Clinical effects of combined Lactobacillus paracasei and kestose on canine atopic dermatitis

Probiotics and prebiotics are viable bacteria with beneficial effects on the host and components that selectively act on the beneficial commensal bacteria, respectively. The combined use of probiotics and prebiotics is termed synbiotics. Probiotic intake improves dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota and can positively affect canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). However, clinical studies on improvements in CAD using synbiotics remain limited. In this study, 15 dogs with CAD who received prednisolone, a synthetic glucocorticoid (GC) used in the treatment of CAD, for more than 90 days were continuously treated with Lactobacillus paracasei M-1 from fermented food as a probiotic, and trisaccharide kestose as a prebiotic, for 90 days to determine their synbiotic effects on CAD. The CAD symptoms were evaluated using the canine atopic dermatitis lesion index (CADLI) and pruritus visual analog scores (PVAS) at 30, 60 and 90 days after synbiotic administration. The total prednisolone use for 90 days pre- and post-administration was also evaluated. Synbiotic administration significantly reduced the CADLI (pre: median, 28.0 [22.0-32.0]; 30 days: median, 20.0 [20.0-28.0]; 60 days: median, 20.0 [10.0-21.0]; 90 days: median, 12.0 [10.0-19.0]) and PVAS (pre: median, 6.0 [5.0-7.0]; 30 days: median, 3.0 [3.0-3.5]; 60 days: median, 3.0 [3.0-3.5]; 90 days: median, 2.0 [2.0-3.5]) scores, and reduced the total prednisone use over 90 days (pre: 112.0 [25-450] mg; post: 80.0 [18.-300.0] mg; p⟨0.001) in the 15 dogs. Thus, the synbiotic activity of L. paracasei M-1 and trisaccharide kestose can improve CAD.

Effect of esaxerenone on nocturnal blood pressure and natriuretic peptide in different dipping phenotypes

There are limited data on the nighttime blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect of esaxerenone and its effect on N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a predictor of cardiovascular risk, according to different dipping patterns of nocturnal BP. This was a post hoc analysis of a multicenter, open-label, long-term phase 3 study of esaxerenone, a new highly selective mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, in patients with essential hypertension. Patients were classified by dipping pattern (extreme dippers, dippers, non-dippers, risers). Mean changes in BP, changes in dipping pattern, mean NT-proBNP levels, and percentage of patients with normal NT-proBNP levels (<55 pg/mL) at baseline and Weeks 12 and 28 were evaluated. Nighttime systolic BP decreased in all dipping pattern groups at Week 28, with the riser group showing the greatest change (-25.5 mmHg). A significant shift in dipping pattern and riser/non-dipper pattern changes to dipper/extreme dipper pattern were found from baseline to Week 28 (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of the riser pattern decreased from 14.4% to 9.8%, and that of the non-dipper pattern from 44.7% to 39.2%. The decrease in NT-proBNP from baseline to Week 28 was statistically significant in risers, non-dippers, dippers, and extreme dippers (p < 0.001, respectively). At baseline, the proportion of patients with NT-proBNP <55 pg/mL was lowest in risers versus the other dipping pattern types, but after reductions in NT-proBNP in all groups to Week 28, these differences disappeared. Long-term administration of esaxerenone may be a useful treatment option for nocturnal hypertension, especially in patients with a riser pattern.

Effect of the Nonsteroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blocker, Esaxerenone, on Nocturnal Hypertension: A Post Hoc Analysis of the ESAX-HTN Study

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal hypertension is an important phenotype of abnormal diurnal blood pressure (BP) variability and a known risk marker for target organ damage and cardiovascular events. This study aimed to assess the differential BP-lowering effects of esaxerenone vs. eplerenone on nocturnal BP in hypertensive patients with different nocturnal dipping patterns.

METHODS

This was a post hoc analysis of the "Esaxerenone (CS-3150) Compared to Eplerenone in Patients with Essential Hypertension" study (NCT02890173), which was a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group clinical study conducted in Japan. Ambulatory BP monitoring data were collected.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 1,001) were randomized to esaxerenone 2.5 mg/day (n = 331) or 5 mg/day (n = 338), or eplerenone 50 mg/day (n = 332). Reductions in nighttime systolic BP (95% confidence interval) were significantly greater with 2.5 and 5 mg/day esaxerenone vs. eplerenone (-2.6 [-5.0, -0.2] and -6.4 mm Hg [-8.8, -4.0], respectively). Esaxerenone significantly reduced nighttime BP from baseline compared with eplerenone in non-dippers with previously uncontrolled BP. In addition, esaxerenone did not markedly alter nighttime BP in extreme dipper patients. In the esaxerenone 5 mg/day group, esaxerenone-induced decreases in nighttime BP were greater than eplerenone-induced decreases in older patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Esaxerenone may be an effective treatment option for nocturnal hypertension, especially in older patients and those with a non-dipper pattern of nocturnal BP.

Management of hyperkalemia during treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor blockers: findings from esaxerenone

The nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blocker esaxerenone has demonstrated good antihypertensive activity in a variety of patients, including those with uncomplicated grade I-III hypertension, hypertension with moderate renal dysfunction, hypertension with type 2 diabetes mellitus with albuminuria, and hypertension associated with primary aldosteronism. Hyperkalemia has long been recognized as a potential side effect occurring during treatment with MR blockers, but there is a lack of understanding and guidance about the appropriate management of hyperkalemia during antihypertensive therapy with MR blockers, especially in regard to the newer agent esaxerenone. In this article, we first highlight risk factors for hyperkalemia, including advanced chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, age, and use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. Next, we examine approaches to prevention and management, including potassium monitoring, diet, and the use of appropriate therapeutic techniques. Finally, we summarize the currently available data for esaxerenone and hyperkalemia. Proper management of serum potassium is required to ensure safe clinical use of MR blockers, including awareness of at-risk patient groups, choosing appropriate dosages for therapy initiation and dosage titration, and monitoring of serum potassium during therapy. It is critical that physicians take such factors into consideration to optimize MR blocker therapy in patients with hypertension.

[Pharmacological profile, clinical efficacy, and safety of esaxerenone (Minnebro® tablets 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg)]

Esaxerenone is a novel non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonisit (MR blocker), whose unique binding to the MR-ligand domain yields a stronger MR antagonistic effect and higher selectivity than existing MR antagonisits. Esaxerenone was approved for the treatment of hypertension in Japan in January 2019. Esaxerenone suppresses the reduction of urinary Na+/K+ ratio in adrenalectomized rats and blood pressure increase, proteinuria, and renal tissue lesions in salt-sensitive hypertensive rats-all in a dose-dependent manner. Esaxerenone is rapidly absorbed and reaches intracellular targets because of its high membrane permeability, exhibits high bioavailability with small interindividual exposure variation, and is metabolized via several pathways (e.g., oxidation, glucuronidation, and hydrolysis), which is associated with low drug-drug interaction risk. As esaxerenone is slightly excreted into urine, its exposure is similar between elderly and non-elderly patients, and between patients with normal and moderately deteriorated renal function. Given its 19-hour half-life, once-daily administration would have a sustainable antihypertensive effect. The ESAX-HTN phase 3 study demonstrated the non-inferiority of esaxerenone's antihypertensive effect versus that of eplerenone in essential hypertension. Another study showed a stable antihypertensive effect for 52 weeks as monotherapy or combination therapy. In hypertensive patients with moderate impairment or both type 2 diabetes and albuminuria treated with a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor, esaxerenone elicited a stable antihypertensive effect and manageable hyperkalemia incidence with titration from a low dose and monitoring including serum potassium. Thus, with careful monitoring of serum potassium, esaxerenone can be administered to patients with moderate renal impairment or both diabetes and albuminuria.

Double-Blind Randomized Phase 3 Study Comparing Esaxerenone (CS-3150) and Eplerenone in Patients With Essential Hypertension (ESAX-HTN Study)

Mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) are implicated in the pathology of hypertension. MR blockers are recommended for the treatment of salt-sensitive or resistant hypertension. However, use of currently available MR blockers is limited by adverse events. This phase 3 multicenter, randomized, double-blind study compared the efficacy and safety of esaxerenone, a new selective nonsteroidal MR blocker, at 2.5 and 5 mg/day and eplerenone 50 mg/day in Japanese patients with essential hypertension. After a 4-week washout period, 1001 eligible adults with hypertension were randomized evenly to esaxerenone 2.5 or 5 mg/day or eplerenone 50 mg/day treatments, taken orally once daily for 12 weeks. Primary end points were changes in sitting systolic or diastolic blood pressure (BP) from baseline at the end of treatment. Esaxerenone 2.5 mg/day was noninferior to eplerenone for reductions in sitting and 24-hour BP. Reductions in BP with esaxerenone 5 mg/day were significantly greater than those with esaxerenone 2.5 mg/day. Changes in diurnal BP showed persistent 24-hour antihypertensive effects in all treatment groups. The proportions of patients achieving target sitting BP (<140/90 mm Hg) were 31.5%, 41.2%, and 27.5% with esaxerenone 2.5 and 5 mg/day and eplerenone 50 mg/day, respectively. Incidences of adverse events (all mild or moderate) were similar across treatment groups. These results indicate that esaxerenone is an effective and well-tolerated MR blocker in Japanese patients with essential hypertension, with BP-lowering activity at least equivalent to eplerenone. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02890173.

Long-term phase 3 study of esaxerenone as mono or combination therapy with other antihypertensive drugs in patients with essential hypertension

This study investigated the long-term antihypertensive effects of esaxerenone, a novel nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, alone or in combination with a calcium channel blocker (CCB) or a renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor, in Japanese patients with essential hypertension. Patients were treated with esaxerenone starting at 2.5 mg/day increasing to 5 mg/day if required to achieve blood pressure (BP) targets as a monotherapy or with a CCB or RAS inhibitor. After the first 12 weeks of treatment, an additional antihypertensive agent could be added if required to achieve the target BP; the total treatment period was 28 or 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was a change from baseline in sitting BP. Of the 368 enrolled patients, 245 received monotherapy, and 59 and 64, respectively, took a CCB or RAS inhibitor concurrently. Mean changes from baseline in sitting systolic/diastolic BP (95% confidence intervals) at weeks 12, 28 and 52 were -16.1 (-17.3, -14.9)/-7.7 (-8.4, -6.9), -18.9 (-20.2, -17.7)/-9.9 (-10.7, -9.2), and -23.1 (-25.0, -21.1)/-12.5 (-13.6, -11.3) mmHg, respectively (all P < 0.0001 vs baseline). Similar BP reductions at these weeks were observed between all patient subgroups stratified by age, and the observed decreases in 24-h ambulatory BP were consistent with the efficacy observed in sitting BP. Esaxerenone was also well-tolerated with a rate of hyperkalemia at 5.4% (serum potassium ≥5.5 mEq/L), indicating a good safety profile for treatment over the long-term or in combination with a CCB or RAS inhibitor. In conclusion, esaxerenone may be a promising treatment option for patients with hypertension.

THE AUTODIGESTION OF NORMAL SERUM THROUGH THE ACTION OF CERTAIN CHEMICAL AGENTS. II

1. The neutral fats, fatty acids, and lipoid bodies of serum seem to play no part in autodigestion. Neither the addition of fats or lipoids in excess to the serum, nor their removal by extraction with ether influences the phenomenon of autodigestion. 2. There is present in native serum an antienzymic substance which is closely related to the autolytic ferment of serum. 3. The antiseroprotease of normal serum has almost the same thermal resistance as the seroprotease; that is, it survives heating at 55°C. for 30 minutes but is completely inactivated at 60°C. for the same length of time. 4. The ferment can be removed from the serum by means of inorganic adsorbents, but the antienzymic substance remains in the treated serum. 5. The autolytic power of the sera of man and other animals is much weaker than that of guinea pig serum, but they contain as much as does the latter of the antisubstance which inhibits the digestion of the activated guinea pig serum. 6. The autodigestion of the activated serum is due to the splitting of the serum protein by the proteolytic ferment of the same serum and is brought about by the destruction of the antienzymic substance by the chemical reagents. On the other hand, the digestion products in a mixture of a foreign substrate and guinea pig serum are derived from the direct digestion of the substrate by the serum ferment. This digestion takes place in spite of the presence of the antiseroprotease. The serum separated from the substrate can no longer produce a split product, but is as actively antienzymic as the original serum and undergoes autodigestion only when treated with acetone or other chemical activators.

THE AUTODIGESTION OF NORMAL SERUM THROUGH THE ACTION OF CERTAIN CHEMICAL AGENTS. I

1. By means of certain chemical reagents, normal guinea pig serum can be brought to autodigestion without the presence of any foreign substrate. There exists in normal sera a highly characteristic protease. 2. The serum ferment survives heating at 55°C. for 30 minutes, but is completely inactivated at 60°C. for the same length of time. 3. The autodigestion of serum requires a temperature of about 37°C., and no noticeable digestion takes place at a temperature of 16°C. or lower. 4. Autodigestion of the serum may be brought about by chloroform and various saturated monovalent ketones and alcohols of the lower series. 5. The ketones and alcohols have a certain narrow limit of concentration for activating serum, beyond which the ferment is destroyed, even at room temperature. 6. The ketones and alcohols in concentrations regulated to activate serum at room temperature destroy the ferment when allowed to act on serum at 37°C. for 30 minutes. The elimination of the concentrated reagents from serum by evaporation or dialysis protects the ferment from their destructive action. 7. A certain length of time is required for the chemical activators to complete their action. In this respect chloroform is much slower than acetone. 8. The chemical activators may be removed from the activated serum by means of vacuum, dialysis, or extraction with certain indifferent chemicals without causing a return of the serum to its original non-autolytic state. Once activated by these reagents, the serum remains in the activated state, in spite of the removal of the activators. 9. The ferment is highly sensitive to the reaction of the medium, being readily inactivated when the reaction exceeds a certain narrow limit towards acid or alkaline. The optimal digestion is obtained with a faintly alkaline or neutral reaction.

Preservation of ovarian function by ovarian shielding when undergoing total body irradiation for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a report of two successful cases

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of preserving ovarian function by ovarian shielding to reduce the irradiation dose in total body irradiation (TBI). The subjects in the study were females aged less than 40 years, who were undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using a TBI-based regimen and who desired to have children after transplantation. For ovarian shielding, abdominal computed tomography (CT) and skin marking were performed in both the supine and prone positions, prior to the TBI. A pair of columnar blocks was placed just above the patient's body. Thus far three patients have been treated. The serum estradiol level decreased to an undetectable level (<8.5 pg/ml) after transplantation and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level increased above 90 mIU/ml in all patients and they became amenorrheic. However, regular menstruation recovered in patients no. 1 and 2 about 800 and 370 days after transplantation, respectively, with a decrease in the serum FSH level. Menstruation did not recover in patient no. 3, and serum estradiol was transiently detected above 20 pg/ml. The preservation of ovarian function was made possible by ovarian shielding. However, a longer follow-up is needed to know if normal pregnancy and delivery can occur.

(−)-Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase, MT1-MMP, and tumor angiogenesis

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), which hydrolyzes type I collagen and activates MMP-2, are deeply involved in angiogenesis as well as in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. We previously screened a number of natural and synthetic compounds to obtain a specific inhibitor of MT1-MMP and observed that (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has a potent and distinct inhibitory activity against MT1-MMP. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EGCG on tumor angiogenesis. EGCG significantly inhibited the invasion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) at the concentration of 10 microM. This effect was not due to the toxicity of EGCG since this concentration of EGCG did not affect the HUVEC growth. Furthermore, morphological change of HUVEC at this concentration of EGCG was not observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy. EGCG suppressed tube formation by HUVECs in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo by using dorsal air sac model. Finally, we observed that both colon 26 NL17 carcinoma and Meth A sarcoma growth was suppressed in these tumor-bearing mice by EGCG administration, at least partly though the inhibition of angiogenesis.

Inhibitory effect of green tea polyphenols on membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase, MT1-MMP

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), which generates an active form of MMP-2 from proMMP-2, are deeply involved in angiogenesis as well as in tumor cell migration and metastasis. To obtain a specific inhibitor for MT1-MMP, we screened a number of natural and synthetic compounds using recombinant human MMP-2, MMP-7, and soluble MT1-MMP in a fluorogenic peptide cleavage assay. (-)-Epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCG) followed by (-)-epigallocatechin 3,5-di-O-gallate and epitheaflagallin 3-O-gallate, was found to have potent and distinct inhibitory activity against MT1-MMP. Therefore, we investigated the effect of EGCG on the suppression of MMP-2 activation as determined by gelatin zymography, and observed that the active form of MMP-2 in the conditioned medium of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was decreased in the presence of EGCG. The results suggest the possibility that tea polyphenols suppress tumor growth through the suppression of angiogenesis.

Suppression of tumor growth by novel peptides homing to tumor-derived new blood vessels

Novel peptides homing to angiogenic vessels were recently isolated from a phage-displayed random pentadecapeptide library. One of the isolated peptides, ASSSYPLIHWRPWAR, significantly suppressed the migration of VEGF-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Dendoric ASSSYPLIHWRPWAR-peptide suppressed the formation of new blood vessels in dorsal air sac model mice. Furthermore, ASSSYPLIHWRPWAR-peptide and the fragment peptides containing WRP, which is revealed to be an epitope sequence, significantly suppressed the tumor growth, although 15-mer shuffled peptide derived from ASSSYPLIHWRPWAR and pentapeptides with alanine substitution of each residue of WRP did not. Taken together, ASSSYPLIHWRPWAR-peptide may cause tumor dormancy through inhibition of angiogenesis, and the WRP sequence may be the minimal and essential sequence for this activity.

Comparative studies of MRI and operative findings in rotator cuff tear

A prospective study was performed to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with operative findings in the evaluation of patients associated with rotator cuff tears. Fifty-four of 60 shoulders (58 patients) examined by MRI were confirmed as full-thickness tears and 6 as partial-thickness tears at the time of surgery. The oblique coronal, oblique sagittal, and axial planes of T2-weighted images with the 0.5 tesla MRI system were obtained preoperatively and compared with operative findings. MRI correctly identified 46 of 54 full-thickness rotator cuff tears and 5 of 6 partial-thickness tears. A comparison of MRI and operative findings in full-thickness cuff tears showed a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 83%, and a positive prospective value (PPV) of 99%. A comparison of partial-thickness tears showed a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 85%, and PPV of 39%. Linear regression analysis showed an excellent correlation between the MRI assessment and measurement at the time of surgery (r = 0.90, P < 0.01). MRI was useful in evaluating large and medium-sized rotator cuff tears, but less useful in distinguishing small full-thickness tears from partial-thickness tears.

Cysteine proteinase gene expression in the endosperm of germinating carrot seeds

A gene for carrot seed cysteine proteinase (CSCP; AB057371, AB057372) was cloned using PCR. The deduced amino acid sequence of CSCP had active sites for eukaryotic cysteine proteinases, putative signal sequences, and an endoplasmic reticulum targeting sequence. RNA gel blot analysis showed that CSCP transcripts appeared from dry seed, reached a maximum 3 days after imbibition (DAI), and disappeared by 5 DAI. In situ hybridization showed that CSCP transcripts accumulated in the endosperm of germinating seeds. This is the first report of the expression pattern of a cysteine proteinase gene in the endosperm of germinating dicotyledonous plants. The promoter of the CSCP gene had an endosperm motif and many other motifs also found in the promoters of endosperm-specific storage protein genes in monocotyledons. It is suggested that dicotyledons, like monocotyledons, have a temporal and spatial regulation system for endosperm-specific gene expression in germinating seeds.

Nine cases of granular cell tumors in B6C3F1 mice

The histological characteristics of 9 cases of granular cell tumors (GCTs) observed in B6C3F1 mice were examined to determine their cellular origin. Seven of the 9 cases were found in the uterus and other 2 cases were in the subcutaneous tissue. Tumor cells had abundant granules in the cytoplasm which were stained with PAS and were resistant to diastase treatment. Ultrastructurally, the granules were identified as lysosomes. The cell surface had cytoplasmic processus showing interdigitation with adjacent cells. A character feature of the tumor cells was the presence of a desmosome-like structure on their cell surface but no basal lamina was demonstrated. Although GCTs have been considered to be derived from Schwann cells on the basis of their ultrastructural features and S-100 protein-immunopositive findings, the absence of basal lamina in the present cases may raise a controversy as to their origin.

Development of a Simple Cell Invasion Assay System

Cell invasion assay is important for studying various biological events, such as inflammation, cancer metastasis, and angiogenesis. In this study, we developed a simple method for the quantification of cell invasion by using a culture insert with fluorescence blocking micropore membrane (FBM). Fluorescence labeled cells were simply added to a culture insert with a 8 micrompore FBM precoated with Matrigel and incubated for an appropriate duration. Then, the FBM was examined under a fluorescence microscope to count the invaded cell number. By this method, accurate invasion assay is easily performed without the steps of fixation and staining of cells and removal of cells which do not invade.

7-Hydroperoxycholesterol as a marker of oxidative stress in rat kidney induced by paraquat

The in vivo paraquat-induced oxidative stress in rat tissue was studied by analyzing cholesterol-derived hydroperoxide as an index of lipid peroxidation. Paraquat (10 mg/kg) was administered i.p. to rats. Rats were sacrificed and lung, liver, and kidney were collected 2, 24 h, and 5 d after paraquat injection. Lipids were extracted and analyzed by HPLC with post-column chemiluminescence. We found that two cholesterol-derived hydroperoxides, 7alpha-hydroperoxycholest-5-en-3beta-ol (7alpha-OOH) and 7beta-hydroperoxycholest-5-en-3beta-ol (7beta-OOH) were present in lungs of control animals (0.06 and 0.06 nmol/g, respectively), in livers (6.5 and 15.8 nmol/g, respectively) and in kidneys (3.7 and 8.9 nmol/g, respectively). In liver paraquat increased lipid peroxidation approximately by 60% over the levels of control animals only at 2 h after paraquat treatment. In kidney, augmented lipid peroxidation, 7alpha-OOH and 7beta-OOH (by 70% and 147%, respectively) above levels was found at 2 h after paraquat treatment. Interestingly, these increase remained in kidney of rats 5 d after a single dose of paraquat. In contrast, cholesterol-derived hydroperoxides were not affected in lung of paraquat dosed rats. This is the first report on 7alpha-OOH and 7beta-OOH accumulations in rat liver and kidney, and it seems to reflect greater oxidative stress in the pathology of kidney of rats treated with acute paraquat at low dose.

Morphogenesis of craniopharyngeal derivatives in the neurohypophysis of Fisher 344 rats: abnormally developed epithelial tissues including parotid glands derived from the stomatodeum

Morphogenesis of craniopharyngeal derivatives of the neurohypophysis found in 14 Fischer 344 (F344) rats was studied. The incidence of the craniopharyngeal derivatives was 0.17% in male (7 out of 4,200) and 0.16% in female (7 out of 4,450) F344 rats. Neither a sex-related difference in their incidence nor a strain-related difference in their morphological features was observed. Craniopharyngeal derivatives were composed of aberrant epithelial structures consisting of serous acinar and tubular and fusiform cell structures, and most of these derivatives were associated with Rathke's cleft cysts, which are suggestive of a congenital background. The acinar structures were positive for periodic acid-Schiff reaction and negative for Alcian blue stain. Immunohistochemically, cells forming these structures were positive for cytokeratin, and basal cells of the acinar or tubular structures and some of the fusiform cells showed positive staining for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Electron microscopically, these spindle-shaped basal cells had intracytoplasmic myofilaments with focal density in their cytoplasm, and they were regarded to be myoepithelial cells. These findings strongly indicate that the craniopharyngeal derivatives are not a neoplastic lesion but rather are a developmental aberration derived from the stomatodeum, which is known to be the origin of both nasal and oral epithelial tissues, including the parotid glands, other than Rathke's pouch.

[A case of acute pancreatitis that occurred after an operation of the lumbar spine]

A 56-year-old female, who had been suffering from heart failure and diabetes mellitus, underwent posterior instrumentation in the prone position and anterior interbody fusion in the right lateral decubitus position for pyogenic spondylitis between the fourth and fifth lumbar spine under general and epidural anesthesia. We induced hypotensive anesthesia by using continuous infusion of dopamine, prostaglandin E1 and nitroglycerin in order to prevent heart failure and reduce the blood loss. After the operation, the patient complained of upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. We found high levels of serum amylase and other pancreatic enzymes. The massive gas of small intestine was pooled in abdominal X-P, and the pancreatic head was slightly swollen in abdominal CT and US. Therefore we came to the diagnosis of postoperative acute pancreatitis. We administered a single bolus intravenous infusion of ulinastatine and continuous venous infusion of gabexate mesilate. As the serum amylase level gradually decreased, the patient improved. We suspect that postoperative pancreatitis was due to invasive anesthetic and surgical stress on the patient who had had pancreatitis in the preoperative period.

Promotive effects of the peptidyl plant growth factor, phytosulfokine-alpha, on the growth and chlorophyll content of Arabidopsis seedlings under high night-time temperature conditions

In order to investigate the function of the peptidyl plant growth factor, phytosulfokine-alpha (PSK-alpha), in plants, we examined the effect of PSK-alpha on the growth and chlorophyll content of Arabidopsis seedlings under high night-time temperature conditions. Although exposure to high night-time temperatures markedly reduced the fresh weight and chlorophyll content of the seedlings, these parameters in the plants supplied with PSK-alpha remained at the same levels as those of non-treated controls. These effects were not apparent when [2-5]PSK, Tyr-SO3H and kinetin were similarly supplied. The results suggest that PSK-alpha not only promotes cell proliferation, but may aid plants in their tolerance of heat stress.

A congenital ciliated epithelial cyst on the stomach of a B6C3F1 mouse

Congenital anomalies of the alimentary tract are rare lesions in laboratory animals. We describe a congenital cyst attached to the greater curvature of the forestomach in a B6C3F1 mouse. The inner surface of the cyst was mostly covered with cuboidal or pseudostratified ciliated epithelium and was focally covered with the flat cuboidal epithelium. The base of the cyst appeared to be inserted between the layers of the outer longitudinal muscle layer of the forestomach, although no smooth muscle layer was evident in the free surface of the cyst wall. The cyst resembled duplication of the alimentary tract, as it was lined with ciliated epithelium and had developed at the greater curvature of the forestomach. Since the smooth muscle layer did not completely cover the whole wall and the cyst did not communicate with the gastric lumen, the cyst was not thought to be a standard duplication but rather a simple congenital cyst.

The alteration of nasal resistance before and after local exposure to heated aerosol in perennial allergic rhinitis

To determine the patho-physiological effects of heated vapour to the normal or allergic nasal mucosa, we measured the nasal resistance before and after a 10 min. exposure of hyperthermal (43.0 degrees C) aerosol to the nasal mucosa in normal subjects and perennial allergic rhinitis patients. In the allergic patients the mean nasal resistances after hyperthermal stimulation were significantly higher than those resistances without stimulation, both in expiration or inspiration. No significant differences of nasal resistances in normal individuals during the whole schedule with and without heated aerosol stimulation were found on expiration or inspiration. The local heated aerosol exposure increases the nasal resistance in nasal allergic patients while in normal subjects no changes were found, and the reaction may have arisen from a non-specific hypersensitivity of the susceptible allergic nasal mucosa.

Eosinophilic granulated cells comprising a tumor in a Fischer rat

A systemic tumor developed in multiple organs, including spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, ovaries, and thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, of a female F344Du/Crj rat. The tumor was composed of round to indented mononuclear cells containing abundant large eosinophilic granules in the cytoplasm. The peripheral blood smear revealed that the large granules in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells were stained basophilic with Giemsa, suggesting a basophil or mast cell origin. However, these granules did not show metachromasia with toluidine blue and were stained blue to dark blue with phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin. Cellular morphology and characteristics in the specific stains of tumor cells suggested the development of a tumor of globule leukocytes in a F344Du/Crj rat.

[Superior vena cava reconstruction combined with resection of mediastinal-pulmonary malignant tumors]

From 1988 to 1997, we experienced 5 cases of the superior vena cava (SVC) replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts combined with resection of mediastinal or pulmonary malignant tumors. Two patients had lung cancer and three had invasive thymoma. Resection and reconstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) were performed by application of a bypass graft between the innominate vein and the right atrium in two cases and a temporary bypass using a heparin-coated tube in three cases. Except in one patient who died of acute respiratory failure, no complication or occlusive symptom were observed postoperatively. Two patients remain healthy for 5 years 4 months and 2 years 7 months after operation. Three died 9 years, 5 months, and 110 days after operation respectively. In conclusion, ePTFE graft replacement or patch angioplasty of the SVC should be part of planning and execution of radical excision with curative intent of mediastinal or pulmonary malignant tumors.

Root-specific expression of genes for novel glycine-rich proteins cloned by use of an antiserum against xylem sap proteins of cucumber

Candidate cDNAs for xylem sap proteins (XSPs) were isolated by screening of a cucumber cDNA library prepared from poly(A)+ RNA of cucumber roots with an antiserum raised against the XSPs of cucumber. The patterns of expression of corresponding transcripts and the sequences of the cDNAs were examined. Two cDNAs with a glycine-rich domain in each deduced amino acid sequence and whose transcripts were expressed predominantly in roots were selected for further analysis. Both cDNAs encoded proteins with a putative signal sequence, with similar non-glycine-rich domains at the amino terminal of the encoded polypeptides. The corresponding mRNAs accumulated concurrently with the formation of adventitious roots from cuttings of cucumber hypocotyls and the development of vascular tissues, and strong expression of the mRNAs was detected in the root-hair zone of tap roots. These data suggest that the production of the two novel glycine-rich proteins, which are putative XSPs, might be associated with the functions of the vascular tissues in roots.

[Probability of leaving cancer tissue unresected by limited operation in patients with peripheral, stage I non-small cell lung cancer]

To study the probability of leaving metastatic lymph nodes or intralobar metastasis unresected by limited surgery, we reviewed histopathologically 189 patients who had major pulmonary resection and complete lymph adenectomy for peripheral, p-T 1 or T 2 non-small cell lung cancer from 1975 to 1997 at our hospital. Lymph node involvements and or intralobar metastasis were found in 25 (26.0%) of 96 cases with tumor smaller than 3.0 cm and 44 (47.3%) of 93 cases with tumor larger than 3.0 cm. There was no difference between histological types of lung cancer. From this result, it was suggested that the risk of leaving cancer by limited operation would not be low. In conclusion, we believe that limited operation is not an alternative to the standard resection in patients with peripheral, stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

The SLGs corresponding to the same S24-haplotype are perfectly conserved in three different self-incompatible Brassica campestris L

We have identified three strains of the same S24-haplotype in self-incompatible B. campestris L. Two of them, S-12j and 1-1j, have been derived from Japanese populations and one, 27-1t, from Turkish one. The cDNA clones of SLG24 (S24-locus glycoprotein), which linked to the S-locus, were isolated from each strain, and sequenced. Each clone isolated from S-12j, 1-1j and 27-1t, was designated as SLG24 (S-12j), SLG24 (1-1j) and SLG24 (27-1t), respectively. Their nucleotide sequences were completely identical in coding region, 5' non-coding region, and 3' non-coding region, though the position of the polyadenylation site was slightly different among the cDNA clones. This result suggests that the origin of S24-haplotype in these three strains might be common, and that the nucleotide sequences of SLG24 of the same S24-haplotype are completely conserved among different populations. The high conservation of the SLG24 nucleotide sequences is probably essential for the recognition of self or non-self of self-incompatibility in this S24-haplotype.

[Antigenicity studies of prulifloxacin (NM441)]

Antigenicity of prulifloxacin, a new antibacterial agent, and that of its active metabolite (NM394) were investigated using guinea pigs and mice in this study. In the study with guinea pigs, the animals were immunized with prulifloxacin by oral administration, the predetermined clinical route, and with prulifloxacin alone or emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) by s.c. When active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) test and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test of these animals were conducted by eliciting with NM394 alone or protein conjugate (NM394-GPSA) of NM394 and guinea pig serum albumin (GPSA), no ASA and PCA reactions were observed. When guinea pigs were immunized subcutaneously with protein conjugate (NM394-BSA) of NM394 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) together with FCA, ASA and PCA reactions were positive by eliciting with NM394-GPSA or NM394-BSA, but were negative by eliciting with NM394 alone. In the study with mice, the animals were immunized orally with prulifloxacin and intraperitoneally with prulifloxacin alone or suspended with aluminum hydroxide gel (alum). When rat PCA test of sera from these mice was conducted by eliciting with NM394 or NM394-GPSA, no positive PCA reaction was observed. When mice were immunized intraperiotneally with NM394-BSA together with alum, PCA reactions were positive by eliciting with NM394-GPSA or NM394-BSA, but were negative by eliciting with NM394 alone. These results show that prulifloxacin has no immunogenicity to guinea pigs and mice, and NM394 as its active form has no eliciting potential to anti-NM394-BSA antibody.

Evolutionary aspects of the S-related genes of the Brassica self-incompatibility system: synonymous and nonsynonymous base substitutions

In the Brassicaceae, self-vs. nonself-recognition in self-incompatibility is controlled by sporophytic S-alleles. Haplotypes specifying both SRK (S-receptor kinase) and SLG (S-locus glycoprotein) are considered to play an important role in the recognition reactions. We compared the nucleotide sequences of SRK9(Bc) and SRK6(Bo). The number of nonsynonymous substitutions per site (Pn) was lower, constrained, in the kinase than the receptor domain, while the numbers of synonymous substitutions (Ps) in the two domains were largely comparable. Pairwise values for Ps and Pn were calculated among 17 operational taxonomic units, including eight SLGs, the receptor domains of two SRKs, four SRAs (S-related A) and three SRBs (S-related B), which have high homologies with each other. The values of Ps and Pn of SLG were mostly comparable to those of the receptor domain of SRK. Dendrograms constructed on the basis of Pn and Ps indicated that SRA differentiated first, followed by SRB. The differentiation of SLG alleles is one of prerequisite factors for the establishment of self-incompatibility, and the allelic differentiation has occurred more than tens of million years ago.

A case of multiple osteochondroma in the rat

The occurrence of spontaneous osteochondroma in rats is extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported. Spontaneous multiple osteochondroma was found in a male SD strain rat, at the age of 58 weeks from the control group in a toxicity study. Histological findings of both a walnut-sized mass involving the humerus and scapula of right forelimb and a soybean-sized mass adjacent to the costochondrial junction of the right posterior rib were similar in appearance. The outer layer of the tumors consisted of hyaline cartilage and the core of the tumors consisted of trabecular bone with abundant fatty bone marrow. The periosteum of the surface was continuous with that of the parent bone, and cortical bone and the medullary cavity of the parent bone communicated with those of the tumors. Because of showing progressive enlargement, multiple osteochondromas in the rat were considered to be neoplastic in nature.

The sequences of S-receptor kinases (SRK) involved in self-incompatibility and their homologies to S-locus glycoproteins of Brassica campestris

S-Receptor kinase (SRK) is a kind of receptor protein kinase and has a receptor domain resembling S-locus glycoprotein (SLG). cDNAs encoding SRK8 and SRK12 were isolated respectively from S8 and S12 haplotypes of Brassica campestris. The SLG domains of SRKs were highly homologous to SLGs, suggesting that both SLG and SRK might bind the same ligands in recognition of self-pollen.

A high degree of homology exists between the protein encoded by SLG and the S receptor domain encoded by SRK in self-incompatible Brassica campestris L

The sporophytic self-incompatibility system in Brassica campestris is controlled by multiple alleles of a single locus, S. We isolated and characterized cDNA clones that correspond to genes for S-glycoprotein (SLG) and S-receptor kinase (SRK) from an S9-homozygous strain. An SRK9 fragment was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by use of primers that corresponded to regions of the gene for the extracellular receptor domain (S-domain) and the kinase domain. The fragment was used as a probe to isolate an SRK9 cDNA clone from the cDNA library of stigmas of an S9-homozygote. An SLG9 cDNA clone was also isolated from the library by use of SLG8 cDNA as a probe. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) linkage analysis of the F2 plants from an S8S9 hybrid demonstrated that the SRK and SLG genes were tightly linked to one another and were also linked to S-genotypes, as determined by pollination tests. The transcripts of SRK9 and SLG9 were detected in stigmas, but not in anthers or leaves. The cytoplasmic kinase domain encoded by SRK9 contained amino acid sequences that are conserved in serine/threonine kinases. The nucleotide sequence encoding the S-domain of SRK9 was 98.4% homologous to that of SLG9 at the nucleotide level. This observation suggests the existence of a mechanism for maintaining a high degree of similarity between SLG and the region that encodes the S-domain of SRK.

The sequences of S-glycoproteins involved in self-incompatibility of Brassica campestris and their distribution among Brassicaceae

S-Glycoproteins have been thought to play a role in the self-incompatibility in Brassica plants. Two cDNAs encoding S-glycoproteins were isolated from stigmas of two strains of Brassica campestris. Their amino acid sequences are highly homologous to each other. However, the numbers of the potential glycosylation sites are different, although most of them are conserved. In the middle part of the sequences, there are two supervariable regions which might contribute to the specificity of each S-glycoprotein. Genomic Southern analysis showed many bands hybridizing with cDNA of S-glycoproteins in various Brassica species including self-compatible species.

Historical control data of organ weight and gross findings in F344/DuCrj rats and B6C3F1 mice

Organ weight and gross postmortem findings of control Fischer 344/DuCrj rats and B6C3F1 mice are presented from subchronic, chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies that were conducted over a 9 year period at our center (An-Pyo Center). The mean organ weight of the liver, kidney, spleen and the lung were increased associated with age in both species. The most common findings observed at 109 weeks in both species were thymic atrophy, enlargement of the spleen, dilation of the lumen of the uterus and ovarian cysts. Male and female Fischer 344/DuCrj rats commonly exhibited a granular surface of the kidneys, hypertrophy of and/or nodular pituitary glands and subcutaneous tissue masses. Multiple white patches and hypertrophy or atrophy of the testes, atrophy of the seminal vesicles and prostate and nodules in the pancreas were seen frequently in male rats. Malformative nodule in the liver was a common finding in female rats. The most common lesions seen in both male and female B6C3F1 mice were nodules in the liver and lungs and enlargement of the lymph nodes. Nodules on the preputial gland were commonly seen in the males. Sex differences were evident in the incidence of some of the above findings. These historical data will contribute to analyze the organ weight and gross findings at necropsy in long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity studies.

The cDNA sequence of NS3-glycoprotein from Brassica campestris and its homology to related proteins

A cDNA clone encoding NS3-glycoprotein was isolated from stigmas of Brassica campestris. NS-glycoproteins correspond to the SLR1-glycoproteins of B. oleracea and are highly conserved within the species. These data suggest that the NS-glycoproteins may play a role in discrimination between species in the fertilization system of Brassica.

Recovery of normal photosynthesis and respiration in common wheat with Agropyron cytoplasms by telocentric Agropyron chromosomes

Alloplasmic common wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cultivais 'Penjamo 62' and 'Siete Cerros 66') with cytoplasms of wheatgrass (Agropyron trichophorum and Ag. glaucum) showed two aberrant phenotypes, i.e., gross reduction in plant vigor and male sterility. Plant vigor and male fertility were restored by cytoplasm-specific telocentric chromosomes (telosomes). Studies on carbon assimilation and consumption and on oxygen evolution and uptake showed that maximum rates of apparent photosynthesis were significantly lower in the alloplasmic lines than in their corresponding euplasmic lines and that the telosomes restored a normal level of photosynthesis. The decreased apparent photosynthetic rates in the alloplasmic lines were shown to be not due to decreased rates of true photosynthesis but to increased rates of dark respiration in the green leaves. In contrast, dark respiration in the roots was significantly low in the alloplasmic lines. The alloplasmic lines also showed decreased rates of respiratory consumption of new photosynthates. These results suggest that growth depression and male sterility in the alloplasmic lines are related to aberrant mitochondrial function, which is compensated for by cytoplasm-specific telosomes.