Fine structure and distribution of lymphatic vessels in the human dental pulp: a study using an enzyme-histochemical method

The existence of lymphatic vessels in the human dental pulp and their distribution were established by light and electron microscopy using an enzyme-histochemical method. The distinction between lymphatic and blood vessels was made by light microscopy on cryostat sections of undecalcified and decalcified teeth using 5'-nucleotidase(5'-Nase)-alkaline phosphatase double staining. On the tissue surface, 5'-Nase-positive lymphatic vessels were highlighted with good contrast and resolution by backscattered electron imaging using scanning electron microscopy. By transmission electron microscopy, dense granular precipitations resulting from the 5'-Nase reaction were seen on the luminal surface of the lymphatic endothelial cells as well as in the area at the basal side, but were absent in the blood vessels. These lymphatic vessels were more numerous in the central part than in the peripheral odontoblastic layer.

Efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation for bleeding esophageal varices in patients with tumor thrombus of the portal vein trunk (Vp3) associated with hepatocellular carcinoma

We studied the efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in 16 patients with tumor thrombus of the portal vein trunk (Vp3) associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. The average (+/-SD) number of O rings used was 9.0 +/- 5.0 for the esophageal varices (n = 7) and 16.4 +/- 4.5 for the esophagogastric varices (n = 9). The variceal size was quickly reduced in 11 of the 13 cases whose therapeutic outcome was able to be assessed by endoscopy. The red color sign improved in 10 of the 13 cases, but the therapeutic end point (F0, RC-) was achieved in only two patients, who were also treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy. Emergency EVL achieved only short-term survival (17.14 +/- 6.64 days) and transient hemostasis. Elective EVL was associated with a survival duration of 90.0 +/- 64.25 days. The difference in the survival rate between emergency and elective cases was significant (P < .05). With regard to the timing of its application, EVL, being a less-invasive treatment, should be performed electively before variceal rebleeding for those patients with Vp3 hepatocellular carcinoma whose liver function is preserved.

[Regulation of antithrombogenicity in endothelium by hemodynamic forces]

Hemodynamic forces modulate various endothelial cell functions even in the presence of cytokines under gene regulation. We have investigated the effect of shear stress on the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) perturbed by cytokines, using modified cone-plate viscometer. Thrombomodulin (TM), a surface glycoprotein receptor for thrombin that catalyzes the activation of the protein C anticoagulant pathway, and tissue factor (TF), a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a central role in blood coagulation, are important regulators for coagulation in endothelium. Shear stress of 18 dynes/cm2 increased the expression of TM either in the presence or absence of TNF alpha (100 U/ml). In contrast, shear stresses of 6 approximately 24 dynes/cm2 decreased the expression of TNF alpha-induced TF in a shear intensity- and exposure time- dependent manner Tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA), which converts plasminogen to plasmin to degrade fibrin clot, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which inhibits t-PA function, play central roles in fibrinolysis in the endothelium. Treatment of the cells with IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha under static conditions had no effect on t-PA secretion, while release of PAI-1 increased. When cells were exposed to increasing shear stress up to 24 dynes/cm2, levels of t-PA significantly increased relative to shear stress, while PAI-1 secretion decreased gradually. In the presence of IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha, the increased production of t-PA was further augmented. These results clearly indicate that shear forces act as an important regulators of the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems in endothelium, to maintain antithrombogenicity of blood vessels.

Different female reproductive phenotypes determined by human growth hormone (hGH) levels in hGH-transgenic rats

The effect of continuous human GH (hGH) secretion on female reproduction was studied in adult female transgenic rats expressing the hGH gene with a mouse whey acidic protein (mWAP) promoter. Two lines of transgenic female rats carrying the mWAP/hGH gene were established and used in the study. One was characterized by relatively high levels of serum hGH (high line), and the other had relatively low levels (low line). High-line female rats had recurring, pseudopregnancy-like estrous cycles accompanied by increased serum progesterone levels for 2 wk after ovulation, and they were fertile. In these rats, luteinization occurred spontaneously without cervical stimulation, probably due to high levels of serum hGH, which has prolactin (PRL)-like activity in the rat. Although low-line female rats had recurring, regular 4-day estrous cycles, they were sterile. In these rats, pseudopregnancy could not be induced by mating or by mechanical cervical stimulation. PRL surges following cervical stimulation were not detected, and PRL secretion was not induced by a dopamine antagonist, metoclopramide. The ovarian tissue in this line had a much higher number of corpora lutea and grew much heavier than in normal littermates, suggesting impairment of PRL-induced structural luteolysis. Suppression of PRL secretion in low-line rats was, at least in part, due to a marked decrease in the number of lactotrophs in the pituitary. The present study shows that the serum hGH level plays a crucial role in regulating luteal function in female transgenic rats expressing the hGH gene.

Enhancement of interleukin-1 alpha mediated autocrine growth of cultured human keratinocytes by sho-saiko-to

We investigated the effects of Sho-saiko-to, the most commonly used herbal medicine in Japan, on the production of interleukin (IL)-1 alpha by cultured human epidermal keratinocytes. IL-1 alpha production was significantly promoted by treatment with 100 or 500 micrograms/ml Sho-saiko-to for 24 or 48 hr. Expression of IL-1 alpha receptors was the most markedly upregulated after treatment with 500 micrograms/ml Sho-saiko-to for 24 hr and with 100 or 500 micrograms/ml for 48 hr; these cells showed the characteristics of multilayered differentiated keratinocytes. The presence of an anti-IL-1 alpha antibody during the treatment with 500 micrograms/ml of Sho-saiko-to for 24 or 48 hr or with 100 micrograms/ml for 48 hr significantly down-regulated the synthesis by the keratinocytes and induced damages in them. Keratinocytes treated with Sho-saiko-to might produce IL-1 alpha and express IL-1 alpha receptors. IL-1 alpha may regulate the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes after Sho-saiko-to treatment. These findings suggest that Sho-saiko-to enhances the autocrine growth mediated by IL-1 alpha.

The chemopreventive agent oltipraz stimulates repair of damaged DNA

Carcinogens may damage DNA either through the production of radicals that cause base modification in situ or through the formation of bulky adducts at relatively nucleophilic sites. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that administration of the dithiolethione oltipraz protects laboratory animals from the development of tumors following subsequent exposure to a variety of carcinogens. This may occur through a mechanism involving the induction of detoxicating gene expression. In some models, oltipraz treatment following carcinogen exposure may also confer protection. To investigate a possible mechanism for this observation, we studied the effects of oltipraz on base excision repair and platinum-DNA damage formation and removal. No effect of oltipraz was observed on base excision repair as determined by an in vitro assay measuring the repair of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites by untreated and oltipraz-treated HT-29 whole-cell extracts. Treatment of HT-29 cells with cisplatin in the absence or presence of 30 and 100 microM oltipraz decreased the accumulation of platinum in DNA. A dose-dependent reduction in DNA platination was also observed in purified DNA treated concurrently with cisplatin and increasing concentrations of oltipraz. When DNA was first platinated and subsequently incubated with oltipraz, no decrease in platinum content in DNA was found. Preincubation of HT-29 cells with oltipraz enhanced the rate of removal of total platinum-DNA adducts and interstrand cross-links. These data support a novel mechanism through which dithiolethiones may protect carcinogen-exposed animals from tumor formation and may expand their potential role in the clinic.

Carrier-mediated transport of monocarboxylic acids in primary cultured epithelial cells from rabbit oral mucosa

PURPOSE

Using primary cultured rabbit oral mucosal epithelial cells (ROEpi), we investigated whether carrier-mediated drug absorption via the oral mucosal route occurs.

METHODS

Oral mucosal epithelial cells were isolated from rabbit buccal mucosa and cultured on tissue culture plates. When the cells reached confluence, drug uptake experiments were performed. [14C]Benzoic acid or [14C]acetic acid was used as a marker for monocarboxylic acid carrier-mediated transport.

RESULTS

The uptake of [14C]benzoic acid by ROEpi occurred at a much lower rate at 4 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. The metabolic inhibitors, sodium azide and 2,4-dinitrophenol, significantly inhibited the uptake of [14C]benzoic acid by ROEpi. Various monocarboxylic acids inhibited the uptake of [14C]benzoic acid or [14C]acetic acid by ROEpi, whereas dicarboxylic acids did not affect the uptake. Kinetic analysis using Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed that acetic acid competitively inhibited the uptake of [14C]benzoic acid, and benzoic acid competitively inhibited the uptake of [14C]acetic acid by ROEpi.

CONCLUSIONS

There exists a carrier-mediated transport system for monocarboxylic acids in oral mucosal epithelial cells.

Current problems with intrahepatic bile duct stones in Japan--congenital biliary malformations as a cause

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In patients with primary intrahepatic bile duct stones, strictures of the biliary duct are often present, but the relationship between these strictures and the formation of the stones remains controversial. Intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma in association with intrahepatic bile duct stones has recently been reported. The present study attempted to ascertain whether bile stasis induced by congenital biliary strictures is the basis for the formation of stones and occurrence of carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed the location of strictures in 58 patients with strictures in the upper portion of the biliary tract including 38 patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones and 9 with intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma. The cell cycle of epithelial cells from the intrahepatic bile duct were analyzed with using proliferating cell nuclear antigen, which is a immunohistochemical staining method.

RESULTS

Fifty six of 58 patients had congenital cystic dilatation of the common bile duct (two infant type and 54 adult type). Thirty eight patients had intrahepatic bile duct stones proximal to the strictures at the hepatic hilum. The location of the strictures were classified into four types. Nine patients had intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma and eight of the 9 carcinomas coexisted with intrahepatic bile duct stones. In the nine patients with intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma, the expression of proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the carcinoma and the normal bile duct epithelium adjacent to the carcinoma was higher than that of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma without anomaly of the biliary duct.

CONCLUSION

Considering the location of the strictures and clinical features, the strictures may have been formed congenitally. Furthermore, adult type cysts of the common bile duct with strictures in the upper portion of the biliary tract are thought to be the basis for the formation of primary intrahepatic bile duct stones. The most appropriate treatment for intrahepatic bile duct stones is thus suggested to be removal of the affected hepatic segment including the region of strictures, combined eventually with hepaticoenterostomy.

Competitive PCR quantification of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine mRNA in the central nervous system during autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that can be induced by immunization with myelin basic protein (MBP)/complete Freund's adjuvant and serves as a model for multiple sclerosis. Recent studies have suggested that cytokines play a crucial role in the clinical course of EAE. To clarify the roles of cytokines in EAE, we examined levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA in isolates from infiltrating inflammatory cells in EAE lesions induced in Lewis rats. The non-radioactive and sensitive competitive PCR method was employed to quantify the relative amounts of cytokine mRNA. Levels of both IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha mRNA were increased at the early stage of EAE and rapidly decreased at the peak stage. On the other hand, TGF-beta1 mRNA was demonstrated throughout the course of EAE as well as under normal conditions and its amount paralleled the severity of EAE. IL-10 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) under normal conditions, but was below the level of detection of competitive PCR. IL-10 mRNA expression peaked at the early stage of EAE and declined gradually thereafter. Taken together, these results suggest that IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha might play a crucial role in the development of EAE. Furthermore, it appears that the peak expression of IL-10 mRNA at the early stage and the following marked TGF-beta1 expression at the peak stage might represent an important endogenous mechanism to limit the extent of inflammation and to prevent relapse in the course of acute monophasic EAE.

Endoscopic and pathologic features of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although the presence of Epstein-Barr virus has been documented in approximately 7% of patients with gastric carcinoma, the clinical features of Epstein-Barr virus-associated carcinoma have not been well documented. We studied the histologic and endoscopic characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma.

METHODS

We tested 124 gastric carcinomas from 117 patients using in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus encoded small RNA1. The histologic and endoscopic findings in the Epstein-Barr virus-associated groups and the negative control groups were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

Twelve tumors (9.7%) were identified as Epstein-Barr virus associated. These lesions were located mainly in the upper part of the stomach (p < .05) and had a diffuse-type histology (p < .05) compared with those in the control group. Six of seven (85.7%) early Epstein-Barr virus-associated lesions were type 0 IIc (superficial depressed) or a combined type, and 42.9% were accompanied by submucosal nodules of carcinoma with lymphoid stroma. Four of five (80%) advanced Epstein-Barr virus-associated tumors were type 3 (ulcerated without definite limits), thought to be the advanced shape of superficial depressed lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinomas often appear as superficial depressed or ulcerated lesions in the upper part of the stomach and have a diffuse-type histology with lymphoid infiltration.

An unique CD4+CD8+ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte specific for DnaK (Escherichia coli HSP70) may be selected by intestinal microflora of rats

We have previously shown an age-associated increase in unique CD4+CD8+ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (i-IEL) in rats. To elucidate the potential causes of the increase in CD4+CD8+ i-IEL with age, we analyzed the specificity of the CD4+CD8+ i-IEL and influence of intestinal microflora on the increase in this subset in aged rats. The purified CD4+CD8+ i-IEL proliferated in response to DnaK [Escherichia coli (E. coli) HSP70] in the presence of mitomycin-c (MMC)-treated syngeneic spleen cells. The proportion of CD4+CD8+ T cells in whole i-IEL were significantly increased in aged rats fed commercial (CL-2) diet but not in those fed home-made (purified) diet under conventional condition. No CD4+CD8+ i-IEL were detected in aged rats under germfree condition, irrespective of diet feeding. A larger number of Enterobacteriaceae, especially E. coli, were detected in the intestinal contents and feces from aged rats with CD4+CD8+ i-IEL compared with those from aged rats fed without CD4+CD8+ i-IEL. The unique CD4+CD8+ i-IEL population specific for E. coli HSP may be associated with long term exposure to intestinal E. coli in aged rats.

Prolactin expresses differential effects on apoptotic cell death of luteal cells in vivo and in vitro

PRL surges in female rats have dual effects of luteal function: either inducing luteolysis during the estrous cycle or rescuing and maintaining luteal function during pseudopregnancy. We analyzed these apparent contradictory effects in relation to apoptosis. The detection of fragmented DNA and in situ 3'-end labeling studies were done on corpora lutea (CL) collected from cycling rats at proestrus 1800 h (P1800 specimen) or pseudopregnant rats on day 6 (psp 6). Distinct DNA ladders were observed in P1800 samples as we previously reported, but only slight ones were found in psp 6 specimen. The effect of PRL on the induction of apoptosis was evaluated in vitro with dispersed luteal tissue. CL from cycling rats were exempted from a PRL surge by pre-treating donors with a dopamine agonist. The extent of apoptotic reaction in P1800 specimen depended on the doses of PRL added to the culture medium. In psp 6 specimen, in contrast, PRL suppressed the apoptotic reaction, increased the cell survival rate (MTT assay), and decreased the cell death rate (LDH assay). Furthermore, PRL enhanced 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in P1800 specimen but suppressed it in psp 6 specimen. In summary, PRL in rats is either an apoptosis-inducer or -suppressor, depending on the functional state of luteal cells.

Distribution of endothelin and endothelin-A receptor in the lacrimal glands of the monkey (Macaca fuscata)

Endothelin (ET) is well known to be a potent vasoconstrictor peptide with autocrine and paracrine function. It has been documented that ET is also present in non-muscle tissues. The distribution of ET and ET-A receptor (ET-AR) in the monkey lacrimal gland was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Three adult male monkeys (Macaca fuscata) were perfused with a fixative. The lacrimal glands were then dissected and sectioned. Using rabbit anti-ET and anti-ET-AR antibodies, the immunohistochemical procedure was performed following an ABC technique. Some sections were treated with rhodamine-phalloidin, which selectively binds to actin filaments. ET immunoreactivity was present in stellate-shaped cells located around the alveoli. In sections double-stained with anti-ET antibody and rhodamine-phalloidin, ET immunoreactivity and abundant filamentous actin were identified in the same stellate cells. Immunostaining for ET-AR was also found in the stellate shape cells. The configuration of, and the abundance of actin filaments in the stellate-shaped ET- and ET-AR immunoreactive cells suggest that they are myoepithelial cells, which are contractile and may contribute to the process of lacrimal gland secretion or maintenance of the contour of the glandular endpieces. Our results indicate that endothelin is present in myoepithelial cells of the monkey lacrimal gland.

Apoptotic cell death of neutrophils in development of skin lesions of patients with anaphylactoid purpura

The participation of apoptotic cell death of neutrophils in the development of skin lesions of patients with anaphylactoid purpura was examined by the in situ specific labeling of fragmented DNA. In the early stage of the skin lesions, there were few positively stained nuclei in infiltrating cells. The number of positive cells increased markedly in the fully developed stage of the lesions. A number of neutrophils were stained positively. Finally, a few fragmented nuclei were still positive in the late stage of the lesions. It was therefore suggested that fragmentation of neutrophils in the skin lesions from the patients might be due to apoptosis. Inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine were detected in infiltrates, and interleukin-8 was also detected in vascular endothelial cells in those skin lesions. The roles of nitric oxide and interleukin-8 in the apoptosis of neutrophils are discussed.

Erbium:YAG and holmium:YAG laser root resection of extracted human teeth

Root resection of extracted human teeth was performed using the erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) and holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser to investigate the clinical application of lasers on hard tissue. The CO2 laser and the mechanical drill were also used for comparison. After resection using these technologies, the morphological changes of the cut surface were investigated by optical and scanning electron microscope. Er:YAG laser irradiation produced smooth, clean resected surfaces without signs of thermal damages. Complete obturation of the root canal was maintained after Er:YAG laser irradiation. Ho:YAG laser irradiation, however, produced some signs of thermal damage. Relatively large voids between the gutta-percha and the canal walls were revealed after Ho:YAG laser irradiation. The sealing of the dentinal tubules was not completely attained as stipulated by original conditions of this study.

Collagen gel-embedding culture of conjunctival epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Collagen has effects on cell morphology, differentiation characteristics and function. Using collagen gel culture, several studies about cell differentiation were reported. In this study, the differentiation of rabbit conjunctival epithelial cells in a collagen gel-embedding culture system was investigated by electron microscope and lectin labeling.

METHODS

Rabbit bulbar conjunctival epithelial cells were cultured in type I collagen gel. After 1 and 2 weeks of culture, some of these cells were stained with PAS and seven kinds of lectins, and others were examined by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The conjunctival epithelial cells cultured within collagen gel formed stratified cell layers and globules with cavities. The inner layer cells facing the cavities showed PAS and lectin staining patterns similar to those of conjunctival goblet cells in vivo, whereas the staining patterns of the outer layer cells on the collagen matrices resembled the patterns of non-goblet epithelial cells. Microvilli on the surface of the innermost cells, basement membranes beneath the outermost cells, tight junctions, adherent junctions, interdigitating folds and desmosomes between cells were identified on electron microscopic examination.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that cell junction structures of the conjunctival epithelial cells are well developed in collagen gel-embedding culture systems, and that the inner layer cells have carbohydrates similar to those of conjunctival goblet cells. Culture of conjunctival epithelial cells within collagen gel is a useful model for examining differentiation of these cells.

Hypoperfusion of brain single photon emission computerized tomography in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies

To investigate cerebral lesions in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies only complaining of mild headaches, but without any neurological abnormalities or abnormal computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging findings, brain single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) using N-isopropyl-p-[123I] iodoamphetamine was employed as a sensitive method. Focal low perfusion areas and/or non-uniform radioisotope uptake could be shown on brain SPECT in all patients. Quantification of cerebral blood flow with a microsphere method revealed decreased cerebral blood flow. Hypoperfusion areas might be caused by microarterial thrombosis, microvenous thrombosis or vascular spasms. Early detection of cerebral abnormalities allows steps to be taken to protect against irreversible progress of cerebral blood flow. Therefore, brain SPECT should be performed in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies.

[Antimicrobial activities of arbekacin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]

In order to evaluate antimicrobial activity of arbekacin (ABK), coagulase-type and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ABK and other drugs were determined against 700 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that were obtained in our laboratory from 1990 to 1996, 7 years. The results are summarized as follows; 1. The MIC-distributions of ABK against 100 strains of MRSA obtained yearly did not show stochastically significant differences. 2. The coagulase-type distributions showed differences over the years. Coagulase-type II strains increased and type IV strains decreased, and MIC-distributions of ABK and other drugs were different according to coagulase-types. 3. The detection frequencies of ABK-resistant strains (MIC of ABK: > or = 12.5 micrograms/ml) were 2.0 approximately 8.0% through the years. The frequency reported in 1980 was equal to the frequency obtained in 1992 approximately 1993 in a nationwide survey. Coagulase-types II, IV and VII that were ABK-resistant strains were frequently obtained, and most of ABK-resistant strains were also highly resistant to gentamicin.

Trabecular meshwork phagocytosis in glaucomatous eyes

Trabecular meshwork cells are actively phagocytic and may function to keep the drainage pathways free of cellular debris, pigment and other material. A decrease in phagocytic capacity has been proposed in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. This study was performed to compare the phagocytic capability of the human trabecular meshwork in glaucomatous and normal human eyes. The anterior segments of 6 donors with glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma, POAG: 5 donors; pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, PEX: 1 donor) and 6 normal donors were placed in perfusion organ culture. During the final 24 h of culture, latex microspheres, labeled with FITC and coated with antibodies, were perfused into the anterior segments. Eyes were then fixed, the trabecular meshworks were treated with a rhodamine-labeled secondary antibody, sectioned and the number of ingested beads determined with the laser scanning confocal microscope. Nuclei were quantitated and used to calculate the phagocytic index of each eye (number of ingested beads/number of nuclei). Anterior segments of glaucomatous donors were cultured for 1-3 days, as a preliminary culture study had revealed that culture of glaucomatous anterior segments is successful in only 50% when cultured for 21 days. Specimens of normal donors were cultured for 21 days. Ingested beads appeared green and could be differentiated from noningested beads, which appeared red, using appropriate wavelengths of the laser. Bead ingestion was confirmed with electron microscopy and the use of a secondary antibody labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Ingestion rates appeared similar among all three groups of eyes: POAG, 3.8 beads/cell; PEX, 3.3 beads/cell; normal, 3.5 beads/ cell. No evidence of significant migration or loss of trabecular cells was noted. Cell counts were not significantly different: POAG, 127 +/- 40 cells/section; normals, 136 +/- 49 cells/section. In conclusion, the phagocytic ability of the trabecular meshwork appears similar between eyes with POAG and normal eyes in perfusion organ culture. Cell loss after phagocytosis was not observed in these single-exposure experiments.

Local immune response in infertile patients with minimal endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of local immunity in women with minimal endometriosis.

METHODS

Uterine endometrium and endometrial implants were obtained simultaneously from 30 infertile women with minimal endometriosis and examined immunohistochemically using antibodies of T cell, B cell, macrophage, Langerhans cell, immunoglobulin (Ig)G, and complement (C) 3d. Serum IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, antinuclear antibody and anti-DNA antibody were also examined in 24 of the women. Data from uterine endometrium and serum were compared with 10 fertile women without endometriosis as a control.

RESULTS

Microscopic examination revealed that the endometrial implants were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 13) showed lymphocytic infiltration in the endometrial implants and group 2 (n = 17) showed no or slight lymphocytic infiltration. The endometrial implants of group 1 showed significantly more dense T-cell infiltration than those of group 2. Other types of infiltrating cells and deposits of IgG and C3d revealed no significant differences between groups 1 and 2. The immunohistochemical examination of the uterine endometrium and the serum data revealed no significant differences among all three groups. Cumulative pregnancy rates showed no significant difference between groups 1 and 2.

CONCLUSION

The difference of local immune response in endometrial implants did not affect systemic immunity.

In vivo fatiguing contraction of rat diaphragm produces hydroxyl radicals

It is suggested that free radical generation is a cause of muscle fatigue from in vitro studies. We examined whether hydroxyl radical would be generated in an in vivo fatiguing contraction of the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic fatigue was induced in rats by the in vivo rhythmic electrical stimulation of the diaphragm under mechanical ventilation for 30 min. The force-frequency relationship of a diaphragmatic muscle strip was assessed, and the production of hydroxyl radical in muscle strip was evaluated by measuring the metabolites of a reaction of salicylate with hydroxyl radical (2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate [DHBA]). After fatiguing contraction, the contractile force of the diaphragm was decreased by approximately 58% at all stimulating frequencies (P < 0.01). There was more 2,3-DHBA in the fatigued muscles compared with the control muscle (219 +/- 22 ng/g tissue versus 109 +/- 17, respectively, P < 0.01) and 2,5-DHBA (198 +/- 23 ng/g tissue versus 84 +/- 14, respectively, P < 0.01). There was a significant relationship between contractile force and the sum of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA (r = -0.71, P < 0.01). These results suggest that the development of fatigue in the diaphragm is related to the generation of hydroxyl radical.

The role of splenic macrophages in plasma tumor necrosis factor levels in endotoxemia

We investigated the function of splenic macrophages (M phi s) with respect to changes in plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in lethally endotoxemic rats treated with gadolinium chloride (GdCl3), which blocks the phagocytosis of large liver M phi s. We also carried out an immunohistochemical study to investigate the change of populations of liver and splenic M phi s under the condition of dysfunction of liver M phi s with or without splenectomy. Twenty-four-hour survival rates were 100% in the GdCl3-treated group (n = 6) and 0% in the nontreated group (n = 6). These rates did not change with splenectomy. Immunohistochemical examination with the primary monoclonal antibodies ED1, ED2 and ED3 revealed that large liver M phi s were eliminated after GdCl3 injection, and that this was not related to splenectomy. The splenic M phi s were not affected by GdCl3 treatment. Plasma TNF levels did not differ between the GdCl3-treated and the nontreated groups, irrespective of whether splenectomy was performed. It was suggested that plasma TNF levels are not affected by the splenic M phi s and that they do not compensate for dysfunction of liver M phi s after GdCl3 treatment.

Concentration-EEG effect relationship of propofol in rats

Propofol is a unique highly lipid-soluble anesthetic that is formulated in a fat emulsion (Diprivan) for intravenous (i.v.) use. It has the desirable properties of rapid onset and offset of effect following rapid i.v. administration and minimal accumulation on long-term administration. Based on physicochemical properties and preliminary brain solubility data, propofol should have an extended effect-site turnover and a resulting prolonged effect. However, a preliminary study in humans has reported a rapid blood-brain equilibration half-time (T1/2 kE0) of only 2.9 min. We used a chronically instrumented rat model to examine the unique disposition and electroencephalographic (EEG) pharmacodynamics of propofol. Although the pharmacokinetics were variable, there was low interindividual variability in the concentration-EEG effect relationship. The duration of EEG sleep was 26 (+/- 44% CV) min following 11-15 mg/kg doses of propofol. The T1/2 kE0 was 1.7 (+/- 32%) min. Apparent effect-site concentrations of 0.5-1 microg/mL were required to maintain sleep in rats. Like other general anesthetics, the concentration-EEG effect relationship of propofol is biphasic. At a propofol concentration of 0.6 (+/- 35%) microg/mL, the number of EEG waves/s was maximal at 175% of baseline awake state. Further increases in the concentration of propofol depressed EEG activity until complete suppression occurred at 7 (+/- 22%) microg/mL.

A case of hepatocellular carcinoma with marked hyperfibrinogenemia

The present report concerns a case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with marked hyperfibrinogenemia. The plasma fibrinogen level reached as high as 1,704 mg/dl. Since treatment against HCC resulted in reduction of plasma fibrinogen and PIVKA-II, an HCC marker, the hyperfibrinogenemia appears to be related to HCC. Immunohistochemically, the HCC specimen from this patient reacted strongly with antiserum to human fibrinogen, suggesting that the elevated fibrinogen was due to synthesis of this protein by the carcinoma cells, not to decreased fibrinolytic activity.