Inner segment ellipsoid band length is a prognostic factor in retinitis pigmentosa associated with EYS mutations: 5-year observation of retinal structure

PurposeTo evaluate whether the length of the inner segment ellipsoid (ISe) band can be used as a prognostic factor for disease course in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients with EYS mutations by observation over a period of 5 years.MethodsTwelve RP patients with EYS mutations were studied. The horizontal and vertical ISe length of the right eye was manually measured at five time points annually, using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. A regression line through the five points from baseline to the final measurement was drawn and the ratio of the length (%) at each point to the baseline length was calculated; the slope was defined as the rate of ISe shortening (%/year). The correlation between the rate of ISe shortening and age, visual acuity, and mean deviation (MD) value were evaluated. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the measurements was calculated.ResultsThe mean rate of ISe shortening was -4.65±2.89% per year and the decline was statistically significant. The rate of shortening was significantly negatively correlated with the baseline length (P=0.046, r=0.58), but not with the baseline age, visual acuity, and MD value. The ICC (2, 1) was 0.999.ConclusionsISe of all RP patients with EYS mutations shortened during the 5 years of annual observation. The measurement of the length of ISe is a simple and convenient method with high repeatability, and the length is a sensitive prognostic factor for the rate of ISe shortening in RP patients with EYS mutations.

Remnant-like lipoprotein particles as risk factors for coronary artery disease in elderly patients

Although remnant-like lipoprotein particles (RLPs) are known to be atherogenic, the relationship between serum RLP-cholesterol (RLP-C) level and coronary artery disease (CAD) has not as yet been evaluated. This clinical study was aimed at investigating the pathological significance of serum RLP-C among several coronary risk factors with a clear focus on elderly patients. We took fasting venous blood samples to determine lipid profiles including RLP-C from 188 patients with angiographically identified CAD and 68 control patients. Overall analysis showed that the RLP-C/HDL-C ratio was higher in both single-vessel CAD group (n = 67; p < 0.01) and multi-vessel CAD group (n = 121; p < 0.001) compared to controls. Further, multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the diabetes, HDL-C and the RLP-C/HDL-C ratio could discriminate CAD patients from controls. In patients younger than 65 years, diabetes, HDL-C, LDL-C and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio as well as the RLP-C/HDL-C ratio could discriminate CAD. In patients 65 aged years or older, however, diabetes, triglyceride and RLP-C as well as the RLP-C/HDL-C ratio could discriminate CAD, whereas LDL-C and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could not. These results led us to believe that the contribution of a given risk factor to the development of CAD in elderly patients may be different from that in younger patients. In elderly patients, RLP-C rather than LDL-C was strongly associated with the development of CAD. Accordingly, serum RLP-C levels may serve as a convenient and reliable index for assessing CAD.

Acute myocardial infarction associated with myocardial bridge and coronary artery vasospasm

A 65-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Emergency coronary angiography showed no significant organic lesions, but a myocardial bridge was found at the mid-left anterior descending artery An acetylcholine provocation test revealed 90% spastic stenosis just proximal to the myocardial bridge. His acute MI could have been caused by both a coronary spasm and the myocardial bridge.

Cardiac pacing as emergency care for serious bradyarrhythmia with circulatory shock

Three cases of bradyarrhythmia with serious illness of extracardiac organs are reported. Case 1 had sick sinus syndrome. He was admitted to our hospital complaining of syncope and developed apnea. Case 2 had complete atrioventricular block and serious hepatic failure in the hospital. Case 3 had paroxysmal atrioventricular block. He complained of syncope which followed convulsions. Their symptoms might be due to circulatory shock caused by a lazy lower pacemaker from the ventricle. Emergent temporary pacing successfully improved the extracardiac organ dysfunction. Although their bradyarrhythmias were transient, permanent pacemakers were implanted to inhibit the recurrence. A quick temporary pacing should be indicated in patients with critical bradyarrhythmia like our cases for survival.

Significance of platelet aggregability immediately after blood sampling and effect of cigarette smoking

A novel type platelet aggregometer, a WBA Analyzer, has enabled us to obtain the platelet aggregability data immediately after blood sampling, which is considered to closely reflect in vivo platelet function. Using this analyzer, we measured the platelet aggregatory threshold index (PATI) 5 min after blood sampling and compared it with that 60 min after blood sampling in 20 healthy male volunteers (10 smokers and 10 non-smokers). In the non-smokers, PATI was 10.3+/-2.3 microM 5 min after blood sampling, and it decreased to 4.7+/-1.5 (P<0.001) 60 min after blood sampling. In the smokers, the PATI was 7.7+/-2.9 microM 5 min after blood sampling, and it decreased to 3.8+/-1.5 (P<0.001) at 60 min after blood sampling. In the smokers, the PATI 5 min after blood sampling increased after a 4-week cessation of smoking (10.4+/-2.9, P<0.01), although the PATI 60 min after blood sampling did not change (4.2+/-1.6 microM). The measurement of platelet aggregability immediately after blood sampling using a WBA Analyser may be useful to evaluate not only platelet function in various thrombotic disorders, but also the effects of various anti-platelet drugs. Cessation of smoking should also be encouraged in the light of the adverse effects on platelet function.

Unusual coronary artery aneurysm and acute myocardial infarction in a middle-aged man with systemic lupus erythematosus

A 55-year-old man developed acute myocardial infarction (AMI) related to a large coronary artery aneurysm and a distal coronary stenotic lesion after steroid therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Only 13 SLE patients with AMI caused by coronary artery aneurysms have been reported, 11 of whom were young or middle-aged women and the 2 remaining were young men. This is the first report of a middle-aged man with multiple coronary lesions.

Antibody against oxidized low density lipoprotein may predict progression or regression of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate whether an antibody against oxidized low density lipoprotein (anti-Ox-LDL) could predict short-term coronary artery atherosclerotic lesion progression.

BACKGROUND

It is still controversial whether higher levels of the anti-Ox-LDL titer are associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.

METHODS

In 52 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty and six-month follow-up angiography, we performed quantitative coronary angiographic analysis of a lesion on a branch away from the intervention site vessel and assessed lesion progression or regression using the Progression-Regression score calculated as the baseline minimal lumen diameter minus the follow-up minimal lumen diameter. The serum anti-Ox-LDL titer was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method just before the initial angiography in all patients.

RESULTS

The anti-Ox-LDL titer was 16.6+/-1.5 AcU/ml in the progression group (Progression-Regression score >0.15 mm; n = 20), which was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the value of 9.5+/-1.2 in the regression group (< or =-0.15 mm; n = 14) and also higher (p < 0.01) than the value of 11.4+/-1.3 in the no-change group (-0.15 to 0.15 mm; n = 18). The Progression-Regression score was correlated with the antibody titer in all patients (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that the Progression-Regression score was independently correlated with the antibody titer (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) as well as lipoprotein (a) (r = 0.33, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-Ox-LDL may be an independent predictor of coronary atherosclerotic lesion progression in the short term.

Clinical significance of antibody against oxidized low density lipoprotein in patients with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to establish the clinical significance of antibodies against oxidized low density lipoprotein (anti-Ox-LDL) titer in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD).

BACKGROUND

Oxidative modification of LDL, which plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, induces immunogenic epitopes in the LDL molecule, and the presence of anti-Ox-LDL has been demonstrated in human sera.

METHODS

Anti-Ox-LDL titer was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 108 patients who had angiographically verified CAD, and 31 patients who had chest pain but no significant CAD, as controls.

RESULTS

The anti-Ox-LDL titer was higher (p < 0.01) in patients with multivessel CAD (19.4 +/- 10.1 AcU/ml, n = 68) than in the controls (9.8 +/- 4.1). However, no significant difference was shown between the single-vessel CAD group (15.1 +/- 6.4, n = 40) and the controls, or between the multivessel CAD group and the single-vessel CAD group. The titer was higher in patients with unstable angina (21.5 +/- 11.8 AcU/ml, n = 20, p < 0.01), or in patients with acute myocardial infarction (23.1 +/- 12.0, n = 20, p < 0.01) than in patients with stable-effort angina or old myocardial infarction (12.2 +/- 8.6, n = 68). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the anti-Ox-LDL titer most powerfully discriminated CAD patients from controls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.33, p = 0.0006) and acute coronary syndrome from chronic CAD (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.14, p = 0.0008).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum anti-Ox-LDL titer not only can predict a presence of atherosclerotic CAD but also may be a marker of plaque instability. Low density lipoprotein oxidation may play an important role in the development of plaque instability.

Immunological response to oxidized LDL occurs in association with oxidative DNA damage independently of serum LDL concentrations in dyslipidemic patients

Oxidative modification of LDL induces immunogenic epitopes in the LDL molecule, and the presence of antibodies against oxidized LDL (anti-Ox-LDL) has been demonstrated in human sera. However, little is known about the clinical significance of anti-Ox-LDL. To elucidate a clinical relationship between the immunological response to oxidized LDL and cellular oxidative stress, we measured serum titers of anti-Ox-LDL in 45 unselected patients with hypercholesterolemia and serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), considered a biomarker of the oxidative damage to DNA. The anti-Ox-LDL titer was not correlated with the serum LDL-C concentration, but was correlated with the 8-OHdG concentration (r = 0.300, P < 0.05) in a simple linear regression. Multiple regression analysis indicated that 8-OHdG was independently correlated with anti-Ox-LDL (r = 0.429, P < 0.05), but no other variables, including LDL-C concentrations and smoking habit, were correlated with anti-Ox-LDL. In 16 subgroup patients, the concentrations of TC, TG and LDL-C decreased and the HDL-C concentration increased after cholesterol-lowering therapy with fluvastatin. In addition, both the anti-Ox LDL titer (14.0 +/- 9.5 to 11.4 +/- 6.6 AcU/ml, P < 0.05) and the 8-OHdG concentration (1.19 +/- 0.41 to 0.85 +/- 0.43 ng/ml, P < 0.05) also decreased after fluvastatin therapy. The immunological response to LDL oxidation on vascular wall tissues or cells appear to occur in association with oxidative DNA damage. The measurement of anti-Ox-LDL may be a useful indicator for lipid-lowering therapy.

Serum prostaglandin D synthase level after coronary angioplasty may predict occurrence of restenosis

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), which is responsible for the biosynthesis of PGD2, has recently been found to be present in the atherosclerotic plaque of the human coronary artery and also to be secreted in human serum. We measured the serum L-PGDS level and compared it with the expressions of the platelet membrane surface glycoprotein and neutrophil adhesion molecule in patients undergoing PTCA. The L-PGDS level significantly decreased (P < 0.01) and the platelet surface expression of CD62P (P-selectin) significantly increased (P < 0.01) immediately after PTCA in the coronary sinus blood. Both changes were inversely correlated (R = -0.72, P < 0.001). Although the L-PGDS level in the coronary sinus blood remained equivalent to the baseline level in patients who experienced restenosis, the level increased over the baseline level (P < 0.01) at 48 h after PTCA in patients without restenosis. Neutrophil surface expression of CD11b (alpha subunit of Mac-1) significantly increased at 24 h (P < 0.01) to 48 h (P < 0.001) after PTCA in the coronary sinus blood in patients with restenosis but the change showed less significant in patients without restenosis. The changes in the L-PGDS level and the CD11b expression at 48 h after PTCA were inversely correlated (R = -0.55, P < 0.05). An increased serum L-PGDS level at 48 h after PTCA possibly predicts the avoidance of late restenosis. It is suggested that reduction in PGD2 synthesis triggers platelet activation and that a subsequent increase in the PGD2 synthesis suppresses inflammatory reaction at the intervention site indicated by neutrophil activation and inhibits development of restenosis. Pharmacological or biological intervention that increases endogenous PGD2 synthesis should be tested as a new strategy to prevent restenosis.

Comparison of activation process of platelets and neutrophils after coronary stent implantation versus balloon angioplasty for stable angina pectoris

The pathophysiologic features of stent-induced cellular responses of platelets and leukocytes have not been established. This study was designed to clinically investigate the activation of platelets and neutrophils after coronary stenting and to identify its effects on the long-term results of coronary stents. Forty-eight consecutive patients with left anterior descending coronary artery disease indicating coronary intervention were randomly assigned to either a balloon angioplasty group or a coronary stent group. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the transcardiac gradient (the value of coronary sinus blood minus the value of peripheral blood) of platelet surface expression of CD62P (p < 0.001) and CD63 (p < 0.01) increased immediately after coronary stenting, but increased less significantly immediately after balloon angioplasty (CD62P, p < 0.01; CD63, p < 0.05). These increases were persistently observed after coronary stenting but transiently after balloon angioplasty alone during a 48-hour observation period after the procedures. The gradient for neutrophil surface expression of CD11b increased, and that of CD62 L decreased 48 hours after coronary stenting (CD11b, p < 0.001; CD62 L, p < 0.05), but these changes showed less significance 48 hours after balloon angioplasty alone (CD11b, p < 0.05; CD62 L, p = NS). The gradients 48 hours after the procedures for both CD62P (r = 0.39, p < 0.05) and CD11b (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) were independently correlated with the late loss in the stent group, whereas the correlation was seen only for CD11b (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) in the balloon angioplasty group. Both platelet and neutrophil activation was greater after coronary stenting than after balloon angioplasty. Cellular interactions between platelets and neutrophils may be related to the progression of neointimal proliferation leading to restenosis after coronary stent implantation.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy following transbrachial cardiac catheterization

We experienced a rare case of complication by reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) following transbrachial cardiac catheterization which may have been caused by poorly executed hemostasis using a hemostatic device. The symptoms of RSD markedly limited the patientOs daily work activities. Although the transbrachial approach is a useful procedure for cardiac catheterization, interventionalists should be aware that RSD may cause serious complications.

Insulin resistance affects endothelium-dependent acetylcholine-induced coronary artery response

AIMS

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and the acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent coronary artery response in patients without angiographically significant atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and to elucidate the pathophysiological significance of insulin resistance in the early stages of coronary atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Insulin resistance was calculated from fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentration using homeostasis model assessment in 40 patients suspected of having ischaemic heart disease, but without angiographic evidence of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease defined as a discrete stenosis or intimal irregularity. They were selected for an acetylcholine provocation test in both left and right coronary arteries. The homeostasis model assessment level was higher in 16 acetylcholine-positive patients than in 24 acetylcholine-negative patients (1.84+/-1.24 vs 0.72+/-0.62, P<0.01). Comparisons of the percentage change in vessel lumen diameter after the acetylcholine test in each of proximal, mid and distal segments of three coronary arteries among the three groups of low (less than 0.7; n=13), intermediate (0.7 to 1.4; n=13), and high homeostasis model assessment level (more than 1.4; n=14) revealed that a higher level resulted in a worse acetylcholine-induced constrictive response in coronary arteries.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that there is an association between high insulin resistance and coronary vascular endothelial cell dysfunction, and that insulin resistance may be an indicator of early stage coronary artery atherosclerosis not detectable by angiography.

Idiopathic adrenal hemorrhage

A case of idiopathic adrenal hemorrhage is reported. A 76-year-old woman exhibited a left adrenal tumor, 3 cm in diameter, on abdominal computed tomography. The patient was receiving aspirin medication for atrial fibrillation. There was no evidence of increased adrenal hormones. The mass enlarged to 6 cm in diameter within 18 months, and malignancy was suspected. The mass was diagnosed as adrenal hematoma by operative findings.

Serum N-acetyl-beta-D-gulucosaminidase activity increases in association with insulin resistance in patients with coronary artery disease

N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) is released from lysosomes, but the clinical significance of its serum activity in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease has not been well understood. We measured serum NAG activity by a colorimetric method in consecutive 168 patients suspected of having coronary artery disease who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between the activity and severity of coronary artery disease, as well as various coronary risk factors. Serum NAG activity was higher in the multi-vessel disease group than in the no stenotic lesion group (9.2+/-2.3 vs. 7.8+/-1.8 U/l, P<0.01) and in the single-vessel disease group (vs. 8.2+/-2.2 U/l, P<0.05). In all patients, Gensini score was closely correlated with the serum NAG activity (r = 0.39, P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that serum NAG activity was correlated with plasma insulin level (r = 0.49, P<0.01), but not correlated with other coronary risk factors. In 126 patients without apparent diabetes mellitus, serum NAG was also correlated with plasma insulin level (r = 0.37, P<0.01) and additionally with insulin resistanc determined by homeostasis model assessment (r = 0.47, P<0.01). Our results suggested that serum NAG activity correlates with the severity of coronary artery disease in relation to plasma insulin level and insulin resistance, and thus can be an indicator of coronary artery disease based upon abnormalities of glucose metabolism.

Correlation between interventricular septal motion and left ventricular systolic-diastolic function in patients with left bundle branch block

The echocardiographic correlation between abnormal interventricular septal motion including systolic paradoxical, flat motion and early diastolic notch and ejection fraction, mean ventricular circumferential fiber shortening and early diastolic mitral filling velocity was studied in 46 patients with complete left bundle branch block. Systolic normal interventricular septal motion was used as the control. Ejection fraction was significantly smaller in the paradoxical(0.44 +/- 0.13, p < 0.02) and flat motion groups(0.38 +/- 0.09, p < 0.001) than in the normal group(0.54 +/- 0.1). Mean ventricular circumferential fiber shortening was significantly smaller in the flat motion group than in the normal group(0.72 +/- 0.19 vs 0.99 +/- 0.23 circ/sec, p < 0.002). The size of the notch was significantly smaller in the flat motion group than in the normal group (2.3 +/- 0.2 vs 4.8 +/- 0.8 mm, p < 0.0001). The deceleration rate of the notch was significantly slower in the paradoxical and flat motion groups than in the normal group(37.3 +/- 12.2, 31.3 +/- 8.1 vs 69.1 +/- 2.5 cm/sec, p < 0.0001). Early diastolic mitral filling velocity was slower in the flat motion group than in the other 2 groups. In conclusion, systolic flat interventricular septal motion showed more severe disturbances of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function than paradoxical interventricular septal motion in patients with complete left bundle branch block.

Brugada syndrome characterized by the appearance of J waves

We describe a patient with Brugada syndrome. The ST-segment elevation in precordial leads was revealed during admission, but the appearance of J waves was characteristic before ventricular fibrillation (VF), rather than ST-segment elevation. J waves have been reported to be associated with the presence of an Ito-mediated prominent action potential notch in the epicardium. It is considered that one of the mechanisms of this VF is due to heterogeneous distribution of the refractory period according to changes in K+ channels including Ito.

Air embolism in the right coronary artery occurring during the left coronary angioplasty using the guiding catheter with a side hole

Coronary air embolism is one of the inadvertent complications of coronary angioplasty. We report two rare cases of complicating air embolism in the right coronary artery occurring during control left coronary angiography using a guiding catheter with a side hole, just prior to a coronary intervention procedure for a left coronary artery lesion. The air seemed to be injected into the right coronary artery through the side hole. When we use an angiographic or guiding catheter with a side hole, we should be aware that an air embolism can occur in the contralateral coronary artery and should carefully and repeatedly perform aspiration of the catheter.

Direct discrimination and full-day disclosure of ventricular parasystole on new heart rate tachograms

INTRODUCTION

To discriminate ventricular parasystole from fixed coupling interval ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), we developed a new diagnostic method using a dot distribution pattern corresponding to VPCs recorded on a heart rate tachogram using ambulatory ECG monitoring data. We tested our hypothesis that widely scattered VPC dots on instantaneous heart rate tachograms indicate a constant VPC-VPC interval compatible with parasystole.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with frequent VPCs > 5,000/day) were divided into two groups depending on the tachogram dot distribution patterns: group S (n = 10, aged 61 +/- 16 years) showed widely scattered VPC dot distribution, whereas group F (n = 10, 60 +/- 17 years) showed fixed VPC dot distribution limited to a narrow zone. Using digitized R-R interval data, full-day heart rate tachograms and VPC-VPC intervals were depicted simultaneously. Group S demonstrated constant basic VPC-VPC intervals (1,285 to 2,052 msec, mean 1,738 +/- 219), with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.061 +/- 0.018. Their VPC coupling intervals were markedly variable (651 +/- 113 msec; CV = 0.193 +/- 0.034). Each patient's basic VPC-VPC intervals showed small diurnal alterations (minimum -13% +/- 3% to maximum +15% +/- 6%). VPC-VPC intervals in group F were not constant and showed marked variation. Group F VPC coupling intervals were shorter and constant (480 +/- 30 msec, P = 0.0002; with CV = 0.076 +/- 0.013, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Ventricular parasystole with constant VPC-VPC intervals consistently became evident based on VPC dot patterns recorded on heart rate tachograms.

Serum levels of circulating adhesion molecules after coronary angioplasty

The activation of platelets, leukocytes, and vascular endothelial cells mediated by cell adhesion molecules may play a role in the mechanism of restenosis, which is still a significant complication after coronary angioplasty. We observed serial changes in the circulating soluble forms of adhesion molecules in 25 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent coronary angioplasty for a single lesion of the left anterior descending artery. Serum levels of sICAM-1 (p < 0.05) and sP-selectin (p < 0.05) were significantly increased immediately after angioplasty in the coronary sinus blood samples. These increases continued during the 48-hour observation period, and the maximum increase was seen 48 h after angioplasty for sICAM-1 (p < 0.01) and 24 h after angioplasty for sP-selectin (p < 0. 01). The level of sL-selectin increased 24 h (p < 0.01) and 48 h (p < 0.001) after angioplasty. These changes were not observed in the peripheral blood samples. The sE-selectin level did not change after angioplasty. A multiple regression analysis showed that the late loss index obtained from quantitative angiographic (QCA) analysis was correlated with the changes in sICAM-1 (r = 0.31, p < 0.05), sL-selectin (r = 0.28, p < 0.05), and sP-selectin (r = 0.26, p < 0. 05) 48 h after angioplasty in the coronary sinus blood samples, but was not correlated with procedural variables, other QCA variables, or the change in the sL-selectin level. The measurements of these adhesion molecule levels may help to evaluate traumatic vessel wall injury and inflammation at the intervention site after coronary angioplasty.

[A ruptured aneurysm of the anterior and posterior inferior cerebellar artery: a case report]

We report a case of an anterior and posterior-inferior cerebellar artery (AICA-PICA) aneurysm. The patient was a 62-year-old woman who suffered from sudden onset of severe headache and nuchalgia. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the ambient cistern and blood clots in the 3rd and 4th ventricles. Vertebral angiography demonstrated an aneurysm located at the distal segment of the left AICA-PICA. Three demensional CT scan was very useful for the decision concerning surgical strategy. The patient underwent bilateral occipital craniectomy and the aneurysm was clipped successfully via the midline suboccipital approach. Her postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative angiography showed successful clipping of the aneurysm. Distal AICA-PICA aneurysm is a very rare disease and only one case has been reported in the literature. The clinical features, CT findings, and surgical approach of distal AICA-PICA aneurysms are briefly discussed while reviewing the literature.

Secondary prevention with lipid lowering therapy in familial hypercholesterolemia: a correlation between new evolution of stenotic lesion and achieved cholesterol levels after revascularization procedures

OBJECT

To assess the value of secondary prevention with lipid lowering therapy following either balloon angioplasty (PTCA) or bypass surgery (CABG) in familial hypercholesterolemia patients, the correlation of the new evolution of stenotic lesions and therapeutically achieved cholesterol levels was studied in 50 patients.

METHODS

All surviving patients were followed angiographically after 5 years, and findings were correlated with the annually determined total serum cholesterol (TC) levels.

RESULTS

New coronary atherosclerotic plaques were not observed in 18 patients in whom the TC was controlled to <220 mg/dl but in 19 of 32 patients in whom the TC was >220 mg/dl, a new evolution of stenotic lesions was observed angiographically.

CONCLUSION

The new evolution of stenotic lesions following revascularization in patients with FH can be controlled significantly by lipid lowering therapy to maintain a TC level of <220 mg/dl, and if diet alone can not achieve it, aggressive medication and even LDL apheresis might be justified.

Cyclic bursts of ventricular premature contractions of more than one minute intervals

Ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) occasionally appear successively in the form of bigeminy, trigeminy or quadrigeminy associated with quiescent periods. However, details of these rhythmic VPC bursts have not been well documented. We analyzed the incidence, periodicity and interval of VPC bursts exhibiting bigeminy or trigeminy using ambulatory ECG monitoring and computer analysis. We defined VPC bursts as more than 5 successive groups of VPCs each containing more than 20 VPCs in the form of bigeminy or trigeminy that were interrupted by normal sinus rhythm lasting for more than 60 seconds. Bursts thus defined were observed transiently or continuously in 78 out of 500 consecutive patients showing > 3000 VPCs a day. Their age ranged from 14 to 76 years (mean 48). Forty patients were men and 38 were women. We could discriminate between two types of bursts on the instantaneous heart rate tachograms. Dome type bursts (n = 48) showed gradual shortening of the VPC coupling intervals whereas horizontal type bursts (n = 30) demonstrated fixed coupling intervals during the bursts. Cycle length of the dome type burst was 185 +/- 40 seconds and regular, whereas it was 210 +/- 63 seconds and irregular in the horizontal type (NS). Duration of the VPC bursts was 101 +/- 31 seconds in the dome type and 98 +/- 41 seconds in the horizontal type. Both burst types were associated with transient increases in sinus rate and abbreviated VPC-VPC intervals. We suspect ventricular parasystole to be the mechanism of these bursts especially in the dome type. Recognition of these two burst types from heart rate tachograms may be of value in the suppression of VPCs.

[Evaluation of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty using a Doppler index, the Tei index]

Cardiac function and restenosis were evaluated after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) using a Doppler index (the Tei index). Thirty-eight patients, 31 men and 7 women (mean age 57 years) with ischemic heart disease were studied. The underlying heart diseases were angina pectoris without left ventricular asynergy in 16 patients and old myocardial infarction (OMI) with left ventricular asynergy in 22 . Ejection fraction was measured by M-mode echocardiography and deceleration time, and the interval between cessation and onset of the mitral inflow velocity (a), ejection time at aortic valve (b), and the Tei index [(a-b)/b] were measured by M-mode echocardiography performed before and 6 months after PTCA. The ejection fraction, deceleration time and Tei index showed no changes after PTCA in patients with angina pectoris with or without restenosis. In patients with OMI with restenosis, the Tei index increased slightly after PTCA, from 0.56 +/- 0.15 to 0.61 +/- 0.13. The deceleration time changed from 0.23 +/- 0.03 to 0.24 +/- 0.02 msec, and the ejection fraction from 0.46 +/- 0.11 to 0.51 +/- 0.17, neither significantly. However, in patients with OMI without restenosis (15 out of 22 patients), the Tei index significantly improved after PTCA, from 0.55 +/- 0.13 to 0.48 +/- 0.12 (p < 0.05). In patients with left ventricular asynergy due to old myocardial infarction, without restenosis, the Tei index significantly improved after PTCA. The Tei index is useful for evaluating restenosis after PTCA in patients with OMI.

Inhibition of P-selectin attenuates neutrophil-mediated myocardial dysfunction in isolated rat heart

The expression of P-selectin on postischemic endothelium after reperfusion has been shown to trigger neutrophil attachment and the subsequent inflammatory responses. Extensive studies have demonstrated that P-selectin is involved in the progression of neutrophil-mediated myocardial infarction and no-reflow phenomenon. In the present study, we examined the effects of selectin inhibitors, sialyl Lewis X-oligosaccharide and anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody, PB1.3 on neutrophil-dependent left ventricular dysfunction in isolated rat heart. The hearts were subjected to global ischemia for 20 min and then reperfused for 45 min with rat plasma in the presence of human neutrophils during the first 5 min of the reperfusion. Left ventricular developed pressure and other parameters of the left ventricular function deteriorated throughout the reperfusion period in a neutrophil-dependent manner. In contrast, the coronary flow was reduced early on (< 15 min) but recovered to the level in the hearts reperfused with no neutrophils 45 min after the reperfusion. We examined the effects of selectin inhibitors under experimental conditions in which the hearts were perfused with 30 million neutrophils. The treatment with sialyl Lewis X-oligosaccharide at a dose of 0.3 mg/min resulted in amelioration of left ventricular developed pressure to 57.2 +/- 14%, compared to 26.1 +/- 4.3% in the saline-treated group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the treatment with mouse anti-human P-selectin monoclonal antibody (IgG1) PB1.3 at a dose of 0.6 mg/min resulted in the prominent recovery of left ventricular developed pressure after 45 min of reperfusion (59.9 +/- 9.3% vs. 26.1 +/- 4.3% in the saline-treated group, P < 0.05). PB1.3 also attenuated the elevation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure compared to that of the saline-treated group during the reperfusion period. Moreover, the treatment with PB1.3 ameliorated the recovery of coronary flow until 10 min after the reperfusion and the recovery of coronary flow 10 min after the reperfusion was 55.2 +/- 9.2%, as compared to 28.2 +/- 7.7% in saline-treated hearts (P < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first direct demonstration that the specific inhibition of P-selectin results in the inhibition of neutrophil-mediated left ventricular dysfunction or myocardial stunning.

Cilostazol inhibits the expression of activation-dependent membrane surface glycoprotein on the surface of platelets stimulated in vitro

Cilostazol is a newly developed antiplatelet drug that has been widely applied for clinical use. Its antiplatelet action appears to be mainly related to inhibition of intracellular phosphodiesterase activity. Our study was designed to investigate inhibitory effects of cilostazol on the expression of activation-dependent platelet membrane surface glycoproteins. We performed flow cytometric analysis using monoclonal antibodies, PAC-1 (antibody against activation dependent epitope of GPIIb/IIIa), anti-CD62P (P-selectin), and anti-CD63. In vitro ADP stimulation of platelets taken from seven healthy volunteers produced significant increases in the mean channel fluorescence intensities (MFI) for PAC-1 (148% increase) and CD62P (43% increase) but did not increase in that for CD63. The enhanced MFI for CD62P was suppressed to the control level by pretreatment with 1 microM (88% suppression), 3 microM (94% suppression), and 10 microM (95% suppression) of cilostazol. However, that of PAC-1 was suppressed to a lesser degree (12, 16, and 21% suppressions, respectively). Cilostazol may inhibit P-selectin release from alpha-granule, rather than activation-dependent conformational change of GPIIb/IIIa in platelets. Cilostazol inhibits cellular interaction among platelets, leukocytes, and vascular endothelial cells mediated by P-selectin.

Enhancement of short wing formation and ovarian growth in the genetically defined macropterous strain of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

When JH II, III or methoprene was applied in the nymphal stages to two different strains of the brown planthopper which were selected to produce long (macropterous) or short (brachypterous) wing forms, no effect was observed on the molting profile or metamorphosis. Brachypterization of a majority of the presumptive macropters was, however, observed by application of these chemicals, although there was no effect on wing form in the presumptive brachypters. The results show that the sensitive periods for the brachypterization of the presumptive macropters falls between early antepenultimate instar and within 1 or 2days of the penultimate instar, and that the chemicals were effective, in the following order of potency: methoprene>JH III>JH II. Ovarian growth was greatly enhanced in the presumptive macropters when JH III or methoprene was applied twice, within 12h of the 3rd or 4th nymphal instar and 6h before adult emergence. JH II on the other hand had no effect on ovarian growth when applied to the presumptive macropters at any of the nymphal stages. None of the chemicals had any effect on ovarian growth in the presumptive brachypters.

Six-year survival of unoperated ventricular septal rupture following myocardial infarction

We present the case of a patient who survived for 6 years without surgical repair of a ventricular septal rupture that followed an acute myocardial infarction. To the best of our knowledge, only 3 other cases have been reported in which the patient survived for more than 5 years.

Impaired endothelium-dependent acetylcholine-induced coronary artery relaxation in patients with high serum remnant lipoprotein particles

Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced vascular relaxation is mediated by nitric oxide released from the endothelium. Hence, impaired Ach-induced relaxation reflects endothelial dysfunction. The action of lipoprotein lipase on chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins produces remnant lipoproteins (RLP) rich in triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (C) and apolipoprotein E (apo E). Apo E on RLP serves as a ligand for uptake of RLP by macrophages, endothelial cells and other cells expressing the LDL receptor or the remnant receptor; uptake of RLP by vascular wall cells can promote atherosclerosis. Serum C, TG, Lp(a), apo E, apo A-I, apo B, HDL-C and RLP-C were measured in 652 patients who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. Of these, 48 (32 males and 16 females, age 59 +/- 10 years) were suspected of having ischaemic heart disease because they had chest pain, but without angiographic evidence of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease defined as a discrete stenosis or intimal irregularity, and without any other known underlying heart disease. These were selected for acetylcholine provocation test in the left coronary artery. Nineteen of 48 patients had high RLP-C ( > or = 5 mg/dl, mean 8.7 +/- 3.1 mg/dl), 29 had normal RLP-C ( < or = 5 mg/dl, mean 2.4 +/- 0.4 mg/dl, P < 0.0001). The percent change (-, constriction, or +, dilation) in coronary artery diameter after intracoronary injection of Ach was smaller in the high RLP-C group, compared with the normal RLP-C group thus, in the left anterior descending artery, -33 +/- 23 vs -8 +/- 25 in the proximal segment (P <0.01), -30 +/- 37 vs -3 +/- 29 in the mid segment (P < 0.01), -17 +/- 47 vs 16 +/- 43 in the distal segment (P < 0.001); in the left circumflex artery, -29 +/- 46 vs -9 +/- 28 in the proximal segment (P < 0.01), -29 +/- 43 vs -5 +/- 34 in the mid segment (P < 0.01), -26 +/- 43 vs 10 +/- 31 in the distal segment (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in other lipid levels. These results suggest that there is an association between high serum RLP-C and coronary vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and that RLP-C may be taken as a marker of early stage coronary artery atherosclerosis not detectable by angiography.

[Echocardiographic observation of appearance and progression of mitral annular calcification in a patient with familial obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

A 37-year-old man with familial hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) developed mitral annular calcification (MAC) during the follow-up period. At the age of 23 years, a systolic murmur and electrocardiographic abnormality including giant T wave inversion were detected incidentally. His elder brother also had HOCM. Catheterization disclosed a left ventricular outflow pressure gradient of 25 mmHg and thickened interventricular septum. Echocardiography showed asymmetric septal hypertrophy and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. The patient was followed up by repeated echocardiography from age 37 years and the onset of MAC (2 mm in thickness) was found at age 48 years. One year later, the MAC had progressed markedly (5 mm) without other remarkable changes in the M-mode echocardiogram, except mitral regurgitation (at age 41 years), left ventricular apical as well as posterior wall hypertrophy (age 43 years) and left atrial enlargement (age 46 years). The left ventricular inflow velocity at the atrial contraction period decreased significantly concomitantly with MAC. MAC is a rare complication in young and middle aged patients. The onset and progression of MAC is still obscure in HOCM. This patient showed that sudden onset and rapid progression of MAC can occur in young patients with HOCM.

Carbamazepine-induced sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular block in elderly women

We report on four elderly women in whom carbamazepine was suspected of inducing sinus node dysfunction (3 patients) and atrioventricular block (1 patient). Patients were treated with carbamazepine, 200 to 600 mg a day, for trigeminal neuralgia (n = 3) or epilepsy (n = 1). After 1 to 16 months of carbamazepine therapy, these patients were admitted to our emergency room because of bradyarrhythmia. Their conduction disturbances on electrocardiographic monitoring disappeared immediately after the cessation of carbamazepine intake. Provocation tests were performed on three patients. Because of renal insufficiency, one patient could not undergo the provocation test. Her carbamazepine clearance was markedly decreased. Carbamazepine induced sinus arrest in two patients within 48 hours after intake, but did not induce atrioventricular block in the remaining patient. In two patients, computer simulation of carbamazepine pharmacokinetics was performed and disclosed a clear-cut relationship between the plasma concentration of carbamazepine and the frequency of sinus arrest. During the test, the maximum plasma carbamazepine concentration in these two patients did not exceed the therapeutic range. However, it did exceed the range in the one with a negative test. Our results suggest that careful monitoring of ECG and plasma drug concentration is required with carbamazepine therapy, especially in elderly women.

Lower expression of neutrophil adhesion molecule indicates less vessel wall injury and might explain lower restenosis rate after cutting balloon angioplasty

BACKGROUND

The Cutting Balloon is a novel dilatation catheter for coronary angioplasty (InterVentional Technologies Inc). It produces longitudinal, microsurgical incisions in the vessel wall before the actual dilatation. It is assumed that these controlled surgical incisions relieve hoop stress and reduce vessel wall injury and eventually restenosis. However, no clinical indicator to support the theory of reduced injury has been described. Certain clusters of differentiation (eg, CD11, CD18 on the leukocytes) are implicated in leukocyte adhesion, increased permeability, and opsonization. Therefore, they might serve as clinical indicators of the injury level of the vessels after angioplasty.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We randomly selected 64 patients with isolated left anterior descending coronary artery disease for either Cutting Balloon angioplasty or conventional balloon angioplasty. The expression of CD18 and CD11b on the surface of neutrophils was determined by flow cytometric analysis. Serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were also measured. The expression of both the CD18 and CD11b in the coronary sinus blood gradually increased and reached its maximum at 48 hours after angioplasty. The sICAM-1 levels in the coronary sinus serum also increased after angioplasty. Percentage increases of CD18 and CD11b expression and the increase of the sICAM-1 levels at 48 hours after angioplasty (as ratios to baseline values before angioplasty) were less in the Cutting Balloon angioplasty group than in the conventional balloon angioplasty group (CD18, 1.10+/-0.05 versus 1.31+/-0.05, P<0.05; CD11b, 1.23+/-0.06 versus 1.72+/-0.10, P<0.001; sICAM-1, 1.12+/-0.05 versus 1.25+/-0.02, P<0.05). In all patients, the late lumen loss at follow-up angiogram positively correlated with the increased levels of CD11b (R=0.59, P<0.001) and sICAM-1 (R=0.38, P<0.05) at 48 hours after angioplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon angioplasty upregulated Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) on the surface of the neutrophils and increased sICAM-1 levels in association with late loss increase. These changes were significantly smaller in the Cutting Balloon angioplasty group than in the conventional balloon angioplasty group. This suggests that Cutting Balloon angioplasty may produce less vessel wall injury and, consequently, less neutrophil activation, which may account for the lower rate of restenosis.

Increased plasma P-selectin induced by intravenous administration of endotoxin in rats

We developed a competitive enzyme immunoassay for detection of rat P-selectin and examined temporal changes of plasma P-selectin levels in an endotoxin-induced injury model in rats. Soluble P-selectin was detected in rat plasma after intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and increased to a maximum level of five-fold over baseline after 24 hours. Plasma P-selectin was partially purified by gelfiltration and was identified as a 122 kDa band by Western blotting. Using the ELISA system we developed, monitoring of plasma P-selectin has become possible in the rat.

Detection of platelets activated during acetylcholine-induced coronary vasospasm

Although platelet activation may play a role in coronary artery spasm, platelets activated following coronary vasospasm have not been clinically detected. We performed flow cytometric analysis of activation-dependent granular proteins, CD62P (P-selectin), CD63, PAC-1 (activated glycoprotein [GP] IIb/IIIa) and thrombospondin on the platelet plasma membrane in patients who exhibited acetylcholine-induced coronary vasospasm and compared findings with those in control patients without vasospasm. We simultaneously investigated the plasma levels of thrombin anti-thrombin III complex (TAT), plasmin alpha2-plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), and thrombomodulin. In patients with vasospasm, the expression of CD62P, CD63 and PAC-1 on the platelet membrane surface increased in coronary sinus blood samples following coronary vasospasm, although the expression in aortic samples did not change. The TAT level also increased in the coronary sinus after vasospasm. Platelets might be activated by coronary vasospasm within the coronary circulation. The platelet activation process may be modulated by thrombin generation.

The role of P-selectin, sialyl Lewis X and sulfatide in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury

The role of P-selectin and the ligands of selectins such as sialyl Lewis X and sulfatide was studied in a myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury model. Anesthetized rabbits underwent the occlusion of coronary artery (30 min) followed by reperfusion (5 h). The inhibitory effect on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury was examined with infarct size normalized by area-at-risk. Intravenous administration of an anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody, PB1.3 (2 mg/kg), reduced infarct size by 38%. Similarly, the administration of sialyl Lewis X-oligosaccharide (10 mg/kg) reduced infarct size by 53% significantly. Finally, the infarct size was significantly reduced bv 39% in sulfatide-treated group (10 mg/kg). These results suggest that P-selectin plays an important role in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury and that the ligands of selectins, such as sialyl Lewis X-oligosaccharide and sulfatide, have cardioprotective effect on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Differential contribution of various adhesion molecules to leukocyte kinetics in pulmonary microvessels of hyperoxia-exposed rat lungs

To elucidate the differential role of various adhesion molecules in distorting leukocyte behavior in the microvasculature of hyperoxia-exposed rat lungs, we investigated fluorescein-labeled leukocyte and erythrocyte kinetics in isolated lungs taken from the animals exposed to 90% O2 for 48 h under conditions in which endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin were inhibited by appropriate monoclonal antibodies (1A29 for ICAM-1 and ARP2-4 for P-selectin), while leukocyte L-selectin was restrained with fucoidin. Measurements of blood cell kinetics were made by a confocal laser luminescence microscope coupled with a high-speed video camera. In addition, we histologically examined leukocyte accumulation within the alveolar septa and ICAM-1 as well as P-selectin expressions in the lung. We found that P-selectin expression was sparsely enhanced only in arterioles, whereas ICAM-1 was significantly induced in both venules and capillaries. Firm adhesion of leukocytes was not identified in arterioles and venules, whereas leukocyte rolling was evident in both the vessels. Arteriolar rolling was regulated via a P-selectin- and ICAM-1-independent but L-selectin-dependent mechanism, whereas venular rolling was mediated via a P-selectin-independent but ICAM-1- and L-selectin-dependent pathway. Leukocyte sequestration within capillaries was augmented by an ICAM-1-related mechanism. These findings may suggest that, in hyperoxia-exposed lungs, induction of adhesion molecules and their obstacles to leukocyte behavior are qualitatively different among arterioles, venules, and capillaries.

Ischemic change on electrocardiogram induced by hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient

A 34-year-old female patient who presented to our hospital had been treated with insulin for diabetes since she was 25 year old. For the previous year she had experienced chest pain on exertion and during hypoglycemia. During both chest pain and exercise tests, ST depression and flattening of the T wave were recognized in leads II, III, aVF, and V2-V6 on the electrocardiogram, and thus ischemic heart disease was suspected. Cardiac catheterization was performed, but no organic stenosis or spasms were found. Hypoglycemia (41 mg/dl) was induced by intravenous injection of rapid insulin (total 18 U, 0.4 U/kg). However, no coronary change was seen, although she felt chest pain and the same ischemic electrocardiographic changes occurred. We hypothesized the causes of the ischemic change to be both the effects of insulin on the cardiovascular system and the physiologic stress induced by the existence of microvascular abnormality. Special care should therefore be taken with diabetic patients being treated with insulin or hypoglycemic agents.

Clinical significance of neutrophil adhesion molecules expression after coronary angioplasty on the development of restenosis

To investigate the neutrophil activation process following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), we examined the expressions of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18), L-selectin (CD62L), and sialyl-LewisX (SLX) on the surface of neutrophils after the PTCA procedure, by flow cytometric analysis. Twenty-nine patients with single vessel coronary artery disease of the left anterior descending artery who underwent elective PTCA were enrolled. In the 17 patients without restenosis at the follow-up angiography, the mean channel fluorescence intensity (MFI) for CD18, CD62L and SLX did not change after PTCA. Only the CD11b level was increased at 48 h after the PTCA. In the remaining 12 patients who developed restenosis, the MFI values for CD18 and CD11b were increased at 24 h and 48 h after the PTCA. The MFI value for CD62L was decreased and that for SLX was increased at 48 h after the PTCA. These changes were more prominent in the coronary sinus blood samples than in those of the peripheral blood samples. Our data indicate the down-regulation of L-selectin, probably by shedding, as well as the up-regulations of Mac-1 and sialyl-LewisX, especially in patients with restenosis. It is suggested that neutrophil activation by an interaction between the selectin family and carbohydrate ligands after PTCA may play a role in the development of restenosis, as does the integrin family.

Fulminant hepatic failure due to cardiac tamponade associated with mixed connective tissue disease

We describe a 42-year old Japanese woman with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) who developed fulminant hepatic failure and hepatic encephalopathy. Massive pericardial effusion accompanying cardiac tamponade was shown by echocardiography. The hepatic failure was considered to be caused by a low cardiac output state because of cardiac tamponade, which might be due to cardiac involvement of MCTD. This is a rare case, showing an unusual progressive course in MCTD.

Tricuspid valve infectious endocarditis associated with dental treatment

A 52-year-old man with neither congenital heart disease nor history of drug abuse had a spiking fever after dental treatment and was diagnosed with pneumonia at a local clinic. He was treated with antibiotics and his fever went down. Ten months later, he had again pyrexia and suffered from congestive heart failure. He admitted to our hospital and tricuspid valve endocarditis was proved by echocardiography. He was treated with penicillin. However, during the treatment, he developed a pulmonary embolism. So he underwent surgical treatment. We should take dental treatment into account one of predisposing causes of tricuspid endocarditis.

Characterization of a novel iodocyanopindolol and SM-11044 binding protein, which may mediate relaxation of depolarized rat colon tonus

Studies under blockade of alpha-, beta1-, and beta2-adrenoreceptors revealed a good correlation between the responses of rat colon relaxation of depolarized tonus and of rat adipocyte lipolysis elicited by catecholamines or BRL-37344, a selective beta3-adrenoreceptor agonist, suggesting beta3-adrenoreceptor stimulation. In contrast, SM-11044, a nonselective beta-adrenoreceptor agonist, stimulated colon relaxation more efficiently than lipolysis; its effects were differently antagonized by cyanopindolol with pA2 values of 8.31 in colon and of 7.32 in adipocytes. Binding studies in rat colon smooth muscle membranes using [125I]iodocyanopindolol under blockade of adrenaline and serotonin receptors revealed the existence of a single class of sites (Kd = 11.0 nM, Bmax = 716.7 fmol/mg protein). The specific binding was saturable and reversible and was displaced by SM-11044 but not by BRL-37344, isoproterenol, noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin, nor dopamine. This binding site was photoaffinity labeled using [125I]iodocyanopindolol-diazirine. The labeling was prevented by SM-11044 but not by BRL-37344. The amino-terminal amino acid sequences of the high performance liquid chromatography-purified peptides generated by enzymatic and chemical cleavages of the affinity labeled 34-kDa protein confirmed that the novel iodocyanopindolol or SM-11044 binding protein of rat colon smooth muscle membranes is different from known adrenaline, serotonin, or dopamine receptors. Its functional role might include the relaxation of depolarized colon.

Effect of enalapril maleate on cerebral blood flow in patients with chronic heart failure

The effect of enalapril on cerebral blood flow (CBF) was studied in 11 patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA II or III, dilated cardiomyopathy in 6 and old myocardial infarction in 5). CBF was evaluated by analyzing the Patlak-Plot curve obtained from radionuclide angiography with technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTC-HM-PAO). Cardiac index (CI) and stroke volume (SV) were simultaneously measured by impedance cardiography. These measurements were performed before and at four weeks after daily administration of 5 mg enalapril. The stroke volume, cardiac index, and heart rate were not significantly changed after four weeks of enalapril administration. However, CBF was increased by 6.5% from 36.72 +/- 4.66 to 39.13 +/- 5.65 mL/100g/min (P < 0.05). These results suggest that enalapril increased cerebral blood flow, which was not related to increased cardiac output in congestive heart failure. Patlak-Plot analysis of radionuclide angiography using 99mTC-HM-PAO may be available for quantitative assessment of brain perfusion.

Postischemic expression of P-selectin immunoreactivity in rat brain

Change of immunoreactive P-selectin was examined in rat brain after transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (O) with anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody using brain samples of sham control and after ischemia. Temporal, spatial, and cellular changes of immunohistochemical expressions of P-selectin were evaluated with rat brain sections at 2 and 8 h, 1, 3, and 7 days of reperfusion after 1 h of MCAO. Western blot showed a single band at molecular weight of 140 kDa for P-selectin after ischemia. P-selectin immunoreactivity was not normally present in rat brain sections. However, it was expressed mainly in the post-capillary venules of the cerebral cortex and caudate in the MCA territory with a peak at 8 h-1 day. The expression was diminished by 3 days of reperfusion. The present results indicate that P-selectin was expressed from an earlier stage of reperfusion in post-capillary venules, and the expression became maximum at the same time both in the cerebral cortex and caudate.

Expressions of P-selectin- and HSP72-like immunoreactivities in rat brain after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion

The role of an adhesion molecule such as P-selectin may be important in the pathogenesis of stroke. However, temporal, spatial and cellular profiles of the expression of such a protein have not been fully studied. Change of immunoreactive P-selectin was examined in rat brain after transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in comparison with that of 72 kDa heat shock protein (HSP72) which is a well known marker of cell injury. Western blot analyses were performed to ensure the selective detection of immunoreactive P-selectin and HSP72 proteins with each antibody using brain samples before and after ischemia. Temporal, spatial and cellular changes of immunohistochemical expressions of P-selectin and HSP72 were evaluated with rat brain sections at 2 and 8 h, and 1, 3 and 7 days of reperfusion after 1 h of MCA occlusion (MCAO). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate brain cell damage at 3 and 7 days of reperfusion. Western blot showed a single band at molecular weights of 140 and 72 kDa for P-selectin and HSP72, respectively, only after ischemia. No significant band was observed without primary antibody. P-selectin-like immunoreactivity was not normally present in rat brain sections. However, it was expressed mainly in the post-capillary venules of the cerebral cortex and caudate in the MCA territory with a peak at 8 h to 1 day. The expression was diminished by 3 days of reperfusion. An immunoreactive HSP72 was scarcely present in the cerebral cortex and caudate of the sham control brain. However, the protein was induced in neurons of the MCA territory. The HSP72 induction was gradually intensified from 8 h with peaks at 1 day in the cortex and at 3 days in the caudate. The immunoreactivity decreased by 7 days. Histopathological study with HE staining showed no evident cell damage at 3 and 7 days of reperfusion. The present results indicate that temporal, spatial and cellular differences were present in the expressions of immunoreactive P-selectin and HSP72 proteins. P-selectin was expressed from an earlier stage of reperfusion in post-capillary venules, and the expression became maximum at the same time both in the cerebral cortex and caudate. In contrast, HSP72 induction began later in neurons and reached maximum at a different time between the cortex and caudate.

Leukocyte kinetics in the pulmonary microcirculation: observations using real-time confocal luminescence microscopy coupled with high-speed video analysis

To quantitatively assess blood cell kinetics in the intact pulmonary microcirculation, in which arterioles, venules, and capillaries are exceedingly intricate and densely convoluted, we recently developed a real-time confocal laser luminescence microscope with a high-speed analysis component. The system has the capacity to yield confocal images of rapidly moving cells at a rate of 1000 frames/second and at sufficiently high degrees of magnification. Applying this novel method to isolated perfused rat lungs, we estimated the endothelial distributions of constitutively expressed intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin and also studied leukocyte hemodynamic behavior in the pulmonary microvasculature under conditions in which ICAM-1, P-selectin, and L-selectin were inhibited, respectively, by 1A29 (monoclonal antibody to rat ICAM-1), ARP2-4 (monoclonal antibody to rat P-selectin), and fucoidin (competitive inhibitor of both P- and L-selectin). The results were compared with those obtained with a nonconfocal microscope using conventional epiluminescence. Intertwined microvessel networks in the lung were clearly distinguishable in confocal images but not in conventional nonconfocal views. ICAM-1 was perceptibly expressed along venular and capillary but not arteriolar endothelium, whereas P-selectin was undetectable in all microvessels examined. Leukocytes were not firmly adhered to venular or arteriolar endothelial cells. Leukocyte rolling was recognized more frequently along arteriolar walls than along venular walls and was suppressed in arterioles by L-selectin inhibition but not by either ICAM-1 or P-selectin inhibition. In capillaries, transient and sustained arrest of leukocytes occurred at physiologic shear rates. Inhibition of ICAM-1 or P-selectin had no remarkable effect upon either transient or sustained entrapment of leukocytes in capillaries. In conclusion, physiologic and biologic characteristics of pulmonary microvessels appear to be quite different from those of the systemic microcirculation.

Evaluation of myocardial viability using sequential dual-isotope single photon emission tomography imaging with rest TI-201/stress Tc-99m tetrofosmin in the prediction of wall motion recovery after revascularization

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), differentiation between severely ischemic but potentially viable myocardium and irreversibly infarcted tissue is clinically important, particularly when revascularization procedures are considered. Although thallium (TI) cardiac imaging has been shown to be a good tool for investigating myocardial viability in CAD, this tracer shows physical limitations, such as a low photon energy and long half-life. We assessed the results of a rest TI-201/stress Tc-99m tetrofosmin protocol in subjects with prior anterior myocardial infarction. All of the patients had an akinetic or dyskinetic area and more than 75% stenosis in the left anterior descending artery. All of the patients underwent revascularization after the examination. We evaluated the improvement in wall motion after revascularization using the centerline method with contrast left ventricular angiography. Fourteen patients showed reversible defects with the rest TI-201/stress Tc-99m tetrofosmin protocol or in additional TI-201 24 h redistribution images. All 14 patients showed a significant improvement in wall motion after revascularization. Dual-isotope rest TI-201/stress Tc-99m tetrofosmin single photon emission tomography data, acquired separately, may give fast and complete information about myocardial perfusion during stress and at rest, and on about myocardial viability.