[A relationship between birch pollen and meteorological factors during the past four years and pollen survey in Sapporo in 1997]

It is well known that grass pollinosis has been the most representative pollinosis in Hokkaido prefecture, Japan, However, it is also well known that birch (Japanese white birch, Betula platyphylla var. japonica) pollinosis is gradually increasing, which is marked especially in Sapporo and its neighborhood. We analyzed a relationship between the birch pollen count and meteorological factors statistically. Moreover, the principal airborne pollen counts in Sapporo in 1997 were assessed and compared with the previous pollen data. As a results of this study, it was showed a close relationship between the annual amounts of birch pollen and meterological factors of the year before, especially in May and June might be important. Moreover, there is a strong negative correlation between the birch pollen count and humidity, which seems to affect bringing up flower buds. As for the principal airborne pollen counts, some kinds of tree pollen, including birch pollen, were observed from the end of March, followed by grass (Gramineae) pollen in June and mugwort (Artemisia) pollen from the end of August, respectively. The annual amounts of grass pollen showed a decreasing trend.

The mobile hospital--an experimental telemedicine system for the early detection of disease

To detect early disease, especially lung disease, we created a new telemedicine system, called the Mobile Hospital. It consists of a satellite or ground communication system using a large vehicle in which is installed a whole-body spiral computerized tomography scanner and a multimedia telecommunications system. The Mobile Hospital goes to small villages and carries out mass screening for early lung disease, especially lung cancer. It travelled over 8000 km from May 1996 to March 1997. In this period 6358 persons aged 50-85 years and younger heavy smokers were screened in the Matsumoto area. As a result, 37.7% of the subjects were suspected of having various latent lung diseases. The cost of medical treatment for the lung cancers detected by the Mobile Hospital was 44% of that for a conventional medical care group, and the length of hospital treatment with surgical operation was 30% of that of the conventional group.

[Effects of immunotherapy on cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patient with house dust mite allergic rhinitis]

We studied effects of immunotherapy on mite antigen-induced cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patient with house dust mite allergic rhinitis. In good response group, IL-4 production were lower than that of poor response group. In contrast, IFN-gamma production and the ratio of IFN-gamma to IL-4 synthesis were significant higher than that of poor response group. The production of IFN-gamma significantly correlated with the periods of immunotherapy. These results suggest that the changes of cytokine synthesis have a close relationship to clinical effects of immunotherapy.

A case of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma surviving disease free for over 2 years

A 52-year female presented with an enlarged thyroid mass and lump sensation in the throat. The cytologic examination showed class five and she was admitted to the hospital to undergo operation. Total thyroidectomy was done and the tumoral invasion of the trachea was removed. We performed tracheoplasty using a sternocleidomastoid muscle-clavicle myoosseous flap in a single stage operation. Histologic diagnosis revealed anaplastic thyroid carcinoma After upper mediastinal dissection had been performed, systemic chemotherapy using pirarubicin, cisplatin and etoposide was administered. In addition, she was treated with radiochemotherapy using pirarubicin, cisplatin and a total of 58 Gy was administered. No recurrence of the tumor has been noted since the above operation 2 years ago. Immunohistochemical studies of primary and metastatic tissues in this case revealed a positive expression of p53 protein in both.

Chondrosarcoma of larynx: a case successfully reconstructed after total cricoidectomy

A case of a 64-year-old male with low-grade chondrosarcoma of the left posterolateral lamina of the cricoid cartilage is reported, in which a total cricoidectomy and partial resection of the left thyroid cartilage were performed. The rest of the thyroid cartilage and the arytenoid mucosa were approximated with sutures to the first tracheal ring, and a silastic T-tube was placed through the tracheostoma as a stent. The postoperative course has been successful except for the existence of a tracheal stoma and slight hoarseness. There has been no evidence of laryngeal stenosis nor recurrence at about 9 years postoperatively.

The nonpeptide alpha-eudexp6l from Juniperus virginiana Linn. (Cupressaceae) inhibits omega-agatoxin IVA-sensitive Ca2+ currents and synaptosomal 45Ca2+ uptake

Recently, the omega-agatoxin IVA (omega-Aga-IVA)-sensitive Ca2+ channel has been demonstrated to play an important role in the physiological neurotransmitter release in mammalian nerve terminals. In this study, we demonstrate that alpha-eudesmol from Juniperus virginiana Linn. (Cupressaceae) inhibits omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive Ca2+ channels in rat brain synaptosomes and cerebellar Purkinje cells. Thirty millimolar KCl-induced 45Ca2+ uptake into the synaptosomes was inhibited by omega-Aga-IVA but insensitive to omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CTX-GVIA, N-type Ca2+ channel blocker) and nicardipine (L-type Ca2+ channel blocker). We found that alpha-eudesmol concentration-dependently inhibited the above synaptosomal 45Ca2+ uptake with an IC50 value of 2.6 microM. Co-treatment with alpha-eudesmol and omega-Aga-IVA did not cause any additive inhibitory effect against the synaptosomal 45Ca2+ uptake. Using the whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiological technique, we further demonstrated that alpha-eudesmol concentration-dependently inhibited omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive Ca2+ channel currents recorded from Purkinje cells with an IC50 value of 3.6 microM. The current-voltage relationship of the omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive Ca2+ channel currents was not changed by alpha-eudesmol. On the other hand, alpha-eudesmol also displayed an inhibitory effect on N-type Ca2+ channel currents recorded from differentiated NG108-15 cells with an IC50 value of 6.6 microM. However, alpha-eudesmol had little inhibitory effect on L-type Ca2+ channel currents. Thus, the present data indicated that alpha-eudesmol is a potent nonpeptidergic compound which blocks the presynaptic omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive Ca2+ channel with relative selectivity.

Suppressive effects of CTLA4-Ig on nasal allergic reactions in presensitized murine model

Ag-specific T cell activation requires the engagement of T cell receptor (TCR) with antigen in the context of MHC, and the engagement of appropriate costimulatory molecules. It is well established that B7/CD28-CTLA4 costimulatory pathway plays an important role in the induction of T helper (Th) cells in T-cell dependent immune reactions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of blocking the costimulatory pathway by systemic administration of CTLA4-Ig during repeated nasal antigen challenges in systemically presensitized mouse. The antigen-induced early phase nasal symptoms, nasal hyperresponsiveness to histamine and nasal eosinophilia were significantly suppressed by CTLA4-Ig treatment. Elevation of serum level of antigen-specific IgE, but not IgG1 or IgG2a was inhibited by the treatment. In relation to cytokine levels in the tissue extracts of the nasal mucosa, an up-regulation of IL-4 was significantly inhibited, however, the levels of IL-5 and IFN-gamma were not affected by the treatment. These results suggest that B7/CD28-CTLA4 costimulatory pathway plays an important role in on-going Th2-related allergic reactions in the nose.

Prognostic factors of nasopharynx tumors investigated by MR imaging and the value of MR imaging in the newly published TNM staging

PURPOSE

To examine the usefulness of MR imaging for predicting local control of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and the value of MR imaging in the newly published fifth edition of the TNM classification.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We studied 29 patients with NPC with MR imaging and CT before and after treatment. Staging was done according to the fourth and newly published fifth editions of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) staging system. The radiotherapy protocol was designed to deliver 66 to 68 Gy to the primary tumor and clinically involved nodes.

RESULTS

MR proved better than CT at identifying obliteration of the pharyngobasilar fascia, invasion of the sinus of Morgagni, through which the cartilaginous portion of the eustachian tube and the levator veli palatini muscle pass, invasion of the skull base, and metastases to lymph nodes in the carotid and retropharyngeal spaces. All seven patients without invasion of the pharyngobasilar fascia had local control. The local control rates of patients with invasion of the skull base were not good (60 to 73%). There was no apparent relationship between tumor volume determined by T1-weighted MR images and local control when the tumor volume was more than 20 cc. The newly published N staging system appears to successfully identify the high-risk group for distant metastasis as N3. In our series, four of five patients with N3 disease developed distant metastases.

CONCLUSION

Deep infiltration of the tumor is a more important prognostic factor in NPC than tumor volume. Since the newly published T staging system requires a search for tumor invasion into soft tissue such as parapharyngeal space and bony structures, MR imaging may be indispensable for the newly published NPC staging system.

[Cytokine production of peripheral mononuclear cells in HD-mite-allergic rhinitis patients]

To elucidate the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis, the proliferative response and cytokine production of peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC) following stimulation with mite-antigen were evaluated in HD-mite-allergic rhinitis patients (mite-allergy group), non-HD-mite pollinosis patients (non-mite-allergy group) and normal subjects (normal group). The proliferative response of PMNC to PHA stimulation was not different among the groups, whereas that to mite-antigen stimulation was significantly higher in the mite-allergy group than in the normal group. Production of both IL-4 and IL-5 from PMNC after stimulation with mite-antigen was significantly higher in the mite-allergy group than in the normal group. Production of IFN-gamma from PMNC after antigen stimulation was significantly increased in both the mite-allergy and normal groups. The ratio of IFN-gamma to IL-4 synthesis was significantly higher in the normal group than in the mite-allergy group. This study revealed cytokine synthesis from PMNC after the antigen-stimulation was predominantly Th2-cytokines in patients with HD-mite-allergic rhinitis.

Role of CD4-positive T cells in the pathogenesis of nasal allergy in the murine model

BACKGROUND

Antigen-induced upregulation of cytokines, especially Th2-type cytokines, has been proven to be closely related to allergic inflammation in nasal allergy. CD4-positive T cells are supposed to play an important role not only in the induction of allergy but also in allergic inflammation.

METHODS

The anti-CD4 mAb was administered to the murine model of nasal allergy either at the beginning of sensitization, just before antigen challenge or during a topical booster sensitization. Then, the effects on the antigen-induced nasal responses and the serum level of antigen-specific IgE antibody were evaluated.

RESULTS

When the mAb was applied at the beginning of sensitization, the early-phase nasal symptoms and the late-phase nasal eosinophilia were significantly inhibited, and the 8-day passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) titer tended to be inhibited. When the mAb was applied just before the challenge, there were no differences in the nasal symptoms, the nasal eosinophilia or the 8-day PCA titer between the mAb-treated animals and the control animals. When the mAb was applied during a topical booster sensitization, the nasal eosinophilia, the 8-day PCA titer and histamine hypersensitivity were significantly suppressed in the treated animals.

CONCLUSION

CD4-positive T cells play an important role in the induction of IgE-mediated nasal allergy, occurrence of late-phase allergic inflammation and histamine hypersensitivity, but not in antigen-induced early-phase nasal symptoms in the murine model. In cases of chronic topical antigen exposure, however, the suppressive effects of a single application of the anti-CD4 mAb are not remarkable.

Differentiation-specific mRNA expression of a mouse bipotential glial cell line

We have previously reported that a bipotential glial cell line from mouse cerebrum, designated OS3, phenotypically differentiates into oligodendrocytes and astrocytes both in vitro and in vivo. To study the potential mechanisms of differentiation, in this study we investigated mRNA expression of cytokines and developmentally regulated proteins in OS3 during differentiation into oligodendrocytes by semi-quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. In the presence of 10% calf serum OS3 cells expressed IL-1alpha and IL-1beta mRNA. However, when the cells were cultured in chemically defined medium or low serum-containing medium the expression of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta mRNA was down-regulated. Under stimulation of phorbol ester, expression of IL-6 and nerve growth factor mRNA was up-regulated. The capacity for differentiation of OS3 cells into oligodendrocytes in vitro was limited and most OS3 cells ceased their differentiation at the proligodendroblast stage. However, expression of proteolipid protein (PLP) and DM20 mRNA was detectable and was up-regulated in accordance with the differentiation into oligodendrocytes. As a control, primary astrocytes expressed DM20 mRNA but not PLP mRNA and the expression of DM20 mRNA was independent of culture condition. Therefore, OS3 cells will be of use for the study of differentiation of progenitor cells into type-2 astrocytes or oligodendrocytes at the molecular level.

Antigen-specific IgA response of NALT and cervical lymph node cells in antigen-primed rats

Using antigen-primed rats, we examined the occurrence of antigen-specific antibody forming cells in mononuclear cells (MNC) of nasopharynx associated lymphoid tissues (NALT) and cervical lymph nodes (CLN) following in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cytokines and antigen using the ELISPOT assay method. The rats were immunized with ovalubumin (OVA) by intraperitoneal injections, then by daily intranasal boostering for 2 weeks. In the nasal lavage fluid, the level of OVA-specific IgA antibody was higher and that of OVA-specific IgG antibody was lower than those antibodies in the serum. Following incubations. most of the IgA spot forming cells (SFC), but only 5 10% of IgG SFC were proved to be antigen-specific in the NALT and CLN MNCs. Following LPS stimulation, both the antigen-specific IgA and IgG SFCs increased 1.5- to 2-fold in the NALT MNC. However, following OVA stimulation, the antigen-specific IgA SFC increased 6- to 8-fold, which was remarkably higher than the antigen-specific IgG SFC. The changes of the antigen-specific immunoglobulin SFCs in the CLN MNC following the antigen stimulation were similar to those in the NALT MNC. These findings suggested that NALT might be one of the induction sites for antigen-specific IgA responses in rats.

[Clinical study of hypopharyngeal carcinoma]

A clinical study was performed of 83 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer treated in the Sapporo Medical University Hospital from 1982 to 1995. Five-year cumulative survival rate was 34.9% in the whole group and 37.2% in the radical surgical and/or radiation treatment group. In the radiation treatment group, the patients with T1, T2, N0 or N1 stage disease, especially those whose original disease responded almost completely to 40Gy irradiation, showed high tumor control rates following full-dose irradiation with or without radical neck dissection. In the radical surgery group, the patients with T4 or N2 stage disease showed better prognosis than those in the radiation group. However, among the patients with N3 lymph node metastases, there were no long-term survivors in either the radiation or the surgery groups.

Targeting of IgMkappa antibodies to oligodendrocytes promotes CNS remyelination

We previously identified the remyelinating activity of a natural IgMkappa oligodendrocyte-reactive autoantibody (SCH94.03), using a virus-induced murine model of multiple sclerosis. We now describe a second mouse IgMkappa monoclonal antibody (mAb) (SCH79.08) raised against normal mouse spinal cord homogenate, which reacts with myelin basic protein and also promotes remyelination. Because these two mAbs recognize different oligodendrocyte antigens, several previously identified oligodendrocyte-reactive IgMkappa mAbs (O1, O4, A2B5, and HNK-1), each with distinct antigen specificities, were evaluated and found to promote remyelination. In contrast, IgMkappa mAbs that did not bind to oligodendrocytes showed no remyelination. One of these, CH12 IgMkappa mAb, which shares variable region cDNA sequences with SCH94.03 except for amino acid differences in the complementarity-determining region 3 in both heavy and light chains, did not bind to oligodendrocytes and did not promote remyelination. The fact that multiple oligodendrocyte-reactive antibodies with distinct antigen reactivities induce remyelination argues against direct activation by a unique cell surface receptor. These findings are most consistent with the hypothesis that the binding of mAbs to oligodendrocytes in the lesions induces myelin repair via indirect immune effector mechanisms initiated by the mu-chain. Importantly, these studies indicate that oligodendrocyte-reactive natural autoantibodies may provide a powerful and novel therapeutic means to induce remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients.

Expression of substance P (NK1) receptor mRNA in human nose

In airway tissues, it has been suggested that substance P is the transmitter of afferent sensory nerves which respond to various irritants and may be involved in airway allergic reactions. Three classes of tachykinin receptor are currently recognized, denoted as NK1, NK2 and NK3, which exhibit preferential affinity for substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B, respectively. We used molecular probes to study the gene expression and distribution of NK1 receptor in human nose. Total RNA was isolated from human nasal mucosa and NK1 receptor mRNA was detected in these tissues by using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For in situ hybridization study of human nasal mucosa, we utilized the PCR directly to incorporate a T7 RNA polymerase promoter sequence onto the NK1 receptor cDNA, and these PCR products were used as the DNA templates for producing digoxigenin-labelled anti-sense and sense RNA probes. These studies revealed that NK1 receptor mRNA was expressed in submucosal glands and airway epithelium. The results may have an important clinical implication, and also promote further investigation of gene regulation of NK1 receptor in health and disease.

Successful predilation of a resistant, heavily calcified lesion with cutting balloon for coronary stenting: a case report

A 65-year-old man with a restenotic lesion of the mid LAD was scheduled for Wiktor stent placement. The IVUS revealed circumferential severe calcification. Two conventional, non-compliant angioplasty balloons inflated to high pressures failed to achieved sufficient dilatation and both ruptured. At this point, we selected high pressure inflation of the Cutting Balloon. The Cutting Balloon achieved adequate dilation for stenting and proved to be useful in predilating a circumferential, heavily calcified lesion.

The effect of a cysteinyl leukotriene antagonist, ONO-1078 (pranlukast) on agonist- and antigen-induced nasal microvascular leakage in guinea pigs

The in vivo model of nasal microvascular leakage was used for the nasal allergic challenge in ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized guinea pigs, or nasal stimulation with leukotriene D4 (LTD4) in non-sensitized animals. An intravenous injection of Evans blue dye was given as an index of nasal microvascular leakage. Following the nasal stimulation with LTD4, the concentration of dye in the nasal lavage fluid rapidly increased. Oral administration of ONO-1078 (pranlukast) (3-30 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the LTD4-induced nasal microvascular leakage. In OA-sensitized guinea pigs, the excretions of dye into nasal lavage fluid were recognized soon after the topical antigenic stimulation and continued for over 60 minutes. Oral administration of ONO-1078 (30 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the antigen-induced microvascular leakage. These results suggest that ONO-1078 may be of therapeutic use for nasal allergy.

A unique population of circulating autoantibodies promotes central nervous system remyelination

In previous studies we demonstrated that the humoral immune response directed against unique central nervous system (CNS) antigens enhanced CNS remyelination in the Theiler's virus experimental model of multiple sclerosis (MS). To expand on this observation, a mouse IgM kappa monoclonal antibody (mAb) which enhances CNS remyelination, was raised against normal mouse spinal cord homogenate. Characterization of this mAb revealed that it is polyreactive towards variety of intracellular antigens but also reacts to an unidentified surface antigen on oligodendrocytes. The mAb is encoded by germline immunoglobulin genes without somatic mutations consistent with the observation that it is a natural autoantibody. Recently we generated another mouse IgM kappa mAb raised against normal spinal cord homogenate, which also promotes CNS remyelination. Further characterization revealed that both mAbs which promote remyelination have similar binding characteristics. Conventionally Abs which recognize normal CNS components, especially oligodendrocytes or myelin, have been considered to be a disease marker or be involved in the pathogenesis of MS. However, we have identified a unique population of circulating autoantibodies which are beneficial for myelin repair. Therefore this observation indicates the need to reevaluate autoantibody production against myelin components in CSF and blood as markers of disease activity versus repair in MS.

The effect of adenotonsillectomy in children with OSA

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy and abnormal facial morphology are thought to be important for the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). We evaluated the effects of adenidectomy and/or tonsillectomy and the relationship between the treatment results and facial morphology in 134 children with OSA. Significant improvements in apnea-hypopnea indes (AHI) and lowest blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) were noted and 78.5% of the patients improved after adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy. Additional operations were needed in two out of 13 cases of the adenoidectomy group and two out of four cases of the adeno-monotonsillectomy group. In the adenotonsillectomy group, the unimproved children tended to have smaller tonsils, narrower epipharyngeal airspace, and more poorly-developed maxillary and mandibular protrusion than the improved children.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the parotid gland extending to the parapharyngeal space

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) arise in the pleura and less commonly in extrapleural sites. Head and neck regions have included the nose and paranasal sinuses, soft palate, epiglottis, thyroid, parotid and submandibular glands, as well as the infratemporal fossa and parapharyngeal space. We report a case of SFT arising from the parotid gland and extending to the parapharyngeal space. To our knowledge, this is the fourth case of SFT originating from the parotid gland and is the largest of its kind among the extrapleural lesions described. The characteristics revealed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are presented.

Polymorphism in the Ialpha1 germ-line transcript regulatory region and IgA productivity in patients with IgA nephropathy

Enhanced in vivo and in vitro production of IgA has been reported in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and their family members. It is generally considered that IgA1 is a prominent subclass of IgA in IgAN. Although genetic mechanisms of IgA class switch recombination in IgAN have been studied enthusiastically, the critical factors that induce IgA1-specific class switching in IgAN have yet to be elucidated. A large body of data indicates that the germ-line transcript of Ig constant region (C(H)) genes that precedes actual class switching has regulatory effects on class switch recombination. To analyze structural abnormalities in the Ialpha1 germ-line transcript regulatory gene, a region about 1000 bp long located upstream of Ialpha1 exons was surveyed by the PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism method, and the polymorphism detected was confirmed by subsequent DNA sequencing. Three hot spots for point mutation were detected upstream of the promoter region of the Ialpha1 germ-line transcript, and the mutations were observed more frequently in patients than in controls. Patients with the mutations showed higher levels of serum IgA and higher in vitro IgA synthesis. In the luciferase assay, the regulatory gene with the mutations showed a potent effect for induction of the Ialpha1 germ-line transcript. The polymorphism in the Ialpha1 regulatory region possibly causes enhanced IgA production in some patients with IgAN.

Effects of anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody on the murine model of nasal allergy

IL-5 is known to be closely related to the infiltration, activation and proliferation of eosinophils. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo effects of anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in the murine model of nasal allergy. The mAb treatment inhibited the antigen-induced late phase eosinophilia, but had no effects on the number of basophilic cells. It also inhibited early phase nasal symptoms, and tended to inhibit histamine hypersensitivity. These findings suggest that IL-5 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic nasal disorders.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the larynx: a case which responded completely to radiotherapy and a review of the literature

Most laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas account for < 1% of cancers of the larynx. Among them, mucoepidermoid carcinoma is extremely rare and there is little agreement about the treatment of this carcinoma. We encountered one patient with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the bilateral vocal cords (T1bN0M0, Stage 1). For this, most investigators recommended a surgical procedure. However, because of his old age, the early stage and low grade of histopathology, we treated this patient with radiotherapy alone, delivered by accelerated hyperfractionation, which is a more effective strategy for treating radioresistant tumors than conventional irradiation. Following radiotherapy, the tumor disappeared and the patient has been alive and well for more than six years. An old patient with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the larynx was successfully treated with radiotherapy alone.