Chronic Basophilic Leukaemia in a Dog

A 13-year-old neutered female mixed-breed dog with a clinical history of emaciation, inappetence and vomiting for 2 months was presented. Blood tests showed marked leucocytosis with increased neutrophil and basophil count, mild thrombocytosis and anaemia. Seven days after the initial visit, the dog died and was submitted for necropsy examination. Grossly, the bone marrow was red in colour and hepatomegaly and splenomegaly with discolouration were observed. A bone marrow smear showed an increased proportion of basophilic lineage cells. Histologically, the bone marrow showed high cellular density and numerous basophilic lineage cells with a round or segmented nucleus. The cytoplasm contained basophilic granules exhibiting metachromasia on toluidine blue staining. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic basophils were diffusely positive for vimentin and myeloperoxidase, but negative for CD3, BLA36, CD163, CD204 and c-kit. The immunohistochemical features of neoplastic basophils that had invaded the liver and spleen were similar to those of the basophils in the bone marrow. Based on the clinicopathological and histopathological findings, chronic basophilic leukaemia was diagnosed. The present case study provides insights into the pathological features of chronic basophilic leukaemia in dogs.

Disruption of the pacemaker activity of interstitial cells of Cajal via nitric oxide contributes to postoperative ileus

BACKGROUND

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) serve as intestinal pacemakers. Postoperative ileus (POI) is a gastrointestinal motility disorder that occurs following abdominal surgery, which is caused by inflammation-induced dysfunction of smooth muscles and enteric neurons. However, the participation of ICC in POI is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the functional changes of ICC in a mouse model of POI.

METHODS

Intestinal manipulation (IM) was performed to induce POI. At 24 h or 48 h after IM, the field potential of the intestinal tunica muscularis was investigated. Tissues were also examined by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic analysis.

KEY RESULTS

Gastrointestinal transit was significantly decreased with intestinal tunica muscularis inflammation at 24 h after IM, which was ameliorated at 48 h after IM. The generation and propagation of pacemaker potentials were disrupted at 24 h after IM and recovered to the control level at 48 h after IM. ICC networks, detected by c-Kit immunoreactivity, were remarkably disrupted at 24 h after IM. Electron microscopic analysis revealed abnormal vacuoles in the ICC cytoplasm. Interestingly, the ICC networks recovered at 48 h after IM. Administration of aminoguanidine, an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, suppressed the disruption of ICC networks. Ileal smooth muscle tissue cultured in the presence of nitric oxide donor, showed disrupted ICC networks.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

The generation and propagation of pacemaker potentials by ICC are disrupted via nitric oxide after IM, and this disruption may contribute to POI. When inflammation is ameliorated, ICC can recover their pacemaker function.

[Fundamental Study of Three-dimensional Fast Spin-echo Imaging with Spoiled Equilibrium Pulse]

Three-dimensional fast spin-echo (3D FSE) imaging with variable refocusing flip angle has been recently applied to pre- or post-enhanced T₁-weighted imaging. To reduce the acquisition time, this sequence requires higher echo train length (ETL), which potentially causes decreased T₁ contrast. Spoiled equilibrium (SpE) pulse consists of a resonant +90° radiofrequency (RF) pulse and is applied at the end of the echo train. This +90° RF pulse brings residual transverse magnetization to the negative longitudinal axis, which makes it possible to increase T₁ contrast. The purpose of our present study was to examine factors that influence the effect of spoiled equilibrium pulse and the relationship between T₁ contrast improvement and imaging parameters and to understand the characteristics of spoiled equilibrium pulse. Phantom studies were conducted using an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phantom made of polyvinyl alcohol gel. To evaluate the effect of spoiled equilibrium pulse with changes in repetition time (TR), ETL, and refocusing flip angle, we measured the signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The effect of spoiled equilibrium pulse was evaluated by calculating the enhancement rate of CNR. The factors that influence the effect of spoiled equilibrium pulse are TR, ETL, and relaxation time of tissues. Spoiled equilibrium pulse is effective with increasing TR and decreasing ETL. The shorter the T₁ value, the better the spoiled equilibrium pulse functions. However, for tissues in which the T₁ value is long (>600 ms), at a TR of 600 ms, improvement in T₁ contrast by applying spoiled equilibrium pulse cannot be expected.

Epidermal growth factor is a critical regulator of the cytokine IL-33 in intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

IL-33 is a novel cytokine that is believed to be involved in inflammation and carcinogenesis. However, its source, its production and its secretion process remain unclear. Recently, we have reported that IL-33 is up-regulated in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis in mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Production of IL-33 from intestinal tissue was studied in a murine cancer model induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and DSS in vivo and in cultures of IEC-6 epithelial cells. Cytokine levels were measured by real time PCR, immunohistochemistry and elisa.

KEY RESULTS

Mice with AOM/DSS-induced colitis expressed all the characteristic symptoms of colon cancer pathology. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated epithelial cell-derived IL-33 in colon tissues from mice with AOM/DSS colitis. Real time PCR and quantitative PCR analysis revealed that AOM/DSS colitis tissues expressed up-regulated IL-1β, IL-33, TGF-β, and EGF mRNA. Gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor, inhibited IL-33 mRNA expression in AOM/DSS colitis mice. The pathophysiological role of IL-33 in the rat intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-6 cells) was then investigated. We found that EGF, but not TGF-β1 or PDGF, greatly enhanced mRNA expression of IL-33 and its receptor ST2. In accordance with the gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis of IL-33 levels, elisa-based analysis of cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts showed increased IL-33 protein levels in IEC-6 cells after treatment with EGF.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results suggest that EGF is a key growth factor that increased IL-33 production and ST2 receptor expression during intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis. The EGF/IL-33/ST2 axis represents a novel therapeutic target in colon cancer.

Quantification of chicken anaemia virus by competitive polymerase chain reaction

A quantitative method for chicken anaemia virus (CAV) was developed using competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Competitive template was constructed by deletion of 33 nucleotides from a wildtype DNA clone of CAV. Quantification of CAV DNA molecules by the competitive PCR was rapid and highly reproducible when compared with conventional infectivity titration methods. The ratios of the viral DNA molecules and infectivity titres in MDCC-MSB1 cells varied between 1.3 and 3.55 log(10) among several isolates, suggesting the existence of different infection efficiencies to MDCC-MSB1 cells by isolates. The competitive PCR will be useful for studying CAV infection in vivo and/or in vitro.

Extravascular injection of sclerotic agents does not affect vessels in the rat: experimental implications for percutaneous sclerotherapy of arteriovenous malformations

OBJECTIVES

Sclerotherapy is useful for the treatment of arteriovenous vascular malformations. However, intravascular administration of sclerotic agents into small arteriovenous niduses is often difficult. Extravascular administration of sclerotic agents causes reduction of vascular flow on Doppler echo during clinical sclerotherapy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the extravascular injection of sclerotic agents affects tiny vessels.

DESIGN

Animal study.

MATERIALS

The effect of extravascular injection of sclerotic agents on vessels was investigated using rat femoral and superficial inferior epigastric vessels.

METHODS

After surgical exposure of vessels, absolute ethanol, 5% ethanolamine oleate and 3% polidocanol were injected into perivascular surrounding tissues, and their effect on vessels was evaluated after 14 days using histology and coloured silicone rubber injection.

RESULTS

The integrity of the vascular lumen, endothelial cells and vascular patency were not affected by injection of sclerotic agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Attenuation of vascular flow of an arteriovenous shunt after extravascular injection of sclerotic agents is transient and/or trivial and does not cause disruption of vessels. Therefore, sclerotic agents should be delivered to obtain sufficient destruction of arteriovenous malformation lesions and blood flow.

Mobile phone base station radiation does not affect neoplastic transformation in BALB/3T3 cells

A large-scale in vitro study focusing on low-level radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile radio base stations employing the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) cellular system was conducted to test the hypothesis that modulated RF fields affect malignant transformation or other cellular stress responses. Our group previously reported that DNA strand breaks were not induced in human cells exposed to 2.1425 GHz Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) radiation up to 800 mW/kg from mobile radio base stations employing the IMT-2000 cellular system. In the current study, BALB/3T3 cells were continuously exposed to 2.1425 GHz W-CDMA RF fields at specific absorption rates (SARs) of 80 and 800 mW/kg for 6 weeks and malignant cell transformation was assessed. In addition, 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA)-treated cells were exposed to RF fields in a similar fashion, to assess for effects on tumor promotion. Finally, the effect of RF fields on tumor co-promotion was assessed in BALB/3T3 cells initiated with MCA and co-exposed to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). At the end of the incubation period, transformation dishes were fixed, stained with Giemsa, and scored for morphologically transformed foci. No significant differences in transformation frequency were observed between the test groups exposed to RF signals and the sham-exposed negative controls in the non-, MCA-, or MCA plus TPA-treated cells. Our studies found no evidence to support the hypothesis that RF fields may affect malignant transformation. Our results suggest that exposure to low-level RF radiation of up to 800 mW/kg does not induce cell transformation, which causes tumor formation.

Mobile phone base station-emitted radiation does not induce phosphorylation of Hsp27

An in vitro study focusing on the effects of low-level radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile radio base stations employing the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) cellular system was conducted to test the hypothesis that modulated RF fields act to induce phosphorylation and overexpression of heat shock protein hsp27. First, we evaluated the responses of human cells to microwave exposure at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 80 mW/kg, which corresponds to the limit of the average whole-body SAR for general public exposure defined as a basic restriction in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. Second, we investigated whether continuous wave (CW) and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) modulated signal RF fields at 2.1425 GHz induced activation or gene expression of hsp27 and other heat shock proteins (hsps). Human glioblastoma A172 cells were exposed to W-CDMA radiation at SARs of 80 and 800 mW/kg for 2-48 h, and CW radiation at 80 mW/kg for 24 h. Human IMR-90 fibroblasts from fetal lungs were exposed to W-CDMA at 80 and 800 mW/kg for 2 or 28 h, and CW at 80 mW/kg for 28 h. Under the RF field exposure conditions described above, no significant differences in the expression levels of phosphorylated hsp27 at serine 82 (hsp27[pS82]) were observed between the test groups exposed to W-CDMA or CW signal and the sham-exposed negative controls, as evaluated immediately after the exposure periods by bead-based multiplex assays. Moreover, no noticeable differences in the gene expression of hsps were observed between the test groups and the negative controls by DNA Chip analysis. Our results confirm that exposure to low-level RF field up to 800 mW/kg does not induce phosphorylation of hsp27 or expression of hsp gene family.

Phosphorylation and gene expression of p53 are not affected in human cells exposed to 2.1425 GHz band CW or W-CDMA modulated radiation allocated to mobile radio base stations

A large-scale in vitro study focusing on low-level radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile radio base stations employing the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) cellular system was conducted to test the hypothesis that modulated RF fields induce apoptosis or other cellular stress response that activate p53 or the p53-signaling pathway. First, we evaluated the response of human cells to microwave exposure at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 80 mW/kg, which corresponds to the limit of the average whole-body SAR for general public exposure defined as a basic restriction by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. Second, we investigated whether continuous wave (CW) and wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) modulated signal RF fields at 2.1425 GHz induced apoptosis or any signs of stress. Human glioblastoma A172 cells were exposed to W-CDMA radiation at SARs of 80, 250, and 800 mW/kg, and CW radiation at 80 mW/kg for 24 or 48 h. Human IMR-90 fibroblasts from fetal lungs were exposed to both W-CDMA and CW radiation at a SAR of 80 mW/kg for 28 h. Under the RF field exposure conditions described above, no significant differences in the percentage of apoptotic cells were observed between the test groups exposed to RF signals and the sham-exposed negative controls, as evaluated by the Annexin V affinity assay. No significant differences in expression levels of phosphorylated p53 at serine 15 or total p53 were observed between the test groups and the negative controls by the bead-based multiplex assay. Moreover, microarray hybridization and real-time RT-PCR analysis showed no noticeable differences in gene expression of the subsequent downstream targets of p53 signaling involved in apoptosis between the test groups and the negative controls. Our results confirm that exposure to low-level RF signals up to 800 mW/kg does not induce p53-dependent apoptosis, DNA damage, or other stress response in human cells.

Resection of lung metastasis from gallbladder carcinoma: immunohistochemistry of RCAS1 and CD8+T cells in primary and metastatic tumors

Advanced Gallbladder cancer has an extremely poor prognosis. We examined a patient with resectable gallbladder cancer with associated lung metastasis. A 64-year-old female patient, diagnosed with gallbladder cancer and a solitary benign lung tumor by imaging, was subjected to extensive cholecystectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection. After one year, a follow-up CT indicated enlargement of the lung tumor; video-assisted right middle lobectomy was then performed. The lung tumor was diagnosed as a metastasis derived from the gallbladder cancer by pathology and immunohistochemistry. Expression of RCAS1, an independent unfavorable prognostic indicator in gallbladder cancer, was observed in both the gallbladder and lung tumors. However, infiltration of CD8+T cells was only seen in the lung metastatic tumor. She has remained free of any evidence of recurrence in the 10 months and 4 years after the first surgery. The results that metastasis is solitary and infiltrated by CD8+T cells correspond with the present clinical history.

Mechanism of improved gene transfer by the N-terminal stearylation of octaarginine: enhanced cellular association by hydrophobic core formation

The internalization mechanisms associated with octaarginine and stearyl-octaarginine were investigated using confocal laser microscopy and flow cytometric analysis. Octaarginine is able to translocate through cell membranes in a manner that does not exactly involve the classical endocytic pathways of internalization. However, when a stearyl moiety is attached to the N-terminus of octaarginine, the internalization shifts mainly to an endocytosis-dependent pathway. The transfection efficiency of stearyl-octaarginine was significantly higher than that of octaarginin. To understand the mechanism of the improved gene transfer by the N-terminal stearylation of octaarginine, the gene transfer processes mediated by octaarginine or stearyl-octaarginine were compared. Both octaarginine and stearyl-octaarginine are able to carry plasmid DNA into cells. The amount of plasmid DNA internalized as well as that delivered to the nucleus was higher in the case of stearyl-octaarginine. Even though the internalization mechanisms of octaarginine and stearyl-octaarginine were different, their complexes with plasmid DNA were internalized via the same pathway, presumably, the clathrin-mediated pathway of endocytosis. The results of the atomic force microscopy revealed that stearyl-octaarginine, but not octaarginine, can completely condense the DNA into stable complexes that can be highly adsorbed to the cell surface and subsequently highly internalized. Therefore, using stearylated-octaarginine provided higher internalization of plasmid DNA into cells, due to enhanced cellular association, as well as higher nuclear delivery. The results presented in this study provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of improved transfection using stearylated-octaarginine. The concept of using stearylated peptides may aid in the development of more efficient nonviral gene vectors.

Single long DNA molecule analysis using fluorescence microscopy

Single long DNA molecule (T4 DNA) in agarose gel was visualized with a fluorescence microscope. We confirmed alternating current electric fields is effective for stretching of single DNA molecule in agarose gel. This stretching phenomenon was observed with wide range of agarose gel concentration from 0.5%(W/V) to 1.5%. From this observation, the presence of agarose gel fiber is essential for this stretching phenomenon. The stretching process of several DNA molecules in gel shows discontinuity, which is never observed in polymer systems. It would be based on topological restriction from gel fibers.

Identification of a genetic determinant of pathogenicity in chicken anaemia virus

The molecular basis of pathogenicity of the chicken anaemia virus (CAV) needs to be clarified in order to develop a safe, live virus vaccine. In this study, several high- and low-pathogenic infectious DNA clones were obtained from field virus samples after 12 or 38 passages in MDCC-MSB1 cells. The high-pathogenic clones induced a low haematocrit, low weight gain and high mortality. Nucleotide sequence analyses identified one amino acid, at residue 394 of the VP1 capsid protein, as a major determinant of pathogenicity. To determine the role of this amino acid in pathogenicity, chimeric infectious DNA clones and point-mutated clones were used for chicken pathogenicity tests. These analyses clearly demonstrated that residue 394 of VP1 was crucial for the pathogenicity of CAV; all of the cloned viruses with glutamine at this position were highly pathogenic, whereas those with histidine had low pathogenicity. Low-pathogenic CAV, based on an infectious DNA clone, is a candidate for a genetically homogeneous and stable CAV live vaccine.

Free jejunal patch to reconstruct oral scar contracture following caustic ingestion

Reconstruction of oral scar contracture is often a challenging problem due to the complex structures and functions of the oral cavity. This report describes the treatment of a patient who sustained extensive oral scar contracture following caustic liquid soda ingestion. Surgical release of the scar contracture formed an S-shaped, thin, long defect that was difficult to cover with a conventional flap or skin graft. A jejunal segment was transferred microsurgically as a patch to reconstruct the defect. It sustained a sufficient oral space to provide full opening of the mouth and good movement of the tongue. A free jejunal flap, used occasionally for reconstruction following oral cancer resection, has significant advantages for restoration of function after release of an oral scar contracture.

Evaluation of flow characteristics of soft-tissue vascular malformations using technetium-99m labelled red blood cells

The estimation of intralesional haemodynamics is crucial in determining appropriate treatment for soft-tissue vascular malformations. The aim of this study was to develop a method to evaluate the flow characteristics of soft-tissue vascular malformations using technetium-99m labelled red blood cells (99mTc-RBCs). Seventy-nine soft-tissue vascular malformations, including 20 arteriovenous malformations and 59 venous malformations, in 57 patients were examined. Following the intravenous injection of 99mTc-RBCs, dynamic imaging was performed for 30 min with the lesion in the field of view (99mTc-RBC flow study). A time-activity curve was generated for the lesion, and the lesion was categorized as a high-flow or low-flow lesion by visual inspection of the curve. In low-flow lesions, mean vascular transit time (MTT) was calculated by curve fitting based on a two-compartment model. Twenty-nine lesions in 19 patients were examined twice, and reproducibility was assessed. In 23 venous malformations in 16 patients, 99mTc-Sn colloid was percutaneously injected into the intravascular space of the lesion, and dynamic data of 5-min duration were acquired (direct puncture scintigraphy). MTT was estimated from the washout curve and compared with MTT estimated by 99mTc-RBC flow study. 99mTc-RBC flow study classified all 20 arteriovenous malformations as high-flow lesions and all 59 venous malformations as low-flow lesions. In the low-flow lesions, MTT estimated by 99mTc-RBC flow study ranged from 61.2 to 2174.9 s. In the reproducibility study, complete concordance in classification and high correlation in MTT were shown between the first and second examinations. MTT estimated by 99mTc-RBC flow study was significantly correlated with that estimated by direct puncture scintigraphy. In summary, 99mTc-RBC flow study provides a quantitative indicator of intralesional haemodynamics in low-flow lesions in addition to accurate distinction between high-flow and low-flow lesions. The results of this study suggest the feasibility of detailed evaluation of flow characteristics in soft-tissue vascular malformations using 99mTc-RBCs.

One-stage reconstruction of an upper part defect of the auricle

A one-stage procedure for the reconstruction of a defect of the upper auricle is described. The anterior surface of a carved costal cartilage graft was covered with an anterosuperiorly based skin flap, and the posterior surface was covered by the superficial mastoid fascial flap and a skin graft. This method can be performed easily, without leaving any scar in the hair-bearing area or visible postauricular region, and can be applied to cases in which the condition of the margin scar of an auricular defect is poor.

Induction of temporary otitis media in specific-pathogen-free pigs by intratympanic inoculation of Mycoplasma hyorhinis

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether Mycoplasma hyorhinis inoculated into the tympanic cavity can cause otitis media in pigs.

ANIMALS

17- or 22-day-old specific-pathogen-free pigs.

PROCEDURE

Histologic and bacteriologic examinations were performed on specimens from the tympanic cavity and auditory tube at 0, 7, 14, and 25 days after intratympanic inoculation of M hyorhinis (auditory tube cloning strain 14).

RESULTS

In M hyorhinis-inoculated pigs, mild to moderate inflammation of the auditory tube and tympanic cavity first appeared at postinoculation day (PID) 7. In pigs euthanatized at PID 14, the degree of inflammation was aggravated. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed M hyorhinis antigens on the luminal surface of the auditory tube and tympanic cavity. By PID 25, lesions had lessened. By use of transmission and scanning electron microscopic examinations, mycoplasmal organisms were identified among the cilia in the auditory tubes at PID 14 but not at PID 25. Results of bacteriologic examination indicated that 10(4) to 10(6) color-changing units of M hyorhinis were isolated from the tympanic cavity at PID 0. Variable numbers of M hyorhinis were isolated at PID 7 and 14, and numbers were decreased at PID 25.

CONCLUSIONS

M hyorhinis inoculated into the tympanic cavity can cause a self-limiting otitis media in SPF pigs.

Can scores on alexithymia distinguish patients with peptic ulcer and erosive gastritis?

This study examined alexithymic characteristics of 57 patients with peptic ulcer and 198 with erosive gastritis. The prevalence rate of alexithymia, as measured on the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, was significantly higher for the peptic ulcer group (51%) than for the erosive gastritis group (21%). Scores of the Profile of Mood States were significantly higher for the peptic ulcer group than for the erosive gastritis group. The alexithymia scores were significantly correlated with the scores on the Profile of Mood States. However, discriminant analysis indicated that the alexithymia scores could account for significant additional variance beyond mood states as measured by the Profile of Mood States.

Externally oriented thinking of obese men and women

This study examined the association of scores on alexithymia and obesity. The obese group (n = 47) reported significantly higher total scores on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale than the nonobese group (n = 190). Of the four factors of alexithymia, although significant differences were not found in the statistical analysis with a Bonferroni correction, scores on externally-oriented thinking (so-called "pensée operatoire") were higher for the obese group than the nonobese group. The results suggest that persons with simple obesity are prone to alexithymia, in particular externally-oriented thinking.

Relationship of alexithymia and poor social support to ulcerative changes on gastrofiberscopy

The effects of psychosocial factors on peptic ulceration and/or erosions were examined in a sample of 189 volunteers. Analysis of variance found that the severity of gastrofiberscopic findings was related to two psychosocial factors-poor social support and degree of alexithymia- and that both psychosocial factors were significantly correlated with one another. Analysis of covariance indicated that gastrofiberscopic findings remained significantly related to poor social support when alexithymia was controlled for. These findings suggest that in both healthy persons, and in persons with alexithymia, peptic ulceration or erosions tend to manifest when social support is low. Poor social support and alexithymia may be an especially high-risk combination for the development of peptic ulceration and/or erosions.

An investigation of the psychometric properties of the 26 item Toronto Alexithymia Scale in a Japanese culture

We investigated the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the 26 item Toronto Alexithymia Scale in a Japanese culture, testing a sample of 1,008. The validity and reliability of this Japanese version were suggested by significant correlations with the Beth Israel Hospital Psychosomatic Questionnaire and estimates to test-retest and internal consistency. These results suggest that this version may be suitable for Japanese populations. Although alexithymia scores were correlated negatively with increasing age, the result, based on the large sample, seems to be of minimal significance.

Validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Stress and Coping Inventory

We examined the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Stress and Coping Inventory (SCI) among 170 Japanese college students and 234 healthy subjects. The validity and reliability of this version of the SCI in the college student group were supported by significant test-retest correlations, relatively high internal consistency coefficients, and adequate correlations with the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). AS for the healthy subject group, the reliability was supported by relatively high internal consistency coefficients, although further analyses, such as test-retest, are required. The Japanese version of the SCI appears to be suitable for use among college students.

Plasma alpha 1-acid glycoprotein concentration in broilers: influence of age, sex and injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide

1. The influence of age, sex and injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the plasma concentration of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) was determined in broilers using the single radial immunodiffusion method. 2. Plasma AGP concentration increased in the 3 d after hatching, and then stabilised at 240 +/- 33 micrograms/ml up to 14 d of age. 3. No sex-related differences in plasma AGP concentration were observed up to 6 weeks of age. 4. A single injection of 900 micrograms LPS per chick resulted in a 5-fold increase in AGP concentration compared with that in saline-injected chicks. Multiple injections of LPS (200 micrograms/chick every 2 d for 14 d) caused only a 50% increase in AGP concentration.

Recovery of decreased ability of peripheral-blood mononuclear cells from chronic renal failure to produce interleukin-1 alpha and beta after renal transplantation

The ability of cultured peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to release interleukin-1 alpha and beta (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta) in response to concanavalin A (con A) was investigated in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and in renal transplant recipients. Mean IL-1 alpha level released by PBMC of healthy subjects (n = 42), CRF patients (n = 42), or transplants 2 months after operation (n = 69) was 152 +/- 103, 110 +/- 80, or 154 +/- 87 pg/5 x 10(5) cells/ml culture, respectively. IL-1 alpha release from PBMC of recipients 2 months after renal transplantation was significantly higher than that of CRF patients (p less than 0.05). Mean IL-1 beta level released by PBMC of healthy subjects (n = 34), CRF (n = 30), or transplants (n = 55) was 223 +/- 159, 135 +/- 129, or 276 +/- 155 pg/5 x 10(5) cells, respectively. Similar to IL-1 alpha, the level in CRF was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects (p less than 0.05). A time course study indicated that the ability of PBMC from transplants to release IL-1 alpha and beta promptly decreased following the operation, possibly owing to prednisolone and ciclosporin immunosuppressive therapy. However, after maintaining a low level for 2-3 weeks, IL-1 release from PBMC gradually increased thereafter. The results were consistent with known characteristics of decreased immunity in CRF states, and further suggested that the decreased ability of PBMC to release IL-1 alpha and beta in response to con A in CRF patients is recovered 2 months after renal transplantation.