[Combined operation for left ventricular aneurysm and ventricular septal perforation with normal coronary arteries; report of a case]

We experienced a rare case of left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) and ventricular septal perforation (VSP) with normal coronary arteries, and had a good outcome by undergoing Dor procedure and direct closure of VSP individually. A 68-year-old female was printed out cardiac systolic murmur. Echocardiogram revealed LVA and VSP, but coronary arteriogram showed no significant stenosis. The apex was incised longitudinally, lateral and parallel to the interventricular groove. VSP was directly closed by 2 pieces of 3-0 polypropylene suture with felt strip. Purse-string stitch with 3-0 polyester suture around the transitional zone between fibrotic tissue and viable tissue was secured to firm fibrous tissue. The residual orifice was closed with an elliptical composite patch of equine pericardial patch and polyester velour with 3-0 polypropylene suture. We considered based on the operative finding that myocardial infarction (MI) led to LVA and VSP. Coronary thrombosis rather than coronary spasm may have provoked MI because spasm provocative test was negative.

Titanium surface topography alters cell shape and modulates bone morphogenetic protein 2 expression in the J774A.1 macrophage cell line

Macrophage cytokine expression significantly affects wound healing. Macrophage secretion of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFbeta1) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) may affect osteogenesis at endosseous implant surfaces. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) substrate topography on adherent macrophage osteogenic and osteoinductive cytokine expression. J774A.1 murine macrophage cell adhesion was examined by scanning electron microscopy, 0-72 h following plating onto polished, machined, and grit-blasted cpTi surfaces. TGFbeta1 and BMP-2 gene expression by adherent macrophages was determined by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Macrophage adhesion increased with time on all surfaces and spreading increased with increasing surface roughness (polished < machined < grit-blasted). BMP-2 expression was not evident for cells adherent to polished cpTi at 24 h. In contrast, BMP-2 expression occurred at 24 h in cells adherent to machined and grit-blasted cpTi. BMP-2 expression was evident on all surfaces at 72 h and was greatest in grit-blasted titanium adherent cells. Increasing concentrations of cytochalasin B (0-50 microM) inhibited macrophage spreading and reduced BMP-2 mRNA expression, suggesting a relationship between cell shape and BMP-2 expression. This was further characterized using anti-beta1 and anti-beta3 integrin antibodies. The anti-beta1 integrin antibodies inhibited adherent macrophage BMP-2 mRNA expression. Anti-beta3 integrin antibody treatment only modestly reduced BMP-2 mRNA expression. Endosseous implant surface topography induced changes in macrophage shape that were associated with changes in BMP-2 expression in J774A.1 mouse macrophage cell line. This first demonstration of BMP-2 expression by cpTi adherent macrophages suggests that the macrophage may contribute surface-specific osteoinductive signals during bone formation at implanted alloplastic surfaces.

[Giant coronary artery aneurysm in diagonal artery; report of a case]

We report a giant coronary artery aneurysm occurred in the diagonal artery. A 44-year-old woman was referred to our institution for further examination of chest X-ray abnormality. Computed tomography revealed a 6 cm intracardiac mass adjacent to pulmonary artery. Cardiac catheterization revealed a giant coronary artery aneurysm with the large thrombus in the diagonal artery. A giant aneurysm 6 cm in diameter was exposed through a median sternotomy. Under beating heart with cardiopulmonary bypass, the aneurysm was opened and organized thrombus was removed. The influx and efflux of the aneurysm were identified and ligated. Under arrested heart with cardioplegia, the diagonal artery was bypassed with the left internal thoracic artery. Finally the aneurysm was obliterated with the running suture. The patient discharged at the 17th postoperative day without any complications. Histologic evaluation of the resected aneurysm revealed atherosclerotic change, destruction of vascular layers and infiltration of inflammatory cells. These findings suggested previous history of coronary arteritis. The coronary aneurysm in this case might be resulted from Kawasaki disease.

Preoperative application of limited cone beam computerized tomography as an assessment tool before minor oral surgery

We describe the preoperative application of limited cone beam computerized tomography (CT) using a Dental three-dimensional (3D)-CT as an assessment tool before minor oral surgery. The Dental 3D-CT provided 42.7 mm-high and 30 mm-wide rectangular solid images. This size covered the height of the mandible with standing teeth. Dental 3D-CT clearly demonstrated lesions in the maxillary and mandibular bone. Resorption of the bone due to disease expansion was depicted more clearly on the Dental 3D-CT than on conventional radiographs. Information about lesion location and the relationship between the lesions and their adjacent anatomical structures, such as the mandibular canal and maxillary antrum, was useful for minor oral surgery. Due to its high resolution and low radiation dose, Dental 3D-CT was useful for preoperative examination prior to minor oral surgery.

Postnatal changes in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in rat masseter muscle

No published study on synaptogenesis in masseter muscle has focused on the shift of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) from the embryonic type (alpha(2)-, beta-, gamma- and delta-subunits) to the adult-type (alpha(2)-, beta-, epsilon- and delta-subunits) and the elimination of nAChRs outside the neuromuscular junction. To identify the time course of the nAChR transitions in rat masseter muscle between 1 and 63 days of age, the expression of delta-, epsilon- and gamma-subunit mRNAs was analysed by competitive polymerase chain reaction in combination with reverse transcription. The expression of the delta-subunit was high between 1 and 7 days of age, then decreased by 95% (P<0.0001) between 7 and 28 days, suggesting that the nAChR elimination occurs during this period. The quantity of the epsilon-subunit increased by approximately 600% (P<0.0001) between 1 and 21 days of age, whereas the quantity of the gamma-subunit decreased by 85% (P<0.0001) during the same period. This result indicates that the nAChR type shift is terminated at 21 days of age. The feeding behaviour of the rats inevitably changed from suckling to biting after 19 days of age, because they were weaned at that age. As the nAChR type shift was terminated soon after weaning, the termination could be related to the change in feeding behaviour. However, it might also be the case that nAChR elimination is not directly related to the change in feeding behaviour, as the elimination continued at the same rate for 9 days after weaning (from 19 to 28 days of age).

Osteoid osteoma in mandibular condyle

A 21-year-old Japanese woman presented with trismus and spontaneous pain (especially at night) around the left temporomandibular joint. Radiographic examination showed a subcortical sclerosed nodule measuring approximately 8 mm in diameter on the infero-lateral aspect of the left mandibular condyle. Amputation of the condyle was performed under general anesthesia. The patient has been in good condition 8 years postoperatively. The histopathology of the specimen consisted of actively proliferating osteoblasts mixed with an interlacing network of woven bone and osteoid trabeculae. Histopathological diagnosis was osteoid osteoma.

Relationship between solubility of grifolan, a fungal 1,3-beta-D-glucan, and production of tumor necrosis factor by macrophages in vitro

Grifolan, GRN, is a fungal antitumor beta-glucan isolated from Grifola frondosa. Various studies suggested that the underlying mechanism of the antitumor activity of GRN is strongly related to immune modulation. In the previous publication (Adachi et al., 1994; Okazaki et al., 1995), we have shown that GRN activates macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in vitro. In this study, the structural unit essential to produce TNF was examined by chemical modifications of GRN. GRN suspended in distilled water was treated at 150 degrees C for up to 3 h. Addition of the resulting turbid solution to the RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cell line produced TNF, and the relative activity was diminished in relation to the heat treatment period. The fractions with a heating period longer than 15 min did not show any activity. After centrifugation of the resulting solution, significant activity was shown by precipitate fractions, suggesting that the insoluble form of GRN is important for TNF production. Interestingly, the precipitate fraction obtained from 9 min of treatment also had significant activity. In addition, admixing the soluble fraction with the particles significantly inhibited the TNF production. In contrast to these observations, the high-molecular-mass subfraction of the soluble fraction prepared by ultrafiltration produced significant amounts of TNF. Similar phenomena were shown with sodium hydroxide treatment and dimethylsulfoxide treatment. These facts strongly suggested that insoluble as well as a high molecular mass soluble form of GRN are required for TNF production by macrophages.

Oxidative stress in the absence of inflammation in a mouse model for hepatitis C virus-associated hepatocarcinogenesis

The mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is still undefined. One possibility is the involvement of oxidative stress, which can produce genetic mutations as well as gross chromosomal alterations and contribute to cancer development. We recently showed that after a long period, the core protein of HCV induces hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in transgenic mice with marked hepatic steatosis but without inflammation, indicating a direct involvement of HCV in hepatocarcinogenesis. To elucidate the biochemical events before the development of HCC, we examined several parameters of oxidative stress and redox homeostasis in a mouse model of HCV-associated HCC. For young mice ages 3-12 months, there was no significant difference in the levels of hydroperoxides of phosphatidylcholine (PCOOH) and phosphatidylethanolamine in liver tissue homogenates between transgenic and nontransgenic control mice. In contrast, the PCOOH level was increased by 180% in old core gene transgenic mice > 16 months old. Concurrently, there was a significant increase in the catalase activity, and there were decreases in the levels of total and reduced glutathione in the same mice. A direct in situ determination by chemiluminescence revealed an increase in hydroperoxide products by 170% even in young transgenic mice, suggesting that hydroperoxides were overproduced but immediately removed by an activated scavenger system in young mice. Electron microscopy revealed lipofuscin granules, secondary lysosomes carrying various cytoplasmic organelles, and disruption of the double membrane structure of mitochondria, and PCR analysis disclosed a deletion in mitochondrial DNA. Interestingly, alcohol caused a marked increase in the PCOOH level in transgenic mice, suggesting synergism between alcohol and HCV in hepatocarcinogenesis. The HCV core protein thus alters the oxidant/antioxidant state in the liver in the absence of inflammation and may thereby contribute to or facilitate, at least in part, the development of HCC in HCV infection.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (1999). III. Secular changes in susceptibility]

The bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) isolated from patients diagnosed as having urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 9 institutions in Japan were supplied between the period of August 1999 to July 2000. Then, the susceptibilities of these bacteria to various antimicrobial agents were examined and the results were compared with those obtained between 1991 and 1998. Comparison was made by classifying strains isolated from patients into those with uncomplicated UTIs and those with complicated UTIs (including with or without indwelling catheter). About E. faecalis, increase of low sensitive strains noted in the former year showed a decreasing tendency, however, one strain each with MIC of 4 micrograms/ml to vancomycin (VCM) was detected in patients with both uncomplicated and complicated UTIs. As for S. aureus, many sensitive strains to cephems, imipenem (IPM) and VCM were noted, and each MIC50 was better than that in the former years. S. aureus strains showing low susceptibility to arbekacin (ABK) were detected in patients with complicated UTIs in this year as well as in the former year, and one strain each with MIC of 16 micrograms/ml and 32 micrograms/ml was detected. Susceptibilities of E. coli were effective to all drugs except for penicillins and minocycline (MINO). Decrease of low sensitive strains was also noted in all drugs except for quinolones. Each MIC90 of ciprofloxacin (CPFX) and sparfloxacin (SPFX) in patients with complicated UTIs against E. coli was 3 degrees classes lower than that in patients with uncomplicated UTIs. As for Klebsiella pneumoniae, decrease of low sensitive strains to cephems was noted in patients with uncomplicated UTIs in 1998. In 1999, low sensitive strains decreased also in patients with complicated UTIs, and few were detected. Susceptibilities of K. pneumoniae to quinolones were effective as compared with those in the former years with the MIC80s of 0.125 microgram/ml or below without detection of low sensitive strains. One low sensitive strain of K. pneumoniae with MIC of 8 micrograms/ml was detected for gentamicin (GM). Susceptibilities of P. aeruginosa to carbapenems were notable. The MIC90 of meropenem (MEPM) and IPM was 4 micrograms/ml each which was 2 degrees better than that in 1998. Resistant P. aeruginosa strains to other drugs except for monobactams decreased in 1999.

Aortic valve repair in dominant aortic regurgitation

OBJECTIVE

We studied immediate and mid-term results after aortic valve repair.

METHODS

Immediate and mid-term results were studied in 63 patients undergoing aortic valve repair, calculating survival and reoperation free rates.

RESULTS

Subjects were 49 men and 14 women aged 15 to 76 years (mean: 53 +/- 17 years). Mean preoperative aortic regurgitation grading of 1 to 4 was 3.2 +/- 0.7. Mean preoperative New York Heart Association functional class was 1.9 +/- 0.8. Two in-hospital deaths occurred. (3.2%) Mean aortic regurgitation grade at discharge was 1.3 +/- 0.8 (p < 0.0001; vs preoperative grade) and functional class was 1.1 +/- 0.2 (p < 0.0001; vs preoperative class),--significantly improved. Overall follow-up was 98.4%, and mean follow-up continued 41.4 +/- 22.1 months. Mean functional class at follow-up was 1.2 +/- 0.4 (n = 49), improved from preoperative class (p < 0.0001). Mean aortic regurgitation grading at follow-up was 1.8 +/- 0.8 (n = 41), improved from preoperative grading (p < 0.0001). Five-year survival was 95.1 +/- 2.8%. One-year reoperation freedom was 96.6 +/- 2.4% and 5-year 77.9 +/- 6.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival after surgery was good, while reoperation was comparable to other reports but less satisfactory compared to reoperation freedom after aortic valve replacement. Based on reoperative findings, a change in indication was made. We believe technical refinements could improve postoperative results.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (1999). II. Background of patients]

Five-hundred forty four bacterial strains isolated from 412 patients diagnosed as having urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 9 institutions in Japan were supplied between the period of August 1999 to July 2000. Then, the clinical background of patients were investigated such as sex, age and type of infections, infections and kind of bacteria, frequency of isolation of bacteria by age and infections, bacteria and infections by timing of administration of antibiotics, and bacteria and infections by surgical procedures. About the relationship between age and sex of patients and type of infections, the number of male patients aged less than 50 years was few, and complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter was the most frequent. In females, the number of patients aged less than 20 years was few. Complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter was the most frequent among female patients aged between 40 to 59 years, in other age groups, uncomplicated UTIs was most frequent. As for type of infections and kind of bacteria, Escherichia coli decreased when the infections became complicated, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis increased when the infection became complicated. Considering this result by age of patients, isolation frequency of E. coli was gradually decreased with aging in patients aged more than 20 years with uncomplicated UTIs or complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter. The isolation frequencies of E. faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus were gradually increased with aging in complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter. In patients with complicated UTIs with indwelling catheter, there was no difference between age group, and P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis were frequently isolated. As for type of causative organisms in UTIs before and after the administration of antibiotics, the isolation of bacteria was remarkably decreased after administration in patients with uncomplicated UTIs and complicated UTIs without indwelling catheter. E. coli decreased after administration of antibiotics, and P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis increased after administration in patients with all infections. As for type of causative organisms in UTIs and surgical procedures, E. coli were more frequently isolated in patients with uncomplicated UTIs when surgical procedures were experienced. Also, Klebsiella spp. and E. faecalis were more frequently isolated in patients with surgical procedures. However, in complicated UTIs, type of causative organisms had no relationship with surgical procedures.

[Comparative studies on activities of antimicrobial agents against causative organisms isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (1999). I. Susceptibility distribution]

The bacterial strains isolated from patients diagnosed as having urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 9 institutions in Japan were supplied between the period of August 1999 to July 2000. Then, the susceptibilities of them to many kinds of antimicrobial agents were investigated. The number of them were 499 strains. The breakdown of these strains was Gram-positive bacteria as 31.3% and Gram-negative bacteria as 68.7%. Susceptibilities of these bacteria to antimicrobial agents were as follows; vancomycin (VCM), ampicillin (ABPC) and imipenem (IPM) showed strong activities against Enterococcus faecalis. The increase of low-susceptible strains which was noticed in the former year showed a slight recovery in this year. VCM showed a strong activity against MRSA preventing growth of all strains with 1 microgram/ml. In addition, the activity of arbekacin (ABK) was also strong with the MIC90 of 2 micrograms/ml against MRSA. However, MSSA and MRSA showing low susceptibilities were detected in one strain each (MIC: 16 micrograms/ml and 32 micrograms/ml, respectively). Carbapenems showed high activities against Citrobacter freundii and Escherichia coli. Meropenem (MEPM) prevented growth of all strains within 0.125 microgram/ml. Quinolone resistant E. coli decreased in this year compared with those in the last year, that percentage was less than 5%. Almost all drugs showed strong activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. MEPM and carumonam (CRMN) prevented growth of all strains within 0.125 microgram/ml. On the other hand, one strain of K. pneumoniae showing resistance to cefaclor (CCL) and one strain of P. mirabilis showing low susceptibility to most of cephems were detected. Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, almost drugs were not so active. The MIC90s of carbapenems were 8 micrograms/ml and those of all other drugs were more than 16 micrograms/ml.

Expression of aquaporins 7 and 8 in the developing rat testis

Aquaporin (AQP) is a molecule that facilitates water permeability through cell membranes and is widely distributed in the mammalian body. Among members of the AQP family, AQP7 and AQP8 are predominantly expressed in the testis. This paper examined the expression of these two AQPs in the developing rat testis, using northern blot and immunohistochemistry to visualize their roles during the progression of spermatogenesis in the developing testis. In adult rats, expression of AQP7 was localized to spermatids, whereas AQP8 protein was observed in spermatocytes. In the developing testis, transcripts of AQP7 became detectable between 23 and 25 days post-partum, when round spermatids have been reported to appear. On the other hand, AQP8 mRNA was first detected between 13 and 16 days post-partum, consistent with the reported first appearance of spermatocytes (13-14 days). AQP7 and AQP8 proteins were detectable at 28 days post-partum. The results suggest that AQP7 and AQP8 appear in the testis in accordance with the maturation of germ cells, and are involved in spermatogenesis.

Annuloaortic repair in the treatment of aortic regurgitation and aortic root pathology

We developed a new technique of aortic root repair which may be able to eliminate the potential problem of leaflet damage, resulting from the direct contact of the aortic leaflets with synthetic vascular grafts during systole. This report describes our technique of annuloaortic repair and the operative results. Between February 1995 and October 1998, 13 patients underwent annuloaortic repair. The patients included 8 males and 5 females (mean age 50 years). Four patients had grade IV/IV aortic regurgitation (AR), 5 had III/IV AR, 2 had II/IV AR, and 1 had no AR preoperatively. Regarding the preoperative functional status, 1 patient was classified as New York Heart Association class IV, 5 were class III, 6 class II, and 1 class I. Concomitant cardiovascular procedures were performed in 12 cases. Aortic valvuloplasty or annuloplasty was performed in 7 patients. Both operative and short-term postoperative results with pre- and postoperative echocardiographic findings were studied retrospectively. The mean total cardiopulmonary bypass time was 212 min. The mean aortic cross-clamp time was 130 min. Circulatory arrest was induced in 5 patients. Postoperatively, 7 patients had no AR. Three patients had grade I/IV AR and 3 had grade II/IV AR. Perioperative changes in aortic annulus, mid-sinus portion, and sinotubular junction diameters were determined echocardiographically in 5 patients. The preoperative diameters were 2.7 +/- 0.4, 5.4 +/- 0.5, and 4.7 +/- 1.0 cm, respectively. The postoperative diameters were 2.3 +/- 0.5, 4.2 +/- 0.5, and 3.5 +/- 0.5cm, respectively. Ten patients were class I and 2 were class II. This technique of annuloaortic repair with or without aortic valvuloplasty is applicable to a certain subset of patients with aortic root disease and AR. Both the indications for this procedure and the long-term results should be confirmed.

Altered expression of genes in experimentally induced myopic chick eyes

PURPOSE

To identify a casual pathway between the alteration in visual experience, due to form deprivation and hyperopic defocus, and the increase in eye growth, we searched for candidate genes having regulatory effects on eye growth under myopic conditions.

METHODS

The expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, sonic hedgehog, nerve growth factor, Six-3 and the Lh-2 group of genes in the transcriptional level after experimentally induced myopia (form-deprivation by goggles and by hyperopic defocus using negative spectacle lenses) were evaluated by semiquantitative reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis.

RESULTS

Results showed that only the sonic hedgehog gene was differentially expressed in the experimentally induced myopic retinal samples compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The sonic hedgehog gene may have regulatory functions in the signaling of the cascade of events that leads to axial elongation and vitreous enlargement of the eye under myopic conditions.

Increase in the concentration of carbon 18 monounsaturated fatty acids in the liver with hepatitis C: analysis in transgenic mice and humans

Steatosis is one of the histologic characteristics of chronic hepatitis C and is well reproduced in a transgenic mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in which the core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) plays a pivotal role in inducing steatosis and HCC. In the present study, the lipid composition in the liver of the HCV core gene transgenic mice as well as in those of chronic hepatitis C patients was determined. The concentration of carbon 18 monounsaturated (C18:1) fatty acids, such as oleic and vaccenic acids, which are known to increase membrane fluidity leading to higher cell division rates, significantly increased in the livers of transgenic mice compared to nontransgenic control mice. The concentration of C18:1 fatty acids also significantly increased in the livers of chronic hepatitis C patients compared to subjects without HCV infection. These results suggest that HCV may affect a specific pathway in the lipid metabolism and cause steatosis in the liver.

[Adverse effects of beta-blocker eye drops on the ocular surface]

PURPOSE

We investigated the adverse effects of beta-blocker eye drops on tears and ocular surface epithelium.

METHODS

We studied twenty-three eyes of twenty three glaucoma patients [10 males, 13 females: 53.8 +/- 12.2 (yrs; mean +/- standard deviation)] treated with beta-blocker eye drops for more than three months and thirty two control subjects (16 males, 16 females: 50.4 +/- 10.9). The parameters described below were compared between the groups: 1. the radius of tear meniscus curvature, 2. grades for tear lipid layer interference patterns, 3. non-invasive breakup time (N-BUT), 4. cotton thread value, 5. scores of fluorescein staining, 6. fluorescein breakup time (F-BUT), 7. scores of rose bengal staining, 8. and Schirmer I value.

RESULTS

The glaucoma group showed a significant decrease in the radius of tear meniscus curvature (p = 0.0007), a significantly lower distribution in the grades for tear lipid layer interference patterns (p = 0.0270), a significant difference in the scores of fluorescein staining (p < 0.0001), a significant shortening in F-BUT (p = 0.0050), a significantly higher distribution in the scores of rose Bengal staining (p = 0.0010), and a significantly smaller value in Schirmer I value (p = 0.0042). However, there was no significant difference in N-BUT and cotton thread value.

CONCLUSIONS

These results clearly demonstrate that the ocular surface in glaucoma patients treated with beta-blocker eye drops show dry-eye-like changes in terms of tears and ocular surface epithelium.

Identification of a new multigene four-transmembrane family (MS4A) related to CD20, HTm4 and beta subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor

We report here the cloning of eight new cDNAs that encode a family of proteins related to the B-cell-specific antigen CD20, a hematopoietic-cell-specific protein HTm4, and high affinity IgE receptor beta chain (FcvarepsilonRIbeta). They include four clones from human, and another four clones from mouse. They share similar structure (four transmembrane domains) with amino acid identities of 25-40%. Therefore, they represent distinct genes and comprise a gene superfamily. This superfamily is now named membrane-spanning four-domains, subfamily A (the approved symbol is MS4A) to distinguish them from tetraspanins with similar structure. The highest homologies among these proteins are found in the transmembrane domains, especially in the first and second transmembrane domains, and conserved residues are also recognized in the inter-transmembrane domains. In northern blot, they were mostly expressed in lymphoid tissues: thymus and spleen. However, some were expressed in nonlymphoid tissues including brain, heart, kidney, liver, testis, lung, GI tracts, and pancreas. They may represent proteins functioning either directly as ligand-gated ion channels or as essential components of such channels. The identification of this relatively large gene family in various tissues will allow the further elucidation of physiological significance of this gene family, that is currently unclear.

A calcium-activated cation current by an alternatively spliced form of Trp3 in the heart

To investigate a cDNA encoding cation current, we isolated an alternatively spliced form of a rat Trp3, designated Trp3sv. Trp3sv encodes 736 amino acids with a unique N terminus and six transmembrane segments. Expression of the cRNA in Xenopus oocytes was successfully performed. The cation selective current appeared after the addition of ionomycin or induced by prolonged depolarization but not by hyperpolarization. This induction was not observed by a treatment with thapsigargin, phorbol ester, or ATP. Na(+), K(+), tetraethylammonium, and divalent cations were permeable, while N-methylglucamine and chloride were nominally impermeable ions. The currents were not inhibited by flufenamate ruthenium red but nonspecifically by 2 mm Gd(3+). Northern as well as Western blot suggested lower levels of the expression observed in some organs, while reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction suggested that it widely spread among various organs. Therefore, we may conclude that N-terminal spliced valiant of Trp3, Trp3sv, encodes a calcium-activated cation channel in various organs.

Insulin increased cAMP phosphodiesterase activity antagonizing metabolic actions of glucagon in rat hepatocytes cultured with herbimycin A

The baseline activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 4 was markedly lowered by primary culture of rat hepatocytes with herbimycin A for 4 h [Eur. J. Biochem. 260 (1999) 398-408.]. We now report that insulin added to this preparation of hepatocytes, which had been completely freed of herbimycin, increased the thus lowered phosphodiesterase activity, consequently antagonizing glucagon-induced production of cAMP and activation of glycogen phosphorylase. The insulin receptor beta-subunits and alpha-tubulin were tyrosine-phosphorylated upon the addition of insulin. The phosphorylation of alpha-tubulin afforded conditions unfavorable for microtubule assembly that is responsible for phosphodiesterase inhibition. These effects of insulin observed in herbimycin-pretreated hepatocytes were not inhibited by wortmannin that actually abolished insulin-induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns 3-kinase) under the same conditions. The physiological significance of the insulin action not mediated by PtdIns 3-kinase in herbimycin-pretreated hepatocytes is discussed.

Diurnal fluctuation of sleep propensity and hormonal secretion across the menstrual cycle

BACKGROUND

The fact that most women experience sleep changes across the menstrual cycle is thought to be associated with changes in circadian rhythms; however, few studies have investigated this relationship.

METHODS

We applied an ultrashort sleep-wake schedule to eight healthy women and studied diurnal fluctuations in sleep propensity, sleepiness, rectal temperature, and serum concentrations of melatonin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and cortisol in the follicular and luteal phases.

RESULTS

In the luteal phase, amplitude of core body temperature, total melatonin secretions, and amplitudes of TSH and cortisol rhythms were significantly decreased, whereas sleepiness and occurrence of slow-wave sleep during the daytime were significantly increased. Differences in the amount of daytime slow-wave sleep across the menstrual cycle were positively correlated with differences in the daily mean rectal temperature.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the amplitude of circadian oscillation may be dampened in the luteal phase. Increased daytime sleepiness in the luteal phase may be associated with increased daytime slow-wave sleep, due possibly to changes in thermoregulation in the luteal phase.

The acute and chronic stimulatory effects of endothelin-1 on glucose transport are mediated by distinct pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

We have recently shown that pretreatment with endothelin-1 (ET-1) for 20 min stimulates GLUT4 translocation in a PI3-kinase-dependent manner in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (Imamura, T. et al., J Biol Chem 274:33691-33695). This study presents another pathway by which ET-1 potentiates glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ET-1 treatment (10 nM) leads to approximately 2.5-fold stimulation of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake within 20 min, reaching a maximal effect of approximately 4-fold at approximately 6 h, and recovering almost to basal levels after 24 h. Insulin treatment (3 ng/ml) results in an approximately 5-fold increase in 2-DOG uptake at 1 h, and recovering to basal levels after 24 h. The ETA receptor antagonist, BQ 610, inhibited ET-1 induced glucose uptake both at 20 min and 6 h, whereas the ETB receptor antagonist, BQ 788, was without effect. Interestingly, ET-1 stimulated 2-DOG uptake at 6 h, not at 20 min, was almost completely blocked by the protein-synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide and the RNA-synthesis inhibitor, actinomycin D, suggesting that the short-term (20 min) and long-term (6 h) effects of ET-1 involve distinct mechanisms. GLUT4 translocation assay showed that 20 min, but not 6 h, exposure to ET-1 led to GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. In contrast, 6 h, but not 20 min, exposure to ET-1 increased expression of the GLUT1 protein, without affecting expression of GLUT4 protein. ET-1 induced 2-DOG uptake and GLUT1 expression at 6 h were completely inhibited by the MEK inhibitor, PD 98059, and partially inhibited by the PI3-kinase inhibitor, LY 294002, and the G alpha i inhibitor, pertussis toxin. The PLC inhibitor, U 73122, was without effect. These findings suggest that ET-1 induced GLUT1 protein expression is primarily mediated via MAPK, and partially via PI3K in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Microwave coagulation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

The efficacy and safety of microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and impaired hepatic reserve were studied. Preoperative background factors, postoperative results, and prognostic factors were compared in 51 patients who underwent hepatic resection (HR group) and 38 patients who underwent microwave coagulation therapy (MCT group). Before surgery, measures of hepatic function, including level of albumin (P = 0.0072), prothrombin time (P<0.0001), hepaplastin test (P = 0.0088), and the radioactivity of technetium-99m galactosyl-human serum albumin 15 min in the liver after injection divided by that in both liver and heart (P <0.0001) were significantly lower in the MCT group than in the HR group. The indocyanine green dye retention rate at 15 min was significantly greater (P<0.0001) in the MCT group than in the HR group, and a significant difference was noted in Child-Pugh grade between the groups (P<0.0001). Operative time (P = 0.0014) and blood loss during surgery (P = 0.0005) were significantly lower in the MCT group than in the HR group. In contrast, no significant differences were recognized between the groups in the changes in postoperative liver function, or in the rates of morbidity, mortality, local recurrence, and survival. Moreover, the type of treatment (HR or MCT) was not a prognostic factor. The results indicate that MCT can be used safely as an alternative to hepatic resection in patients with poor liver function without reducing the efficacy of local control.

Establishment and characterization of a colonic epithelial cell line MCE301 from transgenic mice harboring temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene

We produced an immortalized colonic epithelial cell line, MCE301, using fetal mice transgenic for the temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene. MCE301 cells showed epithelial-like morphology and maintained tight connections with neighboring cells. The cells grew at a permissive temperature (33 degrees C), but the growth of the cells was significantly prevented at the nonpermissive temperature (39 degrees C). The cells expressed large T-antigen at 33 degrees C but not at 39 degrees C. MCE301 cells were not transformed, as judged by the absence of anchorage-independent growth in soft agar gel and lack of tumor formation in nude mice. Electron microscopic studies showed that the cells formed microvilli-like structures on the cell surface and junctional complexes such as tight junctions and desmosomes between the cells. The cells expressed cytosketal (acidic cytokeratins and actin), basement membrane (laminin and collagen type IV) and junctional complex proteins (ZO-1 and desmoplakin I + II), as judged by specific antibodies. Fetal bovine serum, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor and insulin significantly increased the cell growth at 33 degrees C. Moreover, MCE301 cells expressed colonic mucin Muc2 mRNA as demonstrated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, indicating that the cells originate from mucus-secreting cells. Alkaline phosphatase, a brush border-associated enzyme, was detected in the cells. Sodium butyrate (2 mM), an inducer of cellular differentiation, markedly elevated alkaline phosphatase activity. Thus, the present mouse colonic epithelial cell line MCE301 possessing these unique characteristics should provide a useful in vitro model of colonic epithelium.