Formation of guanidinosuccinic acid, a stable nitric oxide mimic, from argininosuccinic acid and nitric oxide-derived free radicals

Guanidinosuccinic acid (GSA) is noted for its nitric oxide (NO) mimicking actions such as vasodilatation and activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. We have reported that GSA is the product of argininosuccinate (ASA) and some reactive oxygen species, mainly the hydroxyl radical. We tested for GSA synthesis in the presence of NO donors. ASA (1 mM) was incubated with NOR-2, NOC-7 or 3-morpholinosydomine hydrochloride (SIN-1) at 37 degrees C. GSA was determined by HPLC using a cationic resin for separation and phenanthrenequinone as an indicator. Neither NOR-2 or NOC-7 formed GSA. SIN-1, on the other hand, generates NO and the superoxide anion which, in turn, generated peroxynitrite which was then converted to the hydroxyl radical. Incubation of ASA with SIN-1 leads, via this route, to GSA. When ASA was incubated with 1 mM SIN-1, the amount of GSA produced depended on the incubation time and the concentration of ASA. Among the tested SIN-1 concentrations, from 0.5 to 5 mM, GSA synthesis was maximum at 0.5 mM and decreased with increasing concentrations of SIN-1. Carboxy-PTIO, a NO scavenger, completely inhibited GSA synthesis. SOD, a superoxide scavenger, decreased GSA synthesis by 20%, and catalase inhibited GSA synthesis only by 12%; DMSO, a hydroxyl radical scavenger completely inhibited GSA synthesis in the presence of SIN-1. These data suggest that the hydroxyl radical derived from a combination of NO and the superoxide anion generates GSA, a stable NO mimic. Meanwhile, synthesis of GSA by NO produces reactive oxygen and activates the NMDA receptor that generates NO from GSA, suggesting a positive feed back mechanism.

[A case of cerebral juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma: observation of the development of the tumor]

A case with cerebral juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) was reported. The patient was 33-month-old boy, who developed headache and loss of activity on December, 1994. Although he was indicated macrocephaly at the age of just 1 year, CT scan showed no abnormality at that time. On admission, MRI revealed multiple large cysts with an enhanced mural nodule in the left frontal lobe. The tumor was totally removed, and histologically diagnosed as JPA, because of alternating two types of structures of loose knit tissue composed of satellite astrocytes and compact tissue consisting of highly fibrillate cells. MIB-1 percent positivity was almost negative. We summarized and discussed the clinicopathological and proliferating characteristics of the cerebral JPA. These considerations suggested that the tumor already existed at the age of 1 year and developed during these 20 months, according to the theory that the growth rate of JPAs is programmed to slow down as the patient grows.

MR imaging of muscular sarcoidosis after steroid therapy

The nodular type of muscular sarcoidosis has been known to show characteristic MR findings: however, MR imaging features after steroid therapy have not been reported. A 48-year-old man with nodular type of muscular sarcoidosis is reported. Prior to steroid therapy, axial MR images showed peripheral increased signal intensity and central star-shaped decreased signal intensity. Coronal images showed an inner stripe of decreased signal intensity and outer stripes of increased signal intensity. After steroid therapy, axial images showed only the central star-shaped area of decreased signal intensity. Coronal images showed only the inner stripe of decreased signal intensity. It is important to know that the central area will continue to exist after steroid therapy.

Amyloid arthropathy of the hip joint: MR demonstration of presumed amyloid lesions in 152 patients with long-term hemodialysis

The aim of this study was to determine the spectrum of MR findings of presumed amyloid arthropathy of the hip joints in patients on long-term hemodialysis. We prospectively performed T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo imaging on 152 consecutive patients on hemodialysis. The duration of hemodialysis ranged from 5 months to 24 years, 2 months (mean: 8 years, 8 months). The frequency, location, and signal intensity of bone lesions were assessed. In 12 cases with contrast-enhanced MR examination, enhancement pattern of bone lesions, synovial lesions, and intra-articular lesions were characterized. Bone lesions presumed to be amyloid deposits were identified in 60 patients (39%). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that amyloid lesions were more extensive than anticipated by plain radiographs. All bone lesions showed decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images. On T2-weighted images, bone lesions showed increased signal intensity in 32 patients (54%), decreased signal intensity in 11 patients (18%), and both increased and decreased signal intensity in 17 patients (28%). Following intravenous injection of gadolinium-based contrast, all bone lesions showed moderate enhancement. Synovial thickening could not be identified on T1- and T2-weighted images. However, contrast-enhanced images showed thickened synovial membrane, which could be differentiated from joint fluid. Intra-articular nodules showed decreased or intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images and decreased signal intensity on T2-weighted images; the intra-articular nodules were contiguous with subchondral bone lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for evaluating the distribution and extent of amyloidosis of the hip joints in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis.

Structures and Photoreactivities of 2,4,6-Triisopropylbenzophenones

Crystal structures of 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzophenone (I) and its ten derivatives have been determined: (II) 2,4,6-triisopropyl-3′-methoxybenzophenone, (III) 3′-chloroformyl-2,4,6-triisopropylbenzophenone, (IV) methyl 3-(2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoyl)benzoate, (V) 2,4,6-triisopropyl-4′-methylbenzophenone, (VI) 4′-tert-butyl-2,4,6-triisopropylbenzophenone, (VII) 2,4,6-triisopropyl-4′-methoxybenzophenone, (VIII) 4-(2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoyl)benzoic acid, (IX) 4′-chloroformyl-2,4,6-triisopropylbenzophenone, (X) methyl 4-(2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoyl)benzoate and (XI) ethyl 4-(2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoyl)benzoate. The conformations of these molecules are essentially the same. The central carbonyl moiety is approximately coplanar with the 3′- or 4′-substituted phenyl group and perpendicular to the triisopropylphenyl ring. The photostability of (IX) and (X) in the solid state is attributed to the narrow reaction cavity of the triisopropylphenylcarbonyl moiety, i.e. the intramolecular movements of isopropyl groups in the triisopropylphenyl plane toward the carbonyl C atom are suppressed by intermolecular close contacts. One of the barriers for the photocyclization of (IX) and (X) is caused by a dimeric structure in crystals through the π–π interaction, which is the result of having a polar methoxycarbonyl or chloroformyl group at position 4′ of the phenyl ring.

Crystal-to-Crystal Diastereoselective Transformation of 2,4,6-Triisopropyl-4'-(S)-phenylalaninocarbonylbenzophenone Methyl Ester

Dissymmetry of the photoproduct was induced by using a chiral substituent, (S)-methylphenylalanine, in the title compound {N-4-(2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoyl)benzoyl]-(S)-phenylalanine methyl ester (I)}. On irradiation with light from a 250 W ultra-high-pressure Hg lamp for 7 h through a long-pass filter, the photoreaction in a crystal was 100% complete without the loss of crystallinity. The crystal structures (I), before, and (II) {N-[4-(7-hydroxy-3,5-diisopropyl-8,8-dimethylbicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-7-yl)benzoyl]-(S)-phenylalanine methyl ester}, after photocyclization, have been determined by X-ray diffraction. For comparison, a crystal structure analysis has also been carried out for the photoproduct (III) of the 3′-COOMe derivative after recrystallization {methyl 3-(7-hydroxy-3,5-diisopropyl-8,8-dimethylbicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-7-yl)benzoate}. The dihedral angle between the central carbonyl plane and the triisopropylphenyl ring deviates from 90° by 10 (1)° in (I), which makes an imbalance in the intramolecular O(carbonyl)...H(methine) distances of the isopropyl groups at positions 2 and 6. The crystal structure of (II) indicates that the nearer methine H was predominantly abstracted by the carbonyl O atom in the reaction. The absolute configuration around the asymmetric C atom in the cyclobutenol ring of the product is S.

Dihydropyrimidinase deficiency: structural organization, chromosomal localization, and mutation analysis of the human dihydropyrimidinase gene

Dihydropyrimidinase (DHP) deficiency (MIM 222748) is characterized by dihydropyrimidinuria and is associated with a variable clinical phenotype. This disease might be associated with a risk of 5-fluorouracil toxicity, although no cases have been reported. We present here both the molecular characterization of the human DHP gene and, for the first time, the mutations causing DHP deficiency. The human DHP gene spans >80 kb and consists of 10 exons. It has been assigned to 8q22, by FISH. We performed mutation analysis of genomic DNA in one symptomatic and five asymptomatic individuals presenting with dihydropyrimidinuria. We identified one frameshift mutation and five missense mutations. Two related Japanese adult subjects were homozygous for the Q334R substitution, whereas two other, unrelated Japanese infant subjects were heterozygous for the same mutation, but this mutation is not common in the Japanese population. A Caucasian pediatric patient exhibiting epileptic attacks, dysmorphic features, and severe developmental delay was homozygous for W360R. Using a eukaryotic expression system, we showed that all mutations reduced enzyme activity significantly, indicating that these are crucial DHP deficiency-causing mutations. There was no significant difference, in residual activity, between mutations observed in the symptomatic and those observed in the asymptomatic individuals.

Diffuse pulmonary lesions in early phase Takayasu arteritis predominantly involving pulmonary artery

We report a case of early phase Takayasu arteritis that predominantly involved the pulmonary arteries and had, along with expected radiographic findings, the unusual pattern of diffuse pulmonary parenchymal lesions on CT. We suggest that this finding may be an additional feature in early phase Takayasu arteritis and need not require investigation for an additional diagnosis.

Population and family studies of dihydropyrimidinuria: prevalence, inheritance mode, and risk of fluorouracil toxicity

To evaluate the prevalence of dihydropyrimidinuria (DHPuria), we analyzed urine samples from 21,200 healthy Japanese infants, and found two cases of DHPuria without clinical symptoms. Based on this result, we estimated the prevalence to be approximately 1/10,000 births in Japan. In addition, we analyzed pyrimidine catabolism on a previously reported family with an adult DHPuria case. We newly identified the sister of the propositus as the second case of DHPuria in this family, because she excreted large amounts of dihydrouracil and dihydrothymine. The parents and the child of the propositus showed slight increases of dihydrouracil and dihydrothymine. This is the first family with 2 cases of DHPuria, indicating that DHPuria is an inherited condition. To determine the inheritance of DHPuria in this family and to examine the risk of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) toxicity, a uracil loading test was performed on the parents. Urinary dihydrouracil concentrations in the parents after the loading were several times higher than those in normal control persons, the finding being consistent with DHPuria heterozygotes. This, along with data on the propositus, his sister, and his child, indicates that DHPuria is an autosomal recessive condition. In addition, DHPuria homozygotes may have a high risk of 5-FU toxicity, while the risk is relatively low in heterozygotes.

Experimental infection in SPF kittens with a particular calicivirus strain originally isolated from lion

Two SPF kittens were experimentally infected via the intranasal route with a strain of calicivirus originally isolated from sick lion suffering from vesicular disease. Fever, 40.3 degrees C and 40.7 degrees C, and vesicular formation in tongue and snout were reproduced in both kittens. The infected virus was recovered from nasal, oral and rectal swabs. A longer duration of virus recovery was proved with oral swab samples taken from 1 to 10 and 12 days post infection. This suggests that tongue and oral tissues are the main tissues for virus multiplication.

Surgical treatment of distal cervical internal carotid artery aneurysm

We report on a 55-year-old male with an internal carotid artery aneurysm at the level of the second cervical vertebra. Since ant-coagulation therapy failed to prevent the ischemic attack, aneurysmectomy with arterial reconstruction was performed. Vertical mandibular osteotomy allowed a wide working space in deep operative field. This technique is considered to be useful in surgery for aneurysms of the extracranial distal internal carotid artery.

Gastric outlet syndrome caused by a gallstone: report of a case

An extremely unusual case of gastric outlet syndrome, otherwise known as Bouveret's syndrome, caused by a large gallstone impacted in the duodenum due to a cholecystoduodenal fistula (CDF), is described herein. Another large gallstone impacted in the CDF itself was also detected. As endoscopic extraction of the gallstone from the duodenum proved unsuccessful, and a laparotomy was required. Our patient, being 88 years old, is probably the oldest patient recorded in the literature of this syndrome. The methods of establishing a correct diagnosis by endoscopy and recent therapeutic strategies are discussed following the case report.

Tumoral calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease with bone destruction in the shoulder. CT and MR findings in two cases

We report on specific CT and MR features in two cases of tumoral calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease in the shoulder with unusually large tumors. CT revealed features that were specific to the disease. MR was useful for detecting the extent of the mass and for obtaining information on adjacent soft-tissue and bone-marrow changes.

Contribution of a peroxide adduct of copper(II)-peptide complex to modify the secondary structure of albumin

We have found that copper(II) compounds containing a peptide group in the chelate exhibit high activity for modification or degradation of albumin in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, whereas no activity was detected for the copper(II) compounds without an amide-group. It is suggested that presence of the amide-group in the ligand may play an important role in the formation of a peroxide adduct and in activation of the peroxide ion, leading to cleavage of the peptide bond of a neighboring protein. It is implied that conversion of normal cellular prion protein PrPC into a disease-causing isoform, PrPSc is attributed to the activated peroxide ion coordinated to a copper(II) captured in the NH2-terminal domain of the PrPC.

Effects of a newly developed fat emulsion containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on fatty acid profiles in rats

A new fat emulsion of symmetrical triacylglycerols, containing only eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was developed. The effects of this preparation on serum and liver fatty acid composition were investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a fat-free oral diet for 2 wk and were then divided into two groups. Seven rats were infused for 7 d with 1 mL of the new fat emulsion, which accounted for 1% of total caloric intake. The other 7 rats received saline. Both groups of rats received a fat-free diet during the infusion. EPA and DHA decreased to one third to one fifth of normal value after 2 wk on a fat-free diet. EPA and DHA of serum and liver remained at a low level in the control group throughout the study. But in the rats administered with the new fat emulsion, EPA and DHA increased rapidly and exceeded normal values in both serum and liver after 7 d of infusion. Decreased arachidonic acid with increased 20:3n-9 resulted in the rise of the triene/tetraene (T/T) ratio to greater than 0.4, indicating an n-6 essential fatty acid deficiency in the control rats. In the group administered the new fat emulsion, however, 20:3n-9 and total content of monounsaturated fatty acids decreased significantly, and the T/T ratio was less than than 0.4 in both serum and liver. In conclusion, the intravenous use of a newly developed fat emulsion containing EPA and DHA is useful in improving the EPA and DHA status of serum and liver without any harmful effects. Beneficial effects are expected in the modulation of inflammatory and stress response.

Dental bur fragments causing metal artifacts on MR images

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to define the role of dental bur fragments in producing metal artifacts on MR images.

METHODS

Dental prosthetic reconstructions were made for two dogs. The two lower second premolars were prepared for full-cast crowns by using a diamond bur. The crown margin was placed subgingivally on the right side (1 mm below the free gingival margin) and at the same level as the free gingival margin on the left side. After 1 week, full-cast crowns were cemented in place. MR imaging was performed 7 days later.

RESULTS

Metal artifacts appeared in both second premolar regions of the mandible on MR images, with the right side, in which the crown margin was positioned subgingivally, displaying a larger signal distortion than the left side. After removal of the crown, the artifact remained on the right. On histopathologic examination, bur fragments were detected in the gingiva, more on the right than on the left. X-ray fluorescent element analysis showed iron in the gingival tissue containing bur fragments.

CONCLUSION

Distortion of MR images was considered to be attributable in part to the damage of the gingiva and in part to the presence of dental bur fragments.

Structures and magnetic properties of dimeric copper(II) benzoylformates. Erratum

The diagram which appeared as Fig. 3 on p. 660 was incorrect [Harada, Tsuchimoto, Ohba, Iwasawa and Tokii (1997). Acta Cryst. B53, 654–661]. The correct figure is shown below.

Displacements of eyeball in orbital blowout fractures

Thirty-two cases of orbital blowout fracture, excluding those of linear fracture with trap-door variety, were selected to study the changes of the eyeball position: posterior displacement or enophthalmos, medial and inferior displacement. Two-millimeter slices of computed tomographic scans were taken, and the eyeball positions were measured with the contralateral eye as a control. Intraorbital edema, if present, at least 10 days after injury had little effect on the position of the eyeball, nor was there any evidence to suggest the late onset of enophthalmos. Enophthalmos remains around 1 mm before total orbital enlargement reaches 2 ml in volume, thereafter increases proportionally with total orbital enlargement until 4 ml, then remains on a plateau. Enophthalmos increases proportionally with the increase of medial orbital wall enlargement when the inferior orbital wall enlargement is less than 2 ml. With inferior wall enlargement more than 2 ml, 3 to 4 mm of enophthalmos is seen irrespective of the increase of medial wall enlargement. The medial displacement of the eyeball increases proportionally with the increase of medial wall enlargement when inferior wall enlargement is less than 2 ml. The inferior displacement of the eyeball has little proportional relationship with medial or inferior wall enlargement when the former exceeds 2 ml. Relatively good proportional relationship is found between the enophthalmos and the medial displacement of the eyeball, but not between the enophthalmos and the inferior displacement of the eyeball.

Relapse of colon cancer followed by polymyositis: report of a case and review of the literature

The direct causal relationship between dermatomyositis-polymyositis (PM) and malignancy remains controversial. We describe herein the case of a patient who underwent surgical treatment for colon cancer, which had preceded the onset of PM with tumor relapse. The PM markedly improved following the initiation of steroid therapy, and has remained under control, probably as a result of chemotherapy. The current concepts of variable clinical courses and the possible mechanism for the association of PM with malignancy are discussed following this case report.

Anorectal malignant melanoma: report of a case

A 74-year-old woman presented with anal bleeding and a protuberant mass. A biopsy of the mass revealed the proliferation of spindle-shaped cells with melanin pigments, and an abdominoperineal resection was performed, the histology of which confirmed malignant melanoma. Surgery was absolutely noncurative because massive metastases were encountered in the pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes. However, postoperative chemotherapy, composed of decarbazine (DTIC), vincristine (VCR), and nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU), achieved satisfactory results. The patient has been well without any evidence of recurrence for more than 3 years.

Giant calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe (pilomatrixoma): imaging features

We present a case of giant calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe (pilomatrixoma) in the right upper arm of a 62-year-old man. It measured 18 x 12 x 8 cm in size, making it the largest of all the cases reported previously. CT clearly demonstrated a well-defined, subcutaneous mass with amorphous calcifications. The mass showed intermediate signal intensity on T2*-weighted MR images and slight contrast uptake on contrast-enhanced MR images. Histopathologically, this tumor showed no aggressive or malignant nature. The patient is without evidence of recurrence or metastasis 3 years following the resection.

[Studies on 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors. Synthesis of and structure--activity relationship in p-hydroxyarylalkenylbenzoazoles]

In a previous paper we reported that 2-(p-hydroxyarylbutadienyl)benzoxazoles are highly potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors. We synthesized their ethenyl homologues and benzothiazole derivatives, and evaluated their 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity in vitro with cell-free rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-1). In most cases the replacement of benzoxazolyl with benzothiazolyl resulted in an enhancement of the activity. All compounds with butadienyl spacers tested herein exhibited strong inhibitory activities. While most of the ethenyl homologues showed weaker activities than their corresponding butadienyl homologues, some ethenyl compounds in the benzothiazole derivatives were found to be as potent as their corresponding butadienyl homologues. The inhibitory activity was also affected by the variation in the p-hydroxyaryl functionality.

Intracaval invasion of left adrenal cortical carcinoma extending into the right atrium

A case of adrenal carcinoma with advanced inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement is reported. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large mass over the upper pole of the left kidney, with tumor thrombus from the IVC to the right atrium of the heart. Angiography demonstrated that this mass received its blood supply mainly from the left superior adrenal artery, and, parasitically, the left middle adrenal artery, splenic artery, and lumbar arteries. Venacavography revealed obstruction of the IVC and the collateral, dilated azygos vein. Radical surgery was performed, including resection of the tumor and the tumor thrombus in the IVC and right atrium with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. Although renal carcinoma with tumor thrombus invasion of the IVC or atrium is common, adrenal tumor thrombus invasive to the atrium is very rare.

Unusual high signal intensity on MR images in a patient with multiple tendinous xanthomas

The MR features of a 57-year-old man with multiple tendinous xanthomas are reported. The lesions of the peroneus longus tendons and the Achilles tendons showed diffuse reticulated pattern, which is the typical MR finding of tendinous xanthomas. However, the lesions of the patellar tendons showed no diffuse pattern and contained focal regions of high signal intensity on T 1-weighted images suggesting the deposition of triglycerides. The regions showed high signal intensity on T 2-weighted images and moderate enhancement on contrast-enhanced T 1-weighted images suggesting the presence of associated inflammation.

Structures and Magnetic Properties of Dimeric Copper(II) Benzoylformates

Structures of six dimeric copper(II) benzoylformates (I)–(VI) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and the magnitudes of the spin-exchange interaction (H = −2JS1S2) have been determined based on the magnetic susceptibility measurement. (I): Tetrakis(\mu-benzoylformato-O,O′)bis(pyridine)dicopper(II), [Cu(C8H5O3)2C5H5N]2, −2J = 648 cm^{-1}. (II): Tetrakis(\mu-benzoylformato-O,O′)bis(2-methylpyridine)dicopper(II), [Cu(C8H5O3)2C6H7N]2, −2J = 656 cm^{-1}. (III): Tetrakis(\mu-benzoylformato-O,O′)bis(3-methylpyridine)dicopper(II) monobenzene solvate, [Cu(C8H5O3)2C6H7N]2.C6H6, −2J = 649 cm^{-1}. (IV): Tetrakis(\mu-benzoylformato-O,O′)bis(4-methylpyridine)dicopper(II), [Cu(C8H5O3)2C6H7N]2, −2J = 625 cm^{-1}. (V): Bis(2,3-dimethylpyridinium) tetrakis(\mu-benzoylformato-O,O′)bis(chloride)dicopper(II) dibenzene solvate, 2C7H10N.[Cu(C8H5O3)2Cl]2.2C6H6, −2J = 618 cm^{-1}. (VI): Tetrakis(benzoylformato-O,O′)bis(caffeine)dicopper(II) dibenzene solvate, [Cu(C8H5O3)2C8H10N4O2]2.2C6H6, −2J = 651 cm^{-1} (caffeine = 3,7-dihydro-l,3,7-trimethyl-1 H-purine-2,6-dione). In the binuclear cage structure the coordination geometry around the CuII atoms is typical square pyramidal with Cu...Cu distances 2.725 (1)–2.843  (1) Å. An ab initio molecular orbital calculation for the benzoylformate ion indicates that the unusually strong antiferromagnetic interaction in dimeric copper(II) benzoylformates is attributed to the electronic effect of the \alpha-keto group in the bridging carboxylate moiety. This is in accordance with a positive linear relationship between −2J of the copper(II) carboxylates and the diagonal part of the 2p x orbital population of the carboxylate C atom in the symmetrical HOMO, highest occupied molecular orbital (x is parallel to the C—R bond axis in the RCOO^{-} ion).

Differential localization of s and e antigens in hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis

We report here a case of membranous glomerulonephritis associated with chronic hepatitis B (HB) virus infection and describe differential localization of HB antigens in glomeruli. The patient showed mild proteinuria and was positive for hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen, hepatitis B envelope (HBe) antigen, and antibody to hepatitis B core (HBc) antigen in the serum. The antibody against hepatitis C was negative. A renal biopsy revealed membranous glomerulonephritis with mesangial proliferation. The immunohistochemical studies using monoclonal antibodies localized the HBe antigen along the capillary wall and the HBs antigen in the mesangial area. The immunoelectron microscopic study confirmed the localization of HB antigens: HBe antigen was located in the subepithelial and intramembranous electron dense deposits and HBs antigen in the mesangial deposits. Our present results provide the first report of the differential localization of HB antigens in glomeruli at both the light and electron microscopic levels. The differential localization of HB antigens will provide insight into the pathogenesis of membranous glomerulonephritis.

Dietary effect of a symmetrical triacylglycerol, 1,3-biseicosapentaenoyl-2-gamma-linolenoyl glycerol, on fatty acid composition of guinea pigs

The dietary effect of 1,3-biseicosapentaenoyl-2-gamma-linolenoyl glycerol (STG) on the fatty acid composition of guinea pigs was examined and compared with that of an eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester (EPA-E) and of a soybean oil (SBO) diet. In terms of content of plasma lipid, EPA-E had a greater hypolipidemic effect than STG. On the other hand, in terms of EPA incorporation, contents of EPA in liver lipid were almost the same in the STG and EPA-E groups. Considering that the amount of EPA administered in the EPA-E group was almost 1.5 times that of the STG group, EPA may be absorbed more effectively as the glycerol ester than as the ethyl ester in guinea pigs. In all the tissue lipids, the STG group had a higher unsaturation index (UI) than the EPA-E group even though there is a lower UI in the STG diet than the EPA-E diet. These results suggest that greater amounts of desaturase products as a whole were synthesized in the STG group than in the other two groups. The dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid/arachidonic acid (DGLA/AA) ratio in plasma total lipids in the STG group was 3.5 times that of SBO group, and the DGLA/AA ratio in the EPA-E group was half that of the SBO group. In liver lipid, the ratios of DGLA/AA and EPA/AA in the STG group were 0.687 and 0.488 (phosphatidylcholine fraction) and 0.237 and 0.752 (phosphatidylethanolamine fraction), respectively. The ratio of DGLA/AA as well as the high EPA/AA ratio obtained in the present study with the STG diet may lead to physiological alterations, including enhanced synthesis of 1- and 3-series eicosanoids.