N-methyl-D-aspartate induces phase shifts in circadian rhythm of neuronal activity of rat SCN in vitro

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) acts as a pacemaker for mammalian circadian rhythms. Receptors for excitatory amino acids like N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors have both been found to play an important role in the transmission of photic information from the retina to the SCN. Therefore, we investigated whether the application of glutamate receptor agonists could reset the phase of the circadian rhythm of SCN firing activity in vitro. Treatment with NMDA (0.1-10 microM) for 15 min or 1 h during the early part of the subjective night produced phase delay, whereas treatment during the late subjective night caused an advance in phase. The phase-response curve for NMDA was similar to that previously obtained in response to light pulses in vivo. Application of DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid hydrobromide (AMPA) (1 or 10 microM), a non-NMDA-receptor agonist, also produced a dose-dependent phase delay of SCN activity. The NMDA-induced phase delay was antagonized by an NMDA-receptor antagonist MK-801. These findings suggest that both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors may be involved in the transmission of information to the SCN via the retinohypothalamic tract. In addition, both the advances and delays in phase caused by NMDA were potentiated by cotreatment with neuropeptide Y, whereas AMPA-induced phase delay was not potentiated by neuropeptide Y. This points to a functional link between NMDA and neuropeptide Y receptor-mediated mechanisms in the SCN.

Immunohistochemical approach for the investigation of nerve distribution in the shoulder joint capsule

Twenty six shoulder joint capsules obtained from 13 autopsy cases were studied to evaluate the nerve distribution using immunohistochemical techniques. Immunohistochemical staining of polyclonal S-100 protein or protein gene product 9.5 was more sensitive, specific, and reproducible compared with conventional gold chloride methods. A small number of clustered nerve fibers were found in the superficial layer, and many nerve fibers with large diameters were found in anteroinferior portions of the deep layer. Nerve fibers of various sizes were more numerous in posterosuperior and anterosuperior portions of the boundary zone between labrum and capsule. A Pacinian corpuscle was clearly recognized in a capsule. In the central portion of the long head of some biceps brachii tendons, relatively large nerve fibers continued from capsules. The results suggest that the capsule and long head of the biceps brachii tendon may play a partial role in the stability of the shoulder joint through afferent feedback.

Brachial plexus block using a nerve stimulator and a conventional needle

A technique for blocking the brachial plexus using a electrostimulator and conventional, non-special plastic cannula with an obtulator consist of conductive metal is described. This cannula is cheaper and more conventional than special plastic-coated needle. Brachial plexus block is useful anesthesia for surgical treatment of fractures, dislocations, skin and muscle injuries of the forearm and hand. However, the blockade does not seem to be completely reliable because of the anatomical variations among individuals and the consequent difficulty in locating of the brachial plexus. Therefore the method using an electrostimulator and a special plastic-coated needle for the brachial plexus block was reported in 1962 by Greenblatt. Employing a conventional plastic cannula for intravenous use instead of a special plastic-coated needle reported by Greenblatt. We could attain nerve block completely reliably, safely and easily.

Temporal frequency deficit in patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type: a visual evoked potential study

To study the temporal aspect of visual processing of senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT), we recorded the steady-state visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to LED goggle stimulation at five different temporal frequencies in 14 patients with SDAT and 14 control subjects. For comparison, we also studied 14 patients with vascular dementia (VD). All subjects were women, and their ages were closely matched. Temporal frequencies were 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 Hz. The steady-state VEPs were Fourier analyzed, and both the amplitude and phase of the first and second harmonic responses were obtained. There was a significant difference in the amplitude across the three groups for stimulation at 15, 20, and 30 Hz, but no difference at a stimulation of 5 and 10 Hz. Multiple comparison tests revealed that patients with SDAT had a significantly smaller amplitude than normal controls. Patients with VD had lower amplitudes than normal subjects, but this was not statistically significant. In the phase data, there were also no statistically significant differences across the three groups for any of the temporal frequencies. These results indicate that a temporal frequency deficit exists in SDAT. This phenomenon may be explained by the pathology that affects the early stage of visual signal processing.

Influence of thickness and location on the residual monomer content of denture base cured by three processing methods

The influence of thickness and location on the residual monomer content of acrylic resin plates was examined when they were processed by three methods: a conventional method, fluid resin technique, and a microwave curing method. The residual monomer contents were measured by gas liquid chromatography. The levels of residual monomer were influenced by the processing methods and thicknesses of acrylic resin specimens, but not by location within the specimens. These results suggest that dimensional accuracy and stability of acrylic resin dentures could be influenced by the processing method, the thickness of the bases, and the shape and size of the dentures.

Genetic Enhancement of Cold Tolerance by Expression of a Gene for Chloroplast [omega]-3 Fatty Acid Desaturase in Transgenic Tobacco

The increased production of trienoic fatty acids, hexadecatrienoic (16:3) and linolenic (18:3) acids, is a response connected with cold acclimation of higher plants and is thought to protect plant cells against cold damage. Transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv SR1) plants that contain increased levels of 16:3 and 18:3 fatty acids, and correspondingly decreased levels of their precursors, hexadecadienoic and linoleic acids, were engineered by introduction of a chloroplast [omega]-3 fatty acid desaturase gene (the fad7 gene) isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana. When exposed to 1[deg]C for 7 d and then cultured at 25[deg]C, the suppression of leaf growth observed in the wild-type plants was significantly alleviated in the transgenic plants with the fad7 gene. The low-temperature- induced chlorosis was also much reduced in the plants transformed with the fad7 gene. These results indicate that increased levels of trienoic fatty acids in genetically engineered plants enhance cold tolerance.

Effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors on N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced phase delay of circadian rhythm of neuronal activity in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus in vitro

Excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors have been suggested to play an important role in the regulation of photic information from the retina to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Therefore, we investigated the role of glutamate as a retinohypothalamic transmitter by analyzing the phase-resetting effects of NMDA and a non-NMDA agonist, (R,S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA), on the circadian rhythm of SCN firing activity. Nitric oxide (NO) production is believed to be an essential intermediate in NMDA-induced cGMP production in the CNS. Thus, we examined the effects of blockers of NO production on NMDA- or AMPA-induced phase delay of SCN activity rhythm. N-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) blocked NMDA- but not AMPA-induced phase shift, indicating the involvement of NO synthesis in NMDA-induced phase changes. L-arginine but not D-arginine caused a phase delay, and L-NAME blocked L-arginine-induced phase delay. In addition, cotreatment with NMDA and L-arginine did not have an additive effect. These results suggest that NO production itself is involved in the phase change of SCN neuron activity, and NMDA-induced phase changes are also mediated via activation of NO synthesis in this nucleus.

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of thrombin-antithrombin III complex by the human monocytoid cell line U937

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) complex was characterized with the monocytoid cell line U937. At 4 degrees C, U937 cells bound TAT but not antithrombin III in a rapid, specific, saturable, and reversible manner. [125I]TAT binding to U937 cells was not inhibited by antithrombin III and hardly by thrombin, but 75% inhibited by a 50 molar excess of the unlabeled TAT. There were about 79,000 binding sites/cell (Kd = 68 nM). The TAT receptor on U937 cells may be distinct from the serpin-enzyme complex (SEC) receptor, since a synthetic peptide corresponding to the recognition sequence of SEC receptor did not compete with TAT binding to the cells. Receptor-bound TAT was internalized into the cells after switching the temperature from 4 to 37 degrees C and thereafter degraded in lysosomes.

[Flumazenil antagonism of midazolam-induced respiratory depression]

Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, reliably reverses midazolam-induced sedation, but its effect on respiratory depression has not been clarified completely. Ten healthy male volunteers received midazolam 0.1 mg.kg-1. Then they received flumazenil 0.5 mg (n = 9) and 1.0 mg (n = 1), intravenously. Rib-cage (RC) and abdominal wall (ABD) movement was measured by mercury-in-silastic strain gauge. Nasal air flow (FLOW), genioglossal electromyogram (EMG) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) were recorded simultaneously. Midazolam caused significant increases of RC movement and respiratory rate, and decreases of ABD movement, FLOW, EMG and SaO2. After administration of flumazenil, although respiratory rate returned to the pre-midazolam values, RC movement decreased on the contrary. ABD movement, FLOW, EMG, SaO2 did not recover to the pre-midazolam values. These data suggest that flumazenil 0.5 mg reverses midazolam-induced sedation completely, but is partially effective for some parameters related to respiratory depression.

Recurrent generalized lichen nitidus associated with amenorrhea

A case of recurrent generalized lichen nitidus is reported. The eruptions developed in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, but there has been a marked improvement after administration of estrogen and progesterone for the treatment of amenorrhea. Hormonal factors may play a role in the development of lichenoid tissue reaction in the lesions of this disease.

Solitary glomus tumour with mucinous degeneration

Four cases of solitary glomus tumour are reported, three of the angiomatous type, and one of the epitheliomatous type. In all cases, mucinous degeneration was seen, the extent of which correlated with the number of glomus cells.

Hair fibrous protein compositions in some hereditary hair abnormalities determined by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

S-carboxymethylated (SCM) fibrous proteins (FPs) from the scalp hairs of the three different hereditary hair abnormalities (trichorrhexis invaginata in Netherton's syndrome, pili trianguli et canaliculi in uncombable hair syndrome, and fine hair in anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia) were analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparison of the SCM FP compositions of the three hair abnormalities with that of the normal revealed that the SCM FP compositions of these three abnormal hairs were all electrophoretically different from each other and that of the normal.

Objective evaluation for bite plate therapy in patients with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome

An electromyographic study of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles together with questioning patients regarding subjective symptoms was performed on 15 patients with myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD) syndrome prior to and during bite plate therapy. The electromyographic study was evaluated by the slopes of the voltage tension (V/T) curves (calculated as the value of the relative inclination between the integrated electromyram and the biting force). The improvement of subjective symptoms was recognized earlier than the relief of objective symptoms by bite plate therapy. The results confirm that judgement of level of improvement following treatment of MPD syndrome is more appropriate through objective evaluation. Follow-up recording of the voltage tension can be considered to be an objective indicator for patients with MPD syndrome.

Viscoelastic properties of tissue conditioners--influence of ethyl alcohol content and type of plasticizer

The effect of both the ethyl alcohol content of liquids and the type of plasticizer on the viscoelastic properties after gelation of tissue conditioners was studied by means of a stress relaxation test. The results are summarized as follows. The liquids containing the larger percentages of ethyl alcohol produced the larger flow after gelation. Furthermore, the ethyl alcohol content had a significant influence on changes in viscoelastic properties with the passage of time. Flow properties were found to reduce rapidly with time of storage with an increase in the ethyl alcohol content. The use of benzyl benzoate produced the larger flow after gelation than dibutyl phthalate, which in turn produced the larger flow than butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate. The type of plasticizer, however, was found to have no influence on changes in viscoelastic properties with the passage of time.

Protein-synthesis inhibitor blocks (R,S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)-or substance P-induced phase shift of the circadian rhythm of neuronal activity in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus in vitro

The mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) has been identified as a circadian pacemaker. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), non-NMDA and substance P receptors have been suggested to be involved in handling of photic information in the SCN. In the Aplysia eyes, in which the circadian clocks are involved, serotonin- or cAMP-induced phase changes of the circadian rhythm were reported to be blocked by protein-synthesis inhibitors. Therefore, we investigated whether protein-synthesis inhibitor can block the non- NMDA receptor agonist (R,S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid hydrobromide (AMPA)- or substance P (SP)-induced phase changes of SCN activity rhythm. Although application of 10 microM cycloheximide alone during the early part of the subjective night did not cause phase change, it blocked both 10 microM AMPA- and 1 microM SP-induced phase delay. The present result suggests that protein synthesis may be required in the manifestation of AMPA- and SP-induced phase change of circadian clock.

Primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma of the skin. A case report suggesting that regressing atypical histiocytosis and lymphomatoid papulosis are subsets

A patient with primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma of the skin with characteristic clinical findings is described. The diagnosis was made on the basis of histologic and immunohistochemical findings. The phenotype of the tumor cells was not determined, but rearrangement of the T-cell receptor beta gene indicated that the tumor was of T-cell lineage. Despite high-grade malignancy of the tumor cells, the patient unexpectedly had a benign clinical course. The findings in this case suggest that regressing atypical histiocytosis and lymphomatoid papulosis type A are subsets of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.

GABAA receptor agonist muscimol can reset the phase of neural activity rhythm in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus in vitro

We investigated the phase-resetting effect of muscimol, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)A receptor agonist, on the circadian neural activity rhythm of the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which contains a circadian pacemaker. Acute application of muscimol inhibited the neural activity of the SCN in a dose-dependent manner. Under the tissue culture condition, the treatment with 10 microM muscimol during the early- to mid-subjective day on the first day (day 1) in vitro produced the largest phase advance in neural activity rhythm of the SCN on day 2. By contrast, the administration of muscimol during the subjective night produced no change. These phase changes were similar to those reported for dark pulses in constant light. These findings indicate that muscimol can directly affect SCN neurons and reset the circadian pacemaker in the SCN. The GABA neural function through the activation of GABAA receptors may play a role in modulating the phase of the SCN clock, especially during the subjective day.

Vanadium induced hemolysis of vitamin E deficient erythrocytes in Hepes buffer

Several vanadium compounds were tested for their ability to induce in vitro hemolysis of vitamin E-deficient hamster erythrocytes. Free vanadyl caused hemolysis in Hepes buffer but not in Tris or phosphate buffer, while hemolysis was inhibited by catalase, chelators such as deferoxamine mesylate and EDTA, and hydroxyl radical scavengers such as ethanol and D-mannitol. Although metavanadate itself could not induce hemolysis, metavanadate with NAD(P)H caused hemolysis in Hepes buffer only, and superoxide dismutase prevented it. Hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and Hepes radical were involved in vanadyl-induced hemolysis, superoxide anion was further involved in metavanadate plus NAD(P)H-induced hemolysis. Vitamin E prevented hemolysis under both conditions.

Polyhydramnios: ultrasonic detection of fetal and maternal conditions

Estimation of amniotic fluid volume is an important part of routine obstetric sonography. A relationship between polyhydramnios and poor perinatal outcome has been reported. This study correlates the severity of polyhydramnios with perinatal morbidity and mortality. Among 67 cases of polyhydramnios detected in singleton pregnancies, 8 were associated with maternal conditions including noninsulin-dependent diabetes (5 cases), insulin-dependent diabetes (1 case) and gestational diabetes (2 cases). Forty-four were associated with fetal conditions, including fetal anomalies (31 cases), fetal chromosomal disorders (10 cases) and fetal functional disorders (3 cases). Fifteen of the 67 cases had no apparent underlying fetal or maternal cause. Perinatal death occurred in 19 cases (28%) and was associated with fetal anomalies (12 cases), chromosome disorders (6 cases) and a functional fetal abnormality (1 case). Severe polyhydramnios with amniotic pocket dimensions > or = 120 mm (91%) or with a need for amniocentesis (91%) were associated with fetal abnormalities in most cases. The rate of perinatal death was not increased, indicating that severe polyhydramnios does not always result in lethal abnormalities.

Sequential magnetic resonance features of encephalopathy induced by systemic mastocytosis

A 37-year-old man developed encephalopathy with prominent eosinophilia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple T2-weighted high signal intensity lesions with dimeglumine gadopentetate (Gd-DTPA) enhancement on T1-weighted images, which were distributed in the cerebral cortex, thalamus, deep white matter and cerebellum. He was diagnosed as having systemic mastocytosis on the basis of proliferating mast cells in the bone marrow and peripheral eosinophilia. Following steroid administration, there was a rapid improvement of his symptoms and laboratory data. To our knowledge, this was the first reported case of systemic mastocytosis provoking encephalopathy with serial MRI findings.

Rhinophyma in Japan

BACKGROUND

Rhinophyma is an end stage of acne rosacea. It results in a large nose due to a proliferation of sebaceous glands and fibrous tissue. Many cases of rhinophyma have been reported in the Western world; however, in Japan, rhinophyma has been an uncommon disease.

METHODS

We present two patients associated with rhinophyma who were treated by cross-shaped full-thickness excision followed by direct closure and compare the rhinophyma in Japan with that in the West.

RESULTS

To date, only 20 rhinophyma cases including our 2 cases have been reported in Japan. Epidemiologic factors of rhinophyma between the West and Japan do not differ except for location, malignancy and surgical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In Japan, almost all cases are located on the lower half of the nose, treated by full-thickness excision followed by application of either skin grafts or direct closure. None have been malignant.

Synaptotagmin can cause an immune-mediated model of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in rats

The possible antigenicity of synaptotagmin, a synaptic vesicle protein acting as a cooperative calcium (Ca2+) receptor in exocytosis, was tested to determine whether it is involved in the induction of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in which antibodies against voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels or related molecules play a pathogenic role. Repeated injections to Lewis rats with peptides of synaptotagmin residues 20 through 53 or 1 through 30 that are presumably exposed at the nerve terminal surface during exocytosis induced corresponding antipeptide antibodies; on immunoblots, antibodies recognized synaptotagmin that was expressed in the clonal cells. Electrophysiologically, the peptide (residues 20-53)-immunized rats showed (1) reduced acetylcholine quantal content of end-plate potential, (2) an increase in quantal content at high extracellular Ca2+ concentration, and (3) early facilitation followed by less marked depression of end-plate potential amplitude at a tetanic rate of repetitive nerve stimulation. Findings are similar to those in human Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and passively transferred Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in mice, and thus suggest that antibody to a synaptotagmin-voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel complex may be involved in the pathogenesis of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. The peptide (residues 1-30)-immunized rats showed no electrophysiological abnormality.

Cytopathological changes induced by cadmium-exposure in canine proximal tubular cells: a cytochemical and ultrastructural study

A highly sensitive cytochemical method for demonstrating intracellular Cd using 8-hydroxyquinoline was developed and applied in the cytopathological study of primary-cultured renal tubular cells from beagle kidneys. The Cd-8-hydroxyquinoline emitted a yellowish-green fluorescence which first appeared in the cytoplasm within 30 min and in the nucleus about 60-90 min after exposure to 100 mM CdCl2. It was noteworthy that intranuclear Cd was stained in the nucleolar regions. The sensitivity of the cytochemical method for Cd was estimated to be about 1.0 pg Cd/cell. Ultrastructural features of the dead cells were consistent with those of apoptosis. We conclude that Cd absorbed by proximal tubular cells rapidly reaches to the nuclei and affects nuclear as well as cytoplasmic metabolism.