Pathological changes of adipose tissue in secondary lymphoedema

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology of lymphoedema is poorly understood. Current treatment options include compression therapy, resection, liposuction and lymphatic microsurgery, but determining the optimal treatment approach for each patient remains challenging.

OBJECTIVES

We characterized skin and adipose tissue alterations in the setting of secondary lymphoedema.

METHODS

Morphological and histopathological evaluations were conducted for 70 specimens collected from 26 female patients with lower-extremity secondary lymphoedema following surgical intervention for gynaecological cancers. Indocyanine green lymphography was performed for each patient to assess lymphoedema severity.

RESULTS

Macroscopic and ultrasound findings revealed that lymphoedema adipose tissue had larger lobules of adipose tissue, with these lobules surrounded by thick collagen fibres and interstitial lymphatic fluid. In lymphoedema specimens, adipocytes displayed hypertrophic changes and more collagen fibre deposits when examined using electron microscopy, whole-mount staining and immunohistochemistry. The number of capillary lymphatic channels was also found to be increased in the dermis of lymphoedema limbs. Crown-like structures (dead adipocytes surrounded by M1 macrophages) were less frequently seen in lymphoedema samples. Flow cytometry revealed that, among the cellular components of adipose tissue, adipose-derived stem/stromal cells and M2 macrophages were decreased in number in lymphoedema adipose tissue compared with normal controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that long-term lymphatic volume overload can induce chronic tissue inflammation, progressive fibrosis, impaired homeostasis, altered remodelling of adipose tissue, impaired regenerative capacity and immunological dysfunction. Further elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying lymphoedema will lead to more reliable therapeutic strategies.

A case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with marked infiltration with IgG4-positive cells

A 75-year-old man was diagnosed as having pancreatic ductal carcinoma containing remarkable lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltration, as revealed by the cytological examination of endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) specimen. The EUS-FNA specimen showed small amounts of atypical epithelium with noticeable lymphocytes and plasma cells. A pancreatic resection was performed, and the histopathological features showed an invasive pancreatic ductal carcinoma with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis (LPSP)-like lesions. Most of the plasma cells were immunoreactive to anti-IgG4 antibody. EUS-FNA may be necessary for the differential diagnosis of AIP and pancreatic cancer, and close attention should be given to the presence of marked lymphoplasmacytic cells in EUS-FNA specimens while making the diagnosis.

Effects of mutation number in interferon sensitivity determining region on peripheral blood CD4(+) T cell subsets (Th1, Th2) in chronic hepatitis C patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b and high viral load

BACKGROUND/AIM

The number of amino acid (AA) mutations in the interferon sensitivity determining region (ISDR) of NS5A is reported to affect the response to interferon (IFN) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aim of this study was to clarify whether host immunity is influenced by the number of AA mutations in the ISDR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Subjects included 44 patients with CHC infected with genotype 1b and high viral load. The number of AA mutations in the ISDR was retrospectively determined using stored serum samples taken immediately before starting therapy. All patients received IFN-alpha 2b or pegylated-IFN (PEG-IFN)-alpha 2b and ribavirin. When serum hepatitis C virus-ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) was negative at 4 or 12 weeks after starting therapy, the patient was defined as having rapid viral response (RVR) or early viral response (EVR), respectively. CD4(+) T cell (Th1 or Th2) in peripheral blood (PB) before and until day 56 of treatment was analyzed.

RESULTS

Rates of RVR and EVR were 0 (0/21) and 14% (3/21), respectively, in patients with one or fewer AA mutations in the ISDR (ISDR0-1), and 30 (7/23), and 74% (17/23), respectively, with two or more AA mutations in the ISDR (ISDR > 2). Although the percentage of PB Th1 cells did not differ between the two groups during the study period, the percentage of PB Th2 cells was significantly lower in the ISDR0-1 group than in the ISDR > 2 group at baseline and on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The number of AA mutations in the ISDR influenced PB Th2 cells before and until day 28, and was associated with higher RVR and EVR rates.

Multiple ulcers in the small and large intestines occurred during tocilizumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody against human interleukin-6 receptor which blocks the binding of interleukin-6 to its receptor. Tocilizumab is effective for the treatment of inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis. We report a case of multiple ulcers in the small and large intestines, which occurred during tocilizumab therapy. A 57-year-old woman started to use tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis. Three months later, she complained of hematochezia. Double-balloon endoscopy revealed multiple small aphthoid ulcers in the small and large intestines. One month after the woman had recovered, she was given tocilizumab again. The woman had hematochezia and abdominal pain again 2 weeks later. Colonoscopy revealed multiple round, discrete punched-out ulcers in the terminal ileum, and vast deep ulcers from the cecum to the descending colon. Bioptic histopathology and cultivation showed non-specific findings. Six weeks after discontinuation of tocilizumab, ulcers in the small and large intestine dramatically improved, leaving ulcer scars. This disease course and the results of examination made us strongly suspect that tocilizumab induced multiple ulcers in the small and large intestines. Interleukin-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine and involved in intestinal mucosal wound healing as well as in inflammatory processes. It is possible that tocilizumab inhibited tissue repair of the intestine and caused intestinal ulcers.

Negative MRI findings in a case of degenerative myelopathy in a dog

An 11-year-old male Rough collie was submitted with paraparesis, but did not respond to medical treatment. Clinical signs worsened and the dog displayed paralysis, inability to stand and loss of voluntary bladder control, whereupon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. No significant abnormalities were identified from MRI, blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid tests or radiography. After MRI, the dog developed dyspnoea and died. Autopsy and subsequent histopathological examination led to a diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy.

Persistent gut motor dysfunction in a murine model of T-cell-induced enteropathy

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in remission often experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms. We investigated the mechanism for intestinal muscle hypercontractility seen in T-cell-induced enteropathy in recovery phase.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were treated with an anti-CD3 antibody (100 microg per mouse) and euthanized at varying days post-treatment to investigate the histological changes, longitudinal smooth muscle cell contraction, cytokines (Th1, Th2 cytokines, TNF-alpha) and serotonin (5-HT)-expressing enterochromaffin cell numbers in the small intestine. The role of 5-HT in anti-CD3 antibody-induced intestinal muscle function in recovery phase was assessed by inhibiting 5-HT synthesis using 4-chloro-DL-phenylalanine (PCPA).

KEY RESULTS

Small intestinal tissue damage was observed from 24 h after the anti-CD3 antibody injection, but had resolved by day 5. Carbachol-induced smooth muscle cell contractility was significantly increased from 4 h after injection, and this muscle hypercontractility was evident in recovery phase (at day 7). Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13) were significantly increased from 4 h to day 7. 5-HT-expressing cells in the intestine were increased from day 1 to day 7. The 5-HT synthesis inhibitor PCPA decreased the anti-CD3 antibody-induced muscle hypercontractility in recovery phase.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Intestinal muscle hypercontractility in remission is maintained at the smooth muscle cell level. Th2 cytokines and 5-HT in the small intestine contribute to the maintenance of the altered muscle function in recovery phase.

Preparation of functionally preserved CD4+ CD25high regulatory T cells from leukapheresis products from ulcerative colitis patients, applicable to regulatory T-cell transfer therapy

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an intractable disease; therefore new therapies need to be developed. CD4(+) CD25(high) regulatory T cells (Treg) significantly ameliorate colitis in animal models. In active UC patients, although Treg are functionally preserved, their proportion in peripheral blood decreases. Thus Treg transfer therapy is expected to be efficacious for UC. During leukapheresis for UC, Treg are depleted, as well as colitogenic effector leukocytes. We therefore designed a leukapheresis/Treg transfer therapy in which Treg are isolated from leukapheresis products and transfused to patients, and studied large-scale germ-free methods of Treg preparation.

METHODS

Using the CliniMACS cell selection system, we conducted Treg isolation experiments from leukapheresis products in which B and CD8(+) T cells were depleted, followed by positive selection of CD25(+) cells. In some experiments, isolated Treg or non-Treg were expanded with interleukin-2 (IL-2) +/- transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1. Expression of a Treg-specific marker, FOXP3, and gut-homing receptors, and suppressor activity of isolated or cultured cells, were analyzed.

RESULTS

CD4(+) CD25(high) T cells were collected and efficiently enriched with a good recovery rate. Isolated cells preferentially expressed FOXP3 and significantly suppressed T-cell proliferation in vitro. In addition, isolated Treg could be efficiently expanded, and Treg could be induced from non-Treg with TGF-beta1 in vitro. TGF-beta1 significantly up-regulated alphaEbeta7 and alpha4beta7 integrins.

DISCUSSION

We have established a method of Treg isolation from leukapheresis products that can be used clinically; therefore, Treg transfer therapy is feasible in combination with leukapheresis for UC. Expansion or induction of Treg in vitro may be another approach to Treg-based immunotherapy.

Impact of double-balloon endoscopy on the diagnosis of jejunoileal involvement in primary intestinal follicular lymphomas: a case series

In recent years, primary gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma has been increasingly detected in the duodenum on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Primary gastrointestinal follicular lymphomas are frequently distributed to multiple sites in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, investigation into the spread of follicular lymphomas in the small bowel is important in order to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy. The performance of double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) in the diagnosis of jejunoileal follicular lymphoma lesions has not been fully evaluated. We aimed to investigate the value of DBE in addition to computed tomography (CT) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) in the diagnosis of jejunoileal follicular lymphoma. DBE with biopsy was performed in seven patients with primary duodenal follicular lymphoma diagnosed by EGD, in order to investigate jejunoileal involvement. Jejunoileal follicular lymphoma lesions were detected by DBE in six out of the seven patients (three in the jejunum and three in the jejunum and ileum), whereas CT and (18)F-FDG-PET failed to detect the existence of these lesions. Endoscopic findings of the jejunoileal lesions revealed multiple white nodules and white villi, which were similar to those of duodenal lesions. DBE was more useful for the diagnosis of jejunoileal involvement in primary intestinal follicular lymphoma than CT and (18)F-FDG-PET. The use of DBE will become important for determining the most appropriate treatment for gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma.

An increase in the serum amylase level in patients after peroral double-balloon enteroscopy: an association with the development of pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a novel technique that allows the enteroscope to be inserted deep into the small intestine. The procedure has been thought to be safe, but cases of acute pancreatitis after peroral DBE have recently been observed. The aim of this study was to confirm the occurrence of hyperamylasemia after peroral DBE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Peroral DBE was carried out in 13 patients from July 2005 to February 2006. Blood samples were taken before and 3 h after the procedure, and serum pancreatic amylase levels were measured. The patients were also evaluated for pancreatic-type abdominal pain after the procedure. Hyperamylasemia after peroral DBE was defined as an elevation of the serum pancreatic amylase level to more than the upper normal limit and twice the level before the procedure. Pancreatitis was diagnosed on the basis of both pancreatic-type abdominal pain and hyperamylasemia.

RESULTS

Hyperamylasemia after peroral DBE occurred in six patients (46.2 %). One of the six patients with hyperamylasemia had pancreatic-type abdominal pain after the procedure and developed acute pancreatitis. The average procedure time was 105 min (range 65 - 155 min) in the patients with hyperamylasemia, and did not significantly differ from that in the group without hyperamylasemia (99 min).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperamylasemia after peroral DBE occurs frequently and may be associated with development of pancreatitis.

MRI findings of haematomyelia in a dog with spontaneous systemic haemorrhage

A 7-year-old female cross-breed dog was brought to Nihon University Animal Medical Center for investigation of tetraplegia. Lameness in the pelvic limbs, that had developed 2 weeks previously, had progressed to tetraplegia. On magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord, isointensity was detected from C2 to C4 and T12 to T13, isointensity and hyperintensity were intermingled from L3 to L4, and hyperintensity was detected from L5 to L7 by T1-weighted imaging. On T2-weighted imaging, hyperintensity was detected in all regions described above. The dog recovered from anaesthesia, but died during the day from systemic bleeding as the result of a coagulopathy of unknown aetiology. Histopathological examination revealed haematomyelia in these regions of the spinal cord. This is the first report of magnetic resonance imaging findings of haematomyelia in canine spontaneous systemic haemorrhage. It appeared that the differences in the findings of T1-weighted imaging along the spinal regions reflected time-lags in the occurrence of bleeding.

The clinical significance of cerebrospinal fluid lipid peroxides in central nervous system disease

Forty-four dogs were referred to our hospital presenting with neurological symptoms such as seizure or paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal results in 21 (abnormal MRI group) and normal results in 23 dogs (normal MRI group). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (normal MRI group, n = 22; abnormal MRI group, n = 21) and serum lipid peroxide (LP) concentrations (normal MRI group, n = 11; abnormal MRI group, n = 15) were measured in a number of these dogs, and revealed a significant difference in the CSF/serum LP values (normal MRI group, n = 10; abnormal MRI group, n = 14) between the abnormal and the normal MRI groups (t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test p < 0.05). No other significant differences were observed. CSF/serum LP values exceeding 1.0 were exhibited in 10 of 14 dogs (71%) in the abnormal MRI group, and in 1 of 10 dogs (10%) in the normal MRI group. In the remaining animals, 4 dogs of the abnormal MRI group showed CSF/serum values lower than 1.0, 3 dogs had morphological abnormalities but no abnormal MRI signals in the central nervous system, and 1 dog had an abnormal MRI signal but no pathological abnormality. In the CSF analysis, 3 of 16 dogs (19%) of the abnormal MRI groupshowed abnormal cell counts and/or protein content. We conclude that the CSF/serum LP value can be used for the detection of neurological lesions such as oedema, inflammation and tumour.

277 FOLLICULAR GROWTH, SUBSEQUENT OVUM PICKUP, AND DOMINANT FOLLICLE REMOVAL IN COWS

The present study was designed to assess the recruitment of follicles after ovum pickup (OPU) and dominant follicle (DF) removal on the follicular wave after OPU in Holstein dry cows. Cows were reared under the same feeding and environmental conditions. In Experiment 1, follicle aspiration (>2 mm in diameter) by OPU using a 7.5-MHz linear transducer with needle (COVA needle; Misawa Medical, Tokyo, Japan) connected to an ultrasound scanner (SSD-1200; ALOKA, Tokyo, Japan) was performed in four cows. Then, ovaries were observed after OPU from Day 1 (Day 0 = the day of OPU) to Day 11 to assess the number of follicles developed. In Experiment 2, two sessions of OPU were performed with a 7 day interval between sessions, with or without dominant follicle removal, to assess the quality of developing follicles and oocytes. In the DF removal group, >8-mm follicles were aspirated at Day 5 after the first OPU session, and the same cows without DF removal were designated as a control (n = 4, crossover trial). Oocytes were evaluated by their cumulus cell morphology, cytoplasmic color, and density. To assess the developmental competence of oocytes, Grades 1 and 2 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected, matured, fertilized, and cultured as described by Imai et al. (2002 J. Vet. Med. Sci. 64(10), 887-891). Embryo development was assessed by the cleavage rate on Day 2 and the blastocyst formation rate on Days 7 to 9 (the day of insemination = Day 0). Data were analyzed by ANOVA or Student t-test. In Experiment 1, a dominant follicle (>8 mm in diameter) was developed during Days 3 to 5 after OPU in each donor. The mean number of developing follicles (>2 mm in diameter) were increased from Day 1 to Day 9 (Day 1: 7.5 � 2.1, Day 3: 19.0 � 1.2, Day 5: 23.3 � 9.0, Day 7: 30.3 � 11.0, Day 9: 42.0 � 15.8 and Day 11: 41.0 � 16.7 (mean � SD), P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, there was no difference in the mean number of developing follicles on the day of OPU and collected oocytes between DF removal and control groups (follicles: 47.8 � 23.0 and 39.3 � 6.2; oocytes: 27.0 � 11.6 and 26.5 � 5.4, respectively). The number of Grades 1 and 2 oocytes for the DF removal group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that for the control (83.6 � 1.5 and 63.2 � 14.2, respectively), and no significant difference was found within cleavage (60.0 � 37.2, 53.6 � 23.2) and blastocyst rates (34.1 � 33.9, 34.4 � 16.8). These results indicate that populations of follicles were increased till Day 9 after OPU, and the DF removal was effective at increasing oocyte quality in the developing follicles.

Subdural accumulation of fluid in a dog after the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt

A dog with hydrocephalus as a result of aqueduct stenosis and cerebellar herniation underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Magnetic resonance images and computed tomography scans taken after the surgery revealed subdural accumulations of haemorrhagic fluid and cereberocortical collapse caused by overshunting and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the site of insertion of the shunt. However, the degree of cerebellar herniation was reduced after the shunt was inserted, and the dog did not develop any neurological signs and made good progress.

Cerebellar Focal Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis in a Dog: Clinical Findings and MR Imaging

The authors encountered a dachshund dog, presenting vestibular disorder. On magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, a mass showing isointensity on the T1- and T2-weighted images and enhanced by contrast medium, was observed in the right cerebellum. In addition, the periphery of the mass showed isointensity on the T1-weighted image and hyperintensity on the T2-weighted image, suggesting sever oedema. Although the dog underwent surgery, it died. The mass was diagnosed pathologically as a granulomatous meningoencephalitis.

Quadrigeminal cisterna arachnoid cyst diagnosed by MRI in five dogs

Arachnoid cysts of the quadrigeminal cisterna are infratentorial cystic lesions located between the collicular plate and the incisural notch of the tentorium. We report here five cases of quadrigeminal cisterna arachnoid cysts in dogs. In this study, four of the five dogs were male, three showed signs of seizures, and one dog was over 10 years of age. In two of the dogs, cysts were discovered incidentally. In previous reports, most intracranial arachnoid cysts were located in the quadrigeminal cisterna. The presence of cysts should be considered in toy breeds presenting for seizures or ataxia.

Cystic meningioma in a dog

There have been few reports of the occurrence of, and treatment methods for, cystic meningioma in the dog. This report describes a case in a Maltese which presented with a three-month history of seizures. Cystic meningioma was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging using contrast medium (gadoteridol) enhanced images. Attempted surgical removal of the mass was successful, and the outcome following surgery was good.

Findings on nuclear staining using hoechst dye in cleaved unfertilized eggs obtained by repeated superovulation with gonadotrophin

Unfertilized eggs showing abnormal cleavage are ovulated with repeated induction of super-ovulation. In this study, the presence or absence of the nucleus was examined in segmented blastomeres of these unfertilized eggs using Hoechst dye. Unfertilized eggs showing a morula stage-like cleavage obtained by repeated superovulation 4 times using PMSG/hCG were collected from mice oviducts. The collected eggs were nuclear-stained using Hoechst dye and examined by fluorescence microscope. No positive staining of the nucleus was observed in any of the blastomeres, and only diffuse fluorescence was noted in the cytoplasm. Therefore, we concluded that no nucleus was present in these blastomeres and that cleavage was a degenerative change.

Evaluation of diagnostic availability of continuous ANP assay and LA/AO ratio in left heart insufficient dogs

Left atrial/aorta ratio (LA/AO) by echocardiography and the plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were measured in 32 dogs with left heart insufficiency. There was a significant correlation between plasma ANP concentration and LA/AO (r=0.66, p<0.001). The authors obtained the result that the degree of expansion of the left atrial diameter seemed to have a close relationship with plasma ANP concentration. Plasma ANP concentration decreased when the clinical signs of the patients improved. However, the LA/AO ratio after treatment did not decrease. From these findings, we concluded that plasma ANP concentration has the possibility to become a significant index in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart disease in dogs.

Short-term preservation of mouse oocytes at 5 degrees C

The temporary preservation of oocytes without freezing would be useful for some experiments. ICR mouse oocytes were kept in a preservation medium under mineral oil for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 7 days at 5 degrees C, and 1 or 2 days at 37 degrees C. In vitro fertilization was attempted on oocytes rinsed with TYH medium after preservation. More than 70% of morphologically normal oocytes were recovered from each preservation group. Fertilization rates of oocytes preserved for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 7 days at 5 degrees C were 69.9, 66.5, 45.3, 26.7 and 8.8% respectively. Fertilization rates of oocytes preserved for 1 or 2 days at 37 degrees C were 9.6 and 1.6%, respectively. Preservation of oocytes at 5 degrees C has some capability as a method of short-term storage without freezing.

The yield of abnormal unfertilized eggs observed after repeated gonadotrophin-induced ovulation

This study investigated whether or not the yield of abnormal eggs produced after repeatedly induced ovulation could be reduced by increasing the interval between gonadotrophin (GTH) administrations. Ovulation was induced, in a mouse model, by subcutaneous injection of pregnant mare serum GTH and human chorionic GTH given once (n = 10), twice (n = 10), three times (n = 10) or four times (n = 10) at intervals of 5 days. In 30 further mice, a fifth induction was performed either 5 (n = 10), 10 (n = 10) or 20 days (n = 10) following the fourth injection. Oviducts were examined microscopically, and the eggs were counted and examined for morphological abnormalities. In the mice who had received four GTH treatments, 33.3% (12 of 36) of the eggs were abnormal. After the fifth induced ovulation performed after an interval of 5, 10 or 20 days, the yield of abnormal eggs was 50.0% (five of 10), 23.1% (nine of 39) and 15.2% (seven of 46), respectively. These results indicate that prolongation of the interval between GTH administrations reduced the yield of abnormal eggs produced following repeatedly induced ovulation.

Relationship between changes in volume of the oviductal fluid in the ampulla and the descent of ovulated eggs from the ampulla to the isthmus in mice

Follicular growth and ovulation were induced in mice by administration of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) followed 2 days later by human chorionic gonadotrophin; the day of PMSG injection was designated as day 0. The volume of the ampulla was measured and the location of the ovulated eggs determined at 06:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00 and 22:00 on day 3, and at 02:00 and 06:00 on day 4. The volume of the ampulla and hence oviductal fluid, peaked at 14:00 on day 3 and then declined. In all oviduct samples taken up to 14:00 on day 3, eggs were found exclusively in the ampulla. Thereafter, an increasing number of eggs were observed in the isthmus. Thus, the migration of eggs from the ampulla to the isthmus was concurrent with the decrease in oviductal fluid volume. The peak in the volume of oviductal fluid seen at day 3 is likely to coincide with the opening of the ampullary-isthmic junction of the oviduct.

Scanning electron microscopic findings of cleaved unfertilized eggs ovulated by repeated administration of gonadotrophin

Oocytes in the degenerative process are suggested to be rescued and to developed to ovulation by repeated induction of superovulation using gonadotrophin (GTH). In this study, the morphology of abnormally cleaved unfertilized eggs obtained by repeated induction of superovulation in mice using PMSG/hCG was observed by scanning electron microscope. As a result, loss of microvilli was noted on the cell surface of cleaved unfertilized eggs. On the other hand, ample microvilli were observed on the cell surface of fertilized eggs in the morula stage obtained 65 hours after spontaneous copulation used as controls. Loss of microvilli on the cell surface is a characteristic finding in apoptotic cells. Cleaved unfertilized eggs obtained by repeated induction of superovulation using GTH are considered to be in the degenerative process due to apoptosis.

Fimbrial capture of the ovum and tubal transport of the ovum in the rabbit, with emphasis on the effects of beta 2-adrenoreceptor stimulant and prostaglandin F2 alpha on the intraluminal pressures of the tubal ampullae

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to elucidate the roles of the ampullar and isthmic portions of the oviduct and the effects of drugs on oviductal contractility.

METHODS

Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha; Ono Pharmaceuticals, Osaka) and oxytocin (Atonin-O; Teikoku Hormone Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Tokyo) were used to stimulate oviductal contractility, and ritodrine hydrochloride (Utemerin; Solvay-Duphar Corp., Denmark) to inhibit the contractility.

RESULTS

Both PGF2 alpha and Atonin-O were involved in ovum capture by the ampullar oviduct by stimulating contractility, thus altering the intraductal pressures. Utemerin is effective in inhibiting the enhanced contractility induced by PGF2 alpha and Atonin-O.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in pressure of the ampullar portion of the oviduct seem necessary for the capture of ova expelled from the ovary. Once in the isthmic portion of the oviduct, transport appears to be under the influence of ciliary activity rather than variations in contractility.

Investigation of ovum transport in the oviduct: the dynamics of oviductal fluids in domestic rabbits

Ova are captured by the oviductal fimbria and rapidly transported to the ampullary-isthmic junction of the fallopian tube. Fertilized ova and oviductal fluids are then carried medially in the fallopian tube, while undergoing maturation in preparation for entering the uterine cavity, where nidation and further development take place. This movement of oviductal fluids was visualized in a rabbit model with human chorionic gonadotropin-induced ovulation, by injection of a contrast medium into the ampulla region of the oviduct. In the ampulla, the opaque medium was observed to oscillate at 0-85.4 mm/s. This medial transport of the fluid towards the uterus decreased to 0-9.6 mm/s in the isthmic portion of the tube. This decrease substantiates previous findings that the transport of material in the isthmic portion of the oviduct is more strongly under the control of ciliary action than under peristaltic activity.

Influence of ageing on blastogenesis of mouse thymocytes in response to concanavalin A

The influence of ageing on the blastogenic response of mouse thymocytes to a mitogen was investigated. Thymocytes from mice of various ages (10-70 days) were incubated with the mitogen, concanavalin A, to induce blastogenesis. The thymocytes were then incubated with [3H]thymidine, and the radioactivity of [3H]thymidine taken up by the cells was measured. The stimulation index (ratio of radioactivity uptake by cells incubated with and without mitogen) was used as a measure of blastogenesis of thymocytes. The stimulation index of thymocytes from 10-day-old mice was 2.9; it increased with age, reaching a peak of 33.7 in 40-day-old mice and then gradually decreasing to 8.2 in 70-day-old mice. The blastogenesis of thymocytes, an indicator of thymus function, was thus found to change considerably with age.

Reduction of hamster egg abnormalities in repeatedly induced ovulation by using the minimum effective dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin

The minimum dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin needed to induce ovulation was determined in hamsters, in which the luteinizing hormone surge was blocked by administration of phenobarbitone. Doses of 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin were injected subcutaneously, and 5.0 IU was found to be the minimum dose needed to induce ovulation in all of a group of seven hamsters. When this minimum dose was used to induce ovulation repeatedly, one, two or three times, in groups of seven hamsters the percentages of abnormal eggs seen were 5.3%, 5.6% and 6.4%, respectively. These results indicate that the marked increases in the proportions of abnormal eggs produced when ovulation is repeatedly induced, which have been observed in previous studies, can be prevented by using the minimum effective dose of human chorionic gonadotrophin.

Phagocytotic activity of macrophages separated from corpus lutea of pseudopregnant rabbits

Macrophage activity as indicated by phagocytosis in the corpus luteum at the luteolysis stage was examined in rabbits during pseudopregnancy. The day of induction of pseudopregnancy was regarded as day 0, and the phagocytotic activity of macrophages obtained from luteal tissues was examined on days 7 and 16. When sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) were used to assess phagocytotic activity there was no difference in phagocytosis between days 7 and 16 but, when sensitized SRBCs were used to assess phagocytotic activity, the activity of macrophages on day 16 was more than double that on day 7 (P < 0.05). These results indicate that immunomediated phagocytosis of luteal macrophages is enhanced at the luteolysis stage (day 16). This phenomenon may contribute to the process of luteolysis.

Changes in the weight of the thymus after birth and in pregnancy in mice

The changes in the weight of thymus with age (days after birth) and effects of pregnancy on the weight of thymus were examined using mice. The weight of thymus increased after birth, and reached the maximum (107.5 mg) at the age of 40 days. It started to decrease, and became 48.9 mg at the age of 100 days. Thus, age-related involution of the thymus in the female mice had started 50 days after birth. The weight of thymus was markedly reduced by pregnancy. The weight of thymus at the age of 60 days was 74.8 mg in the intact mice and 19.7 mg in the pregnant mice. Pregnancy greatly affects the weight of the thymus.

Effects of TNF-alpha injection into the ovary on blood progesterone concentration in pseudopregnant rabbits

To examine the effects of TNF-alpha on luteal functions, TNF-alpha was injected into the ovary of rabbits on the 7th day of pseudopregnancy (Day 7). The animals were laparotomized under general anesthesia, and 1 x 10(4) IU TNF-alpha dissolved in PBS was injected into the ovary. On Days 8 and 10, the blood progesterone (P) concentration was determined. The mean blood P level was 10.31 ng before the administration of TNF-alpha on Day 7. On Day 8, the mean blood P level was 11.22 ng in the control group, while it was markedly reduced to 1.29 ng in the TNF-alpha administration group. On Day 10, the mean blood P level was 6.80 ng in the control group and 5.49 ng in the TNF-alpha group. These results suggest that the capacity for P secretion of the corpus luteum, which reached a degenerative stage by TNF-alpha administration, can be recovered.

Effects of splenectomy on luteal function in pseudopregnant rabbits

The involvement of the immune system in changes in luteal function was evaluated in rabbits. Pseudopregnancy was induced in 10 females and the spleens (considered to be the source of macrophages) of five were excised on day 7 of pseudopregnancy, while the five controls had sham splenectomies. Subsequent changes in serum progesterone concentrations were measured as an indicator of luteal function and luteolysis. A second pseudopregnancy was induced 31 days after splenectomy. The first pseudopregnancy was prolonged and during the second pseudopregnancy the serum progesterone concentrations on days 3 and 7 were much lower in the splenectomy group than in the control group. On day 14 of the second pseudopregnancy, the serum progesterone concentration markedly decreased in the control group while it remained almost at the level of day 7 in the splenectomy group. These results suggest that splenectomy suppresses the expression of luteal function and delays luteolysis in rabbits.

Cleavage of unfertilized eggs after repeated administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin to hamsters

The proportions of unfertilized eggs in the oviducts, showing abnormal cleavage, were examined in hamsters given single or repeated doses of 30 i.u. human gonadotrophic hormone for the induction of ovulation. In control animals (n = 7), 1.7% of the total ovulated eggs were morphologically abnormal unfertilized eggs showing cleavage. The proportions of unfertilized eggs that were abnormal in the groups of seven hamsters treated with one, two or three doses of the gonadotrophin were 20.4%, 19.4%, and 30.4%, respectively. The proportion of unfertilized eggs showing abnormal cleavage thus appeared to increase with repeated administrations of gonadotrophin.

Inhibitory effects of indomethacin on implantation and its related phenomena

The dose-response relationship for the inhibitory effect of indomethacin on implantation and continuance of pregnancy was examined in four groups of rabbits administered with indomethacin (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 mg/kg) during the implantation period and compared with a control group. Implanted fetuses and corpora lutea were counted by laparotomy, and the number of offspring born was noted. The inhibitory effect of indomethacin on implantation was found to be dose-dependent, and the birth rate decreased in the indomethacin groups compared with the control group. As a result, even where implantation had been achieved, death of the implanted fetuses occurred at a high rate in rabbits administered with indomethacin during the implantation period.

Blockade of ovulation in rabbits by RU-486, a competitive progesterone antagonist

The effect of an anti-progesterone compound, RU-486, administration (20-150 mg) on ovulation in rabbits was investigated. All of the seven control oil-treated rabbits ovulated, whereas, ovulation was blocked in one (12.5%) of eight rabbits treated with 20 mg RU-486, and in 4-6 (66.7-85.7%) of the 6 or 7 rabbits treated with 40-150 mg RU-486. Two successive injections of 10 mg progesterone (P) 4 and 8 hr after RU-486 injection did however recover ovulation in 3 (75.0%) out of 4 rabbits. These results indicate that P secreted from mature follicles during the ovulatory LH surge also play a significant role in follicular rupture of the rabbit, a copulatory ovulator.

Effects of TNF-alpha injection into the ovarian parenchyma on luteal blood vessels in rabbits

It has been reported that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) derived from luteal macrophage is concerned with luteolysis. In the present study, to evaluate the correlation between TNF-alpha and regression of luteal blood vessels, recombinant human TNF-alpha (rh-TNF) was injected into the parenchyma of pseudopregnant rabbit ovaries. These injections were performed on day 7 of pseudopregnancy (functional luteal phase). Only Mg++ and Ca++ free phosphate buffer saline (PBS-) as the solvent was injected in the control group. Estimations of conditions in the luteal vessels after the injections was performed by observations of luteal vascular corrosion casts under a scanning electron microscope. Concentrations of serum progesterone before or after the injection were also assayed. In the control group, no change in the structure of luteal vessels was observed after PBS-injection, but regressing blood vessels with strictures, obstructions and rugged surfaces on the vessels were observed, and also concentrations of serum progesterone decreased noticeably after rh-TNF injection. These findings suggest that TNF-alpha plays a role in angiolysis through luteolysis in the rabbit corpus luteum.

Superovulation induction by human menopausal gonadotrophin in rabbits

Superovulation induction in laboratory animals is an important technique as a means of providing eggs for embryonic research. Superovulation induction by human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) has not been fully established in rabbits. In the present study, the relationship between the dosage of injected HMG and the superovulatory response including fertilization rate was studied. The most satisfactory result was obtained in the group in which 30 iu of HMG was injected subcutaneously three times at 24-hr intervals. The superovulatory response by this method was considerably better than that by conventional six injections of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) having been widely accepted.

Effects of splenectomy on luteolysis in pseudopregnant rabbits

The effects of splenectomy on luteolysis in pseudopregnant rabbits were observed. Pseudopregnancy was induced in the rabbits by mating with vasoligated mature males and injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (D0). In these rabbits, the concentration of serum progesterone increased for 7 days after the induction of pseudopregnancy. In the control group (sham-operation), the concentration of serum progesterone returned to the level of the pre-ovulatory levels by 14 days of pseudopregnancy. On the other hand, in the splenectomized group, in which splenectomy was performed at D7, the serum progesterone concentration was maintained at the level of the functional luteal phase (D7) at least until 21 days of pseudopregnancy. These findings indicate that the spleen is concerned with luteolysis of the rabbit.

Immunohistochemical study of gamma delta T cell receptor-positive cells in the capsular region of hepatocellular carcinoma: possible role in defense against expansion of carcinoma in the liver

The localization and distribution of gamma delta T cell receptor (TCR)-positive cells (gamma delta T cells) in hepatocellular carcinoma capsules was investigated immunohistochemically at both light and electron microscopic levels. Most of the mononuclear cells infiltrating the tumor capsules were CD3-positive. Together with gamma delta T cells, they were significantly increased in the tumor capsules compared to amounts in the fibrous septa in non-cancerous cirrhotic areas of the same liver, and compared to amounts in the liver of patients with cirrhosis. Phenotypic characterization by the two-color double-staining technique showed that CD8/gamma delta cells were significantly increased in the tumor capsule, and that more than one-third of gamma delta TCR-positive cells also expressed the CD56 antigen. Morphological observation revealed that large gamma delta T cells were increased in number in the tumor capsule and that the cytoplasm of these cells contained multivesicular bodies and dense granules. These morphological features were similar to those of large granular lymphocytes, and most of the gamma delta T cells were also positive for BB3. This suggests that extrathymic maturation of gamma delta T cells occurs in the tumor capsule, and that these gamma delta T cells may have a cytolytic effect on tumor cells, as shown in large granular lymphocytes; further, the results suggest that these cells may play a role in the defense against tumor expansion.

Pregnancy by tubal insemination in rabbits using sperm cells capacitated in vitro

It has been suggested that the mechanical interference involved in inserting a tube into the oviduct before ovulation, during tubal insemination, may impair the capacity of the tubal fimbriae to pick up ovulated eggs. When fresh sperm cells are used, the semen has to be injected into the oviduct before ovulation to allow time for sperm capacitation. In the present study in rabbits, sperm cells capacitated by pre-incubation in vitro were injected into the oviducts through the tubal fimbriae after ovulation. Two of the six rabbits inseminated became pregnant and gave birth to one and three offspring, respectively. Injecting capacitated sperm cells after ovulation may avoid the potential problems posed by mechanical damage of the tubal fimbriae.

Elevation of interleukin-6 in inflammatory bowel disease is macrophage- and epithelial cell-dependent

Local interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity was studied using colonic mucosal tissues in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and inflammatory control patients. Active IBD specimens exhibited significantly higher IL-6 activity than control specimens in both cultures of isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) and mucosal tissues with an increased number of IL-6-producing cells. However, the activity in inactive IBD or inflammatory controls did not differ from controls. Northern blot analysis demonstrated IL-6 messenger RNA in LPMC and colonic epithelial cells isolated from active IBD specimens but not in control cells. Furthermore, immunofluorescent microscopic study of active IBD specimens showed more conspicuous staining of IL-6 in infiltrating LPMC (mostly CD68+ cells) and colonic epithelial cells. These results suggest that elevation of local IL-6 activity may be a characteristic feature of active IBD and both macrophages and colonic epithelial cells are the major cell types responsible for this phenomenon.

[Immunohistochemical study of collagen in gastric cancer tissue]

The distribution and localization of collagen types were studied immunohistochemically in resected tissues obtained from gastric cancer patients. The expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) -alpha, TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 on cancer cells as well as the aggregation of T lymphocytes in the cancer tissue were also studied, in order to determine the differences between differentiated and undifferentiated type cancer. The interstitial tissues of differentiated type cancer showed intense staining for types I and III collagen, while those of undifferentiated type cancer showed intense staining for types I and III collagen, in addition to the stronger staining for types IV, V and VI collagen. Characteristically, type IV collagen was intensely stained in the interstitium in 18 of 20 undifferentiated type cancer (90%), but was stained in only one of 15 differentiated type cancer (6%). CD 3+ T lymphocytes were aggregated in the interstitial tissue of both the tumors, where the density of CD 4+ cells and the ratio of CD 4 to CD 8 were significantly higher in undifferentiated type cancer than in differentiated type cancer. TGF-alpha was detected in cancer cells in 80% of the differentiated cases and in 45% of the undifferentiated cases. The staining of TGF-beta 1 was also detected in 80% of the undifferentiated cases, which was significantly higher than 47% in differentiated cases. There were no differences in the incidences of staining for TGF-beta 2 between differentiated (33%) and undifferentiated type cancer (40%). These results suggest that there exist different mechanisms in the regulation of collagen production between differentiated and undifferentiated types of gastric cancer.

Effects of anti-progesterone compound RU486 on ovulation in immature mice treated with PMSG/hCG

The effects of RU486, a competitive antagonist of progesterone, on ovulation were studied in PMSG/hCG-treated immature mice. PMSG/hCG was administered to 3-week-old female mice to induce ovulation. A dose of 0.5 mg of RU486 was administered 3 h before hCG injection, simultaneously with hCG injection, or 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5 or 9 h after hCG administration. The lowest number of ovulated eggs was observed in the group given RU486 6 h after hCG injection. Although the mean number of ovulated eggs was only 4.4 in this group, it was increased to 25.7 by supplementary administration of 2.0 mg of progesterone. It was demonstrated that RU486 had inhibitory effects on ovulation, and the inhibition could be prevented by supplementary administration of progesterone.

Expression of adhesion molecules and HLA-DR by macrophages and dendritic cells in aphthoid lesions of Crohn's disease: an immunocytochemical study

The phenotypes and ultrastructure of macrophages and dendritic cells in aphthoid lesions of the colon were immunocytochemically observed in patients with Crohn's disease. Biopsy specimens were endoscopically obtained from both aphthoid and advanced lesions in Crohn's disease patients. Biopsy specimens obtained from patients with infectious colitis and from normal individuals served as controls. Aphthoid lesions contained densely aggregated CD68+ macrophages, which were surrounded by numerous ID-1+ dendritic cells. In the normal controls and infectious colitis patients, however, a few scattered CD68+ macrophages and ID-1+ dendritic cells were noted beneath the surface epithelium. CD3+ lymphocytes were significantly increased in both aphthoid and advanced lesions of Crohn's disease, but the CD4/CD8 ratio was similar in all groups studied. The double immunoperoxidase staining method revealed that both CD68+ macrophages and ID-1+ dendritic cells in the aphthoid lesions simultaneously expressed ICAM-1 and HLA-DR antigens. Electronmicroscopic observation revealed that CD68+ macrophages had numerous vesicles and lysosomal granules and few projections, and that ID-1+ dendritic cells had appreciable cytoplasmic protrusions with a few vacuoles. These findings suggested that the colonic mucosa in Crohn's disease contained two types of macrophage/dendritic cells in the same lineage that expressed intercellular adhesion molecules and class-II MHC antigens. It also appeared that the aphthoid lesions of Crohn's disease featured an increase in macrophages and dendritic cells consistent with immunological activation.