Two cases of protruding atherosclerotic plaque with mobile projections in the aortic arch

We recently studied two patients with cerebral embolism, in whom transesophageal echocardiography revealed protruding atherosclerotic plaques with freely mobile projections in the aortic arch. Ultrasonic imaging showed that the carotid artery was normal, and transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography did not reveal a cardiac embolic source in either case. In one patient, we observed that an atherosclerotic plaque became ulcerated and developed mobile projections over the course of a year. More consideration should be given to the thoracic aorta as a source of embolism in patients with unexplained stroke.

Adrenal tissue characterization with 0.5-T MR imaging: value of T2*-weighted images

The authors investigated the value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 0.5 T for distinguishing adrenal adenomas from adrenal metastases. The series included 23 adrenal adenomas (18 nonhyperfunctioning, five hyperfunctioning) and 23 adrenal metastases from various organs. Adrenal tumor-liver signal intensity ratios on T1-, T2-, and T2*-weighted images were calculated for adrenal tissue characterization. Adrenal adenomas were more precisely distinguished from adrenal metastases on T2*-weighted images (21 of 23, 91%) than on T2-weighted images (15 of 23, 65%). T1-weighted images were not useful for this distinction. In conclusion, T2*-weighted images were better than routine T2-weighted images for distinguishing adrenal adenomas from adrenal metastases. It can be postulated that the total signal intensity of adrenal adenomas, which contain some fat components, decreased on T2*-weighted images because of an out-of-phase effect.

Pharmacologic properties of KT2-962 (6-isopropyl-3-[4-(p- chlorobenzenesulfonylamino)-butyl]-azulene-1-sulfonic acid sodium salt); a new TXA2/prostaglandin endoperoxide receptor antagonist

Pharmacologic properties of KT2-962 (6-isopropyl-3-[4-(p-chlorobenzenesulfonylamino)butyl]-azulene+ ++-1-sulfonic acid sodium salt, KT) were studied in isolated rat aorta, rat tail artery, rabbit aorta, rabbit renal artery, and pig coronary artery. KT competitively inhibited the contractions induced by thromboxane A2 (TXA2) mimetic, U46619 (pA2 values 9.95, 8.85, 7.87, 8.49, and 9.12, respectively). KT also inhibited the contraction of rabbit aorta induced by prostaglandin2 alpha (PGF2 alpha, pA2 value 7.85) and the contraction of guinea pig ileum induced by LTD4 (pA2 value 5.48) but did not alter the contractions induced by norepinephrine (NE), Ca2+, serotonin, and histamine. KT did not alter the contractions of guinea pig ileum, which did not contract with U46619, induced by PGE2 and PGF2 alpha. KT inhibited the aggregations of rabbit platelets induced by U46619, arachidonic acid, and collagen (IC50 values 7.9, 140, and 16 microM, respectively) but not those induced by ADP. It also inhibited the specific binding of TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonist, [3H]SQ29,548, to rabbit gel-filtered platelets with an IC50 value of 1.5 x 10(-8) M. In in vivo experiments with mice, oral administration of KT protected the U46619-induced sudden death with the minimum effective dose of 0.3 mg/kg and provided such protection for > 8 h at 1.0 mg/kg. These results indicate that KT is a new nonprostanoid type TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonist that is orally effective and long acting.

Na+/H+ exchanger and reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias in isolated perfused heart: possible role of amiloride

The roles of the Na+/H+ exchange system in the development and cessation of reperfusion induced ventricular arrhythmias were studied in the isolated perfused rat heart. The hearts were perfused in the working heart mode with modified Krebs Henseleit bicarbonate (KHB) buffer and whole heart ischemia was induced by a one-way ball valve with 330 beat/min pacing. Ischemia was continued for 15 min followed by 20 min of aerobic reperfusion (control). Amiloride (1.0 mM), an inhibitor of the Na+/H+ exchange system, was added to the KHB buffer only during reperfusion (group B) or only during ischemic periods (group C). Electrocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters were monitored throughout the perfusion. Coronary effluent was collected through pulmonary artery cannulation and PO2, PCO2, HCO3- and pH were measured by blood-gas analyzer. The incidence of reperfusion induced ventricular arrhythmias was 100%, 100% and 0% in control, group B and group C, respectively. The mean onset time of termination of reperfusion arrhythmias was significantly shorter in group B than in control. PCO2 increased from 39.0 +/- 0.9 to 89.3 +/- 6.0 mmHg at the end of ischemia in control and from 40.6 +/- 0.4 to 60.5 +/- 5.8 in group C, the difference between groups was statistically significant. HCO3- level decreased from 21.8 +/- 0.1 to 18.3 +/- 0.5 mmol/l in control, however, this decrease was significantly inhibited in group C (from 22.0 +/- 0.5 to 20.3 +/- 0.2). The increase in PCO2 and the decrease in HCO3- in group B were similar over time to those observed in control.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Protective effect of probucol on ischemia-reperfusion arrhythmias in the rat heart

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of probucol on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the isolated working rat heart.

DESIGN

Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: one was fed normal chow (group C) and the other was fed chow containing 1% probucol for four weeks (group P). Samples of heart organ and blood were then taken under anesthesia. Isolated hearts were perfused in a working heart model. After 5 mins of perfusion in aerobic conditions, global ischemia was induced for 15 mins, the hearts were then reperfused. Aortic and coronary flow, cardiac function and electrocardiogram were monitored throughout the experiment, including a 20 min period of reperfusion. Serum lipids and lipid peroxide were also measured in each rat.

RESULTS

Rats in group P (probucol-treated) had significantly lower levels of serum cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid than those in group C (controls). Serum lipid peroxide was also significantly lower in group P than in group C rats (P < 0.05). The incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in the ischemia and reperfusion stages was lower in group P than in group C (P < 0.001) and the increase in coronary flow during the reperfusion stage was greater in isolated hearts of group P rats than in those of group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Probucol may have a protective effect on myocardium with respect to ischemia-reperfusion arrhythmia in the isolated rat heart, presumably due to an antioxidative effect.

Effect of protein adsorption on the transport characteristics of asymmetric ultrafiltration membranes

The effects of bovine serum albumin adsorption on the transport characteristics of asymmetric poly(ether sulfone) ultrafiltration membranes were determined using polydisperse dextrans with gel permeation chromatography. Actual dextran sieving coefficients were evaluated from observed sieving data for both the clean and preadsorbed membranes using a stagnant film model. The flux dependence of the actual dextran sieving coefficients was used to evaluate the intrinsic membrane hindrance factors for convective (i.e., sieving) and diffusive transport for the different molecular weight dextrans using classical membrane transport theory. Protein adsorption caused a reduction in both dextran sieving and diffusion, with the magnitude of the reduction a function of the dextran molecular weight and pore size. The effects of adsorption on the specific pore area and the membrane porosity were then determined using a recent model for solute transport through asymmetric ultrafiltration membranes. The data indicate that protein adsorption occurs preferentially in the larger membrane pores, causing a greater reduction in solute sieving compared to the membrane hydraulic permeability and porosity than would be predicted on the basis of either a simple pore blockage or pore constriction model.

Effect of 17 beta-oestradiol on contraction, Ca2+ current and intracellular free Ca2+ in guinea-pig isolated cardiac myocytes

1. The effect of 17 beta-oestradiol on cardiac cell contraction, inward Ca2+ current and intracellular free Ca2+ ([free Ca2+]i) was investigated in guinea-pig single, isolated ventricular myocytes. The changes of cell length were measured by use of a photodiode array, the voltage-clamp experiments were performed with a switch clamp system and [free Ca2+]i was measured with the Ca2+ indicator, Fura-2. 2. 17 beta-Oestradiol (10, 30 microM) caused a decrease in cell shortening at both 22 and 35 degrees C. This negative inotropic effect was accompanied by a decrease in action potential duration mainly brought about by a shortening of the plateau region of the action potential. 17 beta-Oestradiol (10, 30 microM) induced a similar decrease in cell shortening in voltage-clamped and current-clamped cells. 3. In Fura-2 loaded cells, 17 beta-oestradiol (10 and 30 microM) decreased systolic Fura-2 fluorescence to 72 +/- 7% and 47 +/- 4% (n = 6, P less than 0.001) of control respectively. 17 beta-Oestradiol (10 microM) had no significant effect on diastolic Fura-2 fluorescence, but at higher concentration (30 microM) induced a slight decrease in resting Fura-2 fluorescence. The effect of 17 beta-oestradiol was reversible after 1-2 min of washout of the steroid. 4. 17 beta-Oestradiol (10 and 30 microM) decreased the peak inward Ca2+ current (ICa), which was sensitive to [Ca2+]o, dihydropyridines and isoprenaline, to 59 +/- 3% and 39 +/- 5% (n = 7 approximately 9, P less than 0.01) respectively, without producing any significant change in the shape of the current-voltage relationship.5. The recovery time of ICa from inactivation was delayed by 17beta-oestradiol (10microM). The inhibitory effect of 17beta-oestradiol on ICa was less at a holding potential of -80 mV than at -40 mV.6. We conclude that 17beta-oestradiol has a negative inotropic effect on guinea-pig single ventricular myocytes by inhibiting ICa and so reducing systolic [Ca2+]i. 17beta-Oestradiol may therefore have a Ca2+ channel blocking property in guinea-pig isolated ventricular myocytes.

Prevalence of HTLV-I antibody among two distinct ethnic groups inhabiting the Amazon region of Brazil

HTLV-I seroprevalences of 3.63% (02/55), 12.19% (10/82) and 13.88% (10/72) were demonstrated among Tiryio, Mekranoiti and Xicrin Amazonian Indians, respectively, by the Western blotting enzyme assay (WBEI). By indirect immunoelectron microscopy (IIEM), 2 Tiriyo, 9 Mekranoiti and 6 Xicrin Amerindians were reactive. Of 44 serum samples from Japanese immigrants, none reacted by any of the techniques before mentioned. One, 8 and 6 serum samples from Tiryio, Mekranoiti and Xicrin Indians, respectively, were both WBEI and IIEM positive. Our results strongly suggest that HTLV-I and/or an HTLV-I antigenic variant circulate (s) among populations living in the Amazon region of Brazil.

[Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia associated with translocation 1;7, marked platelet aggregation and cryofibrinogenemia: a case report]

A 64-year-old male was admitted in September 1989 with complaints of fever and muscular weakness in the extremities. A peripheral blood examination on admission revealed WBC 10,300/microliters (monocytes 32%), RBC 195 x 10(4)/microliters, Hb 7.9 g/dl, Plt 12.8 x 10(4)/microliters with trilineage dysplasia. Bone marrow biopsy was normoplastic marrow with 25.7% of monocytes including immature blasts. Cytochemical analysis of the monocytes showed positive for peroxidase and dual esterase staining. Chromosomal analysis of peripheral blood revealed 46, XY, -7, +der(1) t(1;7)(p11;p11). A diagnosis of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia was made. Hemostatic studies revealed cryofibrinogenemia, marked platelet aggregation on blood smear, hyperfibrinogenemia and a marked increase in maximal amplitude of thrombelastogram. Treatment with prednisolone and VP16, resulted in a reduction of peripheral monocytes and a disappearance of cryofibrinogen, marked platelet aggregation and a decrease in muscular weakness. Nine months after diagnosis he died of DIC, pneumonia, lung abscess and sepsis.

A case of CREST syndrome with rapidly progressive liver damage

A patient with CREST syndrome (calcinosis cutis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) who had severe jaundice (total bilirubin 29.1 mg/dl) and rapidly progressive liver damage is reported. The liver damage findings matched the criteria of autoimmune chronic active hepatitis (CAH). There have been no prior reports of a case of CREST syndrome with autoimmune CAH in Japan. Anticentromere antibody (ACA) was detected in the serum; ACA seemed to be related to the pathogenesis of these two diseases.

Autonomous growth of human T-lymphotropic virus type I infected human lymphocytes treated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and ultraviolet rays

Human T-cell cultures infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) and interleukin-2 (IL-2)-dependent for their continuous growth were treated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and then maintained in the medium containing phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA). Cells achieved independence from IL-2 but became TPA-dependent for continuous growth. Multiple ultraviolet (UV) irradiations of TPA-dependent cells resulted in their autonomous growth. G-band karyotype analysis revealed multiple chromosomal abnormalities that were seen in cells before and after MNNG treatment and UV irradiations, and those that were only seen in autonomously growing cells. Viral expression was found to be transiently enhanced in association with emergence of certain chromosomal changes. Exposure of HTLV-I infected cells to certain mutagens may promote the occurrence of the specific rearrangement of cellular genes responsible for regulation of cellular and viral replication and may lead these cells to neoplastic transformation.

Ischemia-reperfusion arrhythmias and lipids: effect of human high- and low-density lipoproteins on reperfusion arrhythmias

The effect of high- and low-density lipoproteins separated from human serum on the postischemic reperfusion arrhythmias was investigated. The hearts were perfused by working heart mode with Krebs Henseleit bicarbonate buffer containing arachidonic acid (1 microgram/ml) for 5 minutes. Whole heart ischemia was induced by the use of a one-way ball valve, and hearts were perfused for 15 minutes followed by 20 minutes of reperfusion. Physiologic concentrations of high- and low-density lipoproteins were constantly infused through the atrial route during ischemic perfusion. Coronary effluent was collected via pulmonary artery cannulation for subsequent radioimmunoassay of thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, the major stable metabolites of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin, respectively. The incidence of ventricular arrhythmias during reperfusion was 6/6 (100%), 1/6 (17%), and 6/6 (100%) in control, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein infusion groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in coronary flow among the three groups throughout the perfusion. Both thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha increased significantly during ischemia compared with preischemic values in all groups of hearts. However, the ratio of these two parameters varied in control and low-density lipoprotein infusion groups during ischemia, while there was no significant change in the high-density lipoprotein infusion group. These results provide the possibility that arachidonate metabolites may be involved in the regulation of ischemia-reperfusion arrhythmias and that high-density lipoprotein that was infused during ischemia markedly inhibits the incidence of ischemia-reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias, due in part at least, to stabilizing the arachidonate metabolites during ischemic perfusion.

Inhibitory effects of selected antiviral compounds on human hepatitis B virus DNA synthesis

By using an assay system based on a human hepatoblastoma cell line (HB611) that continuously synthesizes hepatitis B virus DNA, the following compounds were found to inhibit hepatitis B virus DNA synthesis at concentrations that were significantly lower than their minimum cytotoxic concentrations: 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)-2,6-diaminopurine (PMEDAP), (S)-9-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine, 9-(phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine, 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrocytidine, and 2',3'-dideoxycytidine. The most potent compound was PMEDAP (50% effective concentration, 0.02 micrograms/ml). The selective index, or ratio of the 50% cytotoxic concentration to 50% effective concentration, of PMEDAP was greater than 750.

[Healing promoting effect of azuletil sodium (KT1-32) on experimental chronic gastric ulcers and acceleration of healing in SPF environment]

We examined the healing promoting effects of azuletil sodium on acetic acid and clamping cortisone-induced gastric ulcer in rats. For the experiments on clamping-cortisone gastric ulcer, we used not only conventional rats in conventional conditions but also specific pathogen free (SPF) rats on SPF environment in order to prevent infection. The following results were obtained. 1) In acetic acid ulcer, azuletil sodium (AZE) (greater than or equal to 90 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly decreased ulcer index. As estimated on the basis of stage analysis (Ulcer, Healing, Scar), AZE (greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly promoted the healing of ulcers. 2) In clamping cortisone ulcer (conventional), AZE (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly promoted the regeneration of blood vessels. 3) In clamping cortisone ulcer (SPF), AZE at greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day significantly increased the healing index and mucosal regeneration index, respectively. 4) In clamping cortisone ulcer (SPF), the infection that was observed in the conventional test was not seen at all and the acceleration of healing was observed. Furthermore, the extent of adhesion was also reduced, and the standard errors of various healing indices were smaller. From these results, it is concluded that AZE accelerated the healing of experimentally-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

Characterization of the vasoinhibitory actions of KT2-230, a new benzothiazepine vasodilator derivative on isolated rabbit vascular smooth muscles: an alpha-adrenergic- and serotonergic-receptor antagonist

1. Pharmacological properties of KT2-230 (benzothiazepine derivative), a newly synthesized vasorelaxing agent, were studied. 2. In the anesthetized dogs, KT2-230 increased the femoral and vertebral blood flow without effect on systemic blood pressure. 3. In rabbit aorta, KT2-230, methysergide and phentolamine inhibited contractile responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine. 4. The response to norepinephrine was also inhibited by KT2-230 and phentolamine. Responses to histamine were not affected by KT2-230. 5. Responses to KCl and Ca2+ in K+ depolarized aorta in Ca2(+)-free medium were inhibited by a high concentration of KT2-230. 6. In rabbit iliac artery, KT2-230 inhibited the response to caffeine in Ca2(+)-free medium. 7. KT2-230 decreased total La3(+)-resistant Ca2(+)-binding at high affinity sites. 8. These results indicate that KT2-230 inhibits alpha 1-adrenoceptors and 5-HT-receptors and at high concentrations it inhibits slow Ca2(+)-channels. KT2-230 may inhibit the Ca2(+) release from caffeine- and agonist-sensitive Ca2+ stores.

Increasing effect of sodium 3-ethyl-7-isopropyl-1-azulenesulfonate 1/3 hydrate (KT1-32), a novel antiulcer agent, on gastric mucosal blood flow in anesthetized

Effect of a novel azulene derivative KT1-32 on gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) was studied to elucidate its mucosal defensive mechanisms underlying the antiulcer action. The GMBF was measured by two methods which were based on heat clearance and laser Doppler velocimetry in the rat. Intravenous administration of KT1-32 produced a dose-dependent increase in GMBF at doses of 0.3-10 mg/kg; significant increases in GMBF were observed at doses not less than 1 or 3 mg/kg by the laser Doppler or heat clearance method, respectively. The duration of action was about 10 min at 10 mg/kg of KT1-32. A good parallelism in these GMBF changes was noted between both methods. Cetraxate, an antiulcer agent, elicited an increase in GMBF at 30 mg/kg, i.v., when GMBF was measured by the heat clearance method. Sodium guaiazulene 3-sulfonate, another azulene antiulcer agent, showed no increase in GMBF. It is suggested that the increasing effect of KT1-32 on GMBF contributes to its antiulcer activity through strengthening mucosal defensive mechanisms.

Effects of topical application of KT1-32 on transmucosal potential difference and acid secretion in the rat stomach

Effects of intragastric application of azuletil sodium (KT1-32), a novel antiulcer drug, on transmucosal potential difference (PD) and acid secretion were investigated in the rat stomach. The stomach was mounted on a Lucite chamber and perfused with saline before and after exposure to KT1-32 for 10 min. KT1-32 (3-30 mg/kg) produced an elevation of PD in a dose-dependent manner with a rise of the luminal pH. The increased PD response caused by KT1-32 (10 mg/kg) persisted after removal of the agent from the stomach, but this PD generating effect was significantly mitigated by pretreatment with omeprazole (60 mg/kg, i.p.). KT1-32 raised PD under basal conditions, but did not significantly affect the reduced PD response caused by 30% ethanol. In addition, topical application of KT1-32 significantly reduced acid secretion caused by histamine (4 mg/kg/hr, i.v.) and carbachol (20 micrograms/kg/hr, i.v.). In the in vitro study, KT1-32 at 3.9 x 10(-4) M showed 50% inhibition of the H/K ATPase activity prepared from the hog gastric mucosa. These results suggest that KT1-32 exerts locally antisecretory and PD generating effects. The latter may be accounted for by the antisecretory action, which is probably related to the H/K ATPase inhibition.

Influence of differences in tumor vascularity upon the effects of hyperthermia

Utilizing two types of human renal carcinoma heterotransplanted in nude mice, we investigated the variations in hyperthermic effects (42.5 degrees C for 30 min) caused by differences in tumor type with special reference to variations in tumor vascularity. In the hypovascular JRC1 strain, sporadic vascular dilation was observed throughout the tumors after heating. Destruction of tumor cells was observed mainly in the region of dilation. In the hypervascular JRC11 strain, homogenous vascular dilation was observed immediately after heating, mainly at the periphery of tumors. There was a decrease in the viability of cells in the center of the tumor. Therefore, the hypervascular tumors showed greater destruction mainly at the center where blood circulation was reduced. The range of necrosis was also greatly affected by the extent of vascular dilation caused by heating in hypovascular tumors.

[General pharmacological properties of an anti-ulcer drug, azuletil sodium (KT1-32)]

Azuletil sodium (AZE, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) did not affect the general behaviors, spontaneous motor activity, pentobarbital-induced hypnosis and body temperature. Furthermore, it did not elicit anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant actions. However, AZE (300 mg/kg, p.o.) elicited a stiff gate and slightly inhibited the spontaneous motor activity and electroshock-induced convulsions. It had no influence on spontaneous EEG activities, even at 30 mg/kg, i.v. AZE inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing moderately at doses above 100 mg/kg. AZE at concentrations up to 10(-5) g/ml did not affect agonist-induced contractions of the isolated ileum, trachea, vas deference and uterus, but inhibited serotonin and oxytocin-induced contraction at concentrations above 3 x 10(-4) and 10(-5) g/ml, respectively; and it also depressed spontaneous movements of the ileum and uterus at concentrations above 3 x 10(-4) g/ml. AZE caused no changes in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular pressure, ECG, tracheal pressure (TP), femoral blood flow (FBF) and coronary blood flow (CBF) at doses up to 10 mg/kg, i.v. in anesthetized dogs, but it caused an increase or a decrease in BP, an increase in TP and an increase in CBF at 30 mg/kg, i.v. However, even at 300 mg/kg, p.o., it caused no changes in BP and HR in conscious rats. AZE moderately promoted the charcoal transport. AZE at doses up to 300 mg/kg, p.o. did not affect urine volume, urinary electrolyte excretion, blood glucose and prothrombin time. These results suggest that AZE at anti-ulcer doses of 10-100 mg/kg, p.o. does not have noticeable effects on general pharmacological properties, and there is no marked differences as compared with those of GAS.

Chromosome and gene rearrangements in immortalized human lymphocytes infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type I

Karyotypes of 26 human lymphocyte cultures, infected or noninfected with human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), with or without Epstein-Barr virus infection, were analyzed by G-banding. Hypodiploidy and structural abnormalities were seen more frequently in HTLV-I-infected cultures (30%) than in virus noninfected cultures (10%) propagated for less than 200 days. In all of six immortalized cell lines infected with HTLV-I alone or with both HTLV-I and Epstein-Barr virus, clonal chromosomal abnormalities characteristic for each cell line were observed in nearly 100% of cells examined after prolonged propagation. HTLV-I-infected interleukin 2-dependent T-cells acquired the ability to grow interleukin 2 independently after consecutive treatments with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, 4-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, and 1,2-benzopyrene. By Southern blot analysis of one T-cell line and three B-cell lines infected with HTLV-I alone or with HTLV-I and Epstein-Barr virus, rearrangements of the Jk gene were found in all B-cell lines, and rearrangements of the T-cell receptor beta gene were found in all cell lines regardless of their lineage. These results suggest that human lymphocytes undergo chromosome and gene rearrangements probably through an abnormal mitotic process caused by integration of HTLV-I proviral DNA, leading to the emergence of advantageous clones for growth. This process might be promoted synergetically by certain carcinogenic compounds present in the environment of HTLV-I-infected cells.

Effect of chronically administered hydralazine on altered adrenergic neurotransmission mediated by presynaptic alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The effects of chronically administered hydralazine on adrenergic neurotransmission were evaluated in the perfused mesenteric artery of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) preloaded with [3H]norepinephrine. The 3H overflow evoked by periarterial nerve stimulation (PNS, 2-32 Hz) was greater in both young (5-week-old) and adult (13-week-old) ages of SHR in comparison with age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Hydralazine treatment, which prevented the development of hypertension, attenuated the increased 3H overflow evoked by PNS in SHR. At adult age, the logarithmic value for the concentration (nM) of salbutamol to cause a 20% enhancement of the evoked 3H overflow was significantly smaller in SHR than in WKY. The increased sensitivity of presynaptic beta-adrenoceptors in SHR was reduced by hydralazine treatment. The concentration-response curve of the facilitation of the evoked 3H overflow caused by salbutamol in hydralazine-treated SHR lay between the curves in SHR and WKY. No significant difference in the inhibitory effects of xylazine on the PNS-evoked 3H overflow was found among SHR, hydralazine-treated SHR and WKY. At young age, presynaptic alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors were supersensitive in SHR. The results suggest that an altered adrenergic neurotransmission mediated by presynaptic beta-adrenoceptors in adult SHR is partially improved by chronic hydralazine administration, this accounting for the attenuation of the increased norepinephrine release observed in hydralazine-treated SHR.

[Mitogenic activity of lipopolysaccharide from Bacteroides intermedius against C3H/HeJ mice spleen cells]

Bacteroides intermedius is one of the periodontal disease generative bacteria. Lipopolysaccharide preparation obtained from B. intermedius ATCC 25611 and ATCC 33563 strains was investigated as to Limulus activity observed with Pyrodic (endotoxin specific) reagent, and mitogenic activity in both normal and tolerant mice induced by Escherichia coli. Limulus activities of all LPS's were nearly similar to that of E. coli. LPS's preparation from B. intermedius were found to be strongly mitogenic for C3H/HeN mice spleen cells, whereas no LPS preparations were mitogenic for thymocytes of BALB/c mice. LPS-nonresponsive C3H/HeJ mice spleen cells were found to good mitogenic responses to LPS's from B. intermedius, as well as LPS from B. gingivalis 381 strain. Polymyxin B had remarkable inhibitory effect on the mitogenicity of LPS's from B. intermedius for C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice spleen cells, also that activity of B. gingivalis LPS was inhibited by polymyxin B. The mitogenicity of the LPS from B. intermedius, as measured in C3H/HeJ mice spleen cells, was considerably resistant to the proteolytic effects of proteinase K.

Effects of KT-362, a new calcium release blocker, on vascular selectivity and hemodynamic actions in anesthetized dogs

Pharmacological properties of 5-(3-((2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl)-amino)-1- oxopropyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepine fumarate (KT-362), a newly synthesized calcium release blocker, were studied by comparing its vascular selectivity and cardiovascular actions with those of verapamil, a calcium entry blocker. The relaxing effect of KT-362 in rabbit femoral and basilar artery strips contracted with norepinephrine was greater than that in aortic and coronary artery strips. In anesthetized mongrel dogs, KT-362 (0.1-3.0 mg/kg, i.v.) decreased the mean blood pressure, heart rate and total peripheral resistance in a dose-dependent manner, while cardiac output increased slightly despite a decrease in left ventricular pressure. This is consistent with the data on verapamil. Both i.a. and i.v. injections of KT-362 produced a marked dose-dependent increase in vertebral and femoral blood flow. Pretreatment of atropine, propranolol or diphenhydramine exerted no significant effect on the KT-362-induced vasodilation. Verapamil caused a marked increase in the vertebral and coronary blood flows after the injections, but only a slight increase in femoral blood flow. KT-362 at the dose of 10 mg/kg, i.v., had no significant effect on the PQ interval on the electrocardiogram in anesthetized dogs, but 0.1 mg/kg of verapamil increased this interval significantly. These results suggest that KT-362 has properties similar to calcium entry blockers such as verapamil on systemic hemodynamic actions except for the reactivity of vasculatures.

[Immunohistological demonstration of developmental protein GP68 in human tumor and embryonic tissues]

A developmental protein GP68 is known to appear stage-specifically in the developmental mouse brain. The expression of GP68 in tissues of 265 various human tumors and of 2 human embryos was examined immunohistologically using specific anti-GP68 rabbit antisera. Generally, endodermal, neural, and germ cell tumors were most frequently positive, while mesenchymal tumors were mostly and ectodermal tumors were intermediate. Anti-GP68 also gave positive reactions with some of non-neoplastic cells of cancer patients generally to lesser extents than neoplastic cells. Muscle and bone tissues of a 4-week-old embryo were weakly positive. Some tumors that were negative for CEA and AFP were strongly positive for GP68. The expression of GP68 in human tumor cells may represent an abnormal cellular gene-expression associated with the neoplastic change of the cell.

Comparative activities of several nucleoside analogs against duck hepatitis B virus in vitro

Duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) replication in primary duck hepatocytes was monitored by examining the synthesis of both DHBV DNA and DHBV core antigen. Several nucleoside analogs which were previously shown to inhibit the replication of DNA viruses (i.e., herpesviruses) and retroviruses were examined for their inhibitory effects on the synthesis of DHBV core antigen in primary duck hepatocytes. (S)-9-(3-Hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine [(S)-HPMPA], 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)-2,6-diaminopurine, 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine, and 2',3'-dideoxycytidine inhibited DHBV core antigen synthesis at concentrations that were significantly lower than those found to be toxic to the primary hepatocytes. Of all the compounds tested, (S)-HPMPA showed the lowest 50% effective concentration (0.5 micrograms/ml). The selectivity index or ratio of the 50% cytotoxic concentration to the 50% effective concentration of (S)-HPMPA was greater than 300. (S)-HPMPA not only inhibited DHBV core antigen but also DHBV DNA synthesis in DHBV-infected hepatocytes.

[An early clinical study of Z-100 in leukopenia caused by radiotherapy]

The clinical efficacy of Z-100 for the treatment of leukopenia caused by radiotherapy for malignant tumors was evaluated in an early clinical study using three doses, 2, 10 and 20 micrograms. According to the evaluation by investigators and time-course of WBC, the highest effective rate was achieved by 20 micrograms. Adverse reactions occurred in all groups, but there were no serious or clinically relevant reactions. These results suggested that Z-100 is clinically useful for the treatment of leukopenia caused by radiotherapy.

[Study of blood flow in hyperthermia using human renal cell carcinoma heterotransplanted in nude mice--differences in histological tumour pattern upon the effects of hyperthermia]

Utilizing two types of human renal cell carcinoma heterotransplanted in nude mice (JRC 1; papillary, avascular pattern, grade III, JRC 11; anaplastic and alveolar, hypervascular pattern, grade IV), we investigated the influence of tumor blood flow upon the effects of local hyperthermia (42.5 degrees C), induced by 915 MHz microwave. Blood flow was determined from the rate of thermal clearance by use of the bio-heat transfer equation. The rate of thermal clearance was measured at intervals of approximately 10 minutes throughout the treatment session after turning off the microwave for 50 seconds. With both strains it was necessary to increase the microwave power until the constant steady-state temperature of 42.5 degrees C was reached. The JRC 11 strain needed more power for the constant temperature than JRC 1, but it needed a greater decrease in power level during the heating session to maintain a constant steady-state temperature. This was an indication that the tumour blood flow decreased more markedly in the JRC 11 strain. In both tumours, a decrease of blood flow was observed during the heating session. In the case of the JRC 1 strain, it was observed that the mean value of blood flow was 1.87 times higher than that of JRC 11. This indicated a sharp reduction in blood flow in JRC 11 strain. This reduction was confirmed by the thermal clearance measurement at the end of the treatment session. A sharp reduction in blood flow in hypervascular tumour (JRC 11 strain) is caused by a stasis of intra-tumoural blood circulation during the heating.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Clinical evaluation of high dose rate intra-cavitary irradiation in the treatment of uterine cervical cancer, combined with pepleomycin suppository in uterine cavity]

By means of re-irradiation using pepleomycin suppository in uterine cavity, we attained local control for one patient who had local recurrence in uterine cavity and suffered from uterine fluor in which viable cancer cells were confirmed. We were enlightened by this therapeutic experience, so we attempted combination therapy using pepleomycin suppositories to supplement intra-cavitary irradiation, for the 11 selected patients who were suffering from uterine fluor. We investigated the treatment results in 7 patients of stage III out of 11 patients (of all stages), in comparison with 13 patients of stage III who were treated by irradiation alone. Consequently, these treatment results were approximately equivalent, and the incidence of sigmoid complications could be decreased. Side effects which were followed by the combination therapy were not serious, and so we believe that pepleomycin suppository is a simple method and valuable to supplement radiation therapy of uterine cervical cancer.

Effects of KT-362, a new Na and Ca influx and Ca release inhibitor, on canine ventricular arrhythmias

Antiarrhythmic effects of the new drug KT-362, which was reported to suppress Na and Ca currents of cardiac cells and also to suppress intracellular Ca release in isolated smooth muscle preparations, were examined using two-stage coronary ligation-, digitalis- and adrenaline-induced ventricular arrhythmias in the dog. Intravenous KT-362 at 10 mg/kg suppressed coronary ligation arrhythmia both at 24 and 48 hr after ligation, and the minimum effective plasma concentrations for arrhythmias induced by 24 hr coronary ligation and 48 hr coronary ligation were 6.1 +/- 1.7 and 8.6 +/- 2.7 micrograms/ml, respectively. Antiarrhythmic effects were accompanied by transient hypotension. Oral administration of 70-100 mg/kg was also effective on 24 hr coronary ligation arrhythmia. However, there was no prominent hypotension in these experiments. Intravenous KT-362 at 3 mg/kg suppressed digitalis arrhythmia; and the minimum effective plasma concentration was 3.3 +/- 1.2 micrograms/ml, which was lower than the effective plasma concentrations for coronary ligation arrhythmias. Intravenous KT-362 at 1 mg/kg also suppressed adrenaline arrhythmia; and the minimum effective plasma concentration was 1.0 +/- 0.1 microgram/ml, the lowest among the effective plasma concentrations. These pharmacological profiles of KT-362 are quite different from those of class 4 Ca antagonists, but similar to those of class 1 drugs such as propafenone. Though KT-362 has a hypotensive effect, it is effective on canine ventricular arrhythmias; thus its clinical usefulness for supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias is expected.

Effects of dietary ethanol on ascorbic acid and lipid metabolism, and liver drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats

Effects of dietary ethanol on ascorbic acid and lipid metabolism, and liver drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats fed a semi-purified diet containing a powdered ethanol preparation (30 cal% in the diet) were studied. Administration of ethanol increased urinary ascorbic acid excretion (p less than 0.001) and ascorbic acid level in the liver (p less than 0.001) and the spleen (p less than 0.01). The activity of hepatic aniline hydroxylase was increased (p less than 0.05) by ethanol feeding but that of aminopyrine N-demethylase was not. Increases of serum total and high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, commonly observed by the administration of xenobiotics, were not observed. These results showed ethanol possessed rather similar properties to xenobiotics such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) or 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethane (DDT) in some metabolic changes. In this study, no accumulation of lipid in the liver was observed.

Cross-reactive antibodies to BLV and HTLV in bovine and human hosts with retrovirus infection

Sera of 22 cattle naturally infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV), of 2 calves vaccinated with BLV, and of 22 patients with human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) infection were tested to BLV and HTLV-I by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting (WB). Sera of 22 healthy cattle and from 22 healthy persons, and mouse monoclonal antibody to BLV-gp51, to HTLV-I-p24, or to HTLV-I-p19 were also tested. Sera of virus-infected hosts gave significantly higher ELISA values than sera of healthy donors to both BLV and HTLV-I. The correlation between ELISA values of bovine sera to BLV and those to HTLV-I was r = 0.76, whereas that of human sera was r = 0.35. By WB and competitive WB assays, bovine sera that were ELISA-positive to BLV reacted with one or more of p12, p15, and p24 of BLV, and with only p24 of HTLV-I. Human sera that were ELISA-positive to HTLV-I reacted with p12 and p24 of BLV, and with one or more of p12, p15, p19, and p24 of HTLV-I. These results demonstrate that BLV and HTLV-I are capable of evoking cross-reactive immune response in at least some hosts under natural infection as well as by virus vaccination.

[Prognostic factors of common epithelial ovarian cancer treated by surgery and cisplatin based combination chemotherapy]

Retrospective analysis of prognostic factors in 171 patients who had common epithelial ovarian cancer (WHO) and treated by surgeries and cisplatin based combination chemotherapies were performed by survival assay and multivariate analysis. In FIGO stage 3, the estimated parameter values were in following order: residual tumour age grade performance status histological type. On analysing Stage patients, histological grading and histological typing had an effect on prognosis. Patients with grade 2 or tumours had a worse prognosis than did those with grade 1 tumours, and patients with clear-cell carcinoma or undifferentiated adenocarcinoma showed a poor prognosis.

Antigenic variations of retrovirus in Japanese cancer patients

Previously we demonstrated the prevalence of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTVL-I) infection among cancer patients in Japan. This study was carried out to examine antigenic properties of retroviruses prevalent among Japanese cancer patients. Sera of 126 Japanese patients with cancer of different organs and with no history of blood transfusion, 94 in adult T cell leukemia (ATL)-endemic area and 32 in ATL-nonendemic area, were surveyed for antibodies to HTLV-I and HTLV-II by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot analysis, and indirect immunogold electron microscopy. Among patients who were seropositive to HTLV-I, 39 of 56 (69.6%) in ATL-endemic area and 9 of 9 (100%) in ATL-nonendemic area were seropositive also to HTLV-II. Of 48 sera positive to both HTLV-I and HTLV-II, 34 (70.8%) showed stronger reactivities to HTLV-I than to HTLV-II. Among patients who were seronegative to HTLV-I, 3 of 38 (7.9%) in ATL-endemic area and 5 of 23 (21.7%) in ATL-nonendemic area were seropositive to HTLV-II. Antibodies appearing and disappearing in sera of patients examined during the clinical course reacted with peptide species of HTLV-I and/or HTLV-II not always consistent with peptide species cross-reactive between HTLV-I and HTLV-II. These results indicate the antigenic diversity of retroviruses prevalent among Japanese cancer patients.

Hyperthermia with simultaneous administration of interferon using established human renal carcinoma heterotransplanted in nude mice

Using human renal carcinoma heterotransplanted in nude mice, the effects of the combined use of hyperthermia and interferon (natural human interferon-alpha; IFN-alpha, and recombinant interferon-gamma; IFN-gamma) were examined. The hyperthermic device used was the Clini-Therm, Mark VII, 915 MHz, microwave. The administration of interferon was started immediately before hyperthermia and carried out on consecutive days. The combined use of hyperthermia and IFN was compared with hyperthermia and with IFN alone. The combined use of hyperthermia and IFN-alpha was shown to have significant anti-tumour effects compared with the former or latter alone. Of 10 nude mice (10 implanted tumours) used for the experiment, 5 showed complete disappearance of the implanted tumours and the others showed prolongation of survival. Combined treatment with IFN-gamma and hyperthermia showed no significant effect when compared with other treatment groups. Combined treatment with local hyperthermia and IFN-alpha may have some application to the clinical management of renal carcinoma.

Thromboxane A2 antagonistic action of a new anti-ulcer agent, azuletil sodium (KT1-32)

The TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonistic activity of azuletil sodium (KT1-32), a new anti-ulcer agent, was examined. KT1-32 competitively antagonized the contraction of canine gastric arteries induced by U-46619, PGF2 alpha, and PGE2, whereas it had no effect on the PGF2 alpha-, PGE2- and LTD4-induced contraction of guinea-pig ileum, which was not affected by U-46619. In anesthetized dogs, KT1-32 significantly reduced the U-46619-induced decrease in gastric arterial blood flow. Gastric contraction induced by U-46619 in anesthetized rats was markedly inhibited by KT1-32. KT1-32 showed no influence on TXA2 synthetase and cyclooxygenase activities. These results indicate that KT1-32 is a competitive TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonist, which may be important as to the effectiveness of KT1-32 against gastric ulcer.

Elicitation of bovine antibody to BLV-gp51 by BLV-vaccination

This study was carried out to demonstrate sequential changes of antibody response to gp51 of BLV in bovine hosts injected with BLV-vaccine. BLV vaccine was prepared from culture fluids from FLK-BLV cells by treatment with 0.1% formalin for 48 hrs at 4 degrees C followed by ultrafiltration and lyophilization. Sterile vaccine containing 300 mg protein/ml, 1 mg of which was reactive by ELISA with monoclonal anti-BLV-glycopeptide up to 1:256 dilution, was injected intradermally with Freund's adjuvant into two 1-month-old Holstein calves seronegative for BLV. The first and second booster injections were given without adjuvant 3 and 15 weeks, respectively, after the initial injection. Sera collected weekly from these animals were analyzed to monitor development of antibody to BLV-gp51 by Western blotting and immunoferritin electron microscopy, as well as by ELISA to whole BLV and to BLV-gp51 partially purified by column chromatography. Antibody to BLV-gp51 was detected in sera collected 2 weeks after the initial injection, increased 2 weeks after the first booster, maintained its level during the following 10 weeks, and increased again 2 weeks after the second booster injection. Infectious BLV was not detected by syncytium-formation assay of lymphocytes collected 15 weeks after the initial injection. This study demonstrated sequential changes of anti-BLV-gp51 antibody elicited in bovine hosts subsequent to injection of formalin-treated BLV. Further analysis of bovine antibody to BLV-gp51 may help develop improved BLV-vaccine.

[Radiotherapy for T1 and T2 carcinomas of the tongue: combination therapy using low-dose external irradiation and an interstitial implant]

Between January 1975 and October 1984, 114 previously untreated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were treated by a radical course of irradiation at the Jikei University Hospital. Of these patients, eighty with T1 or T2 lesions are analyzed in this paper, some having been treated with an interstitial implant alone or with a combination of external irradiation and an interstitial implant. The two-year local control rate of the primary lesion reached 85% in T1 patients, and 68% for those graded T2. Late radiation injuries were seen in 18% of the cases with local control beyond one year. Most of these injuries, however, healed with conservative therapy. The cumulative 5-year survival rate was 75% in T1 patients, and 52% for those graded T2. The combination of low dose external irradiation (20-30 Gy) and an interstitial implant showed the same local control rate, the same incidence of late injury, and the same survival rate as those who received an interstitial implant alone. In cases that were given combination therapy, the sum dose of about 80 Gy was necessary for local control.

[Therapeutic gain factor of multiple fractions per day]

Treatment with multiple fractions per day would be expected to offer a significant therapeutic gain. Clinical benefits from the therapeutic gain, however, depend on the steepness of dose-response curves for the tumor control. We discussed the therapeutic gain factor of hyperfractionation and accelerated fractionation in head and neck cancer and malignant glioma, and also discussed the impacts of this factor on the local control of the tumors.

Acid-base changes in ischemic myocardium and intervention with hypothermia or bicarbonate

Effects of ischemia and reperfusion on acid-base changes in relation to myocardial contractility, and the effects of correcting H+ were studied by lowering PCO2 or increasing HCO3- levels. The hearts were perfused by working heart mode and whole heart ischemia was induced by use of a one way valve followed by myocardial warming (37 degrees C, normothermia), cooling (18 degrees C, hypothermia) or warming plus 2.1 mM NaHCO3 for 15 min. The hearts were then reperfused for 20 min. Coronary effluent was collected through pulmonary artery cannulation and used for the measurement of acid-base changes. There were close correlations between the decrease in coronary flow and LV pressure, LV dP/dt. Close correlations were also observed between the decline in LV pressure and the rise in PCO2, H+, and the decline in HCO3-. A highly significant correlation was seen between H+ and lactate production. Myocardial contractility decreased to the same extent in 3 groups during ischemia, whereas its recovery rate in both the hypothermia and HCO3- -treated groups were significantly higher than in the normothermia group. The increment of H+ was significantly less in both the hypothermia and HCO3- -treated groups than in normothermia. These results indicate that lactate production is the major H+ producing source and the correction of H+ could minimize the ischemic insult and at the same time contribute to the reperfusion injury.

[Analysis of tolerable radiation dose on the oral mucosa and mandibular bone--external beam and/or brachytherapy]

Cooperative study from six institutes was made for the late radiation damage of oral mucosa and mandibular bone. Analysis was made for the selected patients with oropharyngeal cancer for external beam alone and with tongue cancer for interstitial implant. All of them were followed at least two years without recurrence having no secondary treatment after initial radiotherapy. As for external beam alone, frequency of the mucosal ulcer was not increased with high dose level, but tolerance dose for the oral mucosa was limited from associated mandibular damage. Late damages were not likely after brachytherapy alone.

[The tolerance dose of the urinary bladder]

The tolerance dose of the urinary bladder was estimated by studying the late injury of the urinary bladder in 79 cases of the carcinoma of the urinary bladder treated by external irradiation, in 253 cases of the uterine cervix treated by conformation radiotherapy technique or two-axes arc therapy combined with low-dose rate intracavitary irradiation of small doses, and 55 cases of the carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated by low-dose rate intracavitary irradiation combined with whole pelvic irradiation with the center splitter. As a result, the tolerance dose in case of radiotherapy of the carcinoma of the urinary bladder was revealed to be as low as TDF 100. The tolerance dose in case of radiotherapy of the carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated mainly by conformation radiotherapy technique or two-axes arc therapy was proved to be TDF 110-120, and treated mainly by intracavitary irradiation 120 or over.

Effect of milk protein and fat intake on blood pressure and the incidence of cerebrovascular diseases in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP)

The intake of two milk protein-rich diets containing casein and whey protein attenuated the development of severe hypertension in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), and extended their life span in comparison with SHRSP on a regular stock diet. Milk fat-rich diet intake reduced the incidence of cerebrovascular disease in SHRSP without a significant fall in blood pressure. These results suggest that certain milk components have a preventive effect on hypertension and cerebrovascular disease in SHRSP.

Lipoprotein lipase activity in ischaemic and anoxic myocardium

Myocardial lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity during ischaemia has not been fully understood, although it plays an important role in regulating myocardial fatty acid metabolism. In this experiment, the effects of ischaemia (Experiment A) and anoxia (Experiment B) on two distinct fractions of LPL, i.e. functional and nonfunctional forms were investigated in isolated, perfused rat heart. In Experiment A, hearts were perfused by Neely-Morgan working heart mode with Krebs Henseleit bicarbonate (KHB) buffer (95% O2:5% CO2), then whole heart ischaemia was induced by using a one-way aortic valve, simultaneously switching to the same buffer but containing heparin (5 mu/ml) for 20 min. In Experiment B, the hearts were perfused by Langendorff method with KHB buffer (95% O2:5% CO2) and the buffer was switched to KHB (95% N2:5% CO2) containing heparin for 20 min. Coronary effluent was collected at 5 min intervals and used for the measurement of functional LPL activities using 3H-glyceryltrioleate. The hearts were quickly frozen at the end of perfusion and homogenized. The suspension was used for the measurement of non-functional LPL activities. In Experiment A, functional LPL activities in ischaemia were significantly lower than in the aerobic condition. On the contrary, the nonfunctional LPL activity in ischaemia was significantly higher than in the aerobic condition. In Experiment B these values were also significantly lower than in the aerobic condition. However, there was no significant difference in non-functional LPL activity between the anoxia and aerobic condition. These results indicate that there is a conversion defect from the precursor of LPL to the functional form of LPL in ischaemia, whereas disturbed LPL synthesis might be involved in anoxic myocardium.

[Left ventricular function during atrial fibrillation assessed by left ventricular function curve using ECG-gated blood pool scintigraphy]

Cardiac function is difficult to assess in patients with atrial fibrillation due to the widely fluctuating cycle lengths resulting in variable ventricular hemodynamics. With respect to ECG-gated blood pool scintigraphy, distortion of the time activity curve occurs due to a summation of irregular cycle lengths. Therefore, performing such a study has been regarded meaningless. To evaluate left ventricular function during atrial fibrillation using scintigraphic technique, a new processing algorithm was devised to make multiple gated images which are discriminated by the preceding R-R interval, and left ventricular filling and function curves were established. The left ventricular filling curve, obtained by plotting end-diastolic volume against the preceding R-R intervals demonstrated an impairment of blood filling in cases of mitral stenosis and constrictive pericarditis, which resolved after mitral commissurotomy in case of mitral stenosis. The left ventricular function curve, established by plotting stroke volume against end-diastolic volume, was analyzed according to indices such as "slope" and "position". Both of these indices were significantly reduced in relation to the severity of heart failure according to the NYHA's functional classification and cardiomegaly on chest radiography. On individual comparisons of underlying diseases, the indices decreased in the following order; lone atrial fibrillation, hyperthyroidism, aging, hypertension, mitral valve disease, ischemic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy and aortic regurgitation. The indices correlated closely with ejection fraction. In cases of mitral regurgitation, however, the function curves were situated to the right and above those of lone atrial fibrillation and decreased in slope despite the fairly well-maintained ejection fraction. After treatment with digitalis and/or diuretics, the function curves shifted to the left and upward. In conclusion, left ventricular filling and function curves based on a newly-devised algorithm of ECG-gated blood pool scintigraphy are of considerable clinical value in evaluating cardiac performance in patients with atrial fibrillation. They are widely applicable to the assessment of therapeutic and interventional effects.

Functional and metabolic properties in hearts from aged spontaneously hypertensive rats

The effect of long-term pressure overload on myocardial functional and metabolic alterations was investigated in hearts from spontaneously hypertensive rats of 16 weeks (young SHR) and 44 weeks (aged SHR) and age matched normotensive Wistar Kyoto strain rats (young WKY, aged WKY). The hearts were perfused by working heart mode and whole heart ischemia was induced by one-way valve. Following 20 min of ischemia, the hearts were reperfused for 30 min. The heart-body weight ratio in both SHR groups was significantly higher than in the respective age-matched WKY groups. Coronary flow relative to heart weight in both SHR groups was significantly lower than that of the respective age-matched WKY during both preischemic and reperfused periods. There was no significant difference in the recovery rate of cardiac output between young and aged WKY, whereas the young and aged SHR revealed significantly less recovery than their respective age-matched WKY. Tissue creatine phosphate and energy charge in both aged groups were significantly lower than in the young groups. These results indicate that long-term pressure overload increases susceptibility to ischemia and decreases the myocardial reserve presumably resulting from relative ischemia, whereas deterioration was minimal in the normotensive aged rat heart.