Lowly-buffered biorelevant dissolution testing is not necessarily biopredictive of human bioequivalence study outcome: Relationship between dissolution and pharmacokinetics

It has been revealed that buffer capacity of aspirated human intraluminal fluid is much lower than that of in vitro compendial dissolution media. Since buffer capacity significantly alters the dissolution profile of certain drug products, dissolution testing in highly buffered media dictates poor predictability of in vivo drug performance. To mitigate this inconsistency, low buffer capacity medium was suggested as an in vivo representation (biorelevant dissolution testing). The purpose of this study was to characterize the dissolution profiles of enteric-coated drug products in different buffer capacity media in a flow through cell dissolution apparatus, and to evaluate the in vivo predictability of human bioequivalence study outcomes conducted in the fasted state. It was confirmed that the lower the buffer capacity of dissolution media, the higher the discriminatory power of esomeprazole magnesium hydrate enteric-coated pellets, reflecting human bioequivalence failure. In the meantime, two duloxetine hydrochloride enteric-coated pellets also exhibited distinct dissolution profiles in such a lowly buffered medium despite the fact that these two are bioequivalent in human. Biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic characteristics comparison suggested that low intestinal permeability and small systemic elimination rate of duloxetine hinders the clear impact of different dissolution profile on its in vivo performance. These data suggest that dissolution comparison in physiologically-relevant low buffer capacity media is not always indicative of human bioequivalence. Instead, biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic aspects must be taken into consideration to make biorelevant dissolution testing biopredictive.

In vivo pharmacological characterization of AC-3933, a benzodiazepine receptor partial inverse agonist for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

GABAergic neurons are known to inhibit neural transduction and therefore negatively affect excitatory neural circuits in the brain. We have previously reported that 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1,6-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one (AC-3933), a partial inverse agonist for the benzodiazepine receptor (BzR), reverses GABAergic inhibitory effect on cholinergic neurons, and thus enhances acetylcholine release from these neurons in rat hippocampal slices. In this study, we evaluated AC-3933 potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, a disorder characterized by progressive decline mainly in cholinergic function. Oral administration of AC-3933 (0.01-0.03mg/kg) resulted in the amelioration of scopolamine-induced amnesia, as well as a shift in electroencephalogram (EEG) relative power characteristic of pro-cognitive cholinergic activators, such as donepezil. In addition, treatment with AC-3933 even at the high dose of 100mg/kg p.o. produced no seizure or anxiety, two major adverse effects of BzR inverse agonists developed in the past. These findings indicate that AC-3933 with its low risk for side effects may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Cell-phone based assistance for waterworks/sewage plant maintenance

Cell-phones are now incorporating the functions necessary for them to be used as mobile IT devices. In this paper, we present our results of the evaluation of cell-phones as the mobile IT device to assist workers in industrial plants. We use waterworks and sewage plants as examples. By employing techniques to squeeze the SCADA screen on CRT into a small cell-phone LCD, we have made it easier for a plant's field workers to access the information needed for effective maintenance, regardless of location. An idea to link SCADA information and the plant facility information on the cell-phone is also presented. Should an accident or emergency situation arise, these cell-phone-based IT systems can efficiently deliver the latest plant information, thus the worker out in the field can respond to and resolve the emergency.

Ganglion-associated ulnar tunnel syndrome treated by ultrasonographically assisted aspiration and splinting

We describe a case of ulnar nerve compression at the wrist due to a ganglion. This was treated by aspiration of the ganglion under ultrasonography and splinting because the patient was pregnant. The ulnar nerve palsy resolved completely and the ganglion disappeared. A follow-up ultrasonographic examination after 2 years showed no recurrence of the ganglion.

Development of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine after atlanto-axial fusion

We report three cases of the development of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after atlanto-axial fusion. This fusion should be recognized as a causative factor in the development of OPLL. The pathological mechanism is suggested to be increased mechanical stress.

One-portal technique of endoscopic fasciotomy: Chronic compartment syndrome of the lower leg

Many athletes complain of exercise-induced pain in the lower leg that can be caused by inflammatory diseases, peripheral nervous system disease, fatigue fracture, shin splint, and chronic compartment syndrome (CCS). CCS is the most typical exercise-induced condition and it often requires surgical decompression of the several compartments. There are already many techniques reported in the literature. Recently, an endoscopic technique for CCS was reported with which excellent results were achieved. We have modified it and developed a new technique for treating CCS of the lower leg. We report a case of CCS of the lower leg treated with 1-portal endoscopic fasciotomy. The technique helps to decrease damage to soft tissue and patients will immediately return to normal activities of daily living.

Defective infection of bovine herpesvirus 1 in non-permissive murine cells

The defective growth of bovine herpesvirus I (BHV-1) was analyzed in non-permissive murine embryo fibroblast, BALB/3T3 A31-1-1 (A31) cells. BHV-1 was able to attach and penetrate into A31 cells at similar levels that were seen in semi-permissive cells. Once penetrated into A31 cells, BHV-1 was efficiently transported to nuclei, but the onset of expression of immediate early (IE) protein and viral DNA replication was not observed. These data suggest that the viral replication of BHV-1 in A31 cells is arrested at the point prior to the expression of IE proteins.

Evaluation of a floating dosage form of nicardipine hydrochloride and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate prepared using a twin-screw extruder

A floating dosage form composed of nicardipine hydrochloride (NH) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (enteric polymer) was prepared using a twin-screw extruder. By adjusting the position of the high-pressure screw elements in the immediate vicinity of die outlet, and by controlling the barrel temperature, we were able to prepare a puffed dosage form with very small and uniform pores. It was found that the porosity and pore diameter could be controlled by the varying amount of calcium phosphate dihydrate. In the shaking test, the puffed dosage form was found to have excellent floating ability and mechanical strength in acid solution (JP First Fluid, pH 1.2). The dissolution profile of NH was controlled by the amount of wheat starch. In the dissolution test using JP Second Fluid (pH 6.8), rapid dissolution of NH and loss of buoyancy were observed. It was shown that the puffed dosage form, consisting of enteric polymer prepared using the twin-screw extruder, was very useful as a floating dosage form that was retained for a long period in the stomach.

Attachment and penetration properties of bovine herpesvirus 1 recombinants expressing pseudorabies virus glycoproteins gC and gB

OBJECTIVE

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) has a relatively narrow host cell range in vitro and in vivo when compared to pseudorabies virus (PrV). The aim of this study was to elucidate whether homologous glycoproteins gC and gB from PrV can function in a heterologous BHV-1 background and whether the expression of these PrV glycoproteins influences the in vitro host cell specificity of BHV-1.

METHODS

We constructed BHV-1 recombinants in which PrV gC and gB were expressed either individually or in combination, and examined their attachment and penetration properties in permissive Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK), semipermissive hamster lung (HmLu-1) and nonpermissive murine embryo fibroblast (A31) cells.

RESULTS

Two BHV-1 recombinants which expressed PrV gC exhibited remarkable competence in virus attachment to cells. The expression of PrV gB improved the virus attachment only a little but penetration, especially into HmLu-1 and A31 cells, was enhanced.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that PrV gC and gB can function in a BHV-1 environment and facilitate virus attachment and penetration by BHV-1.

Bovine herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein G is required for prevention of apoptosis and efficient viral growth in rabbit kidney cells

In rabbit kidney (RK13) cells, gG-negative BHV-1 exhibited significant defects in plaque formation and growth compared to that of gG-positive BHV-1. RK13 cells infected with gG-negative BHV-1 exhibited a distinctive CPE and contained a larger number of cells stained with trypan blue dye compared to those infected with gG-positive strains, suggesting that gG-negative BHV-1 inflicted more damage to the infected cells than gG-positive BHV-1. Apoptotic cell death was induced in RK13 cells infected with gG-negative BHV-1 within 8 h. In contrast, the onset of apoptosis in gG-positive BHV-1-infected RK13 cells was around 12-16 h postinfection. In the presence of caspase inhibitor Z-Asp-CH2-DCB, multiplication of gG-negative minus BHV-1 was significantly increased. These results demonstrate that BHV-1 gG is involved in stabilizing the cell structure, postponing apoptotic process, and efficient BHV-1 replication in infected RK13 cells.

Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of ulnar tunnel syndrome caused by an occult ganglion

We report a case of ulnar tunnel syndrome caused by an occult ganglion which was diagnosed preoperatively by ultrasonography.

Median nerve compression by a radially inserted palmaris longus tendon after release of the antebrachial fascia: A complication of carpal tunnel release

We describe a case that had recurrent median nerve compression after release of the antebrachial fascia in carpal tunnel release. The nerve was compressed by a palmaris longus tendon that was inserted radially into the thenar fascia. After decompression (detachment of the tendon) the patient had symptom relief. Release of the antebrachial fascia in the presence of this tendon variant carries a risk of median nerve compression by the tendon.

Attachment and penetration of canine herpesvirus 1 in non-permissive cells

Canine herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1) has a relatively narrow host cell range when compared to other alphaherpesviruses. The early events of CHV-1 infection in a permissive Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and non-permissive cell lines. In order to quantify attachment and penetration, were investigated quantitative competitive PCR (QCPCR) method was established for quantitation of CHV-1 DNA. In all non-permissive cells tested, no significant decrease in viral attachment was observed. When CHV-1 was treated with heparin, viral attachment to MDCK cells was reduced by 25% of the input CHV-1 attached to MDCK cells even in the presence of 50 microg/ml heparin. However, the attachment of CHV-1 to non-permissive cells was severely impaired by heparin treatment. In permissive MDCK cells, about 80% of attached CHV-1 penetrated into cells. However, only 4-10% of CHV-1 attached to non-permissive cells penetrated into cells. Our data indicated that CHV-1, like other herpesviruses, attached to permissive MDCK cells through two mechanisms: the first one is through the interaction mediated by heparan sulfate (HS) on the cell surface and the second involves unidentified viral component and the cellular receptor. In contrast, the non-permissive cells lacked the cellular receptor for the second attachment mechanism and the defect in viral penetration into non-permissive cell might be related to the lack of the cellular receptor.

Bovine herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein G is required for viral growth by cell-to-cell infection

The bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) US4 gene encodes glycoprotein G (gG), which is conserved in the majority of alphaherpesviruses. In order to identify the role of BHV-1 gG in the viral infection cycle, a gG minus BHV-1 mutant and its gG-positive revertant were constructed and their growth characteristics in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells were compared. The gG minus mutant formed smaller plaques than the gG-positive BHV-1 in MDBK cells. When a monolayer culture of MDBK cells was infected with BHV-1 at a low multiplicity of infection and overlaid with semi-solid growth medium, under which adsorption of the mature virion released in the medium was inhibited, gG-positive BHV-1 multiplied, while the growth of the gG negative BHV-1 was severely inhibited. These data suggest that BHV-1 gG functions in direct cell-to-cell transmission mechanism of BHV-1 in tissue culture.

Insufficiency fracture of the femoral neck after intramedullary nailing

We report a patient with insufficiency fracture that occurred after intramedullary nailing for a subtrochanteric fracture. Intramedullary nailing is speculated to have increased the stress in the already osteoporotic subcapital region. It therefore should be recognized as a causative factor in insufficiency fracture of the femoral neck. Careful follow-up is needed for patients with this condition.

Histology of the transverse carpal ligament and flexor tenosynovium in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome

Histology of the transverse carpal ligament and flexor tenosynovium was investigated in 166 wrists from 130 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Nine wrists from 9 controls were used for comparison. In the patients, 73.5% of the ligament and 56.0% of the tenosynovium showed normal histology. In the remaining specimens, the ligament showed mucoid change (17.5%), amyloid deposits (7.8%), inflammation (3.0%), and chondrometaplasia (2.4%), and the tenosynovium showed fibrosis (25.3%), edema (7.2%), inflammation (10.2%), amyloid deposits (8.4%), and vascular hypertrophy (4.8%). The majority of these changes were mild in degree and the pathophysiology did not appear to be meaningful. We conclude that in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, the ligament and tenosynovium often show normal histology and there are no typical or consistent changes with which idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome can be associated.

Iatrogenic injury of the spinal accessory nerve. Results of repair

We reviewed the results of repair of the spinal accessory nerve in seven patients seen between September 1994 and January 1996. The nerve had been injured during biopsy of a cervical lymph node in six patients and during removal of a bullet in one. The average interval between the time of the injury and the repair of the nerve was eight months (range, three to fourteen months). An end-to-end repair of the nerve was performed in six patients, and a neurolysis was done in one. The average duration of follow-up was thirty-two months (range, twenty-four to thirty-nine months). Postoperatively, all seven patients had relief of pain and stiffness in the shoulder girdle. Manual muscle-testing revealed normal strength of the trapezius, which was comparable with that on the unaffected side. Four patients regained normal function of the shoulder. Three patients reported a stretching sensation or discomfort in the neck, periscapular discomfort, and fatigue of the extremity when lifting heavy objects or performing overhead activities. However, these residual symptoms were mild and tolerable and thus were different in nature from the preoperative pain and stiffness. Iatrogenic injury of the spinal accessory nerve should be suspected if a patient has pain or stiffness in the shoulder girdle and a history of a recent operation on the neck. The nerve should be explored if spontaneous recovery does not occur.

Distance between the median nerve and ulnar neurovascular bundle: clinical significance with ultrasonographically assisted carpal tunnel release

In ultrasonographically assisted carpal tunnel release, the zone of the transverse carpal ligament between the median nerve and ulnar neurovascular bundle is of significance because proximity of the cutting device to these structures depends on its width. In this study, we measured the width of the zone at 5 levels in 60 wrists from 54 patients with surgery-indicated idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. The width of the 5 levels ranged from 2.8 to 11.2 mm (mean, 7.1 mm) at the hook of the hamate, 3.0 to 12.5 mm (mean, 7.9 mm) at the distal one fourth of the carpal tunnel, 2.8 to 12.4 mm (mean, 8.0 mm) at the midsection of the tunnel, 1.5 to 13.0 mm (mean, 7.4 mm) at the proximal one fourth of the tunnel, and 5.3 to 17.2 mm (mean, 10.2 mm) at the wrist crease. These widths were not significantly correlated with radiographic measurements of the hand (cord of the radiocarpal joint arc, carpal height, third metacarpal, and hand length). We conclude that there is considerable variation of the width among individuals. Based on our clinical experience (3 wrists of 3 patients in this study), patients with a width of < or =3 mm at any level should be screened out preoperatively by wrist imaging. Our findings also may be of use to surgeons performing endoscopic carpal tunnel release.

Intraneural ganglion of the branchial plexus

We report a case of an intraneural ganglion of the brachial plexus. Excision relieved the symptoms.

Ultrasonographically assisted carpal tunnel release

An operative technique of carpal tunnel release using intraoperative ultrasonography is described. In this technique, "safe line" is defined in the transverse carpal ligament and the adjacent deep forearm fascia midway between the ulnar margin of the median nerve and the radial margin of the ulnar artery. After ultrasonographic design of a 1.0 to 1.5-cm skin incision along the safe line at the distal carpal tunnel, the distal ligament is released under direct vision. Proximal release is performed along this line under ultrasonographic monitoring using a device that consists of a basket punch and an outer metal tube. In a prospective randomized study, the outcomes were compared for carpal tunnel release using either this technique in 50 hands of 50 patients or conventional open release in 53 hands of 53 patients. Follow-up assessment at 3, 6, 13, 26, 52, and 104 weeks showed no significant difference with respect to numbness and paresthesias, static two-point discrimination, findings on Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, findings on manual muscle testing of the abductor pollicis brevis, and electrophysiologic findings. The ultrasonographic-release group had better outcomes regarding pain, tenderness of the scar, and key-pinch strength at 3, 6, and 13 weeks, and grip strength at 3 and 6 weeks after surgery. The scar was more aesthetic in this group. There were no complications with either technique.

[Autosomal dominant distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles and cytoplasmic inclusions: report of a family]

We reported four patients with distal myopathy in the same family. Muscle weakness and atrophy started in the lower extremities, especially in the calf muscle, and it extended to the upper extremities and pelvic muscles to a variable extent. Facial and bulbar muscles were slightly involved in one case. The anterior tibial muscle tended to be better preserved than the calf muscle. Cardiac abnormalities were absent in any case. Serum creatine kinase activity was normal or mildly elevated. Skeletal muscle biopsies revealed myopathic process presenting rimmed vacuoles, eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions and/or subsarcolemmal mass. Ultrastructurally, cytoplasmic inclusions were composed of electron dense granular material and intermediate-sized filaments. There were membranous whorls and myelin-like figures which were the characteristic findings of rimmed vacuoles. Immunohistochemistry revealed accumulation of desmin, dystrophin and vimentin in the cytoplasm of degenerating muscle fibers and in the inclusion. In present patients, cardiac function was normal and the tibialis anterior muscle was relatively spared. These features were different from the autosomal dominant rimmed-vacuolar myopathy with desmin storage described in previous reports.

Osteoid osteoma of the radial diaphysis

We report a case of osteoid osteoma of the radial diaphysis. Excision of the nidus relieved pain.

Cubital tunnel syndrome caused by tophaceous gout

We report a case of cubital tunnel syndrome caused by tophaceous gout. The ulnar nerve was compressed by a tophus at the distal cubital tunnel. Surgical decompression relieved the symptoms.

Restricted motion of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome

Motion of the median nerve was compared on an axial ultrasonographic image in the mid-carpal tunnel in 30 wrists of 15 women with bilateral idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and 30 wrists of 15 healthy women. During passive flexion and extension of the index finger, the control wrists had transverse sliding of the nerve beneath the flexor retinaculum (1.75 +/- 0.49 mm), which was regarded as a physiological phenomenon. In contrast, the wrists of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome had significantly less sliding (0.37 +/- 0.34 mm; P = 0.0001), which indicates that physiological motion of the nerve is restricted. This decrease in nerve mobility may be of significance in the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Closed rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon within the carpal tunnel

We report a case of a closed rupture within the carpal tunnel of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon of the little finger. There was no underlying pathology.

Unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and space-occupying lesions

To assess the association between unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and space-occupying lesions, 128 patients have been reviewed. They were divided into bilateral, subclinical (unilateral signs and symptoms, and bilateral slowing in the median nerve conduction) and unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Space-occupying lesions were investigated on the basis of physical examination and wrist imaging using plain radiographs and ultrasonograms. Of 20 patients with unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, space-occupying lesions were found in seven (occult ganglion in five and occult calcified mass in two). In contrast, none of 89 patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and 19 with subclinical carpal tunnel syndrome had space-occupying lesions. We conclude that careful examination and wrist imaging on suspicion of local pathology, especially a space-occupying lesion, are needed when the condition is unilateral and the aetiology is not clear from the history and on physical examination.

Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome caused by an occult ganglion

A case is reported of carpal tunnel syndrome caused by an occult ganglion which was diagnosed preoperatively by ultrasonography.

The use of ultrasonography in detection of synovitis in carpal tunnel syndrome

The findings of pre-operative ultrasonography of the carpal tunnel were compared with synovial histology in 50 surgically treated wrists with carpal tunnel syndrome. Eight wrists with a massive hypoechoic area (group 3) had synovitis. 28 with a minimal hypoechoic area (group 1) had no evidence of inflammation. 14 with a moderately increased hypoechoic area (group 2) consisted of three with synovitis, four with lymphocytic infiltration and seven without inflammation. Group 3 strongly indicates synovitis, in which case one should consider aetiology other than the idiopathic cause. Bilateral synovial thickening suggests carpal tunnel syndrome as the initial clinical picture of rheumatoid arthritis, and group 1 indicates idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome provided that there are no primary causes.

Synergistic suppression of the clonogenicity of U937 leukemic cells by combinations of recombinant human interleukin 4 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

The actions and interactions of purified recombinant human (rh) interleukin 4 (IL-4) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the clonogenicity of human leukemic cell line U937 were studied in vitro. Parameters analyzed were the suppression of stem cell generation using sequential clonal cultures, alterations of surface antigen expression, and morphological changes. IL-4 alone (10 U/ml) and G-CSF alone (1000 U/ml) only slightly reduced colony numbers (80% +/- 7% and 87% +/- 7% of control colonies, respectively). However, IL-4 interacted synergistically with G-CSF to further reduce the colony number (46% +/- 8% of control colonies) and suppress the self-renewal ability (clonogenicity) of U937 cells. This synergistic effect was not eliminated by cultures containing neutralizing concentrations of anti-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (anti-GM-CSF), anti-interleukin 6 (anti-IL-6), anti-interferon-alpha (anti-IFN-alpha), anti-IFN-gamma, anti-transforming growth factor-beta (anti-TGF-beta) serum, and anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) serum. The coexistence of IL-4 and G-CSF was required for at least 48 h to reveal the synergistic action as assessed by preincubation and delayed addition experiments. Combinations of IL-4 and G-CSF showed a significant increase in CD11b expression on U937 cells. This action was not observed with HL60, K562, ML-1, or KG-1 leukemic cell lines, and IL-4 did not show any synergistic suppression of clonogenicity of U937 leukemic cells in combination with other cytokines tested in this study. These results suggest that IL-4 in combination with G-CSF may have some capacity to synergistically suppress human leukemic cells of specific types with loss of clonogenicity.

Transverse sliding of the median nerve beneath the flexor retinaculum

Transverse sliding of the median nerve beneath the flexor retinaculum during active-resistant flexion of the fingers was sonographically demonstrated. Although it is a physiological phenomenon, it may cause mechanical nerve deformation in addition to longitudinal sliding when the nerve is subject to compression against the flexor retinaculum by tensed overlying flexor tendons.

Different distribution of endothelin receptor subtypes in pulmonary tissues revealed by the novel selective ligands BQ-123 and [Ala1,3,11,15]ET-1

We have demonstrated the different distribution of two distinct endothelin (ET) receptor subtypes in porcine pulmonary tissues using a radioligand binding assay. The clear differentiation of the subtypes was made possible by the discovery of two compounds, BQ-123 and [Ala1,3,11,15]ET-1 (4AlaET-1), that are highly selective for ETA and ETB receptors, respectively. In the bronchus and lung parenchyma, BQ-123 inhibited 65% and 30% of [125I]ET-1 binding on the sensitive sites, while 4AlaET-1 displaced 25% and 60%, respectively. The combination of the two compounds completely inhibited ET-1 binding in both tissues. An autoradiographic study of [125I]ET-1 binding using BQ-123 and 4AlaET-1 also supported the different localization of two ET receptor subtypes in pulmonary tissues. In particular, the blood vessels and bronchi are rich in ETA, but the lung parenchyma is rich in ETB.

Alteration of cell-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan in tumor-bearing rats

Alteration of cell-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) under tumor-bearing conditions was evaluated using microsomal membranes prepared from the liver of ascites Tawa sarcoma-bearing and age-matched control rats. Cell-associated HSPGs have been fractionated into two populations displaying different modes of membrane association; one is a NaCl-soluble HSPG and the other is recovered only after detergent treatment of the membranes. The former is thought to represent HSPG from the peripheral membrane and the latter, HSPG from the intercalated membrane. We extracted the cell-associated HSPGs from liver microsomal membranes with a NaCl solution followed by a deoxycholate (DCA) solution. Both were isolated by gel filtration and cetylpyridinium chloride precipitation. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were isolated from the tumor cells and tumorous ascitic fluids by standard procedures. Using electrophoresis on a cellulose acetate membrane, it was confirmed that the cell-associated HSPGs contained no GAG chains other than HS, and that these HSPGs did not include PGs from tumor cells since hyaluronic acid predominates in tumor cells while chondroitin sulfate is present in ascitic fluids. The HSPG extracted with the DCA solution was markedly reduced under tumor-bearing conditions, with slight increase in the NaCl-soluble HSPG. The results suggests that this condition strongly influences the type of cell-associated HSPG related to the intracellular cytoskeleton.

Hereditary transmission of tetralogy of Fallot, cardiac hypertrophy, and anomalies of great vessels in WKY/NCrj rats

We examined 78 fetuses on d 21 of gestation (G21) and 83 neonates on d 2 after birth (A2), which were first generation offspring of WKY rats mated with normal Wistar rats (F1). In addition, we examined six groups of fetuses on d 19 of gestation (G19): 65 Wistar rats, 111 WKY rats, 85 F1, 100 F1 X F1, 92 F1 X Wistar, and 97 F1 X WKY progeny. In the F1 at G19, G21, and A2, there were abnormalities of the pulmonary valve, pulmonary outflow tract, architecture of muscle bundle, and pulmonary arterial branch, as well as hypoplastic ductus arteriosus and postnatal cardiac hypertrophy, similarly in males and females but at a lower incidence and to a lesser extent than in the WKY rats. Severe pulmonary valve dysplasia and ventricular septal defect with overriding of the aorta (tetralogy of Fallot), usually associated with a markedly small ductus, were not present or were very rare in the F1 and the F1 X Wistar but were present in the F1 X WKY and in the F1 X F1 less prevalently than in the WKY. The size of the ductus showed a continuous distribution in all of the six groups; there was a large skewing toward lower values in the WKY, the F1 X WKY, and the F1 X F1. These results suggest that cardiovascular anomalies of WKY rats are transmitted as autosomal recessive or incomplete autosomal dominant traits with an incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity or as polygenic traits. Chromosomal analysis of 31 WKY fetuses revealed no aberrations specifically related to the development of cardiovascular malformations.

Radial nerve entrapment by the lateral head of the triceps

A case of slowly progressive radial nerve entrapment of spontaneous onset is presented. Surgical exploration revealed compression of the radial nerve by a musculotendinous arch of the lateral head of the triceps. Relief of signs and symptoms did not ensue.

Two endothelin receptor subtypes in porcine arteries

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and ET-3 caused constrictions of endothelium-denuded porcine coronary artery strips with different concentration-response curves: a typical sigmoidal curve to ET-1 and a two-phase sigmoidal curve to ET-3. Binding assays using a membrane preparation demonstrated different Bmax values for [125I]ET-1 and [125I]ET-3 binding. In addition, [125I]ET-1 binding was inhibited by ET-1 and ET-3 with different potencies (ET-1 greater than ET-3), while [125I]ET-3 binding was inhibited by both ETs equally. From these results, two distinct ET receptor subtypes were proposed in the artery; site 1 (selective to ET-1) and site 2 (equally sensitive to both ETs). However, only site 1 was identified on cultured arterial smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by the binding assay, and this was confirmed since only ET-1 (not ET-3) caused a significant increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration. Therefore, it seems likely that vasoconstriction is mediated via the binding of ET-1 to site 1 (VSMCs) and site 2 (non-VSMCs), or the binding of ET-3 to site 2 (non-VSMCs). Furthermore, site 2 was predominant in nonvascular tissues such as lung, kidney, and cerebellum, thereby suggesting that site 1 may exist in limited tissues such as VSMCs.

Stimulation of rat liver growth by a 1,3-dithiole derivative, KZ-1026

The oral administration of 2-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione (KZ-1026) to normal rats at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day for 3 days accelerated liver enlargement in association with a dose-dependent increase in the total amounts of protein, RNA and DNA in the liver. The liver weight at 24 hr after the third dose of 200 mg/kg reached 174% of the control. With respect to the effect on liver enlargement, KZ-1026 differed from phenobarbital, since KZ-1026, unlike phenobarbital, increased hepatic DNA content without significant effects on P-450 and aminopyrine-N-demethylase. Incorporation of [3H]thymidine into liver DNA was stimulated by a single dose of KZ-1026 (200 mg/kg), and it peaked at 24 hr post dose (18 times the control), followed by an increase in the number of liver nuclei. Liver growth was also accompanied by an increasing hepatic reserve cell mass, expressed by the capacity of eliminating exogenous galactose from the blood stream. Pretreatment with KZ-1026 (200 mg/kg/day) for 3 days significantly improved the survival rate of subtotally hepatectomized rats from 39% to 78%. These findings indicate that KZ-1026 accelerates hepatocyte proliferation, resulting in an enhancement of liver functional mass in normal rats.

Production of l -Phenylalanine from trans -Cinnamic Acid with Rhodotorula glutinis Containing l -Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase Activity

An enzymatic method using l -phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.5) for the rapid conversion of trans -cinnamic acid to l -phenylalanine has been investigated. With Rhodotorula glutinis , enzyme activity as high as 0.3 U/ml of culture broth was obtained. The enzyme activity was kept stable for a relatively long time during cultivation by the addition of l -isoleucine. Optimization of the parameters of the conversion reaction resulted in accumulation of 18 mg of l -phenylalanine per ml of reaction mixture. The conversion yield from trans -cinnamic acid was about 70%. The method may provide a rapid and practical way to produce l -phenylalanine useful as an essential amino acid.