Vasospasms of cerebral arteries in hyperemesis gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is associated with nausea and vomiting during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. We report 2 cases of hyperemesis gravidarum associated with vasospasms of cerebral arteries recognized by magnetic resonance imaging angiography. The hyperemetic condition of the patients improved after fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy.

Antibacterial activity of quinolones against coagulase-negative staphylococci and the quinolone resistance-determining region of the gyrA genes from six species

Antibacterial activity of quinolones against three species of coagulase-negative staphylococci was investigated. Tosufloxacin and sparfloxacin exhibited potent activities against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus compared with other quinolones tested. From the analysis of the DNA sequence in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR), greater than 80% homology was recognized in coagulase-negative staphylococci. A series residue was conserved in all six species at the position corresponding to position 84 in Staphylococcus aureus.

The effects of unsaturated fatty acids, oxidizing agents and Michael reaction acceptors on the induction of N-ethylmaleimide reductase in Escherichia coli: possible application for drug design of chemoprotectors

Menadione and dimethyl maleate, Michael reaction acceptors, induced N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) reductase activity in Escherichia coli strain DH5a. Linoleic acid also induced NEM reductase activity, but oleic acid, which is less susceptible to lipid peroxidation than linoleic acid, did not induce NEM reductase activity. In addition, NEM reductase activity was induced by menadione and linoleic acid also in strain DH5, Y1088 and Y1090. Linoleic acid is not a Michael reaction acceptor, but is known to produce Michael reaction acceptors such as alkenals and 4-hydroxyalkenals as a result of free-radical-initiated lipid peroxidation. Thus, our findings suggested that lipid peroxidation was involved in the induction of NEM reductase by linoleic acid. The electrophilic property of Michael reaction acceptors provides the signal for induction of phase II enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase in mammals. The inducer potency of phase II enzymes has been used to design chemoprotective drugs. Therefore, the inducible nature of this enzyme will serve not only for the elucidation of its physiological function, but also for the evaluation of chemoprotective drugs.

Molecular cloning of the nemA gene encoding N-ethylmaleimide reductase from Escherichia coli

Using the gene mapping membrane technique, we identified a gene (nemA) that encodes N-ethylmaleimide reductase in Escherichia coli. The open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 365 amino acids with a molecular mass of 39,514 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence showed a high degree of homology (87% identical) with the pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase of Enterobacter cloacae and the morphinone reductase of Pseudomonas putida (52% identical).

Two types of X-ray-induced radioresistance in mice: presence of 4 dose ranges with distinct biological effects

Preirradiation with 0.05 Gy of X rays 2 months before a second exposure to a mid-lethal dose significantly enhanced the survival rate in both female and male ICR strain mice. The radioresistance was observed between 2-2.5 months after exposure to 0.05 Gy. It did not appear within 1.5 months, and disappeared after 3 months. This radioresistance was induced only by whole-body preirradiation (not by partial irradiation of the head or the trunk). On the other hand, preirradiation with 0.30 Gy as well as 0.50 Gy resulted in radioresistance 2 weeks later, but not 2 months later. The radioresistance was induced by whole-body preirradiation or partial preirradiation of the trunk. No radioresistance was evident after exposure of intermediate preirradiation doses of 0.15 and 0.20 Gy administered before 2 months and 2-5 weeks, respectively. The present and previous results show that the biological effects of ionizing radiation may be distinguished with the following four radiation dose ranges; (1) below 0.025 Gy: no radioresistance after 2 months; (2) 0.05-0.10 Gy: significant radioresistance after 2-2.5 months; (3) 0.20 Gy: no radioresistance after 2-5 weeks; and (4) 0.30-0.50 Gy or more: significant radioresistance after 2 weeks. These results conflict with previous findings of the biological effects of ionizing radiation in which the radiation hazard increases in relation to increasing accumulated doses. Some stimulation, in addition to adaptation, by low dose irradiation may have occurred.

Mutations in the gyrA and grlA genes of quinolone-resistant clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The mutations in the quinolone-resistance determining regions (QRDR) of the gyrA, gyrB and grlA genes and in the norA gene from five clinical isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were examined by DNA sequencing. The mutation from Ser84 to Leu in GyrA was associated with relatively high-level resistance to quinolones, whereas the mutation from Glu88 to Gly or Lys in GyrA was associated with low-level resistance to quinolones. Mutations of the grlA gene were observed at codon 80 (Ser80) or 84 (Glu84), independent of the mutations of gyrA. No mutations were observed in either the gyrB or norA genes.

Cystine deprivation induces oligodendroglial death: rescue by free radical scavengers and by a diffusible glial factor

In this study we examined the effect on oligodendroglial survival of exogenous cystine deprivation. Oligodendroglia isolated from mixed glial primary cultures derived from brains of 1-day-old rats, and then grown for 3 days, were markedly dependent on extracellular cystine for survival. The EC50 values for cystine for a 24-h exposure ranged from 2 to 65 microM. After 6 h of cystine deprivation, the cellular glutathione level decreased to 21 +/- 13% of the control. Free radical scavengers (alpha-tocopherol, ascorbate, idebenone, and N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone) were protective against cystine deprivation but had no effect on the glutathione level. An iron chelator, desferrioxamine mesylate, also was protective. These findings suggest that intracellular hydroxyl radicals are important for this toxicity. In contrast to the observations in 3-day-old cultures, the dependence on exogenous cystine for cell viability was not observed consistently in oligodendroglia cultured for 6 days before the onset of cystine deprivation. Several observations suggested that this loss of cystine dependence was due to a diffusible factor. Sensitivity to the toxicity of cystine deprivation in day 6 cultures increased as the volume of medium was increased from 0.3 to 2 ml. Furthermore, preincubation of cystine-depleted medium with astrocyte cultures eliminated the toxicity of the cystine deprivation. HPLC assay of the conditioned cystine-depleted medium showed no significant change in cystine or cysteine concentration. We conclude that oligodendroglia are highly susceptible to cystine deprivation in day 3 cultures and that this susceptibility is due to the accumulation of intracellular free radicals in the setting of glutathione depletion. The resistance of day 6 oligodendroglial cultures is caused at least in part by a diffusible factor.

Hyperthermia induces apoptosis in malignant fibrous histiocytoma cells in vitro

The effect of mild hyperthermia on a cultured rat malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) cell line, MFH-2NR, was investigated. MFH cells in log-phase (growing phase) were heated at 41 degrees-44 degrees C for 1 hr. Hyperthermic treatment at 41 degrees C did not substantially affect cell proliferation and treatment at 44 degrees C caused necrosis. After hypothermic treatment at 42 degrees or 43 degrees C, proliferation of MFH cells was arrested and morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis, cell shrinkage accompanying apoptotic bodies and chromatin condensation, became apparent. Hyperthermia-induced apoptosis was further confirmed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase staining and a ladder pattern on agarose gel electrophoresis. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that the population in the G1 phase of the cell cycle significantly decreased with a concomitant increase in apoptotic cells, indicating that apoptosis might occur mainly in the G1 phase population.

Microwave digestion using dual PTFE containers for analysis of trace elements in small amounts of biological samples

The analysis of trace elements in biological samples is essential to extend our knowledge on human health and disease. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) makes it possible to simultaneously determine these elements in trace amounts. Before analysis, however, biological samples such as organs and tissues must be liquefied and extra organic materials must be decomposed by acid digestion. We established a method of microwave digestion using dual PTFE containers to minimize the amount of samples. Samples (35-45 mg) of standard reference materials, bovine liver (1577a, NIST) and fish flesh (MA-A-2, IAEA), were weighed in PTFE-PFA vials and a small amount of nitric acid (0.5 ml) was added. The vials were sealed and two PTFE-PFA vials were placed in a PTFE-TFM vessel containing 6 ml of pure water. Then the vessels were placed in a rotor and the samples were digested for 38 min in a microwave oven according to a pre-set program. After the program was completed, the samples were analyzed by ICP-MS. The determined values of elements of the microwave-digested samples matched the certified values of the standard reference materials. Therefore, the digestion using dual containers was successfully applied to small samples.

Comparison of plasma concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies

The study was undertaken to measure both plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies to elucidate the mechanisms of plasma volume regulation during pregnancy. The mean plasma AVP concentration in healthy pregnant women was much lower than nonpregnant controls; however, the concentration in preeclamptic patients was similar to that in the comparative period of normal pregnancy. Despite volume expansion, the mean plasma concentration of ANP in normal pregnancy showed no changes compared to nonpregnant controls. The concentration of plasma ANP in patients complicated by mild preeclampsia was higher than that in normal pregnant women. The concentration of plasma ANP in those with severe preeclampsia was much higher roughly in proportion to the severity of the disease. It is inferable that the lowered concentration of plasma AVP is involved in plasma volume expansion in normal pregnancy, largely but not in a depletion of plasma volume in preeclampsia. The elevated concentration of plasma ANP appears to be closely related to impaired plasma volume expansion in preeclampsia.

DNA gyrase gyrA mutations in quinolone-resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region of the gyrA gene from clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined by DNA sequencing. The strains were isolated in 1989 and 1993. No mutations were detected in the clinical isolates in 1989, while five types of mutations were identified in the isolates in 1993. These mutations were as follows: group 1, a Thr residue to an Ile residue at position 83 (Thr-83-Ile); group 2, Asp-87-Asn; group 3, Thr-83-Ile and Asp-87-Gly; group 4, Thr-83-Ile and Asp-87-Asn; group 5, Thr-83-Ile and Asp-87-His. Three types of double mutations (groups 3, 4, and 5) have not been described previously. These mutations were homologous to the Ser-83-Leu, Asp-87-Asn, and Asp-87-Gly changes observed in Escherichia coli. Thus, DNA gyrase A subunit mutations are implicated in resistance to quinolones in P. aeruginosa as well as E. coli.

Analysis of the NH2-terminal 87th amino acid of Escherichia coli GyrA in quinolone-resistance

The functional contributions of amino acid residue Asp87 of Escherichia coli gyrase A protein (GyrA) was analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis. We generated a series of mutants, in which Asp87 of GyrA was changed to Ala, Val, Phe, Asn, Ser, and Lys. By genetic analysis of gyrA genes in a gyrA temperature-sensitive (Ts) background, it was shown that all these mutations caused the quinolone-resistance. These results indicate that the 87th amino acid of E. coli GyrA must have negative charge in expressing the phenotype of quinolone sensitivity. These findings also suggest that the carboxyl group of Asp87 may interact with quinolone drugs.

Analysis of the NH2-terminal 83rd amino acid of Escherichia coli GyrA in quinolone-resistance

Artificial mutations of Gyrase A protein (GyrA) in Escherichia coli by site-directed mutagenesis were generated to analyze quinolone-resistant mechanisms. By genetic analysis of gyrA genes in a gyrA temperature sensitive (Ts) background, exchange of Ser at the NH2-terminal 83rd position of GyrA to Trp, Leu, Phe, Tyr, Ala, Val, and Ile caused bacterial resistance to the quinolones, while exchange to Gly, Asn, Lys, Arg and Asp did not confer resistance. These results indicate that it is the most important for the 83rd amino acid residue to be hydrophobic in expressing the phenotype of resistance to the quinolones. These findings also suggest that the hydroxyl group of Ser would not play a major role in the quinolone-gyrase interaction and Ser83 would not interact directly with other amino acid residues.

Comparative study of erythrocyte deformability in maternal and cord blood

To elucidate the rheological difference in maternal and fetal blood by determining erythrocyte deformability, 20 pairs of mothers and newborns, and 20 nonpregnant women were studied. Erythrocyte deformability was measured by means of an electron spin resonance method. Erythrocyte deformability was dependent on the hematocrit, and there was an optimal hematocrit value at which the deformation was maximal. The hematocrit at which the deformability was maximal showed a lower value (32 to 35%) in maternal blood; conversely, a higher value (47 to 50%) occurred in fetal blood than that (40 to 43%) in nonpregnant control women. When the hematocrit of the red blood cell suspension in dextran solution was adjusted to 40% (nonpregnant blood), 35% (maternal blood), and 50% (fetal blood), the deformability of fetal erythrocytes was significantly higher than maternal blood (P < 0.05), and its value was almost similar to that of nonpregnant control women. Based on our results, erythrocyte deformability of fetal blood is much higher compared with the maternal blood, suggesting the effective oxygen supply to the fetal tissues even in the circumstances of lower oxygen tension.

Successful treatment of metastatic pulmonary tumors by bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy in two patients with locally well controlled uterine cancer

Pulmonary metastatic tumors in two patients with locally well controlled uterine cancer were treated with bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy. The first patient underwent a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage IIb cervical cancer. Fifteen months after the operation, pulmonary metastasis was identified. Clinical evidence of tumor was negative after bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy, systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient continues to be healthy without recurrent signs six years after bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy. The second patient underwent a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage II endometrial cancer. Fifteen months after the operation, pulmonary metastasis was identified. After bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy and systemic chemotherapy, regression of the tumors was observed. This patient has also survived for two years since the lung metastases. These results indicate that bronchial arterial infusion chemotherapy is a potent treatment for pulmonary metastases of uterine cancer.

Factors related to resistance to hematopoietic death in mice

Mouse strain difference in the radiosensitivity to hematopoietic death is thought to be determined by several factors besides radiosensitivity and the initial number of hematopoietic stem cells. Factors related to the survival of mice exposed to X-irradiation were analyzed using BALB/cHeA and STS/A strains whose LD50/30 values differ markedly (BALB/cHeA, 5.55 Gy; STS/A, 8.45 Gy). STS/A mice exposed to 4 Gy of X-irradiation showed a small reduction but rapid recovery of blood cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes, and thrombocytes) when compared with BALB/cHeA mice. The survival of endogenous and exogenous CFU-S was much higher, by a magnitude of one log or more, in STS/A mice than those in BALB/cHeA mice; whereas the initial numbers of femoral CFU-S were similar for the two strains. The recovery of exogenous CFU-S was much more rapid in STS/A mice than it was in BALB/cHeA mice after 4 Gy of X-irradiation. Furthermore, spleen colonies produced by the transfusion of STS/A marrow cells into syngeneic recipients were significantly larger than those produced by BALB/cHeA marrow cells, regardless of whether the mice used for sources of marrow cells had been irradiated. But, there was no such difference when unirradiated marrow cells from the two strains were transfused into (BALB/cHeA X STS/A) F1 recipients. These results indicate the possible contribution of a host factor (s) that stimulates the growth of spleen colonies after radiation to the radioresistance of STS/A mice, in addition to the primary effect of higher number of survivals of endogenous and exogenous CFU-S in STS/A mice.

Pulmonary carcinoma associated with hamartoma in an 11-year-old boy

PURPOSE

We describe a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the lung in an 11-year-old boy who had had a pulmonary hamartoma for at least 8 years.

CONCLUSIONS

A hamartoma, even if clinically silent, may lead to the development of malignant tumors on rare occasions.

MRI visualization of complete bilateral optic nerve involvement by pituitary adenoma: a case report

With large pituitary adenomas, the optic nerves and chiasm usually lie on the tumour capsule and are displaced superiorly. We report a large invasive pituitary adenoma, with complete involvement of both optic nerves. Review of the preoperative MR images demonstrated the optic nerves, with signal intensity close to that of cerebral white matter, and different from the flow void of the basal cerebral arteries. Correlation of this observation with intraoperative findings is discussed.

Establishment of an enzyme immunoassay system for gliostatin/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF)

A two-site enzyme immunoassay for gliostatin (GLS)/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) has been developed. The detection limit of gliostatin/PD-ECGF was 30 pg/well, and the optimal assay range was 0.1 to ng/well. This assay system enabled us to confirm the immunochemical identity of both factors and to detect immunoreactive gliostatin/PD-ECGF (IR-GLS/PD-ECGF) in human biological body fluids. The age-related analysis from newborn to 69 years revealed that the serum IR-GLS/PD-ECGF level was high in infants younger than 1 year old (1.8 ng/ml) and in the 20-year-old age group (1.8 ng/ml), and highest in the umbilical cord blood (2.1 ng/ml). Curiously high concentrations were detected in saliva with a significant sex difference (11.3 ng/ml for males and 48.7 ng/ml for females), and in synovial fluids (3.7 ng/ml). A number of human tumor cells, gastric cancer cells, MKN-74, neuroblastoma cells, GOTO, as well as epidermoid carcinoma cells, A431, were found to produce a significant amount of IR-GLS/PD-ECGF (0.2 to 21.8 ng/mg protein), and some of them secreted the IR-GLS/PD-ECGF in the conditioned medium (approximately 0.5 ng/ml). The enzyme immunoassay system is sufficiently sensitive for the basic and clinical study of gliostatin/PD-ECGF in human body fluids, tissues and organs.

Role of the amino-terminal amino acid sequences determining the in vitro refolding process of prochymosin polypeptide

Prochymosin, a zymogen of an aspartic proteinase chymosin, is produced as inclusion bodies in the recombinant Escherichia coli cells. Solubilization of the inclusion bodies with 8 M urea followed by dialysis at pH 10.5 achieves correctly refolded prochymosin to some extent, which is then activated by self-processing at acidic pHs. Analyses of the alkaline dialysates by anion exchange chromatography revealed broad distribution of prochymosin polypeptides with different conformations. Stepwise dialysis with a slower decreasing rate of urea resulted in marked improvement of the yield of correctly refolded molecules. A hybrid prochymosin (CR601) possessing a short NH2-terminal replacement with the trp-leader peptide was not refolded into the correct conformation by one-step dialysis, but it was by stepwise dialysis. Replacement of Lys at the NH2-terminal second position of CR601 with Asp or Glu caused marked enhancement of correct refolding. These findings suggest that the amino acid sequence in the NH2-terminal region of prochymosin plays a crucial role in determining the whole refolding process of the polypeptide.

Changes of hemorheologic properties during normal human pregnancy

To investigate alterations of hemorheologic properties during pregnancy, we measured the hematocrit (Hct) and fibrinogen levels, blood viscosity, and erythrocyte deformability in 10 healthy nonpregnant women and in 10 women with uncomplicated pregnancies. The Hct decreased during pregnancy, while the plasma fibrinogen concentration was elevated. No significant changes in blood viscosity were observed throughout pregnancy. Erythrocyte deformability was significantly decreased in pregnancy when compared to the nonpregnant state, but returned to the nonpregnant level by the 7th postpartum day. These findings suggest that adequate microcirculation is maintained in the uteroplacental unit during gestation by hemodilution, which prevents an elevation of blood viscosity despite the increase in fibrinogen and the decrease of erythrocyte deformability. These changes are thus thought to be among the physiological maternal adaptations to fetal growth and development.

[Tryptophan and its metabolite concentrations in human plasma during the perinatal period]

The concentration of tryptophan (free and protein bound) and its metabolites in the plasma of the maternal vein and in the umbilical vein, umbilical artery and neonatal vein were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The plasma levels of tryptophan and most of its metabolites in the umbilical vein and artery were significantly higher than those in the maternal vein. Especially the 3-OHAA level in umbilical blood was approximately 50 times as high as that in maternal blood. The concentration of total tryptophan in the plasma of the neonatal vein showed a marked decrease at one day after birth in comparison with that at birth, but the total kynurenine concentration was not decreased in the plasma of the neonatal vein. In the blood, ratios of free to total tryptophan and kynurenine were kept at a constant level throughout the perinatal period. In conclusion, the present study suggests that tryptophan metabolism may play an important role in fetal development.

The whale (Odontoceti) spleen: a type of primitive mammalian spleen

Three spleens from two Odontoceti species were studied histo-anatomically. These spleens consisted of lymphatic nodules, the red pulp (broad sense), and the trabeculo-capsular system composed of the elasto-fibroleiomyocytic tissue. The periarterial lymphatic sheath (PALS) was unclear. Two layers, the intermediate zone and perivenous layer, were distinguishable in the red pulp (broad sense). The perivenous layer was narrow in width and consisted of venules and the intervascular reticular tissue rich in myeloid cells. The collecting and drainage veins were enclosed in this layer. The perivenous layer corresponds to the red pulp (narrow sense) of the common mammalian spleen and may be under involution in a process that probably relates to the remodelling of the intrasplenic vein. The pattern of the arteriovenous communication seemed to be closed, and no ellipsoids were noted around arterial terminals. The Odontoceti spleen has two venous drainage routes (hilar and capsular systems), suggesting a primitive state of evolution, and may be an additional example of the primitive mammalian spleen.

Developmental changes of glutamate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver mitochondria and its enhancement by branched-chain amino acids

The developmental changes of glutamate dehydrogenase activity in the fetal and neonatal rat liver were investigated, as well as the effects of branched-chain amino acids on this enzyme. Hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase activity showed a marked increase at the end of the fetal period and peaked on the 5th day of neonate at approximately 3 times higher than the adult level. Glutamate dehydrogenase was activated by leucine, isoleucine, and valine in this order when they were added to isolated intact liver mitochondria in vitro. The enhancement of enzyme activity was more marked in fetal rats than in adults. In contrast, when branched-chain amino acids were added after disrupting the mitochondrial membrane by sonication, only leucine slightly activated glutamate dehydrogenase, while isoleucine and valine slightly inhibited its activity. Our findings suggest that glutamate may be actively synthesized in the developing rat liver mitochondria and then transaminated to other nonessential amino acids for protein synthesis, and that increased intramitochondrial branched-chain amino acid concentrations may enhance glutamate dehydrogenase activity. This anabolic metabolism will contribute to the fetal growth and development.

Development changes of polyamine biosynthesis in rat liver

To investigate the role of polyamine metabolism in fetal development, we determined the hepatic polyamine content and the activity of enzymes related to polyamine metabolism in fetal, newborn and adult rats. In the fetuses, spermidine was detected at the highest level, followed by spermine and then putrescine. Putrescine and spermidine levels were higher in the fetuses than in adult rats, while the spermine level was significantly lower in the fetuses. The activities of the enzymes investigated were also higher in the fetuses than in adult rats. These findings indicate that polyamine synthesis was enhanced in the fetal liver, and that degradation of spermidine via spermidine N1-acetyltransferase contributes to the increase in putrescine levels. Thus, our study suggests that an increase in putrescine is important for fetal growth and that putrescine per se has a significant role in fetal cellular proliferation.

Localization and developmental change of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity in the human placenta

Previously, we pointed out the importance of the kynurenine metabolism in fetuses and neonates. We examined localization and developmental change of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity in human placenta. The indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase was found localized in syncytiotrophoblast in the placenta. The indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity was not detected in placenta in the early stage of gestation. It was first detected at around 14 weeks of gestation, increased rapidly thereafter and was maintained at high levels till near term. The indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity was significantly lower in placenta with retarded intrauterine development. These results suggest the importance of placental indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase during fetal development.

[Clinical significance of measurement of plasma melatonin concentration in women with irregular menstrual cycles]

To study the effects of melatonin on the human hypophyseal ovarian axis, we measured the concentrations of melatonin in the plasma of women with a regular menstrual cycle and of women with an abnormal menstrual cycle, at days 5 through 10 after the onset of menstruation or withdrawal bleeding. In seven women with a regular menstrual cycle, there was a tendency for the plasma melatonin concentration to gradually decrease chronologically from 49.0 +/- 9.8pg/ml (M +/- S.E.) at 9:30 h to 19.0 +/- 4.0pg/ml at 12:00 h. On the other hand, the plasma melatonin concentration at 21:30 h was 50.3 +/- 7.4pg/ml which was almost the same as the level at 9:30 h, while the concentration during the night significantly increased chronologically to 106.3 +/- 28.6pg/ml at 24:00 h. By comparing the plasma melatonin concentration measured during the day with that measured during the night, a significant difference was discovered after 21:40 h (p less than 0.05). The plasma melatonin concentration at 10:00 h and 22:00 h in 20 women with a regular menstrual cycle was 28.1 +/- 3.4pg/ml and 72.2 +/- 9.9pg/ml, respectively, showing a diurnal rhythm with a significantly higher level during the night than during the day. On the other hand, the plasma melatonin concentration in most of the women with an anovulatory cycle or amenorrhea was within the range of the mean level of +/- 1.5 x the standard deviation obtained from the 20 women with a regular menstrual cycle. However, an increase in plasma melatonin during the night was not found in three of nine women with an anovulatory cycle and one of two women with second grade amenorrhea.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenoleukodystrophy associated with cerebral arteriovenous malformation

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is now considered to be an X-linked recessive peroxisomal disorder. We report the case of a patient with ALD associated with a left parietal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) who deteriorated progressively six months after recovery from a hemorrhage of the AVM. Serial CT scans and MR imagings showed progressive demyelination spreading from the affected area. This case suggests that local brain damage due to AVM hemorrhage may accelerate the progress of demyelination.

Acquired radioresistance after low dose X-irradiation in mice

Low doses (2.5-15 cGy) of X-irradiation two months prior to a second exposure to a sublethal dose enhanced the survival rate in mice. Optimal and significant increase was observed with 5-10 cGy. Endogenous spleen colony counts (endo-CFUs) after 7 Gy increased by a factor of about 1.7 in mice pre-irradiated with 5-10 cGy, while the number of blood forming stem cells (CFUs) in the pre-irradiated group did not exceed that in the sham-irradiated control group at the period of the second exposure (two months after irradiation with 5 cGy). The low dose exposure seems to stimulate recovery of blood forming stem cells after the second irradiation and favors a decrease in the incidence of bone marrow death.

[The effects of light exposure on plasma concentrations of melatonin, LH, FSH and prolactin in women]

The effects of light exposure on plasma concentrations of melatonin, LH, FSH and prolactin were studied in 11 normal cycling women during their follicular phases. Blood samples were obtained via an indwelling venous catheter every 10 min. for 2.5 hours starting at 9:30 and 21:30h. For the blood samplings taken at night, six women were kept in a dark room and were permitted to sleep. Their blood samples were obtained using a flashlight (5-10 lux) without their rest being disturbed. However, the other five women were exposed to light (3,000 lux at eye level) and awakened from 22:40 to 24:00h. Plasma melatonin concentrations in the morning decreased from 48.7 +/- 11.6 pg/ml at 9:30h to 24.7 +/- 4.0 pg/ml at 12:00h. On the other hand, plasma melatonin concentrations at night increased from 65.4 +/- 9.6 pg/ml at 21:30h to 138.2 +/- 28.6 pg/ml at 24:00h. The pulsatile LH secretion was changed from the type of "high frequency, low amplitude" in the morning to the type of "low frequency, high amplitude" at night. Nocturnal FSH concentrations were lower than diurnal ones, but nocturnal prolactin concentrations were higher than diurnal ones. Nocturnal concentrations of melatonin were suppressed 40 min. after the light exposure (from 117.4 +/- 11.4 pg/ml at 22:40h to 74.6 +/- 13.9 pg/ml at 23:20h). On the the other hand, the light exposure increased plasma prolactin concentrations from 10.9 +/- 4.1 ng/ml at 22:40h to 17.0 +/- 4.4 ng/ml at 22:50h, maintained those higher levels for 20 min. and decreased them gradually after 23:20h. With the light exposure, mean values of nocturnal LH concentrations were increased from 11.9 +/- 1.5 mIU/ml before exposure to 14.2 +/- 1.8 mIU/ml after exposure, and those of FSH were also increased from 5.9 +/- 0.4 mIU/ml to 6.3 +/- 0.4 mIU/ml. These results showed that the secretion of melatonin, as well as LH, FSH and prolactin had daily rhythms and that melatonin and prolactin showed different responses to light exposure, suggesting different control mechanisms for the secretion of those two hormones.

Peripheral neuropathy in xeroderma pigmentosum

The pathology of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in 2 autopsied cases of group A xeroderma pigmentosum (De Sanctis Cacchione syndrome) are presented. Motor nerves including those of the oculomotor systems were severely affected, but involvement of the sensory system was even more marked. Minor hypertrophic changes were present in the distal portions of the peripheral nerve trunks, but there was no appreciable difference in the density of myelinated nerve fibres between proximal and distal levels. Morphometric data including teased fibre analyses and g ratio scattergrams suggest that the underlying pathogenetic mechanism is that of a neuronopathy. Unmyelinated axons were also severely depleted. Review of the previous literature revealed that the pathological changes of the PNS in group A xeroderma pigmentosum are thought to be slowly progressive, which is also suggested by the severe and widespread sclerotic changes of the CNS in the present 2 cases.

[A case of three-year-old boy with periodic apnea during waking and sleep, severe psychomotor retardation and hypotonia]

We presented a 3-year-old boy, a product of consanguineous parents, with periodic apnea during waking and sleep states, severe psychomotor retardation and hypotonia. According to polysomnographical recordings, he exhibited frequent central apneas which decreased in frequency and regularity in the stage REM. He showed abnormal background EEG, undifferentiated sleep stage and very short duration of stage REM. The initiation of breathing after apnea was often accompanied with generalized muscles contraction like a startle response. In the waking state the apnea induced generalized muscular hypotonicity and the decline of wakefulness. Arterial CO2 and O2 saturation was within normal limits. It was suggested that the malfunction of the brain stem responsible for the control of breathing, sleep-wakefulness cycle and determination of sleep stages was closely connected with the pathogenesis of abnormal breathing patterns.

[A determination of anti-insulin receptor antibody in serum--a radioreceptor assay excluded the influence of insulin and anti-insulin antibody]

We studied an anti-insulin receptor antibody (IRAb) assay that excludes the influence of serum insulin and anti-insulin antibody in patients with anti-insulin antibody and normal subjects. The placental membranes strongly bound with 125I-insulin at 4 degrees C. The insulin specificity of the radioreceptor assay was confirmed by adding excess non-labeled insulin and other human hormones to the assay system. The strong correlation between the receptor binding reactivity (%) and the anti-insulin antibody levels was noted in the conventional direct IRAb assay (r = -0.95), but not in the present IRAb assay (r = 0.46) in 10 clinical samples. The placental membranes were stable as the target insulin receptor for IRAb assay at -80 degrees C for at least 4 months. A significant difference in IRAb levels was found between 10 patients with positive anti-insulin antibody and 20 normal controls (p less than 0.01, student t test). The coexistence of insulin and anti-insulin antibody were removed by absorbance to silicagel and by utilizing the two-step (indirect) assay, respectively. IRAb assay without the influence of serum cofactors showed excellent reproducibilities (CV 4.4% (N = 5) and 12.5% (N = 5) in within and between assay variations, respectively).

Hodgkin's disease in a killer whale (Orcinus orca)

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is reported in a killer whale (Orcinus orca). Generalized lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly were noted at necropsy and histopathological examination revealed diffuse proliferation of atypical large cells with huge eosinophilic nucleoli. They were often multinucleated, and binucleated forms characteristic of Sternberg-Reed cells of human HD were occasionally present. There was no cytological atypia in the background lymphocytes. Thus, the lesion was identified as analogous to HD in man. To our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of HD in the killer whale.

Differentiation between eclampsia and cerebrovascular disorders by brain CT scan in pregnant patients with convulsive seizures

Six pregnant women with convulsions between 25 to 40 weeks of gestation were experienced. Among them, 4 patients were diagnosed as having intracranial hemorrhage and two as simple eclampsia. With the aid of brain CT scan, one case of arteriovenous malformation was detected and treated surgically with good prognosis for both the mother and the fetus. Two patients were diagnosed to have cerebral hemorrhage with subsequent penetration into the lateral ventricles and were treated conservatively. Their fetuses were delivered alive by cesarean section, but the mothers expired. The other patient with cerebral hemorrhage was treated surgically, and both the mother and the fetus survived. One of the simple eclampsia patients was noted to have a growth retarded fetus at 32 weeks of pregnancy with subsequent intra-uterine death, but the mother recovered after conservative treatment. Another patient at 40 weeks of pregnancy was also treated conservatively and both the fetus and the mother survived. Brain CT scan findings differed between these two eclampsia patients; local brain edema for the second patient and generalized brain edema for the first patient. Thus more active application of brain CT scan is recommended in managing pregnant patients with convulsions.

[Studies on polyamines in the developing rats tissues]

Polyamines were determined by a rapid and simplified HPLC method, in the tissues of normal developing and experimental IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation) rats. Two types of experimental IUGR were induced by maternal starvation and ligature of uterine vessels. On the 20th day of gestation polyamine levels in tissues were compared with untreated controls. In normal developing fetal liver the levels of putrescine and spermidine were higher than those in adult. In particular, the putrescine level on the 15th day of gestation was about 50 times higher than that in adult. In the neonatal period the increases in putrescine and spermidine were proceeding to those of nucleic acids. On the contrary, the spermine levels in fetal liver was not higher than in adult liver. In fetal brain, the levels of the three polyamines were higher than those in adult brain. In IUGR rats the results were characteristic in liver, namely, the putrescine level was significantly decreased, on the other hand, spermidine and spermine levels significantly increased compared with the untreated control levels. No significant changes in polyamine level were observed in brain. In placenta, only the spermine level was increased compared with the untreated control level. These results suggest that there is a close relationship between polyamine and fetal development, and putrescine may play an important role as the trigger in fetal development.