Role of nitric oxide in the convulsions following the coadministration of enoxacin with fenbufen in mice

Effects of nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors on the enoxacin-induced convulsions were examined in mice pretreated with fenbufen. 7-nitroindazole markedly suppressed the incidence of convulsions, whereas L-arginine did not modify the convulsions at all. The suppression of the convulsions by 7-nitroindazole was not reversed by the pretreatment of L-arginine. Brain NO synthase activity was significantly raised at 30 min after enoxacin when combined with fenbufen. The increased NO synthase activity was found to be suppressed by the pretreatment of 7-nitroindazole. These findings suggest that endogenous NO may be involved as a proconvulsant substance in the development of enoxacin-induced convulsions in mice pretreated with fenbufen.

Circadian variation in enoxacin-induced convulsions in mice coadministered with fenbufen

Susceptibility to enoxacin (80 mg/kg, p.o.)-induced convulsions was examined in mice coadministered with fenbufen (100 mg/kg, p.o.) over 24 hr at 3-hr intervals (light 7:00-19:00 hr). There was a marked circadian variation in the incidence of clonic and tonic convulsions and mortality. The susceptibility to enoxacin was higher around 15:00-18:00 hr and lower around 3:00-9:00 hr; the 50% clonic convulsive dose (CD50) at 9:00 and 15:00 hr was 95.0 and 56.5 mg/kg, respectively, its ratio being 1.64. Under these conditions, brain enoxacin level at 15:00 hr was increased 2.43-fold over that at 9:00 hr 30 min after enoxacin administration. Thus, the change of brain enoxacin may contribute to one of the causes of the above circadian variation.

Sustained release of flufenamic acid from a drug-triacetyl-beta-cyclodextrin complex

Triacetyl-beta-cyclodextrin (TA-beta-CyD), a hydrophobic cyclodextrin derivative that is insoluble in water, was used to form a complex with flufenamic acid (FA). Complexes of FA with TA-beta-CyD (FA-TA-beta-CyD) at various molar ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3) were prepared by a kneading method, using ethanol as a solvent. FA-TA-beta-CyD complex formation was demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometry. The release rate of FA from the FA-TA-beta-CyD complexes was measured in both the Japanese Pharmacopoeia XII 1st fluid pH 1.2 and isotonic phosphate buffer pH 6.8. The release rate of FA from the FA-TA-beta-CyD complexes in the isotonic phosphate buffer pH 6.8 was significantly retarded compared to the release rate of FA from the FA-glucose mixture. After 1 h, 100% of the drug was released from the FA-glucose mixture and 10-25% was released from the complexes. When either the powder of the FA-glucose mixture or the FA-TA-beta-CyD mixture was administered directly into the intraduodenal lumen in rats, the plasma concentration of FA reached a maximum level within 40 min after administration. On the other hand, when the FA-TA-beta-CyD complexes were administered into the intraduodenal lumen, the plasma concentration of FA did not show a sharp peak, but remained at a plateau level (10-18 microg/ml) for 6-8 h. An increased mean residence time of FA following FA-TA-beta-CyD complexes administration was observed; however, the AUC(0-10) for the FA-TA-beta-CyD complexes showed no significant difference from that for the FA-TA-beta-CyD mixture. These results indicate that TA-beta-CyD may serve as a hydrophobic carrier in sustained-release preparations of FA. The drug-TA-beta-CyD complexes may therefore be useful in oral administration to achieve prolonged action and reduced side effects.

Protection against alloxan-induced diabetes by various dialkyldithiocarbamates

Dialkyldithiocarbamates injected into mice 0.5 h prior to alloxan protected dose-dependently against the diabetogenic action of alloxan, and increased blood glucose levels at the time of alloxan injection. Furthermore, they exhibited anti-oxidative properties in vitro such as inhibition of lipid peroxidation, removal of hydrogen peroxide and reduction of the stable free radical, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). These results suggest that dialkyldithiocarbamates protect against the development of alloxan-induced diabetes by the indirect mechanism of producing hyperglycemia at the time of alloxan injection and possibly by their anti-oxidative effects as well.

Improvement of the rectal bioavailability of latamoxef sodium by adjuvants following administration of a suppository

The absorption of an antibiotic, latamoxef sodium (LMOX), following the rectal administration of a suppository containing adjuvants was investigated. A lipophilic base (Witepsol H15) was used. The rectal absorption of LMOX following the administration of a suppository without adjuvants was very low. Diclofenac sodium (DF) was used as an absorption promoter; it enhances rectal membrane permeability. The blood level of LMOX following the addition of DF(10 mg) to the base was increased only about 1.3-fold compared with that achieved with LMOX alone (difference not significant); even with a higher dose of DF, the absorption of LMOX was not sufficient. The release rate of LMOX from the base was slow. When Tween 80, a non-ionic surfactant, was added to improve the release rate of LMOX, the rate was sufficiently increased. The rectal absorption of LMOX on the addition of both Tween 80 and DF was markedly increased compared to that achieved with LMOX alone or with DF. These results indicate that the rectal absorption of LMOX after administration by a suppository was sufficiently improved by enhancing both the release rate from the base and the membrane permeability of the rectum. Lymphatic uptake and blood levels of LMOX were also investigated after the rectal administration of the LMOX preparation containing both Tween 80 and DF; the lymphatic uptake of LMOX was significantly enhanced compared with the LMOX preparation in which only DF was used as an adjuvant. The mechanism whereby adjuvants lead to the absorption of a non-absorbable drug, and the subsequent drug transportation routes through the membrane are discussed.

Involvement of blood glucose in the dimethylthiourea-induced protection against alloxan-induced diabetes

Dimethylthiourea (DMTU, 4.0 mmol/kg) injected into mice 30 min prior to alloxan injection markedly protected mice against the diabetogenic actions of 75 mg/kg alloxan. At 30 min after the above dose of DMTU alone (no alloxan), there was a marked rise in blood glucose. Mannoheptulose, an antagonist of glucose action at pancreatic beta-cells, when given 24 min after DMTU and 6 min before alloxan, eliminated the DMTU-induced protection. The protection was also removed in the fasted mice in which DMTU did not cause hyperglycemia. These results indicate that DMTU protected mice from alloxan-induced diabetes by the indirect mechanism of producing hyperglycemia at the time of alloxan injection.

Protection against alloxan-induced diabetes by diethyldithiocarbamate and disulfiram in mice

Diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDC, 0.25-2.00 mmol/kg) injected into mice at 0.5 hr prior to alloxan administration dose-dependently protected the mice against the diabetogenic actions of 75 mg/kg alloxan. Disulfiram (DS, 0.50-2.00 mmol/kg), a corresponding disulfide form, also exhibited similar protection. The maximum effect of DEDC was found by dosing at 0.5 hr prior to alloxan, and the effect afforded by DEDC pretreatment persisted up to 3 hr, whereas the effect of DS was exhibited when the compound was given 0.5 hr prior to alloxan. Of the metabolites of DEDC, diethylamine and carbon disulfide had no effect. At 0.5 hr after injection, DEDC alone had a potent increasing ability on blood glucose in a dose-dependent manner, but DS was less potent. Mannoheptulose, an antagonist of glucose action at pancreatic beta-cells, when given 24 min after DEDC and 6 min before alloxan, eliminated the DEDC-induced protection. Fasted mice did not exhibit hyperglycemia at 0.5 hr after DEDC injection, and alloxan given at that time produced diabetes. These findings indicate that DEDC itself protected mice from alloxan-induced diabetes by the indirect mechanism of producing hyperglycemia at the time of alloxan administration. The anti-diabetogenic action of low doses of DS and DEDC, in animals lacking hyperglycemia at the time of alloxan injection, is likely based on a mechanism other than one involving hyperglycemia.

Protection by disulfiram and diethyldithiocarbamate against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice

The effects of disulfiram (DS) and its major metabolite, diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDC), on the survival time under normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia were examined in mice. At an ambient temperature of 24 degrees C, DS at 0.5-3.0 mmol/kg (i.p.) caused a marked dose-dependent prolongation of the survival time in mice subjected to both types of hypoxia. DEDC also prolonged the survival time, but the effect was less at its higher doses with decreased brain superoxide dismutase. The maximum effects of DS and DEDC were found at 3 hr and 1 hr after injection, respectively. Of the metabolites of DEDC, the copper complex with DEDC caused a significant effect, whereas neither diethylamine nor carbon disulfide did. Furthermore, DS, DEDC and copper complex caused marked hypothermia, and the time course changes of hypothermia by DS and DEDC closely paralleled those of the degree of anti-hypoxic effects, respectively. At an ambient temperature of 36 degrees C, in which the body temperature was maintained near the normal level, both DS and DEDC still exhibited a weak anti-hypoxic effect. These results suggest that DEDC itself, formed as a metabolite of DS, and partly the copper complex produced the anti-hypoxic effect, which could not be explained by concomitant hypothermia alone.

Circadian rhythm in the cerebral resistance to hypoxia in mice

The cerebral resistance to hypoxia in mice was investigated by measuring the survival time under both hypobaric and normobaric hypoxic conditions. In the ad libitum fed mice, there was a circadian variation in the survival time that was longer during the light period than during the dark period under hypobaric hypoxic conditions. The survival time under normobaric hypoxic conditions also exhibited a similar circadian variation in the ad libitum fed mice, whereas the rhythm of the survival time was completely reversed by the restriction of food presentation (9:00-15:00). These findings suggest that there is a circadian rhythm in the cerebral resistance of mice to hypoxia, which can be shifted by the time of food presentation. Furthermore, regression analyses revealed a negative correlation between the survival time of mice exposed to hypoxia and body temperature, and blood glucose levels. These indicate that the cerebral resistance to hypoxia was intimately associated with body temperature and blood glucose that both show a circadian rhythm in mice.

Circadian periodicity in the duration of decapitation-induced gasping in mice

The circadian variation of decapitation-induced gasping was investigated by measuring the gasping duration of isolated mouse head after decapitation under both normal and restricted feeding conditions. In the normally fed mice, there was a circadian periodicity in the gasping duration: it was longer during the light period than during the dark period. The circadian periodicity was completely reversed by the restriction of food. The circadian periodicity of the gasping duration were conversely parallel to those of body temperature in both normal and feeding restricted mice, and regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between the gasping duration and body temperature. Furthermore, pentobarbital and ethanol, agents that caused hypothermia, markedly prolonged the gasping duration. These findings suggest that there is a circadian periodicity in the brain reactivity after complete ischemia, which may be associated with the changes of body temperature.

Analysis of false negative cytology by a chromosome study

Forty-two cases of pre-invasive and invasive cancer of the cervix diagnosed by histology were studied cytologically and cytogenetically. Preinvasive lesions showed a good correlation between cytologic impression and the histologic diagnosis. However, among 17 patients with invasive cancer, there were 2 completely negative cytologic impressions. These were in cases having modal chromosome counts of 47 and 48, respectively. This study demonstrates that some invasive cancers of the cervix are resistant to cytologic diagnosis because of their peridiploid chromosome counts and lack of anisokaryosis.

Brain glutathione and the anti-hypoxic effect of glutathione depletors in mice

The anti-hypoxic effect (assessed by a standard hypoxia survival test) 3 hr after 2-cyclohexene-1-one (CHX) was completely abolished by injections of L-cysteine after CHX. Under these conditions, brain GSH was depleted to about 50% of the control level in CHX-treated mice and recovered to about 80% of control level following L-cysteine post-treatment. However, D-cysteine could not cause such effects. Intracerebroventricular injection of CHX, which caused a selective depletion of brain GSH, produced an anti-hypoxic effect. Thus, the anti-hypoxic effect may be related to the decrease of brain GSH levels.

2-cyclohexene-1-one-induced hyperglycemia in the mice

2-Cyclohexene-1-one (CHX) dose-dependently caused the elevation of blood glucose levels in both fed and fasted mice. Adrenalectomy considerably prevented the elevated blood glucose with CHX, and plasma adrenaline assays revealed about a three- to fifteen-fold rise after CHX treatment. These findings indicate that the CHX-induced hyperglycemia may be largely mediated by adrenaline released from the adrenal medulla.

Anti-hypoxic effect of glutathione depletors

The effect of various reduced glutathione (GSH) depletors on the survival time under normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia was examined in mice. The survival time was markedly prolonged in mice treated with glutathione S-transferase substrate, 2-cyclohexene-1-one (50-100 mg/kg, ip) and phorone (100-250 mg/kg, ip). The anti-hypoxic effect lasted for at least 3 hr and the maximum effect was found 0.5 hr after injection. Further, both compounds significantly elevated blood glucose levels 0.5-1 hr after treatment. The extent of the elevated blood glucose was nearly comparable to that of the mice treated with glucose (1-2 g/kg, ip), which was found to possess an anti-hypoxic effect. However, a GSH synthesis inhibitor, buthionine sulfoximine, could cause neither a prolongation of survival time of hypoxic mice nor an elevation of blood glucose. Moreover, unlike the depletion of hepatic GSH, brain GSH was markedly decreased by 2-cyclohexene-1-one and phorone, but not by buthionine sulfoximine. These findings suggest that the elevated blood glucose may involve in one of the mechanisms of the anti-hypoxic effect of 2-cyclohexene-1-one and phorone. A relationship between the anti-hypoxic effect and the depletion of brain GSH was also discussed.

Methods for depleting brain glutathione

To search for a technique to deplete reduced glutathione (GSH) in brain, the influence of various types of compounds on brain GSH levels was investigated in mice. Of the compounds tested, cyclohexene-1-one, cycloheptene-1-one and diethyl maleate were shown to be potent GSH depletors in brain as well as in liver. The depletion of cerebral GSH ranged about 40-60% of control levels at 1 and 3 hr after intraperitoneal injection. Cyclohexene, cycloheptene, phorone, acetaminophen, and benzyl chloride caused mild depletion of cerebral GSH, but buthionine sulfoximine did not alter cerebral GSH levels. Further, intracerebroventricular injection of cyclohexene-1-one and cycloheptene-1-one caused depletion of brain GSH to about 60-80% of control levels at 1 hr after injection, and the effects persisted for at least 6 hr. Under these conditions, hepatic GSH was not altered. These results demonstrated that cyclohexene-1-one and cycloheptene-1-one can cause not only a marked depletion of brain GSH by systemic administration, but also depletion of cerebral GSH by intracerebroventricular injection by virtue of being water-soluble compounds. Thus, methods for depleting brain GSH employing both compounds are available for exploring possible functions of cerebral GSH in in vivo systems.

Possible regulation mechanism of microsomal glutathione S-transferase activity in rat liver

After rats were injected with the reduced glutathione (GSH) depletor phorone (diisopropylidene acetone, 250 mg/kg, i.p.), there was a significant increase in microsomal glutathione S-transferase activity in the liver. The maximum activity was observed 24 hr after injection and was about 2-fold that of the control activity. Diethylmaleate (500 mg/kg, i.p.) had the same effect. Twenty-four hours after phorone injection (250 mg/kg, i.p.), the concentrations of GSH and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in the liver were increased about 2-fold. Under the same conditions, the level of mixed disulfides with microsomal proteins (GSS-protein) was also increased. Further, the activity of microsomal glutathione S-transferases was increased by the in vitro addition of disulfide compounds such as GSSG, cystine and homocystine, and the activity increased by GSSG was reduced to control levels by incubating with the corresponding sulfhydryl compounds such as GSH, cysteine and homocysteine respectively. Thus, microsomal glutathione S-transferase activity appears to be regulated by the formation and/or cleavage of a mixed disulfide bond between the sulfhydryl group present in the enzyme and GSSG. Therefore, the increase of microsomal glutathione S-transferase activity after phorone injection may be due to the formation of a mixed disulfide bond between the sulfhydryl group in the enzyme and GSSG.

Tissue-specific induction of intestinal glutathione S-transferases by alpha beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

Glutathione S-transferase activity in rat intestinal mucosa was increased by the injection of alpha beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds such as phorone and diethylmaleate, but that in the liver and kidney was not. Since the administration of cycloheximide completely blocked the increase of the enzyme activity by phorone, the increase of the activity may be due to de novo synthesis rather than enzyme activation.

Differential changes of glutathione S-transferase activity by dietary selenium

Dietary selenium deficiency produced increased activity of the glutathione S-transferases in the liver, kidney and duodenal mucosa. In these tissues, the residual activity of total glutathione peroxidase that included selenium-independent activity was considerably higher than that of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase. The enhanced activity of glutathione S-transferases was restored to control level 48 hr after an injection of selenite equivalent to the amount of daily selenium intake. Under the same conditions, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity increased with time and reached 11.9, 11.6 and 46.2% of the activity in the liver, kidney and duodenal mucosa of selenium-supplemented rats, respectively, 48 hr after selenite injection, whereas total glutathione peroxidase activity was not altered except in the kidney. These differential changes of glutathione S-transferase activity were intimately related to those of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity produced by selenium depletion and repletion, suggesting that the glutathione S-transferase activity was regulated by dietary selenium. Present findings support the idea that glutathione S-transferases having selenium-independent glutathione peroxidase activity function as a substitute for selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in selenium-deficient rats.

Influence of diethylmaleate on the formation of bis(methylmercuric)selenide and methylmercury distribution in rats

This study was undertaken to examine a possible role of bis(methylmercuric) selenide(BMS) in selenite-induced redistribution of methylmercury in rats. Pretreatment of diethylmaleate(DEM), which depletes tissue reduced glutathione(GSH), completely suppressed the significant increase of BMS produced by selenite injection in the blood of methylmercury-treated rats. Its inhibitory effect was also observed in the kidney and brain. Under the same conditions, the characteristic accumulation in the brain and testis of total mercury induced by selenite was markedly inhibited by DEM pretreatment. Total mercury in these tissues was not altered by DEM alone and BMS in the blood existed in the erythrocytes, but not in the plasma. Thus, it seems likely that the suppressed formation of BMS in the erythrocytes mainly leads to the decreased accumulation of total mercury in the brain and testis.

Impaired metabolism of arachidonate in selenium deficient animals

Arachidonate-induced respiratory distress in mice was aggravated in a selenium deficient group as compared with a selenium supplemented one. The aggravation in selenium deficient mice may be due to enhanced platelet aggregation and suppressed formation of prostacyclin (PGI2) in the arterial all.

Needle aspiration cytology of intracranial lesions. A review of 84 cases

Eighty-four needle aspirates of tumors and other intracranial lesions were diagnosed using smear preparations stained with Papanicolaou and Diff Quick stains. In 66 cases the cytologic diagnosis was compared with a histologic diagnosis on material removed during a craniotomy. In 92% of the cases the cytologic diagnosis agreed with the histologic diagnosis. In 21 cases the aspiration was performed under local anesthesia through a twist drill orifice. In none of these cases were there any complications secondary to the aspirations. The needle aspiration of intracranial lesions appears to be a safe and reliable diagnostic procedure.

Degradation of methylmercury by selenium

When methylmercury was incubated in the presence of selenite and reduced glutathione (GSH), the mercury which was extracted into benzene under acidic condition decreased gradually with the elapse of time. This decrease was due to the cleavage of mercury-carbon bond of methylmercury. The reaction did not proceed when selenite or GSH was singly added to the reaction mixture. L-Cysteine, 2-mercaptoethanol and sodium sulfide in place of GSH also were effective for decomposition of methylmercury in combination with selenite, but oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and L-cystine were not. This suggests that reduction of selenite is needed for the degradation of methylmercury. Thus, the effect of reduced metabolites of selenite produced by GSH was investigated. Glutathione selenotrisulfide (GSSeSG) required GSH for the degradation of methylmercury, whereas H2Se possessed a strong activity even in the absence of GSH. This may indicate that H2Se is involved directly in the conversion of methylmercury to inorganic mercury. This phenomenon found in in vitro experiments is discussed in relation to the biotransformation of methylmercury.

Formation and possible role of bis(methylmercuric) selenide in rats treated with methylmercury and selenite

The metabolic fate of methylmercury after administration of [203Hg]-methylmercuric chloride in combination with sodium selenite was investigated in rats. Whole body autoradiography and radioassay showed that administration of selenite decreased the mercury concentration in the liver and kidney, and increased that in the brain. The rapid changes of methylmercury concentration in the tissues after selenite injection were accompanied by increase in mercury extractable with benzene at neutral pH. The maximum levels of benzene-extractable mercury in the blood, kidney and liver were attained 30 min after selenite injection and were 30, 23 and 8 percent, respectively, of the total mercury. Thin-layer chromatography showed that the benzene-extractable mercury was a complex of methylmercury with selenium, bis(methylmercuric) selenide. These findings indicate that selenite alters the distribution of methylmercury in the tissues by formation of a diffusible complex with methylmercury, bis(methylmercuric) selenide.

Endometrial monitoring of high-risk women

The outpatient monitoring of the endometrium is mandatory in a defined high-risk population. Countless reports support this thesis. The authors' candidates for screening include initial samples of all patients over 40 years of age, with annual evaluation of a high risk group. This included patients with a family history of endometrial cancer, where the endometrium is subjected to continue estrogen stimulation either exogenous or endogenous, abnormal perimenopausal or postmenopausal bleeding, low fertility, and the medical triad of obesity, diabetes and/or hypertension. The methodology of monitoring is outlined and assessed. The ease of performance, inexpensiveness, and accuracy of 94% had led the authors to support cytology. Combined cytology, histology and hysteroscopy are needed in selected cases.

Protective effect of selenite on nitrite toxicity

Selenite was found to decrease nitrite-induced mortality in a dose-dependent manner. Its effect seems to be due to its action in reducing methemoglobin formed by nitrite.

Cytopathology of Paget's disease of the vulva. Diagnostic abrasive cytology

The cytologic appearance of Paget's disease of the vulva is described, noting the similarity in appearance of the cells to those seen in Paget's disease of the nipple. The relation of this disease state to mammary involvement is emphasized by the fact that three of the five cases presenting had either a current or past history of breast ductal carcinoma or hyperplasia.

Stimulation of methemoglobin reduction by selenium: a comparative study with erythrocytes of various animals

The extent of stimulation of methemoglobin (metHb) reduction by selenite depends upon the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the erythrocytes. The reason for the species difference in the effect of selenite was discussed with respect to species differences in the GSH levels in erythrocytes.

[Anti-inflammatory activity of benzo(c) phenanthridine derivatives and possible mechanisms of action (author's transl)]

Of five newly synthesized benzo[c]phenanthridine derivatives tested, the two compounds, BPD-I and BPD-II were found to have potent anti-edematous activity with intraperitoneal administration to S.D. rats. BPD-I showed a marked inhibitory effect against acute inflammation such as induced rat paw edema and leucocyte emigration and protein exudation by means of CMC pouch method and capillary permeability enhancement induced by various phlogists. This compound also inhibited subacute and chronic inflammatory responses such as granuloma formation induced by croton oil or cotton pellet. The anti-inflammatory activities of this compound resembled those of hydrocortisone. The inhibitory effects of carragenan edema and capillary permeability enhancement by ATP were strikingly reduced in adrenalectomized rats suggesting involvement of the hypophysis-adrenal systems. Rat serum corticosterone level and hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase activity (TAT) were then measured after BPD-I injection. The serum corticosterone level was increased and shortly after the elevation of corticosterone, hepatic TAT levels also increased. Thus it is concluded that the corticosterone release from adrenal gland plays a role in the anti-inflammatory action of BPD-I.

Cytologic diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum of the mons pubis. Report of two cases

1) Two cases of molluscum contagiosum diagnosed by cytologic examination were reported. 2) Cytologic findings of molluscum contagiosum are described. 3) The usefulness of cytologic examination in detection of unsuspected and/or suspected molluscum contagiosum is emphasized. 4) One molluscum contagiosum case showing coexistence of fungal organisms which seemed to be pityrosporum ovale is reported.

Cytologic detection of early Paget's disease of breast with improved cellular collection method

Improved cellular collection method and cytologic criteria for diagnosis of Paget's disease of the breast are presented. When indicated, the cytologic test is highly recommended for the early detection and pre-operative diagnosis of the minimal breast cancer10.

Effect of povidone-iodine on Herpes genitalis

Ten patients with vulvovaginal and cervical herpesvirus infections were treated with a regimen of external and intravaginal povidone-iodine preparations. In all but 1 case, the expected duration of symptoms and healing time were shortened. The response of cervical lesions was especially remarkable. The findings of this pilot study warrant further controlled clinical investigation.