Overcoming of radioresistance in human gliomas by p21WAF1/CIP1 antisense oligonucleotide

Malignant gliomas are highly resistant tumors against gamma-irradiation and contained overexpression of p21WAF1/CIP1 (p21). Overexpression of p21 enhanced clonogenic survival and suppressed apoptosis after gamma-irradiation in human brain tumor cell lines with or without p53 protein deficiency. The effect of antisense oligonucleotide to p21 against the gamma-irradiation-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity in malignant glioma cell lines was examined. Antennapedia homeodomain internalization peptide was used as an insertion vector. The high transfection efficiency of Antennapedia homeodomain internalization peptide joined with antisense oligonucleotide was observed. The pretreatment with antisense oligonucleotide enhanced the gamma-irradiation-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity in radioresistant glioma cells. p21 may represent an important new target for radiosensitization protocols, possibly involving antisense oligonucleotide directed against p21.

[Study on pulmonary cryptococcosis disclosed by chest radiographic screening in Nagasaki Prefecture]

We conducted a retrospective investigation of 20 cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis discovered by chest radiographic screening in Nagasaki Prefecture among 2,011,577 persons over a period of 9 years, Apr. 1989-Mar. 1998. Eight males and 12 females between 15 and 72 years of age(mean: 46.6 years) were diagnosed as having pulmonary cryptococcosis. The mean detectability of pulmonary cryptococcosis by screening was 0.99 per 10(5) persons: 1.30 for residents, 0.51 for school children and 0.80 for workers. Chest radiography showed shadows of solitary nodules in 9 patients, multiple nodules in 4, infiltration in 4 and others in 3. Cavities were noted in 7. However, it was difficult to distinguish between pulmonary cryptococcosis from pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary cancer based on radiographic data alone. Final diagnoses for 11 and 3 patients, respectively, were made using TBLB or BAL, and lung biopsy. Sixteen patients each underwent an Eiken-Latex agglutination test (serum cryptococcus antigen test) and 15 (93.8%) had positive results. The serum antigen level thus appears to be a useful indicator in the supplementary serological diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis.

[A case of metastatic tumor of the pituitary gland presenting as a subarachnoid hemorrhage]

We reported the case of a 55-year-old man with metastatic tumor of the pituitary gland who suffered from symptomatic pituitary apoplexy with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient, who had sigmoid colon carcinoma and left parietal metastatic brain tumor, developed severe headache and decrease of right visual acuity. CT showed a pituitary mass with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed after replacement therapy with corticosteroids. Histological examination revealed metastasis of adenocarcinoma. Pituitary apoplexy is an unusual manifestation of metastatic pituitary tumor. The case of metastatic tumor of the pituitary gland presenting as subarachnoid hemorrhage such as this case is especial rare.

[A case report of TS-1 in a patient with advanced gastric cancer]

TS-1 is an oral anticancer drug that produces biochemical modulation. TS-1 is composed of FT (tegafur), CDHP (gimestat, which inhibits 5-FU degradation enzyme), and Oxo (otastat potassium, which reduces 5-FU gastrointestinal toxicities), in a molar ratio of 1:0.4:1. We administered TS-1 to a 68-year-old female gastric cancer patient, after distal gastrectomy (Stage IV, cur C). As a result of abdominal CT, the diameter of metastatic lymph node increased before and after surgery, and before TS-1 (45 x 35 mm), but it was reduced after 1 course of TS-1 (37 x 25 mm), 2 courses of TS-1 (35 x 20 mm), 3 courses of TS-1 (30 x 20 mm), 4 courses of TS-1 (30 x 20 mm), and 6 months after 4 courses of TS-1 (20 x 20 mm). The reduction rate is 74.6%. The value of CA125 was reduced 74.4 to 8.6 after TS-1. Anorexia and back pain, which occurred after operation, disappeared after TS-1. There was no side effect over grade 3.

Lack of association with interleukin 1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-1beta gene polymorphisms in sarcoidosis patients

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and its endogenous antagonist, the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), play important roles in immune responses. In sarcoidosis, IL-1beta is reported to be increased whereas IL-1ra is decreased. It has recently been shown that polymorphisms in the IL-1ra and IL-1beta genes may account for variation in the two proteins. These polymorphisms are also reported to be associated with several autoimmune diseases. Since this might be expected to affect sarcoidosis, an investigation of 108 sarcoidosis patients and 113 healthy control subjects was performed. The IL-1ra genotype was determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the IL-1beta genotype by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism. We found no significant differences in IL-ra and IL-1beta genotypes between sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls. Furthermore, there was no association between the IL-1beta genotype and the roentgenographic stage, disappearance of chest X-ray shadows or organ involvement. In conclusion, there is no bias in the IL-1ra and IL-1beta genotype in Japanese sarcoidosis patients.

Gene expression of the phosducin-like protein in the retina

Phosducin, which is expressed abundantly in the retina, mediates phototransduction or signal transduction cascades by interacting with transducin or G-protein beta gamma-subunits. We have reported on the possibility that phosducin is expressed from a multiple gene family and that each phosducin may mediate G-protein-coupled signal transduction cascades. To elucidate new genes that may mediate signal transduction cascades in the retina and that may form a gene family with phosducin, we screened a bovine retinal cDNA library. During the screening, we identified a cDNA that looked the same as the phosducin-like protein of the rat, as reported by other investigators. We examined the gene expression in rat retina using semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction and compared it to that of other organs. One form generated by alternative splicing expressed in the retina was the same as in other tissues, but, interestingly, another form had differing tissue distribution and was expressed abundantly in the retina.

A case of multicentric Castleman's disease associated with renal amyloidosis and pure red cell aplasia

This is the first reported case of multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) associated with renal amyloidosis and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Inguinal lymph node biopsy showed follicular hyperplasia with prominent germinal centers and plasma cell proliferation in the interfollicular areas. Renal biopsy specimens revealed intraglomerular amyloid deposits, defined as AA amyloidosis. Since amyloid deposits were not present in the gastric and rectal mucosal tissues, his renal disorder was found to be an unusual secondary amyloidosis associated with MCD. Following treatment by plasma exchange, there was progressive deterioration of anemia due to PRCA detected by bone marrow aspiration. Subsequently he was successfully treated with steroid pulse therapy not only for anemia but also for renal function.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and calcium metabolism in sarcoidosis patients

BACKGROUND

Hypercalcemia has been recognized as an important complication of sarcoidosis, caused by overproduction of the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) at sites of granulomatous reactions. Polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene has recently been shown to be related to bone mineral density, and also associated with hyperparathyroidism and risk of granulomatous disease. In light of the possible impact on hypercalcemia of sarcoidosis, an investigation of calcium metabolism and polymorphism of the VDR gene in sarcoidosis patients was carried out.

METHODS

Genotypes were determined using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Maximum calcium, 1,25(OH)2D3, and intact PTH levels were also determined.

RESULTS

Depressed PTH levels were found in sarcoidosis patients, especially in those with the bb genotype, but there was no difference in 1,25(OH)2D3 levels among the VDR genotypes, and this polymorphism also had no association with onset of hypercalcemia.

CONCLUSION

From these results, we speculate that although the VDR gene polymorphism may affect the serum PTH level, it is not a risk factor for hypercalcemia in sarcoidosis.

An aortic valve with four leaflets

An aortic valve with four leaflets is a rare congenital malformation. It is usually diagnosed unexpectedly at autopsy, during replacement of the aortic valve, or by aortic angiography. Transthoracic cross-sectional echocardiography, however, can also delineate the structure of the aortic valve, and demonstrate the presence of valves with four leaflets

Evolution of aortic regurgitation following simple patch closure of doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect

We reviewed the Doppler echocardiographic findings of the aortic valve and associated aortic regurgitation (AR) in 55 patients who underwent patch closure of doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD). The maximal diameter of the VSD measured > or = 5 mm, whereas the postoperative follow-up interval was > or = 5 years. Twenty-three patients underwent closure before they developed aortic cusp prolapse or AR (group A). In 15 patients the VSD was closed when aortic cusp prolapse was recognized, but AR was absent (group B). Aortic cusp prolapse with AR was detected before closure in a further 15 patients (group C). Of 8 patients with no AR before closure, AR was detected during follow-up in 6 group A and in 2 group B patients. In group C, AR resolved after surgery in 4 patients, whereas AR grade improved in a further 8 patients and remained unchanged in 3. Although residual AR was more frequent in patients with aortic cusp prolapse and AR before closure, it was silent and asymptomatic.

Domain-specific mutations in TGFB1 result in Camurati-Engelmann disease

Camurati-Engelmann disease (CED, MIM 131300) is an autosomal dominant, progressive diaphyseal dysplasia characterized by hyperosteosis and sclerosis of the diaphyses of long bones. We recently assigned the CED locus to an interval between D19S422 and D19S606 at chromosome 19q13.1-q13.3, which two other groups confirmed. As the human transforming growth factor-1 gene (TGFB1) is located within this interval, we considered it a candidate gene for CED.

[The presence of air in epidural hematoma due to congenital bone defect in the mastoid tegmen--a case report]

Presence of air in acute epidural hematomas has been described by several authors. Although the air trapped in the epidural space is thought to be derived from the air-containing structure, there are some cases in which there is an absence of any demonstrable fracture involving air-containing structure. We report a very rare case of air in an epidural hematoma which was not related to fracture involving air-containing structure. The patient was a 30-year-old man whose left temporal bone was struck during a fall. CT scan revealed acute epidural hematoma with a large amount of air in the epidural space. We found many congenital bone defects in the mastoid tegmen during the operation and suspected that the air had been derived from them. The difference between our case and other cases reported was the amount of the air in epidural space. We suspected that air bubbles were derived from the fracture involving air-containing structure, while a large amount of air could be derived from congenital bone defects in the mastoid tegmen.

Regulation of chymase production in human mast cell progenitors

BACKGROUND

Although mature tryptase-positive mast cells (MCs) and tryptase and chymase double-positive MCs are recognized using in situ staining and are preferentially distributed in different tissues, recent findings suggest that tryptase-positive MCs can give rise to tryptase and chymase double-positive MCs.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the regulation of chymase production in developing MCs.

METHODS

Human cord blood or peripheral blood cells were cultured in the presence of stem cell factor and IL-6 with or without IL-4 in methylcellulose or liquid medium. Intracellular chymase and tryptase were determined with immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and ELISA. Chymase messenger RNA expression was examined with 3 different methods, such as Northern blotting.

RESULTS

Flow cytometric analysis always showed a unimodal histogram of chymase-positive, as well as tryptase-positive, cells in the presence of various cytokines, even when chymase was not detected in some MCs with immunocytochemistry. The chymase protein expression increased by culture duration and was enhanced by cytokines, such as a high concentration of stem cell factor or IL-4. Chymase messenger RNA was expressed higher in immature MCs than mature chymase protein-rich MCs. We generated macroscopic MC colonies in methylcellulose by culturing CD34(+) cells for 10 weeks and measured cellular chymase, tryptase, and histamine. The chymase/histamine ratio widely varied (0.07-1.01) depending on MC colony, even under the same culture conditions, including IL-4, whereas the tryptase/histamine ratio was relatively constant (1.02-1.89).

CONCLUSION

All human MCs in culture are capable of producing chymase, and the production is clonally regulated at their progenitors by cytokine-independent mechanisms, as well as being totally controlled by cytokine-dependent mechanisms accompanied by maturation.

Catheter interventional treatment in Kawasaki disease: A report from the Japanese Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Investigation group

OBJECTIVE

To assess the current status of catheter intervention in Kawasaki disease and to evaluate its efficacy and outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

A questionnaire was sent to 55 major institutions in Japan.

RESULTS

A total of 58 procedures in 57 patients were reported. The median age at the time of intervention was 12.1 years. The procedures included percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA; n = 34), percutaneous transluminal coronary rotational ablation (PTCRA; n = 13), directional coronary atherectomy (DCA; n = 4), and stent implantation (n = 7). The immediate success rate was 74% for PTCA, 100% for PTCRA, 100% for DCA, and 86% for stents. The interval from the onset of disease to intervention in successful PTCA (n = 25) was significantly shorter than that in unsuccessful PTCA (n = 9). Restenosis after PTCA was observed in 24%. Development of new coronary aneurysms was reported in 3 patients for PTCA, 2 for PTCRA, 3 for DCA, and 1 for stents. Except for the DCA, all new aneurysms were associated with the use of high-pressure balloon inflation. Two deaths were reported as acute complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Catheter intervention is a promising therapeutic strategy in the management of coronary stenosis caused by Kawasaki disease. Care should be paid to avoid acute coronary arterial complications and the development of new coronary aneurysms.

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus using a 0.052-inch coil--immediate results

Coil occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was attempted with a 0.052-inch Gianturco coil. The patients' ages and body weights at occlusion ranged from 5.8 to 19.7 (12.3+/-5.0, mean+/-SD) years and 18.9-99.1 (44.8+/-23.7) kg, respectively. Three types of 0.052-inch Gianturco coils with loop diameters (mm) and coil lengths (cm) of 6x8 (diameter x length), 8x8, or 8x10 were used. The delivery system was prepared as reported by Hays et al with slight modification. The minimal diameter and the Qp/Qs of the PDA ranged from 2.3 to 4.7 (3.4+/-0.7) mm, and 1.1-1.8 (1.5+/-0.3), respectively. There were 7 cases with type A PDA and 3 with type B, and coils were successfully deployed in all. Complete occlusion in the catheter laboratory was achieved in 4 cases. A minor leak disappeared within 24 h in 3 cases and at 3 months follow-up in 1 case. A tiny leak without a heart murmur persisted in 2 cases at 3 months' follow-up. No procedure-related complications occurred. This technique has significant advantages over previously reported techniques using a 0.038-inch coil for type B, or A PDA with a minimal diameter of 3-4 mm or more.

An autosomal dominant posterior polar cataract locus maps to human chromosome 20p12-q12

We assigned the locus for a previously reported new type of autosomal dominant posterior polar cataract (CPP3) to 20p12-q12 by a genome-wide two-point linkage analysis with microsatellite markers. CPP3 is characterized by progressive, disc-shaped, posterior subcapsular opacity. The disease was seen in 10 members of a Japanese family and transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion through four generations. We obtained a maximum lod score (Zmax) of 3.61 with a recombination fraction (theta) of 0.00 for markers D20S917, D20S885 and D20S874. Haplotype analysis gave the disease gene localization at a 15.7-cM interval between D20S851 and D20S96 loci on chromosome 20p12-q12. Since the BFSP1 that encodes the lens-specific beaded filament structural protein 1 (filensin) has been mapped around the CPP3 region, we performed sequence analysis on its entire coding region. However, no base substitution or deletion was detected in the CPP3 patients. The mapping of the CPP3 locus to 20p12-q12 not only expands our understanding of the genetic heterogeneity in autosomal dominant posterior polar cataracts but also is a clue for the positional cloning of the disease gene.

Auto iris pigment epithelial cell transplantation in patients with age-related macular degeneration: short-term results

Autologous iris pigment epithelial cell transplantation was performed on patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Autologous IPE cell culture was performed using autologous serum after iridectomy in 7 patients with AMD. The cell suspensions (2 approximately 20 x 10(4) cells) were transplanted into the submacular lesion of individuals after removal of neovascular membranes. Subsequent ophthalmological examinations, including best corrected visual acuity and fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography, were performed. In addition, 15 patients with AMD, who underwent removal of neovascular membrane without transplantation, were evaluated as non randomized controls. Varying degrees of atrophy or defects of choriocapillaris and retinal pigment epithelium were observed in all of the patients. No cystoid macular edema or fluorescein leakage was observed after treatment, but window defects were present. No patient had decreased visual acuity. One treated patient developed mild subretinal fibrosis and an other patient developed mild preretinal fibrosis, however no difference was significant when compared with the control. In conclusion, the treatment resulted in no significant improvement in macular function, as compared with the control; however, no rejection or deterioration in visual acuity occurred up to the 13 month follow up.

[Perineural spreading along the trigeminal nerve in a patient with primary intracranial malignant lymphoma: a case report]

We report a rare primary intracranial malignant lymphoma which spread along the trigeminal nerve through the skull base foramen. The patient was a 50-year-old woman, who was diagnosed as having a primary intracranial malignant lymphoma in the right temporal lobe and had undergone an operation and radiation 5 years previously. The tumor was reduced in size and no recurrent tumor could be detected for 5 years. The patient complained of left face swelling and CT scan revealed a large mass in the pterygopalatine fossa. MRI revealed the recurrent tumor in the left Meckel's cave with extension into the cavernous sinus. The tumor extended through the foramen ovale into the pterygopalatine fossa, through the superior orbital fissure into the orbital cavity and through the infraorbital fossa into the face subcutaneously. Biopsy of the subcutaneous tumor was carried out and the pathological diagnosis was malignant lymphoma, B cell type, which was identical with the initial tumor. MRI revealed the enlarged trigeminal nerve and 3D-CT revealed the enlargement of the infraorbital fossa and the foramen ovale. We suspected that primary intracranial malignant lymphoma had recurred in the left Meckel's cave and the tumor had spread along the peripheral three divisions of the trigeminal nerve. Perineural spreading along the trigeminal nerve passing through the skull base in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma is not rare, but this rarely occurs in the case of intracranial tumors.

[The stenoses at the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery improved after initiation of antithyroid therapy: a case report]

We reported the case of a 19-year-old female complicated with Basedow disease. She was admitted, complaining of headache and endocrine function tests showed hyperthyroidism. CT scan revealed left intraventricle hemorrhage and angiography revealed the stenoses at the terminal portion of the bilateral internal carotid arteries (ICA) without basal moyamoya vessels. During the angiography, a thyroid crisis occurred and we initiated the antithyroid therapy. Bilateral CAG a month after the onset revealed that the stenoses had improved partially and the stenosis was thought to be vasospasm caused by the intraventricle hemorrhage. But as the collateral circulation had already been established soon after the hemorrhage, we suspected that the stenoses at the terminal portion of the ICA had existed before the intraventricle hemorrhage. Angiography was performed one year after the onset and bilateral CAG revealed that the stenoses at the terminal portion of the ICA had also improved. As some investigators have mentioned that Basedow disease might be associated with the causal genesis of Moyamoya disease, we suspected that Basedow disease might have played an important role in vasospasm after hemorrhage and that the stenoses at the terminal portion of the ICA might have existed before the hemorrhage took place.

Autologous iris pigment epithelial cell transplantation in monkey subretinal region

PURPOSE

To establish autologous iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cell transplantation in monkey eyes.

METHODS

Autologous IPE cells from three monkeys were obtained by peripheral iridectomy, and cell culture was performed with autologous serum. The cultured cells were labeled with DiI, and transplantation was performed by transvitreal approach to the submacular region of each monkey. Fundus examination, photography, and fluorescein angiography were performed monthly. Histochemical analysis and electron microscopy were also performed six months after transplantation.

RESULTS

Auto IPE cells grew well in auto serum. No fluorescein leakage or retinal thickening was observed after submacular transplantation. We demonstrated the presence of autologous IPE cells in the region 6 months after transplantation by histologic and electron microscopic examination. Electron microscopy also demonstrated that the transplanted cells appeared to be less pigmented and to have less mitochondria than did the host retinal pigment epithelial cells. However, some transplanted cells looked as if they embrace the photoreceptor outer segments.

DISCUSSION

Autologous IPE cell culture of the monkey was established using auto serum. Six months after transplantation of the cultured IPE cells, we could still observe the cells in the region. This method may have potential use in human disease that requires autologous cell transplantation to prevent host-graft rejection, and to provide an alternative substance that functions like retinal pigment epithelium.

Endothelialization of the coils used to occlude a persistent ductus arteriosus: an angiographic study

To assess the endothelialization of the coils used to close a persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA), the present study comprised a review of the follow-up aortograms and pulmonary angiograms in 25 patients who underwent coil occlusion. The minimal diameter and the length of the PDA were measured prior to the procedure, and the shortest distance between the aortic end of the deployed coil and the aortic end of the PDA was measured after coil deployment. Evidence of endothelial coverage of the coil was sought on follow-up angiograms performed 6-24 (15+/-5) months later and the factors that determined the thickness of the endothelial coverage on the aortic end were investigated. Separation of the coil and the contrast column were detected at the aortic end in all cases and at the pulmonary end in 18 of 25 cases. The thickness of the separation ranged from 0.4 to 1.3 (0.7+/-0.2) mm at the aortic end and 0.3 to 0.8 (0.6+/-0.2) mm at the pulmonary end. The length of the ductus and of the ampulla had a significant positive correlation with the thickness of the aortic end separation. Apparent endothelial coverage of the coil was completed by 6 months after coil occlusion. Infective endocarditis or thromboembolism is an unlikely complication once endothelium covers the implanted coil.

Ceramide-induced cell death in cultured rat retinal pigment epithelial cells

We investigated whether retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) responds to ceramide, a known second messenger of apoptosis. RPE cells were isolated by 6-8 day old Long Evans rat eye. We used MTS assay for viability test, and used Hoechst 33552 and propidium iodide for apoptotic cell staining. In cultured rat RPE cells, the addition of membrane-permeable ceramide induced apoptosis-like cell death rapidly. RPE cell death was dependent on C2-ceramide concentration. The effective dose (ED50) of C2-ceramide was 23.64 microM. Ceramide-induced RPE cell death was inhibited by zVAD-fmk, a CPP32-like protease inhibitor. Our findings indicated that ceramide in RPE cell death functions upstream of CPP32-like proteases.

A pAD1-encoded small RNA molecule, mD, negatively regulates Enterococcus faecalis pheromone response by enhancing transcription termination

pAD1 is a 60-kb hemolysin-bacteriocin plasmid in Enterococcus faecalis that encodes a conjugative mating response to a peptide sex pheromone, cAD1, secreted by plasmid-free bacteria. The pheromone response is regulated by two proteins: TraE1, which positively regulates all or most conjugative structural genes, and TraA, which negatively regulates traE1. TraA binds to pAD1 DNA at the iad (encoding the inhibitor peptide iAD1) promoter but is released upon binding to imported pheromone. This leads to enhanced transcription through two closely spaced downstream terminators (t1 and t2) into traE1. TraE1 is believed to then upregulate itself from a site located within t2; thus, a small amount of transcription through t1-t2 could lead to overall induction. It is important therefore that the t1-t2 terminators be tightly controlled to keep the response shut down in the absence of pheromone. A small (200-nucleotide) RNA molecule designated mD is encoded just upstream of t1 by a determinant (traD) oriented in the direction opposite to that of transcripts utilizing t1. mD is expressed at high levels in the uninduced state, but it decreases significantly upon induction. Here we present results of genetic studies relating to the activity of t1-t2 and show that mD strongly enhances transcriptional termination at t1. The mD activity is shown to influence transcription well downstream and can affect the determinant for aggregation substance asa1. The phenomenon is specific in that there is no effect of mD on the unrelated pheromone-responding plasmids pPD1 and pCF10.

Correlation between cardiac output and cerebral blood flow following subarachnoid hemorrhage

The authors examined the correlations between cerebral blood flow (CBF) during the stage of vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage and four parameters, namely, cardiac output (cardiac index), mean arterial blood pressure, age, and the Glasgow coma scale score. Forty-two patients who were diagnosed to have subarachnoid hemorrhage were included in this study, and 50 measurements were performed between day 5 and 12 following the subarachnoid hemorrhage. The CBF was measured by stable xenon-enhanced CT and the mean values of four CBF maps were corrected for a PaCO2 of 34 mm Hg (CBF34). The cardiac output and cardiac index were continuously monitored during the CBF measurement. The correlation coefficients of cardiac index, mean arterial blood pressure, age, and GCS against CBF34 were, respectively, 0.436, 0.227, 0.037, and 0.225, and the p values were, respectively, 0.002, 0.074, 0.789, and 0.087. The CBF34 was positively correlated with only the cardiac index and not with any of the other three parameters. Therefore, an increase in the cardiac output is apparently associated with an increase in the CBF during the stage of vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Furthermore, we measured the CBF and cerebral perfusion pressure before and after increasing cardiac output in three patients during the stage of vasospasm. The CBF increased by 22.5% +/- 2.9 (SD), with a 42.0% +/- 16.4 increase in the cardiac index, however, no significant change in cerebral perfusion pressure was observed. Therefore, the increase in CBF associated with the increase in cardiac output seems to be attributable to a reduction in the cerebrovascular resistance.

Important role of local angiotensin II activity mediated via type 1 receptor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular inflammatory changes induced by chronic blockade of nitric oxide synthesis in rats

BACKGROUND

The chronic inhibition of NO synthesis by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) upregulates the cardiovascular tissue angiotensin II (Ang II)-generating system and induces cardiovascular inflammatory changes in rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used a rat model to investigate the role of local Ang II activity in the pathogenesis of such inflammatory changes. Marked increases in monocyte infiltration into coronary vessels and myocardial interstitial areas, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB, an important redox-sensitive transcriptional factor that induces MCP-1) activity were observed on day 3 of L-NAME administration. Along with these changes, vascular superoxide anion production was also increased. Treatment with an Ang II type 1 receptor antagonist or with a thiol-containing antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine, prevented all of these changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased Ang II activity mediated via the type 1 receptor may thus be important in the pathogenesis of early cardiovascular inflammatory changes in this model. Endothelium-derived NO may decrease MCP-1 production and oxidative stress-sensitive signals by suppressing localized activity of Ang II.