Effect of baseline urinary glucose levels on the relationship between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and serum uric acid in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), controlling serum uric acid (SUA) and blood glucose levels is important. Moreover, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors decrease SUA levels by accelerating urinary uric acid excretion. We investigated the effect of baseline urinary glucose levels on the relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and SUA levels. We conducted a retrospective observational study using the electronic medical records of patients with T2DM of Kindai University Nara Hospital (April 2013 to March 2022). We divided the patients into two groups according to their baseline urinary glucose levels: the N-UG group, which included patients with negative urinary glucose strip test results (-), and the P-UG group, which included patients with positive urinary glucose strip test results (± or more). The changes in SUA levels before and after SGLT2 inhibitor administration were investigated. For comparison, the changes in SUA levels before and after the prescription of antidiabetic agents, excluding SGLT2 inhibitors, were also investigated. Our results revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly decreased the SUA levels in patients in the N-UG group but tended to decrease its levels in those in the P-UG group. Regardless of the urinary glucose status at baseline, the administration of SGLT2 inhibitors may be useful for patients with T2DM to prevent the complications of hyperuricemia.

Association between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and pancreatic cancer in the Japanese working-age population

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic cancer-related mortality is increasing worldwide, and prevention methods and effective novel therapies are required. In pancreatic cancer, sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLT) are involved in glucose uptake. This study aimed to clarify the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and pancreatic cancer development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nested case-control study was conducted using the JMDC administrative claims database (January 2005 to June 2020). Patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were included, and cases were defined as patients who developed pancreatic cancer. Patients with outcomes were randomly matched to a maximum of 20 controls according to age (± 5 years), sex, and calendar date (month and year) of the first T2DM diagnosis through risk set sampling.

RESULTS

Of the 181,107 T2DM patients, 363 cases and 7,043 controls were selected with 14 and 457 patients prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors, respectively. Cumulative administration of SGLT2 inhibitors for > 180 days was significantly inversely associated with the development of pancreatic cancer (adjusted odds ratio: 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.31 - 0.99).

CONCLUSION

SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer in T2DM patients. The number of patients over 65 years of age was small in this study due to the nature of the data source. Further studies with larger sample sizes including older patients are needed.

Association between statin use and open-angle glaucoma: a nested case-control study using the Japanese claims database

The association between statins and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) remains controversial. This study investigated the relationship between statins and OAG in Japanese patients with dyslipidemia using the Japanese administrative claims database. A nested case-control study using two models was conducted using the JMDC claims database (01/2005-01/2020). The onset of OAG: index date was defined as the diagnosis of glaucoma, prescription of anti-glaucoma drugs, or surgery of glaucoma. For each case, a maximum of 10 age-, sex-, and calendar year/month-matched controls were randomly selected by risk-set sampling with replacement. The number of statin prescriptions during the exposure assessment period, which was identified as the 12-month (model 1) or 24-month (model 2) periods prior to the index date, was used as an indicator for statin exposure. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression analyses. We identified 375,373 patients with newly diagnosed dyslipidemia. Of these, 6180 cases and 61,792 controls (model 1) and 4153 cases and 41,522 controls (model 2) were selected. Statin use was not identified as a significant risk factor for OAG (model 1: aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93-1.03, model 2: aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.91-1.04). Compared with nonexposure, short-term exposure (< 2 years) to statins was not related to an increased risk of OAG in the Japanese working-age population with dyslipidemia.

Differences in Driver Behavior between Manual and Automatic Turning of an Inverted Pendulum Vehicle

Personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) are compact and lightweight compared to automobiles; hence, human dynamic behavior affects a vehicle's postural stability. In this study, the dynamic behaviors of drivers of inverted pendulum vehicles (IPV) under manual and automatic driving were investigated. One particular feature of applying automatic driving to IPV is constant posture stabilization control. In this study, the drivers' center of gravity (COG)/center of foot pressure position (COP) and joint moments during turning were investigated experimentally. It was found that the drivers' COG shifted backward during turning and deceleration. For COP, it was found that drivers maintained balance by moving their inner foot more inward and their outer foot more outward during turning. These results are significant for understanding the steps taken to withstand centrifugal forces during turning. The joint moments of the foot were more significant in automatic turning than in manual turning to prevent falling owing to centrifugal force. These findings can facilitate the development of an automatic control method that shifts the COG of a driver, as in manual turning.

Association of Statin Adherence With the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Nested Case-Control Study Using a Japanese Claims Database

BACKGROUND

Statins are expected to have beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, evidence remains insufficient.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aim to investigate the association between statin adherence and NAFLD development.

METHODS

We conducted a nested case-control study of statin users using the Japan Medical Data Center administrative claims database (January 2005 to January 2020). Individuals who developed NAFLD were designated as cases. For each case, we randomly selected a maximum of 10 controls using risk set sampling. Good adherence was defined as the proportion of days covered (PDC) of ≥0.80. Higher intensity was defined as the median or higher of a cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) per day covered by statin prescription. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

In this study, 253 383 patients with the first statin prescription were identified. Of them, 7080 were selected and matched to 70 734 controls. The medians of PDC and intensity were 0.88 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.61-0.96) and 0.32 (IQR, 0.25-0.50) cDDD/day, respectively. Good adherence was significantly associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD development (adjusted OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.78-0.86). Higher intensity was not significantly associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD development (adjusted OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.97-1.08).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Good adherence to statins is associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD development, regardless of the statin intensity. Appropriate statin therapy could reduce the risk of NAFLD development.

Treatment strategy of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy: a retrospective, nationwide study

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common adverse event of cancer treatment; however, no drug is recommended for the prevention of CIPN. In Japan, several drugs such as Gosha-Jinki-Gan and duloxetine are frequently administered as a treatment for CIPN. The aim of this study was to elucidate prescription patterns of drugs administered for CIPN caused by oxaliplatin and the association between these drugs and the duration of oxaliplatin treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective nationwide study using the JMDC administrative claims database (January 2005-June 2020; JMDC Inc., Japan). Patients newly treated with oxaliplatin were identified, and prescription patterns of CIPN medication including Gosha-Jinki-Gan, pregabalin, duloxetine, mecobalamin, and mirogabalin were investigated. The primary outcome was the duration of oxaliplatin treatment. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between CIPN medication and duration of oxaliplatin treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 4,739 patients who newly received oxaliplatin were identified. Of these, 759 (16.0%) had received CIPN medication. Duloxetine was administered in 99 (2.1%) patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that CIPN medication was significantly associated with the prolonged duration of oxaliplatin treatment (odds ratio: 2.35, [95% confidence interval: 1.99-2.77]).

CONCLUSION

Real-world data demonstrated that the administration rate of CIPN medication was higher in patients who received oxaliplatin treatment for over 6 months.

Repurposing haloperidol for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: an integrative approach using data mining techniques

Introduction

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has advanced with the introduction of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. However, more than 20% of patients with RA still have moderate or severe disease activity. Hence, novel antirheumatic drugs are required. Recently, drug repurposing, a process of identifying new indications for existing drugs, has received great attention. Furthermore, a few reports have shown that antipsychotics are capable of affecting several cytokines that are also modulated by existing antirheumatic drugs. Therefore, we investigated the association between antipsychotics and RA by data mining using real-world data and bioinformatics databases.

Methods

Disproportionality and sequence symmetry analyses were employed to identify the associations between the investigational drugs and RA using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (2004-2016) and JMDC administrative claims database (January 2005-April 2017; JMDC Inc., Tokyo, Japan), respectively. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) were used in the disproportionality analysis to indicate a signal. The adjusted sequence ratio (SR) was used in the sequence symmetry analysis to indicate a signal. The bioinformatics analysis suite, BaseSpace Correlation Engine (Illumina, CA, USA) was employed to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with the potential candidates identified by the drug-repurposing approach.

Results

A potential inverse association between the antipsychotic haloperidol and RA, which exhibited significant inverse signals with ROR, IC, and adjusted SR, was found. Furthermore, the results suggested that haloperidol may exert antirheumatic effects by modulating various signaling pathways, including cytokine and chemokine signaling, major histocompatibility complex class-II antigen presentation, and Toll-like receptor cascade pathways.

Conclusion

Our drug-repurposing approach using data mining techniques identified haloperidol as a potential antirheumatic drug candidate.

Synthesis and Catalytic Activities of 3-Decyl-β-proline for Michael Reactions in Water without an Organic Solvent

3-Decyl-β-proline, which has a highly lipophilic substituent, was synthesized, and its catalytic activities in Michael addition using water as the solvent were investigated. The decyl substituent promoted the reaction by hydrophobic interactions to afford the Michael adduct in a high yield and with high diastereoselectivity under low catalyst loading.

Incidental finding of neurosyphilis with intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral infarction: A case report

Syphilis has recently increased in prevalence in Japan. Neurosyphilis is a special pathological condition of syphilis well known to cause cerebral vasculitis and ischemic stroke. Neurosyphilis in the meningovascular stage rarely causes caliber irregularity of the cerebral blood vessels or cerebral hemorrhage. We describe the case of a 49-year-old Japanese man with neurosyphilis. Cerebral hemorrhage, multiple cerebral infarctions, and caliber irregularity of the cerebral blood vessels were observed, the patient underwent surgery for cerebral hemorrhage on the day of admission, all of which were suspected to be caused by syphilis. He was started on an antibacterial treatment of penicillin on the day of admission and was diagnosed with neurosyphilis the following week based on his serum and spinal fluid test results. His condition improved, and he was transferred to another hospital after 4 weeks of treatment consisting of 3 weeks of infusion treatment with benzylpenicillin followed by oral treatment with amoxicillin. To the best of our knowledge, this is a rare case of neurosyphilis in conjunction with cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction. Clinicians should consider syphilis in the differential diagnosis of cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction and test patients for sexually transmitted diseases, in addition to cerebrospinal fluid testing, when cerebral hemorrhage occurs with an unknown cause. This is especially pertinent when patients present with cerebral infarction or caliber irregularity of the cerebral blood vessels.

Association Between Antipsychotics and Osteoporosis Based on Real-World Data

Background:

Osteoporosis, which is a major public health concern, has been known to reduce health-related quality of life. Some studies have suggested that antipsychotics could perhaps cause osteoporosis by increasing serum prolactin levels. However, the association between antipsychotics and the risk for developing osteoporosis has been controversial.

Objective:

The present study aimed to assess the association between antipsychotic use and onset of osteoporosis in real-world settings.

Methods:

A multimethod data-mining approach using different algorithms and databases was used. First, disproportionality analysis was conducted using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database (2004-2017) with reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) being used to indicate a signal. Furthermore, a sequence symmetry analysis using data from a large Japanese administrative claims database (2005-2017; JMDC Inc, Japan) was conducted. Short-term intervals (ie, 12, 24, and 36 months) were set to investigate the association between antipsychotic use and onset of osteoporosis using the adjusted sequence ratio (SR) to indicate a signal.

Results:

No potential association between osteoporosis and all antipsychotics was observed in the FAERS database, except for perphenazine, which exhibited significant signals using both ROR and IC. Moreover, no potential association between osteoporosis and antipsychotics was observed in the JMDC claims database, except for sulpiride and aripiprazole. None of the antipsychotics indicated significant signals using all analyzed items (ROR, IC, and adjusted SR).

Conclusion and Relevance:

Real-world data show no association between antipsychotic use and the onset of osteoporosis. Further pharmacoepidemiological studies are needed for causality assessment.

Association between oral anticoagulants and osteoporosis: Real-world data mining using a multi-methodological approach

Introduction: Warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been widely used in antithrombotic therapy. Although warfarin use has been suspected to be associated with osteoporosis risk, several studies have shown otherwise. Conversely, a few reports have found an association between DOACs and osteoporosis. This study therefore clarifies the association between oral anticoagulants and osteoporosis by analyzing real-world data using different methodologies, algorithms, and databases. Methods: Real-world data from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS; 2004-2016) and Japanese administrative claims database (2005-2017; JMDC Inc., Tokyo) were used. Reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) were calculated through disproportionality analysis (DPA) using reports recorded in the FAERS. Sequence symmetry analysis (SSA) was employed to calculate the adjusted sequence ratio (SR) using the JMDC Claims Database. For the adjusted SR and ROR, a significant signal was detected when the lower limit of the two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) was more than 1. For the IC, a significant signal was detected when the lower limit of the 95% CI was more than 0. Results: DPA for warfarin found significant signals for osteoporosis in ROR (1.43, 95% CI: 1.32-1.54) and IC (0.50, 95% CI: 0.39-0.61). SSA showed a significant association between warfarin use and osteoporosis or bisphosphonate use. Moreover, a significant association was observed in males and females, albeit only for warfarin. Conclusion: Multi-methodological data mining revealed that warfarin use, not DOACs, is significantly associated with osteoporosis regardless of sex difference.

Integrative analysis of clinical and bioinformatics databases to identify anticancer properties of digoxin

Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, inhibit Na⁺/K⁺-ATPases and cause secondary activation of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers. Preclinical investigations have suggested that digoxin may have anticancer properties. In order to clarify the functional mechanisms of digoxin in cancer, we performed an integrative analysis of clinical and bioinformatics databases. The US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System and the Japan Medical Data Center claims database were used as clinical databases to evaluate reporting odds ratios and adjusted sequence ratios, respectively. The BaseSpace Correlation Engine and Connectivity Map bioinformatics databases were used to investigate molecular pathways related to digoxin anticancer mechanisms. Clinical database analyses suggested an inverse association between digoxin and four cancers: gastric, colon, prostate and haematological malignancy. The bioinformatics database analysis suggested digoxin may exert an anticancer effect via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and apoptotic caspase cascade pathways. Our integrative analysis revealed the possibility of digoxin as a drug repositioning candidate for cancers.

Evaluation of Driving Method of the Flexible Body Moving in Narrow Flow Passage

<div class=""abs_img""><img src=""[disp_template_path]/JRM/abst-image/00260003/08.jpg"" width=""300"" />Analytical model</span></div> A flexible fish-like biomimetic robot developed for use in narrow passage flows was downsized using shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. We constructed a fluid-body-coupled model of the robot and considered undulatory swimming and the effect of nonlinear SMA characteristics. An experimental model was also constructed to confirm the analytical model’s feasibility. Shrinkage due to temperature depends on the temperature of the SMA actuator, in which overheating may decrease the fin-vibration amplitude. To avoid this problem, a new driving method was introduced that used a self-excited oscillator with an actuator. Simulation results showed that this method achieves constant thrust in the moving body. </span>

[A case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis coincident with severe external ear canal inflammation]

We report a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disease caused by the proliferation of abnormal Langerhans cells, coincident with severe external ear canal inflammation. A 27-year-old man with a 1-year history of external ear canal discharge was found in computed tomography (CT) to have left temporal bone erosion with tissue granulation. Chest X-ray showed pulmonary fibrosis, necessitating transbronchial lung biopsy that yielded a definitive diagnosis of multisystem, multisite LCH involving the bone, skin, lung, pituitary, thyroid, and lymph node systems. He underwent combination chemotherapy directed by the Japan LCH Study Group. LCH should therefore be considered in the case of a patient with severe external ear canal inflammation coincident with temporal bone erosion.

Anesthetic management for cesarean section in moyamoya disease: a report of five consecutive cases and a mini-review

We report five consecutive cases of neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean section in women with moyamoya disease. Either epidural or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia was provided, with adequate sedation using intravenous diazepam and/or opioid(s). Hemodynamic stability and normocapnia were well maintained, except in one patient who exhibited transient hypertension and hypocapnia due to anxiety. None of the parturients suffered from neurological deficit in the intra- or postoperative period, although one patient complained of numbness in her fingers at the end of surgery, but she was not hypotensive or hypocapneic. The neonates were all in good health. The literature is reviewed on the anesthetic management for cesarean section in patients with moyamoya disease.

Preventive effects of CIDR-based protocols on premature ovulation before timed-AI in Ovsynch in cycling beef cows

Ovsynch is a program developed to synchronize ovulation for timed breeding. In this paper, the authors investigate whether controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based protocols prevent premature ovulation before timed-artificial insemination (AI) when Ovsynch is started a few days before luteolysis in cycling beef cows. Nine beef cows at 16 days after oestrus were treated with (1) Ovsynch, i.e. gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue on day 0, prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) analogue on day 7 and GnRH analogue on day 9 with timed-AI on day 10, (n=3); (2) Ovsynch+CIDR (Ovsynch protocol plus a CIDR for 7 days from day 0, n=3), or (3) oestradiol benzoate (OB)+CIDR+GnRH (OB on day 0 in lieu of the first GnRH treatment, followed by the Ovsynch+CIDR protocol, n=3). In the Ovsynch group (1) plasma progesterone concentrations fell below 0.5 ng/mL earlier (day 5) than in both CIDR-treated groups (2) and (3), where this occurred on day 8. Plasma oestradiol-17beta concentrations peaked on day 8 in the Ovsynch group and on day 9 in both CIDR-treated groups. The dominant follicle ovulated on day 10 in the Ovsynch group and on day 11 in both CIDR-treated groups. Thus, both CIDR-based protocols prevented premature ovulation before timed-AI in Ovsynch when the protocol was started a few days before luteolysis. This reflects the fact that progesterone levels remained high until the beef cattle were treated with PGF(2alpha).

Basic subsite theory assumptions may not be applicable to hydrolysis of cellooligosaccharides by almond beta-glucosidase

Steady-state kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis of cellooligosaccharides by almond beta-glucosidase were evaluated at pH 5.0 and 25 degrees C in relation to the subsite theory (K. Hiromi, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 40, 1-6, 1970). The value of k0/Km decreased monotonously with increasing degree of polymerization (DP) of the substrates (DP = 2-6). Also, the Km and k0 values for cellotriose were smaller than those for cellobiose. These DP dependencies differ from those of most amylases and glucosidases studied so far, to which the subsite theory has been successfully applied. The subsite parameters could not be consistently obtained, which suggests that one or both of the two basic assumptions of the subsite theory might not be applicable to the hydrolysis of cellooligosaccharides by the enzyme. That is, the intrinsic rate of the hydrolysis may depend on the DP and/or there may be interaction between subsites for binding the glucose residues of a substrate.

Thiazolidinedione derivative improves fat distribution and multiple risk factors in subjects with visceral fat accumulation--double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

It has been clarified that visceral fat accumulation leads to atherosclerosis through multiple risk factors such as insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. So far, it has been reported that a thaizolidinedione derivative, troglitazone, improves the insulin resistance in subjects with diabetes, glucose intolerance and obesity. However, it has not been reported yet that troglitazone affects fat distribution in subjects concomitant with visceral fat accumulation and multiple risk factors.

METHODS

Twenty-nine subjects with visceral fat accumulation who had at least two risk factors including glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia and hypertension were investigated. They were randomly assigned to receive either 200 or 400 mg per day of troglitazone or placebo for 12 weeks. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed before and after the treatment for 12 weeks. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HbA(1c), total serum cholesterol (T-chol), triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and blood pressure, as well as the number of risk factors were measured periodically during the treatment. The change of the abdominal fat distribution was evaluated using computed tomographic scanning (CT scan) at the umbilicus level.

RESULTS

After the treatment for 12 weeks, the area under the curve (AUC) of plasma glucose from a 75 g OGTT decreased dose-dependently. HbA(1c) and TG decreased significantly in the high-dose troglitazone group (400 mg per day) compared with the placebo group (P<0.05). Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in subjects with hypertension in the pooled troglitazone group than in the placebo group (P<0.05). Therefore, the number of risk factors decreased with the troglitazone treatment. The ratio of visceral fat area (VFA) to subcutaneous fat area (SFA) (V/S ratio) decreased in the troglitazone groups due to decreased VFA and increased SFA.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that thiazolidinedione derivative may be a useful drug to improve multiple risk factors by changing the fat distribution in subjects with visceral fat accumulation.

Adrenomedullin suppresses fMLP-induced upregulation of CD11b of human neutrophils

In this study we investigated the effect of adrenomedullin (AM) on fMLP-mediated activation of human neutrophils. AM partially, but significantly, suppressed fMLP-induced upregulation of CD11b expression. The inhibitory effects of AM upon fMLP-induced upregulation of CD11b expression were completely blocked by CGRP [8-37], a CGRP receptor antagonist. AM significantly increased cAMP content in neutrophils and SQ-22,536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, and KT-5720, a PKA inhibitor, significantly blocked the inhibitory effects of AM upon fMLP-induced upregulation of CD11b expression. This study indicates that binding of AM to the CGRP receptor suppresses fMLP-induced upregulation of CD11b expression of human neutrophils by increasing intracellular cAMP levels. AM may play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory processes, especially in the binding of neutrophils to vascular endothelial cells and subsequent neutrophil emigration evident in acute pulmonary inflammation.

Benign and malignant oncocytoma of the salivary glands with an immunohistochemical evaluation of Ki-67

We present two cases of benign oncocytoma derived from the parotid gland and minor salivary gland and one case of malignant oncocytoma from the parotid gland. The proliferative activity of the tumor cells was evaluated immunohistochemically for Ki-67. The average frequency of Ki-67-positive cells was 3.3% in the benign oncocytomas and 6.5% in the malignant oncocytoma. The higher frequency of Ki-67-positive cells in the malignant oncocytoma might reflect active cell proliferation. Ki-67 immunostaining may be useful in distinguishing a benign oncocytoma from a malignant oncocytoma.

Cytokine-induced nitric oxide production inhibits mitochondrial energy production and impairs contractile function in rat cardiac myocytes

OBJECTIVES

The present study examined whether nitric oxide (NO) produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) can directly inhibit aerobic energy metabolism and impair cell function in interleukin (IL)-1beta,-stimulated cardiac myocytes.

BACKGROUND

Recent reports have indicated that excessive production of NO induced by cytokines can disrupt cellular energy balance through the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in a variety of cells. However, it is still largely uncertain whether the NO-induced energy depletion affects myocardial contractility.

METHODS

Primary cultures of rat neonatal cardiac myocytes were prepared, and NO2-/NO3- (NOx) in the culture media was measured using Griess reagent.

RESULTS

Treatment with IL-1beta (10 ng/ml) increased myocyte production of NOx in a time-dependent manner. The myocytes showed a concomitant significant increase in glucose consumption, a marked increase in lactate production, and a significant decrease in cellular ATP (adenosine 5'-triphosphate). These metabolic changes were blocked by co-incubation with N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of NO synthesis. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, induced similar metabolic changes in a dose-dependent manner, but 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (8-bromo-cGMP), a cGMP donor, had no effect on these parameters. The activities of the mitochondrial iron-sulfur enzymes, NADH-CoQreductase and succinate-CoQreductase, but not oligomycin-sensitive ATPase, were significantly inhibited in the IL-1beta, or SNP-treated myocytes. Both IL-1beta and SNP significantly elevated maximum diastolic potential, reduced peak calcium current (I(Ca)), and lowered contractility in the myocytes. KT5823, an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, did not block the electrophysiological and contractility effects.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that IL-1beta-induced NO production in cardiac myocytes lowers energy production and myocardial contractility through a direct attack on the mitochondria, rather than through cGMP-mediated pathways.

Steady-state inhibitory kinetic studies on the ligand binding modes of Aspergillus niger glucoamylase

Inhibitory activities of 1-deoxynojirimycin and gluconolactone on Aspergillus niger glucoamylase were studied in relation to the subsite structure of the enzyme. Although both of these inhibitors are considered to bind at subsite 1 of the enzyme active site, 1-deoxynojirimycin showed competitive type inhibition but gluconolactone was a mixed type (or noncompetitive type) inhibitor for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl alpha-D-glucoside. The former type of inhibition suggested that the main binding mode of the substrate was productive, but the latter, nonproductive. A possible way of explaining these apparent inconsistent results is to assume that the main binding mode of the substrate is productive and gluconolactone forms a nonproductive ternary complex with the enzyme and the substrate.

A case of eosinophilic myocarditis complicated by Kimura's disease (eosinophilic hyperplastic lymphogranuloma) and erythroderma

This report describes a patient with eosinophilic myocarditis complicated by Kimura's disease (eosinophilic hyperplastic lymphogranuloma) and erythroderma. A 50-year-old man presented with a complaint of precordial pain. However, the only abnormal finding on examinatioin was eosinophilia (1617 eosinophils/microl). Three years later, the patient developed chronic eczema, and was diagnosed with erythroderma posteczematosa. One year later, a tumor was detected in the right auricule, and a diagnosis of Kimura's disease was made, based on the biopsy findings. The patient developed progressive dyspnea 6 months later and was found to have cardiomegaly and a depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (17%). A diagnosis of eosinophilic myocarditis was made based on the results of a right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. The eosinophilic myocarditis and erythrodrema were treated with steroids with improvement of both the eosinophilia and left ventricular function.

Energy metabolism after ischemic preconditioning in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat hearts

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the cardioprotective effects of preconditioning in hearts from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with its effects in normal rat hearts.

BACKGROUND

The protective effect of ischemic preconditioning against myocardial ischemia may come from improved energy balance. However, it is not known whether preconditioning can also afford protection to diabetic hearts.

METHODS

Isolated perfused rat hearts were either subjected (preconditioned group) or not subjected (control group) to preconditioning before 30 min of sustained ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion. Preconditioning was achieved with two cycles of 5 min of ischemia followed by 5 min of reperfusion.

RESULTS

In the preconditioned groups of both normal and diabetic rats, left ventricular developed pressure, high energy phosphates, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase and adenine nucleotide translocase activities were significantly preserved after ischemia-reperfusion; cumulative creatine kinase release was smaller during reperfusion; and myocardial lactate content was significantly lower after sustained ischemia. However, cumulative creatine kinase release was less in the preconditioned group of diabetic rats than in the preconditioned group of normal rats. Under ischemic conditions, more glycolytic metabolites were produced in the diabetic rats (control group) than in the normal rats, and preconditioning inhibited these metabolic changes to a similar extent in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that in both normal and diabetic rats, preservation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and inhibition of glycolysis during ischemia can contribute to preconditioning-induced cardioprotection. Furthermore, our data suggest that diabetic myocardium may benefit more from preconditioning than normal myocardium, possibly as a result of the reduced production of glycolytic metabolites during sustained ischemia and the concomitant attenuation of intracellular acidosis.

Myocardial stretch induced by increased left ventricular diastolic pressure preconditions isolated perfused hearts of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to determine whether myocardial stretch (non-ischemic stress) could precondition isolated perfused hearts of both normotensive Wister-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

METHODS

The perfused hearts in Langendorff mode were subjected to 30 min of global no-flow ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were measured. In the control group, LVEDP was set at 10 mmHg. In the stretch group, LVEDP was increased to 30 or 60 mmHg for 5 min before 30 min of ischemia. In the ischemic preconditioning group, the hearts were exposed to two cycles of a 5-min period of ischemia before 30 min of ischemia. Myocardial lactate contents were measured at the baseline and at the end of the 60 mmHg stretch.

RESULTS

Hemodynamic parameters of LVDP and LVEDP at 30 min of reperfusion improved in the stretch group (LVEDP of 60 mmHg) and the ischemic preconditioning group. Coronary flow did not decrease during the stretch. Recovery of the coronary flow during reperfusion was better in the stretch and ischemic preconditioning groups. Postischemic contractile function was better in WKY rats than in SHR. Myocardial lactate contents at the end of 60 mmHg stretch were negligible.

CONCLUSIONS

Myocardial stretch induced by increasing LVEDP preconditioned isolated perfused hearts of both WKY rats and SHR, via mechanisms not involving myocardial ischemia during stretch.

[A case of IAHS (infection associated hemophagocytic syndrome) successfully treated with etoposide]

This report details a case of infection associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IAHS). A 20-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with persistent high fever in July, 1994. Physical examination revealed high body temperature (40 degrees C), marked hepatosplenomegaly and no superficial lymph node swelling. Laboratory examination revealed leukopenia and abnormal liver function on admission. Serum ferritin levels were surprisingly elevated. The coagulation tests showed high FDP and D-dimer. Specific viral antibody titers were not elevated such as Epstein-Barr virus or Cytomegalovirus. Bone marrow examination revealed histiocytic hyperplasia with hemophagocytosis, and the histiocytes were well matured. We diagnosed IAHS. Corticosteroids were administered on the 3rd hospital day (methylprednisolone 1 g/day, 3 days), but persistent high fever and laboratory findings did not improve. So we tried etoposide (etoposide 200 mg/day, 5 days) therapy on the 13th hospital day. After administration of etoposide, she failed to recover from severe leukopenia and suffered from meningitis. We administered G-CSF, gamma-globulin and antibiotics for intensive supportive therapy. As the leukocyte count increased, her symptoms and laboratory data improved. There was no hemophagocytosis in her bone marrow before discharge. Recently, etoposide is said to be effective for reactive monocytic proliferation. Administration of etoposide was very effective for IAHS, although corticosteroids, were ineffective.

The mechanisms of compound 48/80-induced superoxide generation mediated by A-kinase in rat peritoneal mast cells

This investigation was undertaken to clarify the mechanisms of superoxide anion (O2-) generation in rat peritoneal mast cells. Compound 48/80, a typical histamine liberator mediated by calcium influx, elicited O2- generation from the mast cells in a dose-dependent fashion. It was demonstrated by immunohistochemical study and Western blot analysis that the mast cells contained the 47-kDa phagocyte oxidase (p47phox) protein, which was one cytosolic component of the NADPH oxidase system. Arachidonic acid stimulated O2- generation in the mast cells, but other unsaturated fatty acids had no effect. On the other hand, 48/80-induced O2- generation was inhibited by phospholipase A2 inhibitors, such as arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone and manoalide. Forskolin, isoprenaline, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP inhibited the O2- generation, and KT-5720, a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) inhibitor, markedly enhanced the O2- generation. These findings suggest that O2- is generated by a NADPH oxidase-like enzyme system in mast cells and that this enzyme system is activated by arachidonic acid released by cytosolic phospholipase A2. Thus, it is regulated by the cyclic AMP-A kinase system.

Prurigo nodularis associated with advanced gastric cancer: report of a case

In a male Japanese patient, prurigo nodularis (PN) appeared in association with gastric cancer. The cutaneous pruriginous lesions dramatically improved soon after total gastrectomy without any treatment for the skin lesions. Peripheral eosinophilia seen before the operation also rapidly disappeared. These data suggest that some cytokines involved in gastric cancer might have played an important role in the development of PN in our patient.

Effects of glibenclamide and nicorandil in post-ischaemic contractile dysfunction of perfused hearts in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE

We have demonstrated previously that nicorandil, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, improved post-ischaemic contractile dysfunction of perfused hearts in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats dose-dependently. This study aimed to characterize the effect of glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker, and nicorandil in post-ischaemic contractile dysfunction of SHR and WKY rats.

METHODS

The perfused hearts were subjected to 30 min of global ischaemia and then 30 min of reperfusion. Administration of 10 or 50 mumol/l glibenclamide or of a combination of glibenclamide and 300 mumol/l nicorandil was performed for 10 min before the ischaemia. The left ventricular developed pressure and end-diastolic pressure were measured.

RESULTS

Postischaemic contractile function was better in WKY rats than it was in SHR. Neither glibenclamide nor a combination of glibenclamide and nicorandil influenced the postischaemic contractile function or increased the incidence of reperfusion arrhythmias. The recoveries of coronary flow and heart rate after reperfusion were poor and the incidence of reperfusion arrhythmias was low in SHR.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that nicorandil improves postischaemic contractile dysfunction via a mechanism involving ATP-sensitive potassium channel opening both in SHR and in WKY rats. The hypertensive hearts were more susceptible to cardiac reperfusion dysfunction, compared with normal hearts.

Effect of ischemic preconditioning on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and high energy phosphates in rat hearts

The ability of ischemic preconditioning (IP) to protect the myocardium against prolonged ischemia may derive from improved energy balance. We therefore examined myocardial energy metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in isolated perfused rat hearts which were either subjected (IP group), or not subjected (control group), to preconditioning prior to 30 min sustained ischemia and 30 min reperfusion. Preconditioning was achieved with two cycles of 5 min ischemia followed by 5 min reperfusion. Recovery of myocardial function was significantly greater, and creatine kinase release was significantly lower, in the IP group. Although ATP hydrolysis during the sustained ischemia remained unchanged in both groups, greater preservation of high energy phosphate (eg. ATP and CP) was observed in the IP group after reperfusion. CP content immediately after preconditioning greatly exceeded pre-ischemic values. Lactate production during the sustained ischemia was significantly lower in the IP group, suggesting a decrease in anaerobic glycolysis and a probable attenuation of intracellular acidosis. Oligomycin-sensitive mitochondrial ATPase activity in the control group was significantly decreased both after the sustained ischemia and the reperfusion, but in the IP group it did not change after the preconditioning, sustained ischemia, or reperfusion. Although atractyloside-inhibitable adenine nucleotide translocase activity was markedly decreased during sustained ischemia in both groups, its activity was significantly higher after reperfusion in the IP group. These data suggest that (1) mitochondrial ATPase contributes only slightly to ATP depletion during sustained ischemia, (2) both the CP overshoot phenomenon and the decrease in anaerobic glycolysis can be attributable to cardioprotection during the sustained ischemia, and (3) the preservation of ATPase and adenine nucleotide translocase activities may be a possible explanation for the restoration of high energy phosphates after sustained ischemia-reperfusion injury in the preconditioned hearts of rats.

Effect of doxorubicin on postrest contraction in isolated rat hearts

Clinical use of doxorubicin is limited by its cardiotoxicity. In doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy, vacuolization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) has been reported. We investigated whether doxorubicin had a direct action on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in isolated perfused rat hearts. The left and right atria were trimmed to maintain heart rate (HR) <200 beats/min. Postrest contractions, which are believed to be due primarily to Ca2+ release from the SR, were evoked with a programmable stimulator after variable rest intervals. The amplitude of the postrest contractions increased markedly as the rest interval increased. Doxorubicin (0.1 mM) significantly suppressed this potentiation of the postrest contractions. Furthermore, doxorubicin slowly induced aftercontractions and an increase in left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP), phenomena that are usually associated with ouabain intoxication. We conclude that doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy may be due to SR dysfunction, leading to intracellular Ca2+ overload.

Effect of nicorandil on cardiac dysfunction during reperfusion in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

The cardioprotective effect of nicorandil, an opener of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, was studied in the isolated perfused hearts of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat. The hearts were subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Controls received no drug. In the nicorandil group, the hearts were treated with 0.03 to 0.3 mmol/L nicorandil for 15 min before ischemia. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) at 30 min of reperfusion were significantly lower and larger, respectively, in SHR than in WKY rats. Nicorandil improved LVDP and decreased LVEDP at 30 min of reperfusion in both SHR and WKY rats dose-dependently. The hypertensive heart in the early stage is already susceptible to reperfusion-cardiac dysfunction. Nicorandil has a beneficial effect on the post-ischemic dysfunction in both SHR and WKY rats.

[A study of ceftriaxone concentration in serum and tissue of patients with chronic sinusitis]

After an intravenous drip infusion of 1 g or 2 g of ceftriaxone (CTRX), its concentrations in serum and tissue were determined using the bioassay for 18 surgical patients with chronic paranasal sinusitis. 1. The serum levels observed at 75-105, 135-165, 195-225 minutes after an intravenous drip infusion of 1 g, averaged 98 +/- 38, 92 +/- 13 and 73 +/- 13 micrograms/ml, respectively. 2. The tissue levels at 75-105, 135-165, 195-225 minutes after an intravenous drip infusion of 1 g, averaged 27 +/- 13, 27 +/- 7 and 25 +/- 9 micrograms/g. 3. CTRX appears to be a useful drug for the treatment of chronic paranasal sinusitis.

Glucose infusion paradoxically accelerates degradation of adenine nucleotide in working muscle of patients with glycogen storage disease type VII

We investigated the effect of glucose infusion on adenosine triphosphate degradation in skeletal muscle of patients with glycogen storage disease type VII. Three patients and six healthy subjects exercised on a bicycle ergometer twice, once with 20% glucose infusion and once with saline infusion. The glucose infusion increased plasma glucose levels to 170 to 182 mg/dl and serum insulin levels to 30 to 50 microU/ml, while it markedly decreased plasma free fatty acid levels. The exercise-induced increases in plasma ammonia, inosine, and hypoxanthine were much larger with glucose than with saline infusion in the patients. Urinary excretion of inosine and hypoxanthine with glucose infusion was twice as high as that with saline infusion. No such differences were present between glucose and saline infusion in the healthy subjects. Glucose infusion therefore accelerates the energy crisis in working muscle of patients with glycogen storage disease type VII, probably due to a decrease in fatty acid utilization.

A new variant case of muscle phosphofructokinase deficiency, coexisting with gastric ulcer, gouty arthritis, and increased hemolysis

Muscle phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency includes both clinically and genetically heterogeneous conditions. A 22-year-old man with muscle PFK deficiency due to previously unrecognized mutation was admitted because of gastric ulcer. He had noticed mild fatigability on vigorous exercise, but had never experienced painful cramps and myoglobinuria. His history included five time relapses of gastric ulcer and gouty arthritis at ages 19 and 21 years. His laboratory data showing impaired muscle glycolysis, increased hemolysis, and myogenic hyperuricemia had aspects in common with those reported for the classic form of this disease, except that lactate concentrations in his blood increased considerably after exercise. The mutant PFK enzyme of this patient, who was demonstrated to have a missense mutation, could exert some catalytic activity that permitted glycolytic flux in vivo, thus leading to the absence of typical myopathic symptoms. The association of relapsing gastric ulcer with muscle PFK deficiency was detected for the first time. There is a possibility that oxygen radical-induced tissue damage resulting from increased hypoxanthine on exertion plays a role in the pathogenesis of ulceration, since the patient is more tolerant to exercise than reported cases with the classic form of muscle PFK deficiency.

Characterization of the adrenoceptor antagonistic and antihypertensive activity of oral amosulalol, a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, in hypertensive rats

The adrenoceptor antagonistic and antihypertensive effects of amosulalol, 5-[1-hydroxy-2-[[2-(o- methoxy)ethyl]-2-ethylbenzenesulfonamide HCl, a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, were examined in hypertensive rats. Oral administration of amosulalol (1-30 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent antihypertensive effect without reflex tachycardia in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with a duration > 10 h after the higher doses (10 and 30 mg/kg). Amosulalol was approximately threefold more potent than labetalol and arotinolol in decreasing blood pressure (BP) in conscious SHR. Oral (p.o.) administration of amosulalol 10 mg/kg produced equally potent reductions in mean arterial BP (MBP) without reflex tachycardia in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt rats (DHR) and renal hypertensive rats (RHR) as it did in SHR. Repeated oral administration (1, 4, 8, or 12 weeks) of amosulalol 10 mg/kg elicited an antihypertensive effect without evidence of tolerance in conscious SHR and produced a rightward shift in phenylephrine (PE)-induced vasopressor and isoproterenol (ISO)-induced positive chronotropic responses with dose ratios of 3.3-12.5 and 3.7-6.4, respectively, in pithed SHR. In addition, single p.o. administration of amosulalol 10 mg/kg produced a rightward shift in these responses with dose ratios of 12.1 and 3.5, respectively, in pithed SHR. Amosulalol exerted antihypertensive activity without tachycardia through blockade of vascular alpha- and cardiac beta-adrenoceptors, and its activities were constant even after repeated p.o. administration.

Retrovirus gag protein p30 in the islets of non-obese diabetic mice: relevance for pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus

We investigated the presence of retroviral protein in the pancreatic islets of non-obese diabetic mice to prove that the virus-like particle observed specifically in the pancreatic Beta cell of these mice was retrovirus. Western blot analysis probed with anti-retrovirus antibody demonstrated the existence of retroviral gag (group specific antigen) protein p30 in the islets of female non-obese diabetic mice. Islets of non-obese diabetic mice which were treated with cyclophosphamide, known to accelerate the development of insulitis and diabetes mellitus, have shown both a significantly increased number of retrovirus-like particles (type C) and enhanced expression of gag protein p30, compared to those of mice not treated with cyclophosphamide. These results confirmed the presence of type C retrovirus in non-obese diabetic mouse Beta cells and suggest a role for retrovirus in the development of insulitis and diabetes in these mice.

New monoclonal antibodies for the detection of immediate early antigens of cytomegalovirus

Two new monoclonal antibodies, CIE-1 and CIE-2, were developed for the rapid detection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. They were found to be reactive with immediate early protein of HCMV in the nuclei of infected fibroblasts, as early as 3 hours post-infection. By radioimmunoprecipitation, CIE-1 was found to react with a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 70,000, whereas CIE-2 precipitated 2 proteins of 70,000 and 72,000 daltons, respectively. Both monoclonal antibodies recognized three prototype strains of HCMV: AD-169, Towne, and Davis, and did not cross-react with other human herpesviruses. CIE-1 and CIE-2 were compared with four commercial anti-HCMV monoclonal antibodies (Clonab, Dupont, Sera-Lab and Syva) by testing 88 clinical isolates. Culture confirmation tests and shell vial assays showed that CIE-1 and CIE-2 were more sensitive than several of these reagents and equally sensitive to the Dupont reagent. Moreover, CIE-1 and CIE-2 produced a bright, sharp staining of the nuclei of infected cells. These monoclonal antibodies should thus be valuable in rapid diagnosis of HCMV.

Interferon-gamma inhibits thyroid-stimulating hormone-induced morphological changes and induces the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigen in thyroid follicles in suspension culture

The effects of interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) on the morphology of thyroid follicles and the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens were examined. The thyroid follicles were suspended in RPMI-1640 containing 10% fetal calf serum with or without IFN gamma (200 U/ml). After culture for 5 days, follicles were incubated in the presence of TSH (10 mU/ml) for 1 h and fixed for electron microscopic and immunohistochemical examination. Regardless of the presence of IFN gamma, suspended follicles became inverted within 5 days. However, MHC class II antigens were expressed only in inverted follicles cultured with IFN gamma. In inverted follicles cultured without IFN gamma, TSH stimulation induced remarkable morphological changes, such as elongation of microvilli and an appearance of pseudopods. On the other hand, the follicles cultured with IFN gamma showed poor response to TSH. Thus, IFN gamma induced the expression of MHC class II antigens of cultured thyroid follicles and inhibited TSH-induced morphological changes in the cells.

Preventive effect of a new immunosuppressant FK-506 on insulitis and diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice

We investigated the effect of an immunosuppressant FK-506 on histological change of islets, the onset of diabetes, and the change of spleen cell subsets in female non-obese diabetic mice. Mice administered intraperitoneally with FK-506 from 5 to 20 weeks of age showed marked suppression of mononuclear cell infiltration (insulitis) at 10 weeks of age. Among the subsets of the spleen cells, a significant decrease in the population of Thyl.2-positive T cells (pan-T), L3T4-positive T cells (mainly helper/inducer), and Lyt2-positive T cells (mainly suppressor/cytotoxic) was observed in FK-506-treated mice. Furthermore, glucose tolerance of the mice at 15 weeks of age was clearly improved. Cumulative incidence observed up to 40 weeks of age was 86% in control mice and 23% in FK-506-treated mice (p less than 0.01). These data indicate that FK-506 has a preventive effect on insulitis and diabetes by the suppression of cell-mediated autoimmunity in non-obese diabetic mice.

Interferon-gamma reduces actin filaments and inhibits thyroid-stimulating hormone-induced formation of microvilli and pseudopods in mouse monolayer thyrocytes

To study the role of interferon-gamma (IFN gamma), which is released from activated lymphocytes in the development of lymphocytic thyroiditis, we investigated the effects of IFN gamma on the morphology of mouse thyrocytes, using scanning electron microscopy. Thyrocytes were cultured in monolayers for 5-7 days and incubated with TSH (10 mU/ml) for 1 h before fixation. IFN gamma (200 U/ml) was added to the culture medium for 1 h to 5 days before TSH stimulation. Coculture of thyrocytes with IFN gamma for more than 24 h inhibited TSH-induced morphological changes in the thyrocytes; IFN gamma inhibited the increase in the number of and elongation of microvilli and the appearance of pseudopods. IFN gamma also reduced the number of actin filaments in thyrocytes, as confirmed by immunofluorescence photometry. These results suggest that IFN gamma inhibits the morphological response of thyrocytes to TSH stimulation by the reduction of actin filaments.