Reduction by norepinephrine of the side effects induced by combined hepatic arterial administration of degradable strach microspheres and adriamycin in rats with a liver adenocarcinoma

In previous studies we found degradable starch microspheres (DSM) to increase the antitumor effect of adriamycin injected by the hepatic artery in rats with a liver adenocarcinoma. Increased side effects also appeared, namely body weight loss and liver necroses. In the present paper, norepinephrine in four different protocols was added to the injection of adriamycin + DSM to decrease the drug flow to normal tissues. In two protocols norepinephrine decreased the body weight loss. There was also a non-significant decrease in liver necroses but also in antitumor effect. In these experiments we also observed that some rats given adriamycin + DSM got gastric necroses. This was not found when norepinephrine was added. Addition of propranolol to norepinephrine did not decrease side effects. Vasoactive drugs may therefore be of value to diminish adverse side effects of the combination cytostatic agent + DSM, probably decreasing overspill into normal tissues.

Improved antitumor effect of the nitrosourea drugs tauromustine (TCNU) and carmustine (BCNU) on a rat liver adenocarcinoma after hepatic arterial administration with degradable starch microspheres

The effect of the cytostatic nitrosourea drugs TCNU and BCNU on tumor growth was studied in rats with a transplantable colon adenocarcinoma implanted into the liver. The drugs were given as a single dose into the hepatic artery alone or together with degradable starch microspheres (DSM). The effect of the treatment on tumor growth was measured 7 days later. Compared to control animals, TCNU decreased tumor growth. BCNU alone did not significantly decrease tumor growth. The antitumor effect of both drugs was significantly improved by DSM. The addition of DSM to the drugs caused liver damage in a few rats. There were no differences between different treatment groups regarding body weight changes. DSM may protect bone marrow against BCNU toxicity. Injection of DSM alone had no effect either on tumor growth or on survival.

The incorporation of 5-fluorouracil into rat liver tumor and normal tissues after administration by the hepatic artery during temporary portal vein clamping

A therapeutic dose of labelled 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was infused via the hepatic artery during 30 min with or without a simultaneous temporary clamping of the portal vein in a model of secondary liver cancer in Wistar rats. After another 60 min, the incorporation of 5-FU into the acid soluble fraction, RNA and DNA was determined in tumor, liver, small intestine, kidney, and bone marrow. The liver and intestinal nucleotide profiles were examined with isotachophoresis. Temporary portal vein clamping caused the following changes, as compared with the control group with intraarterial infusion only: in the liver, the incorporation of 5-FU into the acid soluble fraction increased without a concomitant increase into the RNA or of the level of (F)UTP. Liver ATP decreased. In the tumor, the ratio of RNA to acid soluble fraction labelling decreased. There was a generally decreased ratio of tumor to peripheral normal tissue (small intestine and kidney) labelling. In conclusion, portal vein clamping in conjunction with hepatic arterial administration of 5-FU led to a decreased anabolism of 5-FU in the liver and tumor, and increased systemic drug exposure. It is not known how this interferes with the therapeutic effect.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of beta-hexosaminidase in cirrhotic and cholestatic human livers with a monoclonal antibody

The lysosomal enzyme beta-hexosaminidase (Hex) was studied immunohistochemically with a monoclonal antibody in normal human livers and in livers with cirrhosis and cholestasis. No reaction was detected in sections from normal livers. The reaction in diseased livers was prominent mainly in degenerating hepatocytes, whereas Kupffer cells and bile duct epithelium showed faint reactivity. The reaction product was intense in degenerated hepatocytes, especially in the periphery of the pseudolobules in cirrhotic livers. In cholestatic livers the positivity was localized around central veins in cells with bile pigment. The more pigment, the stronger was the reaction. It is suggested that the elevated level of serum Hex found in cirrhosis and cholestasis derives from degenerating hepatocytes and activated Kupffer cells.

Methodological approaches to immunohistochemical demonstration of beta-hexosaminidase in human placental and renal tissue with monoclonal antibodies

The lysosomal enzyme, beta-hexosaminidase (Hex), was studied in full-term human placentas and in renal tissue using monoclonal antibodies raised against Hex purified from human placentas. The immunohistochemical reaction for Hex was pronounced in trophoblastic cells and macrophages of the basal plate and the smooth chorion, but was faint or negative in the amnion as well as in the syncytiotrophoblast and Hofbauer cells of the chorionic villi. The maternal decidual cells of the basal plate were negative. Biochemical enzyme analysis showed the highest activity in basal plate cells (containing trophoblast, decidual cells, macrophages and neutrophils) and a low activity in the chorionic villi. Placental tissue was less positive with monoclonal antibodies specific for Hex A, compared with antibodies reacting with both Hex A and Hex B. Epithelial cells of the renal proximal tubules were positive to the same degree with antibodies recognizing both Hex A and Hex B as well as those recognizing only Hex A.

Nucleic acid labeling with [3H]orotic acid and nucleotide profile in rats in protein deprivation, enteral and parenteral essential amino acid administration, and 5-fluorouracil treatment

Rats were fed a 0% casein diet for 1 week, with or without enteral or parenteral administration of essential amino acids, or a 25% casein diet, in one group supplemented with 5-fluorouracil treatment. Ninety minutes before sacrifice the rats were given a tracer of [3H]orotic acid. Incorporation into the acid soluble fraction, RNA, and DNA was determined in liver, small intestine, bone marrow, and kidney. Nucleotide profile was examined in liver and intestine. Protein deficiency caused inter alia a decrease in body weight; a decrease in RNA/DNA ratio and an increase in the specific RNA labeling in liver and kidney; an altered nucleotide profile in the liver; an increase in the nucleotide/DNA and RNA/DNA ratios and a decrease in the specific labeling of the acid soluble fraction, RNA, and DNA in the bone marrow. These changes were prevented to the same extent by giving essential amino acids, either orally or intravenously. The minor changes in intestinal nucleotide profile in protein deprivation were prevented to a slightly larger extent by amino acids orally than parenterally. 5-Fluorouracil treatment gave a decrease in the RNA/DNA ratio in the liver and kidney but an increase in the nucleotide/DNA and RNA/DNA ratios in the bone marrow. Nucleotide profiles were unaltered. The amount of DNA per gram of tissue decreased in bone marrow and increased in kidney. Parenteral administration per se resulted in almost no changes.

Time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for enhanced demarcation of human atherosclerotic plaques

We report on the enhanced demarcation between human atherosclerotic plaques and normal vessel wall obtained using time-resolved detection of laser-induced fluorescence rather than the customary time-integrated monitoring technique. A frequency-doubled mode-locked and cavity-dumped continuous wave dye laser was used for picosecond pulse generation at 320 nm, and photon-counting techniques were employed for the time-resolved signal monitoring from human aorta samples in vitro. Implications for imaging fluorescence angioscopy and spectroscopic guidance in laser ablation of plaque are indicated.

Potentiation by dipyridamole of 5-fluorouridine antitumor activity against a rat adenocarcinoma in vivo

Rats were inoculated subcutaneously into both flanks with a transplantable adenocarcinoma of the colon. They were treated intravenously with either 5-FUrd (5-fluorouridine) or 5-FdUrd (5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine) with or without addition of dipyridamole 20 and 30 min later, respectively, for 3 consecutive days. Dipyridamole improved the antitumor activity of 5-FUrd but decreased that of 5-FdUrd.

Decrease of liver energy charge, ATP and glutathione at concomitant intraarterial administration of adriamycin and degradable starch microspheres in rat

Adriamycin (Adr) and degradable starch microspheres (DSM) were infused either combined or each separately into the hepatic artery in rats. Liver ATP, GTP, UDP-glucuronic acid, UDP-N-acetyl-hexosamine and energy charge and glutathione were decreased 20 min later with combined treatment but not by Adr or DSM when infused alone. the nucleotide levels were normalized 60 min after the combined treatment. After one week, the Adr rats showed a less weight gain than controls. The Adr + DSM rats lost weight. Only minor changes were found in the livers at microscopical examination at this time.

Enhanced effect of adriamycin on a rat liver adenocarcinoma after hepatic artery injection with degradable starch microspheres

Rats with solitary liver tumors were treated with adriamycin administered via the hepatic artery with and without degradable starch microspheres. Tumor growth inhibition was significantly greater, and tumors were decreased in size 7 days after, following treatment with adriamycin + microspheres. The bone marrow seemed to be protected. However, the addition of microspheres to adriamycin gave a body weight loss and evidence of increased liver damage. Possible interrelations between liver damage, antitumor effect and body weight loss are indicated.

Chemical sclerosis of the gallbladder. An experimental study in pigs of the effect of absolute ethanol and polidocanol on gallbladder epithelium

Chemical ablation of the gallbladder with absolute ethanol and polidocanol 3% was attempted in 23 and 10 pigs, respectively, after open transhepatic cholecystostomy. Absolute ethanol caused complete necrosis of the gallbladder epithelium in 10 pigs and partial necrosis with focally present gallbladder epithelium in 9. An intact epithelium was observed in 4 pigs but it was not possible to determine whether this epithelium was the original one, not affected by the ethanol, or regenerated after previous damage. Gallbladders with hemorrhage and hydrops were frequently encountered. Gallbladders treated with polidocanol all had an intact epithelium.

Modulation of 5-fluorouracil and 5-fluorouridine toxicity by membrane transport inhibitors in normal tissues of rats with liver adenocarcinoma

The cytotoxicity of 5-FU and 5-FUrd, given via the hepatic artery, was measured by its incorpotation into the acid soluble fraction, RNA and DNA in normal tissues and an adenocarcinoma transplanted into the liver in rats. Drugs inhibiting the membrane transport of, especially, nucleosides were simultaneously administered by a femoral vein to modulate the cytotoxicity. None of them (dipyridamole, lidoflazine nor dilazep) had any statistically significant influence on the tumour. Dipyridamole and lidoflazine decreased the incorporation of 5-FU into the acid soluble fraction, RNA and DNA of the intestine. Dipyridamole probably decreased the incorporation of 5-FUrd into the acid soluble fraction and RNA of the intestine. Lidoflazine has not been tested with 5-FUrd. Dipyridamole increased the incorporation of 5-FU into the acid soluble fraction of liver, bone marrow and kidney, and of 5-FUrd into the acid soluble fraction of liver and bone marrow and liver RNA. Lidoflazine had fewer adverse effects. Both dipyridamole and lidoflazine increased the combined peak of UTP and FUTP in the liver, and dipyridamole also in the intestine of 5-FU treated rats. Dipyridamole which undergoes an enterohepatic circulation increased the combined peak of UDP-glucuronic acid and FUDP-glucuronic acid in 5-FU and 5-FUrd treated rats, as well as UDP-glucuronic acid in rats given neither 5-FU nor 5-FUrd in the liver. Membrane transport inhibitors seem to offer the opportunity to protect normal tissues from the cytotoxicity of 5-fluoropyrimidines, but the tissues can also be more exposed.

Effects of dosage and infusion time on the incorporation of 5-fluorouracil into DNA and RNA of normal tissues and an adenocarcinoma transplanted to rat liver

In a model of secondary liver cancer in Wistar rats the incorporation of 5-FUra into the acid soluble fraction, RNA, and DNA of several normal tissues and of an adenocarcinoma of the colon transplanted to the liver was determined; 300, 1,200 or 24,000 nmoles of 5-FUra were infused via the gastroduodenal artery for 0.5, 2, or 24 hr. The rats were killed 1.5, 3, or 24 hr after the beginning of the infusions. In general, higher doses resulted in a higher labelling. However, the ratio of incorporation into tumor RNA compared to normal tissue RNA was higher at the 1,200 than at the 24,000 nmole dosage. There was a decreased RNA/DNA ratio in the tumor at 24 hr after 24,000 nmoles of 5-FUra had been infused over 0.5 or 2 hr, indicating decreased synthesis and/or increased breakdown of RNA.

Splenic and gastro-duodenal vein occlusion--influence on the pancreatic gland and on the outcome of experimental pancreatitis

The observation that splenic vein thrombosis results in pancreatic changes similar to haemorrhagic pancreatitis initiated the present investigation. The influence of splenic and/or gastroduodenal vein occlusion on the pancreatic gland was evaluated and compared to that obtained after induction of experimental pancreatitis (EP). The influence of splenic vein occlusion on EP was also investigated. An approximately 4-fold increase in serum amylase activity was obtained after simultaneous ligation of the splenic and gastroduodenal veins. This increase was comparable to that obtained after EP. On the other hand, amylase activity in ascites was considerably lower after vein occlusion than after EP. Splenic vein occlusion in rats with EP more moderately increased the amylase activity but did not influence mortality rate 24 h postoperatively. Venous thromboses were observed in all groups with occluded veins but not in rats with EP. Vein occlusion alone did not result in fat necroses. Although occlusion of the splenic and gastroduodenal veins results in macromorphologic and biochemical changes resembling those in EP, the microscopic findings of the two conditions differ. Thus, the results do not support the hypothesis that pancreatic vein thromboses are of etiologic significance for the development of acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Effects of the specific cholecystokinin antagonist L 364,718 in experimental acute pancreatitis in the rat

Cholecystokinin (CCK) has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. To test this hypothesis, we administered the highly selective and specific CCK receptor antagonist L 364,718 to rats in which acute experimental pancreatitis had been induced by the use of transduodenal pancreatic duct injection of taurocholate. It was, however, found that despite the use of L 364,718 at a high dose level (1 mg/kg body weight given three times), and also given prior to induction of pancreatitis, the mortality rate, the serum or ascites amylase activity, the pancreatic concentrations of lysosomal enzymes or the morphology of the pancreas were not affected. This suggests that the CCK receptors are not involved in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis in this experimental model, and, consequently, that CCK receptor antagonists have no place in the therapy of this condition.

Modulation of 5-fluorouracil toxicity by uridine, deoxyuridine, orotate and dipyridamole in normal tissues of rats with liver adenocarcinoma

The cytotoxicity of 5-FU, given by the hepatic artery, was measured by its incorporation into the acid soluble fraction, RNA and DNA in normal tissues and an adenocarcinoma transplanted into the liver in rats. Other substances were simultaneously administered by the portal vein to modulate the cytotoxicity. None of them had any significant influence on the incorporation of 5-FU into tumor. Dipyridamole decreased the incorporation of 5-FU into liver RNA and increased the nucleotide/DNA and RNA/DNA ratios so that the incorporation into mg RNA per liver cell was unchanged. Dipyridamole decreased the incorporation into the acid soluble fraction, RNA and DNA of the small intestine and also into RNA per mg DNA. It increased the nucleotide/RNA and RNA/DNA ratios in the bone marrow. Orotate decreased the incorporation into liver and intestinal RNA. Uridine increased the incorporation into liver RNA. The results obtained with dipyridamole were the most pronounced. Studies are continuing with this and other membrane transport inhibitors.

Incorporation of 5-fluorouracil into RNA of normal tissues and an adenocarcinoma in protein-deprived rats

One of the main cytotoxic effects of 5-FU is its incorporation into RNA. In rats, protein deprivation increases the incorporation of labelled precursors into liver RNA. We examined the effect of protein deprivation on the incorporation of a therapeutic dose of 5-FU into the liver, small intestine, kidney and bone marrow and into an adenocarcinoma transplanted to the liver in the rat. The rats were fed either on a 25% or a 0% casein diet for one week. Some rats from both groups were given amino acids or glucose parenterally. Therapeutic 5-[3H]-FU was given in a 2 h infusion by the hepatic artery and the rats were sacrificed one h later. Incorporation into liver and intestinal RNA increased significantly with protein deprivation. The increase was largely eliminated by parenteral feeding of amino acids. No differences were found in incorporation into tumor and bone marrow RNA in protein deprivation. Incorporation into the acid soluble fraction and DNA is also reported.

Hepatic artery administration of degradable starch microspheres: II. Effects on incorporation of uridine and uracil into RNA of an adenocarcinoma transplanted to rat liver

Effects of degradable starch microspheres administered via the hepatic artery were examined in rats in which an adenocarcinoma was transplanted into the liver. 3H-uridine or 3H-uracil with cold uridine and uracil, respectively, in amounts corresponding to therapeutic doses of these two pyrimidines as fluoro compounds, were administered with or without microspheres. Labeling of the acid-soluble fraction and RNA of tumor, liver, small intestine, spleen, kidney, and bone marrow was examined after 3 and 60 min after injection. When microspheres were added, the specific radioactivity of tumor RNA was significantly higher at both 3 min (P less than 0.05) and 60 min (P less than 0.01) in the rats given uridine, and in rats given uracil it was higher at 60 min after injection (P less than 0.05). There were no such differences in the labeling of the normal tissues. The results indicate that arterial administration of cytostatic drugs, such as 5-fluoropyrimidines, together with degradable starch microspheres might increase the cytotoxic effect on tumors nourished by the artery.

Isotachophoretic and HPLC determination of nucleotides in rat liver cell nuclei isolated by non-aqueous technique

Rat liver whole cells and cell nuclei were prepared by a non-aqueous technique (glycerol). The nuclear preparations were of different purity as determined by RNA/DNA ratios (0.17-1.60) and accordingly were divided into 3 subgroups (mean values 0.29, 1.04 and 1.48). RNA nucleotides were separated by isotachophoresis and HPLC and calculated per mg DNA. Two of the nuclear subgroups (RNA/DNA = 1.04 and 1.48) had significantly elevated nucleotide values in relation to RNA/DNA. UDP-N-acetylhexosamine/DNA, on the contrary, was reduced in conformity with RNA in the preparations. Our findings may indicate different nucleotide concentrations in different parts of the cell.

Ultrastructural diagnosis in the immotile cilia syndrome

This article reports on the experience with 38 biopsies from nasal mucosa, submitted with the question of immotile cilia syndrome. Fixation in glutaraldehyde with MgSO4 is preferable. At least 50 cilia should be scrutinized in the electron microscope, and dynein arms, radial spokes, sheaths, nexin links and orientation should be tabulated. Six cases displayed virtual absence of inner and outer dynein arms. The orientation of these cilia was random. Two of the patients had situs inversus. In biopsies considered not to represent the immotile cilia syndrome, about four inner and seven outer dynein arms were found per cilium.

Effect of N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate and D-glucosamine on the incorporation of 5-fluorouridine into normal tissues and an adenocarcinoma in the rat

Cytostatic treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer has been of limited value. Higher drug levels in the target substances of the tumor may improve the results. It was the aim of this investigation to examine the effect of PALA (N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate) and D-glucosamine on the level of uracil nucleotides in the liver and in an N-methyl-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced adenocarcinoma of the colon transplanted to the liver of rats, and on the incorporation of 3H-FUrd into the acid-soluble fraction, the RNA and the DNA of the tumor and of several normal tissues. Combined treatment with PALA and D-glucosamine reduced the UTP pool in the liver and the tumor. D-glucosamine alone increased UDP-N-acetyl-hexosamine in liver tissue. Pretreatment with PALA and D-glucosamine increased incorporation of 3H-FUrd into RNA of the liver and kidney, and into the DNA fraction of the liver, but had no effect on 3H-FUrd incorporation in the tumor.

5-Fluorouracil incorporation into RNA of a rat liver adenocarcinoma after hepatic artery injection together with degradable starch microspheres

The effect of degradable starch microspheres (DSM) on the cellular incorporation of 5-fluorouracil (FUra) was studied in rats with solitary liver tumours. 3H-labelled FUra [0.78 mg (6000 nmol)/kg b.wt.] was injected with saline or mixed with DSM, into the hepatic artery. Labelling of the acid soluble fraction (ASF), RNA and DNA of tumour, liver, bone marrow and small intestine was measured 60 minutes after injection. The DSM had no significant effect on the incorporation of FUra into the ASF or RNA, neither in tumour nor liver tissue. Regarding the tumour/normal tissue ratios of specific radioactivities, there was with DSM a higher tumour/liver and a higher tumour/bone marrow ratio in the ASF, indicating an increased tumour drug exposure with DSM. However, this was not accompanied by any significant increase in drug anabolism.

Variation of incorporation of [3H]orotic acid into the nucleotide and RNA fractions of different parts of the same liver lobe in the rat

1. Anaesthetized rats were given [3H]orotic acid either intraperitoneally or via a catheter into the hepatic artery with or without degradable starch microspheres. 2. The radioactivity in the acid soluble and RNA fractions of five pieces of the left lateral liver lobes was determined. 3. A variation of the distribution of the precursor into the different parts of the same liver lobe was shown. 4. This variation was most pronounced (3000-17,000 cpm/micrograms in the acid soluble fraction) when the precursor was administered via the artery and without microspheres. 5. The correlation between the radioactivity in the acid soluble and RNA fractions within each liver piece was 0.85, 0.90 and 0.75 in the three groups respectively. 6. It is suggested that the variation of the distribution depends on circulatory differences within the liver.

Effects of administration routes on the uptake of uridine and 5-fluorouridine into an adenocarcinoma transplanted to rat liver

In a model of secondary liver cancer in Wistar rats, the effect of different administration routes on the uptake of 3H-uridine into tumor and several normal tissues was studied. The rats were inoculated with a tumor cell suspension in the central liver lobe. Ten days later, they were distributed into four groups with a catheter placed in the gastroduodenal artery, the portal vein, one of the femoral veins, or in the peritoneal cavity. 3H-uridine was injected 46 h later and after an additional 90 minutes the animals were anesthetised and pieces of liver tumor and normal tissues were removed and frozen. The incorporation into the acid-soluble fraction and RNA was analyzed. In a separate experiment, 3H-fluorouridine was administered by the gastroduodenal artery and a comparison was made with the uptake of 3H-uridine. A significantly higher amount of uridine was incorporated into the tumor by the arterial route. The intraportal and intraperitoneal routes were comparable, while a somewhat higher incorporation was found by the systemic route. The consequences of using the different routes upon the incorporation into RNA of tumor and dose-limiting organs are demonstrated. With the aid of this experimental model, it is possible to evaluate further the effect by different manipulations on different drugs regarding the administration route.

Effect of hepatic artery ligation on the incorporation of 3H-orotic acid into an adenocarcinoma transplanted to rat liver

In the model of secondary liver cancer in Wistar rats a study was made of the influence of hepatic artery ligation (HAL) on the amount of nucleotides and RNA in tumor and liver tissue and on the uptake of 3H-orotic acid into these compounds and DNA after labelling for 90 minutes. Ten days after inoculation with tumor cells into the central liver lobe, a catheter was placed into the portal vein in all rats and in half of them the hepatic artery was ligated. On days one, three, five or ten, rats were given 3H-orotic acid through the catheter. On day ten 3H-orotic acid was also infused via the femoral vein or intraperitoneally. After HAL there was a decrease in the nucleotide and RNA content of the tumor cells after one, three and five days. There was no such decrease in the liver cells. In all HAL rats there was an increase in the nucleotide and RNA content of the tumor cells at day ten compared to day five. The ratio of RNA to acid soluble fraction labelling in tumors was also increased on day ten in all groups compared to HAL rats at day five. The increased uptake of 3H-orotic acid into tumour RNA at day ten after HAL strongly suggests rearterialization. There was no support for an increased vascularization of the tumor from the portal vein on day three or five. In the liver tissue, HAL had no influence. This experimental study gives no support for the use of hepatic dearterialization followed by intraportal infusion av cytostatic agents in clinical settings.

Splenic mesothelial cysts at laparoscopy

One case of splenic mesothelial cyst formation fortuitously found and biopsied during laparoscopic operation is described.

Incorporation of pyrimidines and 5-fluoropyrimidines into normal tissues and an adenocarcinoma transplanted into the liver in rat

In a model of secondary liver cancer in Wistar rats, the incorporation of tracer doses of pyrimidines and 5-fluoropyrimidines into the acid-soluble fraction, RNA and DNA of several normal tissues and of an experimental adenocarcinoma of the colon transplanted to the liver of rat was determined 90 min after infusion of the substances via the gastroduodenal artery. There was a higher incorporation after injection of FUra than after uracil into tumor RNA. There was very little labeling of DNA by FdUrd but a greater labeling of RNA following injection of this substance than following deoxyuridine in all tissues including tumor except in liver, where it was of the same magnitude. All fluoro compounds gave high labeling of the acid-soluble fraction of the kidney and liver. The experiments will be continued with therapeutic doses of the fluoro compounds.

Influence of a reticuloendothelial-suppressing agent on liver tumor growth in the rat

Reticuloendothelial (RE) function was evaluated by measuring the biokinetics of a standardized 99Tcm-sulphur colloid. Methyl palmitate was administered intravenously on two consecutive days. A statistically significant reduction in the colloid uptake rate of the liver was registered after methyl palmitate administration. Histological examination revealed no signs of destruction of RE cells or microembolization. Inoculation of an experimental nitrosoguanidine-induced transplantable adenocarcinoma to the liver was performed in 16 rats one day after methyl palmitate administration and in 16 controls. Tumor size was significantly larger in methyl-palmitate-treated animals at 7 and 14 days after inoculation. Survival was significantly decreased in methyl-palmitate-treated rats. These rats showed signs of fatty vacuolization and necrosis of liver parenchyma earlier than controls. Analyses of beta-hexosaminidase and lactate dehydrogenase revealed no deviation of enzyme levels either before or after tumor inoculation. The results indicate that a temporary suppression of RE function at the time of tumor inoculation may influence subsequent tumor growth.

Local hyperthermia in treatment of experimental liver tumors

An experimental model for local microwave hyperthermia treatment of liver tumors is presented. Fifty-four Wistar rats were inoculated with a transplantable adenocarcinoma (NGW) in the central liver lobe. Ten to 16 days later 28 of the rats were exposed to local hyperthermia. A master thermistor placed in the liver parenchyma adjacent to the tumor controlled the hyperthermia, and the tumor-bearing liver lobe was maintained at 42.0 degrees C for 1 hour. At laparotomy 7 days after treatment, the tumor volume was measured. Four weeks after tumor inoculation, autopsy was performed. The tumor and the surrounding parenchyma was excised for histopathologic examination. A statistically significant reduction in tumor growth was found after exposure to local hyperthermia, the effect of hyperthermia being most pronounced in moderate-sized tumors (300-500 mm3 or 0.5-0.75 g). In larger tumors (greater than 900 mm3 or greater than 1.1 g) extensive necrosis developed after hyperthermia treatment. This indicates good tumoricidal effect even in large tumors, although this is not obvious if reduction in tumor growth is used as the only parameter to evaluate the effect of hyperthermia.

Release of beta-hexosaminidase after administration of different agents affecting the reticuloendothelial system. An experimental study in rats

Plasma levels of a lysosomal enzyme, beta-hexosaminidase (beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, EC 3.2.1.30) were studied in Wistar rats after administration of 99mTc -sulfur colloid, 198Au colloid, gelatine (Haemaccel), alcohol, methylpalmitate and zymosan. The activity of beta-hexosaminidase was increased 10, 30 and 60 min after the zymosan injection. After 24 and 48 h, enzyme levels had returned to those at outset. The transient release of beta-hexosaminidase probably occurred only during the phagocytosis of zymosan which was evaluated by histological examination of lung, liver and spleen. After the injection of all other agents tested, no significant aberration of beta-hexosaminidase levels was seen. Activity distribution of the radio-labeled colloids revealed differences in organ uptake which were attributed to a difference in colloid particle size. Although the colloids tested have been used extensively for determination of reticuloendothelial function and histological studies suggest phagocytosis of the particles, their administration did not affect plasma beta-hexosaminidase levels. Since lysosomal enzymes are cleared from the blood predominantly by liver macrophages, the primary location of particle phagocytosis may explain the present findings.

The effect of 5-fluoroorotic acid on the early labelling of nucleotides and RNA in whole liver and of RNA in subnuclear fractions in rats given 3H-orotic acid

Male white rats were given either orotic acid or 5-fluoroorotic acid 60 min, and 3H-orotic acid 3 1/2 min before sacrifice. Liver nucleotides were analyzed by isotachophoresis. The (F)UTP pool increased to the same extent in both groups and showed the same specific labelling. The RNA synthesis, as measured by nmol of UTP entering RNA-UMP/g wet liver tissue was significantly lower in fluoroorotic acid treated rats. In the nucleolar fraction there was an increase in the RNA/DNA ratio, a decrease in the specific RNA labelling and an essentially unaltered specific labelling of RNA/microgram/DNA. The effect on the specific labelling of RNA/microgram DNA was the same in the nucleolar fraction and the nucleolar-free pellet, suggesting that the transcription of RNA in these two fractions proceeded in a similar way. There was a slight increase in the specific RNA labelling of the supernatant subnuclear fraction, containing low-molecular weight RNA. Incorporation into UDP-hexoses and UDP-N-acetylhexosamine was unchanged.

Effect of experimental folate deficiency on lipid metabolism in liver and brain

1. Rats were given a purified folate-deficient diet containing 5 g succinylsulphathiazole/kg for 4-5 months in two experiments. Control rats were supplemented with folic acid in the drinking-water. 2. Weight gain was much below normal in the folate-deprived rats after the first month. Very low folate levels were recorded in blood, liver and peripheral nerve (12-33% of control). In the central nervous system, including the cerebrospinal fluid, the folate depletion was less conspicuous (50-80% of control). Only marginal signs of anaemia were found and no signs of neurological dysfunction were detected, using nerve conduction velocity measurement and co-ordination tests. 3. Light and electron microscopy of the folate deficient liver revealed fatty infiltration, and enlargement of liver parenchymal cells, nuclei and nucleoli. There was often a considerable amount of bile ductular cells in the lobuli but no cirrhosis. The morphological changes resembled those observed in choline deficiency. 4. Phospholipid N-methylation in liver was depressed in folate-deficiency. This was probably due to a decreased availability of S-adenosylmethionine caused by the low concentrations of methylated folate in liver. Intraperitoneal administration of methionine did not normalize phospholipid methylation. 5. In folate deficiency the proportion of ethanolamine phosphoglyceride in liver was increased at the expense of choline phosphoglyceride, which is consistent with a decreased phospholipid methylation. Also an increase in liver triacylglycerol was noted, in accordance with the morphological observations. Brain lipid composition was unchanged. 6. After the injection of labelled ethanolamine, isotope accumulated in liver phosphoethanolamine in folate deficiency, probably due to an impairment of the CTP:ethanolaminephosphate cytidylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.14) reaction. The mechanism of this impairment is discussed. 7. Although the low concentrations of folate was the main nutritional change in the deprived animals, changes with respect to vitamin B12 and maybe also choline cannot be excluded. We conclude that some of the changes in folate deficiency, i.e. fatty liver and decreased biosynthesis of liver phospholipids may be due to a precipitated deficiency of lipotropic agents, whereas other differences may be specific for deficiency of folate per se, such as changes in liver phospholipid fatty acids and some of the morphological aberrations.

A scintillation camera technique for measurements of the reticuloendothelial function - comparison of different methods for measuring RES function

A highly standardized 99mTc-sulphur colloid was used to evaluate reticuloendothelial system (RES)-function in the normal rat and after RE blockade by gelatin (Haemaccel). Activity distribution in the animals was measured with a scintillation camera technique. Total uptake of activity in the liver was estimated. From the time-activity curves over the liver, the phagocytic index (kphag) was evaluated. Estimation of the uptake rate of the labelled colloid into the liver and into other parts of the RES was also performed using a two-compartment model. Different methods of evaluation of RE function were compared. It was shown that for a proper estimation of the RE function, the whole uptake curve must be considered. Gelatin (Haemaccel) significantly reduced the total colloid uptake by the liver. The colloid uptake rate into the liver was also significantly reduced. Liver specimens after colloid injection were examined by light and electron microscopy showing vacuolation of hepatocytes and sinusoidal cells probably due to pinocytosis. The technique described enables functional studies of the RES. It has the advantage of noninvasive registrations and is based on the same technical facilities as used for routine liver scintigraphy.

A case of papillary-cystic epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas

A 16-year-old girl presented with a left-sided abdominal mass. X-ray examination and computed tomography disclosed a well-defined tumor close to the tail of the pancreas, stretching the pancreatic branches from the splenic artery as demonstrated by arteriography. Ultrasonography suggested a partly cystic character. Cytologic fine-needle biopsy, histopathological and electron microscopical examination disclosed a cysto-papillary tumor, probably benign, and of an exocrine, ductular origin, and with pseudo-cystic areas similar to those found in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands. Immunohistochemistry did not demonstrate the presence of polypeptide hormones. The patient is without signs of tumor recurrence 18 months after operation.

Free and membrane-bound ribosomes and NADPH-cytochrome C reductase activity in the liver cells of protein-fed and protein-deprived rats

Rats were starved for 7 days or fed a protein-free or a 25% casein diet for 7 or 14 days. Free and total ribosomes were prepared from the liver. A determination of the ratio of mg RNA of ribosomes to mg DNA of the total homogenate was made. In starved rats, RNA of free and membrane-bound ribosomes decreased to the same extent. In rats fed a protein-free diet only mg RNA of membrane-bound ribosomes decreased significantly, and after 14 days the ratio of RNA of free to total ribosomes was increased. NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity in the liver decreased per mg DNA in protein deprivation but was unchanged per mg RNA of membrane-bound ribosomes.

Adenoma of parotid gland with sebaceous and oncocytic features

A parotid tumor having sebaceous differentiation and a particular histologic picture previously undescribed is reported. The tumor showed features of an adenolymphoma but almost completely lacked a lymphoid component. Sebaceous differentiation was seen in the epithelium of many cysts. Additionally, groups of oxyphilic cells were scattered throughout the tumor. The literature concerning sebaceous differentiation in normal and tumor bearing parotid glands, as well as that concerning tumors with some sebaceous component, is briefly discussed.

Hepatic necrosis in the pig produced by transient arterial occlusion

The effects of transient liver ischaemia were studied in young pigs. At operation, a specially designed ligature sling was placed around the hepatic artery and brought out through the abdominal wall so that it could be later tightened. All other routes of arterial supply to the liver were divided. The arterial supply was occluded for 1, 2, 4 or 12 h on the 1st and 3rd postoperative days. Ischaemic damage was assessed histologically and by serum ASAT and acid hydrolase levels. Liver necrosis developed after 1--2 h of occlusion and increased after 4 and 12 h of occlusion. Ischaemic liver damage was reduced when the operation and occlusion were separated by 72 hr.

Hyaline cytoplasmic inclusions in human hepatoma. A case report

A case of hepatoma in a 79-year old woman is reported. The patient had an enlarged liver and a pathological liver scintigram. Percutaneous liver biopsies were performed both with Menghini-and fine needles. The most prominent feature was the presence of hyaline cytoplasmic PAS-negative inclusions in liver parenchymal cells. There was no nuclear atypia. Electron microscopy disclosed two types of cytoplasmic changes. One consisted of a lamellar ultrastructure and was interpreted as a hyperplasia of smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. The other change consisted of smooth globular non-membrane limited regions containing amorphous or finely fibrillar material. This was interpreted as corresponding to the hyaline inclusions visible in the light microscope. The presence of PAS-negative hyaline cytoplasmic inclusions may thus be a sign of hepatoma. This may be of relevance for the diagnostic considerations of material obtained by fine needle biopsy.

Acute pancreatitis and hepatic necrosis in the acute afferent loop syndrome. A histopathological study in the rat

The morphological changes in the liver and pancreas during the first 12 hours in the acute afferent loop syndrome were studied in rats with a Billroth II gastric resection. Two essentially different types of changes were found in the pancreas. One was a coagulative necrosis without an inflammatory reaction, which has been found after instillation of bile, bile salts and the detergent sodium lauryl sulphate into the pancreatic ducts. The other type of pancreatitis was an intense, acute purulent inflammation often with bacteria visible in the histological sections. In the liver, large areas of necrosis were often encountered, sometimes mixed with polymorphonuclear leukocytes and bacteria, in a few cases combined with thrombi in small portal veins. The changes in the pancreas occurred very rapidly; only 4 hours after occlusion of the afferent loop there were signs of pancreatitis in some cases and 12 hours after occlusion there was an acute pancreatitis in all cases.

Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver, benign hepatomas, oral contraceptives and other drugs affecting the liver

Due to the claim of an association between focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver, benign hepatomas and oral contraceptives, the files in the departments of pathology at the university hospitals in Lund and Malmö were examined for these two diagnoses made since 1945 and 1957, respectively. 26 cases of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver and 7 benign hepatomas were found, 18 and 2, respectively, in women. Since 1963, the year before oral contraceptives were introduced in Sweden, focal nodular hyperplasia has been diagnosed in 8 women in the reproductive period of life; 4 of these had taken oral contraceptives. The 4 diagnoses were established in 1972-1974. At most, 25 per cent of Swedish females between the ages of 15 and 44 years have been on oral contraceptives. The Swedish series of 28 patients with focal nodular hyperplasia comprised 3 epileptics and 3 diabetics. At least two of the epileptics had been treated with barbiturates and/or hydantoins. The prevalence of drug-treated epilepsy in Sweden is 0.4-0.5 per cent, and of diabetes about 2 per cent. The possible aetiological role of drugs provoking an increase of the smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum of the liver and proliferation of vascular fibrous tissue in a part of the liver which preveiously may have been damaged by vascular disturbances or trauma, is considered. No relationship between benign hepatomas and drugs was found. The observations support the notion that oral contraceptives may be of aetiological importance in the development of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver, although the material is too small for epidemiological and statistical analysis.

Bone marrow biopsy of the posterior iliac crest with Gidlund's instrument in malignant diseases

The bone marrow was examined on material obtained with the Gidlund trephine and with conventional cytologic bone marrow aspiration in 225 patients with malignant disease, 144 of whom had malignant lymphoma, and in 5 patients with haematological, non-malignant disease. With Gidlund's instrument, the malignant disease to 7 cases with needle biopsy. No complications were met with either technique. Bone marrow biopsy was routinely performed in the out-patient department.

Elevated serum growth hormone in protein-deprived rats, and decreased liver RNA after hypophysectomy

Serum growth hormone was significantly higher in rats fed on a non-protein than on a 25% casein diet. In both dietary groups, hypophysectomy provoked a decrease in the RNA/DNA ratio of the liver, and, especially in the protein-deprived rats, a decrease in the RNA synthesis per liver cell, measured as the product of the RNA/DNA ratio, and the ratio of specific RNA activity to specific nucleotide activity, two hours after administration of [3H]orotic acid. In the protein-deprived rats, full reconstitution of these figures was obtained with a combination of growth hormone, hydrocortisone and triiodothyronine, but not quite with growth hormone alone. The possible role of growth hormone in protein deprivation is discussed.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, mitochondrial antibodies and possible primary biliary cirrhosis. A case report and family study

A case of a 70-year-old woman with a history of gastric ulcer and several pneumonias is presented. She was found to have pulmonary emphysema, severe alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha1AT) deficiency and raised serum mitochondrial antibodies. Surgical liver biopsy showed portal liver cirrhosis, PAS-positive, diastaseresistant globules in the hepatocytes and changes interpreted as florid duct lesion of primary biliary cirrhosis. A brother has severe alpha1AT deficiency. Two daughters had raised mitochondrial antibodies. One of the latter had a granulomatous hepatitis, a common finding in primary biliary cirrhosis. The association of alpha1AT deficiency and primary biliary cirrhosis does not seem to have been described previously.

Some biological effects observed in rats fed on single cell proteins of yeast and bacterial origin

Single cell proteins prepared from <i>yeast</i> or <i>bacterial</i> cells grown on a chemically pure hydrocarbon fraction were fed to male and female rats either as the sole sources of protein at a dietary protein level of 20 % or as supplements to a commercial stock diet at two levels providing 15 and 25 %, respectively, of single cell protein. Two control diets were used. One was a synthetic casein containing diet and the other a commercial stock diet. With the exception of an increased occurrence of renal calcification <i>yeast</i> diets did not affect mortality, general condition or behaviour of the animals. <i>Yeast</i> as the sole source of protein produced a lower growth rate than the casein and stock diets. This could be due to a deficit in sulfur-containing amino acids. Adverse effects on the health of rats fed <i>bacterial</i> single cell protein as the sole source of protein were observed. These were arrested growth, weight losses, bleedings at nose and eyes and increased mortality. At the histological examination of organs from these rats, severe pyelonephritis, nephrocalcinosis and testicular atrophies were seen. Blood from these rats showed a changed neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio.