[Clinical significance of dystrophin positive fibers in Duchenne muscular dystrophy]

Dystrophin is a protein product of the Xp 21 gene which is defective in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In immunohistochemical staining of dystrophin, the majority of DMD muscle fibers show negative staining. Nevertheless, biopsy specimens from DMD patients labeled with many different antibodies may show a small number of fibers which are clearly dystrophin positive. This very small percentage of dystrophin-positive fibers (DPF) probably represents somatic reversion, suppression of the DMD gene mutation or alternating splicing of dystrophin mRNA. To determine the significance of isolated DPF in muscle specimens of DMD patients, we examined 30 DMD muscle specimens, aged 4 years to 16 years, by the use of monoclonal antibody against the C-terminal region of dystrophin. Additionally, muscle specimens from 2 normal human controls and 2 mice with X-linked muscular dystrophy were used for positive and negative controls, respectively. Muscle specimens from DMD patients and mdx mice showed almost totally negative dystrophin staining in most of their muscle fibers, but in 20 patients, three was a trace of isolated DPF ranging from 0.06% to 0.77%. DMD patients with no isolated DPF seemed to have higher functional disability. In the whole group of 30 patients, a significant negative correlation was found between the abundance of DPF and clinical functional grading (r = -0.85, p < 0.0001, based on linear regression). It is suggested that even the very low concentrations of dystrophin found in DMD patients may have a favorable functional significance.

[Study of myoblast culture and myoblast transfer therapy in dystrophic mice]

In this report, we study the suitable conditions for myoblast cultures through analysis of myoblast growth and differentiation, and then try to develop a mouse model for myoblast transfer therapy (MTT). Recently, some research has indicated that Muscular Dystrophy Murine Mice (MDX) have an X-linked recessive dystrophin deficiency which is caused by dystrophin gene point mutation at the X chromosome. Therefore, MDX mice are usually used for MTT models of muscular dystrophy disease. Control mice, C57BL10/SCSN (B-10) were chosen as a source of normal myoblasts. Myoblasts isolated from the hindlimb muscle tissues of two- to three-day-old neonatal B-10 mice were cultured in vitro for one to seven days. Through our modifyied techniques of isolation and culturing conditions, a myoblast purity of 70% could be achieved, with fibroblast the only contaminating cell type. The proliferative capacity and the doubling time of myoblasts were counted from analysis of growth kinetics. While differentiative capacity was analyzed morphologically, we found the fusion of myoblasts was time-dependent. Immunostaining myoblasts of different stages with anti-dystrophin antibody showed that purified myoblasts with the capacity of fusion can express dystrophin and can be utilized as a donating source in MTT. In the MTT experiment, eight young MDX mice were injected with normal myoblasts at a concentration of 1 x 10(6) cells. All transplated mice received daily cyclosporine A injection for immunosuppression. Two to three months later, dystrophin was found in the myoblast-transferred muscles while staining immunocytochemically. The result suggests that we successfully transferred the normal dystrophin gene from the normal myoblasts into the MDX mice since their myoblast-injected muscle could express dystrophin.

[Locomotion of dystrophin-deficient mice]

The purpose of our study was to make a comparison of the motor function between murine dystrophy mice (MDX mice) and C57BL/10ScSn control mice. The locomotor activities of mice were measured by an animal three-dimension optical monitor. Measurements were performed at ages of 21, 45 and 60 days. Animals were tested in a dark and peaceful environment under room temperature (25 degrees C-27 degrees C) at night for an hour. Results showed that the most important differences were in data on vertical activities. Among 15 variables of locomotor activity detected by the optical activity monitor, the MDX mice and control mice at age 21 days showed significant differences in 12 variables. However, the MDX mice and control mice at age 45 days revealed significant differences in only 7 variables. The MDX mice and control mice at age 60 days had significant differences for only one variable. The results may be explained by the fact that dystrophin-deficient mice undergo more severe dystrophic degeneration at an early age (5 weeks) and new regeneration of their muscle fibres is prevalent. Moreover, a functional recovery occurred in MDX skeletal muscle which was probably due to the regeneration of dystrophic muscle.

Generation and characterization of Japanese encephalitis virus specific monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) specifically against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) were generated by fusion of immunized mouse spleen cells with NS-1 myeloma cells. Nakayama-NIH (Na) and three Taiwan local strains of JEV, i.e., TL isolated from a patient's brain in 1965, NT109 (JE7) isolated from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in 1985, and RP9, a plaque purified clone of NT109, were used in the immunization. The specificities of moAbs were determined by immunoprecipitation and western blotting, using JEV-infected cell lysates. They were confirmed by the same methods using recombinant JEV proteins as antigens. From Na immunization, 4 anti-E, 3 anti-NS1 and 3 anti-NS3 moAbs were generated. Seventeen anti-E, three anti-NS1 and three anti-NS3 specific moAbs were generated from mice immunized with Taiwan local JEV strains. Overall 21 anti-E, 6 anti-NS1, and 6 anti-NS3 moAbs were produced and characterized. The isotypes of these moAbs were also determined and described. Interestingly, a majority of the moAbs generated for RP9 were IgG1 isotype. In conclusion, 33 moAbs specific to JEV were generated and characterized, and some of these anti-JEV moAbs were made against Taiwan local isolates. These moAbs provide a powerful tool to study JEV, especially the antigenic properties of Taiwan's local strains.

A clinical study of colorectal cancer accompanied by cancer of other organs

BACKGROUND

The incidence of double primary neoplasms has increased in recent decades. The etiologies and epidemiologies of double primary neoplasms are under investigation, and relationships between some cancers are well established. A group of patients with double primary cancers was studied to determine the relationships between certain cancers.

METHODS

From November 1982 to September 1993, 48 patients with colorectal cancer accompanied by cancer of another organ (double primary cancers) were treated here. The male-to-female ratio was 31 to 17. According to Warren's definitions, the patients were classified into two groups: synchronous and metachronous. Data collection was done on the basis of locations, pathological staging and interval between cancers.

RESULTS

Among the 48 patients, extracolonic cancers were mainly found in the cervix (8), stomach (7), prostate (5), lung (5), urinary bladder (4), and breast (4). In the female patients, 88.2% (15/17) of extracolonic cancers were in the female reproductive organs. In male patients, 45% (14/31) of extracolonic cancers were GI tract neoplasms, and 35.5% (11/31) were cancers of the GU tract. Nearly half of the patients expired within two years after diagnosis of the second primary cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancers of the cervix, stomach, prostate, lung, urinary bladder and breast may have some etiologic factors in common with that of colorectuim. Thus, attention should be paid to these sites during the period of post-operative follow-up of the first primary cancer.

Ethanol induces heterogeneous reduction of cytochrome aa3 within perfused rat liver lobule assessed using microspectroscopy

The redox state of cytochrome aa3 was measured at microspots (20 microns diameter) within the lobule of perfused rat livers, using reflectance microspectroscopy, and the effect of ethanol infusion on sublobular distribution of the redox states was evaluated. A sigmoidal relationship was observed between oxygen delivery and the reduction of cytochrome aa3 in both the periportal and pericentral regions of the liver lobule when the influent O2 concentration was decreased in a graduated manner. This sigmoidal curve was shifted to the more reduced state by ethanol infusion, with ethanol (25-100 mM) increasing the degree of cytochrome aa3 reduction in a dose-dependent manner according to the distance from the periportal region along a sinusoid. This increase was spatially heterogeneous within a liver lobule. These data indicate that ethanol accelerates cytochrome aa3 reduction, with a distinct gradient of reduction along sinusoids but a heterogeneous distribution within the liver lobule.

Embolization of carotid cavernous fistula by means of direct puncture through the superior orbital fissure

PURPOSE

To embolize carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) by means of transorbital puncture of the cavernous sinus (CS) and the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) through the superior orbital fissure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five patients with CCF were treated with embolization of the CS, and six were treated with embolization of both the CS and the cavernous portion of the ICA after transorbital puncture. All except one had previously undergone occlusion of the ipsilateral proximal ICA before direct transorbital puncture.

RESULTS

The fistulas in these cases were all obliterated completely. Only two patients had temporary ptosis. No other remarkable complications were noted. The patent ICA on the side of the fistula in one patient remained patent after embolization.

CONCLUSION

Direct transorbital puncture through the superior orbital fissure is an alternate treatment for CCF, especially when the ipsilateral ICA has been occluded.

Asymptomatic sacral arachnoid cyst in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis

A sacral arachnoid cyst was found incidentally in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. The clinical manifestations were perithecal bony erosions and thecal sac displacement while no associated neurological deficit was detected. This peculiar situation is of special interest as cauda equina syndrome invariably presented in such clinical complex. The pathogenesis of the arachnoid cyst remains unclear. And surgical intervention is only indicated in patients with evidence of nerve root compression.

[Effect of aminoglycoside on ascending auditory pathway evaluated by evoked potentials]

Permanent ototoxic injuries frequently occur after long term administration of aminoglycosides (AGs). An attempt was made to evaluate the effects of AGs on both peripheral and central auditory systems in rats by brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs). A total of 43 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, and 4 kinds of AGs (gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin and streptomycin) were applied respectively to rats in each group with IM injection daily for 9 weeks. BAEPs were recorded pre- and post-injection weekly. Rats with gentamicin administration had no apparent changes in peak latencies until 7 weeks when prolongations occurred. Tobramycin administration in rats caused peak latencies to prolong progressively. Prolongations of peak latencies initially followed by no more evident changes were present in rats with amikacin or streptomycin. However, few consistent changes in interpeak latencies were shown in all rats. These results indicate that ototoxicity occurs at the peripheral auditory system, and the involvement of central auditory pathway was uncertain.

A case of Graves' diseases associated with intracranial moyamoya vessels and tubular stenosis of extracranial internal carotid arteries

A 28-year-old woman presented with a clinical picture of hyperthyroidism, goiter, ophthalmopathy, and an ensuing ischemic stroke. Cerebral angiography demonstrated moyamoya vessels around the Willis's circle and tubular stenosis of the bilateral extracranial internal carotid arteries. The combination of the above angiographic abnormalities occurring in a patient with Graves' disease is extremely rare. A pathogenic link between Graves' disease and certain specific vascular disorders is suspected.

Expression of human beta E-globin gene with erythroid enhancer in transgenic mice

The human beta E-globin gene from HbE (beta 26 Glu-->Lys, G-->A) homozygote, a common hemoglobinopathy in China, was injected into the pronuclei of fertilized mouse eggs to prepare transgenic mice. A transgenic mouse bearing 16 copies of construct 5'.HS2 beta E has characteristics of typical transgenic mice. It has been verified that the presence of erythroid enhancer 5'HS2 is necessary for the high level expression of human beta E-globin gene in transgenic mice, indicating that the cis-element 5'HS2 is effective for abnormal beta-globin gene as well. Although the expression level of beta-globin gene was copy number-dependent as reported in previous studies, the average expression level per gene copy (12.1%) in transgenic mice bearing many copies of 5'HS2 beta E (16 copies) was significantly lower than that (79.7%) in transgenic mice bearing fewer copies of the gene (2 copies). The possible mechanisms for this decrease of expression are discussed. Novel hemoglobin tetramers which presumably consist of human beta E-globin chains and mouse endogenous alpha-globin chains have been assembled in transgenic mice.

Assessment of rate of O2 release from single hepatic sinusoids of rats

Characteristics of O2 release from single hepatic sinusoids are described in relation to the sinusoidal O2 inflow for the first time. Microspectroscopic measurement of the rate of O2 release (RO2) from single sinusoids to surrounding hepatocytes was carried out at the edge of the liver of anesthetized rats. The oxyhemoglobin inflow ([HbO2] inflow) into sinusoids, which is a product of sinusoidal blood flow rate and inflowing oxyhemoglobin concentration ([HbO2]), was varied by exchange transfusion of blood with physiological saline. 1) RO2 from single hepatic sinusoids of control rats was fairly constant [0.66 +/- 0.14 (SD) nmol.cm-2.s-1, with 18 sinusoids of 9 rats] over a wide range of [HbO2] inflow (50-200 fmol/s). 2) In the cases of mild anemia, [HbO2] inflow scarcely decreased but RO2 increased, probably because of the increased metabolism of hepatocytes. 3) In the cases of severe anemia, [HbO2] inflow decreased below 50 fmol/s and RO2 decreased accordingly. 4) In all cases no difference was observed between the RO2 values obtained from periportal zone and those from pericentral zone. These results are discussed on the bases of the vascular structure and function of hepatic sinusoids and on the animal model of hemorrhagic shock.

Unilateral cheiro-oral syndrome in a patient with bilateral subdural hematomas

We report a 49-year-old man with acute intermittent perioral and distal hand sensory dysfunction on the left side (cheiro-oral syndrome). The responsible lesion was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging to be bilateral subdural hematomas with the larger side compressing the middle and lower thirds of the right postcentral gyrus. We emphasize that subdural hematoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cheiro-oral syndrome.

Glucocorticoids reciprocally regulate expression of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha and delta genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and white adipose tissue

Glucocorticoid agonists, i.e. dexamethasone or triamcinolone acetonide, rapidly induce expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) delta and repress expression of C/EBP alpha in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Within 30 min of glucocorticoid treatment, the cellular level of C/EBP delta rises dramatically, increasing > 100-fold within 6 h. Concurrently, the level of C/EBP alpha decreases, reaching a minimum within 4 h. The dexamethasone concentration dependence and steroid specificity of these responses suggest that both processes are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor. The reciprocal effects of dexamethasone on the steady-state levels of C/EBP alpha and C/EBP delta can be accounted for kinetically and quantitatively by changes in their mRNA levels and by the transcription rates of their respective genes. The glucocorticoid-induced changes in expression of the C/EBP isoforms are correlated with the transcriptional activation of the SCD1 gene, an adipocyte gene known to be transactivated by C/EBP isoforms. Glucocorticoids also regulate expression of the C/EBP isoforms in vivo. Within 4 h of administration of dexamethasone or triamcinolone acetonide to adult rats, expression of C/EBP delta is induced in white adipose tissue while expression of C/EBP alpha is repressed. Like the response in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the effects of dexamethasone on C/EBP alpha in white adipose tissue are rapid and transient.

Microspectroscopic measurement of the optical properties of rat liver in the visible region

Microspectroscopy is used to investigate optical properties of haemoglobin-free perfused rat liver. Visible spectra of 20 microns diameter spot size were measured in transmission and/or reflection modes as a function of the thickness (< 1200 microns) of the liver-edge. Optical density (OD) in transmission mode increased with the increasing liver thickness, whereas in reflection mode OD decreased but became almost constant above a certain thickness (c.600 microns) of the liver. The Kubelka-Munk (KM) two-flux model, with a minor modification, was applied successfully to the analysis of the changes in OD as a function of the thickness. This approach estimates the KM absorption coefficient (EKM), KM scattering coefficient (SKM) and effective penetration depth (delta eff) of the liver. The optical properties were similar to reported values, obtained with different methods.

The G gamma:A gamma ratios in the fetal hemoglobin of newborns of the Man ethnic group and their gamma-globin gene arrangements

The G gamma:A gamma ratios of Hb F were determined in 331 newborn babies of the Man ethnic group in Liaoning Province, P.R. China, using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; in 27 cases they were also determined by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that a high G gamma value (> 80%) was present in four cases (1.21%) and low G gamma values (30-48%) in six cases (1.81%); not a single case with the A gamma T [A gamma 75(E19)Ile->Thr] chain was found. Gene mapping analysis demonstrated that two babies with high G gamma values had the -G gamma-G gamma-/-G gamma-A gamma- (0.60%), and two others the -G gamma-AG gamma-A gamma-/-G gamma-A gamma- (0.60%) arrangements. Two of the four babies with low G gamma values were identified as -A gamma-A gamma-/-G gamma-A gamma- (0.60%) and the other two as -GA gamma-/-G gamma-A gamma- (0.60%). The genotype -A gamma-A gamma- has not been reported before in Chinese.

Computed tomography evaluation of chronic paranasal sinusitis

BACKGROUND

Although chronic paranasal sinusitis has been recognized and diagnosed more frequently in recent years, it is still one of the most frequently overlooked disease and a significant source of morbidity and economic loss. Therefore, a further detailed analysis of its clinical pictures and computed tomographic (CT) presentations is necessary for better understanding.

METHODS

We collected 230 cases in recent two years and studied their CT manifestations.

RESULTS

The pathological changes of sinusitis on CT were classified into four groups: mucosal thickening, mucosal thickening combined with fluid level, fluid level only, and total sinus opacification, in increasing frequency. Maxillary sinus was the most commonly involved sinus. Focal high density areas were noted in 17 sinuses. Ten of them were operated and revealed only thick mucous without evidence of calcification or fungal infection. There was no correlation between the disease duration and the number of sinuses involved.

CONCLUSIONS

CT is the image modality of choice in evaluating patients with chronic paranasal sinusitis.

Functional role of the zipper motif region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transmembrane protein gp41

To study the functional role of the zipper motif region, located in the N-terminal region of the envelope transmembrane protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, a series of vaccinia virus-expressed mutant proteins containing a proline substitution in this region were characterized. All of the mutant proteins showed partial or no inhibition in gp160 cleavage, demonstrated impaired ability of gp120 to associate with gp41, and were unable to mediate syncytium formation with CD4+ cells. Moreover, mutants 580 and 587 secreted excessive gp120 into the medium compared with the wild type. Mutations in this region affected the conformation of the local or proximal sequence but did not alter the conformation conferred by a distal site. These studies reveal the crucial role of the C-terminal segment of the zipper motif region in envelope heterodimeric association and suggest that this sequence forms a gp120 contact site.

Production of IL2 and IL3 in syngeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions of BALB/c mice are elevated during a period of moderate dietary protein deficiency

The mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) is a model of T cell responsiveness to antigenic peptides complexed with major histocompatibility (MHC) proteins on antigen presenting cells (APC). Since dietary protein deficiencies alter T cell development, syngeneic and allogeneic MLR were investigated in mice fed a low protein 4% casein (4Ca) or control 20% casein (20Ca) diet. Proliferation of splenic lymphocyte populations from BALB/c mice fed 4Ca was increased during syngeneic and allogeneic MLR compared with lymphocytes from mice fed 20Ca. Increased proliferation was accompanied by significantly higher production of IL2 and IL3 during syngeneic, but not allogeneic MLR. To determine the influence of autologous B cells on IL2 and IL3 production during MLR, lymphocyte populations of mice fed 4Ca or 20Ca were depleted of B cells. Splenic lymphocyte populations of mice fed 4Ca that were depleted of B cells did not exhibit increased IL2 or IL3 production during syngeneic or allogeneic MLR. Splenic APc of mice given 4Ca caused greater proliferation during MLR. However, APC of 4Ca mice did not cause greater IL2 or IL3 production. Similarly neither IgM-B cells nor macrophage from mice fed 4Ca induced elevated IL2 or IL3 production during syngeneic or allogeneic MLR. A dichotomy appeared in that 4Ca-APC were able to induce higher T cell proliferation but not cytokine production compared with 20Ca-APC. The enhancement of T cell responsiveness to Class II MHC determinants on APC during moderate protein deficiency appears to require both T and B cells from mice fed the deficient diet.

N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for embolisation of carotid aneurysm

We report the use of an N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) mixture for embolisation of six cases of carotid aneurysm after detachable balloons, and/or microcoils had been placed in the aneurysm. The mixture was injected into the aneurysm to prevent delayed bleeding or distal migration of the balloons, or microcoils. No subarachnoid haemorrhage or distal migration of the balloons or microcoils occurred up to 4.5 years after embolisation. Reflux of the NBCA mixture into the parent artery occurred in one patient, who had a neurological deficit which recovered in a month. NBCA mixture may be useful in embolisation of intracranial or skull base arterial aneurysms, for reducing the size of remaining lumen in an aneurysm at high risk of rebleeding which accommodate no more balloons or microcoils, or preventing possible delayed migration of balloons or microcoils. However, prevention of leakage of the mixture into the parent artery remains a problem.

O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase in ovarian malignancy and its correlation with postoperative response to chemotherapy

O6-Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in human neoplastic tissues has been associated with tumor resistance to alkylating agents. The purposes of this study are to assay MGMT activity in ovarian cancers and to correlate MGMT titers with chemotherapy response to cisplatin and cyclophosphamide in patients with ovarian cancer. MGMT levels were determined by a biochemical assay of tumor tissues from 20 patients with ovarian malignancy. The clinical stages of the patients studied were 4 in Stage I, 2 in Stage II, 12 in Stage III, and 2 in Stage IV. The mean MGMT activity was 34 +/- 9 fmole methyls transferred/mg protein. Among 13 patients with tumor MGMT levels more than 10 fmole/mg protein, 10 (77%) of them were resistant to postoperative combination chemotherapy. In the remaining 7 patients with low MGMT titer of less than 10 fmole/mg protein, a majority (71%) had a complete response (P < 0.10). These preliminary results indicate that ovarian cancer has detectable MGMT activity, and this activity is possibly correlated with treatment failure to a postoperative cisplatin regimen.

Effect of interferon-gamma on nitric oxide hemoglobin production in endotoxin-treated rats and its synergism with interleukin 1 or tumor necrosis factor

We studied the in vivo effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on nitric oxide (NO) generation. ESR spectra of nitric oxide hemoglobin (HbNO) appeared after a lag time of 2h in the blood of rats treated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IFN-gamma enhanced LPS-induced HbNO formation in rats without modifying the time lag, although IFN-gamma alone did not induce HbNO formation. The plasma nitrate concentration was approximately one order of magnitude higher than the HbNO concentration. On treatment with LPS alone, the amount of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) released decreased after 2 h. Simultaneous addition of IFN-gamma and LPS increased TNF release for at least 8 h. Interleukin 1 (IL-1) release was detected only at 2 h in both groups. We also investigated the in vivo interactions of these cytokines. TNF plus IL-1 induced the greatest HbNO generation, followed by TNF plus IFN-gamma, and then IL-1 plus IFN-gamma. These results suggest that increase of TNF release by IFN-gamma plays a key role in NO generation in LPS-treated rats.

Vasoactive effect of endothelin-1 on rat liver in vivo

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of endothelin-1 in modulating hepatic microcirculation and liver damage. Rats were infused with endothelin-1 at doses ranging from 30 to 1,000 pmol/kg over 1 min through an indwelling cannula placed in the portal vein. In control rats, saline solution was infused at the same rate. Alterations in hepatic microcirculation were measured with an in vivo microscopy system. Serum lactate dehydrogenase activity, an indicator of hepatic damage, was measured 1 hr after endothelin-1 infusion. Immediately after infusion of endothelin-1, we noted a rapid increase in portal pressure, which remained increased for up to 30 min after endothelin-1 infusion. In contrast, systemic blood pressure remained unchanged, even at 1,000 pmol/kg of endothelin-1. Sinusoidal width was reduced and sinusoidal erythrocyte velocity was diminished in a dose-dependent manner. Oxygen saturation of blood in sinusoids was decreased in a dose-dependent manner, reaching values around 40% of control with 1,000 pmol/kg endothelin-1. The degree of decrease in oxygen saturation of blood in sinusoids had an excellent correlation with the calculated blood flow in the liver tissue. Serum lactate dehydrogenase levels were three to four times control values when endothelin-1 was administered at 1,000 pmol/kg. Thus endothelin-1 decreased hepatic tissue oxygenation associated with sinusoidal vasoconstriction. At high concentrations of endothelin-1, this decrease results in hepatocellular damage.

The effect of hyperthermic treatment on electroencephalographic recovery after interruption of respiration in rats

Electroencephalography (EEG) was utilized for investigating the effect of hyperthermia followed by apneic hypoxia in rats. They were heated whole-bodily to 41 degrees C for 15 min under the control of an artificial rodent ventilator, after drug-induced generalized paralysis. A transcutaneous oxygen saturation monitor was applied to detect the hypoxic condition. EEG was monitored with bipolar needle electrodes. The 72-kDa heat-shock protein (HSP72) in brain was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide electrophoresis, followed by immunostaining with an anti-HSP72 antibody. There was no difference in the time interval from onset of apneic hypoxia to flat EEG between the hyperthermic and control groups, but cortical electrical activity appeared earlier in the hyperthermia group than the control group, after 90 s of ventilation interruption. The cardiac function did not change in the two groups. The HSP72 synthesis significantly increased in the brain of the rats with hyperthermic treatment.