excursion of the tricuspid anulus correlated significantly with R2/R1, but systolic forward flow of SVC did not. These results indicate that atrial relaxation rather than systolic descent of the tricuspid anulus was the predominant factor determining systolic forward flow in the SVC.

Complete nucleotide sequences of major plasma protein genes of Bombyx mori

In the silkworm, Bombyx mori, a family of hormone-sensitive genes encodes major plasma proteins, termed '30K proteins'. We reported the organization of the 30K protein gene family together with the structure and expression of a member of the gene family (Mori, S. et al. (1991) J. Mol. Biol. 218, 7-12). In this communication, we present the complete structures of two other 30K protein genes in the family. Sequence analyses demonstrated that all three genes are similar to each other; a short first exon and protein-coding second exon are interspersed by a single intron. Structures homologous to the putative regulatory elements for the 30K protein gene expression are also found around each gene.

Antitumor effect of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton on syngeneically transplanted P388 tumors

The antitumor activity of the immunomodulator, Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (N-CWS), was investigated using syngeneically transplanted P388 leukemia cells in a solid form. The s.c. growth of P388 tumors in DBA/2 mice was significantly suppressed by systemically administered N-CWS, and the effect was dose dependent. The antitumor effect of N-CWS was partially but significantly abrogated in splenectomized mice but not in T-cell or natural killer cell-deficient mice. Although spleen cells from mice treated with 1600 micrograms N-CWS contained no cytolytic activity, they exerted a significant cytostatic effect on P388 cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Splenic cytostatic activity did not reside in T- or natural killer cells, but in plastic adherent cell population, macrophages. The response to N-CWS immunotherapy appeared to be associated with the number of macrophages infiltrating into the tumor lesions, and this was confirmed by histological analysis showing that P388 tumors from N-CWS-treated mice were intensively and dominantly infiltrated by macrophages. Furthermore, these were shown to be strongly tumor necrosis factor-positive by immunohistochemical analysis. These findings indicate that macrophages are the main effector cells playing a critical role in the suppression of P388 tumor growth in DBA/2 mice, and that tumor necrosis factor produced by these cells may be involved in the macrophage-mediated cytostatic effect induced by N-CWS. The fact that N-CWS suppressed the growth of weakly immunogenic P388 cells in syngeneic DBA/2 mice even when it was systemically injected would support the clinical potential of this agent.

Preliminary Study on Auxiliary Value of Serum Basic Fetoprotein in Diagnosing Lung Cancer

To characterize basic fetoprotein (BFP) as a new tumor marker, we measured serum levels of BFP and 5 other tumor markers (CA19-9, CEA, NSE, SCC, and TPA) concomitantly in 65 patients with lung cancer, 57 patients with benign pulmonary disease, and 40 healthy volunteers. The sensitivity of BFP was 43%, the specificity 82% and the accuracy 61%. The positivity increased in relation to stage of the disease. There was no correlation between positivity of BFP and histologic type. On the whole, BFP appeared to be analogous to TPA in terms of broad spectrum and to have an auxiliary value in diagnosing lung cancer.

[Flow cytometric DNA analysis of uterine endometrial carcinoma]

The DNA content in individual cells from 40 cases of histopathologically normal endometria, 15 of endometrial hyperplasia and 68 of endometrial adenocarcinoma was measured by flow cytometry. An aneuploid cell population was found in 50% of malignant endometria, but in the remaining endometrial carcinomas, the flow cytometrical findings showed no difference from those of benign tissue. Aneuploidy was more common (77.8%) in poorly differentiated tumors than in highly differentiated tumors (35.5%). Two and more aneuploid cell populations were found in 8 cases of 34. The DNA indices of aneuploid tumors were classified into 3 groups: hyperdiploidy, low hyperdiploidy (DNA index range: 1.04-1.2) and high hyperdiploidy (DNA index range: More than 1.2). The proportion of tumors with a high DNA index tended to increase as tumors became less differentiated. In normal endometria the fraction of cells with DNA content corresponding to the s-phase (s-fraction) was 8 +/- 3% on average in the proliferative phase. In well differentiated diploid tumors the s-fraction was 12 +/- 6%, but in moderately and poorly differentiated tumors it was higher (16.0% and 19.0%).

Spontaneous and agonist-induced calcium oscillations in pituitary gonadotrophs

Basal and receptor-regulated changes in cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were monitored by fluorescence analysis in individual rat pituitary gonadotrophs loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye indo-1. Most gonadotrophs exhibited low amplitude spontaneous oscillations in basal [Ca2+]i that were interspersed by quiescent periods and abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or addition of calcium channel blockers. Such random fluctuations in [Ca2+]i, which reflect the operation of a plasma membrane oscillator, were not coupled to basal gonadotropin secretion. The physiological agonist GnRH induced high amplitude [Ca2+]i oscillations; when a threshold [Ca2+]i level was reached, a cytoplasmic oscillator began to generate extremely regular Ca2+ transients. The time required to reach the threshold [Ca2+]i level was inversely correlated with agonist dose; the frequency, but not the amplitude, of agonist-induced Ca2+ spiking increased with agonist concentration. The duration of the latent period decreased and the frequency of Ca2+ spiking increased with the increase in ambient temperature. At high GnRH concentrations, the calcium transients merged into biphasic responses similar to those observed in cell suspensions at all GnRH concentrations. The presence of spontaneous fluctuations in basal [Ca2+]i did not significantly change the patterns of agonist-induced [Ca2+]i responses. Also, removal of extracellular Ca2+ did not interfere with the frequency or amplitude of Ca2+ spikes, but caused the loss of the plateau phase. Blockade of intracellular Ca(2+)-ATPase pumps by thapsigargin was usually accompanied by a subthreshold increase in [Ca2+]i. In such cells the agonist-induced oscillatory pattern was transformed into the biphasic response. In about 10% of the cells, however, high thapsigargin concentrations induced coarse [Ca2+]i oscillations; subsequent stimulation of such cells with GnRH was ineffective. The cytoplasmic oscillatory and biphasic responses may represent a mechanism for differential activation of Ca(2+)-dependent enzymes and their dependent cellular processes, including hormone secretion. The membrane oscillator is probably responsible for refilling of agonist-sensitive pools during and after agonist stimulation.

Susceptibility of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice to Mycobacterium leprae: multiplication of the bacillus and dissemination of the infection at early stage

Inoculation of M. leprae were made into the both hind feet at a dose of 4.8 x 10(6) bacilli per foot in order to determine the susceptibility to M. leprae of SCID mice which is severely deficient in both T- and B cell immunity. SCID mice was found to have an extremely high susceptibility to M. leprae, and the progress of infection observed in the SCID mice were shown a rapid systemic spread of infection at the all over the tissues as well as the growth of the leprosy bacilli at the site of inoculation. Therefore, SCID mice can be used as a suitable multibacillary model for the study of leprosy.

The use of improved silver impregnating staining method in the differential diagnosis of tuberculoid leprosy

A comparative study on the usefulness of Kawatsu's silver impregnating staining method compared with S-100 protein ABC technique for the differential diagnosis of tuberculoid leprosy was carried out. The results of neurohistological examination obtained from both methods were almost the same. It can be said that Kawatsu's method is useful and cost-effective, and thus suitable for practical use in developing countries.

Does the difference of the properties of trisaccharide-BSA conjugate (NT-P-BSA) of Mycobacterium leprae phenolic glycolipid influence on its seroreactivity?

The sugar content of the trisaccharide-BSA conjugate of the phenolic glycolip I of Mycobacterium leprae (NT-P-BSA) increased with the increase of the molar ratio of the trisaccharide to BSA used in the coupling reaction. The difference of the sugar content in NT-P-BSA did not give the influence on the seroreactivity and specificity in ELISA for both IgM and IgG class antibodies. During the course of the coupling reaction, about half amount of BSA was converted to dimeric form. However, there were no differences of the activity and specificity between monomeric form and dimeric form of NT-P-BSA. Based on these results, it was concluded that any lot of NT-P-BSA with variety of sugar content can be used in ELISA without any difference of the seroreactivity.

Histo-bacteriological investigation on borderline tuberculoid leprosy

The multi-sections, which were stained by Fite method, of skin biopsies taken from twelve active BT cases were examined under the guidance of special stains for demonstration of nerve components. All cases were AFB positive. Bacilli were found in infiltrated nerves in 11 cases, of which, in 7 cases, bacilli were detected in nerve fragments within epithelioid cell granuloma. And bacilli were seen in arrector pili muscles in 2 cases. No bacilli were detected in other sites. Since the survival of M. leprae in nerves is one of the reasons causing relapse, this paper suggests that it would be better to treat active BT cases with multibacillary regimen recommended by WHO even though smear-negative.

Lack of effect of histidyl-proline diketopiperazine on basal level and TRH-induced response of cytosolic calcium concentration in rat lactotrophs

Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine [cyclo(His-Pro)] has recently been shown to inhibit prolactin (PRL) secretion in vitro and in vivo. This peptide is well known as a metabolite of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which is one of the endogenous secretagogues of PRL. In this study, we investigated the effect of cyclo (His-Pro) on the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration [[Ca2+]i) in cultured lactotrophs by using a lactotroph-enriched fraction separated from female rat pituicytes by centrifugal elutriation. TRH (10 nM) induced a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i in the lactotrophs, followed by a plateau phase of prolonged increase in [Ca2+]i. In contrast, the addition of 100 microM of cyclo (His-Pro) caused no changes in the basal level or the TRH-induced plateau response of [Ca2+]i. Although pretreatment with cyclo (His-Pro) tended to decrease the biphasic increase in [Ca2+]i induced by TRH, the inhibitory effect was not statistically significant. These results demonstrated that cyclo (His-Pro) has no effect on [Ca2+]i in lactotrophs, and does not affect the TRH-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, indicating that the inhibition of PRL secretion by cyclo (His-Pro) may be primarily mediated by other intracellular messengers such as cyclic nucleotides and secondarily involved in other inhibitory systems including that of dopamine.

Immunohistochemical study of lepromin reaction in healthy adults

Lepromin reaction was studied with immunoperoxidase techniques using monoclonal antibodies. The skin reactions were induced by injecting Mitsuda antigen into healthy adults without a family history of leprosy. Both early (48 hours) and late (3 weeks and 2 months) reactions were examined. In the late reaction, focal collections of epithelioid cells had formed, and not only T- but also B-lymphocytes were observed around the granuloma. CD1a+ cells were also confirmed to have increased in the late reaction.

Phorbol ester-induced LH release in pituitary gonadotrophs: effects of antagonists of calmodulin and GnRH

The phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a potent activator of Ca(2+)- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (C kinase), stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) release from rat pituitary cells. The actions of TPA upon LH release were compared with those of the GnRH superagonist [D-Ala6] des-Gly10-GnRH N-ethylamide (GnRHa) in cultured pituitary cells. LH release was stimulated by 0.1 nM TPA and the maximum response at 10 nM TPA was 50% of the LH response to GnRHa. The ED50 values for TPA and GnRHa were 1.2 and 0.037 nM, respectively, and the maximum stimulatory effects of TPA and GnRHa on LH release were not additive. GnRHa-stimulated LH release was decreased by calmodulin (CaM) antagonists including pimozide, trifluoperazine, W5 and W7, being most effectively reduced (by 70%) by 10 microM pimozide. In contrast to their inhibition of GnRH action, these antagonists enhanced TPA-stimulated LH release, so that 10 microM pimozide and W7 doubled the maximum LH response. The potent GnRH antagonist [Ac-D-p-Cl-Phe1.2, D-Trp3, D-Lys6, D-Ala10]GnRH, which completely inhibited GnRHa-stimulated LH release with ID50 of 6.8 nM, also reduced maximum TPA-stimulated LH release by about 50%. These results suggest that both Ca2+/CaM and C kinase pathways are involved in the LH release mechanism, and indicate that C kinase plays a major role in the action of GnRH upon gonadotropin secretion. The synergism between CaM antagonists and TPA suggests that blockade of CaM-mediated processes leads to enhanced activation of the C kinase pathway, possibly by removal of an inhibitory influence. Furthermore, the partial inhibition of TPA-stimulated LH release by a GnRH antagonist suggests that the pathway(s), specifically connected with LH release in the diverse effects of C kinase, might be locked by the continuous receptor inactivation by antagonist and indicates the complicated pathways which diverge from the receptor and converge into specific cellular response.

Structures and organization of major plasma protein genes of the silkworm Bombyx mori

In the silkworm, Bombyx mori, a group of structurally related proteins, termed 30K proteins, accumulate in the hemolymph of the last instar larvae. We have isolated and characterized three genes, each of which encodes a distinct 30K protein component. Each 30K protein gene is composed of a short first exon and a protein-coding second exon interspersed by a single intron. The transcription initiation site of the 30K protein mRNA was identified at the nucleotide level. A typical TATA box exists some 30 base-pairs upstream from the transcription initiation site. The 5'-flanking region of each gene also contains octamer-like sequences. Restriction mapping analyses revealed that the cloned 46 x 10(3) base-pair region of the chromosomal DNA bears three 30K protein genes. Several copies of highly reiterated retrotransposon-like sequences are present around the 30K protein genes. S1 nuclease protection analysis provided evidence that the biosynthesis of 30K protein is regulated in a stage-specific manner at the transcriptional level in the fat body.

[Fallopian tube recanalization with a catheter system--experience in the use of a balloon catheter]

Fallopian tube obstruction is one of the most difficult problems in the treatment of infertility. This report gives the results of a pilot study on the transcervical recanalization of the occlusive fallopian tube. Selective catheterization of the uterine cornu was applied through a balloon catheter, which was wedged at the internal uterine os. In 16 occlusive fallopian tubes of 11 cases, the catheterization procedure was attempted and accomplished with a 87.5% success rate. Recanalization was successful in 75.0% of the affected tubes. Subsequent pregnancy was confirmed in three cases. This convenient technique is safe and effective and it will be accepted as the first choice in the diagnosis and treatment of fallopian tube obstruction.

[A case of right ventricular hemangioma]

We report a case of right ventricular hemangioma which is extremely rare. It was situated on the anterior wall of the right ventricle and protruded into the out flow tract. Aortography revealed that the main feeding artery was the conus brunch. Operation was done under cardiopulmonary bypass. The tumor was situated between LAD and RCA and resected incompletely, because of the fear that complete removal would occlude blood flow of both LAD and RCA. Histological examination disclosed intramuscular hemangioma. The postoperative course was uneventful. To our knowledge, this is the second resected case in the Japanese literature and the eighth case in the world literature.

Clinical evaluation of five tumor marker assay in patients with lung cancer

Five tumor markers (CA19-9, CEA, NSE, SCC, TPA) were measured concomitantly in the serum of 128 patients with primary lung cancer (LC), 148 patients with benign disease (B) and 43 normal volunteers. The positive rates for all the tumor markers were significantly higher in the LC group than in the B group. When multiple tumor markers were quantitated, the specificity for the detection of lung cancer became lower although the sensitivity increased. However, this negative point was made up for to some extent by evaluating the number of positive markers. In monitoring the clinical course, independent changes were observed in markers in some cancer patients. These results implied that measuring multiple tumor markers was of clinical value in monitoring the clinical course of cancer patients as well as in assisting the diagnosis of lung cancer.

[Comparison of cardiac output between in DDD and in VVI by pulsed Doppler echocardiographic method (correction with Swan-Ganz catheter method)]

Difference of cardiac output and stroke volume between that in DDD and that in VVI was studied by pulsed Doppler echocardiography at different pacing rates. Moreover, to evaluate the usefulness of the method by pulsed Doppler echocardiography, cardiac output by the Swan-Ganz catheter method was measured and compared. Fourteen patients age 37-83 years (mean 65 years) with sick sinus syndrome and implanted multiprogrammable dual chamber pacemakers were studied. Cardiac output was measured as the product of the echocardiographically determined cross sectional area of the aortic anulus and the Doppler-determined mean velocity of left ventricular outflow over systole. Cardiac output was greater in DDD with atrial kick than in VVI at each pacing rate, and increased with elevation of the rate, but it was smaller at 120 PPM than at 110 PPM in DDD. Stroke volume was greater in DDD than in VVI at each pacing rate, and maximum volume was at 60 PPM in both modes. The data by pulsed Doppler echocardiography and by Swan-Ganz catheter method have high correlation. Besides being related with pulse rate, these results may be related with such things as myocardial contractility, preload and afterload. For example, the tension of autonomic nervous system, the changing of venous return volume, the disease of arteriosclerosis and old myocardial infarction, temperature, blood viscosity and so on. We will continue the study considering these factors.

Dependence of hormone secretion on activation-inactivation kinetics of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in pituitary gonadotrophs

The relationships between the activation status of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels and secretory responses were analyzed in perfused rat gonadotrophs during stimulation by high extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]e) or the physiological agonist, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Increase of [K+]e to 50 mM evokes an on-off secretory response, with a rapid rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion to a peak at 35 sec (on response) followed by an exponential decrease to the steady-state level. Cessation of K+ stimulation elicits a transient (off) response followed by an exponential decrease to the basal level. The LH response to high [K+]e is nifedipine-sensitive and its amplitude depends on membrane potential. There is a close relationship between the LH secretory response to high [K+]e and the amplitude of the inward Ca2+ current measured at 100 msec in whole-cell patch clamp experiments. In addition, the profile of the LH secretory response is similar to that of the response of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in K(+)-stimulated cells. In Ca2(+)-deficient medium, the effect of high [K+]e is abolished; subsequent elevation of [Ca2+]e during the K+ pulse is followed by restoration of the on response, but with reduced magnitude. Agonist stimulation during the steady-state phase of the [K+]e pulse or after repetitive stimulation by high [K+]e elicited biphasic [Ca2+]i and secretory responses with a significantly reduced plateau phase; conversely, K(+)-induced LH release was reduced in cells treated with desensitizing doses of GnRH. These findings indicate that depolarization-induced changes in the status of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels determine the profiles of [Ca2+]i and LH responses to stimulation by high [K+]e; the initial activation of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels is clearly dependent on membrane potential, whereas their subsequent inactivation depends on increased [Ca2+]i. Such inactivation of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels also occurs during GnRH action and may represent an additional regulatory mechanism to limit the entry of extracellular Ca2+ during prolonged or frequent agonist stimulation.

Ontogenetic development of synovial A cells in fetal and neonatal rat knee joints

Ontogenetic development of the synovial A cells in fetal rat knee joints was investigated by immunohistochemistry, immuno-electron microscopy, cultivation, and autoradiography. At day 17 of gestation, immature macrophages were first seen in the articular interzone, and thereafter they differentiated into macrophages (synovial A cells), which were found in the synovial intima. The degree of reactivity of macrophages with five monoclonal antibodies increased in the developing synovial membranes of fetal rats as shown by immunohistochemistry. Similar findings were obtained in organ cultures of fetal knee joints. A marked difference of proliferative potential was found between A and B cells during ontogeny. A cells after birth did not incorporate 3H-thymidine in contrast to B cells. Before birth, B cells had a labelling index which was at least five times larger than that of A cells. The results of this study indicate that the synovial A cells are derived from both monocytes and fetal macrophages circulating in peripheral blood and that they differ from the synovial B cells in morphology, differentiation, and proliferative potential.

In vitro transcription of the plasma protein genes of Bombyx mori

An efficient cell-free transcription system was developed from the extract of BmN cells established from an ovarian tissue of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The cloned genes coding for major plasma proteins of B. mori including SP 1, SP 2 and 30K protein, were faithfully and efficiently transcribed in the extract prepared from BmN cells. The S1 nuclease mapping and primer extension analyses demonstrated that the transcription initiation site recognized in vitro is identical to that which functions in vivo. The transcription assay reconstituted from the fractionated BmN cell extract revealed that at least four protein factors are required for accurate transcription of the SP 1 and adenovirus major late genes. The results of in vitro transcription experiments employing a series of the 5' deleted mutant templates of the SP 1 gene indicated that partial deletion of the TATA box results in considerable loss of faithful transcript, while complete removal of the TATA-sequence totally abolishes the transcript. These observations suggest that the promoter element essential for transcription in cell-free systems is located in a region between nucleotide positions -44 and +16 of the SP 1 gene.

Role of voltage-sensitive calcium channels in [Ca2+]i and secretory responses to activators of protein kinase C in pituitary gonadotrophs

The gonadotropin secretory response of anterior pituitary cells to phorbol esters includes both extracellular Ca2(+)-dependent and -independent components (Stojilković et al, 1988; J. Biol. Chem. 263, 17301-17306, 1988). In cultured pituitary cells, measurements of [Ca2+]i using Fura-2 and of LH release during cell perifusion studies revealed that the initial effects of phorbols and permeant diacylglycerols on these responses are extracellular Ca2(+)-dependent and are mediated through activation of voltage- and dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels. On the other hand, pretreatment with phorbol esters for 30 to 60 min inhibited subsequent [Ca2+]i responses to diacylglycerols and phorbols and significantly reduced agonist-induced biphasic [Ca2+]i responses, with no change in the number of GnRH receptors. These findings demonstrate that protein kinase C exerts both positive and negative control of [Ca2+]i, and indicate that the calcium, phospholipid dependent enzyme participates in the activation of voltage-sensitive calcium channels and hormone secretion in pituitary gonadotrophs.

Effect of gamma-oryzanol on atheroma formation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

The anti-oxidant action of ferulic acid in gamma-oryzanol was tested in hypercholesterolemic rabbits to determine its effects on the development of atherosclerosis. Eighteen male New Zealand white rabbits were fed a diet containing 1% cholesterol with or without 1% gamma-oryzanol for 10 weeks. The anti-oxidant effect was assessed by the degree of resistance of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation by copper sulfate and the effect of the copper oxidized LDL on the incorporation of oleate into cholesteryl ester by mouse peritoneal macrophages. In addition, the levels of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and lipid peroxide were measured before, during and at the end of cholesterol loading. The amount of free ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol in plasma and LDL and the area of aortic atherosclerotic plaques were determined. It was found that oleate incorporation into cholesteryl ester by macrophages was significantly reduced in the gamma-oryzanol-treated group compared to the non-treated group, and that the reduction was via a mechanism independent of anti-oxidant action. However, no differences were found in the levels of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, lipid peroxide or in the areas of atherosclerotic plaques between the two groups. It was concluded that gamma-oryzanol has little or no preventive effects on atherosclerosis in rabbits.

Superior vena cava syndrome as a complication of DDD pacemaker implantation

A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of swelling of the face and neck 6 months after implantation of a two-chamber pacemaker. Digital subtraction angiography showed total occlusion of the superior vena cava vein and well-developed collateral channels. After thrombolytic therapy, facial swelling disappeared. Digital subtraction angiography performed after thrombolytic therapy revealed a recanalization of the superior vena cava.