Haemophilia A in a female mixed-breed dog

A spayed female mixed-breed dog was presented with excessive bleeding from a wound in the mouth. The dog had a history of self-limiting bleeding following ovariohysterectomy. A coagulation test revealed prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time (20.2 seconds; reference interval: 11.0-15.0 seconds), prothrombin time was normal and factor VIII activity was markedly decreased (1.9%; reference interval: >50%). The von Willebrand factor antigen concentration was 158% (reference interval: >50%). A cross-mixing test indicated that the diminished factor VIII activity was due to deficiency or dysfunction of factor VIII rather than inhibition of factor VIII activity. Based on these results, the dog was diagnosed with haemophilia A. Haemophilia A should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bleeding disorders also in female mixed-breeds dogs.

Association of laboratory data and death within one month in cats with chronic renal failure

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively compare the data taken at the first visit of 34 cats with chronic renal failure surviving more than one month (surviving group) and 16 cats dying within one month (non-surviving group).

METHODS

Records were collected on cats with chronic renal failure presented to a private veterinary practice in Nagoya, Japan, from March 1996 to March 2005. All cats with chronic renal failure diagnosed on the basis of case histories, clinical signs (such as, lethargy, anorexia, loss of bodyweight and vomiting) and a high plasma creatinine (>180 micromol/l) were included in the study.

RESULTS

Plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphate, packed cell volume and urine protein/creatinine ratio were significantly different between cats of the surviving and non-surviving groups. In the surviving group, survival statuses were recorded, and laboratory data was obtained within one month before death in 13 cats. In the 13 cats, plasma creatinine, packed cell volume and urine protein/creatinine ratio showed significant differences between the data taken within one month before death and that taken at first visit, and only urine protein/creatinine ratio exhibited a consistent alteration (increase) in relation to first visit data.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These results indicated that plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphate, packed cell volume and urine protein/creatinine ratio were associated with death within one month and urine protein/creatinine ratio was most likely to be associated with mortality in cats with chronic renal failure.

Renal reabsorption of magnesium and calcium by cattle with renal tubular dysplasia

The concentrations of magnesium and calcium in the serum and urine and their rates of clearance were determined in cattle with renal tubular dysplasia, an autosomal recessive hereditary disease associated with a deletion of the paracellin-1 gene in Japanese Black cattle. There were no significant differences in the serum or urine magnesium concentrations between normal cattle and cattle which were heterozygous or homozygous for the condition. Serum calcium concentrations tended to be lower in the homozygous cattle, and the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly higher in the homozygous cattle. The ratio of magnesium:creatinine and the fractional excretion of magnesium were higher in cattle with the disease than in normal cattle. There were no significant differences in urine calcium concentration, the calcium:creatinine ratio, and fractional excretion of calcium between normal cattle and cattle which were homozygous or heterozygous for the condition. The creatinine clearance was significantly lower in the homozygous cattle than in normal cattle. The clearance, excretion rate, reabsorption rate and reabsorption rate:clearance ratio of magnesium in cattle with renal tubular dysplasia were significantly lower than in normal cattle. The clearance rate and reabsorption rate of calcium were also significantly lower in the affected cattle, but the excretion rate and reabsorption rate:clearance of calcium were not different between the normal cattle and the cattle homozygous for the condition. In cattle with the condition the rate of reabsorption of magnesium by the kidneys was low, but the rate of reabsorption of calcium was normal.

Pathological changes of renal tubular dysplasia in Japanese black cattle

Pathological studies were conducted on 91 Japanese Black cattle with a hereditary disease which induced growth retardation, long hooves and renal failure. In calves one to two months old, no gross abnormalities were observed in the kidneys, but microscopical examinations revealed immature epithelia which were arranged irregularly and not attached to the basement membranes in some proximal tubules. In animals three to 36 months old, the kidneys had shrunk perceptibly and had grey-white radial streaks; microscopically they showed severe interstitial fibrosis with round-cell infiltration in the outer zone of the medulla and cortex, and reductions in the numbers of glomeruli and tubules. In the fibrotic areas there were immature epithelia with an irregular arrangement, and the basement membrane of the tubules was thickened. It was concluded that renal tubular dysplasia was the primary lesion of the disease, and that interstitial fibrosis and reductions in the numbers of nephrons were secondary lesions.

E7070, a novel sulphonamide agent with potent antitumour activity in vitro and in vivo

E7070 (N-(3-Chloro-7-indolyl)-1,4-benzenedisulphonamide) was selected from our sulphonamide compound collections via antitumour screening and flow cytometric analysis. Following treatment with E7070, the cell cycle progression of P388 murine leukaemia cells was disturbed in the G1 phase. The cell-killing effect on human colon cancer HCT116 cells was found to be time-dependent. In the panel of 42 human tumour cell lines, E7070 showed an antitumour spectrum that was distinct from those of other anticancer drugs used in clinic. Animal tests using human tumour xenograft models demonstrated that E7070 could cause not only tumour growth suppression, but also tumour regression in three of five colorectal and two of two lung cancers. In the HCT116 xenograft model, E7070 was shown to be superior to 5-FU, MMC and CPT-11 (irinotecan). Furthermore, complete regression of advanced LX-1 tumours was observed in 80% of E7070-treated mice. All of these observations have promoted this drug to clinical evaluation.

Clinical features of renal tubular dysplasia, a new hereditary disease in Japanese Black cattle

A new hereditary disease characterised by renal failure, poor growth and long hooves in Japanese Black cattle (wagyu) has been recognised in a region of central Japan since 1990. The number of calves affected has increased gradually, with the incidence reaching 17 of 485 (3.51 per cent) in 1995. Almost all the calves were slightly undersized at birth, and repeatedly had diarrhoea during the neonatal period. They began to show signs of growth retardation with proportional body and elongation of the hooves from about two to five months of age, but they had an almost normal or only slightly decreased appetite. The concentrations of urea nitrogen, creatinine and inorganic phosphorus in serum were high, and the affected calves excreted diluted urine frequently. Among 25 cases, the urine of 21 contained occult blood, 24 contained protein and two contained glucose. In 29 calves observed for 30 to 130 days, the course of the disease varied; in 21 of them it remained unchanged, six became gradually worse and two became severely debilitated and died. The disease was diagnosed as renal tubular dysplasia by histopathological examination.

Relaxing and contracting activities of heartworm extract on isolated canine abdominal aorta

Effect of adult heartworm (HW) crude extract on isolated canine abdominal aortic strips precontracted with noradrenaline was examined by recording isometric changes in tension. HW extract caused contraction of the aortic strip at a low concentration (LC) and its relaxation at a high concentration (HC). In aortic strips without endothelium, LC extract elicited a contraction similar to that in the strips with endothelium, whereas HC extract failed to produce any relaxation but instead produced a contraction. The relaxing effect of HC extract was blocked after treatment with 300 microM NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, with reversal by additional treatment with 3 mM L-arginine. It was also markedly reduced or abolished after treatment with 3 microM oxyhemoglobin or 1 microM methylene blue. Fractionation of HW extract by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the relaxing and contracting activities are due to different substances in the extract. The results indicate that HW extract contains 2 different vasoactive substances, 1 causing contraction of canine abdominal aorta via a direct action on the smooth muscle, and the other its relaxation indirectly by releasing nitric oxide from endothelial cells. These vasoactive substances might play a role in HW extract-induced shock in dogs, and in the pathogenesis of HW infection.

Comparison of heartworm extract-induced shock and endotoxin-induced shock in dogs by determination of serum tumor necrosis factor concentrations

OBJECTIVE

To compare the mechanisms of heartworm (HW) extract-induced shock and endotoxin-induced shock in dogs by determination of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) concentrations.

ANIMALS

11 mixed-breed dogs (7 without and 4 with HW infections).

PROCEDURE

Eight dogs were treated with 2 ml of HW extract IV, and 3 dogs were given endotoxin (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) at 40 or 400 microg/kg of body weight, IV. Changes in clinical and hematologic findings and serum TNF concentrations were examined from before treatment to 120 minutes after treatment in dogs given HW extract or from before treatment to 180 minutes after treatment in dogs given LPS. Tumor necrosis factor concentration was determined by cytotoxic assay, using WEHI-164 murine sarcoma cells, and plasma endotoxin concentration was determined in 2 dogs treated with HW extract, using the endotoxin-specific chromogenic test.

RESULTS

Eight dogs developed shock 3 to 16 minutes after HW extract treatment. Rectal temperature did not change during examination. Serum TNF concentration was detected at a low concentration only 60 and 120 minutes after HW extract treatment, and plasma endotoxin was not detected during examination. In dogs treated with LPS, rectal temperature increased to > 40 C in 2 of 3 dogs, and serum TNF concentration began to increase 30 minutes after LPS treatment, reaching a maximum concentration by 60 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

The cause and mechanism of HW extract-induced shock may be different from those of endotoxin-induced shock, because TNF, which was a pivotal mediator in endotoxin-induced shock, increased minimally in serum of dogs treated with HW extract.

Role of histamine in heartworm extract-induced shock in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether heartworm (HW) extract-induced shock in dogs is consistent with anaphylactic shock by examining the role of histamine.

ANIMALS

6 mixed-breed dogs (3 without and 3 with HW infections) and 4 specific pathogen-free (SPF) Beagles.

PROCEDURE

Four experiments were performed as follows: 1) 6 mixed-breed dogs were treated IV with 2 ml of HW extract, and plasma histamine concentrations were determined; 2) 4 SPF dogs were treated IV with 2 ml of HW extract and examined for shock; 3) sera from 6 dogs of experiment 1 and from 4 SPF dogs of experiment 2 that were obtained before HW extract treatment were tested for heterologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), using rabbits during a sensitization period of 48 to 72 hours; and 4) mast cell degranulation by HW extract was tested, using rat mesentery and canine cultured mast cells.

RESULTS

Experiment 1: 6 dogs developed shock, and plasma histamine concentrations increased significantly from 0.3 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SD) ng/ml before HW extract treatment to 44.6 +/- 68.9 ng/ml at the onset of shock; experiment 2: all SPF dogs developed shock and had an increase in plasma histamine concentrations; experiment 3: sera from mixed-breed dogs without HW infection and from SPF dogs had negative PCA reactions; experiment 4: HW extract degranulated rat mesentery mast cells and released histamine directly from canine mast cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results of our study indicate that an unknown mast cell-degranulating substances contained in HW extract may degranulate mast cells directly, consequently releasing histamine that may participate in the onset of shock in HW extract-induced shock in dogs.

Effect of E7010 on liver metastasis and life span of syngeneic C57BL/6 mice bearing orthotopically transplanted murine Colon 38 tumor

PURPOSE

E7010 is an orally active sulfonamide antitumor agent showing good activity against various subcutaneously inoculated rodent tumors and human tumor xenografts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of E7010 on liver metastasis and life span of mice bearing orthotopically transplanted murine Colon 38 tumor.

METHODS

Orthotopic transplantation of murine Colon 38 tumor as intact tissue yielded hepatic metastasis with a high incidence in about 1 month in C57BL/6 mice, and the mice died in about 2 months with cachexia. In this model, the maximum tolerated dose of E7010 (100 mg/kg per day) was administered orally on various schedules, including for 14 days or daily until death, starting at 14 days after transplantation, or for 8 days from 21 days after transplantation.

RESULTS

E7010 showed tumor growth inhibition (T/C=40%) at the orthotopic site similar to that at the subcutaneous site (T/C = 32%) when administered from 14 days after transplantation. When E7010 was started from 21 days after transplantation, it significantly decreased the number of hepatic metastases (control 17.1+/-20.8, E7010 2.6+/-5.3), although inhibition of tumor growth at the orthotopic site was only moderate (T/ C=60%). The administration of E7010 until death produced a significant increase in life span (control 49.8+/-8.9 days, E7010 62.5+/-6.1 days). Although the tumor weight of the E7010-treated group on the day of death was similar to that of the untreated group (control 1.166+/-0.507 g, E7010 1.211+/-0.632 g), there were significantly fewer liver metastases in the E7010-treated group (control 41.3+/-31.1, E7010 2.0+/-2.0).

CONCLUSION

E7010 suppressed tumor growth at both primary and metastatic sites and increased life span in an orthotopic transplantation model of murine Colon 38 tumor in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. Hepatic metastasis was inhibited more effectively than the growth of the primary tumor.

Serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations in Japanese black cattle with growth retardation

Serum concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were determined in 5 calves in the same lineage with growth retardation. They had normal appetites, activities, body proportion, and laboratory test results. Calves with growth retardation had higher serum GH concentrations and lower serum IGF-I concentrations. These findings suggested defects in the GH-IGF-1 axis, such as in the GH-receptor.

Hemodynamic alterations in dogs with shock induced by intravenous injection of heartworm extract

To elucidate one way of the shock mechanisms, the hemodynamic alterations were examined in 7 dogs with heartworm (HW) extract-induced shock. The first alteration observed after injection of HW extract was a decrease in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDP). After that, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure, LV systolic pressure, and LV dp/dt fell significantly, followed by a decrease in the cardiac output of all dogs to below the detectable level (1.00 l/min). Since RVEDP depends on blood flow into the right ventricle, the decrease in RVEDP means a reduction in venous return. Therefore, this study showed that the first trigger of a decrease in blood pressure in HW extract-induced shock is the reduction in venous return.

Genotyping of feline MHC (FLA) class II DRB by PCR-RFLP method using group-specific primers

For genotyping of feline major histocompatibility complex (FLA) class II DRB, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method using group-specific primers was tried. Sixty-six DRB genes were classified into 8 groups according to differences in the first 5' amino acid sequences. The group-specific primers were designed as forward ones, which were specific for 5' base sequences of genes in each group. Three to 7 appropriate restricted enzymes were selected by computer analysis for RFLP typing of the genes divided into each group. In 6 out of 9 cats, the results of DRB typed by direct sequence method agreed with results of the PCR-RFLP method using group-specific primers. In the other 3 cats, the number of genes amplified by group-specific primers was I or 2 more than those detected by direct sequence method. The direct sequence method in 9 cats identified 5 new FLA-DRB genes. The PCR-RFLP method using group-specific primers could divide 66 genes into 37 genes and 10 subgroups from the RFLP pattern. One to 6 genes in each cat, and a total of 203 genes and subgroups were detected in 68 domestic cats. The genes detected might be biased to the subgroup G1-1a (28.8%), DRB*0501 (10.3%), G1-2a (9.4%) and G6b (7.4%). The PCR-RFLP method using group-specific primers may be useful in typing FLA class II DRB.

A deletion of the paracellin-1 gene is responsible for renal tubular dysplasia in cattle

Various hereditary diseases analogous to particular human heritable diseases have been identified in cattle. Investigation of these cattle diseases will provide useful information regarding the pathogenesis of the corresponding human diseases. Renal tubular dysplasia is an autosomal recessive disease of Japanese black cattle characterized by renal failure and growth retardation. We have previously mapped the locus responsible for the disease within a region on bovine chromosome 1. In the present study, we further typed additional markers in this region and found that a genomic segment of bovine chromosome 1 including the microsatellite marker BMS4009 was deleted in the affected animals. Construction of a physical map covering this region with BAC clones and comparison of the nucleotide sequences of this region between normal and affected animals revealed that a region of 37 kb including exons 1 to 4 of the bovine paracellin-1 gene was deleted in the affected animals. The paracellin-1 gene, which is the causative gene for human renal hypomagnesemia with hypercaciuria and nephrocalcinosis, encodes a tight junction protein of renal epithelial cells. Therefore, we concluded that deletion of the paracellin-1 gene is responsible for renal tubular dysplasia of cattle, and the cattle disease could be a good model for the human disease.

[ALL complicated by obstructive jaundice due to choledocholithiasis after unrelated bone marrow transplantation]

A 22-year-old man with acute lymphocytic leukemia underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an unrelated donor in October 1996. In April 1997, he suddenly developed severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. The diagnosis was obstructive jaundice associated with gallstones in the gallbladder and common bile duct. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic removal of the stones in the common bile duct. The major component of the gallstones was bilirubinate calcium. Although the pathogenesis of gallstones after BMT remains unclear, several factors including impaired contractility of the gallbladder, hemolysis, changes in bile composition, and biliary tract infection may play important roles.

Establishment of a quantitative mouse dorsal air sac model and its application to evaluate a new angiogenesis inhibitor

We have developed an improved mouse dorsal air sac model for quantifying in vivo tumor-induced angiogenesis. In our improved model, tumor angiogenesis is determined by measuring the blood volume in an area of skin held in contact with a tumor cell-containing chamber, using 51Cr-labeled red blood cells (RBC). The blood volume induced by murine B16-BL6 melanoma cells increased linearly with the cell number in the range from 2 x 10(5) to 5 x 10(6). Ten of 11 human tumor cell lines examined induced a significant increment in blood volume. For three representative human tumor cell lines (A549, WiDr. and HT1080 cells) that showed different angiogenic potencies, the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) produced by the tumor cells cultured under conditions of hypoxia and high cell density were correlated with the degree of in vivo angiogenesis. Using the improved model, it was confirmed that TNP-470, a well-known inhibitor, and borrelidin, an antibiotic from Streptomyces rochei, significantly inhibited the WiDr cell-induced angiogenesis. Borrelidin also inhibited spontaneous lung metastasis of B16-BL6 melanoma at the same dose that inhibited angiogenesis. Our results suggest that the improved mouse dorsal air sac model can be used for simple and quantitative measurement of tumor-induced angiogenesis and its inhibition.

A focused compound library of novel N-(7-indolyl)benzenesulfonamides for the discovery of potent cell cycle inhibitors

A series of compounds containing an N-(7-indolyl)benzenesulfonamide pharmacophore was synthesized and evaluated as a potential antitumor agent. Cell cycle analysis with P388 murine leukemia cells revealed that there were two different classes of potent cell cycle inhibitors; one disrupted mitosis and the other caused G1 accumulation. Herein described is the SAR summary of the substituent patterns on this pharmacophore template.

A general method for acylation of indoles at the 3-position with acyl chlorides in the presence of dialkylaluminum chloride

[reaction--see text] Indoles are selectively acylated at the 3-position in high yields on treatment with a wide variety of acyl chlorides in CH(2)Cl(2) in the presence of diethylaluminum chloride or dimethylaluminum chloride. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions and is applicable to indoles bearing various functional groups without NH protection.

Homozygosity mapping of the locus responsible for renal tubular dysplasia of cattle on bovine chromosome 1

Renal tubular dysplasia is a hereditary disease of Japanese black cattle showing renal failure and growth retardation with an autosomal recessive trait. In the present study, we mapped the locus responsible for the disease (RTD) by linkage analysis with an inbred paternal half-sib pedigree obtained from commercial herds. By analyzing segregation of microsatellite markers in the half-sibs, significant linkage was observed between the RTD locus and markers on bovine Chromosome (Chr) 1 with the highest lod score of 11.4. Homozygosity mapping with the inbred pedigree further defined the localization of the RTD locus in a 4-cM region between microsatellite markers BMS4003 and INRA119. Mapping of the RTD locus on bovine Chr 1 will facilitate cloning and characterization of the gene responsible for this disease.

Plasma renin activities, angiotensin II concentrations, atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations and cardiopulmonary function values in dogs with severe heartworm disease

Relationships among plasma renin activities (PRA), plasma angiotensin II (ATII) concentrations, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations and cardiopulmonary function values were examined in dogs with ascitic pulmonary heartworm disease and acute- and chronic-vena caval syndrome (CS). PRA, plasma ATII concentration and plasma ANP concentration tended to be higher or were significantly higher in dogs with ascites, acute- and chronic-CS. PRA correlated significantly with plasma ATII concentration, WBC count, ALP activity, plasma concentrations of urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and chloride, right ventricular endodiastolic pressure and right atrial pressure. Plasma ATII concentration correlated significantly with WBC count, plasma concentrations of urea nitrogen, sodium, and potassium, right ventricular endodiastolic pressure and right atrial pressure. Plasma ANP concentration did not correlate with PRA or ATII concentration, but correlated significantly only with pulmonary arterial pressure.

Plasma concentrations of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, benazepril, and its active metabolite, benazeprilat, after repeated administrations of benazepril in dogs with experimental kidney impairment

In order to examine the safety of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor in dogs with impaired renal excretion route, benazepril was administered orally, and plasma concentrations of benazeprilat, the active metabolite of benazepril, were determined in dogs with renal mass reduction (1/4th kidney) created by right-side nephrectomy and ligation of branches of the left renal arteries. Five dogs were administered benazepril orally at a given dose (0.5 mg/kg body weight) and 4 other dogs received 20 times that dose (10 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 15 consecutive days before (intact kidney period) and after (1/4th kidney period) creation of kidney impairment. Six control dogs received surgical treatment, but no drug. After creating a 1/4th kidney, plasma urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations increased to approximately 30 mg/dl and 2.0 mg/dl, respectively, and renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate decreased to 37% and 30% of pre-treatment values, respectively. However, these parameters did not change significantly during the 1/4th kidney period both in the 0.5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg groups. In the 0.5 mg/kg group, plasma benazeprilat concentrations increased to approximately 20 ng/ml to 340 ng/ml 2 hr after each administration, and there were no significant differences between the plasma benazeprilat concentrations during the intact and 1/4th kidney periods. In the 10 mg/kg group, plasma benazeprilat concentrations varied in the individual dog, but did not increase with the days of administration, and were not significantly different on each administration day between the intact and 1/4th kidney periods in either dose group. The AUCs(0-24) of plasma benazeprilat concentrations determined on the 15th administration day were not different between the intact and 1/4th kidney periods in dogs of either dose group. Plasma ACE activities decreased after drug administration in dogs of both groups. Benazepril seemed to have a high safety, and the adjustment of dosage regimen might not be needed in dogs with mild to moderate renal function impairment because the drug was excreted both from the kidneys and liver.

Discovery of novel antitumor sulfonamides targeting G1 phase of the cell cycle

Described herein is the discovery of a novel series of antitumor sulfonamides targeting G1 phase of the cell cycle. Cell cycle control in G1 phase has attracted considerable attention in recent cancer research, because many of the important proteins involved in G1 progression or G1/S transition have been found to play a crucial role in proliferation, differentiation, transformation, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). We previously reported our first antitumor sulfonamide E7010 as a novel tubulin polymerization inhibitor. Interestingly enough, continuous research on structurally related compounds led us to the finding of another class of antitumor sulfonamides that block cell cycle progression of P388 murine leukemia cells in G1 phase, but not in M phase. Of the compounds examined, N-(3-chloro-7-indolyl)-1,4-benzenedisulfonamide (E7070) showed significant antitumor activity against HCT116 human colon carcinoma both in vitro (IC(50) 0.11 microg/mL in cell proliferation assay) and in vivo (not only growth suppression but also a marked reduction of tumor size in nude mice). Because of its promising efficacy against human tumor xenografts and its unique mode of action, E7070 is currently undergoing phase I clinical trials in European countries.

Rapid development of hepatic metastasis with high incidence following orthotopic transplantation of murine colon 38 carcinoma as intact tissue in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Orthotopic transplantation of human colon tumors was a useful method for producing hepatic metastasis in mice. In many cases, however, it took about 3 months for evaluation. We examined an in vivo model of hepatic metastasis for only 4 weeks by conducting orthotopic transplantation of murine Colon 38 tumor using intact tissue in syngeneic mice and determined the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents against hepatic metastasis.

METHODS

Twenty milligrams of tumor tissues were prepared from subcutaneously (s.c.) growing Colon 38 tumor and orthotopically transplanted on the cecum in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were autopsied about 4 weeks after transplantation. Metastases to various organs were detected macroscopically or histochemically and tumor invasion into the cecum was observed histochemically. In experimental chemotherapy, mice bearing orthotopically transplanted Colon 38 tumor were separated into three equal groups and were either treated with fluorouracil or cisplatin (CDDP), or untreated. Four weeks after transplantation, activities of both agents against local tumor growth and hepatic metastasis were evaluated.

RESULTS

Macroscopic metastases to various organs including the liver, the lung, and the peritoneum were developed during days 28 to 32 after inoculation. The frequency of hepatic metastasis was 96% (N = 23). Histological examination indicated that the local tumor invaded various layers of the cecum and metastasized to the liver and lung hematogenously. In experimental chemotherapy with fluorouracil and CDDP, only fluorouracil decreased the incidence of mice with hepatic metastasis (2/8 cases), compared with vehicle treatment (7/8 cases) and the number of metastatic nodules in the liver (P = 0.016), although the inhibition against local growth of CDDP in T/C [45%; mean tumor weight of the test group (T) compared with that of the control group (C)] was similar to that of fluorouracil (53%).

CONCLUSIONS

This model, with its rapid development of hepatic metastasis in high frequency, should be useful as a screening assay to find anti-metastatic agents for colorectal carcinoma.

Rapid development of hepatic metastasis with high incidence following orthotopic transplantation of murine colon 38 carcinoma as intact tissue in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Orthotopic transplantation of human colon tumors was a useful method for producing hepatic metastasis in mice. In many cases, however, it took about 3 months for evaluation. We examined an in vivo model of hepatic metastasis for only 4 weeks by conducting orthotopic transplantation of murine Colon 38 tumor using intact tissue in syngeneic mice and determined the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents against hepatic metastasis.

METHODS

Twenty milligrams of tumor tissues were prepared from subcutaneously (s.c.) growing Colon 38 tumor and orthotopically transplanted on the cecum in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were autopsied about 4 weeks after transplantation. Metastases to various organs were detected macroscopically or histochemically and tumor invasion into the cecum was observed histochemically. In experimental chemotherapy, mice bearing orthotopically transplanted Colon 38 tumor were separated into three equal groups and were either treated with fluorouracil or cisplatin (CDDP), or untreated. Four weeks after transplantation, activities of both agents against local tumor growth and hepatic metastasis were evaluated.

RESULTS

Macroscopic metastases to various organs including the liver, the lung, and the peritoneum were developed during days 28 to 32 after inoculation. The frequency of hepatic metastasis was 96% (N = 23). Histological examination indicated that the local tumor invaded various layers of the cecum and metastasized to the liver and lung hematogenously. In experimental chemotherapy with fluorouracil and CDDP, only fluorouracil decreased the incidence of mice with hepatic metastasis (2/8 cases), compared with vehicle treatment (7/8 cases) and the number of metastatic nodules in the liver (P = 0.016), although the inhibition against local growth of CDDP in T/C [45%; mean tumor weight of the test group (T) compared with that of the control group (C)] was similar to that of fluorouracil (53%).

CONCLUSIONS

This model, with its rapid development of hepatic metastasis in high frequency, should be useful as a screening assay to find anti-metastatic agents for colorectal carcinoma.

Method of lymphocytotoxic crossmatch test for feline renal transplantation

The optimal condition for methods of lymphocytotoxic crossmatch test for feline renal transplantation was investigated. On separation of viable lymphocytes from whole blood, the best results were obtained when Ficoll-diatrizoate with 1.078 of a specific gravity at 20 degrees C was centrifuged with 800 x g for 30 min at 4 degrees C. A nylon wool column was used to separate T and B cells from lymphocyte fraction. The ratio of T cells in nylon wool effluent cells was 95%, while the ratio of B cells in adherent cells was 41%. Lymphocytotoxic crossmatch tests were performed by using the effluent cells as T cells and the adherent cells as B cells, at 37 degrees C (warm) and 4 degrees C (cold). The ratio of B cells in adherent cells was low, however, the result was utilized as a matching test before transplantation by combining with the T cell result. The trypan blue stain method made it easier than the eosin stain method to distinguish living and dead cells. The lymphocytotoxic crossmatch tests were performed on 15 pairs of healthy cats, and only one pair showed doubtful positive against anti-B cell cold antibodies. During acute rejection after renal transplantation in two pairs which were negative on any anti-lymphocyte antibodies before the transplantation, the anti-T cell warm antibodies became positive in both pairs, and the anti-T cell cold antibodies became positive on one of the two pairs.

Pathologic findings in dogs with shock induced by intravenous administration of heartworm extract

OBJECTIVE

To examine pathologic findings in dogs with shock induced by IV administration of heartworm (HW) extract.

ANIMALS

22 mixed-breed adult dogs.

PROCEDURES

Heartworm extract was administered IV, and pathologic changes in dogs that died or were euthanatized at 24 hours were examined.

RESULTS

The most severe lesions observed during initial collapse were centralobular congestion in the liver, hemorrhage and edema in the gallbladder wall, and congestion and hemorrhage in mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. These findings disappeared with recovery from collapse. Hyalinization of venous walls of the liver and cardiac muscle were observed in dogs that died during initial collapse. Focal coagulation necrosis in hepatic cells was seen in dogs that were euthanatized at 24 hours. One dog with profuse bloody diarrhea that died during secondary collapse had severe hemorrhage in mucous membranes of the large intestine.

CONCLUSION

Heartworm extract appeared to contain some substances constricting hepatosplanchnic vessels and some toxic substances that injured the smooth muscle of venous walls, cardiac muscle, and hepatic cells directly or indirectly.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The shock-inducing substances in HW extract may have an important role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of HW disease, and investigation of them may contribute to prevention of the shock reaction attributable to microfilaricide and adulticide use.

Comparison of laboratory test results before and after surgical removal of heartworms in dogs with vena caval syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To compare results of laboratory tests in dogs with vena caval syndrome before and after surgical removal of heartworms.

DESIGN

Longitudinal uncontrolled clinical trial.

ANIMALS

51 dogs with vena caval syndrome.

PROCEDURE

Heartworms were removed from the area of the tricuspid valve and pulmonary arteries via venotomy and by use of flexible alligator forceps. Blood samples were obtained before and 10 days after removal of heartworms. Red and white blood cell counts were determined, using an automated cell counter. Biochemical tests were performed, using a dry chemical method.

RESULTS

45 dogs survived the procedure, and 6 died or were euthanatized after surgical treatment. After surgery, RBC count and total protein, albumin, calcium, and sodium concentrations increased, and total bilirubin, ammonia, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, and potassium concentrations decreased in dogs that survived. Creatine kinase, L-lactate dehydrogenase, and amylase activities decreased, whereas alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase activities and total cholesterol concentration increased. Alanine transaminase activity decreased in 27 dogs but increased in 3 dogs. Changes in test results in dogs that did not survive. Significant differences were found in RBC count, gamma-glutamyltransferase activity, and total protein, total cholesterol, BUN, and total bilirubin concentrations before and after removal of heartworms.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Hepatic and renal functions improve rapidly after surgical removal of heartworms, presumably because general and pulmonary circulation is normalized. However, cholestasis may develop, and dogs that survive may need additional treatment to preserve hepatic function.

Involvement of dendritic cell response to resistance of stomach carcinogenesis caused by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in rats

The involvement of immune response in the resistance of chemically induced stomach cancer was studied in a resistant rat strain (Buffalo) and a sensitive rat strain (ACI). Groups of 10 male Buffalo and ACI rats, 6 weeks of age, were given drinking water with or without N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG; 100 mg/l) for 14 days. Total RNA was isolated from the stomach pyloric mucosa from five rats, and cDNA was prepared with reverse transcriptase. Tissue sections of the stomach pyloric mucosa from five rats were stained with antibodies recognizing molecules expressed by various immune cells. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), competitive RT-PCR, and Northern blot demonstrated that the expression of MHC class II group genes [MHC class II, MHC class II-associated invariant chain (Ii), CD4 and IgM (B cell marker)], MHC class I group genes (MHC class I and CD8), B7-1 (costimulator on dendritic cells), and CD28 (receptor to B7 on T cells) in the pyloric mucosa was elevated by MNNG in both rat strains but was elevated to a 4-7-fold greater extent in Buffalo rats than in ACI rats. These genes were scarcely expressed in control rats. Histochemical antibody staining after MNNG exposure showed a greater number of cells stained with monoclonal antibody to Ii, OX-62 (dendritic cell marker), and ED-1 (dendritic cell and macrophage common marker) in the interstitial tissue of the pyloric mucosa of Buffalo rats compared with ACI rats. Cell proliferation, as measured by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd)-labeling indices, revealed the presence of BrdUrd-labeled cells only among epithelial cells in the proliferative zone; cells in the interstitial tissue were not labeled with BrdUrd. The results suggest the involvement of dendritic cell response in the resistance to the MNNG induction of stomach carcinogenesis in rats.

Ascorbic acid and reducing agents regulate the fates and functions of S-nitrosothiols

Although S-nitrosoglutathione (GS-NO) and other S-nitrosothiols (RS-NO) exhibit activity attributable to nitric oxide (NO), the dynamic aspects of their metabolism remain to be elucidated. To determine the fates and functions of RS-NO, the stability of GS-NO was analyzed in plasma, and various fractions of liver and kidney. GS-NO was fairly stable under physiological conditions in plasma and buffer solutions. However, GS-NO was rapidly decomposed in the presence of either homogenates of rat liver and kidney or their supernatant fractions. The ability of the supernatants to decompose GS-NO remained unchanged after the removal of proteins and large molecular weight compounds. Physiological levels of reducing agents, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AsA), and cysteine, also enhanced the decomposition of RS-NO; the order of their potency was AsA > cysteine >GSH. Considering their intra-cellular concentrations and potency, AsA might principally be responsible for the enhanced decomposition of GS-NO. NO, GS-NO, and related RS-NO inhibited the respiration of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The inhibitory effect of GS-NO was enhanced by the reducing agents (cysteine>AsA>GSH). Intravenously administered GS-NO exhibited a depressor action through some ascorbic acid enhancable mechanism. Thus, the metabolism and biological function of GS-NO and related RS-NO might be affected by AsA and other reducing agents.

Borrelidin is an angiogenesis inhibitor; disruption of angiogenic capillary vessels in a rat aorta matrix culture model

Borrelidin, an antibiotic from Streptomyces rochei, was found to be an angiogenesis inhibitor in a rat aorta matrix culture model which forms capillary vessels in vitro. Borrelidin strongly inhibited capillary tube formation with a 50%-inhibitory concentration value of 0.8 nM, and decreased the number of capillary tubes within 24 hours when added after maturation of tube formation. Borrelidin remarkably disrupted capillary tubes in a dose-dependent manner, by inducing apoptosis of the tube-forming cells.

Mechanism of action of E7010, an orally active sulfonamide antitumor agent: inhibition of mitosis by binding to the colchicine site of tubulin

E7010 (N-[2-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)amino]-3-pyridinyl]-4-methoxybenzenesulfonami de), an orally active sulfonamide antitumor agent that is currently in a Phase I clinical trial, showed rather consistent growth-inhibitory activities against a panel of 26 human tumor cell lines (IC50 = 0.06-0.8 microg/ml), in contrast to vincristine (VCR; IC50 = 0.0002-0.04 microg/ml), 5-fluorouracil (IC50 = 0.2-30 microg/ml), Adriamycin (IC50 = 0.002-0.7 microg/ml), mitomycin C (IC50 = 0.007-3 microg/ml), 1-beta-D-arabinofuranoxylcytosine (IC50 = 0.005 to >30 microg/ml), camptothecin (IC50 = 0.002-0.4 microg/ml), and cisplatin (IC50 = 0.5-20 microg/ml). It caused a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of mitotic cells in parallel with a decrease in cell proliferation, like VCR. It also showed a dose-dependent inhibition of tubulin polymerization, which correlated well with the cell growth-inhibitory activity. 14C-labeled E7010 bound to purified tubulin, and this binding was inhibited by colchicine but not by VCR. However, its binding properties were different from those of colchicine, as well as those of VCR. E7010 was active against two kinds of VCR-resistant P388 cell lines, one of which showed multidrug resistance due to the overexpression of P-glycoprotein (resistant to Taxol), and the other did not show multidrug resistance (sensitive to Taxol). Furthermore, four E7010-resistant P388 cell lines showed no cross-resistance to VCR, a different pattern of resistance to podophyllotoxin, and collateral sensitivity to Taxol. Therefore, E7010 is a novel tubulin-binding agent that has a wider antitumor spectrum than VCR and has different properties from those of VCR or Taxol.

Comparison of laboratory data in dogs with heartworm caval syndrome surviving and nonsurviving after surgical treatment

Laboratory data in 47 dogs with caval syndrome (CS) surviving after surgical HW removal compared with those in 15 dogs with CS which died after the treatment. The number of HWs removed in surviving dogs was significantly greater than in nonsurviving dogs. The Ht value was significantly higher in nonsurviving dogs than in surviving dogs. Plasma enzyme activities ranged widely from normal to extremely high levels, and there were no significant differences in plasma enzyme activities between the surviving and nonsurviving dogs. Serum total protein, and plasma triglyceride, creatinine, glucose, calcium, sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) levels were much similar between the HW-free and surviving dogs, but significantly different between the HW-free and nonsurviving dogs. Plasma urea nitrogen, uric acid and potassium levels were higher, and plasma Na and Cl levels were lower in nonsurviving dogs than in surviving dogs.

Sparse distribution of hepatocyte growth factor-producing cells inside hepatocellular foci in rats treated with hepatocarcinogens

The distribution of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-synthesizing cells in rat liver during development of glutathione S-transferase P form (GST-P)-positive nodules after diethylnitrosamine initiation followed by promotion with 2-acetylaminofluorene plus partial hepatectomy (PH) was investigated using in situ hybridization. HGF-producing cells were non-parenchymal in nature, and were suspected to be mainly of Kupffer type. They were mostly located outside GST-P-positive lesions, in the surrounding parenchyma. In the oval cell proliferation phase 1 week after PH, they increased and they were mainly localized around the portal triads. It is concluded that HGF is directly involved in an endogenous paracrine growth pathway controlling proliferation in oval cells and in normal, but not GST-P-positive, hepatocytes.

Efficacy of monotherapy with benazepril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, in dogs with naturally acquired chronic mitral insufficiency

Benazepril (BP), an angiotensin convertive enzyme inhibitor, was administered orally once daily for 4 weeks to 31 dogs with mild to moderate (NYHA functional classes II and III) congestive heart failure caused from mitral insufficiency (MI). There were no significant changes in clinical signs, electrocardiogram findings, radiographical observations and plasma biochemical results in 11 dogs treated with placebo for 4 weeks. In 31 dogs treated with BP, appetite increased, and mean scores of heart failure signs, such as activity, exercise tolerance, cough and respiratory effort, were significantly improved. No dog displays signs suggesting systemic hypotension. One dog died suddenly on the 26th day of treatment with BP. This dog had good vigor and appetite till the evening before the death, and cough and exercise tolerance had been gradually improving. The heart rate and ECG parameters of BP treated dogs did not change significantly, but length of long axis of the heart decreased. In plasma biochemical tests, plasma urea nitrogen (UN) levels did not change significantly, and plasma creatinine (CRE) levels increased slightly within the normal ranges during BP trial. Two dogs had higher plasma UN levels with slightly higher plasma CRE levels, but had normal general condition and other biochemical results. Plasma ACE activity decreased to 57.3% of pre-treatment level at 4 weeks after BP treatment. It is concluded that BP monotherapy was efficacious at least in dogs with relatively low grade congestive heart failure caused by MI.

Reciprocal control of colon-specific sulfomucin and sialosyl-Tn antigen expression in human colorectal neoplasia

Histochemical reports claim that sulfomucins decrease and sialylated mucins increase during colon carcinogenesis. We examined the expression of colon-specific sulfomucins and sialosyl Tn antigen (STN) in normal small intestine, normal colorectal mucosa and colorectal tumours at different stages of progression immunohistochemically, using MAb 91.9H specific for colonic sulfomucins and MAb TKH-2 for STN. No expression of sulfomucins recognized by MAb 91.9H was found in normal small intestine, whereas STN staining was pronounced. The converse was the case in normal colorectal mucosa. Sulfomucins were still found in adenomas, but the amounts decreased with depth of invasion in cancers (P < 0.001). In contrast, no STN could be detected in benign lesions, but staining became increasingly evident with invasion (P < 0.001). This reciprocal control of expression of colon-specific sulfomucins and STN evident in tumour progression indicates that the mucous phenotype shifts from the colonic to the small intestinal type.

Cellular differentiation and development of pyloric mucosal metaplasia in the human gall-bladder

The development of pyloric mucosal metaplasia (PMM) with regard to cellular differentiation in the human gallbladder was studied by mucin staining (paradoxical concanavalin A (Con A), galactose oxidase-Schiff (GOS) and alcian blue (pH 2.5) PAS (AB-PAS) and immunohistochemistry (pepsinogen II (PgII) and SH-9, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). PMM was divided into three stages of development by three-dimensional (3D) computer graphic reconstruction analysis. In the early stage, a transitional zone of PCNA positive cells was observed between areas of SH-9 and/or GOS reactive cells and class III and/or Pg II positive cells in flat monolayered epithelium. In the middle stage, shallow pits became apparent as areas enlarged, with these becoming deeper in the advanced stage, whereby SH-9 and/or GOS reactive cells and class III and/or Pg II positive cells were observed at the upper and lower portion of the pits, respectively, with PCNA-positive cells forming a narrow zone between the two cell populations. Consequently, the structure of PMM gradually resembles that of the normal gastric pyloric mucosa.

Inconsistent association of Epstein-Barr virus with CD56 (NCAM)-positive angiocentric lymphoma occuring in sites other than the upper and lower respiratory tract

We previously described nine cases of angiocentric lymphoma of a possible natural killer (NK)-cell lineage with a surface CD3-CD56+ phenotype occurring in sites other than the upper and lower respiratory tract. This study was performed to investigate the association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with these lymphomas, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of EBV-DNA, in situ hybridization (ISH) for EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) and immunohistology for EBV-determined nuclear antigen-2 (EBNA-2) and latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) in paraffin sections. PCR and ISH produced almost identical results, and EBERs were identified in the nuclei of the lymphoma cells of three cases, two of which exhibited LMP-1 in the cytoplasm of tumour cells without EBNA-2 expression. Molecular genetic analysis revealed EBV to be incorporated into these three EBER-positive cases either clonally or biclonally. It was revealed by re-evaluation of their morphology with the established EBV status on each case that, in contrast to the rather variable and irregular cellular composition of the EBV-positive tumours, the EBV-negative tumours stood out because of their remarkably uniform 'blastoid' appearance, and could be grouped as blastic NK-cell lymphoma. The relationship of the EBV-positive cases with nasal NK-cell tumours has yet to be clarified.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia [AILD]-type T-cell lymphoma) followed by Hodgkin's disease associated with Epstein-Barr virus

A patient is described with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AIL) (angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia [AILD]-type T-cell lymphoma), which was later followed by Hodgkin's disease. At the time of the initial diagnosis, histological examination of a cervical lymph node showed a typical picture of AIL with abundant clear cells which were CD45RO+, CD43+, and CD20-, and there was no evidence of a monoclonal B-cell proliferation by immunohistochemical analysis. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was negative. Interposed by a bout of recurrence, the patient developed, 16 years later, a left subparotid mass which showed histologic features of Hodgkin's disease, mixed cellularity type. Diagnostic Reed-Sternberg cells and their variants were CD30+, CD15- and CD20+. Neither rearrangement of TCR beta and gamma chain genes nor of immunoglobulin heavy chain and kappa light chain genes was detected in DNA extract from fresh material. In situ hybridization showed the presence of EBV within the Reed-Sternberg cells. The data show that EBV was not etiologically related to AIL in this case. Further, the deficit in cellular immunity that accompanied AIL conceivably permit primary EBV infection or reactivation of latent infection, which eventuated in development of Hodgkin's disease, but the exact pathogenesis remains uncertain.

Ki-1 (CD30) positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma of T-cell phenotype developing in association with long-standing tuberculous pyothorax: report of a case with detection of Epstein-Barr virus genome in the tumor cells

We report a case of CD30 positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma of T-cell phenotype developing in association with long-standing tuberculous pyothorax. Phenotypic analysis showed CD1a-, CD2+, CD3+, CD4+, CD5-, CD8-, CD10-, CD19-, CD20 +/-, CD21-, CD25-, CD56-, T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha/beta antigens-, and HLA-DR+ phenotype. Neither rearrangement of TCR beta and gamma chain genes or of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene was detected in DNA extract from fresh material. The lymphoma cells were also shown to express the latent membrane protein-1 and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded nuclear antigen-2 by immunohistochemistry and EBV-encoded small RNAs by in situ hybridization.

Clinicopathologic study of primary gastric lymphoma of B cell phenotype with special reference to low-grade B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue among the Japanese

Resection specimens from 83 patients with primary gastric lymphoma (PGL) of B cell phenotype at stage IE and at stage IIE according to the Ann Arbor classification were investigated. Histologically, these lymphomas could be divided into four types: Type I lesions (n = 24) were entirely made up of MALT lymphoma; Type II lesions (n = 13) were predominantly MALT lymphoma containing one to a few foci of high-grade B cell lymphoma; Type III lesions (n = 22) consisted largely of high-grade lymphoma with small areas of low-grade MALT lymphoma; and Type IV lesions (n = 24) were pure high-grade B cell lymphoma, mostly of the large cell type. All patients had undergone primary gastric resection, and 14 received additional chemotherapy (n = 12), or both chemotherapy and radiotherapy (n = 2). The survival probability was significantly higher for Types I and II lymphomas than for Types III and IV tumors (P < 0.05 by the generalized Wilcoxon test). According to The General Rules for the Gastric Cancer Study by the Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer, the stage of disease showed a clear distinction between each of them (P < 0.01 by the generalized Wilcoxon test). This staging method seemed to serve well as a prognostic indicator. The histological typing of the PGL of the present series also seemed to correlate with the gross appearance, pathologic stage and prognosis. Furthermore, the expression of cyclin D1, bcl-2 and p53 protein, and PCNA was immunohistochemically investigated in 42 cases of the present series. Most of the low-grade PGL (Types I and II) had less than 60% PCNA-positive cells, whereas the high-grade PGL (Types III and IV) had more than 60% positive cells. In a study for cyclin D1 protein, no cases showed the nuclear staining pattern characteristic for mantle cell lymphoma, and the cytoplasmic staining frequently observed in the node-based large B cell lymphoma was seldom identified in the PGL. This discrepancy might suggest a lineage difference among the morphologically similar, but site-different, lymphomas. On the other hand, bcl-2 protein overexpression was almost equal in frequency between the gastric and node-based high-grade B cell lymphomas. This is in contrast to the reports from Western countries, in which the majority of high-grade gastric tumors were bcl-2 negative.

[A case of acute myelogenous leukemia accompanied with myelofibrosis and megakaryocyte-like giant bizarre blasts]

A 45-year-old man was admitted with high fever and leukocytosis in August 1993. The diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML; M2) was made on the basis of morphological, cytochemical and immunological characteristics of the blasts in the bone marrow. The induction therapy with BHAC, daunorubicin, 6-MP was unsuccessful in achieving remission; the bone marrow biopsy specimen revealed the proliferation of the remaining leukemic cells and massive fibrosis accompanied with unusual megakaryocyte-like giant bizarre cells. These megakaryocyte-like giant cells were positive for myeloperoxidase and CD34, but not GPIIIa and factor VIII, indicating that those were derived from myelogenous stem cells. Following the low-dose Ara-C therapy, improvement of fibrosis and disappearance of these giant cells were observed in the bone marrow. After the reinduction therapy with high-dose Ara-C and MIT against markedly increased blasts, the patient died of systemic fungal infection. The presence of myelofibrosis and giant atypical blasts might allow resistance to therapy and poor prognosis.

Hypersensitivity to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen in dogs

Four of 51 dogs with chronic dermatitis were made to react to crude Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, CJ) pollen allergen by the intradermal skin test (IDST). These four dogs had specific IgE to CJ as determined by Prausnitz-Küstner test. In the provocation test, nasal discharge increased 5 to 20 min after introduction of the crude CJ pollen allergen into the nasal cavities, in two of three dogs. These results demonstrated that these dogs had hypersensitive to CJ pollen, which might be a cause of atopic disease in dogs.

Clinicopathologic study of CD56 (NCAM)-positive angiocentric lymphoma occurring in sites other than the upper and lower respiratory tract

The expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) (CD56, NKH-1) is a rare phenomenon in malignant lymphoma. Recently, several authors, including our group, described the clinicopathologic, phenotypic, and genotypic features of NCAM-positive tumors as a unique subgroup within a larger category of hematolymphoid malignancies. Ten cases of CD56+ angiocentric lymphoma occurring in sites other than the upper aerodigestive tract were studied for evaluating their characteristics. The disease occurred in six men and four women varying from 24 to 85 years (mean age, 53 years) who often exhibited a striking predilection for extranodal sites of involvement, such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and muscle, usually in the absence of peripheral lymphadenopathy. Although the cytologic appearances and immunophenotypic profile varied from case to case, these tumors often exhibited azurophilic granules, an angiocentric growth pattern, and surface CD3-, T-cell receptor (TCR) antigens-, and CD56+ phenotype without B-cell phenotype, except for a single case of CD3+, TCR alpha/beta+, and CD56+ phenotype. Genotype investigation exhibited germline configuration of the TCR beta and gamma chain genes and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene in all five cases of surface CD3- phenotype examined, whereas the case of CD3+ phenotype showed rearrangement of TCR beta. They seem to constitute a distinct entity of the lineage spectrum spanning from natural killer (NK) cell to NK-like T cell.

Systemic oxygen delivery and consumption in dogs with heartworm disease

To investigate systemic oxygen (O2) transport, we calculated the oxygen delivery index (Do2I), oxygen consumption index (Vo2I) and oxygen extraction ratio (ER) in dogs with heartworm (HW) disease. The Do2I was 770 +/- 331 ml/min/kg in dogs mildly affected with pulmonary HW disease showing respiratory signs, mild anemia and mild cardiac insufficiency (n = 34); 238 +/- 155 ml/min/kg in dogs with ascitic pulmonary HW disease (n = 7); and 577 +/- 320 ml/min/kg in dogs with caval syndrome (CS) which survived (n = 15) or died (n = 7) after surgical HW removal. The Do2I was lower (P < 0.01) in all HW-infected groups, especially in ascites and CS-non-surviving dogs, than in HW-free dogs (n = 11, 1041 +/- 264 ml/min/kg). The Vo2I was higher in some mildly affected dogs (161 +/- 88 ml/min/kg), and lower (P < 0.01) in ascitic dogs (45 +/- 53 ml/min/kg) than in HW-free dogs (123 +/- 44 ml/min/kg). The ER was higher (P < 0.01) in all HW-infected groups than in HW-free dogs. The Do2I correlated significantly with Vo2I (r = 0.84, P < 0.01), and the Vo2I correlated significantly with ER (r = 0.48, P < 0.01). The Do2I correlated significantly with arterial O2 tension (r = 0.33), serum LDH (r = -0.46) and CK (r = -0.46) activities, serum urea nitrogen (UN, r = -0.32) and lactic acid (LA, r = -0.39) concentrations and cardiac index (r = 0.64).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Small intestinal perforation due to cytomegalovirus infection in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

We describe two patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who suffered cytomegalovirus (CMV)-related small intestinal perforations during the course of chemotherapy. Surgical specimens from both patients revealed histologic evidence of occlusive vasculitis and tissue destruction caused by CMV-affected cells in the submucosa and muscular walls, that may have played an important role in the pathogenesis of these perforations. Although such intestinal perforations are rare complications in NHL patients, CMV infection should be recognized as a primary etiological factor in acute abdominal crises when treating NHL patients with pharmaceutical agents including steroids. Emergency surgery and the anti-CMV agent, ganciclovir, would improve the prognoses of such patients.

Immunohistochemical analysis of cyclin D1 protein in hematopoietic neoplasms with special reference to mantle cell lymphoma

Immunohistochemical expression of PRAD1/cyclin D1 protein has been investigated in 106 tissue specimens of 104 cases of lymphoma, non-neoplastic lymphoid disorders and other hematologic malignancies by employing the monoclonal antibody 5D4 with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections, using the microwave oven heating method. Positive neoplastic cells were found in 60 (74%) of 81 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The positivity pattern was nuclear in 17 (85%) of 20 cases of mantle cell lymphoma in which cytoplasmic staining was also seen. This pattern of cyclin D1 positivity was in contrast to the negative staining of normal reactive mantle zones. In the other cases, positivity appeared to lie within the cell cytoplasm without nuclear staining, and most of the nodal follicular and diffuse B-cell lymphomas variously expressed PRAD1/cyclin D1. In contrast, the reaction was absent in a significant number of T-cell and extranodal B-cell lymphomas. Immunolocalization of PRAD1/cyclin D1 expression appears to be a useful diagnostic adjunct to discriminate mantle cell lymphoma from other non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Clinical, hematologic, and biochemical findings in dogs after induction of shock by injection of heartworm extract

A crude, whole-body extract of female or male heartworms was injected IV into 28 dogs with and 22 dogs without heartworm (HW) infection. The female HW extract caused shock in 22 of 24 dogs with and 12 of 20 dogs without HW infection. The male HW extract induced shock in 4 of 4 dogs with and 1 of 2 dogs without HW infection. Prevalence of shock caused by female HW extract was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in dogs with than without HW infection; shock developed 5 to 30 minutes after HW injection. These signs were observed: marked decrease in blood pressure; collapse (initial collapse); paleness of mucous membranes; weak heart sounds; dyspnea; skin coldness; intestinal hyperperistalsis, and defecation; increases in RBC count, serum total protein concentration, serum osmolality, serum Na and blood glucose concentrations; and decreases in neutrophil, eosinophil, and platelet counts. Alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities increased substantially from the time of initial collapse to 24 hours after HW injection. Of 39 dogs with shock, 29 recovered from initial collapse, but 5 of the 29 subsequently collapsed again (secondary collapse), with bloody diarrhea followed by death. Of these 39 dogs, 6 died during initial collapse without bloody diarrhea, and 4 were euthanatized during initial collapse. It was confirmed that HW extract had, in fact, induced shock. These clinical, hematologic, and biochemical findings were fundamentally similar to those associated with shock resulting from administration of drugs, such as diethylcarbamazine and milbemycin D, in microfilaremic dogs with HW infection.

A case of neural cell adhesion molecule-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma associated with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 showing an unusual involvement of the gastrointestinal tract during the course of the disease

We report a case of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM)-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), pleomorphic, medium and large cell type according to the updated Kiel classification, which was associated with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). The patient showed an unusual involvement of the gastrointestinal tract forming a bulky mass during the course of his disease, and a relatively indolent clinical course for 53 months until death. Phenotypic analysis showed CD2+, CD3-, CD4+, CD5+, CD7+, CD8-, CD16-, CD56+, and CD57- phenotype. Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 antibody was detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The proviral integration of HTLV-1 and the monoclonal rearrangements of T-cell receptor beta and gamma genes also were confirmed in DNA extract from fresh material. This fact calls attention to NCAM as one of the potential factors playing a role in the localization and behavior of lymphomas even within the category of PTCL associated with HTLV-1, ie, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL).