[A case of asymptomatic urachal cyst in autopsy--histopathological study of urachal cyst and review of the literature of 99 cases during a 10 year period in Japan]

Disorders of urachal remnants are common. While urachal cysts are usually asymptomatic, infection may mimic a variety of acute abdomen. Here we report a very rare case of urachal cyst that protruded in the urinary bladder cavity and among 99 accumulated cases, only 4 cases have been reported similar to this case characterized by intravesical development from 1990 to 1999. An uninfected urachal cyst was found in a 79-year-old male who had died of bile duct carcinoma. The cyst showed ovoid protrusion into urinary bladder cavity from the dome (3.5 x 2.0 x 2.0 cm in size). Histopathologically, the cyst wall was thin and consisted of fibrous connective tissue with muscular tissue and peripheral nerve, and lined by cuboidal epithelium but no inflammatory cells could be seen. Urachal cysts occur in both sexes are affected with equal frequency, and frequently occur in a younger population. In clinical symptoms the umbilical manifestations are predominant in patients younger than 30 years old, while the bladder manifestations are predominant in those older than 30.

Double cancer consisting of adenosquamous and hepatocellular carcinomas of the liver

A very rare case of a double cancer consisting of adenosquamous and hepatocellular carcinomas of the liver in a 65-year-old-man is discussed. The patient was hospitalized with epigastralgia in May 1997. Abdominal computed axial tomography revealed a tumor located in the left lobe of the liver and a left hepatic lobectomy was performed. The tumor recurred several months after surgery and the patient died on 4 June 1999. At autopsy, both a major tumor mass with extensive involvement, located in the surgical margin, and a small mass located in S7 were discovered. Microscopically, the major tumor was diagnosed as adenosquamous carcinoma and the small one in S7 as hepatocellular carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a double cancer consisting of adenosquamous and hepatocellular carcinomas of the liver. The pathological findings support the hypothesis that this tumor developed as a squamous transformation of adenocarcinoma.

Circulatory disturbance of rat spinal cord induced by occluding ligation of the dorsal spinal vein

Spinal cord infarction can be caused by venous disturbances due to trauma or cancer invasion. However, the precise mechanism of venous infarction is not fully understood. To characterize disorders associated with spinal venous occlusion, we performed time-kinetic pathological analyses of rat spinal cord infarction induced by transdural ligation of the dorsal spinal vein at the levels of the T10-T13 vertebrae. One day after ligation congestion, edema and hemorrhage were observed mainly in the dorsal funiculus. Axons were well preserved, but on the 3rd day axonal degeneration became evident. On the 7th day, the necrotic lesion was confined to the dorsal funiculus and was round in shape with foamy macrophage infiltration and astrocytic gliosis. On the 14th day, the involved cord became atrophic, and infiltration of foamy macrophages and astrocytosis became more prominent. After 21-28 days, the infarction focus decreased in size due to gliosis, and residual macrophages were observed. The main lesion was confined to the dorsal funiculus at all times. However, the severity of the softening varied among rats. Thus, we conclude that the disturbance of venous drainage actually results in spinal cord softening. The variability in the lesions is probably due to the presence of unexpected anastomoses of the spinal venous system.

Methylmercury poisoning in common marmosets--a study of selective vulnerability within the cerebral cortex

Neuropathological lesions found in chronic human Minamata disease tend to be localized in the calcarine cortex of occipital lobes, the pre- and postcentral lobuli, and the temporal gyri. The mechanism for the selective vulnerability is still not clear, though several hypotheses have been proposed. One hypothesis is vascular and postulates that the lesions are the result of ischemia secondary to compression of sulcal arteries from methylmercury-induced cerebral edema. To test this hypothesis, we studied common marmosets because the cerebrum of marmosets has 2 distinct deep sulci, the calcarine and Sylvian fissures. MRI analysis, mercury assays of tissue specimens, histologic and histochemical studies of the brain are reported and discussed. Brains sacrificed early after exposure to methylmercury showed high contents of methylmercury and edema of the cerebral white matter. These results may explain the selective cortical degeneration along the deep cerebral fissures or sulci.

Effects of CP-060S, a novel cardioprotective drug, in the methacholine-induced ECG change model in rats

We compared the antianginal effect of CP-060S, a novel cardioprotective drug with Na+ and Ca2+ overload-preventing activity as well as Ca2+ channel antagonistic activity, with that of diltiazem, in an experimental model of vasospastic angina induced by methacholine in anaesthetized rats. Intra-aortic injection of methacholine at the coronary ostium provoked the ST-segment elevation of the electrocardiogram (ECG), indicating myocardial ischemia. CP-060S (3, 5 and 10 mg/kg, i.d.) significantly and dose-dependently suppressed the methacholine-induced ST-elevation, with the duration of action being at least 3 h at the highest dose. In addition, CP-060S at 3 mg/kg could inhibit the ST-elevation without producing significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate or rate-pressure product (RPP). In contrast, diltiazem (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.d.) significantly decreased the RPP, a significant suppression of the ST-elevation could only be achieved at the highest dose and its duration of action was about 2 h. Similar results were obtained with i.v. administration of the drugs, i.e. CP-060S given i.v. could inhibit the ST-elevation with less haemodynamic changes than diltiazem. In conclusion, CP-060S exerted a more potent and sustained protection against myocardial ischemia evoked by methacholine than diltiazem. The characteristics of the effects of CP-060S observed here suggest that this drug may be a desirable drug for the treatment of vasospastic angina.

Hypotensive interaction of sildenafil and nicorandil in rats through the cGMP pathway but not by K(ATP) channel activation

The possibility that sildenafil citrate can potentiate nicorandil-induced hypotension by increasing cGMP levels of vascular smooth muscle cells was examined using anesthetized rats and isolated aortas. In pentobarbital-anesthetized rats, more than 0.3 mg/kg of sildenafil (i.v.) potentiated intra-aortic (i.Ao.) administration of nitroglycerin-induced hypotension. Hypotension due to nicorandil (100 microg/kg, i.Ao.) was potentiated by sildenafil (1 mg/kg, i.v.), even after glibenclamide treatment, although pinacidil-induced hypotension was not reinforced. Hypotensive responses to neither nitroglycerin (3 microg/kg, i.v.) nor nicorandil (100 microg/kg, i.v.) were potentiated by sildenafil, however. Increases in femoral blood flow due to nitroglycerin (0.1-3 microg, i.a.) were potentiated significantly by sildenafil, but those due to nicorandil (1-30 microg, i.a.) were not. Isolated rat aortas precontracted with phenylephrine were dilated dose-dependently using nicorandil, nitroglycerin, pinacidil or sildenafil. The relaxant effect due to nicorandil and nitroglycerin was reinforced significantly by pretreatment with an ineffective concentration of sildenafil (10(-8) M), but pinacidil was not. After ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one) completely blocked relaxation by nicorandil, sildenafil did not increase relaxation. These findings suggest that combination of sildenafil with nicorandil, as well as with nitroglycerin, potentiates the hypotensive response by augmentation of vasodilatation. Synergism of vasodilatation may be linked with NO action, but not with K(ATP) channel-activation.

Nicorandil metabolism in rat myocardial mitochondria

The in vitro study using rats was carried out to clarify the hypothesis that nicorandil is denitrated and then may produce nitric oxide (NO) in myocardial mitochondria. In the presence of a NADPH-generating system, [14C]nicorandil, which was incubated in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of the lung, heart, or liver, was converted to its main denitrated metabolite, SG-86 and other metabolites. Apparent Km and Vmax for nicorandil in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of the heart were considerably similar to those of the lung, but completely different from those of the liver. It seems that glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are not primarily involved in the conversion of nicorandil to SG-86, because a known GST inhibitor, indomethacin, did not affect the nicorandil degradation in the mitochondrial fraction. Nitrite, the stable metabolite of NO, was measured by the Griess reaction. In the presence of an NADPH-generating system, nicorandil significantly increased nitrite production in myocardial mitochondria, but SG-86 did not. These data strongly indicate that nicorandil is metabolized to SG-86 in myocardial mitochondria, then releasing NO, and that GSTs are not primarily responsible for the conversion of nicorandil to SG-86.

Novel calcium antagonists with both calcium overload inhibition and antioxidant activity. 2. Structure-activity relationships of thiazolidinone derivatives

CP-060 (1), 2-(3, 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-[3-[N-methyl-N-[2-[3, 4-(methylenedioxy)phenoxy]ethyl]amino]propyl]-1,3-thiazolidin-4-on e, is a novel type of Ca(2+) antagonist possessing both Ca(2+) overload inhibition and antioxidant activity. The structure-activity relationships for this series of compounds were studied by synthesizing the analogues and evaluating these three kinds of activity. Ca(2+) antagonistic activity was largely determined by the lipophilicity of the phenyl group at the 2-position and the length of the alkyl chains. As for the antioxidant activity, it was demonstrated that the phenolic hydroxyl group is an essential structural element. Compounds with potent activity were evaluated for their effect on the coronary blood flow in vivo. Among these compounds, compound 1 was shown to be the most potent. Furthermore, the enantiomers of 1 were resolved by high-performance liquid chromatography with a chiral column. Compound (-)-1 showed about 10 times higher Ca(2+) antagonistic activity than (+)-1, though both enantiomers had similar potency in Ca(2+) overload inhibition and antioxidant activity. An X-ray crystal structure determination of (-)-1 hydrogen fumarate identified (-)-1 as having S configuration at the 2-position.

Effects of CP-060S, a novel cardioprotective drug, on cardiac function and myocardial oxygen consumption

1. We examined the effects of CP-060S on cardiac function and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) in anesthetized dogs. 2. CP-060S (10-300 microg/kg i.v.) decreased heart rate, increased aortic flow and decreased mean blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. The PR interval was significantly prolonged by administration of CP-060S (300 microg/kg i.v.). 3. CP-060S (10-300 microg/kg i.v.) increased coronary blood flow in a dose-dependent manner. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and maximal first derivative of left ventricular pressure were not significantly affected. 4. CP-060S (10-300 microg/kg i.v.) increased coronary sinus blood flow and decreased arteriovenous oxygen difference and MVO2 in a dose-dependent manner. 5. The effects of CP-060S on cardiac function and MVO2 are qualitatively similar to those of diltiazem, a typical Ca2+ antagonist.

Effects of nicorandil on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rats: a possible role of K(ATP) channels

The anti-ulcer effects of nicorandil [N-(2-hydroxyethyl)nicotinamide nitrate ester] were examined on water-immersion plus restraint stress-induced and aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in rats, compared with those of cimetidine. Nicorandil (3 and 10 mg/kg) given orally to rats dose-dependently inhibited the development of acid-related damage (water-immersion- and aspirin-induced gastric lesions) in the models. Cimetidine (50 mg/kg, p.o.) also had anti-ulcer effects in the same models. However, in the presence of glibenclamide (20 mg/kg, i.v.), an antagonist of K(ATP) channels, nicorandil did not inhibit the formation of gastric lesions. Nicorandil (10 mg/kg) given intraduodenally (i.d.), like cimetidine (50 mg/kg), significantly reduced the volume of the gastric content, total acidity and total acid output in the pylorus ligation model. Glibenclamide reversed the changes caused by i.d. nicorandil. I.v. infusion of nicorandil (20 microg/kg per min) significantly increased gastric mucosal blood flow, without affecting blood pressure and heart rate, but the increase in the blood flow was not observed after i.v. treatment with glibenclamide (20 mg/kg). These results indicate that nicorandil administered orally to rats produces the anti-ulcer effect by reducing the aggressive factors and by enhancing the defensive process in the mucosa through its K(ATP)-channel-opening property.

Chronic liver failure induced by long-term administration of tegafur: a case report

A 55 year-old man was admitted with massive ascites. Although the laboratory data on admission were compatible with hepatic cirrhosis and remarkable esophageal varices were observed during endoscopy, the imaging findings such as computed tomography and ultrasonographic examination did not confirm hepatic cirrhosis. The patient had no history of alcohol abuse, blood transfusions or acute hepatitis. Serological markers related to viral and autoimmune hepatitis were all negative. Seven years ago, the patient had undergone an operation for colon cancer and has been taking tegafur since then for a total of 55 months. Tegafur was suspected as the causative agent for the liver dysfunction of this patient and the administration of tegafur was stopped. His laboratory data improved gradually and the ascites vanished. The first liver biopsy performed 6 months after discontinuation of tegafur still revealed chronic active hepatitis. However, at the liver biopsy performed 18 months after withdrawal of tegafur, inflammatory activity had subsided and the third liver biopsy, performed 34 months thereafter, revealed further improvement of the pathological changes that had occurred in the liver. We therefore conclude that the administration of tegafur may have caused chronic active liver injury with portal hypertension manifested as ascites and esophageal varices.

Novel calcium antagonists with both calcium overload inhibition and antioxidant activity. 1. 2-(3, 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(aminopropyl)thiazolidinones

A series of 2-(3, 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(aminopropyl)thiazolidinones was synthesized in order to explore novel calcium antagonists with potent antiischemic activity. These compounds were designed to have, in addition to Ca2+ antagonistic activity, both Ca2+ overload prevention and antioxidant activity in one molecule. These three kinds of activity were evaluated by using a K+-depolarized rat aorta, a veratridine-induced Ca2+ overload model of rat cardiomyocytes, and a soybean lipoxygenase-induced lipid peroxidation model of rabbit low-density lipoprotein, respectively. In particular, 2-(3, 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-[3-[N-methyl-N-[2-[3, 4-(methylenedioxy)phenoxy]ethyl]amino]propyl]-1,3-thiazolidin-4-on e (7o) was found to be highly potent and possessed a well-balanced combination of these actions in vitro.

Role for adenosine A1 and A2 receptors in femoral vasodilatation induced by intra-arterial adenosine in rabbits

The vasodilator effects of adenosine injected into the femoral artery (i.a.) of rabbits were analyzed. Single bolus i.a. doses of adenosine (0.3-10 microg) and 5'-(N-cyclopropyl)-carboxamidoadenosine (CPCA) (0.03-1 microg), an adenosine A2-receptor agonist, produced dose-dependent increases in femoral blood flow and decreases in resistance, almost without affecting blood pressure, heart rate, left ventricular (LV) pressure, and LVd P/dt max, even though CPCA elicited slight decreases in arterial blood pressure and LV pressure. On the other hand, bolus i.a. injections of N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) (1-30 microg), an adenosine A1 receptor agonist, caused a relatively weak increase in blood flow, but markedly affected cardiac parameters, especially heart rate and LVd P/dt max. I.v. treatment with 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX)(2 mg kg(-1)), an antagonist of adenosine A2 receptors, or 8-phenyltheophylline (1 mg kg(-1)), an antagonist of adenosine A1 receptors, significantly attenuated the vasodilator response to adenosine, but not that to acetylcholine. Decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, LV pressure, LVdP/dt max and femoral vascular resistance, and increases in the blood flow elicited by CPA were not significantly modified by the DMPX treatment, but when this was combined with 8-phenyltheophylline, the responses to CPA were completely abolished. The present results indicate that the adenosine-induced femoral vasodilatation in rabbits may be mediated throughout activation of both adenosine A1 and A2 receptors.

Interrelationship of cardiovascular effects, plasma levels of nicorandil, and vascular cGMP formation in conscious rats

The relationship between the dual activity of nicorandil (KATP channel-opening activity and nitrate-like action), plasma levels, and changes in vascular cGMP levels and cardiovascular parameters was investigated in conscious rats. Nicorandil (3 mg kg(-1), p.o.) was rapidly absorbed and caused a significant reduction in blood pressure, lasting for at least 1 h, increases in heart rate and femoral blood flow, and decreases in femoral vascular resistance. These were entirely abolished by intravenous glibenclamide (20 mg kg(-1)). The plasma concentration of nicorandil reached a maximum 30 min after dosing. After administration of nicorandil, a correlation was observed between blood pressure and plasma nicorandil level or femoral vascular resistance. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the cGMP content of the thoracic aorta occurred 15 min after administration of nicorandil, and persisted for at least 2 h. These results imply that nicorandil induces vasodilatation by opening KATP channels in peripheral resistance vessels, leading to overt reduction of blood pressure, but acts on conductance vessels mainly through nitrate-like activity.

Vascular levels and cGMP-increasing effects of nicorandil administered orally to rats

We examined a relation between cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production in thoracic aorta, as an indicator probably reflecting the vascular response, and the vascular as well as plasma levels of nicorandil administered orally to rats. Nicorandil (3 mg/kg) given orally was rapidly absorbed, reaching the maximal plasma (approximately 2,600 ng/ml) and vascular concentrations (approximately 176 ng/g) at 15 min after the dosing and thereafter decreased rapidly. Even 2 h after the dosing, the level of the vascular cGMP formation in vivo remained significantly higher (approximately 1,000 fmol/mg increase from the control level) in the nicorandil-treated group, compared with the vehicle-treated one, and was enough to develop pronounced muscle relaxation in in vitro aortic preparations. However, it seems that the vascular cGMP increase in vivo was not always correlated to the plasma concentration of nicorandil, because the plasma concentration (approximately 750 ng/ml corresponding to 3.5 microM) at 2 h after the dosing, caused only relatively low cGMP production (300-400 fmol/mg increase from the control level), when tested in in vitro aortic preparations. Our study may indicate, therefore, that the vascular cGMP elevation in vivo is due to the content of nicorandil effectively remaining at its vascular targets of action as well as the plasma nicorandil concentration.

The protective effects of CP-060S on ischaemia- and reperfusion- induced arrhythmias in anaesthetized rats

1. CP-060S is a novel sodium and calcium overload inhibitor, and is also characterized as a calcium channel blocker. As these activities have each been shown independently to ameliorate ischaemia damage in the myocardium, the combination may synergistically exert cardioprotection. In this study, therefore, the protective effect of CP-060S against ischaemia- and reperfusion-induced arrhythmia was evaluated in anesthetized rats. 2. Rats were anaesthetized with pentobarbitone, and the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for either 5 min with subsequent reperfusion (a reperfusion-induced arrhythmia model) or 30 min without (an ischaemia-induced arrhythmia model). All drugs were intravenously administered 1 min before the onset of occlusion. 3. In the reperfusion-induced arrhythmia model, the animals in the vehicle-treated group exhibited ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 100%, ventricular fibrillation (VF) in 89%, and death caused by sustained VF in 56%. CP-060S (30-300 microg kg(-1)) dose-dependently suppressed the incidences of arrhythmias. Significant decreases occurred at 100 microg kg(-1) in VF (incidence: 42%) and mortality (8%), and at 300 microg kg(-1) in VT (50%), VF (33%) and mortality (8%). This protective effect of CP-060S was 10 times more potent than that of a pure calcium channel blocker, diltiazem (30-1000 microg kg(-1)) we tested, in terms of effective dose ranges. As both drugs decreased myocardial oxygen consumption estimated by rate-pressure product to a similar extent, the calcium channel blocking activity of CP-060S would not seem to be sufficient to explain its potency. 4. In the same model, co-administration of ineffective doses of diltiazem (300 microg kg(-1)) and a sodium and calcium overload inhibitor, R56865 (100 microg kg(-1)), produced significant suppression of VT (incidence: 62%), VF (46%) and mortality (8%). By contrast, co-administration of R56865 at the same dose with CP-060S (300 microg kg(-1)) did not add to the effect of a single treatment of CP-060S. 5. In the ischaemia-induced arrhythmia model, CP-060S (300 microg kg(-1)) significantly decreased the incidence of VF from 75% to 29%, whereas diltiazem (1 mg kg(-1)) was ineffective. 6. These results suggest that CP-060S inhibits both ischaemia- and reperfusion-induced arrhythmia. The combination of the calcium channel blocking effect and the calcium overload inhibition was hypothesized to contribute to these potently protective effects.

Synergistic effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide on adenosine-induced vasodepression in rats

The action of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the vasodepressor response to adenosine was investigated in anesthetized rats. I.v. bolus injections of adenosine (1-100 microg/kg), acetylcholine (0.05-0.4 microg/kg), isoproterenol (1-30 ng/kg), nitroglycerin (0.3-10 microg/kg) and diltiazem (10-300 microg/kg) produced dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure, accompanied by changes in heart rate. Only the vasodepressor response elicited by adenosine, among the agents tested, was significantly enhanced by i.v. infusion of either CGRP (1 ng/kg per min) or cromakalim (0.1 microg/kg per min), which possesses glibenclamide-sensitive K+ channel opening activity. After i.v. treatment with glibenclamide (20 mg/kg), the vasodepressor responses not only to adenosine but also to CGRP (0.5 microg/kg) and cromakalim (30 microg/kg) were significantly reduced, while those to acetylcholine and isoproterenol remained unchanged. The result indicates that the enhancement of the adenosine-induced vasodepression by CGRP, like that elicited by cromakalim, seems to be mediated at least partly through ATP-sensitive K+ channel activation.

CP-060S, a novel cardioprotective drug, limits myocardial infarct size in anesthetized dogs

The myocardial infarct size (IS)-limiting effect of CP-060S, a novel cardioprotective drug that prevents Na+-, Ca2+-overload and has Ca2+ channel-blocking activity, was compared with that of diltiazem, a pure Ca2+ antagonist, to determine whether the prevention of Na+-, Ca2+-overload contributes to this IS-limiting effect. Dogs were subjected to 90 min of left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) occlusion followed by 5 h of reperfusion. Either CP-060S (300 microg/kg) or diltiazem (600 microg/kg) was administered intravenously 20 min before the occlusion. CP-060S significantly limited IS compared with that of vehicle (percentage of the area at risk: vehicle, 50.64 +/- 6.08%; CP-060S, 21.13 +/- 3.75%; p < 0.01 vs. vehicle). Although diltiazem exerted a significant decrease in rate-pressure product (RPP; an index of myocardial oxygen consumption) during occlusion equal to that of CP-060S, diltiazem did not significantly reduce IS (33.90 +/- 4.30%). Regional myocardial blood flow (RBF) was not significantly different between any of the groups. Therefore the IS-limiting effect of CP-060S cannot be explained in terms of changes in RPP or RBF. Thus the IS limitation induced by CP-060S is probably the consequence of a direct cardioprotective effect on myocytes. The prevention of Na+-, Ca2+-overload may be the primary reason for this IS-limiting effect.

Differential effects of nicorandil on the vasodepressor responses to vasoactive polypeptides administered intravenously to rats

The effects of nicorandil on vasodepressor responses to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P have been examined in anaesthetized rats. Intravenous bolus injections of VIP (0.3 microg kg(-1)), CGRP (0.1 microg kg(-1)) and substance P (0.1 microg kg(-1)) induced reductions of blood pressure accompanied by slight increases (less than 5%) in heart rate. Nicorandil infused intravenously at 10 or 30 microg kg(-1) min(-1) significantly augmented the vasodepressor responses to VIP and CGRP but did not modify the responses to substance P and acetylcholine (0.1 microg kg(-1)). Intravenous treatment with glibenclamide (20 mg kg(-1)) [corrected] significantly attenuated not only the vasodepression caused by VIP and CGRP, but also the enhancement of the effects of the agents by nicorandil. These results indicate that nicorandil can enhance the action of VIP and CGRP, in rats, at least partly through ATP-sensitive K+-channel activation.

Malignant glomus tumor: a case report and review of the literature

This report concerns a malignant glomus tumor, a rare soft tissue tumor that was examined immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. It occurred in a 44-year-old male patient who had suffered from dull pain and stiffness in the right thigh for 10 months. Radiographic examination revealed a well-defined osteolytic lesion in the diaphysis of the right femur. Hypervascularity of the tumor was observed angiographically. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance examinations showed an intramuscular mass invading the marrow space of the femur. Wide resection was performed after open biopsy. Histologically, round to polygonal tumor cells revealed a uniform appearance of round to ovoid nuclei with single large nucleoli and slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, forming solid sheets of cells interrupted by vessels of varying size. A few mitotic figures and vascular invasion were observed. Immunohistochemically, vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin were stained intensely, and muscle actin was positive for tumor cells of the perivascular area. Tumor cells were negative for desmin, factor VIII-related antigen, S-100 protein, neurofilament, cytokeratin, and epithelial membrane antigen. Ultrastructurally, tumor cells were characterized by many cytoplasmic processes, pinocytotic vesicles, plasmalemmal dense plaques, and scattered microfilaments in the cytoplasm. Few cell junctions and focal basement membrane-like structures were observed. No recurrence or metastasis was noted 57 months after operation. This case was considered to be a malignant glomus tumor, that is, a glomangiosarcoma arising de novo.

Actions of CP-060S on veratridine-induced Ca2+ overload in cardiomyocytes and mechanical activities in vascular strips

CP-060S, (-)-(S)-2-[3,5-bis(1, 1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-3-[3-[N-methyl-N-[2-(3, 4-methylenedioxyphenoxy)ethyl]amino]propyl]-1,3-thiazolidin- 4-one hydrogen fumarate, is a novel cardioprotective drug which is designed to prevent Ca2+ overload and cause vasorelaxation. The effects of this compound were evaluated and compared with those of CP-060R (enantiomer of CP-060S,) and diltiazem (Ca2+ channel antagonist) in a veratridine-induced model of Ca2+ overload and vasorelaxation. After 5-min superfusion of veratridine (74 microM), intracellular free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of rat single cardiomyocytes, as measured with the fura-2 procedure, were greatly elevated, from 44 +/- 5 nM to 3705 +/- 942 nM, and subsequently generated cell contracture. Pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with more than 300 nM of CP-060S or CP-060R for 30 min provided almost complete protection against the veratridine-induced cell contracture; in CP-060S(1 microM)-treated myocytes, [Ca2+]i were minimal and partially elevated from 42 +/- 5 nM to 72 +/- 14 nM after 5 min of veratridine superfusion. In comparison, diltiazem showed no protection below 1 microM and only partial protection at 10 microM. CP-060S, CP-060R and diltiazem all shifted the concentration-response curve for CaCl2 to the right in a competitive manner in depolarized rat thoracic aorta. The pA2 values of CP-060S, CP-060R and diltiazem were 9.16 +/- 0.18, 8.24 +/- 0.14 and 7.66 +/- 0.09, respectively. Our results indicate that CP-060 behaves stereoselectively as a Ca2+ channel antagonist and non-stereo-selectively to protect against veratridine-induced contracture. The latter effect suggests that Ca2+ entry blockade is not the mechanism by which CP-060S exerts cardioprotection.

GM-109: a novel, selective motilin receptor antagonist in the smooth muscle of the rabbit small intestine

The pharmacological properties of the cyclic peptide Phe-cyclo[Lys-Tyr(3-tBu)-beta Ala-].trifluoroacetate (GM-109), a selective motilin antagonist, were investigated in the smooth muscle of the rabbit small intestine. GM-109 (0.1-3 microM) competitively inhibited contractions induced by porcine motilin (pMTL) in rabbit isolated duodenum longitudinal strips, with a pA2 value of 7.37 +/- 0.24. However, the contractile response to acetylcholine, to substance P, to prostaglandin F2 alpha and to KCl was unaffected by 10 microM GM-109 in the same preparation. Both GM-109 and pMTL competitively inhibited 125I-pMTL binding to motilin receptors in a homogenate of the rabbit small intestinal smooth muscle tissue. The pKi value of GM-109 and the pKd value of unlabeled pMTL were 7.99 +/- 0.04 and 9.25 +/- 0.06 (each n = 5), respectively. These results indicate that GM-109 is a selective and competitive motilin receptor antagonist in the smooth muscle of the rabbit small intestine. Thus this compound may be a useful pharmacological tool for examining the functional role(s) of motilin.

Novel antiasthmatic agents with dual activities of thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibition and bronchodilation. V. Thienopyridazinone derivatives

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel thienopyridazinones and related compounds are described. A thiophene ring was found to be able to replace the benzene ring of a phthalazinone without loss of biological activities. This observation supports our hypothesis that the benzene ring plays an important role in both thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase-inhibitory and bronchodilatory activities. Further, it was shown that the carbonyl moiety of a phthalazinone is not necessary for these activities.

Novel antiasthmatic agents with dual activities of thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibition and bronchodilation. VI. Indazole derivatives

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel indazole derivatives are described. These compounds were found to exhibit both thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase-inhibitory and bronchodilatory activities. This observation supports the idea that the partial structure of the 3-pyridyl and phenyl groups with a methylene insertion is an important component for well-balanced activities.

Novel antiasthmatic agents with dual activities of thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibition and bronchodilation. IV. 2-[2-(1-Imidazolyl)ethyl]-4-(3-pyridyl)-1(2H)-phthalazinones

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of several compounds related to 2-[2-(1-imidazolyl)ethyl]-4-(3-pyridyl)-1(2H)-phthalazinones are described. The phenyl moiety of the phthalazinone skeleton was found to play an important role in both thromboxane A2 synthetase-inhibitory and bronchodilatory activities. Further, the 3-pyridyl group at the 4-position was shown to be necessary for in vivo thromboxane A2 synthetase-inhibitory activity.

Novel antiasthmatic agents with dual activities of thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibition and bronchodilation. III. 4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-thienyl)]-2'-[2-(1-imidazolyl)ethyl]-1(2H)- phthalazinones

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel 4-[2-(5-ethyl-2-thienyl)]-2-[2-(1-imidazolyl)ethyl]-1(2H)-phthalazinone s are described. The phenyl moiety of the phthalazinone skeleton was found to play an important role in both thromboxane A2 synthetase-inhibitory and bronchodilatory activities.

Novel antiasthmatic agents with dual activities of thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibition and bronchodilation. 2. 4-(3-Pyridyl)-1(2H)-phthalazinones

A series of novel 4-(3-pyridyl)-1(2H)-phthalazinone derivatives which possess dual activities of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthetase inhibition and bronchodilation was synthesized, and their pharmacological activities were evaluated. While the length and the bulk of 2-alkyl substituents had no influence on either activity, the 2-substituents with polar groups reduced bronchodilatory activity. Furthermore, we introduced heteroaromatic nuclei into the 4-position of the phthalazinone and found that 1-imidazolyl (13a) and 5-thiazolyl (16b and 16c) derivatives were as active as the parent 3-pyridyl compound 5b. These findings suggest that heteroaromatic nuclei at the 4-position of phthalazinones play a critical role in TXA2 synthetase inhibition. Additionally, the hydrophobicity of the compounds was found to exert a marked influence on bronchodilatory activity. These observations led to the selection of 2-ethyl-4-(3-pyridyl)-1(2H)-phthalazinone (5b) (KK-505) and 2-methyl-4-(5-thiazolyl)-1(2H)-phthalazinone (16b) (KK-562) for further studies. Although their precise mechanism of action remains unclear, this series of novel phthalazinone derivatives represents a new class of antiasthma agents with dual activities.

Novel antiasthmatic agents with dual activities of thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibition and bronchodilation. 1. 2-[2-(1-Imidazolyl)alkyl]-1(2H)-phthalazinones

A number of 4-substituted 2-[omega-(1-imidazolyl)alkyl]-1(2H)-phthalazinones were synthesized in order to develop agents possessing both thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitory and bronchodilatory activities. The pharmacological evaluation of these compounds disclosed that they have both activities to various extents. Both activities were slightly dependent on the length of the 2-substituents and largely affected by the nature of the 4-substituents. Compounds bearing phenyl and thienyl groups exhibited relatively high and well-rounded activities. Among these compounds, 12j and 15f were found to be the most effective agents having well-rounded activities in vitro and in vivo. Introduction of a carboxyl group reduced both activities contrary to our expectation. 4-(3-Pyridyl)phthalazinone 18b was of particular interest because of unexpectedly high in vivo activities in spite of an absence of significant in vitro activities.

Comparative studies with 15(R)-15-methylprostaglandin E2 (arbaprostil) in rat femoral arterial preparations in vivo and in vitro

1. The vasodilator responses to 15(R)-15-methylprostaglandin E2 (arbaprostil), prostaglandin (PG) E2 and acetylcholine (ACh) administered into the femoral artery intra-arterial (i.a.) of anesthetized rats were attenuated by i.a. infusion of methylene blue, while that to nicardipine remained unaffected in the same dose-range of methylene blue. 2. The vasocontractor responses to arbaprostil and PGE2 in isolated femoral arterial strips were significantly potentiated by removal of the endothelium and the presence of NG-monomethyl L-arginine, while that to U-46619 remained unaffected under the same condition. 3. The present result indicates that the endothelium-dependent mechanism may play an important role in the vascular response to arbaprostil, like PGE2 and ACh.

Effects of cisapride on gastrointestinal motor activity and gastric emptying of disopyramide

The effects of cisapride on the gastrointestinal contractile activity and pharmacokinetics of disopyramide were determined in beagle dogs and patients with arrhythmia. In the animal experiments, the gastric motor index was significantly decreased by i.v. administration of disopyramide in a dose-dependent fashion. The peak decrease of the motor index was observed within 5 min after i.v. injection of disopyramide; the motor index then recovered gradually to the level present prior to drug administration. I.v. administration of cisapride (0.5 mg/kg) markedly increased gastrointestinal contractile activity following the decrease induced by disopyramide pretreatment (5 mg/kg, i.v.). In the clinical studies, the gastric emptying test was performed using the acetaminophen method. A significant correlation between plasma concentrations of disopyramide and gastric emptying time has been found (p < 0.001). The combination of disopyramide (100 mg t.i.d.) and cisapride (2.5 mg t.i.d.) significantly increased gastric emptying compared with that induced by disopyramide alone. The peak plasma concentration of disopyramide in association with cisapride oral administration was significantly higher, and the apparent absorption rate constant and lag time of disopyramide were about 2-fold higher and 2-fold shorter, respectively, than for disopyramide alone. Cisapride, acting as a cholinergic agonist, may counteract the anticholinergic effect of disopyramide on gastric motility. As a factor influencing drug absorption, gastric emptying is of importance, as it determines the rate of drug delivery to the small intestine. Therefore, the oral administration of disopyramide with cisapride may be useful for patients with delayed gastric emptying.

Spasmolytic action of nicorandil in canine conductive coronary arteries in vivo is not modified by glibenclamide

The spasmolytic effects of nicorandil, cromakalim, and nitroglycerin on coronary arteries were investigated by angiographic technique in anesthetized dogs. With intracoronary arterial (i.a.) U 46619, a thromboxane A2 mimetic, the diameter of coronary arteries decreased in a sustained manner by 36.1 +/- 1.6% from control levels (coronary spasm). With a successive i.a. injection of nicorandil (300 micrograms), cromakalim (30 micrograms), or nitroglycerin (3 micrograms), the diameter recovered control levels (102.9 +/- 3.9, 96.8 +/- 5.6, and 100.1 +/- 4.3%, respectively). In dogs treated intravenously (i.v.) with glibenclamide, a pharmacologic antagonist of K-channel openers, the spasmolytic effect of cromakalim was significantly reduced, whereas the activity of nicorandil or nitroglycerin remained unaffected. We also investigated a possible modification by glibenclamide of the increase in coronary blood flow (CBF) induced by i.a. nicorandil and cromakalim in anesthetized dogs. The dose-dependent blood flow responses to cromakalim and nicorandil were significantly attenuated by glibenclamide, whereas the response to nitroglycerin remained unaffected. These results suggest that the spasmolytic effect of nicorandil on canine conductive coronary vessels is not mediated by K-channel opening but by a nitroglycerin-like action and that the dilatation of resistive coronary vessels induced by nicorandil may be largely due to its action as a K-channel opener.

Acid-promoted epimerization of arbaprostil, 15(R)-15-methylprostaglandin E2, elicits gastric antisecretory activities in rats

Gastric acid antisecretory activities of 15(R)-15-methylprostaglandin E2 (arbaprostil) preincubated or not preincubated with 0.9% physiological saline, the pH of which was precisely adjusted to less than 4.30, were examined in pylorus-ligated rats, and compared with those of 15(S)-15-methylprostaglandin E2 (15(S), epimer of arbaprostil). 15(S), unlike arbaprostil without preincubation, when s.c.-administered to rats significantly inhibited gastric acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner (30-300 micrograms/kg). However, arbaprostil preincubated at 37 degrees C for 30 min with 0.9% saline, at pHs of 4.30, 2.75 and 1.20, respectively, showed the following order of pH-dependent antisecretory activities: 1.20 greater than 2.75 greater than 4.30. An increase in 15(S) formation from arbaprostil in a pH-dependent manner was also observed by radioisotopic experiments under the same incubation conditions using [3H]-labeled arbaprostil. The present result suggests that the gastric antisecretory effect of arbaprostil can be mainly explained in terms of the formation of 15(S) after oral administration.

Functional evaluation of sympathetically mediated responses in in vivo lower urinary tract of dogs

An in vivo procedure for evaluating local effects of alpha-adrenoceptor stimuli on the lower urinary tract was developed in anesthetized dogs. Electrical stimulation of hypogastric nerve at varied frequencies (1, 2, and 4 Hz) and intraarterial (i.a.) administration of an alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine (0.3, 1, and 3 micrograms) to the urethra and bladder through the cannulated right external iliac artery caused reproducible frequency- or dose-related increases in intraurethral pressure (IUP). Intrabladder pressure (IBP) was increased by the nerve stimulation but not by i.a. phenylephrine. Acetylcholine (10 micrograms) given i.a. elicited increases in both IUP and IBP. Prazosin (0.1, 1, and 10 micrograms/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently suppressed the urethral contractile responses to the nerve stimulation and i.a. phenylephrine, but it failed to affect the bladder contraction evoked by the nerve stimulation. The results suggest that the urethral contractile responses to hypogastric nerve stimulation as well as i.a. phenylephrine were mediated via alpha 1-adrenoceptors, whereas the IBP increasing effect of hypogastric nerve stimulation was not mediated via alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

In vivo experiments for the evaluation of alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonistic effects of SGB-1534 on canine urethra

The alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking effects of SGB-1534 on the urethral smooth muscle were compared in in vivo lower urinary tract preparations of anesthetized dogs, with the effects of other alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists, prazosin and bunazosin. Hypogastric nerve stimulation and selective administration of phenylephrine to the urethra and bladder through the cannulated right external iliac artery (i.a.) elicited reproducible frequency- and dose-dependent increases in intra-urethral pressure. Intra-bladder pressure was increased by the nerve stimulation but not by i.a. phenylephrine. SGB-1534, prazosin or bunazosin (0.1-10 micrograms/kg i.v.) dose dependently suppressed the urethral contraction evoked by the nerve stimulation and i.a. phenylephrine but did not influence the bladder contraction elicited by nerve stimulation. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking potency of SGB-1534 was approximately 2.3 and 8.1 times greater than that of prazosin and bunazosin, respectively. The results indicate that alpha 1-adrenoceptors may mediate mainly the urethral contraction induced by hypogastric nerve stimulation and i.a. phenylephrine, and that SGB-1534 was more potent alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking activity than prazosin and bunazosin in the canine urethra.

[Central pontine myelinolysis followed by frequent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia--report of an autopsy case]

A case of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) followed by hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia was reported. The case was 53-year-old female. Diabetes mellitus was found when she was 32 years old, insulin therapy was started at 37 years of age. Since she was 50 years old, proteinuria and ankle edema had developed and she was admitted to The Keihin Hospital. The peritoneal dialysis (PD) was performed next year, followed by the hemodialysis (HD). In January 1978, strange movements and the disturbance of her consciousness were occurred during PD, then blood glucose level showed over 1,800 mg/dl and serum osmolarity was over 390 mosm/KgH2O. Then she was diagnosed as non-ketotic hyperosmolar coma. After that, during HD and PD, hyperglycemia (approximately 1,200 mg/dl) and hypoglycemia (approximately 40 mg/dl) developed frequently. She died soon after HD on 19th December 1979. The autopsy disclosed bilateral atrophic kidneys due to diabetic changes and atrophic pancreas. Gross neuropathological findings revealed a few small infarcts at the putamen and the globus pallidus, however, other area were observed to be normal. The most remarkable change in microscopical finding was nearly symmetrical demyelinative lesion in the center of the basis pontis. The nerve cells and axon cylinders were relatively well preserved in the demyelinative lesion. The hyaline degeneration was observed in the arterial wall, however, any arterial obstruction was not found. Recent studies would suggest that the electrolyte disturbance, such as hyponatremia, may lead to CPM, particularly when this disturbance was rapidly corrected. On the other hand, CPM induced by diabetic coma has been reported, however, its pathogenesis has been unclear.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonistic effects and antihypertensive activity of SGB-1534 in conscious normotensive and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive dogs: comparison with prazosin

In conscious normotensive and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive dogs, alpha-adrenoceptor antagonistic and antihypertensive actions of SGB-1534, given orally, were compared with those of prazosin. SGB-1534 and prazosin did not markedly influence systemic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) in normotensive dogs. These alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists inhibited SBP and HR increases induced by i.v. adrenaline in a dose-dependent manner. In DOCA-salt hypertensive dogs, persistent hypotension, accompanied by a reflex tachycardia, occurred after oral administration of SGB-1534 and prazosin. The hypotensive activity of SGB-1534 was much more potent in magnitude and duration than that of prazosin. In isolated canine mesenteric and femoral arteries, SGB-1534, compared to prazosin, elicited a more potent inhibition on the contractile response to a relatively selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine. It appears that the antihypertensive activity of SGB-1534, like prazosin, is nearly in parallel with its alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonistic effect.

Tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme blockade by MC-838 (altiopril calcium) infused intravenously to miniature pigs: comparison with captopril

The effect of a new orally active angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, calcium(-)-N-[(S)-3-[(N-cyclohexyl-carbonyl-D-alanyl)thio]-2-methyl- prolinate (MC-838, altiopril calcium), on cardiohemodynamics and tissue ACE activity was compared with that of captopril in the anesthetized miniature pig. MC-838 and captopril were infused i.v. for 1 or 3 hr at an equimolar rate of 20 and 10 micrograms/kg.hr-1, respectively. When MC-838 was infused i.v., captopril appeared in approximately 40% of MC-838 in serum, indicating that the amount of serum captopril during the equimolar concentration treatment with MC-838 corresponds to half of serum captopril after the dosing of captopril. During the infusion, the drugs did not significantly affect systemic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), renal blood flow (RBF) and renal vascular resistance (RVR). MC-838 and captopril, in a similar degree, attenuated the vasoconstrictor response to angiotensin-I (A-I) injected into the renal artery (i.a.), and enhanced the vasodilator one to i.a. bradykinin, 3 hr after the onset of the drug infusion. The animals were sacrificed at 1 and 3 hr after the onset of the infusion of MC-838 or captopril, and the ACE activity in serum and some target organs (lung, kidney, heart, brain and aorta) was determined. Effective activities of MC-838 and captopril occurred in the lung and kidney (only at 3 hr for captopril) where higher ACE activity in a variety of tissues was found, to a lesser degree in the serum (only by captopril) and not at all in the brain, heart and aorta.

Comparative cardiovascular effects of a novel angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor altiopril calcium (MC-838) and captopril in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The cardiovascular effects of a newly developed angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, calcium(-)-N-[(S)-3-[(N-cyclohexylcarbonyl-D-alanyl)thio]-2- methylpropionyl]-L-prolinate (MC-838, altiopril calcium), were examined in anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats and isolated donor-perfused, rat heart preparations, and compared with those of captopril. Equidepressor doses of MC-838 (0.3 and 3 mg/kg) and captopril (0.03 and 0.3 mg/kg) given i.v. induced dose-dependent decreases in systemic blood pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), LVdP/dT max, and femoral, renal and mesenteric vascular resistance. MC-838 as well as captopril had no significant effects on femoral blood flow (except for 3 mg/kg MC-838) and heart rate (HR). Marked and sustained increases in renal blood flow were observed with the ACE inhibitors. These agents caused two-phase changes in mesenteric blood flow: initial increase followed by decrease. In isolated, donor-perfused rat heart preparations, MC-838 (0.01-1 mg) injected locally into the coronary artery resulted in positive inotropic effects, as indicated by dose-dependent increases in LVSP and LVdP/dT max, with no significant changes in HR, while captopril (0.01-1 mg) had negative inotropic effects. The positive inotropic response to MC-838 appears to be due to Ca++ in the MC-838 solution.

A research method for MRI tissue characterization studies using small coils for excised organs

The main purpose of this report is to describe our method of MRI tissue characterization studies, which consists of MR imaging of the patient, precision MR imaging of the excised organ, and pathological examination of the organ. We first made small coils to be used with conventional MRI scanners to examine the excised organs. In order to make it easier to understand the effectiveness of our method, three illustrative case reports of abdominal or pelvic tumors were presented as examples of the tissue characterization studies. In conclusion, this method seemed very useful and, in addition, it was found that this small coil technique has several advantages in other applications.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of bone. A case report and review of the literature

A 62-year-old female with primary leiomyosarcoma of the left femur is reported with a review of 21 cases reported in the literature. The resected specimen showed that the tumor extended from the femoral head to the diaphysis for 13 cm in length. The tumor showed mainly intramedullary proliferation, but extraosseous growth was also noted at the great trochanter. Microscopic examination revealed well differentiated leiomyosarcoma characterized by interlacing bundles of fusiform cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and rod-shaped hyperchromatic nuclei. PAP stain of actin on the tumor cells was positive. On electron microscopy, microfilament of 6-8 nm in diameter, dense bodies, pinocytotic vesicles, marginal attachment plate, and basal lamina were noted. The patient died with pulmonary metastasis, 1 year and 7 months after the operation. An autopsy showed metastases in the right pelvic cavity and bilateral lungs, and confirmed the primary site to be the left femur.

A study on the microvasculature of the cerebellar cortex. The fundamental architecture and its senile change in the cerebellar hemisphere

The arterial structure of the cerebellar cortex was studied by vascular stain and in diaphanized specimens after intra-arterial barium injections. A scanning electron microscope study on the corrosion cast of the arteries was also performed. Arteries distributed in the cerebellar hemisphere are classified into cortical, subcortical, and medullary arteries. The patterns of arterial distribution are similar to those in the cerebral cortex. The cortical arteries are subclassified into superficial, middle, and deep cortical branches. The superficial branches are very fine, forming capillary networks in the molecular layer. The middle cortical branches terminate in the Purkinje cell layer, by dividing into several branches extending parallel to the plane of this layer. These branches connect with capillaries in both the molecular and the granular layers. The deep cortical branches give off some collaterals along the Purkinje cell layer and terminate in the granular layer, by breaking up into capillary networks. The Purkinje cell layer is marked by arterial branches ramified from the middle and deep cortical branches and no particular dense capillary networks are formed in the Purkinje cell layer. The brains of older patients show intertwining of the middle and deep cortical branches, some forming "rope-like" appearance. These patterns are similar to those seen in the cerebral cortex, but they were found, in older people, in the cerebrum.

A study on the microvasculature of the cerebral cortex. Fundamental architecture and its senile change in the frontal cortex

The arterial architecture of the cerebral cortex and its changes along with aging were studied by microangiography, vascular staining, and scanning electron microscopy. The arteries distributed in the cerebral cortex and medulla were classified into cortical, subcortical, and medullary arteries. The cortical arteries were further classified into superficial, middle, and deep cortical branches according to the site of their termination. There were many fountain-like rami in the middle and deep cortical branches. These fountain-like rami were composed of several to many fine arteries, ramified from a small artery by repeated bifurcation within a short segment of its course. This structural pattern is probably responsible for the ease with which pronounced ischemic state may develop in their territories nourished by these branches, and they may play a significant role in the development of pseudolaminar necrosis of the cerebral cortex. Intertwining of small branches forming rope-like structures was observed with increasing frequency with age, suggesting that this phenomenon correlates with aging or is associated with brain atrophy. The intertwining was always clockwise when looking from the proximal side of the arteries towards their distal end. While the precise mechanism of the development of the intertwining remains unclear, torsion of the trunk of the blood vessels is thought to be the cause of the intertwining of the peripheral branches.

[An autopsy case of Prader-Labhart-Willi syndrome]

An autopsy case of 23-years-old man with Prader-Labhart-Willi syndrome (P-L-W syndrome), who had died by acute renal failure due to burn injury, was reported. P-L-W syndrome was constituted by hypotonia, hypogonadism, hypomentia, obesity and other minor anomalies, however, CNS anomaly had not been reported. The patient sat at 3 years of age, walked at 4 years old, began to utter single words at 3-4 years, and he began to obese at 4 years of age. He fulfilled the condition of P-L-W syndrome mentioned above. On his age 15, laboratory findings on admission revealed remarkable diabetic pattern by oral glucose tolerance test and intelligence quotient was 28, and the other laboratory findings were within normal limit. During his clinical history, complications of diabetes mellitus, such as diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, were aggrevated, and upstanding and gait were impossible at 20 years of age. On his age 23, he suffered from burn injury at left lower extremity and he fell in acute renal insufficiency. Five autopsy cases of P-L-W syndrome have been reported so far, however, CNS anomaly has not been observed. Following anomalies in our case was recognized, such as shortness of the frontal lobe, partial micropolygyria of the dentate nucleus, heterotopia of the inferior olivary nucleus, ectopia of Purkinje cell in the molecular layer, heterotopia of middle sized neuron in the deep white matter of the cerebellum and large number of residual nerve cells in the cerebral subcortical white matter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cardiovascular effects of a novel antihypertensive agent, SGB-1534, in miniature pigs

The cardiovascular effects of SGB-1534 (3-[2-[4-(o-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2,4(1H,3H)-quinazolinedione monohydrochloride) were investigated in pentobarbital-anesthetized miniature pigs. SGB-1534 infused i.v. at a rate of 3 micrograms/kg . hr-1 caused a gradual decrease of systemic blood pressure reaching a plateau level, with a peak fall of about 20% of the preinfusion value, 30-60 min after the start of the infusion. Significant reductions of coronary vascular resistance and left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure were also observed. Changes in LV systolic pressure, coronary blood flow and pressure-rate product were not significant, while heart rate and LVdp/dt max were significantly increased. The pressor response to a bolus i.v. injection of epinephrine (1 microgram/kg) was significantly inhibited during i.v. infusion of SGB-1534. The results indicate that SGB-1534 is an antihypertensive agent, probably related to its alpha-adrenergic blocking action in peripheral vasculatures.

Ossified metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

A case of ossified tumor in the anterior abdominal wall that proved to be a metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is reported. Computerized tomography detected dense calcification within the tumor but it did not differentiate ossification from calcification. A soft x-ray roentgenogram of the resected tumor revealed a fine trabecular pattern of the ossified area.