Bacterial Population Changes during the Degradation Process of a Lactate (LA)-Enriched Biodegradable Polymer in River Water: LA-Cluster Preferable Bacterial Consortium

The lactate-based polyester poly[lactate (LA)-co-3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB)], termed LAHB, is a highly transparent and flexible bio-based polymeric material. There are many unknowns regarding its degradation process in riverine environments, especially the changes in bacterial flora that might result from its degradation and the identities of any LAHB-degrading bacteria. LAHB were immersed in the river water samples (A and B), and LAHB degradation was observed in terms of the weight change of the polymer and the microscopic changes on the polymer surfaces. A metagenomic analysis of microorganisms was conducted to determine the effect of LAHB degradation on the aquatic environment. The bacterial flora obtained from beta diversity analysis differed between the two river samples. The river A water sample showed the simultaneous degradation of LA and 3HB even though the copolymer was LA-enriched, suggesting preferable hydrolysis of the LA-enriched segments. In contrast, only 3HB degraded for the LAHB in the river B water sample. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed 14 bacteria that were significantly increased in the river A water sample during LAHB degradation, suggesting that these bacteria preferentially degraded and assimilated LA-clustering polymers. Our metagenomic analysis provides useful insights into the dynamic changes in microbial communities and LA-clustering polymer-degrading bacteria.

Alteration of T-cell receptor repertoires during thymic T-cell development

The majority of thymocytes die in the thymus, whereas small populations of T cells that are able to specifically recognize an antigen are considered to survive. Although the thymic selection is thought to have a profound effect on T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, little is known how TCR repertoire is formed during the thymocyte developmental process. We examined TCRalpha- and beta-chain variable regions (TCRAV and TCRBV) repertoire in thymic T-cell subpopulations from mice bearing different major histocompatibility (MHC) haplotypes. In Balb/c mice, but not C57BL/6, remarkable alterations of the TCR repertoire were observed in mature T-cell subpopulations as previously reported. In contrast, there were no significant differences of TCRBV repertoire between DN3 (CD25(+)CD44(-)) and DN4 (CD25(-)CD44(-)), and between DN4 and DP. These results suggest that (1) TCR repertoire of mature T cells was formed mainly under the influence of endogenous superantigens, while MHC haplotypes played the least role; (2) the 'beta-selection' process during immature stages had little impact on TCRBV repertoire formation; and (3) TCR repertoire in immature T-cell subpopulations was extremely similar between different strains of mice. We thus consider that pre-selection TCR repertoire in immature T cells could be determined by some genetic factors conserved among different strains.

Establishment of a mouse thymic epithelial cell line, IT-76MHC and a brief review on cultured thymic epithelial cells

Interactions between thymocytes and thymic stromal cells are essential for thymocyte differentiation, but little evidence has been presented to directly show in vivo functions or interactions of the stromal cells. Among the stromal cells, the thymic epithelial cell has been considered to have profound effect on thymocyte differentiation and maturation. The calcium-depleted medium, originally developed for the culture of mouse epidermal cells, was applied for the culture of the mouse thymic epithelial cells, and successfully, an epithelial cell line, IT-76MHC was obtained from the mouse thymus. IT-76MHC cells were identified as distinct mouse thymic epithelial cells by 1/ mosaic-like arrangement, 2/ presence of well-developed desmosome and 3/ tonofilaments, 4/ positivity for cytokeratin, and 5/ induced expression of MHC class I and II by IFN-gamma treatment. IGF-1, IGF-2, oxytocin and vasopressin were also detected immunohistochemically in IT-76MHC cells. Furthermore, the IT-76MHC thymic epithelial cells, when injected intrathymically in the allogeneic mouse, prolonged the survival of skin graft from the same donor strain that IT-76MHC cells were derived. These results demonstrate that the thymic epithelial cell line IT-76MHC produces modest thymocyte survival factors as well as a growth suppressor, and that IT-76MHC cells have the ability to induce transplantation tolerance probably through their expression of MHC class I and II molecules. Taken altogether, the IT-76MHC thymic epithelial cells have been proved to be useful tools to better understand the in vivo functions of thymic epithelial cells, and to gain a deep insight into their involvement in the critical selection process of thymocytes which still remains obscure. Finally and additionally, literatures so far reported on thymic epithelial cells in culture, especially lines and clones, are reviewed and their identity as well as their functions are discussed.

A novel activating mutation of the K-ras gene in human primary colon adenocarcinoma

We identified a novel type of point mutation at the 22nd codon of the K-ras gene in a primary colon cancer. The mutation was C to A transversion substituting lysine (AAG) for normal glutamine (CAG) codon. Biological activity of this mutant K-ras gene was tested by expression of full-length cDNA clones in NIH3T3 cells. Most of the K-ras Lys22-transfected cells exhibited an increased saturation density, a lower serum requirement, and transformed morphology reminiscent to the typical K-ras Val12 transformants. However, the tumorigenicity of K-ras Lys22 transformants in nude mice was significantly less potent than that of K-ras Val12 transformants; only a high copy number transformant produced tumors. Even though the activation is incomplete, the finding that the majority of tumor cells in the specimen carried the K-ras Lys22 mutation suggests that this mutation might be advantageous for growth of tumor cells in vivo.

Enhanced neutrophilic granulopoiesis in rheumatoid arthritis. Involvement of neutrophils in disease progression

OBJECTIVE

To investigate enhanced granulopoiesis in bone marrow of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the role of neutrophils in RA pathogenesis.

METHODS

Aspirated bone marrow cells and peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with RA and non-RA patient controls were analyzed morphologically and by 2 color flow cytometry. Thirteen iliac bones (8 RA, 5 non-RA) were examined by light and transmission electron microscope (TEM).

RESULTS

The percentage of CD15+CD16- cells (immature neutrophils) in RA bone marrow (64.3+/-13.4%, mean +/- SD) increased significantly compared to that of non-RA controls (43.2+/-14.3%), whereas the fraction of CD15+CD]6+ cells (mature neutrophils)was greatly decreased (RA 21.8+/-10.1%; non-RA 38.1+/-8.9%). The absolute number of CD15+CD16- cells also increased markedly in RA bone marrow. The ratio of immature cells to the total granulocytes (% CD15+CD16- to % CD15+) correlated with the Lansbury Index score (R = 0.76, p<0.0001). TEM observations revealed that abundant immature neutrophils adhered closely to the trabeculae of the iliac bone. Margins of trabeculae were mostly irregular, especially in severe RA, and collagenous fibers frequently disappeared in those trabeculae with ragged margins.

CONCLUSION

In RA bone marrow, immature neutrophils (CD15+CD16-) were markedly increased in number; by contrast, no changes were found for mature cells. Augmented production of immature neutrophils (at the promyelocyte-to-myelocyte stage) might lead to the destruction of collagenous fibers in RA bone trabeculae, as revealed by TEM. Generalized bone destruction in RA might, at least in part, be caused by enhanced production of immature neutrophils.

Immunosuppressant FTY720 inhibits thymocyte emigration

One major role of the thymus is to provide the peripheral immune system with mature T cells, but the mechanisms involving the cellular export are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the ability of a novel immunosuppressive reagent, FTY720, to inhibit T cell export from the thymus. Daily administration of FTY720 at a dose of 1 mg / kg resulted in a marked decrease in the number of peripheral blood T lymphocytes. In the thymus, long-term daily administration of FTY720 caused a three- to fourfold increase in the proportion of mature medullary thymocytes (CD4(+)CD8(-) and CD4(-)CD8(+)) as well as a slight decrease in the double-positive cell (CD4(+)CD8(+)) ratio. Phenotypic analysis (TCRalpha beta, H-2K(d), CD44, CD69 and CD24) revealed that these increased subsets represent possible peripheral recent thymic emigrants. High level expression of L-selectin by these subsets further suggests that they were prevented from leaving the thymus. By intrathymic labeling with fluorescein isothiocyanate, only one fourth of labeled cells could be detected in the lymph nodes and in the spleen of FTY720-treated mice compared to saline-treated control mice. Taken together, these results suggest that the immunosuppressive action of FTY720, at least in part, could be due to its inhibitory effect on T cell emigration from the thymus to the periphery.

[Case report of a patient with invading bladder cancer and lymph node swelling which decreased following 5'-DFUR treatment]

We report a 75-year-old man with invading bladder cancer and enlarged lymph nodes, which decreased following 5'-DFUR treatment. A postoperative abdominal CT showed lymph node swelling around the great vessels. The patient refused aggressive chemotherapy, so he was given a 5-FU derivative, 5'-DFUR, 800 mg/day orally. The enlarged lymph node had decreased in size by the 22nd day after the treatment, and the patient has maintained a near CR.

Cloning and characterization of a gene complementing the mutation of an ethanol-sensitive mutant of sake yeast

Ethanol-sensitive mutants (esl to es10) were isolated from sake yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae SY-32. These mutants were unable to grow at 7% ethanol at which the wild type strain SY-32 does grow. The mutants had a variety of fermentation rates and viabilities in the presence of ethanol. The gene ERG6, complementing the ethanol-sensitive mutation of es5, was cloned from an SY-32 gene library. ERG6 encodes S-adenosylmethionine: delta 24-sterol-C-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.41) in the ergosterol synthetic pathway. Mutant es5 had a reduced ability to synthesize ergosterol. An erg6 disruptant was also ethanol-sensitive. These results suggested that ERG6 plays an important role in the ethanol tolerance of S. cerevisiae.

Psoas abscess associated with iliac vein thrombosis and piriformis and gluteal abscesses

BACKGROUND

A 14-year-old boy was admitted because of lumbago and high fever.

METHODS/RESULTS

Computed tomography scans revealed psoas, piriformis and gluteal abscesses as well as right iliac vein thrombus. A right femoral venogram demonstrated compression from the psoas abscess and thrombosis of the common iliac vein. Appropriate surgical drainage, administration of antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy were effective in the present case.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of primary psoas abscess associated with vein thrombosis and is also unique in that abscesses were multiple without predisposing diseases or trauma.

The suppression of postoperative liver metastasis caused by the continuous intraportal infusion of angiogenesis inhibitor FR-118487 in a rabbit colon cancer model

The inhibitory effect of FR-118487, a potent angiogenesis inhibitor, on neovascularization induced by the VX2 tumor was confirmed in a rabbit corneal assay. The antimetastatic effect of FR-118487 was also investigated in 21 rabbits. Spontaneous liver metastases were induced by VX2 tumor cell implantation into the ascending colonic wall. FR-118487 was then infused continuously into the portal vein for 7 days after resection of the primary lesion at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day (FR-1 group) or 3 mg/kg/day (FR-3 group). The incidence of liver metastases was 71.4%, occurring in 5 of 7 rabbits, in each of the FR-1 and FR-3 groups, compared with 100%, being all of 7 rabbits, in the control group. The number of metastatic foci tended to be less in the FR-1 (31.0 +/- 36.0) and FR-3 (24.6 +/- 45.1) groups than in the control group (83.7 +/- 73.9) and the weight of metastatic foci was significantly less in the FR-1 (1.4 +/- 1.8 g) and FR-3 (1.3 +/- 2.0 g) groups than in the control group (6.5 +/- 4.9 g) (P < 0.05). However, leakage of the colonic anastomosis and body weight loss were limited to the FR-3 group. These results suggest that the continuous intraportal infusion of FR-118487 at 1 mg/kg/day suppressed liver metastases by inhibiting angiogenesis, without producing any adverse effects.

[A case of pyelitis cystica diagnosed with utilization of ureterofiberscope]

We herein report a case of pyelitis cystica in 65-year-old woman. She was referred to our hospital in order to have a treatment for a stone in the ureter on left side. Excretory urogram showed hydronephrosis on left, and multiple, small, smooth and round filling defects in the renal pelvis on right side. ESWL was performed to the ureteral stone, and the stone was discharged completely in 4 days. Then further examinations were made for the filling defects of right renal pelvis. Nonopaque calculi were ruled out on retrograde pyelogram and CT scan. Urinary cytology from the renal pelvis was class I. Our impression was pyelitis cystica of right kidney. Under spinal anesthesia, ureterofiberscopy was performed. Multiple small cysts were observed in the pelvis and calyx, as well as cystitis cystica. Cold cup biopsy was also done and histopathological finding ws pyelitis cystica, without malignancy. We compared endoscopic findings with radiographic findings in 18 cases of pyloureteritis cystica from the Japanese literature. The radiographic findings were multiple small, in a uniform size, and round filling defects with regular contour, and the endoscopic findings were multiple white or ocher colored, half sphere or sphere shaped, and small cyst with smooth surface in 15 of 18 cases. We thought these findings were characteristic ones in pyloureteritis cystica. Endoscopy and biopsy are mandatory for diagnosis of pyeloureteritis cystica.

DNA fragmentation is not the primary event in glucocorticoid-induced thymocyte death in vivo

Thymocyte death has been recognized as one of the best models for studying apoptosis. Our recent study, however, indicated that most thymocytes die without DNA fragmentation and become terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling-positive (TUNEL+) only after being phagocytosed by macrophages. In this study, we used histological techniques using the TUNEL method, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy as well as flow cytometry to examine in vivo the effect of glucocorticoid (GC), a well-known agent for inducing thymocyte apoptosis in vitro, on thymocyte death to determine whether or not DNA fragmentation was the first event of GC-induced thymocyte death. At 2 h and 4 h after GC injection, a large number of cortical thymocytes were TUNEL+. Most TUNEL+ cells were aggregated to form clusters. Double staining of the section showed that the TUNEL+ thymocytes were phagocytosed by acid phosphatase+ and Mac-2+ macrophages. An ultrastructural study indicated that a far greater number of small pyknotic thymocytes were present in the cortex of the GC-treated thymus than were observed in the control thymus, that all those pyknotic thymocytes were TUNEL-, and moreover, that at the electron microscopic level, TUNEL+ cells were all phagocytosed by macrophages. Flow cytometric analysis did not detect a single TUNEL+ thymocyte even 4 h after the GC treatment, suggesting that virtually no free dead thymocytes were present after DNA fragmentation. These results indicate that, consistent with our previous findings with normal thymocyte death and B cell death in the germinal centers, DNA fragmentation is not involved in the cell death process of the GC-induced rapid thymocyte death in vivo.

Heterogeneity of mouse thymic macrophages: I. Immunohistochemical analysis

As the first step toward understanding the identity and functions of thymic macrophages in situ, we examined the phenotypic heterogeneity of mouse thymic macrophages in tissue sections by the immunohistochemical double staining method with four monoclonal antibodies (F4/80, Mac-2, anti-CD32/16 and anti-I-A antibodies) as macrophage markers. Morphologically, three types of macrophages were identified: dendritic, round and flat-shaped. Dendritic macrophages were scattered throughout the thymus, and most of them were stained by all four markers. Among these macrophages, those at the cortico-medullary region (CMR) expressed a high intensity of CD32/16 antigen. Round macrophages were also distributed throughout the thymus; most of them, however, were localized in the cortico-medullary region to the medulla. These cells were F4/80-negative, Mac-2-positive, CD32/16-negative and I-A-positive. In contrast, round macrophages located at the cortex expressed F4/80. Flat-shaped macrophages were localized at the subcapsular region of the cortex where active lymphopoiesis was observed. This type was positive for F4/80 and CD32/16, but negative for Mac-2. Furthermore, most of the three types of thymic macrophages showed intense reactions of the I-A antigen within the cytoplasm in addition to the expression of I-A antigen on the cell membrane. These results indicate that morphological characteristics of thymic macrophages at different locations reflect phenotypic variations detected in immunohistochemistry, and suggest that these different type macrophages may play distinct roles at various locations in thymocyte development in the thymus.

Glucocorticoid-induced thymocyte death in the murine thymus: the effect at later stages

SUMMARY

Although glucocorticoid has been considered to cause thymocyte apoptosis in vitro, few studies have presented its in vivo effect. We report here on kinetics of glucocorticoid-induced murine thymocyte death in vivo by the TUNEL method. TUNEL-positive cells were observed as early as at 2 h after intraperitoneal injection of glucocorticoid. Most TUNEL-positive thymocytes were phagocytosed by acid phosphatase positive macrophages. "Free" (not phagocytosed) TUNEL-positive cells were not detected at early stages (by 4 h). At 6 to 8 h after the injection, the number of phagocytosed thymocytes per individual macrophage had reached its maximum, and at 8 to 12 h many ruptured macrophages ingesting too many dying thymocytes became noticeable. During the process, no additional macrophages appeared to be mobilized to the thymus. At 6 to 8 h after the injection, however, coincidentally with the fact that macrophages had become unable to further ingest dying lymphocytes, dead cells were left unphagocytosed, and ultimately became "free" positive cells, probably due to some proteolytic process ongoing within the thymus. As late as at 12 h, morphological examination revealed that epithelial cells seemed to begin engulfing thymocytes, almost simultaneously with the start of rupture of the macrophages due to the ingestion of too many thymocytes. Epithelial cells were readily identified by desmosomes and tonofilaments, in addition to euchromatic nuclei. Altogether, these results suggest that: 1) even though thymocytes were exposed to glucocorticoid in vivo, most of them were not TUNEL-positive unless they were phagocytosed; 2) even after most macrophages had ingested too many cells at later stages, macrophages in other locations did not migrate to the thymus; and finally, 3) deletion of damaged thymocytes was also carried out by thymic epithelial cells, though not frequently, at around 12 h and later.

Endothelin-1 levels in portal venous blood in relation to hepatic tissue microcirculation disturbance and hepatic cell injury after ischemia/reperfusion

This study was conducted to clarify the role of endothelin-1 in the portal vein after hepatic ischemia/ reperfusion and to ascertain whether it is related to hepatic microcirculation disturbance. Using a canine ischemic liver model, the portal and systemic endothelin-1 levels were measured before ischemia, then after 1 h and 2 h of reperfusion, and comparatively evaluated with the serum levels of GOT and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). As an indicator of liver tissue microcirculation, tissue blood flow volume (TBF) was also measured in the site subjected to ischemia. The animals were divided into: group 1, which received ischemia for 30 min; group 2, which received ischemia for 60 min; and group 3, which received a sequence repeated four times of 15 min ischemia and 10 min reperfusion. The portal endothelin-1 level became significantly elevated after reperfusion compared to that before ischemia in all groups, being significantly higher in group 2 than in the other groups. The systemic endothelin-1 level also increased after reperfusion; significantly in group 2. The portal endothelin-1 level was generally higher than the systemic level, which again was statistically significant in group 2. After 2 h of reperfusion, a significant positive correlation was found between the portal endothelin-I level and serum LDH, whereas a significant negative correlation was found between the portal endothelin-1 level and TBF. The finding that the portal endothelin-1 level became elevated after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion suggests that it probably plays an essential role in hepatic ischemia/ reperfusion injury by adversely influencing tissue microcirculation.

Continuous measurement of tissue oxygen and carbon dioxide gas tensions in dog liver in ischemia/reperfusion

An experiment was conducted to determine whether the oxygen and carbon dioxide gas tensions in liver tissue (PtO2 and PtCO2, respectively) reflect the state of microcirculation and/or metabolism in the ischemic liver. Subjects were divided into three groups: group 1, 30 min ischemia; group 2, 60 min ischemia; group 3, four times of intermittent 15 min ischemia after every 10 min of reperfusion. PtO2, PtCO2 and tissue blood flow (TBF) were measured by mass spectrometry, comparatively studied with the serum GOT level as an indicator of liver tissue damage. Furthermore, the time point at which the PtCO2 increase for 1 min initially became less than 1/2 of the maximum value was located on the transit curve of PtCO2, referred to as the critically anaerobic (CA) point, with which new indices of critically anaerobic score (CAS) and time (CAT) (see details in text) were developed. The profiles of PtO2 and PtCO2 during ischemia and reperfusion were clearly demonstrated, and the CA point was observed 12.7 +/- 2.9 min after induction of ischemia. PtO2 was positively correlated with TBF and negatively with the serum GOT level. Furthermore, not only CAS but also CAT were significantly correlated with PtO2, TBF, and the serum GOT level. It was concluded that PtCO2 reflects the state of anaerobic tissue metabolism during ischemia and PtO2 reflects the magnitude of microcirculatory disturbance and tissue injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion. Therefore, continuous monitoring of not only PtO2 but also PtCO2 is beneficial for patients undergoing hepatic surgery with ischemia.

Possible role of protein kinase C in the regulation of intracellular stability of focal adhesion kinase in mouse 3T3 cells

Effects of various types of protein kinase inhibitor on the adhesion and spreading of BALB/c mouse 3T3 cells and on the phosphorylation and stability of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the cells were studied. Inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases, methyl 2,5-dihydroxycinnamate and herbimycin A, inhibited tyrosine-phosphorylation of FAK and the adhesion of 3T3 cells to fibronectin. Among inhibitors of serine/threonine kinases tested, calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, inhibited cell spreading rather than cell adhesion, and it induced the decrease of intracellular FAK within 30 min. Inhibitors of tyrosine kinase, A kinase, G kinase, and myosin light chain kinase did not induce such a rapid and specific decrease of FAK. When calphostin C (20 microM) was added to sub-confluent monolayer cultures, serine-phosphorylation of FAK was inhibited by 67% within 2 h, and decrease in the amount of FAK and rounding up of the cells began after 4 h. Label-chase experiments indicated that about 60% of 35S-labeled FAK degraded within 1-2 h after addition of calphostin C to monolayer cultures. These results indicated that serine-phosphorylation of FAK induced by protein kinase C was important in the regulation of metabolic stability of FAK.

[Suppression of postoperative liver metastases from colon cancer by continuous intraportal infusion of an angiogenesis inhibitor FR-118487]

A rabbit VX2 colon cancer model with spontaneous liver metastases was used to evaluate the antitumor effect of an angiogenesis inhibitor, FR-118487. FR-118487 (1 mg/kg/day) was infused continuously into the portal vein for a week after resection of primary colon cancer lesions (FR group). The incidence of liver metastases was 71.4% (5/7) in FR group, and 100% (7/7) in control group. The number and the weight of liver metastatic nodules were 31.0 +/0 36.0 and 1.4 +/- 1.8 g in FR group versus 83.7 +/- 73.9 and 6.5 +/- 4.9 g in control group, respectively. The metastases in FR group were significantly decreased in weight compared with those in control group (p < 0.05). No anastomotic leakage was recognized in either group. No side effects of FR-118487 such as body weight loss were found. Continuous intraportal infusion of FR-118487 in the early postoperative period may be effective to suppress liver metastases from colon cancer by inhibiting the angiogenesis concerning liver metastases.

The presentation of a double aortic arch in adulthood in association with congestive heart failure attributed to a previously silent aortic regurgitation

This paper describes an adult case of a double aortic arch (DAA; Edwards type IA). The patient had been asymptomatic for DAA but presented difficulty in swallowing in association with congestive heart failure, which she experienced as the result of attending to her sick husband while she apparently suffered from a silent aortic regurgitation. The symptoms disappeared and the patient recovered from heart failure following medical treatment. The patient soon discontinued the outpatient treatment and, after 2 years, the identical symptoms recurred under similar circumstances. In this paper we demonstrate that an asymptomatic case of DAA has the potential to clinically manifest itself.

Development of an experimental model of an acute respiratory failure by intratracheal sea water infusion: a comparison with a conventional oleic acid induction

An experimental model of acute respiratory failure (ARF) was successfully developed in dogs by endotracheal sea water infusion. Serial changes in blood gases and hemodynamics, and histological changes in the lungs after use of this method were compared with those of the conventional model induced by oleic acid, and the following results were observed. Blood gases deteriorated more rapidly after sea water than after oleic acid, while the changes caused by oleic acid progressed with time, and those caused by sea water did not. Not only systemic but also pulmonary hemodynamics were adversely influenced by oleic acid, but not by sea water. Extravascular lung water was observed to increase significantly in both groups. The increase was linear after oleic acid treatment, however, while with the sea water method it leveled off to a plateau. There was no significant difference between the histological changes in lungs of the two models. Our model will provide many advantages over the conventional one using oleic acid, and will be useful for studying the pathophysiology of ARF and its therapeutic strategies, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and/or carbon dioxide removal.

Coronary fistulous communications with left ventricular chamber and giant mural thrombus after myocardial infarction

Selective coronary arteriography, performed in a 67-year-old man with post-infarction angina, demonstrated severe three vessel disease and coronary fistulous communications with the left ventricular chamber adjacent to a giant mural thrombus formed in the apical aneurysm. Most of the contrast media seemed to empty directly into the chamber without presenting hypervascular blushes of the thrombus itself. This was somewhat different from the observation previously reported in a case with coronary fistulae associated with a post infarction mural thrombus. It was stressed that one should not misinterpret this condition as a rare coronary artery-cardiac chamber shunt associating myocardial infarction.

Stimulation of tyrosine- and serine-phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase in mouse 3T3 cells by fibronectin and fibroblast growth factor

Phosphorylation of both tyrosine and serine residues of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was stimulated by the adhesion of BALB/c mouse 3T3 cells to fibronectin, but phosphorylation of threonine was not detectable. Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors also stimulated the phosphorylation of serine and tyrosine of FAK in cells adhered to poly-L-lysine, but epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor did not. A fusion protein of fibronectin and basic fibroblast growth factor effectively induced the phosphorylation of FAK. Phosphorylation of FAK in the rat myoblast L-6 cell line, which lacks fibroblast growth factor receptors, was not stimulated by fibroblast growth factors, suggesting that the interaction of fibroblast growth factors with their receptors might cause the phosphorylation of FAK.

[Limited surgery for early gastric cancer]

The prognosis of the resected "early gastric cancer" is very good, especially in mucosal cancer. In Japan, the surgery for the gastric cancer generally is subtotal gastrectomy combined with R2-lymph nodal dissection. But, some cases are free of lymph nodal metastasis, and might be cured without its dissection. We analyzed resected specimens of early gastric cancer pathologically, and assessed what cancers we could do the limited operation without impairing curability. Lymph nodal metastasis of the mucosal cancer developed 2.1% of all 291 mucosal cancers, and of the submucosal cancer, 15.7% of 229 cases. Lymph vessel permeation depicted 5.2% and 82.1%, respectively. As for the mucosal cancer, less than 10 mm in maximum diameter, there were no lymph vessel permeations nor lymph nodal metastasis. In these cases, the limited operation, especially the local resection and the endoscopic resection could be available without any fear of cancer residue. In contrast, the submucosal cancer was not considered the candidate of the limited surgery.

Plateau pattern of afferent discharge rate from frog muscle spindles

1. A characteristic plateau pattern was observed in the rate of afferent discharges during ramp-and-hold stretch of spindles isolated from semitendinosus muscles of frogs. The plateau pattern was more frequent in summer frogs (84%) than winter frogs (11%). 2. The plateau pattern consisted of a discharge rate around 120 imp/s at the end of dynamic stretch, followed by second and third steps of plateau rates around 60 and 40 imp/s, respectively. The intervals of impulses in lower steps were approximately n times those of the top step. 3. The plateau pattern was not sensitive to cutting extracapsular myelinated branches or lowering temperature from 23 to 12 degrees C. However, the number of the plateau was reduced in both cases. 4. Application of depolarizing current to the sensory terminal abolished the plateau pattern. In contrast, in spindles that did not show a plateau pattern, hyperpolarizing current induced such a pattern. 5. Calcium channel blockers and protein kinase C inhibitors abolished the plateau pattern. The plateau pattern could be established in quiescent spindles by drugs eliciting Ca2+ entry, raising cytosolic-free Ca2+, and activating protein kinase C. 6. The most striking aspect of the present study is the stability in the discharge rate at each step of the plateau, irrespective of different experimental conditions. This suggests that the spindle sensory terminal possesses a stable intrinsic rhythm generator in excitation, of which maximum frequency is 120 imp/s. The generator seems to be triggered by stretch stimulus and to be regulated by cytoplasmic Ca2+ and protein kinase C.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer responding to an FAP (5-FU, ADM, platinum compounds) combined chemotherapy]

An experience with an advanced gastric cancer patient with metastases to bilateral breasts, uterus, abdominal lymph nodes, bilateral axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes, and bone marrow, responded extremely well to an FAP combined chemotherapy as reported here. The patients received four courses of 5-FU (370 mg/m2/day, for five days, continuous infusion), ADM (30 mg/m2 on day 1, i.v.) and CDDP (55 mg/m2 on day 1, i.v.) every 3 weeks in our hospital. This was followed by 7 months of outpatient therapy with 5-FU (550 mg/m2 on day 1, i.v.), ADM (30 mg/m2 on day 1, i.v.) and CBDCA (330 mg/m2 on day 1, i.v.) for every 4 weeks. The complete remission of the primary and metastatic lesions, that was confirmed by the histological examinations, was obtained after 10 months since the initial treatment started. The toxicity was generally moderate, however, the alopecia was severe. The patient has been living for 6 months without any signs of the recurrence after the complete remission obtained.

[Clinicopathological estimation of intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy of locally advanced breast cancer]

The effect of intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy with adriamycin as a preoperating procedure was analyzed clinicopathologically in 30 cases with locally advanced breast cancer. A clinical response rate of 53.3% was obtained by the treatment and remarkable degenerative changes of tumor cells were noted histologically in the primary lesions. But there was no relationship between histological therapeutic effect and regression rate in tumors. A recurrence rate showed a higher correlation with histological therapeutic effect in comparison with clinical therapeutic effect. Especially, non-necrosis type that tumor cells were still alive mainly in the vessels showed significantly a higher recurrence rate in comparison with a central necrosis type or focal necrosis with fibrosis and hyalinization type. The local regional recurrence rate of patients receiving intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy was lower than that of patients, as the historical controls, receiving no therapy before operation. But prognostically, there was no significant difference in a survival rate between both groups. So, after operation, other alternative or multidisciplinary adjuvant chemo-endocrine therapy seems to be necessary for improving the survival rate.

An enzyme (beta-D-N-acetylglucosaminidase) released from the decidua to maternal plasma prior to the onset of labor

Changes in the activity of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (E.C. 3.2.1.30; NAG), a lysosomal marker enzyme, in the maternal plasma and utero-placental tissues during late pregnancy and parturition were examined in order to determine if lysosomal enzymes participate in the cervical ripening. NAG activity in the plasma gradually increased as gestation advanced, to reach a maximum 3-4 days before the spontaneous onset of labor, and remaining at this level until the second stage. The activity measured in decidua and amnion obtained from the women who had undergone routine repeat cesarean section after labor onset was lower than in those before the onset. Since the decidua was much heavier than the amnion, it was concluded that NAG was released to the maternal circulation mainly from the decidua and only partly from the amnion. Our data revealed that lysosomal enzyme release occurs prior to the onset of labor, and that NAG may play a role primarily in the ripening of the cervix rather than in the onset of labor, by hydrolysing GAGs in the uterine cervix.

[Effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate on the cell kinetics in primary breast cancer]

Effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the breast cancer cell kinetics was investigated by flow cytometry on paraffin-embedded tissues. Nuclear DNA contents were measured in 67 primary cases. MPA, 1,2000 mg/day, was administered orally for two weeks in 12 cases (MPA group) and the remaining cases (n-MPA group) served as the controls, until the day before operation. The DNA histograms were compared between both groups. The mean percentage of G0 + G1 phase was higher and that of S-phase and G2 + M phase, lower, in the MPA group than those in the n-MPA group. Especially in estrogen receptor positive and premenopausal cases, a significant difference was present between both groups. These results suggest that MPA could inhibit DNA synthesis with a delay of the cell cycle progression in human breast cancer.

[Intraperitoneal administration of recombinant interferon-beta for prevention in peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer]

Recombinant interferon-beta (IFN-beta) shows a high anti-tumor effect on cancerous ascites, has little local irritative action and can safely be administered intraperitoneally. A randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of intraperitoneal administration of IFN-beta for the purpose of preventing peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer. The subjects selected were patients under 75 years of age who were macroscopically positive for serosal invasion and had undergone curative operation. Comparison was made by the envelope method between the cases given IFN-beta i.v. at 6 x 10(6) units continuously for 14 days from the day of operation and from 1 week after operation. MMC, 20 mg (i.v.) on the day of operation and 5-FU, 200 mg (p.o.) for 1 year from 2 weeks after operation were administered, respectively, in the two groups. The number of cases registered from March, 1987 to September, 1988 was 33, with 17 in the administration group and 16 in the control group. No difference was noted between the two groups in 3-year survival rate and disease free survival rate. As to the recurrence involving the peritoneum, however, there was a difference between the two groups, with 1 out of 6 cases in administration group and 3 out 4 cases in control group. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy can be an effective adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer, if cases are selected.

Lysis and aberrant morphology of Bacillus subtilis cells caused by surfactants and their relation to autolysin activity

The surfactants tested in this study lysed Bacillus subtilis 168 cells at the logarithmic growth phase. Results obtained with inhibitors and a mutant that had defective autolytic enzymes suggested that cell lysis resulted from the deregulation of autolysin activity. The addition of surfactants at sublytic concentrations produced twisted cells, filamented cells, or both. Autolysins extracted with 5 M LiCl from the cell wall fraction and lysozyme added to cells that were treated with surfactants restored the apparently normal cell rod morphology, suggesting that surfactants interfere with the role of autolysins in normal construction of the cell envelope. The rates of cellular autolysis and autolysin activity remaining in growing cells after exposure to a surfactant at a sublytic concentration decreased, although the rate of turnover of cell wall peptidoglycan was the same as that of control cells. Surfactants were suggested to interact with the regulatory system of autolysins and, thus, to affect the activities of autolysins in B. subtilis cells and to cause either morphological changes or cell autolysis, depending on the concentration of surfactants.

[Two cases of advanced breast cancer with distant metastasis showing long-term survival with multidisciplinary treatment including intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy]

Two cases of advanced breast cancer are reported that have had no recurrence for more than five years after multidisciplinary treatment including intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy. The first case is a 62-year-old housewife who had brain metastases. The primary lesion and distant metastases were completely responsive to irradiation combined with chemoendocrine therapy. The other one is a 38-year-old housewife with ovarian metastasis that was revealed after oophorectomy. In this case chemoendocrine therapy was added without irradiation after intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy. These cases indicate that intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy can be recommended as a component of multidisciplinary treatment even in advanced breast cancer with distant metastasis.

[The clinicopathologic analysis of autopsied breast cancer]

In 46 patients with recurrent breast cancer, the chronological change of pathomorphologic findings and its relationship with the clinical courses were studied with the comparison between the materials obtained at the time of operations and autopsies. Histologically, 24 cases (52.2%) showed undifferentiated change with time, and 22 cases (47.8%), no change. There were no cases with differentiation. The cases with undifferentiated change progressed acutely with no response to treatment, resulting in poor prognosis. Some of these cases showed metastatic behavior similar to leukemia, malignant lymphoma or small cell carcinoma of lung. It was suggested that the chronological and histological change was to some extent related to the clinical course.

[Changes in N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity in the maternal plasma and utero-placental tissues during normal pregnancy and parturition]

In the ripening of the uterine cervix during parturition, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in the cervical extracellular matrix has been reported to undergo drastic changes i.e. the increase in hyaluronic acid, and the decrease in dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG; EC3.2.1.30), one of marker enzymes of lysosome, may also degrade extracellular GAG in the uterine cervix. This study is undertaken to determine if NAG plays a role in the ripening of the cervix during parturition. The maternal plasma were collected from 252 women with normal pregnancy (5-41 weeks gestation). Amnion, chorion and parietal decidua were obtained from 20 patients at more than 36 gestational weeks who had undergone cesarean section (CS) prior to labor, and from 24 who had undergone CS after the onset of labor. NAG activity in the maternal plasma gradually increased with the advance of gestation, and increased drastically after the onset of labor. The activity in the amnion and decidua, but not in the chorion, decreased significantly in the women who had undergone CS after the onset of labor compared with those who had undergone CS prior to labor. It is concluded that NAG is released into the maternal circulation from lysosomes in amnion and decidua, and it is also estimated that NAG plays a role in the ripening of the uterine cervix during parturition by degrading GAG in the cervical extracellular matrix.

[Arterial infusion chemotherapy and embolization in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma using an intraarterial catheter]

We performed arterial infusion chemotherapy and embolization on 22 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma via an intraarterial catheter, which was inserted in the hepatic artery under laparotomy. The administration frequency of intraarterial chemotherapy on a patient was 1 to 155 with a median of 17, while that of embolization was 1 to 6 with a median of 2.5. The maximal and average durations of a catheter in place were 15 and 4 months, respectively. The survival rates were 50% in one year, 18% in two years, and 12% in three years. Insertion technique and management of the catheter are relatively safe and easy, so catheterization of the hepatic artery would enable us to develop new treatment modalities.

[A case of hepatocellular carcinoma with survival of more than 7 years after extended right lobectomy]

A 48-year-old male was referred to our hospital because of a space occupying lesion that had been revealed by hepatic scintigraphy, which had been seen because of an evaluation of his serum alpha-fetoprotein level while under therapy for chronic hepatitis. Laboratory data revealed an impaired liver function and a hepatic angiography showed a hypervascular tumor of the right hepatic branch. An extended right lobectomy was performed. Postoperatively, this case was histologically diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite having had an intraportal tumor thrombus, the patient survived for 7 years and 3 months and died of a cancer recurrence with hepatic failure. In this case surgical resection proved very useful for survival over a long period.

[Adenocarcinoma of an extraperitoneal rectum in a 17-year-old female]

A 17-year-old female with an adenocarcinoma of the extraperitoneal rectum, which was diagnosed correctly by preoperative intrarectal ultrasonography as being in Dukes' A stage, was operated on, this surgery performed adhering to function preserving procedures. Histologically, the tumor uncovered was found to be a well differentiated adenocarcinoma and, as had been expected, in Dukes' A stage. An absolute curative operation was achieved. The operative procedure for juvenile rectal cancer must be planned to achieve both tumor removal and bodily function preservation to assure the best possible quality of postoperative life. We recommend intrarectal ultrasonography at the preoperative stage, the results to be used in deciding on the operative procedure.