YAP modifies cancer cell sensitivity to EGFR and survivin inhibitors and is negatively regulated by the non-receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase 14

The Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional factor involved in tissue development and tumorigenesis. Although YAP has been recognized as a key element of the Hippo signaling pathway, the mechanisms that regulate YAP activities remain to be fully characterized. In this study, we demonstrate that the non-receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase 14 (PTPN14) functions as a negative regulator of YAP. We show that YAP forms a protein complex with PTPN14 through the WW domains of YAP and the PPXY motifs of PTPN14. In addition, PTPN14 inhibits YAP-mediated transcriptional activities. Knockdown of YAP sensitizes cancer cells to various anti-cancer agents, such as cisplatin, the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib, and the small-molecule antagonist of survivin, S12. YAP-targeted modalities may be used in combination with other cancer drugs to achieve maximal therapeutic effects.

Abnormal behavior of residents in a long-term care facility and the associated stress of care staff members

To survey the factors associated with abnormal behavior in 99 elderly residing in a special nursing home, we investigated the relationships between abnormal behavior and depression as well as impairments in cognition and activities of daily living (ADL), and the stress level of 28 care staff members. The clinical criteria for grading of dementia (intellectual level), the Cornell scale for depression in dementia (CSDD), the dementia behavior disturbance (DBD) scale, and rating of performance of ADL were used to assess behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in the elderly patients. Stress levels of care staff members were assessed using the 'burnout' scale. The DBD scale score correlated with the intellectual level, CSDD score, and three categories of ADL (urinary continence, faecal continence, and comprehension of conversation). The DBD scale score correlated negatively with one category of ADL (eating) in men, but did not correlate with ADL in women. No correlation was found between the burnout scale scores of care staff and either their age or work schedules. Present results showed that abnormal behavior in special nursing home residents correlated with depression as well as cognitive impairment. It is believed that the treatment and management of depression will decrease abnormal behaviors and improve their quality of life in special nursing home residents.

Influences of caffeine to nitric oxide production and zonisamide concentration in the brain of seizure-susceptible EL mice

To investigate changes of nitric oxide (NO) productions and zonisamide (ZNS) concentrations in the brain of seizure-susceptible EL mice given caffeine orally, mice were given caffeine (600 microg/mL) solution ad libitum as a drinking fluid for 1-3 weeks. Nitric oxide production in the brain was determined by measuring levels of nitrite plus nitrate (NOx). The brain NOx levels of mice treated with caffeine for 3 weeks were significantly higher than the control. Seizures in mice treated with caffeine for 2 and 3 weeks were not suppressed by ZNS at a dose of 75 mg/kg. Serum ZNS concentrations of mice with caffeine intake for 1-3 weeks were higher than in untreated mice. Conversely, brain ZNS concentrations of mice with caffeine intake for the same periods were significantly lower than in untreated mice. These results suggested that caffeine influenced brain NO production and ZNS concentrations in the seizure susceptibility of EL mice.

A solvent used for antiepileptic drugs increases serum and brain zonisamide concentrations in seizure-susceptible el mice

Effects of a solvent mixture commonly used to dissolve antiepileptic drugs on the anticonvulsive effect as well as serum and brain concentrations of zonisamide (ZNS), a sulfonamide derivative, were investigated. The solvent mixture consisted of propylene glycol (PG, 40%) and ethanol (10.5%) in saline (PES). Intraperitoneal administration of ZNS at 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg dissolved in PES suppressed seizures in the EL strain of mice more effectively than the same doses of ZNS in saline. Serum and brain concentrations of the drug were significantly higher with PES than with saline as the vehicle for administration. At a dose of 75 mg/kg ip, both serum and brain ZNS concentrations in mice treated with ZNS in PES remained significantly higher than concentrations in mice treated with ZNS in saline from 1 to 6 hours after injection. PES mixtures including PG may not be suitable solvents for antiepileptic drugs in experiments investigating anticonvulsive effects.

Alterations of nitric oxide and monoamines in the brain of the EL mouse treated with phenobarbital and zonisamide

The effects of phenobarbital (PB; doses, 5, 10, and 25 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) and zonisamide (ZNS; doses, 30, 75, and 150 mg/kg, i.p.) on nitric oxide (NO) production, and those of coadministration of PB (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and ZNS (75 mg/kg, i.p.) on monoamines in the brain of the seizure-susceptible EL mouse were investigated. Nitric oxide production was obtained by measuring the combined level of nitrite plus nitrate (NOx). Zonisamide and PB dose-dependently suppressed the seizure of the EL mouse, and coadministration of PB (5 mg/kg) and ZNS (75 mg/kg) induced a greater degree of seizure suppression than treatment with ZNS or PB alone. Although PB (5 mg/kg) had no effect on brain NOx levels, ZNS (150 mg/kg) and coadministration of ZNS (75 mg/kg) and PB (5 mg/kg) decreased NOx levels significantly. Phenobarbital (5 mg/kg) did not influence monoamines, while coadministration of PB (5 mg/kg) and ZNS (75 mg/kg) decreased dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and increased 5-HT concentrations. The effect of the coadministration of two drugs on monoamines were similar to that of ZNS alone. These results suggest that one of the anticonvulsant effects of coadministration of PB and ZNS may be caused by changes in NOx levels.

Effects of MK-801, dantrolene, and FK506 on convulsive seizures and brain nitric oxide production in seizure-susceptible EL mice

To clarify the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of seizures in susceptible EL mice, we investigated effects of three drugs potentially related to NO production, MK-801, dantrolene, and FK506, on convulsive seizures and brain NO metabolites (NOx). MK-801 or dantrolene, but not FK506, suppressed convulsive seizures in EL mice; only MK-801 reduced NOx in the brain. Our results suggested involvement of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-channel complex and intracellular calcium mobilization, but not calcineurin, in the convulsions of EL mice.

Age-related alterations of nitric oxide production in the brains of seizure-susceptible EL mice

We evaluated age-related changes in nitric oxide (NO) production in the brains of EL mice, a strain highly susceptible to seizures. A group of EL(s) mice were tossed up weekly to induce convulsive seizures, while in a nonstimulated EL(ns) group induction of convulsive seizures was avoided. Brain levels of nitrite plus nitrate (NOx) in EL(ns) mice were significantly higher than in nonstimulated mice at 10 days, and also higher than levels at 15 and 50 weeks in either EL(s) or EL(ns) mice. A significantly higher number of NO-producing cells were demonstrated in the hippocampus and parietal cortex by staining for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase in EL(s) mice at the ages of 15 and 50 weeks than in EL(ns) mice at the age of 6 weeks. In EL(ns) mice, significantly fewer neurons showed NADPH-diaphorase staining in the hippocampus, striatum and parietal cortex at the age of 50 weeks than at 6 weeks. The present results suggest that whole-brain NOx levels in EL(ns) and EL(s) mice and numbers of NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons in EL(ns) mice decreased with aging, while increasing of numbers of such neurons in EL(s) mice were assumed to develop in compensation for reduction in whole-brain NOx levels.

Effects of combined administration of zonisamide and valproic acid or phenytoin to nitric oxide production, monoamines and zonisamide concentrations in the brain of seizure-susceptible EL mice

This study was undertaken to elucidate the anticonvulsive effects of zonisamide (ZNS: 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]), which was coadministered with valproic acid (VPA: 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.), or phenytoin (PHT: 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) to ZNS concentration, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx levels), and monoamines in the brain of the EL mouse, a strain highly susceptible to seizures. NOx levels were obtained from measuring of combined level of nitrite plus nitrate. Coadministration of ZNS with VPA or PHT suppressed convulsive seizures more effectively than with treatment of ZNS alone. Both serum and brain concentrations of ZNS tended to increase as the dose of VPA or PHT was increased. While coadministrations of ZNS (75 mg/kg) and VPA or PHT at any dose did not change brain and serum NOx levels, those altered brain monoamine contents. These results suggested that anticonvulsive effect of coadministrations of ZNS and VPA or PHT were caused by changes of monoamines rather than changes of NO metabolites.

The effect of alcohol on convulsions and nitric oxide levels in seizure-susceptible el mice

To evaluate the influences of ethanol intake on convulsive seizures and brain nitric oxide (NO) production, EL mice, a strain highly susceptible to seizures, were given a 10% ethanol solution ad libitum. In mice consuming ethanol for 4, 8, and 12 weeks, seizures were not suppressed by zonisamide (75 mg/kg ip). Brain NO metabolite levels in mice after 12 weeks of consumption were significantly lower than those in control mice and those consuming ethanol for 4 weeks. Numbers of NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons in the hippocampal formation and parietal cortex of mice consuming for 4 and 12 weeks were significantly higher than in controls. These results suggested that increasing of numbers of NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons in the hippocampal formation and parietal cortex were assumed to develop in compensation for reduction in whole-brain NO metabolite levels of EL mice exposed to ethanol.

Nitric oxide production is decreased in the brain of the seizure susceptible EL mouse

To investigate nitric oxide production in the brain of the EL mouse, an inbred mutant strain of the ddY mouse that is susceptible to convulsive seizures, we measured whole brain nitric oxide metabolites, and counted the number of nitric oxide-producing cells in the parietal cortex and striatum. Nitric oxide metabolites in the brain and serum were determined by measuring levels of nitrite plus nitrate. Nitric oxide-producing cells were demonstrated histochemically by staining for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) diaphorase. Levels of nitrite plus nitrate in the whole brain were significantly lower than those of the control mice, although levels of nitrite plus nitrate in the serum did not differ between groups. There were significantly fewer NADPH-diaphorase-positive cells in the parietal cortex and striatum of the EL mouse compared to the ddY controls. These results suggest that lower nitric oxide production in the brain may be related to the susceptibility of the EL mouse to convulsive seizures.

Gender of demented patients and specific family relationship of caregiver to patients influence mental fatigue and burdens on relatives as caregivers

OBJECTIVES

To survey the burden and psychological problems of family caregivers of demented people.

DESIGN

All scores were compared according to gender of the demented patients and which family members were the caregivers.

SETTING

Outpatients clinic at the university hospital and the day service system for the elderly.

PATIENTS

Sixty-two demented patients living at home and family members acting as caregivers.

MEASURES

Cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADL) and behaviour of demented patients were rated using the Hasegawa scale, the ADL scale and the dementia behaviour disturbance (DBD) scale. Caregiver's burden and mental fatigue were rated using a burden scale and a general health questionnaire (GHQ).

RESULTS

Caregiver burden correlated negatively with the Hasegawa score and positively with the GHQ and DBD scores. Caregiver burden, GHQ and DBD for male patients were significantly higher than for females. Little difference was evident for caregiver burden scale or patient DBD between spouses and offspring as caregiver, but the GHQ score for spouses was significantly worse than that for offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

The difficulty of caregivers in supporting the daily life of demented family members correlated with patients' cognitive impairment, abnormal behaviour and ADL status, and caregivers' difficulty resulted in mental fatigue. Caregivers' relative isolation from friends, attributable to their caregiving responsibility, did not correlate with the demented person's cognitive impairment or ADL status.

Kainic and domoic acids differentially affect NADPH-diaphorase neurons in the mouse hippocampal formation

We investigated changes in numbers of nitric-oxide-producing cells in the hippocampal formation, striatum, and temporal cortex of mice 24 h after intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg) or domoic acid (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg). Nitric-oxide-producing cells were demonstrated histochemically by staining for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase-positive neurons in the dentate gyrus and the subiculum did not change in number following administration of kainic acid or domoic acid at any dose. Positive neurons in the CA3 region of mice treated with kainic acid or domoic acid at any dose were significantly fewer than in controls. Although the numbers of positive neurons in the CA1/CA2 regions did not differ from those of controls at any of the four doses of kainic acid, positive cells in the CA1/CA2 were significantly more numerous than in controls at any dose of domoic acid. Although no significant differences in the numbers of positive neurons in the striatum were apparent between controls and any of the four doses of kainic acid, domoic acid significantly decreased the numbers of such cells. These results suggest that systemically administered kainic acid and domoic acid affect differentially nitric-oxide-producing cells in the hippocampal formation.

Influence of dietary zinc on convulsive seizures and hippocampal NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons in seizure susceptible EL mouse

Adequate, high and deficient dietary levels of zinc (Zn) were compared in seizure-susceptible EL mice with respect to convulsions and to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) diaphorase-positive hippocampal neurons. Diaphorase positivity is associated with nitric oxide (NO) production. Convulsive seizures in the EL mice given the various diets did not differ over 1-4 weeks, but convulsions in EL mice given the Zn-deficient diet for 4 weeks were more effectively suppressed by injection of zonisamide (ZNS) (75 mg/kg intraperitoneally) than in mice receiving high- or adequate-Zn diet for the same period. Numbers of NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons in the CA1/CA2 region of the hippocampal formation were significantly higher in mice given the Zn-deficient diet for 4 weeks than in mice fed adequate Zn. Mice receiving the high-Zn diet for the same period had significantly fewer NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons in the subiculum than mice with adequate Zn. These results suggest that Zn deficiency inhibits convulsive seizures of EL mice, and that dietary Zn influences numbers of NO producing neurons in the hippocampal formation.

Mental status of the elderly receiving home health services and the associated stress of home helpers

One hundred and ninety elderly people receiving home health service were investigated. The intellectual levels, depressive state evaluated by the Cornell scale for depression in dementia (CSDD) scale, abnormal behaviors evaluated by the dementia behavior disturbance (DBD) scale, and activities of daily living (ADL) were examined. These assessments were performed by 72 skilled home helpers who also assessed the severity of their own level of stress using the Burnout scale. The intellectual level and mood-related signs, based on the CSDD scale, of the elderly living with families or with a spouse were diminished significantly as compared to the elderly living alone. The elderly living with families also performed worse on all ADL categories except for visual acuity as compared to the elderly living with a spouse or living alone. There was no significant correlation between the Burnout scale score and age or frequency of working as a home helper. These results suggest that elderly people living with families as compared to the elderly living with a spouse or living alone have greater mental health needs as well as more profound physical limitations.

Deep venous thrombosis of the leg due to psychiatric stupor

We report the cases of two patients with psychiatric stupor who developed venous thrombosis. A 29-year-old schizophrenic woman had been hospitalized in psychiatric institutions three times because of stupor associated with auditory hallucinations and thought blocking. These symptoms recurred and she was admitted to our hospital with deep venous thrombosis of her left leg. The other patient was a 67-year-old woman with depression. She had also suffered from insomnia. Following admission to our hospital, she developed a depressive stupor complicated by deep venous thrombosis of her left leg. Both cases were treated with sodium heparin and urokinase, and completely resolved. It is well known that dehydration, infection and decubitus ulcers are important physical complications of psychiatric stupor, but there have been few reports of deep venous thrombosis as a physical complication of stupor.

A study of the quality of life in elderly people using psychological testing

To study factors which influence the quality of life (QOL) in the elderly, we investigated the relationship between scores on the modified Philadelphia Geriatric Center (JPGC) Morale Scale and various other psychological tests in 51 elderly people residing in a long-term care facility. The JPGC Morale Scale score correlated with the scores for all sections of the Japanese version of the Cornell Medical Index (JCMI), but not with those for the Mini Mental State Examination, the Kohs block design test, the Bender Gestalt test and the activities of daily living (ADL). Both somatic and psychotic symptoms on the JCMI were correlated with the dementia behaviour disturbance scale score and walking ability according to the ADL. Subjects were further divided into four groups according to Fukamachi's neurotic discriminative diagram based on the JCMI. Scores for most sections of somatic and psychotic symptoms on the JCMI were elevated in proportion to the degree of neurotic tendencies in the elderly. These results indicate that the QOL of the elderly is influenced by subjective symptoms, but not by the degree of cognitive impairment or the ADL.

Abnormal behavior of elderly people residing in institutions of medical and social welfare systems

We investigated factors correlated with abnormal behavior in the elderly residing in a special nursing home (group A) and a psychiatric hospital (group B) using the dementia behavior disturbance scale, the mini mental state examination, the Japanese version of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center morale scale, and the ADL assessment scale. The cognitive function of group B was decreased compared with that of group A, but most activities of daily living (ADL) in the latter group were disrupted compared with those in the former. Only a few categories of ADL correlated with abnormal behavior in group A, whereas cognitive function, quality of life, and most categories of ADL correlated with abnormal behavior in group B. These results suggest that factors correlated with abnormal behavior in the elderly differ within institutions of medical and social welfare systems.

Alcohol intake decreases brain Zonisamide concentration in inbred EL mice

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of ethanol intake on the anticonvulsive effects of Zonisamide (ZNS), a sulfonamide derivative. EL mice, which are highly susceptible to seizures, were given a 10% ethanol solution ad lib for 1-4 weeks. In mice given ethanol for 4 weeks, seizures were not suppressed by ZNS at a dose of 75 mg kg-1, i.p. Serum ZNS concentrations following ethanol consumption for 1-4 weeks were higher than in untreated mice; however, brain ZNS concentrations following ethanol consumption were lower than those in untreated mice. These results suggest that alcohol intake decreases the brain concentration of ZNS, but not the serum concentration.

Age differences of psychiatric inpatients presenting with physical complications

We reviewed the records of 292 inpatients in the psychiatric ward of Kagoshima University Hospital who were referred from other medical facilities over a 5-year period in order to clarify age differences in the reason for referral. Patients were classified into groups of physically and mentally ill individuals based on indications for admission. Both groups were further divided into four subgroups based on age. The incidence of inpatients with physical illnesses increased with age. Conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium occurred at high frequency in female patients in the 20- to 39-year-old subgroup. Individuals in the 40- to 59-year-old and in the > or = 60 years subgroups suffered more frequently from neoplasms. The proportion of patients manifesting a defective state in all age subgroups with the exception of the under 19-year-old subgroup was significantly higher in the physical illness group than in the mental illness group. The proportion of patients in a depressive state in the > or = 60 years subgroup was significantly higher in the mental illness group than in the physical illness group. Hence, it is necessary to find a method to be able to cope with psychiatric patients with physical complications to solve this problem.

Relationships between convulsive seizures and serum and brain concentrations of phenobarbital and zonisamide in mutant inbred strain EL mouse

We evaluated the anticonvulsive effects of phenobarbital (PB) and zonisamide (ZNS) in the EL mouse, a strain that is highly susceptible to seizures. The concentration of each agent was analyzed in the serum and brain. PB suppressed the seizures dose-dependently, whereas even the higher dose of ZNS was ineffective in achieving a complete suppression. Serum and brain concentrations of these two drugs increased in proportion to the higher dose injected intraperitoneally. Brain concentration of PB was lower than the serum concentration, while the brain concentration of ZNS exceeded that in serum. Although serum concentration of ZNS was essential unchanged after the combined administration of PB and ZNS, the concentration of ZNS in brain tended to rise in proportion to the highly dose of PB. Combined administration was more effective than other treatment alone. Results indicated that brain concentration of ZNS especially after concomitant PB administration, were higher than that would be expected from the concentration of ZNS in serum.

Sparse distribution of NADPH diaphorase neurons in the hippocampal formation of the inbred mutant strain EL mouse

The number of NADPH diaphorase-positive cells in the CA1/CA2 and CA3 regions of Ammon's horn and the subiculum of the hippocampal formation of EL mice, an inbred mutant strain of the ddY mouse susceptible to convulsive seizures, was fewer than that of ddY mice. These findings suggest that smaller numbers of nitric oxide producing cells in the hippocampal formations of EL mice is related to their susceptibility to convulsive seizures.

Sex difference in depression and quality of life in elderly people

Two hundred and two elderly people who have been visiting a Day Service Center were examined by a Japanese version of the self-rating depression scale by Zung (SDS) and the quality of life rating scale to suit Japanese conditions (QOL scale). The QOL scale measures four aspects: physical functioning, emotional adjustment, interpersonal relationship and attitudes toward life. Significant correlations were seen between the scores of three aspects and the total score except for the score of interpersonal relationship. Although no significant difference was found between the sexes in scores of the SDS, all the scores of aspects and the total score of the QOL scale of the male subjects were significantly higher than those of the female subjects.

Water intoxication in a schizophrenic patient with rhabdomyolysis

We report a case of water intoxication in a 54-year-old female schizophrenic patient with rhabdomyolysis. She had been admitted to a mental hospital, and treated with spiperone 6 mg daily. On August 3, 1992, the coma following a convulsion occurred. Laboratory data initially showed marked hyponatremia and hypochloremia with decreased serum potassium, and a gradual increase in serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK). The elevation in serum CPK with marked hyponatremia observed in the present patient was probably caused by excessive drinking of water. In this patient, the CPK elevation revealed the rhabdomyolysis.

Depression and quality of life in the elderly in a special nursing home

Using a Japanese version of the Self-Rating Depression Scale by Zung (SDS) and the Quality of Life (QOL) rating scale designed by Iida et al. (QOL scale), we compared the QOL and depressive state of special nursing home residents and the elderly in the general community. The QOL scale has four categories: physical functioning, emotional adjustment, interpersonal relationships and attitudes toward life. High scores in either examination indicate a greater impairment. The SDS scores of the residents in the special nursing home were significantly lower than those of the elderly in the community, but the scores in 3 categories and the total score, except for those of physical functioning of the QOL, were significantly higher in the nursing home residents. In the nondepressed elderly rated by the SDS, the physical functioning score of the elderly in the community significantly exceeded that of the special nursing home residents. In the depressed elderly, all the scores including the total score were significantly higher than those in the special nursing home residents. Our results suggest that while the QOL of the depressed elderly in a special nursing home was poorer than that of the elderly in the community, their depression could be treated. However, the QOL cannot be improved by treatment alone.

Five-year follow-up study of nursing home residents using the behavioral rating scale

We followed up 109 elderly nursing home residents for 5 years using the modified Stockton Geriatric Rating Scale (SGRS). They were divided into 3 groups according to their walking ability, prolonged bedrest, walking with aids and walking by themselves. The scores of physical disability and apathy and the total score were in direct proportion to the degree of walking ability, and the score of communication failure of prolonged bedrest was significantly higher than those of other 2 states in the initial examination. The percentage of mortality of prolonged bedrest was significantly higher than those of other 2 groups. Physical disabilities of all the groups had deteriorated during the follow-up period, but only communication failure of walking with aids and the total score of walking by themselves had aggravated. It is considered that using of the behavioral rating scale such as the modified SGRS is conformative in caring of the elderly.

Effects of the opiates on the paraventricular nucleus in genetically polydipsic mice

The inbred mice, STR/N, are known to possess extreme polydipsia with no known abnormality in vasopressin system and the kidney function. Our previous studies indicate that the opiate antagonists given intracerebroventricularly strongly attenuated spontaneous drinking. To determine the site(s) of action, the present study was undertaken. Microinjections of naltrexone methobromide and a selective kappa-receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) greatly attenuated drinking of the STR/N for 0.5 to 16 h after injections, while in the two control groups, non-polydipsic STR/1N and Swiss/Webster strains, drinking was not affected by the injections. Food intake was not much altered in all groups. Studies of PVN neurons in vitro (n = > 160 for each group) showed that basal firing rates and patterns were similar in the STR/N and the control groups. Morphine added to the medium inhibited some but excited none in all strains tested. The threshold for the inhibitory action was higher in the polydipsic STR/N mice (10(-8) M), compared to that in the control, S/W mice (10(-9) M). Further, a proportion of neurons inhibited by morphine in the PVN was significantly smaller (P < 0.01) in the STR/N (41.7%), compared to that in the control (64.9%). Dynorphin had very similar effect to that of morphine, but the proportion of cells inhibited was 25.4% in the STR/N, and 70.4% in the S/W. Prior applications of naloxone to the medium prevented the action of both morphine and dynorphin. Under the synaptic blockade (in a low Ca2+ and high Mg2+ medium) the inhibitory effect of the opiates persisted. We concluded that the PVN is at least one of the possible sites where the opiates are acting to cause the polydipsia in the STR/N mice.

Influences of prolonged bed rest and cognitive impairment on nursing home residents

Seventy nursing home residents with and 87 without cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) were examined by the modified Stockton Geriatric Rating Scale (modified SGRS) which measures four aspects of impairments; physical disability, socially irritating behavior, communication failure and apathy. They were divided into 3 subgroups according to walking ability; prolonged bed rest, walking with aids and walking by themselves in both groups. Physical disability of mental decline was significantly aggravated more than that of normal intelligence in all the subgroups. Although communication failure and apathy of mental decline had deteriorated more than those of normal intelligence in prolonged bed rest in residents without CVD, apathy of the former had deteriorated more than that of the latter in walking by themselves in residents with CVD.

Accelerated plethysmogram in nursing home residents

To investigate the peripheral blood circulation, 24 young volunteers, 28 nursing home residents with cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and 42 residents without them were studied for accelerated plethysmogram (APG). Both residents were rated by the modified Stockton geriatric rating scale (modified SGRS) which have four aspects of impairments; physical disability, socially irritating behavior, communication failure and apathy. As to the waveform patterns of APG, the majority of the young volunteers and both the residents showed patterns B and G, respectively. Coefficient of APG (Co-APG) of the former was significantly larger than that of the latter. In the residents without CVD, Co-APG was significantly negatively correlated with physical disability and apathy of the modified SGRS. But, Co-APG did not correlate with the modified SGRS in the residents with CVD.

Three-year follow-up studies on heart rate variability in nursing home residents

The coefficient of variation of the R-R interval (CV value) of nursing home residents was investigated twice during a three-year period. The initial CV value of the deceased during the period was significantly lower than that of the survivors. Among the survivors, residents without chronic cerebrovascular disease mainly showed a decrease in their CV values during the period.

A study of common carotid arterial blood flow volume of nursing home residents

Ninety-seven nursing home residents were divided into 2 groups according to whether they had had an episode of stroke or not. Each group was classified into 3 subgroups: prolonged bed rest, walking with aids or walking by themselves. They were investigated for both the carotid blood flow volume and the modified Stockton geriatric rating scale (SGRS). In chronic stroke residents, the total blood flow volume of prolonged bed rest residents was lower than that who can walk by themselves. In residents without stroke, the total blood flow volume of prolonged bed rest residents was lower than the other 2 subgroups. The total blood flow volume was significantly correlated with the scores of 3 factors of the modified SGRS.

Blood flow velocity waveform in the common carotid artery and its analysis in elderly subjects

We investigated common carotid artery blood flow in 99 elderly nursing home residents using an ultrasonic quantitative blood flow measurement system. Systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity were obtained from the waveform and classified, using the end-diastolic/systolic volume as Type A which is normal flow (greater than 20% bilaterally), Type B which is unilateral decreased flow (less than 20% unilaterally), Type C which is bilateral decreased flow (less than 20% bilaterally), Type D which is Type C plus a saw tooth pattern and Type E which is no diastolic pattern, i.e. a value of 0 unilaterally or bilaterally. Five per cent of subjects showed Type A of blood flow velocity waveform (normal flow pattern) and about 40% showed Type E (no diastolic pattern). The subjects were divided into three groups according to blood flow velocity waveform. Groups 1, 2 and 3 showed Types A or B, C or D, and E, respectively. The total blood flow volume and mean blood flow velocity of Group 1 were significantly higher than those of Groups 2 and 3 in both the supine and sitting positions. Although both total blood flow volume and mean blood flow velocity of Group 1 decreased significantly in postural change, those of Groups 2 and 3 did not change. These results suggest that total blood flow volume and mean blood flow velocity decrease in proportion to changes in the blood flow velocity waveform.

Relationship between common carotid arterial flow and age in nursing home residents

Heart rate and carotid blood flow were measured in 82 elderly nursing home residents in both supine and sitting positions. The subjects had been divided into two groups according to whether or not they had had an episode of chronic cerebrovascular disease. In subjects with chronic cerebrovascular disease, the heart rate in the sitting position was significantly (P less than 0.01) faster than that in the supine position but there were no significant differences in total carotid blood flow volume or in mean carotid blood flow velocity between the positions. In subjects with chronic cerebrovascular disease, there were also no significant correlations between heart rate, total blood flow volume, or mean blood flow velocity, in either position, and age. In subjects without chronic cerebrovascular disease, the results for postural change were the same as those in subjects with chronic cerebrovascular disease but in both positions there was a significant negative correlation between age and both total carotid blood flow volume and mean carotid blood flow velocity.

Ultrasonography detected a higher incidence of gallstones in psychiatric inpatients

A total of 105 psychiatric inpatients (55 men, 50 women) were investigated for gallstones and associated factors by means of ultrasonography. Gallstones were detected in 27 (26%) of the 105 patients. The overall incidence tended to be higher in female patients than in males. The duration of mental illness and neuroleptic medication in patients with gallstones was significantly longer than in those without gallstones. A stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that the duration of neuroleptic medication was the most informative for discrimination between the 2 groups. These results, in combination with previous studies on the effects of neuroleptics on the bile and biliary system, suggests that neuroleptics may accelerate the formation of gallstones.

Involvement of angiotensin II in water intake of genetically polydipsic mice

The involvement of angiotensin II (ANG II) in the genetic polydipsia of the STR/N strain of mice was investigated. Daily water intake of the polydipsic inbred STR/N of both sexes ranged between five and eight times that of nonpolydipsic controls: STR/1N, a mutant of the STR/N, and Swiss-Webster (S/W) mice. Nevertheless the diurnal pattern of drinking was maintained in the STR/N. There was no difference in daily food intake, arterial blood pressure, and plasma renin activity among the three groups. Drinking responses to 48 h of water deprivation were not significantly different between the polydipsic mice and their control groups. Captopril, an angiotensin I converting-enzyme inhibitor, injected subcutaneously just before the dark period, reduced drinking for 6 h in the polydipsic strain only. Food intake of all three groups of mice was not affected. Similarly the ANG II antagonist saralasin, [Sar1,-Ile8]ANG II, injected into the lateral cerebroventricle just before the dark period, significantly reduced water intake for 6 h after injection in the polydipsic mice only. Intracerebroventricular injection of ANG II increased drinking in the nondeprived controls but not in the polydipsic mice. These findings suggest that the polydipsia in the STR/N mice may involve, at least in part, the ANG II system in the brain.

Kappa-opioid antagonist strongly attenuates drinking of genetically polydipsic mice

Effects of opioid antagonists on the genetic polydipsia of the STR/N strain of mice were investigated. Naltrexone (0.5-5.0 mg/kg) injected subcutaneously before dark period attenuated spontaneous drinking for the first 3 h after injection only in the inbred polydipsic mice (STR/N), whose water intake was 5 times that of controls (non-polydipsic mutant, STR/1N, and Swiss/Webster mice). The highest dose (5 mg/kg) of naltrexone administration reduced drinking also during the next 3-6 h period and overnight feeding. Cerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of naltrexone, 1.0 and 2.5 micrograms (per mouse), suppressed drinking only in the polydipsic mice, while the higher dose (5.0 micrograms) attenuated drinking and feeding of both the polydipsic mice and their controls. However, i.c.v. injection of specific kappa-receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, 0.5-2.5 micrograms), suppressed drinking only in the polydipsic strain of mice at one-half dose of that needed for naltrexone. Furthermore, even a higher dose of nor-BNI administration was without effect on food intake in all strains. These findings suggest that the central opioid system plays an important role in causing the polydipsia in the STR/N mice, probably through the kappa-opioid receptor.

Three cases of chronic subdural hematoma with depressive state

The authors described 3 cases of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) with a depressive state. There were no abnormal findings from general and neurological examinations. Computed tomographic (CT) brain scans revealed sickle-shaped low density areas in the bilateral frontal lobes. Two of the 3 cases had not had episodes of head contusion, and it was not until the CT brain scanning that they were found to have CSDH. Evacuation of the hematomas was not considered suitable and the depressive state of these 2 cases was improved by antidepressants. The remaining case seemed to have become depressive because of failure in business. After the head contusion, his depressive state gradually became more severe. A neurosurgical operation was carried out to evacuate the hematoma. CSDH seemed to aggravate his depressive state. These 3 cases show that CSDH located in the bilateral frontal lobes may cause and/or influence affective disorder.

Alterations of accumbens neuronal activity in freely moving rats following methamphetamine

Multiple unit activity in the nucleus accumbens, locomotor activity, and stereotyped behavior were simultaneously recorded in freely moving rats. An intraperitoneal injection of 1.5 mg/kg methamphetamine produced an increase in the firing rate while a decrease in the discharge rate occurred following an administration of 4.5 mg/kg methamphetamine. In addition, the unit activity was positively correlated with the locomotor activity and negatively correlated with the stereotypy score. These results suggest that accumbens neuronal activation during locomotor hyperactivity may partly depend on the feedback from locomotion.