Trigeminal neurinoma presenting with intratumoral hemorrhage: report of two cases

We report 2 cases of trigeminal neurinoma presenting with spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage. There are only 2 similar cases reported in the literature. Presenting symptoms were headache, diplopia, disturbed consciousness and trigeminal disturbance with sudden onset. CT scan showed a typical fluid-fluid level within low-density mass in the cerebellopontine angle in one case. On MRI, one case showed a typical fluid-fluid level on T2-weighted image and another one had mixed signal intensities including hyper- and hypointensities on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Histologically, increased vascularity, consisting of dilated and thin-walled vessels presenting telangiectatic or cavernous angiomatous appearances were observed in the specimens in both cases. The size of these tumors was about 3 cm each in diameter. Risk factors for hemorrhage appear to be large tumor size and increased vascularity.

Neurinomas presenting as spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage

Massive intratumoral or subarachnoid hemorrhage from neurinomas is very rare. The authors report on six patients, four men and two women, with neurinomas that presented as spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage. The average age of the patients was 56.8 years (range, 31-74 years). Neurinomas originated from the acoustic nerve in four patients and from the trigeminal nerve in two. Four cases were accompanied by the sudden occurrence of clinical symptoms such as headache, double vision, and hemisensory or motor disturbance. The maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 2.8 to 3.8 cm (average, 3.1 cm). Histological examinations showed massive hemorrhage and increased vascularity, with dilated, thin-walled vessels, in all cases. The size of the tumor and the increase in vascularity with dilated, thin-walled vessels within neurinomas are important pathogenetic factors of hemorrhage. When sudden onset of symptoms or rapid worsening of chronic symptoms occurs in neurinomas, intratumoral or subarachnoid hemorrhage should be considered as a possible cause, and magnetic resonance imaging can be an important tool in obtaining correct diagnosis.

Simultaneous recording of urethral pressure and cross sectional area profile

A new technique for simultaneously recording urethral closure pressure and cross sectional area profile is described. The cross sectional area of the urethra could be measured using the field gradient principle. The procedure was performed readily in male patients and the recordings can be graphically presented during measurement. A high degree of reproducibility using this method was obtained. Typical recordings of control subjects was well as patients with pathology were obtained using this technique. The results of this study show that the maximum urethral closure pressure obtained was 60.8 + 3.4 mmHg and functional profile length, 4.8 + 0.4 cm. Internal meatus cross sectional area was 0.67 + 0.04 cm2 and the minimum urethral cross sectional area was 0.12 + 0.02 cm2. This method has been shown to be readily applicable in measuring urethral closure pressure in males and can potentially be used as a tool of comparing the functional parameters of pressure with the anatomical value of diameter.

[The phase IV studies with Estracyt in prostatic cancer--supplementary report: results of long-term therapy]

Two hundred patients with prostatic cancer were enrolled in our previous study between 1984 and 1987. In this study, 96 patients of them were observed for 1 year or more after oral administration of Estracyt (estramustine sodium phosphate). Of these 96 cases, 33 patients were treated with Estracyt as primary treatment and 63 patient had been treated with other treatments before Estracyt treatment. Twelve patients were treated only with Estracyt and 84 patients also received other treatments. Thirty-eight patients were on primary therapy, 37 patients were on maintenance therapy, and 11 patients were on primary therapy, 37 patients were on maintenance therapy, and 11 patients were on the re-activated stage therapy and 10 patients were others. In conclusion, among the 67 cases in which the due judgement of the effect was possible, Estracyt was markedly effective in 10 cases (14.9%), effective in 16 cases (23.9%), slightly effective in 15 cases (22.4%) and ineffective in 26 cases (38.8%). The survival rate was 92.6% at the first year, 66.0% at the third year and 46.3% at the fifth year in the follow-up study. Adverse reactions were observed in 22 cases (22.9%), among which the administration was discontinued in 3 cases.

[Effect of YM-12617 (amsulosin hydrochloride) on lower urinary tract function in the female decerebrate dog]

The effect of YM-12617 on the lower urinary tract function was studied by combined recording of cystometry and external sphincter electromyogram (EMG) in 11 female decerebrate dogs. Reflex micturitions were induced by bladder filling before and after YM-12617 administration. Statistical analysis was carried out on the urodynamic parameters. YM-12617 in a dose of 10 micrograms/kg significantly decreased micturition threshold pressure during the collecting phase. In the urodynamic parameters of the emptying phase there was a significant decrease in contraction pressure at 10 and 30 micrograms/kg.

[Vesical ultrasonography and internal examination of female patients with urethral syndrome]

Transabdominal ultrasonography of the bladder and internal examination were performed in 80 female patients without pyuria. They were divided into 3 groups: urethral syndrome with trigonitis (49 cases), asymptomatic trigonitis (16 cases) and normal bladder (15 cases) by cystoscopy. Ultrasonography of trigonitis with or without symptoms showed focal dilation of the submucosal low echo zone and mucosal irregularity around the bladder neck. On the sagittal view, the thicknesses from the surface of mucosa to that of muscle layer within 2 cm from the bladder neck were 4 +/- 1 mm (mean +/- standard deviation) in the group with urethral syndrome and in that with asymptomatic trigonitis, and 3 +/- 1 mm in the normal bladder group. Mucosa of the trigonitis with or without symptom is patients with significantly thicker than that of those with normal bladder (p less than 0.01). On internal examination, tenderness at the upper frontal wall of the vagina was present in 10 of 11 cases (91%) with urethral syndrome, in 2 of 8 cases (25%) with asymptomatic trigonitis and in one of 9 cases (11%) with normal bladder. There was a significant difference (p less than 0.005) between the degree of inflammation and the number of cases with tenderness at the frontal wall of the vagina. From these results, transabdominal ultrasonographic measurement of mucosal thickness around the bladder neck and internal examination for tenderness at the frontal wall of vagina are thought to be useful methods for diagnosis and follow-up of urethral syndrome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Comparative study on nephrotoxicity of ionic and non-ionic contrast agents for drip infused urography]

The effects on renal function of an ionic and hyperosmolaric contrast agent (diatrizoate) and a non-ionic and slightly hypertonic agent (iohexol) for drip infused urography were compared on 60 patients with normal renal function. Urine samples were collected before and 30 minutes after drip infusion of contrast agent, and analyzed for albumin (ALB), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP), N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2MG) and creatinine (CRE). The urinary excretion of proteins and enzymes was compared with urinary CRE. gamma-GTP, NAG and beta 2MG increased significantly after infusion of diatrizoate. gamma-GTP and beta 2MG increased significantly after infusion of iohexol. Excretion of ALB, gamma-GTP, NAG and beta 2MG was significantly higher after infusion of diatrizoate than after iohexol. The urinary concentration of CRE was significantly lower after infusion of diatrizoate than after iohexol. The degree of renal damage after urography was no related to the appearance of allergy to the contrast agent or age of patient. Therefore, the non-ionic and slightly hyperosmolaric iohexol may be less toxic to the kidneys than the ionic and hypertonic diatrizoate. This nephrotoxicity after drip infused urography is thought to be related mainly to the osmolarity of contrast agent.

Further study of human salivary alpha-amylase polymorphism

Genetic variants of salivary alpha-amylase were studied using isoelectric focusing in a pH gradient of 6-8 and silver staining methods. Five phenotypes which were tentatively named Amy1 N, Amy1 SN, Amy1 V1N, Amy1 V2SN and Amy1 V3N were detected. The phenotype frequencies in 371 unrelated Japanese were: Amy1 N = 94.33, Amy1 SN = 2.43, Amy1 V1N = 0.54, Amy1 V2SN = 0.27 and Amy1 V3N = 2.43%, respectively. Although variant bands of Amy1 V1N were detected by immunoblotting method using anti-human salivary amylase, those bands were not stained by starch-iodine method for the detection of amylase activity. This suggested that a mutation was occurred in the region of amylase molecule which showed the activity. Amy1 V2SN comprised the production of three Amy1 genes and indicated the duplication of Amy1 gene. The individuals showing Amy1 V3N phenotype accorded with those showing amylase variant by PAGE.

[Effects of Tsumura Chorei-to and Tsumura Chorei-to-go-shimotsu-to on patients with urethral syndrome]

Tsumura Chorei-to or Tsumura Chorei-to-go-shimotsu-to, was administered to 71 female patients with urethral syndrome 2.5 g three times a day for four weeks. Total efficacy rate of Tsumura Chorei-to in 34 cases was 71%. Tsumura Chorei-to was effective against pollakisuria, miction pain or discomfort, sense of residual urine and lower abdominal discomfort. Total efficacy rate of Tsumura Chorei-to-go-shimotsu-to in 37 cases was 57%. Tsumura Chorei-to-go-shimotsu-to was effective against dysuria, sense of residual urine and lower abdominal discomfort. Uutoward effect rates of Tsumura Chorei-to and Tsumura Chorei-to-go-shimotsu-to were 6% and 14%, respectively. Many of the untoward effects of these two drugs were epigastral discomfort. These two drugs are thought to be effective on patients with urethral syndrome.

[Effect of terazosin on lower urinary tract function in the male decerebrate dog]

The effect of terazosin on the lower urinary tract function was studied by combined recording of bladder and urethral pressures and external sphincter electromyogram in 8 male decerebrate dogs. Reflex micturitions were induced by bladder filling before and after terazosin. The statistical analysis was carried out on the urodynamic parameters. During the collecting phase, terazosin at doses of 10, 30 and 100 micrograms/kg produced a significant decrease in maximum urethral pressure in the dose dependent manner. Threshold pressure was significantly shown to decrease at doses of 30 and 100 micrograms/kg. In the urodynamic parameters of the emptying phase there was a significant decrease in maximum contraction pressure at 10 and 30 micrograms/kg, and in voided volume at 100 micrograms/kg. Terazosin seems to facilitate an initiation of the bladder contraction with a decrease in threshold pressure. In concludes that alpha 1 adrenergic activity seems to take an important role for the maintenance of the urethral pressure and to control the initiation of bladder contraction in modulation with threshold pressure.

MR findings of posterior fossa hemangioblastomas

MR findings of five posterior fossa hemangioblastomas were reported. In the cystic type, a cyst was low intensity on T1WI and high intensity on T2WI. Mural nodule was clearly enhanced by Gd-DTPA. In the solid type, the tumor was shown as an isointense lesion on T1WI and as high intensity on T2WI, but it was markedly and homogeneously enhanced by Gd-DTPA. Multiple extremely low-intensity serpentine "flow void" signs, indicating afferent and efferent vessels, were observed within or around the tumor. These were characteristic pictures in this tumor.

The changes in the activity of pudendal motoneurons in relation to reflex micturition evoked in decerebrate cats

Reflex micturition was evoked in both non-immobilized (n = 5) and immobilized (n = 5) decerebrate cats by filling the bladder with physiological saline. Intracellular recordings were made from pudendal motoneurons (PU-MNs; n = 14) throughout the periods of before, during and after reflex micturition. The changes in the activity of PU-MNs were correlated with those in the intravesical pressure. Our results support the proposition that coordination of the sphincters and the detrusors is established by a gating mechanism, which is activated by the supraspinal source such as the pontine micturition center.

Loss of peroxisomal enzyme expression in preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions induced by peroxisome proliferators in rat livers

Immunohistochemical staining of enoyl CoA hydratase (ECH), a key peroxisomal enzyme, revealed that the putative preneoplastic lesions induced in livers by administration of the peroxisome proliferator (PP) clofibrate (0.3% in diet) to rats for 60 weeks or more, lacked this enzyme so that they could be detected as ECH-negative foci. ECH and other peroxisomal enzymes such as acyl CoA oxidase, catalase and carnitine-dependent acetyltransferase were also either not or only weakly expressed in most hepatic hyperplastic nodules and hepatomas induced by ciprofibrate (0.025% in diet), Wy-14,643 (0.1%) or BR-931 (0.2%), while being strongly induced in surrounding hepatocytes. These results indicate that the expression of ECH and other peroxisomal enzymes is repressed in putative preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions induced by PPs in rat livers and that these peroxisomal enzymes might therefore be used as negative markers.

Pacemaker activity of the pelvicalyceal border recorded by an intracellular glass microelectrode

Applying intracellular glass microelectrodes to the smooth muscle obtained from the guinea pig pelvicalyceal border, we have succeeded in recording periodic spontaneous action potentials, the so-called slow waves, which are characteristic of a pacemaker. This experiment proved that the pacemaker exists at the pelvicalyceal border. The slow waves originate from the pelvicalyceal border, close to the papilla renalis; they show a biphasic pattern and have the characteristics of a spontaneously excitable cell. The resting potential is 42.3 +/- 1.1 mV, the spontaneous depolarizing potential is 12.1 +/- 0.7 mV, and the depolarizing period is 12/min. The rate of rise of the potential is 22.9 +/- 2.1 mV/s in the first slow depolarization phase, and 50.9 +/- 9.5 mV/s in the following rapid depolarization phase. The rate of decline of the potential is 47.3 +/- 5.4 mV/s in the repolarization phase.

[Determination of anaerobic threshold and influence of hemodynamics on exercise intolerance in patients after cardiac valve surgery]

In order to evaluate the exercise tolerance of the patients after cardiac valve surgery, the exercise stress test by supine bicycle ergometer was performed in 26 patients. An anaerobic threshold (AT) was determined by lactate threshold. The mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) was measured simultaneously to assess the relationship between AT and SvO2 during exercise test. The study group consisted of 10 men (mean age: 46.2 years) and 16 women (mean age: 49.4 years). Each patient received either of following two programs: 1) a single step test of approximately 5 METS, which corresponded to the exercise tolerance level of NYHA functional Class II (Group A, 18 patients); and 2) a consecutive multi-staged test, which was begun at a worked of 25 W and increased by 25 W in every 3 minutes until the symptomatic maximum or ended at 100 W (Group B, 8 patients). Eleven patients (6 patients in Group A, 5 patients in Group B) had reached AT point during the test. SvO2 was 26.6 +/- 3.6% in group A patients, and 29.3 +/- 1.4% in group B patients at the point of AT. This data suggests that anaerobic metabolism begins at the level of SvO2 slightly less than 30%, and that SvO2 is a simple and usefull indicator for the estimation of AT. In patients with reduced exercise tolerance which was recognized by AT point at exercise stage of about 5 METS, the right atrial and pulmonary arterial mean pressure were higher than the others (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of a 28-kD polymorphic polypeptide detected by two-dimensional electrophoresis of human platelets

A genetic polymorphism of a human platelet polypeptide with a molecular weight of 28 kD detected by two-dimensional electrophoresis was investigated in family and population studies, and cell distribution. The 28-kD polypeptide showed autosomal codominant inheritance of two alleles. The gene frequencies of the two alleles were 0.925 and 0.075, respectively. The 28-kD polypeptide was observed in lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes, in addition to platelets. This polypeptide showed good reproducibility in electrophoresis, and appears to be useful as a genetic marker of the human genome in gene mapping and pedigree analysis.

Glutathione transferases and cancer

The glutathione transferases, a family of multifunctional proteins, catalyze the glutathione conjugation reaction with electrophilic compounds biotransformed from xenobiotics, including carcinogens. In preneoplastic cells as well as neoplastic cells, specific molecular forms of glutathione transferase are known to be expressed and have been known to participate in the mechanisms of their resistance to drugs. In this article, following a brief description of recently identified molecular forms, we review new findings regarding the respective molecular forms involved in carcinogenesis and anticancer drug resistance, with particular emphasis on Pi class forms in preneoplastic tissues. The rat Pi class form, GST-P (GST 7-7), is strongly expressed not only in hepatic foci and hepatomas, but also in initiated cells that occur at the very early stages of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis, and is regarded as one of the most reliable markers for preneoplastic lesions in the rat liver. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-responsive element-like sequences have been identified in upstream regions of the GST-P gene, and oncogene products c-jun and c-fos are suggested to activate the gene. The Pi-class forms possess unique enzymatic properties, including broad substrate specificity, glutathione peroxidase activity toward lipid hydroperoxides, low sensitivity to organic anion inhibitors, and high sensitivity to active oxygen species. The possible functions of Pi class glutathione transferases in neoplastic tissues and drug-resistant cells are discussed.

Microwave coagulation therapy on VX-2 carcinoma implanted in rabbit urinary bladders

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave coagulation therapy on urinary bladder carcinoma, we conducted a series of experiments using carcinoma VX-2 cells designed for the application on animal hosts. Three days after implantation of VX-2 cells into the bladder of the rabbits, microwave coagulation therapy was performed. The antitumor effect, i.e. the survival rate, the histological study and the immunological response of the microwave therapy was examined in comparison with the control group (no treatment), the partially cystectomized group and the sham-operated group (no tumor cell implantation). The results were obtained as follows. (1) The survival rate in the microwave group was greater than that in the control group. (2) The stimulation index value (SI), which represents humoral immunity, decreased postoperatively in all groups. In the microwave group, SI increased gradually beginning 21 days after the transient decrease. (3) Histological findings revealed severe degeneration, necrosis and complete eradication of the cancer cells of the bladder wall in the microwave group, however, perforation of the urinary bladder could not be detected. The results indicate that microwave coagulation therapy is an effective procedure for urinary bladder tumors. Furthermore, microwave therapy may also accelerate the inactivation of immunological suppressors in the carcinoma host, an additional benefit of the microwave procedure.

Biological profiles of highly potent novel endothelin antagonists selective for the ETA receptor

We describe novel potent endothelin (ET) antagonists that are highly potent and selective for the ETA receptor (selective to ET-1). Of the synthetic analogs based on ETA antagonist BE-18257A isolated from Streptomyces misakiensis (IC50 value for ETA receptor on porcine aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMCs); 1.4 microM), the compounds BQ-123 and BQ-153 greatly improved the binding affinity of [125I]ET-1 for ETA receptors on VSMCs (IC50; 7.3 and 8.6 nM, respectively), whereas they barely inhibited [125I]ET-1 binding to ETB receptors (nonselective with respect to isopeptides of ET family) in the cerebellar membranes (IC50; 18 and 54 microM, respectively). Associated with the increased affinity for ETA receptors, these peptides antagonized ET-1-induced constriction of isolated porcine coronary artery. However, there was a small amount of ET-1-induced vasoconstriction resistant to these antagonists, which paralleled the incomplete inhibition of [125I]ET-1 binding in the membrane of the aortic smooth muscle layer. These data suggest that the artery has both ETA and ETB receptors responsible for ET-1-induced vasoconstriction. The antagonists shifted the concentration-response curve to the right for ET-1 in the coronary artery, and increased the apparent dissociation constant in the Scatchard analysis of [125I]ET-1 binding on the VSMCs without affecting the binding capacity, indicative of the competitive antagonism for ETA receptor. In conscious rats, pretreatment with the antagonists markedly antagonized ET-1-induced sustained pressor responses in dose-dependent fashion without affecting ET-1-induced transient depressor action, suggesting that the pressor action is mediated by ETA receptors, while the depressor action is mediated by ETB receptors. In addition, pretreatment with the potent antagonists prevented ET-1-induced sudden death in mice. Thus, these potent ETA antagonists should provide a powerful tool for exploring the therapeutic uses of ETA antagonists in putative ET-1-related disorders.

The Effect of Alpha-2 Agonists and Antagonisits on the Upper Urinary Tract of the Rat

We examined the effect of the selective alpha-2 agonist dexmedetomidine and antagonist atipamizole on the upper urinary tract, renal pelvic pressure and ureteral peristalsis. Experiments were performed on twelve Sprague-Dawley female rats weighing 275-323 grams, with administration of urethane (1.2 micrograms/kg). Ventilatory support was provided through a tracheotomy. A continuous normal saline infusion was maintained through the left iliac vein at a rate of 2.5 ml/hr. Arterial pressure was measured at the left iliac artery, which was cannulated with a PE-100 tube connected to a pressure transducer. A mid-line incision was then made from the xyphoid to the symphysis to expose the left kidney, both ureters, and the bladder. The bladder was intubated and drained to avoid bladder pressure increase. Measurements of urine output rate were made from the right ureter and renal pelvic or ureteral pressure was measured using a nephrostomy placed into the pelvis. A ureterostomy was produced by introducing another catheter, into the upper segment of the left ureter for ureteral pressure measurements. The rats were divided into two groups as follows: 1) dexmedetomidine group (n = 6); injected intravenously with 2 micrograms/kg of dexmedetomidine dissolved in 0.5 ml saline. 2) atipamizole group (n = 6); injected intravenously with 2 micrograms/kg of atipamizole dissolved in 0.5 ml saline. Ureteral peristaltic frequency, baseline pressure, and contraction amplitude were compared before, after, and between the bolus injections of 2 micrograms/kg dexmedetomidine (n = 6) or 2 micrograms/kg atipamizole (n = 6) in 0.5 ml saline. The results showed that dexmedetomidine at 2 micrograms/kg produced a significant decrease in arterial pressure and an increase in urine output from 1.2 + 0.8 to 3.6 + 1.2 ml/min. There was no effect on the baseline pelvic pressure of 6.8 + 1.2 cmH2O or amplitude of the renal pelvic contractions: 3.5 + 0.6 cmH2O. The frequency of pelvic contractions was reduced from 0.37 + 0.03 to 0.27 + 0.02 Hz. Atipamizole at 2 micrograms/kg produced a significant reduction in urine flow rate of 1.1 + 0.8 to 0.6 + 0.2 ml/min. Atipamizole also showed no significant effects on baseline pelvic pressure or frequency, but increased the amplitude of pelvic contractions from control values of 3.0 + 0.9 to 3.4 + 0.9 cmH2O. Dexmedetomidine reduced both the baseline ureteral pressure of 8.5 + 2.4 and peristaltic contraction pressure of 11.5 + 2.3 cmH2O in 4/6 rats. Atipamizole reduced base-line ureteral pressure and increased peristaltic rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphism in Dogs

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphism was studied in 20 mongrel dogs using 14 restriction enzymes. The polymorphism was observed in the cleavage patterns of Apa I, EcoR I, EcoR V, Hinc II and Sty I. Three morphs using EcoR I and Apa I and two morphs using EcoR V, Hinc II and Sty I were found. However, no polymorphism was detected in the cleavage patterns of BamH I, Bgl II, Hae II, Hind III, Pst I, Sca I, Stu I and Xba I. The examined dogs were classified in seven types using five restriction endonucleases which recognized six nucleotide sequences. The value of nucleotide diversity was estimated to be 0.0055. A phylogenetic tree constructed by genetic distances among seven restriction types showed at least two clusters of mtDNA.

[Identification of effective region of the pons in response to inaperisone which facilitates urine storage]

To identify the effective region of the pons in response to inaperisone which facilitates urine storage, inaperisone (100 mM, 0.2 microliters) was injected into the nucleus locus coeruleus alpha (LCa, the pontine micturition center), the nucleus locus subcoeruleus (LSC, the pontine urine storage center) and the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis (PoO, micturition inhibitory region) of the decerebrate cats. On reflex micturition, inaperisone injection into the LSC decreased voiding volume, and increased residual volume and bladder capacity, significantly. However, there was no difference in the maximum bladder pressure before and after inaperisone injection into the LSC. Inaperisone injection into the LCa or the PoO had no influence on reflex micturition. These results suggest that effective region of the pons in response to inaperisone is the LSC, and that inaperisone facilitates the urine storage neural mechanism in the LSC.

Role of cysteine residues in the activity of rat glutathione transferase P (7-7): elucidation by oligonucleotide site-directed mutagenesis

To clarify the role(s) of thiol (sulfhydryl) groups of cysteine (Cys) residues in the activity of the rat glutathione transferase P (7-7) form (GST-P), a cDNA clone, pGP5, containing the entire coding sequence of GST-P (Y. Sugioka et al., (1985) Nucleic Acids Res. 13, 6044-6057) was inserted into the expression vector pKK233-2 and the recombinant GST-P (rGST-P) expressed in E. coli JM109. All four Cys residues in rGST-P were independently substituted with alanine (Ala) by site-directed mutagenesis, the resultant mutants as well as the rGST-P being identical to GST-P purified from liver preneoplastic nodules with regard to molecular weight and immunochemical staining. Since all mutants proved as enzymatically active towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as liver GST-P, it was indicated that none of the four Cys residues is essential for GST-P activity. However, the mutant with Ala at the 47th position from the N-terminus (Ala47) became resistant to irreversible inactivation by 0.1 mM N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), whereas the other three mutants remained as sensitive as the nonmutant type (rGST-P). Ala47 was also resistant to inactivation by the physiological disulfides, cystamine or cystine, which cause mixed disulfide and/or intra- or inter-subunit disulfide bond formation. These results suggest that the 47-Cys residue of GST-P may be located near the glutathione binding site, and modulation of this residue by thiol/disulfide exchange may play an important role in regulation of activity.

[Experimental and clinical studies of urethral anesthesia on etiology and treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia]

We studied whether detrusor-sphincter synergia during micturition was obtained by means of urethral anesthesia with lidocaine hydrochloride in five thoracic spinal cats and eight clinical cases with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. In thoracic spinal cats with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, urethral anesthesia produced detrusor-sphincter synergia, an increase in the maximum bladder pressure and a decrease in the residual volume. In clinical cases with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, urethral anesthesia produced detrusor-sphincter synergia or a decrease in the external urethral sphincter activities during micturition, and a decrease in the maximum urethral closure pressure and the residual volume. There were no remarkable changes of the external urethral sphincter activities during urine storage phase before and after urethral anesthesia in both spinal cats and clinical cases. These results suggest that urethral anesthesia blocks the urethro-urethral contraction reflex and secondarily activates vesico-urethral relaxation reflex. The block of urethral sensory nerves is thought to effectively treat detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.