Inhibition of Nuclear Receptor Related Orphan Receptor γ Ameliorates Mechanical Hypersensitivity Through the Suppression of Spinal Microglial Activation

Microglia are crucial in induction of central sensitization under a chronic pain state. Therefore, control of microglial activity is important to ameliorate nociceptive hypersensitivity. The nuclear receptor retinoic acid related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) contributes to the regulation of inflammation-related gene transcription in some immune cells, including T cells and macrophages. Their role and function in regulation of microglial activity and nociceptive transduction have yet to be elaborated. Treatment of cultured microglia with specific RORγ inverse agonists, SR2211 or GSK2981278, significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mRNA expression of pronociceptive molecules interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Intrathecal treatment of naïve male mice with LPS markedly induced mechanical hypersensitivity and upregulation of ionized calcium-biding adaptor molecule (Iba1) in the spinal dorsal horn, indicating microglial activation. In addition, intrathecal treatment with LPS significantly induced mRNA upregulation of IL-1β and IL-6 in the spinal dorsal horn. These responses were prevented by intrathecal pretreatment with SR2211. In addition, intrathecal administration of SR2211 significantly ameliorated established mechanical hypersensitivity and upregulation of Iba1 immunoreactivity in the spinal dorsal horn of male mice following peripheral sciatic nerve injury. The current findings demonstrate that blockade of RORγ in spinal microglia exerts anti-inflammatory effects, and that RORγ may be an appropriate target for the treatment of chronic pain.

3D CT Angiography as a Pre-Embolization Study for Embolization of Cerebral Aneurysms

An image guide for aneurysm embolization based on three dimensional CT angiography is reported. Multiplanner reformation (MPR) can measure the neck and dome of the aneurysm accurately enough to select the first coils for aneurysms.

For neck evaluation, cut model and virtual endoscope are helpful because we can observe the neck from inside of dome or parent artery. Proximal arteries are visualized by 3D images and MPR if needed.

Using laser lithography, we can get a real model of aneurysm and parent artery through which we can insert microcatheters and coils. 3D CTA is a dependable modality for embolization of cerebral aneurysms.

Hepatocyte growth factor incorporated into herpes simplex virus vector accelerates facial nerve regeneration after crush injury

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) promotes regeneration of the central nervous system, but its effects on the peripheral nervous system remain unclear. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of HGF on regeneration of the murine facial nerve after crush injury. To do so, a replication-defective herpes simplex virus vector that incorporated HGF was prepared (HSV-HGF). The main trunk of the facial nerve was compressed by mosquito hemostats, and HSV-HGF, control vector or medium was then applied to the compressed nerve. We found that mice in the HGF group required significantly fewer days for complete recovery from nerve compression. Furthermore, the amplitude of the evoked buccinator muscle compound action potential increased following HSV-HGF application. HGF expression in and around the compressed nerve was demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunoassay and immunohistochemistry. In addition, HSV-HGF introduction around the damaged nerve significantly accelerated recovery of function of the facial nerve. These data suggest a possible role of HGF in promoting facial nerve regeneration after nerve damage. Furthermore, this viral delivery method may be applied clinically for many types of severe facial palsy during facial nerve decompression surgery.

In-vivo kinetics of the interaction between midazolam and erythromycin in rats, taking account of metabolic intermediate complex formation

To predict, quantitatively, the extent of drug interaction during repeated administration of a metabolic inhibitor, we analysed the effects of erythromycin treatment under several regimens on the area under the concentration curve (AUC) of midazolam in rats. Midazolam was administered into the portal vein 12 h after erythromycin treatment for 1, 2 or 3 days, or 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h after erythromycin treatment for 4 days, and the plasma-concentration profiles of midazolam were analysed to assess the AUC. Moreover, the contents of total cytochrome P450 and inactive metabolic intermediate (MI) complex were simultaneously quantitated. While the AUC value of midazolam was not affected by the administration of erythromycin for 1 day, repeated administration of erythromycin evoked an increase in AUC ratio (AUC in erythromycin-treated rats/AUC in vehicle-treated rats), which reached a maximum value of 1.99 at 12 h after 4 days' treatment with erythromycin. The total content of cytochrome P450 in liver microsomes was unaffected by erythromycin treatment. Although the MI complex was undetectable after 1 day's treatment with erythromycin, its content increased with duration of erythromycin treatment, and the complex disappeared after the end of erythromycin treatment with a half-life of 12.3 h. In conclusion, the interaction between erythromycin and midazolam could be well predicted when the formation of MI complex in the liver was taken into account.

Serodiagnostic potential of chemically synthesized glycosphingolipid antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for alveolar echinococcosis

In the serodiagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis, the detection of specific reactions against not only protein but also carbohydrate antigen is useful and both antigens supplement each other. Though recombinant protein antigens have recently advanced, the preparation of carbohydrate antigen still depends on extraction from crude antigens. In the latter case, it is not conventional to obtain carbohydrate antigen as a single component for examination and research. Therefore, chemically synthesized carbohydrate antigens were prepared for serodiagnosis by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Four antigens with the structure of glycosphingolipids fromEchinococcus multiloculariswere examined and one antigen, Galβ1-6(Fucα1-3)Galβ1-6Galβ1-ceramide, was found to show significant serodiagnostic potential in differentiating alveolar from cystic echinococcosis.

[Surgical fixation for flail chest]

Flail chest occurs by blunt chest trauma and is associated with pulmonary contusion, atelectasis, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and respiratory failure. Because of its severity, it may need internal pneumatic stabilization or surgical fixation. Some patients do not need the internal stabilization and are observed conservatively. Some of these patients, however, increase the flail after palliating the pain and getting up. These patients show inefficient ventilation and surgical fixation is needed. The operation should be performed after the improvement of pulmonary contusion. In this paper, we presented 2 patients who showed such course and clarified the surgical methodology.

The HLA-DOB gene displays limited polymorphism with only one amino acid substitution

The HLA-DO molecule is a non-classical class II heterodimer composed of alpha and beta chains. We have previously recognized that all eight of the allelic variations of the HLA-DOA gene represent non-synonymous amino acid substitution. In the present study, to analyze genetic polymorphism and allelic variation of the HLA-DOB gene which may affect the efficiency of class II restricted antigen presentation thereby being involved in the susceptibility of HLA associated diseases, we conducted direct DNA sequencing of HLA-DOB in 36 HLA class II homozygous typing cells and identified six new allelic variations (DOB*0101101, *0101102, *01012, *01022, *0104101 and *0104102) including five single nucleotide polymorphisms with only one amino acid substitution. Furthermore, strong linkage disequilibrium was detected between DOB*01022 and DRB1*1502 only, with no linkage disequilibrium between the DOA and the DOB genes. The HLA-DOB gene has been identified in other mammals, and their nucleotide sequences are well conserved. These facts suggest that limited polymorphism in the DOB gene is profitable to execute their unique function as a co chaperone and so strong selective pressure is operating to prevent generic variation against the DOB molecule interacting with the DM molecule and thus maintaining the specified immunological function of regulating antigen presentation.

Prediction of midazolam-CYP3A inhibitors interaction in the human liver from in vivo/in vitro absorption, distribution, and metabolism data

The extent of decreases in apparent hepatic clearance and intrinsic hepatic clearance of midazolam (MDZ) after intravenous administration of MDZ with concomitant oral administration of cimetidine (CIM), itraconazole (ITZ), or erythromycin (EM) was predicted using plasma unbound concentrations and liver unbound concentrations of inhibitors. When MDZ was concomitantly administered with CIM, the observed increase in MDZ concentration was successfully predicted using inhibition constants assessed by human liver microsome and liver-to-plasma unbound concentration ratios in rats. However, the extent of interaction with ITZ or EM was still underestimated even taking into account the concentrative uptake of inhibitors into liver. We could predict the degree of "mechanism-based" inhibition by EM on the hepatic metabolism of MDZ, after repeated administration of EM, by a physiological model incorporating the amount of active enzyme as well as the concentration of inhibitor. The maximum inactivation rate constant and the apparent inactivation constant of EM on MDZ metabolism were 0.0665 min(-1) and 81.8 microM, respectively. These kinetic parameters for the inactivation of the enzyme were applied to the physiological model with pharmacokinetic parameters of EM and MDZ obtained from published results. Consequently, we estimated that cytochrome P450 3A4 in the liver after repeated oral administration of EM was inactivated, resulting in 2.6-fold increase in the plasma concentration of MDZ. The estimated extent of increase in MDZ concentration in our study correlated well with the observed value based on metabolic inhibition by EM from published results.

The blood supply of the lateral epiphyseal arteries in Perthes' disease

We performed superselective angiography in 28 hips in 25 patients with Perthes' disease in order to study the blood supply of the lateral epiphyseal arteries (LEAs). Interruption of the LEAs at their origin was observed in 19 hips (68%). Revascularisation in the form of numerous small arteries was seen in ten out of 11 hips in the initial stage of Perthes' disease, in seven of eight in the fragmentation stage and in five of nine in the healing stage. Penetration of mature arteries into the depths of the epiphysis was seen in four of nine hips in the healing stage. Vascular penetration was absent in the weight-bearing portion of the femoral head below the acetabular roof. Interruption of the posterior column artery was seen where it passed through the capsule in seven hips when they lay either in internal rotation or in abduction with internal rotation. We suggest that in Perthes' disease the blood supply of the LEAs is impaired at their origin and that revascularisation occurs from this site by ingrowth of small vessels into the femoral epiphysis. This process may be the result of recurrent ischaemic episodes.

The blood supply of the lateral epiphyseal arteries in Perthes’ disease

We performed superselective angiography in 28 hips in 25 patients with Perthes’ disease in order to study the blood supply of the lateral epiphyseal arteries (LEAs). Interruption of the LEAs at their origin was observed in 19 hips (68%). Revascularisation in the form of numerous small arteries was seen in ten out of 11 hips in the initial stage of Perthes’ disease, in seven of eight in the fragmentation stage and in five of nine in the healing stage. Penetration of mature arteries into the depths of the epiphysis was seen in four of nine hips in the healing stage. Vascular penetration was absent in the weight-bearing portion of the femoral head below the acetabular roof. Interruption of the posterior column artery was seen where it passed through the capsule in seven hips when they lay either in internal rotation or in abduction with internal rotation.

We suggest that in Perthes’ disease the blood supply of the LEAs is impaired at their origin and that revascularisation occurs from this site by ingrowth of small vessels into the femoral epiphysis. This process may be the result of recurrent ischaemic episodes.

Quantitative prediction of metabolic inhibition of midazolam by erythromycin, diltiazem, and verapamil in rats: implication of concentrative uptake of inhibitors into liver

To evaluate the degree of drug-drug interaction concerning metabolic inhibition in the liver quantitatively, we tried to predict the plasma concentration increasing ratio (R) of midazolam (MDZ) by erythromycin (EM), diltiazem (DLZ), or verapamil (VER) in rats. MDZ was administered through the portal vein at the steady state of plasma concentration of these inhibitors. The R values in the area under the plasma concentration curve of MDZ in the presence of EM, DLZ, and VER were 2.02, 1.64, and 1.30, respectively. The liver to plasma unbound concentration ratios of EM, DLZ, and VER at the steady state after infusion were 20.8, 1.02, and 3.01, respectively, suggesting concentrative uptake of EM and VER into the liver. The predicted R value in the presence of EM calculated by use of plasma unbound concentration was 1.03, whereas the value calculated with liver unbound concentration was 1.61, which was very close to the observed value. These findings indicated the need to consider the concentrative uptake of inhibitors into the liver for the quantitative prediction of metabolic inhibition. However, the predicted values in the presence of DLZ or VER calculated by use of liver unbound concentration were still underestimated. This result may be due to the metabolic inhibition by the metabolites of both inhibitors. Therefore, when predicting the degree of metabolic inhibition quantitatively, the inhibitory effect by coadministered drugs and the disposition of these metabolites in the liver must also be considered.

Establishment of the anti-Klotho monoclonal antibodies and detection of Klotho protein in kidneys

A novel gene, klotho (kl), which is involved in the development of a syndrome resembling human aging in mice, was recently identified. The kl gene encodes a single-pass membrane protein whose extracellular domain carries homology to beta-glucosidases. There also exists a splice variant of kl mRNA which encodes a putative secreted protein in both human and mouse. In this study, to characterize the physiological roles of Klotho protein, we established three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the recombinant human Klotho protein. The mAbs are named KM2076 (rat IgG(2)a), KM2119 (rat IgG(2)b), and KM2365 (mouse IgG(1)). In Western blots, KM2076 and KM2119 specifically recognized a 130 kDa Klotho protein in the mouse and human kidney membrane fractions. To detect the human Klotho protein, the sandwich-type ELISA system with KM2076 and KM2365 was established. Using the ELISA system, we detected the human Klotho protein as low as 20 ng/ml in the supernatant of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO cells), introduced the human klotho gene. KM2076 and KM2119 specifically gave a positive staining by immunohistochemical staining in paraffin or frozen sections of the kidneys from wild-type mice but not in those from kl mice. Strong staining was observed especially in cortical renal tubules of the mouse kidney, where expression of klotho transcripts overlaps. KM2076 also showed a similar reaction pattern in the paraffin sections of rat and human kidneys. The mAbs established in this paper will serve as useful analytical, pathological, and diagnostic tools to disclose the role of Klotho protein in the suppression of a syndrome resembling human aging.

Correlation between in vivo and in vitro hepatic uptake of metabolic inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 in rats

To predict the degree of accumulation of hepatic metabolic inhibitors in the liver from the in vitro data, we investigated the relationship between cell/medium concentration ratios (C/M ratios) in isolated rat hepatocytes and liver/blood unbound concentration (K(Bf)) after i.v. administration of various metabolic inhibitors such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, verapamil, diltiazem, enoxacin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, cimetidine, and nizatidine. The C/M ratios of itraconazole were approximately 6,000 and 200 at the concentrations of 0.1 and 10 microg/ml, respectively, and the uptake of ketoconazole and verapamil into the hepatocytes also showed a concentration dependence, although the degree was smaller than that of itraconazole. The uptake of diltiazem, enoxacin, ciprofloxacin, and clarithromycin into the hepatocytes showed linear profiles on concentration dependence. There was an excellent correlation between C/M ratios and K(Bf) values of all nine drugs with a slope of 1. This finding suggested the possibility of predicting drug concentrations in the liver (C(H)) from C/M ratios, the blood concentrations of drugs (C(B)) and unbound fraction in blood (f(B)), which was expressed by C(H) = (C/M). C(B). f(B). It may be possible to predict the drug concentrations in human liver from K(Bf) values estimated with isolated human hepatocytes and concentrations in the blood in a similar manner as in rats.

Influence of spironolactone on neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia

AIM

To determine if the diuretic spironolactone cross reacts with 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) in an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit used for the mass screening of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

METHODS

Concentrations of 17OHP on a blood filter paper disc were measured using an ELISA kit (kit C-7: ENZAPLATE N-17alpha -OHP-7; Chiron, Tokyo, Japan). The cross reactivity of spironolactone and its metabolites with 17OHP was determined. The concentrations of spironolactone and its metabolites in blood were measured using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography).

RESULTS

Spironolactone cross reacted with 17OHP using kit C-7 (0.01%), by increasing 17OHP concentration in a dose dependent manner. The blood concentration of spironolactone and its metabolites was nearly 900 ng/ml, high enough to show an additive effect on the 17OHP concentration. About 12% of the false positive cases screened using the kit were due to the administration of spironolactone.

CONCLUSIONS

Spironolactone interferes with 17OHP concentrations, leading to false positive test results for CAH.

Retinoic acid stimulates development of adult-type chromatophores in the flounder

Premetamorphic flounder larvae were administered different doses of 9-cis retinoic acid (9cRA). 9cRA at 25 nM (the highest dose) not only stimulated adult-type (ad-) chromatophore development on the ocular (eyed) side, but also induced the development of ad-chromatophores on the blind (non-eyed) side of the metamorphosed fish. The ad-chromatophore development was stimulated by 9cRA only when administered to the larvae that were at late premetamorphosis and at early prometamorphosis. Ad-chromatophores actually appear much later, at the end of metamorphosis. 9cRA was not effective at later stages of metamorphosis. These results suggest that 9cRA stimulated the development or determination of the developmental fate of neural crest cells for chromatophores. The present results also suggest the presence of immature chromatophores or neural crest cells on both sides of the larval body of the flounder and that the ad-chromatophore development is somehow inhibited on the blind side in spontaneous metamorphosis. All-trans retinoic acid (atRA) had a similar effect on the ad-chromatophore development. In addition, both types of RAs affected the development of fin rays of the fish, resulting in deformity of fins when administered at high doses early in metamorphosis. The teratogenic effect of atRA was greater than that of 9cRA.

Recent epidemiologic trends in alveolar echinococcosis prevalence in humans and animals in Hokkaido

We investigated chronological and geographical changes of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) prevalence in 14 administrative districts of Hokkaido based on the data of our epizootiologic and seroepidemiologic surveys. The results suggest that the chronological transitions of the enzootic state of AE in Hokkaido markedly reflect those of human AE prevalence, and that new prevalence of human AE has been emerging from central and western Hokkaido.

Quantitative prediction of metabolic inhibition of midazolam by itraconazole and ketoconazole in rats: implication of concentrative uptake of inhibitors into liver

To evaluate the extent of drug-drug interaction concerning metabolic inhibition in the liver quantitatively, we tried to predict the plasma concentration increasing ratio of midazolam (MDZ) by itraconazole (ITZ) or ketoconazole (KTZ) in rats. MDZ was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg through the portal vein at 60 min after bolus administration of 20 mg/kg ITZ or during 0.33 mg/h/body of KTZ infusion. The ratio values in the area under the plasma concentration curve of MDZ in the presence of ITZ and KTZ was 2.14 and 1.67, respectively. The liver-unbound concentration to plasma-unbound concentration ratios of ITZ and KTZ were 11 approximately 14 and 1.3, respectively, suggesting a concentrative uptake of both drugs into the liver. ITZ and KTZ competitively inhibited the oxidative metabolism of MDZ in rat liver microsomes, and Ki values of ITZ and KTZ were 0.23 microM and 0.16 microM, respectively. We predicted the ratio values of MDZ in the presence of ITZ and KTZ, using Ki values and unbound concentrations of both drugs in the plasma or liver. The predicted ratio values in the presence of ITZ or KTZ calculated by using unbound concentration in the plasma were 1.03 approximately 1.05 and 1.39, whereas those calculated using unbound concentration in the liver were 1.73 approximately 1.97 and 1.51, respectively, which were very close to the observed ratio values. These findings indicated the necessity to consider the concentrative uptake of inhibitors into the liver for the quantitative prediction of the drug-drug interactions concerning metabolic inhibition in the liver.

P-glycoprotein-mediated transport of itraconazole across the blood-brain barrier

The mechanism for the accumulation of itraconazole (ITZ) in its elimination from the brain was studied in rats and mice. The concentration of ITZ in liver tissue declined in parallel with the plasma ITZ concentration until 24 h after intravenous injection of the drug (half-life, 5 h); however, the ITZ in brain tissue rapidly disappeared (half-life, 0.4 h). The time profiles of the brain/plasma ITZ concentration ratio (Kp value) showed a marked overshooting, and the Kp value increased with increasing dose; these phenomena were not observed in the liver tissue. This finding indicates the occurrence of a nonlinear efflux of ITZ from the brain to the blood. Moreover, based on a pharmacokinetic model which hypothesized processes for both nonlinear and linear effluxes of ITZ from the brain to the blood, we found that the efflux rate constant in the saturable process was approximately sevenfold larger than that in the nonsaturable process. The Kp value for the brain tissue was significantly increased in the presence of ketoconazole or verapamil. The brain Kp value for mdr1a knockout mice was also significantly increased compared with that of control mice. Moreover, the uptake of vincristine or vinblastine, both of which are substrates of the P glycoprotein (P-gp), into mouse brain capillary endothelial cells was also significantly increased by ITZ or verapamil. In conclusion, P-gp in the brain capillary endothelial cells participates in a process of active efflux of ITZ from the brain to the blood at the blood-brain barrier, and ITZ can be an inhibitor of various substrates of P-gp.

Quantitative prediction of the interaction of midazolam and histamine H2 receptor antagonists in rats

To quantitatively evaluate drug-drug interactions involving metabolic processes in the liver, we attempted to predict the increasing ratio of the plasma concentration of midazolam (MDZ) in the presence of cimetidine (CIM) or nizatidine (NZD) in rats. Under steady-state conditions for the plasma concentration of CIM or NZD, MDZ was administered through the portal vein. The AUC of MDZ in the presence of CIM was 2.5-fold higher than that in the absence of CIM. There was no effect of NZD on the AUC of MDZ. The liver/plasma concentration ratios for CIM and NZD were 4.0 and 2.7, respectively. The estimated liver unbound concentration (CH,f)/plasma unbound concentration (Cp,f) ratios for CIM and NZD were 1.9 and 2.4, respectively, suggesting concentrative hepatic accumulation of both drugs. The oxidative metabolism of MDZ in rat liver microsomes was competitively inhibited by CIM or NZD, and the Ki values of CIM and NZD were 110 and 2600 microM, respectively. Based on these data obtained in vivo and in vitro, the increasing ratios for MDZ in the presence of CIM or NZD were predicted using the equations Rp = 1 + Cp,f/Ki and RH = 1 + CH,f/Ki. The observed increasing ratios in the presence of CIM were very close to RH, compared with Rp. However, Cp, f and CH,f were much less than Ki and there was no difference between Rp and RH in the presence of NZD. Consequently, Cp,f and CH, f were greater than or equal to Ki and Cp,f was not equal to CH,f, as in the presence of CIM, and it was indicated that CH,f was more suitable for quantitatively predicting the drug-drug interactions than was Cp,f.

Differential gene expression of thyroid hormone receptor alpha and beta in fish development

To understand the mechanisms of flounder metamorphosis, which is controlled by thyroid hormone, gene expression of the thyroid hormone receptors (TR alpha A, TR alpha B, TR beta 1, and TR beta 2) was studied in developing flounder larvae, using quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. TR gene transcripts were found at very low levels in fertilized flounder eggs. Substantial amounts of TR mRNAs were present in premetamorphic larvae, except for TR alpha B mRNA, which was low throughout larval development. TR alpha A gene transcripts increased rapidly in metamorphic climax and decreased rapidly postclimax. The expression level of TR beta s increased in climax, reached its peak postclimax, and remained high in metamorphosed juveniles. In situ hybridization confirmed the decrease in TR alpha transcripts in most tissues postclimax and further revealed the ubiquitous expression of TR genes and distinct tissue specificity of alpha and beta subtypes in the overall fish body. These results suggest that thyroid hormone exerts effects directly on each tissue during fish metamorphosis and that gene expression of TR subtypes is differentially regulated both temporally and regionally. Thus, the results suggest that the development of each tissue of the flounder by thyroid hormone is further controlled at the receptor level by the differential expression of TRs.

SUG1, a component of the 26 S proteasome, is an ATPase stimulated by specific RNAs

SUG1 is an integral component of the 26 S proteasome. Belonging to a novel putative ATPase family, it shares four conserved motifs characteristic of ATP-dependent DNA/RNA helicases. Recombinant rat SUG1 (rSUG1) produced in Escherichia coli was highly purified and characterized in terms of its biochemical properties. The rSUG1 exhibited a Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity. The Km for ATP and Vmax of rSUG1 were 35 microM and 7 pmol of ATP/min/microg of protein, respectively. Both ATPase activity to release [32P]monophosphate and [32P]ATP-labeling activity were coordinately affected by cold ATP severely, GTP and UTP moderately, and CTP little. Interestingly, the rSUG1 ATPase activity was stimulated by poly(U) and poly(C), but not by poly(A), poly(G), or by any forms of DNAs tested. A UV cross-linking assay also indicated poly(U)- and poly(C)-stimulated labeling of rSUG1 with [alpha-32P]ATP. Moreover, the ATPase activity was facilitated by cellular poly(A)+ RNA, but not by poly(A)- RNA. RNA transcribed in vitro from cDNA encoding a b-Zip protein could stimulate the ATPase activity. This is the first report to demonstrate a specific RNA requirement for ATPase with respect to the proteasomal ATPases. Our present work suggests that SUG1 can specifically interact with protein-coding RNA (mRNA) and play some roles in mRNA metabolism.

Agents for the treatment of overactive detrusor. IX. Synthesis and pharmacological properties of metabolites of N-tert-Butyl-4,4-diphenyl-2-cyclopentenylamine (FK584) in human urine

We synthesized the racemates of the five presumed metabolites (1b-f) of (S)-(--)-N-tert-butyl-4,4-diphenyl-2-cyclopentenylamine hydrochloride (FK584, S(--)-1a), a novel agent for the treatment of overactive detrusor syndrome, in order to confirm the structures of the metabolites and also to evaluate their inhibitory activity against detrusor contraction. (+/-)-N-tert-Butyl-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)- and 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)- and 4-phenyl-2-cyclopentenylamines (1b--e) were synthesized via 5-(4-methoxyphenyl)- and 5-(4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one (9g, h), respectively. Compounds 1b-f prepared in this study were identical with the metabolites in human urine in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and analytical HPLC. The inhibitory activity of compounds 1b-f against detrusor contraction in vitro induced by electrical field stimulation in guinea-pigs was less potent than that of FK584.

Revascularization in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head

To study the revascularization pattern of nontraumatic osteonecrosis, superselective angiography of the femoral medical circumflex artery was done twice on 13 hips for which no treatment had been given. Angiographic evaluation of the hips with early-stage osteonecrosis not visible on radiographs showed the absence of superior retinacular arteries from the stump in all hips. Penetration of small vessels was seen on 6 hips. Bony scintigraphy of 13 hips and magnetic resonance imaging of 9 hips were taken at about the same time. Bony scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging results were positive in 11 of 13 hips and in all 9 hips, respectively. The patients were observed until evidence of necrosis appeared on radiographs. When this sign became evident, a second angiography was conducted, which indicated the penetration of erratically formed vessels with increase in size in 12 hips. It was assumed that the blood supply from the superior retinacular arteries was interfered with in large areas of the femoral head and that revascularization started with the formation of small vessels, followed by further penetration of large vessels.

Structures of the rat proteasomal ATPases: determination of highly conserved structural motifs and rules for their spacing

We have isolated rat cDNAs for all of the five known proteasomal ATPases. The protein sequences of rat TBP1, TBP7, MSS1, S4, and SUG1 predicted from the open reading frames consist of 439, 418, 433, 440, and 406 amino acid residues, respectively, and exhibit striking similarities to each human counterpart with only several amino acid substitutions. These five rat ATPases are also highly homologous with each other. The N-terminal region in rat TBP1, TBP7, and SUG1 contains a heptad repeat of hydrophobic amino acids reminiscent of a leucine zipper. Also, in the central region of each rat ATPase, we found four conserved motifs, Gx4GKT, DEID, SAT, and H/QRxGRx2R, that are characteristic of a large family of ATP-dependent RNA/DNA helicases. The spacing between individual motifs was strictly conserved in the rat ATPases. These findings suggest a common function of the rat proteasomal ATPases in ATP-dependent RNA/DNA unwinding.

cDNA cloning of thyroid hormone receptor beta for the Japanese flounder

cDNA encoding the beta type of thyroid hormone receptor (THR) was cloned from a lambda gt10 library prepared from the whole bodies of metamorphosing flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). The deduced amino acid sequence of the flounder THR beta (fTHR beta 1) showed higher homologies to the known THR beta s of other vertebrate animals than to THR alpha s, including flounder THR alpha s. Unlike any other THR, fTHR beta 1 possessed an insertion sequence composed of nine amino acids in the region prior to the hormone-binding domain. PCR analyses suggested the presence of transcripts for another THR beta (fTHR beta 2) that had a longer insertion sequence than fTHR beta 1. The analyses further suggested that the cDNA sequences of the two flounder THR beta s most likely shared a constant sequence except for a 60-base additional sequence found only in fTHR beta 2. The flounder genome possessed a single gene for both fTHR beta 1 and beta 2, suggesting that the two THR beta variants are produced from the same gene through an alternative splicing system.

A piperidine amino acid, 2,4,5-piperidinetricarboxylic acid from Clitocybe acromelalga

A new piperidine amino acid, 2,4,5-piperidinetricarboxylic acid (11) was isolated from the poisonous mushroom, Clitocybe acromelalga. The structure determination and its biogenetic potential are discussed.

Effect of thyroid hormone on developmental transition of myosin light chains during flounder metamorphosis

Thyroidal control of the transition of myosin isoforms during flounder metamorphosis was examined by the administration of either only thiourea (TU), a potent inhibitor of thyroid hormone synthesis, or thyroxine (T4) together with TU into premetamorphic larvae. Immersion of premetamorphic larvae in 400 microM of TU inhibited the appearance of the adult-type DTNB (5,5'-dithio-bis-nitrobenzoic acid) light chain, LC2, whereas administration of T4 with TU induced a precocious appearance of LC2 and decreased the relative amount of the larval-type DTNB light chain, LC2*. TU was administered into juveniles just after completion of metamorphosis. The treatment did not affect the composition of the myosin light chains. These results suggest that thyroid hormone irreversibly turns on the switch for transition of the DTNB light chains from larval to adult type during metamorphosis of the flounder.

The structure of a new dipeptide from the mushroom Clitocybe acromelalga

From the poisonous mushroom Clitocybe acromelalga, a new glutamate-containing dipeptide was isolated. Its structure was deduced to be N-(gamma-aminobutyryl)-L-glutamic acid (10) based on spectral data and was confirmed by synthesis.

Cloning of thyroid hormone receptor genes expressed in metamorphosing flounder

Two distinct cDNAs encoding thyroid hormone receptors (THRs) were cloned from a lambda gt10 library prepared from the whole bodies of metamorphosing flounder larvae (Paralichthys olivaceus). Deduced amino acid sequences of the two isolated cDNAs shared 96% and 92% homologies in their DNA- and hormone-binding domains, respectively. These were highly conserved when compared to THRs for other vertebrates: 88-96% in the DNA-binding domain and 84-94% in the hormone-binding domain. Other receptors in the nuclear receptor family showed lower homologies than those of THRs. Both THRs for the flounder had higher homologies with the alpha-type THRs of other vertebrates than with the beta-type. Thus, the two THRs for flounder were designated as fTHR alpha A and fTHR alpha B.

[Fresh fracture of the odontoid process treated with direct screw fixation; a case report]

A case of a fresh type II fracture (Anderson & D'Alonzo) of the odontoid process treated with direct screw fixation is reported. A 52-year-old man complained of severe neck pain following a hit on his forehead incurred in a falling accident. Neurological examination was normal. Cervical spine x-ray films and axial CT scans revealed a fracture at the base of the dens. It was slightly oblique leftup and rightdown, and the dens fragment was displaced 3mm lateral to the right. One week after the injury, this odontoid fracture was directly fixed with a compression screw by an anterior cervical approach. Immediately after the operation, his neck pain disappeared. He had only 4 days of bed rest and 2 months of external immobilization with a simple neck collar. He returned to his previous job 2 months after surgery without any limitation of his neck movement. At follow-up examination 16.5 months after the operation, x-ray films demonstrated complete fusion of the fracture and no problem about the screw such as displacement or breakage. Direct screw fixation of an odontoid fracture via a transcervical approach was thought to be a reasonable method of treatment. For proper assembly of this method, the following two points are particularly recommended: a screw insertion perpendicular to the fracture plane and the use of an optimal screw with both the desired total and thread lengths.

Direct skull marking for a pre-operative localization in regional cerebral surgery. Technical note

A method is described in which an open neurosurgical target is pre-operatively marked on the skull of a patient. A target point of the scalp surface localized from neuroimaging studies is transferred onto the skull by an injection of pyoktanin blue. Its accuracy and reliability is far superior than that of the usual scalp marking. The method is simple, practical, and allows a smaller, regional craniotomy with the advantage of minimum operative invasiveness.

Intra-operative screw trimming in direct screw fixation of the odontoid process fracture--technical note

For a satisfactory direct screw fixation of fractures of the odontoid process it is necessary to use a screw of the proper total length and thread length, but such an optimal ready-made screw is not always available. The authors describe a technique of intra-operative screw trimming using a high-speed diamond drill. This adjustment is easily and quickly performed. It enables the screw to act as a compression screw, which facilitates fusion of the fractured surfaces.

A micromanipulator for precise control of a brain retractor. Technical note

A new microsurgical device for delicate brain retraction is described. The device, a micromanipulator with a holder for a brain spatula fixed at the end of a self-retaining retractor arm, allows smooth, steady, fine displacement of the retractor tip ("minimal sliding retraction"), operated by the surgeon's two fingers. This has proved to be a useful and safe method of retraction for critical brain structures such as blood vessels, cranial nerves and aneurysm domes in deep microsurgical fields.

Thyroid hormone regulates developmental changes in muscle during flounder metamorphosis

Morphological and biochemical changes in the muscular tissue of metamorphosing flounder were studied in relation to the regulatory role of thyroid hormone. Premetamorphic larvae were reared in seawater alone or seawater containing either thyroxine (T4) or an antithyroid drug (thiourea, TU). Histological changes in the muscle were examined and biochemical changes in the muscle proteins were evaluated by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting for troponin T (TNT). The muscle tissue of premetamorphic larvae was characterized by abundant vacuoles and basophilic sarcoplasm. In control fish, the larval muscle transformed into the adult type during metamorphic climax; the fibers were filled with abundant myofibrils and the vacuoles disappeared. Analysis by SDS-PAGE showed that the bands at 41.5, 35.5, 34.0, 33.5, 25.5, 23.0, 20.0, and 19.0 kDa clearly increased in density from the climax stage. Premetamorphic larvae possessed two immunoreactive TNT isoforms of 41.5 and 34.0 kDa, the former being predominant. At the climax stage an additional isoform appeared at 33.5 kDa, and the 34.0- and 33.5-kDa TNT became predominant. The administration of T4 precociously induced these histological and biochemical changes in the muscle tissue of flounder larvae. In contrast, TU treatment inhibited these developmental changes in the larval muscle. Our results suggest that the developmental changes in the muscular tissue of metamorphosing flounder are regulated by thyroid hormone.

[A study of vascular changes on disintegration and repair of the femoral head with advanced osteoarthritis of the hip]

Microangiography was performed on 65 femoral heads with advanced osteoarthritis to investigate the vascular changes on disintegration and repair of the femoral head. Affected femoral heads were removed during prosthetic replacement. A needle was inserted into the nutrient vessel of the extraosseous area and the contrast medium was injected by manual pressure through the needle. After slicing the femoral head, decalcification was performed and Spalteholz's preparations were prepared. Anastomosis between the superior and inferior retinacular arteries was found in all cases. Hypertrophy and hypervascularity of the retinacular arteries were observed on the weight bearing region. On the cystic lesion corresponding to the weight bearing region, numerous arteries were extended around the cyst. On the surface of the eburnated femoral head, the peripheral arteries coursing to the joint was not tapered and dilatation of these arteries was demonstrated. On some areas of the head, however, repairing arteries reaching to the joint surface lay horizontally. From this result, it was assumed that numerous arteries proliferated to the eburnated area and to around the cyst for repairing reaction, but that these were damaged by mechanical stress.

Intracranial chondrosarcoma--case report

The authors report the case of a 54-year-old male who was found to have a large intracranial chondrosarcoma at the site from which chondromas had been partially removed twice, 6 and 10 years previously. On the third admission, the second through tenth and the twelfth cranial nerves on the right side were involved. Computed tomographic scans showed a large mass in the right middle and posterior fossae and the right ethmoid sinus. Angiography demonstrated an extradural mass in the right middle fossa. The tumor in the middle and posterior fossae was subtotally removed, and second, third, and eighth cranial nerve function improved postoperatively. Histological examination of tumor specimens showed active proliferation of poorly differentiated cartilagenous cells, suggestive of sarcomatous transformation of the pre-existing chondroma. It is emphasized that chondromas should be removed as completely as possible and that patients must be followed carefully after surgery.

Brachycephalic, serrated curettes for anterior cervical spinal microsurgery. Technical note

Modified spinal fusion curettes with two unusual features on the tip are described for anterior cervical procedures. The features are: 1) an elliptical, long sidewise ("brachycephalic") scoop at the tip and 2) a serration equipped on the distal scoop edge. These designs allow reliable manipulation and significant removal of the intervertebral space contents in the deep operative field under the microscope.

A microangiographic study of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Microangiography was performed on 31 femoral heads with idiopathic osteonecrosis to investigate the pathogenesis of this disease from the aspect of circulation disturbance. Microangiography showed the following: (1) the interruption of the superior retinacular arteries in the extraosseous area; (2) the presence of numerous newly formed vessels of varying diameter arising from the stumps of the interrupted superior retinacular arteries; (3) compensatory hypertrophy and large-area invasion of the inferior retinacular arteries and the ligamentum teres arteries, both of which medially enter the affected head; and (4) the blockage of revascularization, which occurred along the area of subchondral fracture and collapse at the weight-bearing region. These findings strongly suggest that revascularization is aborted by the subchondral fracture and collapse caused by weight bearing. It was assumed that interference with revascularization occurred repeatedly in the repair process of affected heads due to the influence of subchondral fracture and collapse caused by weight bearing.

Cerebellopontine angle epidermoid tumor extending into the upper cervical spinal canal--case report

A 61-year-old male with right facial pain and hearing loss was found to have a cerebellopontine angle epidermoid tumor that extended downward through the foramen magnum into the upper cervical spinal canal. The tumor was removed except for a small fragment of its capsule adherent to the brainstem. Only three such tumors with caudal extension have been reported.

Kinetic studies of the pyridoxal kinase from pig liver: slow-binding inhibition by adenosine tetraphosphopyridoxal

Pyridoxal kinase from pig liver has been purified 10,000-fold to apparent homogeneity. The enzyme is a dimer of subunits of Mr 32,000. The enzyme is strongly inhibited by the product pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. Liver pyridoxamine phosphate oxidase, another enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, is also strongly inhibited by this compound [Wada, H., & Snell, E. E. (1961) J. Biol. Chem. 236, 2089-2095]. Thus, the biosynthesis of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in the liver might be regulated by the product inhibition of both pyridoxamine phosphate oxidase and pyridoxal kinase. Kinetic studies revealed that the catalytic reaction of liver pyridoxal kinase follows an ordered mechanism in which pyridoxal and ATP bind to the enzyme and ADP and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate are released from the enzyme, in this order. Adenosine tetraphosphopyridoxal was found to be a slow-binding inhibitor of pyridoxal kinase. Pre-steady-state kinetics of the inhibition revealed that the inhibitor and the enzyme form an initial weak complex prior to the formation of a tighter and slowly reversing complex. The overall inhibition constant was 2.4 microM. ATP markedly protects the enzyme against time-dependent inhibition by the inhibitor, whereas another substrate pyridoxal affords no protection. By contrast, adenosine triphosphopyridoxal is not a slow-binding inhibitor of this enzyme.

Arteriovenous malformation with crossed total hemiatrophy: a case report

A case of crossed total hemiatrophy (right side of the face, and left side of the trunk and left extremities) with a right precentral to central arteriovenous malformation is reported. The atrophy of trunk and extremities was well accounted for by the contralateral arteriovenous malformation, but a pathological early auditory response was the only brainstem sign possibly related to the facial atrophy.

Raeder's syndrome associated with intracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm

Raeder's syndrome consists of oculosympathetic paresis and ipsilateral facial pain, with variable involvement of the trigeminal and oculomotor nerves. A 63-year-old woman experienced severe facial pain, a partial Horner's syndrome, and restriction of ocular movements on the left side. A left carotid angiogram disclosed a giant aneurysm of the cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery. This is the third reported case of Raeder's syndrome due to aneurysm of the intracranial internal carotid artery. Her facial pain was relieved by carotid ligation, and serial computed tomographic scans showed decrease of aneurysmal size.