Combined Laparoscopic Open Surgical Approach for De Garengeot's Hernia Containing an Inflamed Appendix: A Case Report

De Garengeot hernia represents a rare variant of femoral hernia in which the appendix is a part of the hernial contents. It was first described in 1731 by a French surgeon, René de Garengeot. In 1785, Hevin was the first to perform an appendectomy to address acute appendicitis within the context of a femoral hernia. The development of acute appendicitis in the femoral hernia sac becomes a surgical emergency of the acute abdomen.

Thyroid cancer patient reported outcome measures in clinical practice: analysing acceptability and optimizing recruitment

BACKGROUND

Patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) can provide valuable metrics in clinical trials and cancer registries. To ensure relevance, patient participation must be optimized and PROMs be highly acceptable to patients. There are few data reporting methods to maximize recruitment and a lack of consensus regarding appropriate PROMs for thyroid cancer survivors.

METHODS

All patients with a new diagnosis of thyroid (excluding micropapillary and anaplastic) cancer within a single Australian health district between January 2020 and December 2021 were invited to complete PROMs electronically, and self-report ease of use and comprehensiveness of each tool. Participants completed Short Form-12 (SF-12), European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC-QLQ-C30), City of Hope Quality of Life-Thyroid Version (COH-TV) and Thyroid Cancer Quality of Life Survey (ThyCaQoL). Semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews explored patient priorities. An enhanced, multimodal recruitment strategy was instituted after 12 months due to low response rates.

RESULTS

Survey completion improved under enhanced recruitment (37/62, 60% versus 19/64, 30%, P = 0.0007) with no differences in demographic or clinical characteristics. Few (4%-7%) respondents rated surveys as difficult to complete. No single PROM comprehensively captured health-related quality of life, with disease-specific tools performing marginally better (54% ThyCaQoL and 52% CoH-TV) compared to generic tools (38% SF-12 and 42% EOROTC-QLQ-C30). Qualitative data suggested that concurrent diagnoses, and survey invitation prior to surgery, made surveys more difficult to complete.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive and representative assessment of PROMs in thyroid cancer survivors requires the use of multiple survey tools and specialized staff to maximize recruitment.

Pseudo-Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Due to Severe Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Case Report

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in vegetarians, as meat is a common source of vitamin B12. In this case presentation, a patient presented to his primary care doctor with signs of severe vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. He had elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, indirect bilirubin, and schistocytes on the blood smear, all pointing toward a hemolytic process. A severe vitamin B12 deficiency was deemed the cause of this hemolytic anemia after ruling out other causes. We highlight the importance of knowing more about this pathogenesis to avoid unnecessary workup and management for an elementary disorder that can result from severe B12 deficiency.

Type 1 Pulmonary Hypertension and Silicosis in a Bluestone Cutter: A Case Report on Raising Awareness

This case report describes a patient who developed pneumoconiosis in the form of silicosis and group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to his unprotected work as a bluestone cutter. Bluestone is a type of sandstone used in outdoor construction commonly in the North-east region of the US. In the literature and to our knowledge, blue stone mining has not been viewed as a risk factor for pneumoconiosis. This case report aims to increase awareness about this occupational hazard. Additionally, it is known that chronic silicosis with massive pulmonary fibrosis can lead to hypoxemia and group 3 pulmonary hypertension. This case, however, demonstrates a possibility of silica dust exposure leading to group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma With Intra-atrial Tumour Thrombus: A Case Report

Renal cell cancer (RCC) is at times associated with intravascular tumour thrombus (TT), which in rare cases can extend to the right atrium. The management of RCC with intravascular tumour thrombus is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach involving urologists, vascular surgeons, and cardiologists. The pre-operative workup is extensive and includes imaging studies to determine the extent of the tumour thrombus and assess the patient's overall health status. Here, we present a case report detailing the operative and perioperative management of a patient presenting with renal cell cancer and intravascular TT.

Appendiceal Diverticulitis Presenting as Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report

Appendiceal diverticulitis (AD) is an overlooked pathology that carries a high risk of perforation and associated neoplasia, especially carcinoid tumours and mucinous adenoma. AD may be congenital, but more commonly acquired. It may cause diverticulitis, which causes clinical and radiological signs like those of acute appendicitis, and that may delay the diagnosis till it is confirmed on histopathological examination. Here we report a case of acute AD in a case initially diagnosed as acute appendicitis.

Acute migraine treatment with droperidol: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The treatment of a migraine attack can be difficult when first-line medication is unsuccessful and options for parenteral "rescue" therapy are limited.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, multicenter study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of droperidol 0.1 mg, 2.75 mg, 5.5 mg, and 8.25 mg for the acute treatment of moderate to severe migraine headache in adults.

RESULTS

A total of 331 patients were enrolled; 305 were treated. Headache response at 2 hours was better (p < 0.002) in the treatment groups receiving droperidol IM at doses of 2.75 mg (87%), 5.5 mg (81%), and 8.25 mg (85%) compared with placebo (57%). The percent of patients achieving a pain-free response at 2 hours after treatment was significantly greater than placebo for the droperidol 2.75-mg, 5.5-mg, and 8.25-mg dose groups. The frequency of headache recurrence (within 24 hours) for patients initially responding by 2 hours was lower in patients treated with droperidol than placebo, but differences failed to reach significance. A significantly greater percentage of patients receiving droperidol 2.75 mg reported the elimination of migraine-associated symptoms (nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia) than those who received placebo. Although most adverse events were of mild or moderate intensity, anxiety, akathisia, and somnolence were rated as severe in 30% of patients who experienced those symptoms. Hypotension was uncommon. No patient had QT prolongation.

Effect of membrane potential on surface Ca2+ receptor activation in rat osteoclasts

Osteoclasts are known to possess a divalent cation-sensitive receptor, the Ca2+ receptor (CaR). The latter monitors changes in the local Ca2+ concentration generated as a result of hydroxyapatite dissolution. CaR activation elevates cytosolic [Ca2+] and thereby inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption. Recent studies have used Ni2+ as a surrogate CaR agonist to elicit changes in cytosolic [Ca2+]. This article examines the effects of membrane potential changes on the kinetics of the cytosolic [Ca2+] signal resulting from such Ni(2+)-induced CaR activation. Membrane potential was altered through variations in the extracellular [K] in combination with applications of the K+ ionophore, valinomycin. Membrane potential changes were confirmed by independent electrophysiological patch clamp studies of whole osteoclasts. The application of valinomycin produced a distinct, sustained elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+] in single fura 2-loaded cells, a "primary" response. This response was independent of valinomycin concentration (between 5 nM to 5 microM) and persisted in Ca(2+)-free, EGTA-containing solutions. It also persisted both in high (105 mM) and low (5 mM) extracellular [K+]. A gradual "secondary" elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+] then followed with the continued application of valinomycin, but this was eliminated by sequestering the extracellular [Ca2+] or by increasing extracellular [K+] from 5 to 105 mM. In a separate set of experiments, the presence of 5 microM [valinomycin]-([K+] = 5 mM) prolonged the cytosolic [Ca2+] signal elicited by 50 microM-[Ni2+] application. These prolonged kinetics persisted in low extracellular [Ca2+] (zero-added Ca2+), but reverted to a rapid time-course in the presence of 105 mM-[K+] or at higher [Ni2+] (500 microM and 5 mM). The experiments thus indicate that membrane voltage modifies the kinetics of CaR activation by Ni2+ and therefore suggests that the CaR is an integral protein in the osteoclast surface membrane.

Dimensional analysis of osteoclastic bone resorption and the measurement of biologically active calcitonin

Calcitonin inhibits bone resorption through a direct action on the osteoclast. We report a quantitative analysis of bone resorption by disaggregated rat osteoclasts. We then used our findings to develop a formal bioassay for calcitonin. Osteoclasts were mechanically disaggregated from neonatal rat long bones and dispersed at low densities on slices of devitalized bovine cortical bone. The resulting areas of bone excavation were quantified to micrometric precision by scanning electron microscopy together with computer-assisted image analysis. These findings were correlated with the volumes of bone resorption in the same slices measured by confocal scanning microscopy for the first time. The total planar areas of bone resorption per slice correlated linearly (r = 0.78) with the confocal microscopic measurements of total volume resorbed, provided that volume was expressed to its two-thirds power. The latter transformation resulted in representations of the determined areas ([length]2) and volumes ([length]3) which were dimensionally consistent. These findings thus demonstrate that osteoclastic bone excavations show a consistent relationship between area and volume and that assessments of the area of excavations accordingly provide an empirical representation of the volume of bone resorbed. Furthermore, in view of the skewed nature of the distributions of area measurements, we assessed the effect of transforming the response variable to derive a metameter, (planar area of resorption)1/2. Such transformed data points, which expressed the data in the dimensions of [length], were more normally distributed than the raw data points and had more stable variances over a wider concentration range. We accordingly determined relative potencies using parallel line analyses on the transformed data. The latter offered a consistent correlation to the volume measurements when these were also converted to dimensions of [length] (r = 0.805). It was confirmed that the inhibition of bone resorption by calcitonins from various species, namely, pig, salmon and eel, was quantitatively dependent upon concentration of the respective peptides. The resulting assay was also found to be sufficiently sensitive to measure picomolar peptide concentrations with a precision, lambda (standard deviation/slope), ranging between 0.3 and 0.8. Finally, we identified factors affecting assay precision and sensitivity.

Effect of raised extracellular calcium on cell spread area in quail medullary bone osteoclasts

The present study reports on the effects of extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]o) elevation and ionomycin on cell spread area of medullary bone osteoclasts freshly isolated from egg-laying Japanese quail. The responses were compared with those demonstrated in osteoclasts cultured for periods of 5-8 days and also to those previously demonstrated in neonatal rat osteoclasts. Freshly isolated medullary bone osteoclasts, unlike rat osteoclasts, were refractory to 20 mM [Ca2+]o, in that they showed no change in cell spread area. They did, however, show a modest (15%) reduction in cell spread area to ionomycin (7-50 microM), applied for 15-30 min. When medullary bone osteoclasts were precultured for 5-8 days, they exhibited a well-developed response to 20 mM [Ca2+]o with a 46% reduction in cell spread area. They also showed a similar reduction in cell spread area in response to ionomycin (4 microM). It is concluded that, unlike freshly isolated neonatal rat osteoclasts, those obtained from quail medullary bone appear refractory to inhibitory factors such as [Ca2+]o. However, when the avian cells are cultured for a few days they appear to recover their ability to respond to [Ca2+]o.

Linkage of extracellular and intracellular control of cytosolic Ca2+ in rat osteoclasts in the presence of thapsigargin

Cytosolic [Ca2+] was measured in single osteoclasts using fura-2 in experiments investigating the effects of Ca2+ "receptor" activation using thapsigargin as a means of depleting intracellular Ca2+ stores. Application of 4 microM thapsigargin to osteoclasts in Ca(2+)-free solutions resulted in an elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+]. Under similar conditions, activation of the osteoclast Ca2+ receptor by the substitute divalent cation agonist, Ni2+, resulted in a transient elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+]. In both instances, restoration of extracellular [Ca2+] to 1.25 mM resulted in an "overshoot" of cytosolic [Ca2+]. Prior depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin markedly reduced the magnitude of the cytosolic [Ca2+] response to a subsequent application of 5 mM Ni2+. The application of 2 microM thapsigargin to intercept the falling phase of the Ni(2+)-induced cytosolic Ca2+ signal resulted in a sustained elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+], which was terminated by a second application of the same Ni2+. Furthermore, the sustained elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+] induced by thapsigargin application alone was abolished by late application of Ni2+. We conclude that activation of the surface membrane Ca2+ receptor on the osteoclast results in the cytosolic release of Ca2+ from intracellular storage organelles; the refilling of such stores depends upon a thapsigargin-sensitive Ca(2+)-ATPase; store depletion induces capacitative Ca2+ influx; and the Ca2+ influx pathway is sensitive to blockade by Ni2+.

Functional consequences of the interaction of Ni2+ with the osteoclast Ca2+ 'receptor'

Ni2+ was used as an extracellular activator of the Ca2+ 'receptor' in order to study the regulation of osteoclast function in vitro. Application of different micromolar concentrations of Ni2+ to osteoclasts bathed in 1.25 mM [Ca2+] and 0.8 mM [Mg2+] caused a concentration-dependent elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+] measured in single cells using fura-2 fluorescence. Cytosolic [Ca2+] responses to 5 mM [Ni2+] showed a rapidly developing and use-dependent inactivation, unlike those induced by the application of 10 mM [Ca2+]. Pre-treatment with 5 mM [Ni2+] reduced the magnitude of responses to a subsequent extracellular application of 10 mM [Ca2+] and vice versa. Ni2+ treatment elicited a number of functional effects. It produced an inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption which was sustained over hours. This was associated with a pronounced cell retraction or R effect over the 40 min period following Ni2+ exposure as observed by time-lapse video image analysis. Both these effects varied with concentration. In contrast, granule movement, cell migration, and quantitative indicators of margin ruffling were all unchanged. These findings are consistent with the initiation of a causally related set of specific functional and morphometric events following activation of a specific membrane receptor sensitive to divalent cations.

Cellular biology of bone resorption

Past knowledge and the recent developments on the formation, activation and mode of action of osteoclasts, with particular reference to the regulation of each individual step, have been reviewed. The following conclusions of consensus have emerged. 1. The resorption of bone is the result of successive steps that can be regulated individually. 2. Osteoclast progenitors are formed in bone marrow. This is followed by their vascular dissemination and the generation of resting preosteoclasts and osteoclasts in bone. 3. The exact pathways of differentiation of the osteoclast progenators to mature osteoclasts are debatable, but there is clear evidence that stromal cells support osteoclast generation. 4. Osteoclasts are activated following contact with mineralized bone. This appears to be controlled by osteoblasts that expose mineral to osteoclasts and/or release a factor that activates these cells. 5. Activated osteoclasts dissolve the bone mineral and digest the organic matter of bone by the action of agents secreted in the segregated microcompartments underlying their ruffled borders. The mineral is solubilized by protons generated from CO2 by carbonic anhydrase and secreted by an ATP-driven vacuolar H(+)-K(+)-ATPase located at the ruffled border. The organic matrix of the bone is removed by acid proteinases, particularly cysteine-proteinases that are secreted together with other lysosomal enzymes in the acid environment of the resorption zone. 6. Osteoclastic bone resorption is directly regulated by a polypeptide hormone, calcitonin (CT), and locally, by ionized calcium (Ca2+) generated as a result of osteoclastic bone resorption. 7. There is new evidence that osteoclast activity may also be influenced by the endothelial cells via generation of products including PG, NO and endothelin.

Activation of the Ca2+ "receptor" on the osteoclast by Ni2+ elicits cytosolic Ca2+ signals: evidence for receptor activation and inactivation, intracellular Ca2+ redistribution, and divalent cation modulation

Earlier studies have demonstrated that a high (mM) extracellular Ca2+ concentration triggers intracellular [Ca2+] signals with a consequent inhibition of bone resorptive activity. We now report that micromolar concentrations of the divalent cation, Ni2+, elicited rapid and concentration-dependent elevations of cytosolic [Ca2+]. The peak change in cytosolic [Ca2+] increased monotonically with the application of [Ni2+] in the 50-5,000 microM range in solutions containing 1.25 mM-[Ca2+] and 0.8 mM-[Mg2+]. The resulting concentration-response function suggested Ni(2+)-induced activation of a single class of binding site (Hill coefficient = 1). The triggering process also exhibited a concentration-dependent inactivation in which conditioning Ni2+ applications in the range 5-1,500 microM-[Ni2+] inhibited subsequent responses to a maximally effective [Ni2+] of 5,000 microM. Ni(2+)-induced cytosolic [Ca2+] responses were not dependent on extracellular [Ca2+]. Thus, when 5,000 microM-[Ni2+] was applied to osteoclasts in Ca(2+)-free, ethylene glycol bis-(aminoethyl ether) tetraacetic acid (EGTA)-containing medium (< or = 5 nM-[Ca2+] and 0.8 mM-[Mg2+]), cytosolic [Ca2+] responses resembled those obtained in the presence of 1.25 mM-[Ca2+]. Prior depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by ionomycin prevented Ni(2+)-induced cytosolic [Ca2+] responses, suggesting a major role for intracellular Ca2+ redistribution in the response to Ni2+. The effects of Ni2+ were also modulated by the extracellular concentration of the divalent cations, Ca2+ and Mg2+. When these cations were not added to the culture medium (0 microM-[Ca2+] and [Mg2+]), even low [Ni2+] ranging between 5 pM and 50 microM elicited progressively larger cytosolic [Ca2+] transients. However, the response magnitude decreased at higher, 250-5,000 microM-[Ni2+], resulting in a "hooked" concentration-response curve. Furthermore, increasing extracellular [Mg2+] or [Ca2+] (0-1 mM) diminished the response to 50 microM-[Ni2+], a concentration on the rising phase of the "hook." Similar increases (0-10 mM) in extracellular [Mg2+] or [Ca2+] increased the response to 5,000 microM-[Ni2+], a concentration on the falling phase of the "hook". These findings are consistent with the existence of a membrane receptor strongly sensitive to Ni2+ as well as the divalent cations, Ca2+ and Mg2+. Receptor occupancy apparently activates intracellular Ca2+ release followed by inactivation. Furthermore, repriming is independent of intracellular Ca2+ stores, suggesting that such inactivation operates at a transduction step between receptor occupancy and intracellular Ca2+ release.

Extracellular Ca2+ sensing by the osteoclast

An increasing number of cell types appear to detect changes in the extracellular Ca2+ concentration and and accordingly modify their function. We review recent evidence for the existence and function of such a mechanism in the osteoclast. Elevated external [Ca2+] in the mM range reduces bone resorption and results in motile changes in the cells. These changes may partly result from elevations of cytosolic [Ca2+] triggered through activation of a surface Ca2+ receptor. Closer analyses of the increases in cytosolic [Ca2+] associated with receptor activation are hindered by the action of this ion both as extracellular agonist and intracellular second messenger. Variations in the peak cytosolic [Ca2+] response to external Ca2+ with changes in cell membrane potential by K+ and valinomycin establish a contribution from extracellular Ca2+. Use of CIO4-, Ni2+ and Cd2+ as surrogate activators in low extracellular [Ca2+] indicate a contribution from Ca2+ release from intracellular stores as well. Such agonists also modify Ca2+ redistribution in other systems, such as skeletal muscle. Thus, we may gain insights into osteoclast extracellular Ca2+ detection and transduction from known features of more well-characterised cell systems.

Role of the endothelial cell in osteoclast control: new perspectives

The osteoclast is of central importance in the process of bone remodeling. Its function is regulated by hormones and locally produced factors. Endothelial cells occur in close proximity to the osteoclast. Some endothelial cell-derived products, including endothelins, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species, have been recently implicated as modulators of osteoclast function. Endothelins inhibit bone resorption and osteoclast margin ruffling (quiescence or Q effect) at concentrations similar to those effective for their primary vasoconstrictive action. Contrary to expectations, however, it has been shown that endothelin action on the osteoclast is not mediated through an elevation of cytosolic Ca2+. Nitric oxide (NO) produces marked cell retraction (retraction or R effect), but its detailed mode of action is unknown. However, it is clear that the effects of this autocoid are not due to enhanced cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production, a transduction system commonly used by NO. Finally, the reactive oxygen species H2O2 has been shown recently to enhance osteoclastic activity. Thus, the reported effects of the endothelial cell-derived products on the osteoclast are generally consistent with a regulatory role for endothelial cells in osteoclast control and suggest the existence of unique activation pathways, well worth exploring further. Unravelling the responsible mechanisms may also help understand the pathophysiology of a range of bone and joint diseases. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, there is increased H2O2 production from activated neutrophils, and bone resorption is a major pathophysiological feature.

Amylin inhibits bone resorption by a direct effect on the motility of rat osteoclasts

We have performed a set of independent studies on the effects of the circulating pancreatic polypeptide, amylin, on rat osteoclast function, in vitro. Time-lapse video observations, measuring cell protrusions and retraction, showed that 250 nmol l-1 amylin or 250 nmol l-1 beta-calcitonin gene-related peptide (beta-CGRP) inhibited osteoclast motility (quiescence or Q effect). Both amylin and beta-CGRP produced inhibitory responses with a significant first-order regression over time (half-times, 19 and 28 min respectively). In contrast, 250 nmol l-1 amylin or 250 nmol l-1 beta-CGRP produced no change of osteoclast spread area, whilst 300 pmol l-1 calcitonin (CT) application resulted in cell retraction (R effect). Forskolin (10 mumol l-1) mimicked amylin and CGRP in inhibiting osteoclast motility (half-time, 8.6 min), and similarly lacked an effect on cell spread area. Neither amylin nor beta-CGRP (62.5-1250 nmol l-1) elevated cytosolic free calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) in single osteoclasts whilst 300 pmol l-1 salmon calcitonin (sCT) produced a rapid phasic elevation of [Ca2+]i, confirming previous results with asusuberic (1-7) eel calcitonin. The osteoclast-bone resorption assay revealed the following potency difference in direct comparison of the area of resorption per bone slice: beta-CGRP/amylin, 0.1; sCT/amylin, 800 and human CT/amylin, 12. The potency of deamidated amylin approached that of beta-CGRP. Assay precision ranged between 0.3 and 0.8. Amylin (250 nmol l-1) also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced supernatant (tartrate-resistant) acid phosphatase in the bone-osteoclast cultures. These measures independently indicate an effect of amylin on osteoclast motility through mechanisms distinct from those of calcitonin, possibly through different selectivities for receptor subtypes, the cyclic AMP-linked 'amylin subtype' and the [Ca2+]i-linked 'calcitonin subtype'.

Stimulation of a Gs-like G protein in the osteoclast inhibits bone resorption but enhances tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase secretion

Previous studies have demonstrated that G-protein agonists induce quiescence (Q effect) or retraction (R effect) in isolated osteoclasts. We now report the functional effects of such agonists on osteoclastic bone resorption and enzyme release. Exposure of osteoclasts to tetrafluoro-aluminate anions (AlF4-), a universal G protein stimulator, resulted in a marked concentration-dependent inhibition of bone resorption. This was associated with a dramatic increase in the secretion of the osteoclast-specific enzyme, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Cholera toxin, a Gs stimulator and a selective Q effect agonist, similarly abolished bone resorption and enhanced TRAP secretion. In contrast, pertussis toxin, a Gi inhibitor and a selective R effect agonist, inhibited bone resorption significantly, but slightly reduced enzyme release. The results suggest an involvement of a Gs-like G protein in TRAP secretion from the osteoclast, possibly through a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism.

Further studies on the mode of action of calcitonin on isolated rat osteoclasts: pharmacological evidence for a second site mediating intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and cell retraction

Calcitonin is a circulating polypeptide that inhibits bone resorption by inducing both quiescence (Q effect) and retraction (R effect) in osteoclasts. Two structurally related members of the calcitonin gene peptide family, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and amylin, inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption selectively via the Q effect. In the present study, we have made measurements of cell spread area in response to the application of amylin, CGRP and a peptide fragment of CGRP, CGRP-(Val8Phe37). We found that, over a wide concentration range (50 pmol/l to 2.5 mumol/l), the selective Q effect agonists did not produce an R effect. Furthermore, the peptides, when used at a 50-fold higher molar concentration than calcitonin, did not antagonize calcitonin-induced cell retraction. Additionally, experiments designed to measure changes in the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in single osteoclasts revealed that, unlike calcitonin, the non-calcitonin Q effect agonists did not produce a rise in [Ca2+]i. The peptides were also unable to attenuate the peak rise in [Ca2+]i induced by calcitonin. The results support our hypothesis that the inhibitory activity of calcitonin on osteoclastic bone resorption is mediated by two sites which may or may not be part of the same receptor complex. One of these is the classical Q effect site coupled to adenylate cyclase via a cholera toxin-sensitive Gs. This site can be activated by nanomolar concentrations of calcitonin, amylin, CGRP or CGRP-(Val8Phe37). A novel R effect site, possibly coupled via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein to a [Ca2+]i elevating mechanism is predicted from this study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A quantitative description of components of in vitro morphometric change in the rat osteoclast model: relationships with cellular function

We describe the in vitro morphometric changes shown by rat osteoclasts that accompany their functional responses to the application of a range of regulatory agents of known physiological importance. We introduce a cellular motility parameter, mu, which was defined through a quantification of retraction-protrusion behaviour. This was used in conjunction with a net cell retraction, rho, which is derived from the change in total cell area following the application of an agent. These terms were used together for the description of cellular motility changes in response to specific cellular regulatory agents. The definition of retraction-protrusion was normalised against control cell area, to give a dimensionless variable independent of the net cell retraction. Thus, mutual terms present in either descriptor cancelled when the complementary parameter was held constant. Furthermore, the descriptor, mu remained time-invariant for extended intervals (around 20 min) even when rho was varying following cell introduction into culture. Interventions also with substances known to modify osteoclast function, were capable of altering each descriptor, to different extents. Thus elevation of the extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]e) at the osteoclast calcium "receptor" altered rho without changes in mu. In contrast, the polypeptide amylin (250 nM), within 20 minutes of application, elicited a marked change in mu, but only a relatively small change in rho. Finally, human calcitonin treatment (300 pM) influenced both descriptors. When combined together, these morphometric findings accordingly offer complementary descriptions of visible cellular changes in response to added agents of physiological relevance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A hypothesis for the local control of osteoclast function by Ca2+, nitric oxide and free radicals

Several important conclusions have recently emerged from in vitro studies on the resorptive cell of bone, the osteoclast. First, it has been established that osteoclast function is modulated locally, by changes in the local concentration of Ca2+ caused by hydroxyapatite dissolution. It is thought that activation by Ca2+ of a surface membrane Ca2+ receptor mediates these effects, hence providing a feedback control. Second, a number of molecules produced locally by the endothelial cell, with which the osteoclast is in intimate contact, have been found to affect bone resorption profoundly. For instance, the autocoid nitric oxide strongly inhibits bone resorption. Finally, reactive oxygen species have been found to aid bone resorption and enhance osteoclastic activity directly. Here, we will attempt to integrate these control mechanisms into a unified hypothesis for the local control of bone resorption.

The osteoclast Ca2+ receptor is highly sensitive to activation by transition metal cations

We report changes in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of single rat osteoclasts in response to Ca2+ receptor activation by micromolar concentrations of the transition metal cations, Cd2+ and Ni2+. The extracellular application of Cd2+ or Ni2+ resulted in a concentration-dependent elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+]. Each monophasic [Ca2+]i response consisted of an initial rapid rise of [Ca2+]i to a peak value followed by an exponential decay. Prior application of Cd2+ or Ni2+ induced refractoriness to a second application of the same cation. The results confirm the existence of a divalent cation-sensitive site on the osteoclast showing features of concentration-dependent activation and use-dependent inactivation.

Activation and inactivation of the osteoclast Ca2+ receptor by the trivalent cation, La3+

We report changes in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of single rat osteoclasts in response to Ca2+ receptor activation by micromolar concentrations of the lanthanide metal cation, La3+. The extracellular application of La3+ induced a concentration-dependent elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+]. Prior conditioning of osteoclasts with La3+ resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction of the response to a subsequent application of a maximally effective concentration of Ni2+, a known agonist of the osteoclast Ca2+ receptor. The results establish that the osteoclast Ca2+ receptor is highly sensitive to activation and inactivation by the trivalent cation, La3+.

Endothelin inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption by a direct effect on cell motility: implications for the vascular control of bone resorption

The abundance of endothelin (ET)-producing endothelial cells in bone marrow and the proximity of these cells to bone-resorbing osteoclasts prompted us to evaluate the action of ET-1 on osteoclast function. Osteoclasts disaggregated from neonatal rat long bones were settled onto devitalized cortical bone substrate, and resorption was quantified by morphometry. The supernatant tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity was determined by a spectrophotometric method using paranitrophenol phosphate as substrate. Cell motility was quantified by time lapse video- and computer-assisted image processing using an empirical procedure for morphometric analysis. Cytosolic free calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) were measured in single cells by an indo 1-based microspectrofluorimetric method. Using the area of bone resorbed per slice as response, we found that ET-1 caused a significant (P = 0.011) concentration-dependent inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption (EC50 = 2.5 nM) without inhibiting acid phosphatase secretion. Exposure of isolated osteoclasts to ET-1 also led to a marked concentration-dependent inhibition of osteoclast motility (EC50 = 7.9 nM; P = 0.013; t1/2 = 18 min) without significant effects on cell spread area. These effects of ET-1 were reversible after removing the peptide, and the cells remained viable during the experiments. In addition, ET-1 did not elevate [Ca2+]i at the concentrations tested. The results suggest that ET-1 specifically interacts with an osteoclast receptor to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and cell motility. As the concentration of ET-1 required for osteoclast inhibition was similar to that reported for smooth muscle contraction, it is possible that ET-1, produced locally from the bone marrow endothelial cell, might play a primary role in osteoclast regulation.

Stimulation of osteoclastic bone resorption by hydrogen peroxide

The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of bone destruction still remain poorly understood. We have found that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a potent stimulator of osteoclastic bone resorption and cell motility. A marked enhancement of bone resorption was noted when rat osteoclasts, cultured on devitalised bovine cortical bone, were exposed to 10 nM [H2O2]. Apart from exposing osteoclasts to a low extracellular pH, which is known to enhance osteoclastic bone resorption, we provide first evidence for a molecule that stimulates osteoclastic bone resorption in osteoclast cultures that do not respond to parathyroid hormone and 1, 25 dihydroxyvitamin D3. We envisage that both basic biological and practical clinical implications may eventually follow from these studies.

Regulation of cytosolic free calcium in isolated rat osteoclasts by calcitonin

It is now established that calcium is a second messenger mediating the action of calcitonin on the osteoclast. We have demonstrated that an increase in the concentration of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) is associated with (and possibly mediates) the functional effects of calcitonin, including an acute reduction of cell spread area (the R effect) and, in the longer term, a reduction in enzyme release. The present study addresses questions relating to mechanisms of calcitonin action on osteoclast [Ca2+]i. We have used asusuberic(1-7) eel and human calcitonin as agonists, and an indo-1-based dual-emission microspectrofluorimetric method for the measurement of [Ca2+]i in single osteoclasts. Whilst asusuberic(1-7) eel calcitonin caused a biphasic increase in [Ca2+]i, human calcitonin produced only a monophasic [Ca2+]i response of a much lower magnitude. Each biphasic response consisted of a rapid initial transient increase, occurring within seconds of exposure, followed by a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. The magnitude of the latter response was more variable, but was consistently below the peak value of [Ca2+]i. The sustained phase of the calcitonin effect was abolished in extracellular Ca(2+)-free medium. This phase is therefore dependent on extracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]e) whilst the rapid transient increase appeared to be dependent on Ca2+i redistribution. The effects of calcitonin on [Ca2+]i were concentration-dependent, with neither latency nor oscillations. Repetitive 30-s exposures to calcitonin failed to produce subsequent responses. There was a marked concentration-dependent correlation between changes in osteoclast [Ca2+]i and the magnitude of the R effect. Thus the likely components of the biphasic [Ca2-]i response are a rapid redistribution followed by the transmembrane flux of Ca2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Selective antagonism of calcitonin-induced osteoclastic quiescence (Q effect) by human calcitonin gene-related peptide-(Val8Phe37)

Exposure of isolated rat osteoclasts to calcitonin (CT) leads to an abrupt cessation of cell motility (Q effect) followed by cell retraction (R effect). We have previously shown that these effects are mediated by two G proteins that appear to activate separate post-receptor pathways. The present study demonstrates that the Q but not the R effect of CT (0.006 microM) is abolished in the presence of human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-(Val8Phe37) (0.5 microM), a fragment analogue of human CGRP. This selective antagonism suggests that the Q effect could result from an action of CT upon a site that is distinct from that producing the R effect. The former site ('amylin site') also appears to interact with related peptides, amylin and CGRP, whilst the latter site ('CT site') specifically interacts with CT.

Osteoclastic inhibition: an action of nitric oxide not mediated by cyclic GMP

The osteoclast is unique in its ability to resorb bone, and excessive osteoclastic activity has been implicated in osteoporosis, Paget disease of bone, rheumatoid arthritis, and the growth of metastases in bone. The activity of this cell is controlled by the main circulating inhibitor, calcitonin, in association with locally produced modulators. We show that nitric oxide (NO) may be an important member of the latter group. NO is produced by the vascular endothelium and nervous system and is involved in both neurotransmission and the regulation of blood pressure. However, our results show that the autocoid is also a potent inhibitor of osteoclast function. NO (30 microM) produced a decrease to approximately 50% of the original osteoclast spread area. Similar effects were also produced by 3-morpholinosydnonimine or sodium nitroprusside, reagents that spontaneously release NO. These shape changes were associated with a reduction of bone resorption after a 24-hr incubation of isolated osteoclasts on devitalized bone slices. NO is thought to act by stimulating guanylate cyclase, with a consequent increase in cyclic GMP, but a different mode of action is likely in the osteoclast since dibutyryl or 8-bromo cyclic GMP have no effect. It should be noted that calcitonin can produce similar changes in shape and activity but is associated with an increase in osteoclast intracellular calcium and cessation of membrane movement; neither of these is produced by NO, suggesting that its mode of action is different. The abundance of NO-producing endothelial cells in bone marrow and their proximity to osteoclasts suggests that marrow endothelial cells may play a physiological role in the regulation of osteoclastic activity.

The effect of hepatic artery ligation for irresectable cavernous hemangioma of the liver

During the past 19 years, 52 cases of hepatic cavernous hemangioma have been treated at our institution. Thirty patients underwent hepatic resection. In six patients, the extensive tumor mass invaded multiple segments or both lobes of the liver and complete resection was deemed hazardous. Therefore, hepatic artery ligation was carried out. In all six cases the hemangioma occupied more than two segments. Right hepatic artery ligation was done in five patients and left hepatic artery ligation in one. All are doing well without complication. The longest follow-up is 19 years and the shortest 2 years and 2 months following operation. Four patients have been followed for more than 4 years and in all patients there are no residual complaints. Computerized tomography (CT) revealed the reduction of the tumor size after arterial ligation. One patient suffered from cholecystolithiasis 9 years after hepatic artery ligation, and at the time of cholecystectomy, a biopsy and microscopic examination of the lesion revealed evidence of fibrotic degeneration of the hemangioma. These findings indicate the effectiveness of hepatic artery ligation for treatment of hepatic cavernous hemangioma that are judged hazardous to resect.

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of esmolol hydrochloride

A rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of esmolol hydrochloride, a new ultra-short-acting beta blocker, is described. The stability-indicating nature of the method was demonstrated by resolving esmolol from synthetic intermediates, potential impurities, and the product of decomposition. Reverse-phase liquid chromatography was performed with a microparticulate (10-micron) cyano-bonded silica-packed column, a fixed-wavelength UV absorbance detector (lambda = 280 nm), and a mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.005 M sodium acetate-acetic acid (15:84:1) pumped at 2 mL/min. The internal standard was 2-p-chlorophenyl-2-methylpropanol. A percent RSD of less than 1.7% and an accuracy (100% - mean error) of greater than 98.6% were achieved over the concentration range studied (100-500 micrograms/mL), with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9996.

Stability of nitroglycerin solutions in polyolefin and glass containers

The stability of nitroglycerin in concentrations of 200 and 400 micrograms/ml in eight common intravenous solutions was studied. Two containers of each solution at each concentration, one glass and one polyolefin, were stored under each of the following conditions: intense light (1400-2000 foot-candles) and ambient room temperature (18-27 degrees C), normal light and ambient room temperature, dark and 40 degrees C, and dark and 5 degrees C. All samples were tested at 0 and 24 hours. Room temperature and refrigerated samples were also tested at 48 hours, 7 days, and 1 month. Testing included measurement for optical density at 400 and 600 nm, pH, and nitroglycerin content as determined by HPLC. The admixtures remained clear and colorless, and no appreciable changes in pH were observed. HPLC assays showed no significant changes in nitroglycerin concentrations. There were no differences in the stability of the admixtures stored in the glass and polyolefin containers. Nitroglycerin is compatible with each of the common intravenous solutions tested under the storage conditions and in the containers used for this study.

Physicochemical properties of magnesium salicylate

Magnesium salicylate tetrahydrate is a nonhygroscopic, crystalline powder, whereas anhydrous magnesium salicylate is amorphous and very hygroscopic. Magnesium salicylate tetrahydrate tablets formulated with gelatin as a binder showed a dissolution half-life (t1/2) of 12 min, whereas a formulation using pregelatinized starch as a binder showed a t1/2 of 33 min. The optimum level of calcium stearate in the formulation was determined by the oscilloscope tracings of compressional and ejectional forces from an instrumented rotary tableting machine. Increasing the level of calcium stearate from 1 to 1.5 and 2% resulted in dissolution t1/2 values of 12, 18, and 21 min, respectively, and a higher incidence of softer tablets and capping.

Bioavailability of sulpiride tablet and capsule in dogs

The in vitro dissolution rates from four tablet formulations and one capsule formulation were measured in simulated gastric and simulated intestinal fluids. The dissolution t50% in simulated gastric fluid ranged from 1.5 min to 30 min and in simulated intestinal fluid, the values ranged from 4 to 228 min. The relative rates and rank order between products with regard to their dissolution rate were maintained. No correlation was obtained between in vitro dissolution rate and overall bioavailability in dogs as measured by the amounts of unchanged sulpiride excreted in the urine. The total unchanged sulpiride excreted in the 48 hr urine ranged from 30 to 44 % of the dose. The urinary half-lives ranged from 3.9 to 4.9 hr. The results indicate that, in the case of sulpiride, in vitro dissolution rate may not be a good predictor of bioavailability.

Bioavailability of 14C-sulpiride in dogs

The plasma and urinary concentrations of unchanged 14C-sulpiride were measured in the dog following i.v. and oral administration. Bioavailability of the oral hydrochloride solution was 85% and that of the free base suspension was 75%. Sulpiride equilibrated rapidly with tissue fluid and had an apparent volume of distribution of 3.3--3.8 1/kg. The plasma half-life was 2.5--3 hours. The short plasma half-life and its negligible concentrations in the brain are consistent with the low lipophilicity of supliride. When 100 mg sulpiride was given orally either as hydrochloride or free base, the maximum plasma level was reached within one hour and concentrations were 2.3 and 1.8 micrograms/ml, respectively. The similarity of urinary excretion data from i.v. and oral preparations suggest minimal "first-pass" effect.

Metabolism of sulpiride in man and rhesus monkeys

The metabolism of 14C-carbonyl-sulpiride (form A) and of 14C-3, 4 pyrrolidine-sulpiride (form B) was studied in the rhesus monkey and man. In the monkey, the metabolites in both the urine and the bile were the same with form A and form B: 60-80% sulpiride, 10-30% 5-oxopyrrolidine sulpiride and 3-8% an unidentified metabolite (ME-X). In four human volunteers given a single oral dose of either 108 mg form A or 100 mg form B, more than 95% of the 14C recovered in the urine and feces was unchanged sulpiride. Sulpiride levels in plasma reached maximum in 3 hr and ranged from 232 to 403 ng/ml. The plasma t1/2 was 8.3 hr. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated little or no biliary excretion of sulpiride in man.