Gene amplification and overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

The degree of gene amplification for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its expression levels were examined in 4 cases of tumor lesions and their cell lines of human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity. The amplification was detected in 1 case (ZA), but not significantly in 3 other cases (HOC605, HOC815, and HOC927) in which the amplification did not occur during the cell line establishment. In those 3 cases, levels of EGFR synthesis and human EGF (hEGF) binding capacity were varied: HOC605 and HOC815 had slightly increased levels of hEGF binding capacity and EGFR synthesis, respectively. While HOC927 had the lowest levels of both, the hEGF binding capacity was elevated in the tumor lesion when compared with the normal counterpart of the same patient. These results suggest that the increased capacity for EGF binding plays a more important role than does gene amplification on the tumorigenesis of SCC of the head and neck.

[Treatment of mediastinal infection after coronary artery bypass surgery by transposition of the greater omentum]

From January, 1986 to May, 1990 twenty one adult patients (men 16, women 5, age 64 +/- 7 years old) underwent transposition of the greater omentum to control mediastinal infection after coronary artery bypass surgery. Upon diagnosing mediastinitis, the mediastinum was drained open and irrigated with 0.5% povidone iodine-saline solution until the omental transposition. The interval between the diagnosis of mediastinitis and the omental transposition ranged from 0 to 171 (mean 19) days. Three quarters of the patients had the omentum transposed within 14 days. In nineteen of 21 patients (90%) the mediastinitis was effectively controlled. In the remaining two patients the infection could not be controlled and proceeded to succumb from multiple organ failure. There was no complication related to the omental transposition in itself. We conclude that transposition of the greater omentum is a safe and effective method for treating mediastinal infection after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Heterogeneity in the gingival fibromatoses

Forty-nine cases of isolated familial and idiopathic gingival fibromatoses, consisting of 12 cases from six families and 37 cases of idiopathic gingival fibromatosis, were reviewed. Pedigrees of five families revealed various penetrances and genetic heterogeneity as suggested by the presence of both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritances. Ultrastructurally, the lesions were composed of fibroblast-like cells and myofibroblast-like cells, with the former being the predominant cell type. The 267 cases of familial and idiopathic gingival fibromatoses were analyzed, and they with or without hypertrichosis, mental retardation, and/or epilepsy. These included 49 cases seen by the authors, 50 cases from the Japanese literature, and 168 cases from non-Japanese literature. Isolated gingival fibromatosis occurred more frequently after age of 12 years (P less than 0.0074). There was no significant difference in age of onset between generalized and localized forms of the idiopathic gingival fibromatosis. Gingival fibromatosis with hypertrichosis and mental retardation and/or epilepsy occurred frequently before 12 years (P less than 0.069). It has been shown that heterogeneity of the gingival fibromatosis is a result of either histologic heterogeneity, genetic heterogeneity, or a combination with other systemic disorders.

[Rapidly progressive periodontitis combined with plasma cell gingivitis: a case report]

A case of rapidly progressive periodontitis combined with plasma cell gingivitis with marked enlargement of the gingiva was presented. Clinically, in the plasma cell gingivitis, the gingiva appear red, friable and bleed easily; usually it does not induce loss of attachment. Histologically, a dense infiltration of the normal plasma cells in the connective tissue is a common finding. A hypersensitivity reaction to some antigens, often flavorings or spices, is generally recognized. In this case, a rapidly progressive loss of attachment was observed, so rapidly progressive periodontitis was diagnosed. Differential diagnosis of the plasma cell gingivitis could be determined by histological and ultrastructural examination. Allergens, however, could not be identified. Conventional periodontal therapy, including intensive plaque control, could not cure the plasma cell gingivitis completely but recurrence of gingival enlargement and loss of attachment could be well controlled.

Prognosis of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: an evaluation based on multivariate analysis of 90 cases

A multivariate analysis of data from 90 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma was performed using Cox's regression model to identify factors possibly affecting their prognoses. Thirty-one patients underwent arterial anticancer chemotherapy, and the remaining 59 patients received transcatheter arterial embolization with anticancer agents. Four of 27 variables tested for all the patients (i.e., encapsulation [p less than 0.05], gross appearance of hepatocellular carcinoma [p less than 0.01], clinical stage [p less than 0.01] and therapy [p less than 0.01]) were found to be prognostically significant. Five of 27 variables tested were prognostically significant for the transcatheter arterial embolization group; they were an extension rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (p less than 0.01), encapsulation (p less than 0.01), alpha-fetoprotein (p less than 0.01), prothrombin time (p less than 0.01) and serum sodium (p less than 0.01). Regression equations were used to describe a prognostic index. A prognostic index was defined as the regression equation derived from the results of a total of 90 patients; PI-1 = eY, where PI-1 = prognostic index 1 Y = 1.549 (gross appearance of hepatocellular carcinoma - 1.344) + 0.778 (encapsulation - 1.622) + 0.818 (clinical stage - 1.800) + 1.760 (therapy - 1.344) and prognostic index 2, the regression equation derived from the results of the transcatheter arterial embolization group of patients; PI-2 = eY, where PI-2 = prognostic index 2 Y = 1.210 (extension rate of hepatocellular carcinoma - 1.576) + 1.179 (encapsulation - 1.475) + 0.0001277 (alpha-fetoprotein - 1420.792) -0.039 (prothrombin time - 72.237) - 0.214 (serum sodium - 138.427).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Hepatic parenchymal changes after intraarterial administration of lipiodol: an animal experiment]

The effect of Lipiodol (LPD) on the hepatic parenchyma bearing VX2 tumor was investigated in 12 rabbits. In these rabbits Adriamycin (ADM) soluble Urografin and LPD were injected through the hepatic artery. As the control another 12 rabbits bearing VX2 tumor which were intraarterially injected with ADM solution in saline were used. Liver function tests revealed significantly higher values of serum transaminases in the LPD group than in the control group. Histologically in the LPD group, hepatocellular degeneration was observed and the severity was at its peak 3 days after injection whereas control animals preserved almost normal structure. The degeneration of the tumor-bearing lobe was more severe than that of the tumor-free lobe. This study showed the histologically and functionally demonstrable adverse effects of LPD.

Liposomes having high sensitivity to odorants

The conditions to increase the sensitivities of liposomes to odorants were examined. The results obtained are as follows. (1) The minimum concentration of amyl acetate to induce the membrane potential changes (threshold) in phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes was about 10(-4) M and addition of 10 or 20% phosphatidylserine (PS) lowered the threshold to about 10(-9) M, which was lower than the thresholds for amyl acetate in the turtle and frog olfactory systems. (2) Similar to amyl acetate, addition of PS to PC greatly lowered the threshold for beta-ionone. On the other hand, addition of PS to PC in certain ratio increased the threshold for citral, suggesting that addition of PS to PC does not always increase the responses to all odorants. (3) The membrane fluidity change of the liposomes in response to odorants occurred at similar concentration region where the membrane potential changes occurred. The presence of CaCl2 in external solution much greatly increased both the magnitude of the membrane potential changes and the membrane fluidity changes of the PC-PS liposomes in response to amyl acetate than the presence of NaCl and MgCl2. These results suggest that the membrane fluidity change is related to generation of the membrane potential change. (4) It was estimated that adsorption of less than a few molecules of amyl acetate on single liposome elicits detectable changes in the membrane potential and the membrane fluidity.

Membrane fluidity changes of liposomes in response to various odorants. Complexity of membrane composition and variety of adsorption sites for odorants

Three kinds of liposomes prepared from phosphatidylcholine (PC), azolectin, and azolectin-containing membrane proteins of the canine erythrocytes were used as models for olfactory cells. To explore properties of the adsorption sites of odorants, membrane fluidity changes in response to various odorants were measured with various fluorescence dyes which monitor the fluidity at different depths and different regions of the membranes. (a) Application of various odorants changed the membrane fluidity of azolectin liposomes. The patterns of membrane fluidity changes in response to odorants having a similar odor were similar to each other and those in response to odorants having different odors were different from each other. These results suggested that odorants having a similar odor are adsorbed on a similar site and odorants having different odors are adsorbed on different sites. (b) Such variation of the pattern was not seen in liposomes of a simple composition (PC liposome). (c) In the proteoliposomes whose composition was more complex than that of azolectin liposomes, the patterns of membrane fluidity changes varied among odorants having a similar odor. It was concluded that liposomes of complex membrane composition have the variety of adsorption sites for odorants.

Growth of the malignant and nonmalignant human squamous cells in a protein-free defined medium

A novel protein-free synthetic medium has been developed for the culture of human squamous cell carcinoma cells. This medium, designated PF86-1, supports the serial subcultivation of six out of nine human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines in a protein-free, chemically defined condition without the adapting culture from serum-containing conditions. These cell lines growing in PF86-1 exhibited nearly equal potency to grow in massive culture without noticeable changes in morphology but presented a significantly decreased level of colony forming efficiency when compared with the cells cultured in serum-containing media, suggesting the implication of some autocrine mechanism. Interestingly, this medium supported the growth of normal human squamous cells of oral mucosa and skin for more than 2 mo. in the primary explant culture in spite of high levels of calcium ion concentration, where the overgrowth of fibroblasts as contaminant was not observed. These results suggest that PF86-1 supports the growth of cells derived from epidermal tissues selectively and provides the same defined condition for growth of malignant and nonmalignant human squamous cells. It seems, therefore, that PF86-1 allows investigations on the products of squamous cell carcinoma cells or on the differences of growth mechanisms between normal and neoplastic human squamous cells.

Chondrocyte-like colony formation of mesenchymal cells by dentin extracts in agarose gel culture

In this study, the effects of guanidine extracts from demineralized bovine dentin matrix on rat mesenchymal cells were investigated by use of an agarose gel culture. The dentin extracts were divided into water-soluble and -insoluble fractions. Rat mesenchymal cells obtained from the cultivation of skeletal muscle tissue and embedded in agarose gel were treated with these two fractions. After three weeks of cultivation, the treated cells formed colonies that were stained metachromatically with toluidine blue in a dose-dependent manner. The activity necessary to form chondrocyte-like colonies by the water-insoluble fraction was significantly higher than that by the water-soluble fraction. Each chromatographic fraction of the water-insoluble part of dentin extracts on tandem Sephacryl S-200 High-resolution columns was also investigated. Chondrocyte-like colony-forming activity was concentrated in a single fraction. However, the electrophoretic pattern of this fraction revealed that there were still some bands of molecular weight between 18 and 30 kDa. According to the Western blot analysis of this fraction, there was a band corresponding to purified transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) under the non-reducing condition. After reduction, this band disappeared and we found a band corresponding to a component of 13 kDa as well as TGF-beta. These findings suggest that TGF-beta is present not only in bone but also in the dentin matrix.

Grafting of the buccal fat pad into palatal defects

Grafting of the buccal fat pad was performed in combination with lyophilized porcine dermis in six cases of palatal defects. The use of lyophilized porcine dermis not only simplified the surgical procedure but also permitted a proper prosthetic rehabilitation. This technique proved to have more advantages for palatal defects.

Induced expression of a chimeric gene construct in transgenic lettuce plants using tobacco pathogenesis-related protein gene promoter region

The expression of a stress- and salicylic acidinducible protein gene from tobacco, PR1a protein gene, was determined after its Introduction to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants. The 5' flanking 2.4 Kb fragment from PR1a gene was joined to the bacterial β -glucuronidase (GUS) gene (PR-GUS) and introduced into lettuce cotyledons by Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer using a binary vector containing a kanamycin-resistance gene as a selectable marker. As a control with constitutive expression, the chimeric gene consisting of CaMV 35S RNA promoter and GUS gene (35S-GUS) was used. An improved method for shoot formation directly from lettuce cotyledons was used effectively for transformation, shortening the time for regeneration. In 70% or more of kanamycin-resistant regenerated lettuce plants, into which PR-GUS or 35S-GUS was introduced, high GUS activity and integration of the chimeric gene into the lettuce genome were detected. By treatment with salicylic acid, GUS activity increased 3- to 50-fold in PR-GUS transformants, however, no increase was detected in 35S-GUS plants. These results showed that the promoter of the stress-inducible tobacco PR1a protein gene was introduced into lettuce plants, and the introduced chimeric gene was expressed normally under the regulated control of the PRla promoter.

Repeat coronary artery bypass grafting

Repeat coronary bypass grafting was performed in 19 patients. The mean age was 59.8 +/- 6.9 years, 26% being female. One or more coronary risk factors were observed in 10 to 37% and none in 37%. The mean interval from the initial procedure was 35.6 +/- 34.4 months, but 42% of patients were reoperated within one year. Eleven patients had unstable angina two requiring emergency surgery to achieve hemodynamic stabilization. A mean of 2.63 grafts/patient achieved 87.7% revascularization. Two patients died late postoperatively from surgical complications. Sixteen patients consented to have postoperative coronary angiography: IMA was used as conduit in one third of the grafts and had a patency of 100% (15/15), compared to 86.7% of the venous grafts (26/30), for an overall patency of 91%. Follow up for 1 to 65 months (28.2 +/- 20.1 months) showed that 75% (12/16) are asymptomatic, and 4 patients (25%) have mild angina (NYHA II). Three of these 4 patients with recurrent angina have evidence of incomplete revascularization. Thus, repeat coronary bypass operation can be offered with acceptably low risk, and the long term benefits are similar to those obtained with primary operation providing complete revascularization is achieved, preferably with multiple internal mammary artery grafting techniques.

Ameloblastoma with metastasis to the lung and associated hypercalcemia

A case of ameloblastoma with metastasis to the lung is reported. A rare feature of this case was that the metastasized ameloblastoma was associated with hypercalcemia without osteolytic bone metastasis.

A study of an in vitro model for invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma

An in vitro model for studying the invasion mechanism of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was developed using a specific culture matrix composed of collagen gel combined with human fibroblasts. Five SCC cell lines cultured on collagen-only gels showed stratified growth on the gels. However, all five cell lines showed invasive growth into the matrix when cultured on the fibroblast-incorporated collagen gels. Moreover, fibroblast-conditioned medium was shown to promote the invasion of HSC-3 cells into the collagen gels. These results suggest that fibroblasts play an important role in the invasion of oral SCC cells in vitro. Four cell lines, which were newly established in our laboratory, were tested in this assay system. These cell lines cultured on fibroblast-incorporated collagen gels expressed morphologic and biologic characteristics in vitro, similar to those in vivo.

[Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting]

Seventeen patients with stenosis of bypass grafts or native coronary arteries (NCA) following coronary artery bypass underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA). Stenoses were located in the saphenous vein graft (SVG) in 11 cases (involving 16 lesions), in the internal mammary artery graft (IMAG) in 2 cases (2 lesions), and in the NCA in 9 cases (13 lesions). All patients had disabling angina pectoris or a post-operative stenosis of more than 50%. PTCA was successful in 75% of all the SVG stenotic lesions, 50% of the IMAG lesions and in 67% of the NCA lesions. There were no complications associated with PTCA. After successful PTCA, restenosis developed in 23% of the SVG cases, 0% of the IMAG cases and in 38% of the NCA cases. Though relief of chest pain was found in 10 patients (59%), PTCA of the NCA was not so effective as PTCA of the bypass grafts.

[Mycotic abdominal aneurysm requiring emergency operation due to sudden thrombotic obstruction: a case report]

A 59-year-old man was admitted with history of low grade fever, general malaise and low back pain. Physical examination showed a pulsatile mass in the mid-abdomen. There were slight leucocytosis, elevated BSR and CRP. Abdominal ultrasonography, CT and MRI revealed an abdominal aneurysm within which there was an intimal flap and thrombus. Though blood culture was not positive, antibiotic therapy was initiated on the presumption of a mycotic abdominal aneurysm. Six days after admission, he complained of numbness in the lower extremities and both femoral pulsations were not palpable. Emergency surgery was undertaken. The aneurysm was adhered to the IVC and the ileum and there was a large thrombotic mass in it. Aneurysmectomy and Y-graft interposition were done uneventfully. Pathology revealed marked thickness of the aorta and infiltration of lots of inflammatory cells. The culture of aneurysmal wall was negative. This is the very rare case because of sudden thrombotic occlusion of the mycotic abdominal aneurysm. Several important features of this disease have been also discussed.

Mastication in the rabbit: a description of movement and muscle activity

1. Mastication was studied in awake rabbits that had previously been prepared for chronic recording of jaw movement and jaw muscle electromyography (EMG) under general anesthesia. Data were stored on tape and replayed for computer-assisted analysis. Most data was taken from the mastication of rabbit chow, but the basic features described in the paper also apply to eating of other foods. The series of movements was divided into cycles, and the phases that compose them, using peaks in the vertical movement, velocity, and acceleration. 2. The whole series of movements from ingestion to swallowing was termed the masticatory sequence. We found, as have others, that the sequence can be divided into three consecutive periods, based on the form of the movements. These were named the preparatory, reduction, and preswallowing series of cycles. 3. The results of earlier studies suggest that the food is transported back to the molar teeth during the preparatory series, ground up during the reduction series, and that the bolus is formed for swallowing during the preswallowing series. 4. The typical cycle of the preparatory series was called type I; it had two phases: opening (O) and fast closing (FC). The jaw-opening muscles were very active during O, but EMG bursts from the closer muscles were small or undefinable during FC. There was not much movement away from the midline in either phase, and the cycles were the shortest in the sequence. 5. The reduction series was predominantly composed of type II cycles. These were of intermediate duration and had three phases [O, a short FC, and a slow closing phase (SC)], during which the pellets were crushed between the molar teeth. The jaw moved toward the working side during FC. At or soon after the start of SC, the closer muscles became very active and continued to contract as the teeth were drawn toward the midline and slightly backwards. 6. The preswallowing series was made up of five-phase cycles that we called type III. These were the longest of the sequence. Jaw opening now occurred in three stages: O1 was the fall from tooth contact to approximately the postural position, O2 was a pause, and O3 was defined as the final movement to maximum opening. The digastric burst occurred during O3. There were again two closing phases, FC and SC, but closer bursts were smaller than in type II, and SC was shorter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Pathology of anomalous junction of the pancreaticobiliary ductal system: mutagenicity of the contents of the biliary tract and nuclear atypia of the biliary epithelium

Congenital biliary dilatation is frequently complicated by biliary tract cancer, and anomalous junction of the pancreaticobiliary ductal system, a major factor constituting the pathology of this disease, is considered to be important as a background for carcinogenesis in the biliary tract. To clarify the mechanism of carcinogenesis in the biliary tract under the circumstance of anomalous junction, we evaluated the mutagenicity of the contents of the biliary tract in patients with congenital biliary dilatation and analyzed the nuclear atypia of the biliary epithelium by fluorocytometry. A mutagenicity test using Bacillus subtilis showed positive results in 6 of 12 patients. Since mutagenicity correlates well with carcinogenicity, these results suggest the necessity of separation surgery between the bile and pancreatic ducts in patients with anomalous junction regardless of the presence or absence of biliary dilatation. On the other hand, DNA histograms of the nuclei of gallbladder epithelial cells produced by fluorocytometry in 4 patients revealed a high incidence of polyploid DNA in 2 patients with marked hypertrophic changes. These patients were also positive for mutagenicity of the contents of the biliary tract, suggesting that mutagens are involved in the atypia at the cellular and nuclear levels.

Reduction of G1 phase duration and enhancement of c-myc gene expression in HeLa cells at hypergravity

We have found that hypergravity stimulates the proliferation of HeLa cells through reduction of the G1 phase duration, concomitant with enhancement of c-myc gene expression. HeLa cells were grown in monolayer in culture flasks that were centrifuged to generate a constant 18, 35 or 70 g at 37 degrees C for up to 4 days. The cell proliferation was enhanced at 18, 35 and 70 g, most notably at 35 g. Cell cycle analyses with [3H]thymidine (TdR)-colcemid treatment showed that the cell generation time in the 35 g culture was reduced by 17% as compared to the control, which was attributed to a 26% reduction of the G1 phase duration. No differences were observed in the duration of the S, G2 and M phases or in the [3H]TdR incorporation per S phase cell between the 35 g culture and the control. The induction of c-myc gene expression was investigated by RNA blot hybridization during a 15–360 min exposure of cells to 18, 35 and 70 g. Elevated levels of c-myc mRNA were observed after a 15-min exposure, and maintained after a 360-min exposure at all hypergravities examined. The highest induction rate of c-myc mRNA was 3.8-fold higher than the control after a 120-min exposure to 35 g. The 35 g condition was the most effective hypergravity for stimulating both cell proliferation and c-myc gene expression. Our study suggests that the appropriate level of hypergravity stimulates HeLa cell proliferation by reducing the G1 phase duration without affecting DNA synthesis rate, mediated through induction of c-myc gene expression.

Activation of oncogenes in human oral cancer cells: a novel codon 13 mutation of c-H-ras-1 and concurrent amplifications of c-erbB-1 and c-myc

By NIH3T3 transfection assay in conjunction with in vitro transient neomycin selection, activated c-H-ras-1 oncogenes were detected in two squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, ZA and HOC-313, newly established from human oral cancer patients. ZA had a point mutational activation at the 13th codon, this activation of c-H-ras-1 being novel in human cancer cells, while HOC-313 appeared to have an activation at the 12th codon. In ZA, 16- to 32-fold amplification of the EGF receptor gene, c-erbB-1 and a few-fold amplification of c-myc were detected. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to multistep carcinogenesis in human cells.

[Coronary artery dissection secondary to coronary arteriography: presentation of two cases and review of the literature]

Two reports of coronary artery dissection secondary to coronary arteriography and followed by emergency aorto-coronary bypass are presented. One case includes pathological specimen demonstrating medial and intimal change in the dissected coronary artery, which may have predisposed this artery to dissect. Also the literature on catheter-induced coronary artery dissection is reviewed.

[A case report of aortic and mitral regurgitation combined with ankylosing spondylosis]

The purpose of this communication is to present a successful case of surgical treatment of aortic and mitral valve regurgitation associated with ankylosing spondylosis. A 48-year-old male was admitted with symptoms of palpitation and shortness of breath. His heart murmur had been pointed out for 4 months prior to this admission. His previous history did not show any evidence of rheumatic heart disease. Retrograde aortography showed moderate to severe aortic valvular regurgitation and echocardiography revealed mitral valve regurgitation with minor degree. At the same time he complained of rigidity of neck muscle as well as back pain for last 15 years. He underwent aortic valve replacement and mitral valve was left alone. His postoperative course was uneventful. In Japan, aortic valve regurgitation associated with ankylosing spondylosis has been reported to be very rare compared to the European or American people. Several important features in the diagnosis and operative treatment for this combination of diseases have been also discussed.

The influence of coronary artery bypass grafting to totally occluded coronary arteries on the left ventricular contractility

Sixteen patients underwent 16 coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) to totally occluded coronary arteries (TOCA), including 12 left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD) and 4 right coronary arteries (RCA). Of these 16 CABGs, 2 of the RCA grafts became obstructed postoperatively and the remaining 14 patients with patent grafts were divided into the two following groups: 8 with previous infarcts in the region perfused by the TOCA (Group I) and 6 with no previous infarcts (Group II). The left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and the mean verocity of circumferential fiber shortening significantly increased postoperatively in both groups and the PLVSP/LVESV significantly increased postoperatively in Group II. The LV segmental wall motion (SWM) in the region of TOCA significantly increased postoperatively in both groups. In 5 of the Group I patients, whose anterior and apical SWM was less than the lowest value of the normal subjects, the anterior and apical SWM significantly increased postoperatively. We thus concluded that CABG to totally occluded LAD results in an excellent graft patency rate, a significant improvement of SWM in the region of the TOCA and global LV contractility, even in patients with severe segmental dysfunction due to previous infarcts.

Immediate reconstruction following resection of oral cancer with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap

During the past five years (August 1981 to March 1986), we applied 44 pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps (PM-MC flaps) for the purpose of intraoral and extraoral reconstruction following surgery in 43 cases of oral cancer. Out of a total 44 flaps, 30 flaps resulted in complete survival and 13 flaps resulted in partial necrosis, while complete necrosis occurred in only one flap. In addition, we used the iliac bone graft with the PM-MC flaps on five patients in order to reconstruct the mandible, but two cases failed. We also used replantation of the lower margin of the mandible on five patients, and all were satisfactory. In 26 living patients, all but one had no dysphasia. About more than a half of them had moderate or severe dysfunction of chewing. We were able to make prosthesis for five out of 26 living patients as recorded till today. We have to think about how to fashion functionable dentures on severe cases postoperatively. The results of our experiences show that the PM-MC flaps provide a simple, reliable and versatile method of primary reconstruction on patients with oral cancer.

[Extension of measurable range of film dosimetry by a low energy X-ray absorption method]

The availability of an X-ray absorption technique employing a very low power X-ray tube was examined to extend measurable range for photographic film dosimetry. The X-ray tube having titanium target was operated at 8 kV and 0.2 microA to emit Ti KX-rays of moderate intensity. The degree of the Ti KX-ray absorption, defined as similar to photographic density, was measured for the two kinds of badge film, Fuji gamma-ray badge film and Kodak personal monitoring film, type 2 exposed for 60Co or 137Cs gamma-rays and developed by the respective standard procedures. The experimental results show that the dosimetric range of 0.01-100 R for the Fuji film and 0.03-1,000 R for the Kodak film may be easily measured by 1 minute counting with the relative statistical error (sigma) of 10%.

Biosynthesis of the epidermal growth factor receptor in human squamous cell carcinoma lines: secretion of the truncated receptor is not common to epidermal growth factor receptor-hyperproducing cells

The biosynthesis of the EGF receptor was examined in the epidermoid carcinoma cell line A431 and five novel cell lines from human squamous cell carcinomas possessing high numbers of EGF receptors. Newly synthesized EGF receptors were visualized by labeling with [35S]methionine and immunoprecipitation with a monoclonal anti-EGF receptor antibody. In addition, the processing of the EGF receptor and its intracellular transport was analyzed by distinguishing cell surface receptors from intracellular receptors and by treating cells with inhibitors such as tunicamycin, monensin and brefeldin A. These analyses revealed that in all the tumor cell lines the EGF receptor is synthesized as a glycosylated protein of Mr 160,000 which is converted to the receptor of Mr 170,000 through posttranslational glycosylation. The receptors of Mr 160,000 and 170,000 appeared to possess high mannose type oligosaccharide chains because endoglycosidase H treatment reduced their molecular weights by approximately 30,000. A431 was the only tumor cell line studied that secreted the truncated EGF receptor of Mr 110,000. In A431 cells, the truncated EGF receptor was generated from a protein of Mr 60,000 through tunicamycin- and monensin-sensitive glycosylation. A431 cells treated with monensin secreted the truncated receptor as a Mr 95,000 form.

The effects of cortical ablation on mastication in the rabbit

To verify the hypothesis that the control of movement by the cortical masticatory area (CMA) is particularly important at the beginning of the mastication, we compared movements before and after bilateral CMA ablation. After ablation, the animal could not manipulate food placed in the front of the mouth for several days. With further recovery, the animals could masticate in a more normal way, but the times taken to manipulate the food and to chew to the point of swallowing were increased. However, the form and amplitude of the masticatory cycles were only slightly changed by loss of cortical control. The results indicate that CMA is of great importance at the beginning of mastication and probably also in terminating chewing and initiating swallowing.

Regulation of murine IgE production in SJA/9 and nude mice. Potentiation of IgE production by recombinant interleukin 4

Serum IgE levels were determined in different strains of mice with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by using rat monoclonal anti-murine IgE antibodies in normal and in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-infected mice. After infection, serum IgE levels were high in BALB/c and CB-20, low in SJL/J and SJA/20 mice, and not detected at all in SJA/9 and nude mice. Surface IgE-positive cells were greatly increased in BALB/c and SJL/J mice after infection, but not in SJA/9 and nude mice. Most surface IgE-positive spleen cells were also surface IgM- and surface IgD-positive. When spleen cells from SJA/9 or nude mice were stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide and recombinant interleukin 4 (formerly B cell-stimulating factor 1), IgE was produced and detected in the supernatants of these cultures. In addition, surface IgE-positive cells could be detected in these cultures. Most of the surface IgE-positive cells were surface IgM- and surface IgD-negative, unlike those seen in the spleens of Nippostrongylus-infected BALB/c and SJL/J mice. These observations show that SJA/9 and nude mice have IgE-producing precursor B cells, and after appropriate stimulation interleukin 4 can induce them to secrete IgE.

Regulation of murine IgE production in SJA/9 and nude mice. Potentiation of IgE production by recombinant interleukin 4

Serum IgE levels were determined in different strains of mice with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by using rat monoclonal anti-murine IgE antibodies in normal and in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-infected mice. After infection, serum IgE levels were high in BALB/c and CB-20, low in SJL/J and SJA/20 mice, and not detected at all in SJA/9 and nude mice. Surface IgE-positive cells were greatly increased in BALB/c and SJL/J mice after infection, but not in SJA/9 and nude mice. Most surface IgE-positive spleen cells were also surface IgM- and surface IgD-positive. When spleen cells from SJA/9 or nude mice were stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide and recombinant interleukin 4 (formerly B cell-stimulating factor 1), IgE was produced and detected in the supernatants of these cultures. In addition, surface IgE-positive cells could be detected in these cultures. Most of the surface IgE-positive cells were surface IgM- and surface IgD-negative, unlike those seen in the spleens of Nippostrongylus-infected BALB/c and SJL/J mice. These observations show that SJA/9 and nude mice have IgE-producing precursor B cells, and after appropriate stimulation interleukin 4 can induce them to secrete IgE.

Urethral obstruction owing to retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma

We report a case of cystic lymphangioma arising from retroperitoneal tissues of the pelvis, which caused urethral obstruction and eventual urinary retention. Sonography and computerized tomography demonstrated a retroperitoneal cystic mass in the pelvis. A preoperative diagnosis of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma was suggested by typical computerized and sonographic features.

Cortically induced masticatory rhythm in masseter motoneurons after blocking inhibition by strychnine and tetanus toxin

In the first series of experiments, we studied whether or not strychnine (STR)-resistant inhibition of masseter motoneurons (MASS . MNS) was involved in their rhythmical inhibition that occurs during masticatory activity, induced by repetitive stimulation of the cortical masticatory area (CMA) in the cat. After systemic STR injection, repetitive CMA stimulation induced rhythmically alternating activity in the masseteric and anterior digastric nerves with a shorter cycle time than before STR-administration. The short-latency IPSPS in the MASS . MNS evoked by single shocks applied to the CMA were abolished. In contrast, repetitive CMA stimulation still induced a rhythmical alternation of EPSPS and IPSPS in the MASS . MNS, although the IPSPS were significantly reduced in amplitude. In the second series, we attempted to abolish the STR-resistant component of the rhythmical IPSP with tetanus toxin (TT). This was injected into one superficial masseter muscle of the guinea pig. In the majority of animals, repetitive CMA stimulation induced a tonic EMG superimposed by rhythmical bursts in the TT-intoxicated masseter muscle. Repetitive CMA stimulation induced a rhythmical sequence of EPSPS and superimposed spikes in the MASS . MNS innervating the TT-intoxicated masseter muscle in paralyzed guinea pigs. It was concluded that: (1) the cortically-evoked short-latency inhibition of MASS . MNS is STR-sensitive, as is part of the rhythmical inhibition during CMA-induced mastication; and (2) rhythmical inhibition is not essential for the central generation of the rhythmical activity in the MASS . MNS.

Enlargement of rat submandibular salivary gland induced by single amputation of lower incisor teeth. Histological, histometric and ultrastructural studies

Histological, histometric and ultrastructural studies of rat submandibular salivary glands (SMG) following single amputation of lower incisor teeth were made. The SMG enlargement occurred after the tooth amputation, and its maximal increase of weight was reached 7 days later. The results of histological and histometric observations showed that the enlargement of SMG was due to both hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the acinar cells, and hypertrophic acinar cells were ultrastructurally characterized by well-developed organelles such as rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus which filled the entire cytoplasm. Hydropically swollen nerve endings with disappearance of vesicles were frequently found. In later stages, degenerative or necrotic cells were scattered in the acini, and the size and the structure of the remaining acinar cells became gradually similar to those of non-treated glands. The morphological changes seen in the enlarged SMG induced by single amputation of the lower incisor teeth in rat were similar in many ways to those of sialadenosis induced experimentally by active sympathomimetic drugs.

Growth-inhibitory effects of epidermal growth factor and overexpression of its receptors on human squamous cell carcinomas in culture

The role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptors in human cancers was studied using 24 human cell cultures including 15 of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, oral cavity, and esophagus. EGF was found to inhibit the growth and colony formation of all the SCC cells at doses that are mitogenic in many other cells, including epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. This inhibitory effect of EGF on SCCs was specific, because EGF did not inhibit and in some cases slightly stimulated the growth of other tumor cells, such as adenocarcinomas of the stomach, cervix, and breast and sarcomas. The amounts of EGF receptors on these SCC cells were measured by immunoprecipitation of labeled proteins with anti-EGF receptor polyclonal antibody and binding assay of membrane preparations using 125I-EGF. Of 13 SCC cell cultures tested, all except 3 of esophageal SCC showed higher levels of EGF receptor than normal epidermal keratinocytes, which contain 1.5 X 10(5) binding sites/cell. In general, SCCs of the skin and oral cavity had large amounts of EGF receptor on the order of 10(6)/cell, whereas the receptor of esophageal SCCs was on the order of 10(5)/cell. Some SCC cells had about twice as many EGF receptors as A431 cells. The values for the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of these cells were on the order of nM. The sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of EGF correlated well with the elevated level of EGF receptors in 12 SCC cell lines, and higher significance was obtained when data on esophageal SCCs were excluded. The present observations suggest that EGF and EGF receptors play a role in the development of SCCs.

A craniosynostosis in a boy with a del(7)(p15.3p21.3): assignment by deletion mapping of the critical segment for craniosynostosis to the mid-portion of 7p21

A tiny interstitial deletion of 7p was found in a 5-month-old boy with a craniosynostosis and many anomalies. His karyotype was 46,XY,del(7)(p15.3p21.3). Here we present not only further evidence of an association between craniosynostosis and 7p monosomy, but also deletion mapping to indicate that the critical segment for craniosynostosis lies in the mid-portion of 7p21, that is at 7p21.2 or the proximal part of 7p21.3.

Rapid method for the diagnosis of partial adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiencies causing 2,8-dihydroxyadenine urolithiasis

More than half of the Japanese patients with 2,8-dihydroxyadenine urolithiasis only partially lack adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), while all the Caucasian patients with the same disease completely lack the enzyme. APRT activities in healthy heterozygotes for the complete APRT deficiencies were at the same levels as the Japanese patients, and simple enzyme assay does not distinguish between these two conditions. We have previously shown, using viable T-cells, that the enzyme was non-functional in the cells from the Japanese patients although they contain considerable APRT activities in the cell extracts. In the present investigations, we devised a rapid method using erythrocytes for the diagnosis of partial APRT deficiencies accompanied by severe impairment in adenine metabolism causing 2,8-dihydroxyadenine lithiasis. Thus, erythrocytes from three different families with 2,8-dihydroxyadenine urolithiasis associated with partial APRT deficiencies incorporated only minimal amounts of radioactive adenine, while normal erythrocytes incorporated significant amounts. These data indicate that severe impairment in adenine metabolism is shown not only in viable T-cells but also in viable erythrocytes. The present procedures provide a rapid method suitable for routine clinical use for the diagnosis of partial APRT deficiencies causing 2,8-dihydroxyadenine lithiasis.

[Pathology of the anomalous choledocho-pancreatic junction--action of pancreatic juice on the biliary tract]

The mechanism of action of pancreatic juice on the biliary tract was investigated in a 5-year-old girl with choledochal cyst and animal models of the anomalous choledocho-pancreatic junction produced by pancreatico-cholecystostomy in 26 dogs. The results are as follows: Pancreatic enzymes are activated when bile and pancreatic juice are mixed in the biliary tract. Successively, lysolecithin and free fatty acids are produced by hydrolysis of lecithin in bile with phospholipase A2. These substances including phospholipase A2 destroy the mucosal barrier. The initial site receiving mucosal damage appears to be the epithelial apical cell membrane. The transfer of phospholipase A2 but not amylase from the biliary tract to the blood stream was suggested by comparing enzyme activity of portal and hepatic venous blood. The presence of some mutagenic substances in the contents of the choledochal cyst was confirmed by Ames assay and Rec-assay. This suggests that activated pancreatic enzymes and successively produced harmful substances in the anomalous choledocho-pancreatic junction are responsible for not only inflammatory but positively carcinogenic action on the biliary tract. In conclusion, the anomalous choledocho-pancreatic junction requires operative separation of the bile duct from the pancreatic duct despite the presence or absence of a choledochal cyst.

Purification and mode of action of a microsomal endoribonuclease from rat liver

An endoribonuclease has been purified nearly to homogeneity from rat liver microsomes, and its mode of action and general properties were studied. The enzyme had an apparent molecular weight of 58 000, as estimated by both gel filtration and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and produced oligonucleotides from poly(A), poly(U) and poly(C). No mononucleotide was obtained by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the above substrates. The enzyme made endonucleolytic cleavages which generated 5'-phosphate-terminated oligonucleotides. It was suggested that the existence of at least (Ado5'P)2 residues at both sides of the cleavage bond was necessary for the action of the endoribonuclease. Divalent cations (Mg2+ or Mn2+) were required for the enzymatic activity, while K+ inhibited the enzyme. Spermine stimulated the enzymatic activity in the presence of 1 mM Mg2+.

1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors and their action in embryonic chick chondrocytes

The role of vitamin D in the maturation of epiphyseal chondrocytes was investigated in the developing chick embryo. Cartilage tissues were divided into two parts: resting cartilage and growth cartilage. A cytosol component to which 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25(OH)2D3) is specifically bound first appeared in the growth cartilage on day 15, rapidly increased, and attained a maximum on day 19. The calcium content of the growth cartilage also began to increase on day 15 and continued to increase in parallel with the 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 receptor levels. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis by the growth cartilage cells increased from day 11-17 and rapidly declined thereafter reciprocally with the increase in calcium and receptor levels. In the resting cartilage, no cytosol receptor for 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 was detected up to hatching time. The calcium content and GAG synthesis in the resting cartilage were very low and did not change appreciably throughout development. No receptor-like macromolecule for 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24R,25(OH)2D3) was recognized in either the resting or growth cartilage. 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 added to the culture of chondrocytes from the epiphyseal growth cartilage inhibited GAG synthesis and stimulated its release from the cell layer into the medium in a dose-dependent manner. These in vitro effects of 1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 were not observed in chondrocytes obtained from 13-day-old growth cartilage and 19-day-old resting cartilage. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24R,25(OH)2D3 had no effect on chondrocytes in any of the preparations. These results suggest that 1 alpha, 25 (OH)2D3 is directly involved in the maturation of chondrocytes and possibly in the calcification of growth cartilage.