Overexpression of MUC16 (CA125) in extramammary Paget's disease

In this study, we identified the mucin-16 (CA125), a well-known disease marker for ovarian cancer, is overexpressed in the lesions of Extramammary Paget’s disease.

Serum cell-free DNA levels are a useful marker for extramammary Paget disease

BACKGROUND

Although carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA) are useful markers for extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), serum CEA and CYFRA levels are not elevated in most patients with EMPD without metastasis. Cell-free (cf)DNA has attracted attention as an indicator of clinical conditions in several cancers.

OBJECTIVES

To identify further useful biomarkers for the detection of EMPD, including early lesions, and to study the clinical implications of cfDNA in EMPD.

METHODS

cfDNA were isolated from serum of patients with EMPD with and without metastasis, and from healthy volunteers. Serum extracts were amplified using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Serum cfDNA levels were significantly elevated in patients with EMPD with or without metastasis compared with those in healthy controls. Serum cfDNA was a better diagnostic marker for the presence of EMPD than serum CYFRA. Moreover, the postoperative serum cfDNA levels were significantly lower than those from the preoperative samples, and the change in serum cfDNA levels reflected the clinical courses of patients with EMPD treated with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking the evidence together, serum cfDNA levels may be a useful marker for diagnosis and disease progression in EMPD. What's already known about this topic? Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA) are not elevated in most patients with extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) without metastasis. Cell-free (cf)DNA has attracted attention as an indicator of clinical conditions in several cancers. There are few reports of the clinical implications of cfDNA in dermatology. What does this study add? Serum cfDNA levels were significantly elevated in patients with EMPD with or without metastasis compared with those in healthy controls. Postoperative serum cfDNA levels were significantly lower than those from the preoperative samples. Changes in serum cfDNA levels reflected the clinical courses of patients with EMPD treated with chemotherapy. What is the translational message? Serum cfDNA levels in patients with EMPD are a useful marker for the detection of EMPD, including localized EMPD. Changes in serum cfDNA levels in an individual patient may reflect the clinical course of EMPD.

The expression of EpCAM in extramammary Paget's disease

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare skin malignant tumor. The prognosis of EMPD with distant metastasis is poor, however an effective therapy has not yet established. Recently, EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule, CD326) has attracted attention as both prognostic marker and therapeutic target in several cancers. Besides, EpCAM is an important surface marker of circulating tumor cell (CTC) in the collection of CTC. Thus, the purpose of our study was to examine the expression levels of EpCAM and evaluate the correlation between its intensity of EpCAM and the clinical characteristics of EMPD. The expression of EpCAM in EMPD was examined using immunohistochemistry. Skin samples were obtained from 32 patients with EMPD. We found that almost all EMPD tissues (90.6%, 29/32) were positive for EpCAM. Furthermore, the staining intensity of EpCAM protein negatively correlated with the presence of distant metastasis. Overexpression of EpCAM in EMPD cells suggests that EpCAM may be a novel therapeutic target and the research of CTC may be newly developed in EMPD. Based on these findings, EpCAM may be a meaningful molecule in EMPD.

Induction and secretion of RNA-degrading enzymes by phosphate deficiency in Pholiota nameko

Changes in activity of RNA-degrading enzyme and amounts of phosphorus in mycelia and culture filtrate during Pi-sufficient and -deficient cultures of Pholiota nameko were investigated. The results showed that the intracellular and extracellular activities are controlled by the Pi concentration in the medium. Moreover, the induction and secretion of RNA-degrading enzymes under the Pi-deficient condition were analyzed by activity staining.

β-amyloid deposits in transgenic mice expressing human β-amyloid precursor protein have the same characteristics as those in Alzheimer's disease

A transgenic mouse expressing the human beta-amyloid precursor protein with the "Swedish" mutation, Tg2576, was used to investigate the mechanism of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) deposition. We characterized Abeta deposits in the cerebral cortex biochemically and pathologically. A surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization affinity mass spectrometric study using the 6E10 monoclonal antibody demonstrated that the major species of Abeta in a formic acid-extracted fraction of the cortex were Abeta(1-38), Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42). Immunohistochemistry using antibodies to the carboxy-terminal epitopes of Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42), as well as 6E10, showed that plaques containing Abeta(1-42) were more numerous than those containing Abeta(1-40) throughout the cortex. Laser confocal analysis of the immunoreactivities in the plaques demonstrated that Abeta(1-40) was preferentially located in the central part of the Abeta(1-42) positive plaques. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements of Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) showed that Abeta(1-40) was several-fold more abundant than Abeta(1-42). From these data we suggest that Abeta(1-42) deposition may precede Abeta(1-40) deposition, while Abeta(1-40) begins to deposit in the central part of the plaques and accumulates there. Furthermore, localization of Abeta(1-40) corresponded almost exactly to congophilic structures, which were associated with aberrant swollen synapses detected with antibodies to synaptophysin and alpha-synuclein. Thus, Abeta deposits in Tg2576 mice have similar characteristics to those in Alzheimer's disease.

Emphysematous cystitis following brain contusion

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare disorder most commonly seen in patients with urinary tract infection and diabetes mellitus. We present a nondiabetic case of a 46-year-old woman with this entity following brain contusion.

Is allantoin in serum and urine a useful indicator of exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans?

To assess whether allantoin levels in serum and urine are influenced by exhaustive and moderate exercise and whether allantoin is a useful indicator of exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans, we made subjects perform exhaustive and moderate (100% and 40% VO2max) cycling exercise and examined the levels of allantoin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and urate in serum and urine. Immediately after exercise at 100% VO2max, the serum allantoin/urate ratio was significantly elevated compared with the resting levels while the serum urate levels was significantly elevated 30 min after exercise. The serum TBARS levels did not increase significantly compared with the resting levels. Urinary allantoin excretion significantly increased during 60 min of recovery after exercise, however, urinary urate excretion decreased significantly during the same period. The urinary allantoin/urate ratio also rapidly increased during 60 min of recovery after exercise. Urinary TBARS excretion decreased during the first 60 min of the recovery period and thereafter significantly increased during the latter half of the recovery period. On the contrary, after 40% VO2max of exercise, no significant changes in the levels of urate, allantoin and TBARS in serum or urine were observed. These findings suggest that allantoin levels in serum and urine may reflect the extent of oxidative stress in vivo and that the allantoin which appeared following exercise may have originated not from urate formed as a result of exercise but from urate that previously existed in the body. Furthermore, these findings support the view that allantoin in serum and urine is a more sensitive and reliable indicator of in vivo oxidative stress than lipid peroxidation products measured as TBARS.

Chemokine PARC gene (SCYA18) generated by fusion of two MIP-1alpha/LD78alpha-like genes

Two loci in the human genome, chromosomes 4q12-q21 and 17q11.2, contain clusters of CXC and CC chemokine subfamily genes, respectively. Since mice appear to contain fewer chemokine genes than humans, numerous gene duplications might have occurred in each locus of the human genome. Here we describe the genomic organization of the human pulmonary and activation-regulated CC chemokine (PARC), also known as DC-CK1 and AMAC-1. Despite high sequence similarity to a CC chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha)/LD78alpha, PARC is chemotactic for lymphocytes and not for monocytes and does not share its receptor with MIP-1alpha. Analyses of the BAC clones containing the human PARC gene indicated that the gene is located most closely to MIP-1alpha (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA3) and MIP-1beta (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA4) on chromosome 17q11.2. Dot-plot comparison suggested that the PARC gene had been generated by fusion of two MIP-1alpha-like genes with deletion and selective usage of exons. Base changes accumulated before and after the fusion might have adapted the gene to a new function. Since there are variably duplicated copies of the MIP-1alpha gene called LD78beta (HGMW-approved symbol SCYA3L) in the vicinity of the MIP-1alpha gene, the locus surrounding the MIP-1alpha gene seems to be a "hot spring" that continuously produces new family genes. This evidence provides a new model, duplication and fusion, of the molecular basis for diversity within a gene family.

Venous drainage through bone marrow after replantation: an experimental study

Venous drainage is vital for successful replantation, but it is not always possible to reconstruct because of missing or damaged veins. We devised an experimental model to study venous drainage through bone marrow while the new subcutaneous venous system regenerated. Adult male Wistar rats were placed into three groups. Group A rats had their hindlimbs amputated at the lower leg, but the tibia and sural and saphenous artery connections were preserved. Group B rats were prepared the same as Group A, except that a step-cut osteotomy was performed in the tibia. The bone ends were then realigned and kept in place with stainless steel wire. Group C rats were prepared the same as Group B, except that the ends of the bone were not aligned. All unoperated limbs served as controls for evaluations of blood flow. Experimental limbs were evaluated for skin colour and viability, blood flow and dye injection. Skin colour was investigated daily. Blood flow was measured postoperatively during three phases: immediate (up to 1 h), early (from 1 h to 24 h), and late (from 1 day to 7 days after operation). Survival of limbs varied in Groups A and B, while all limbs in Group C necrosed by day 7. Blood flow was returning to near control (normal) levels by day 7 in Group A and B limbs. India ink was observed in the medullary cavity at day 7. After replantation, bone marrow plays a critical role in venous drainage until the subcutaneous venous drainage system regenerates.

Testis sparing surgery for infantile synchronous bilateral teratoma of the testis

We report a rare case of infantile synchronous bilateral testicular teratoma treated by testis sparing surgery. Preoperative ultrasonography, tumor marker status and intraoperative findings were suggestive of benign neoplasia. Under these circumstances we performed high orchiectomy for the left testis and testis sparing surgery for the right. Surgical treatment of teratoma in childhood is controversial, especially when it occurs bilaterally. In this report we discuss testis sparing surgery as the treatment for this disease.

Expansion of venous flaps: an experimental study in rats

In this study, the effects of controlled tissue expansion on the survival of unipedicled venous flaps were investigated in rats. In three groups of Lewis rats, a 3 x 6 cm unipedicled Lateral thoracic venous flap was studied with group 1 as control group (n = 30) without any manipulation, group 2 (n = 30) where an expander was introduced under the flap area but was not expanded and group 3 (n = 30) in which a 40 ml expander was introduced under the flap area and was expanded over a period of 10 days. Observations included gross and histological examination, reverse microangiography, reverse flow resistance and percentage of survival of flaps. Group 3 (expanded) showed more angiogenesis, a better delineation on microangiography, lower reverse flow resistance and higher survival rates as compared to group 2 (non-expanded). In the control group the survival rate of flaps was the poorest and the flaps showed higher rates of reverse flow resistance. Microangiography was not successful in the control group. In a pilot project prior to this experiment microscopic examination of the Lateral thoracic vein in 10 Lewis rats had confirmed the presence of two or three valves in this vein.

Deprenyl decreases an endogenous parkinsonism-inducing compound, 1-benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in mice: in vivo and in vitro studies

We examined the effect of deprenyl, a promising drug for the therapy of Parkinson's disease on the formation of a parkinsonism-inducing compound, 1-benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1BnTIQ). The 1BnTIQ content was significantly decreased in the brain of deprenyl-treated mouse in vivo, and deprenyl also inhibited 1BnTIQ formation from phenethylamine by a mouse brain homogenate supernatant in vitro. In vivo, the content of a parkinsonism-preventing compound, 1-methyl-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1MeTIQ) was slightly increased in mice injected with deprenyl. The marked decrease of the ratio of 1BnTIQ to 1MeTIQ might play a role in the clinical effect of deprenyl.

The effects of tissue expansion on the hemodynamic and survival characteristics of reverse-flow island flaps: an experimental study in rabbits

The effects of tissue expansion on the hemodynamic and survival characteristics of reverse-flow island skin flaps were investigated in New Zealand White rabbits. The animals were divided into 3 groups of 15: group I (control) had no surgery prior to flap elevation, group II (nonexpansion) had a noninflated expander, and group III (expansion) had an inflated expander of 80 ml. After 3 weeks of expansion, a reverse-flow island flap based on the distal saphenous pedicle was elevated. A series of hemodynamic studies was performed to test reverse venous flow--in particular, valve competence. Besides observing the reverse flow under an operating microscope, the changes in the intravenous pressure were measured at 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after flap elevation. Moreover, reverse-flow resistance (RFR) was measured in each group to test the competence of venous valves. At each time interval, the values of intravenous pressure were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in group III than in the groups I and II. However there was no statistically significant difference between group I and group II. The RFR was measured as 126.7 +/- 33.52 mmHg in group I, 59.3 +/- 29.86 mmHg in group II (p < 0.01), and 25.1 +/- 7.68 mmHg in group III (p < 0.01). Ten days after flap elevation the mean survival of group III (100%) was statistically higher than that of group I (57.4 +/- 18.3%; p < 0.01) and group II (81.6 +/- 12.8%; p < 0.05). These findings simply suggest that controlled tissue expansion improves retrograde venous drainage and increases the survival of reverse-flow island flaps in rabbits. Abnormal dilatation of the venous tree and incompetence of the venous valves seem to be the main factors in explaining the decrease in the values of RFR and intravenous pressure in the expanded flaps. The potential mechanisms to explain the effects of tissue expansion, and the clinical implications are discussed.

Three approaches for laparoscopic unroofing of simple and complicated renal cysts

We report 2 cases of simple renal cysts which were marsupialized with 2 laparoscopic approaches involving either transperitoneal, with reflection of the colon medially or dissection through the mesocolon, and a case of a multilocular renal cyst which was treated by the retroperitoneal approach. Although laparoscopic unroofing of a renal cyst is a safe and effective alternative to open surgical techniques, the transperitoneal approach should only be used for simple renal cysts. The retroperitoneal approach for complicated renal cysts may be indicated if preoperative examinations exclude the possibility of malignancy.

Chronic administration of 1-benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, an endogenous amine in the brain, induces parkinsonism in a primate

1-Benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (1Bn TIQHCl) (22 mg/kg per day) was subcutaneously injected into a monkey, Macaca fascicularis for 66 days to investigate its acute and chronic effects Parkinsonism like motor symptoms appeared, and the acute toxicity was stronger than the chronic toxicity. This result suggested that 1BnTIQ may induce parkinsonism in humans. 1BnTIQ content in various regions of the monkey brain was determine by the gas chromatography-selected ion-monitoring method, but no significant variation was found.

In vitro pharmacological profile of YM-43611, a novel D2-like receptor antagonist with high affinity and selectivity for dopamine D3 and D4 receptors

1. We investigated some neurochemical properties of a novel benzamide, YM-43611, [(S)-N-(1-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinyl)-5-chloro-4-cyclopropylcarbonylamino+ ++-2- methoxybenzamide] in comparison with putative D2-like receptor antagonists using both rat and human cloned dopamine D2-like receptors in vitro. 2. Receptor binding studies revealed that YM-43611 had appropriately potent affinities for both rat and human D2-like receptors, with moderate selectivity for D3 receptors and high selectivity for D4 receptors over D2 receptors (Ki values (nM) for rat receptors: D2, 165; D3, 35.5; D4, 1.85, and for human receptors: D2, 42.9; D3, 11.2; D4, 2.10). 3. YM-43611 displayed weak or negligible affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors, namely D1, D5, alpha(1), alpha(2), beta, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, H1, M1 and M2 receptors. 4. Dopamine stimulated low-Km GTPase activity on membranes from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the human D2-like receptor subtype. This response to dopamine of low-Km GTPase activity was inhibited by use of putative D2-like receptor antagonists. YM-43611 showed a moderate selectivity for D3 receptors (Ki = 45.5 nM) and a high selectivity for D4 receptors (Ki = 3.28 nM) over D2 receptors (Ki = 70.6 nM). 5. Dopamine inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in intact CHO cells expressing the human D2-like receptor subtype. YM-43611 shifted the inhibition curve of dopamine on respective D2-like receptor subtype-mediated cyclic AMP formation to the right in a parallel fashion, showing a pA2 value of 7.42 (38.1 nM) for D2 receptors, a pKB value of 8.06 (8.68 nM) for D3 receptors, and a pA2 value of 8.42 (3.77 nM) for D4 receptors. 6. YM-43611 but not the other D2-like receptor antagonists exhibited good selectivity with respect to dual antagonism for D3 and D4 receptors in both receptor binding and functional assays. 7. These results indicate that YM-43611 is a novel D2-like receptor antagonist with high potency and selectivity for both D3 and D4 receptors. YM-43611 is therefore expected to be valuable in exploration of the physiological role of D3 and D4 receptors.

Low levels of mRNA for dopamine D4 receptor in human cerebral cortex and striatum

Significant densities of mRNA for the dopamine D4 receptor in cerebral cortex, particularly in frontal lobe, have been reported in rats and monkeys, supporting the D4 hypothesis in the pathology of schizophrenia. Using northern blot analysis and the competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, we determined the relative levels of D4 mRNA in human brain regions to clarify whether the cortical level is also higher in humans. Northern blot analysis revealed an unexpected profile of D4 mRNA in the brain. The detected mRNA size, 1.5 kb, was quite different from the 5.3 kb reported in human neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells. Higher levels of D4 mRNA were detected not only in the mesolimbic system but also in the corpus callosum, spinal cord, medulla, and subthalamic nucleus. It was surprising that in the cerebral cortex regions as well as the striatum, D4 mRNA was hardly detected. The competitive RT-PCR revealed these relative densities to be at least three orders of magnitude lower than that of the striatal D2 receptor. Our results demonstrate a remarkable difference in cortical D4 mRNA density in humans compared with that in rats and monkeys. Furthermore, the mRNA distribution suggests that the higher density of D4-like binding sites reported recently in normal human striatum is not due to the D4 receptor.

1-Benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline as a parkinsonism-inducing agent: a novel endogenous amine in mouse brain and parkinsonian CSF

1-Benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1BnTIQ) was detected as a novel endogenous amine in mouse brain and parkinsonian CSF by using the gas chromatography-selected ion-monitoring method. The level of 1BnTIQ was very high in CSF of some parkinsonian patients compared with that of controls with other neurological diseases, the mean value being three times higher (parkinsonians: 1.17 +/- 0.35 ng/ml of CSF, n = 18; vs. controls: 0.40 +/- 0.10 ng/ml of CSF, n = 11; mean +/- SEM, not significantly different). The pole test, a toxicological examination to evaluate behavior abnormalities related to Parkinson's disease, was used to examine the pharmacological effect of 1BnTIQ in mice. Repeated administration of 1BnTIQ induced behavior abnormalities, which pretreatment with 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline could prevent. We suggest that 1BnTIQ may be related to the idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

A true osteomyocutaneous free-flap model in rats: the saphenous artery osteomyocutaneous flap

A new composite free-flap model, namely, the saphenous artery osteomyocutaneous flap, is described in the rat. This is a true osteomyocutaneous flap composed of a skin island from the medial aspect of the lower leg, the gracilis and semitendinosus muscles, and a bone segment from the tibia based on the saphenous vascular pedicle. After anatomic studies in 10 rats, 20 flaps were transplanted microsurgically to the abdominal region in the recipient rats with a 90 percent success rate. In selected animals, arteriography was carried out. The results from gross observation of the flap survival and histologic and fluorochrome bone-labeling studies revealed a complete survival for each component of the flap in all animals with a patent vascular pedicle at 2 weeks after transfer. The model seems to be suitable for use in metabolic, vascular, and immunologic experimental studies on composite free flaps.

The rat saphenous flap: a fasciocutaneous free flap model without panniculus carnosus

The rat saphenous flap is described as a new experimental model for free flap studies. This is a fasciocutaneous free flap based on the saphenofemoral vascular pedicle. The flap may include the entire medial aspect of the lower leg between the knee and ankle. Thirty flaps were harvested from 15 inbred rats. Each flap was transferred to the anterior neck of a recipient rat of the same inbred strain so that 15 flaps were vascularized free flaps using the standard end-to-end microvascular technique and the other 15 flaps were nonvascularized free grafts. All but two (technical failure) of the vascularized flaps showed complete survival, whereas all nonvascularized flaps completely necrosed 2 weeks after transfer. It was concluded that the rat saphenous flap has several advantages such as a long and consistent vascular pedicle, ease of harvest, and an all-or-none survival pattern. Furthermore, as a unique feature of this flap, histological analysis revealed that the rat saphenous flap is composed of the skin and underlying fascia without panniculus carnosus. We therefore suggest that the rat saphenous flap is the first true fasciocutaneous free flap model in the rat. In this paper, in addition to illustrating the anatomy of the saphenous vessels and describing a new fasciocutaneous free flap model based on these vessels, we have documented some anatomical details of the rat leg that have never been described in the literature related to the rat anatomy.

Reversal by a dihydropyridine derivative of non-P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance in etoposide-resistant human prostatic cancer cell line

PURPOSE

We have isolated etoposide-resistant prostatic cancer cell lines, P/VP10 and P/VP20, to investigate the multidrug resistance (MDR) mechanism and to find MDR reversal agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined expression of MDR-related genes and screened reversal agents of MDR in P/VP20 cells.

RESULTS

These cells demonstrated a non-P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated MDR phenotype with overexpression of MDR-associated protein (MRP) mRNA due to MRP DNA amplification. A 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, bis(4-pyridylmethyl)4-[2-(3-methyl-5,6- dihydro-1,4-dithiinyl)]-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicar boxylate (NIK250), was found to overcome MDR in P/VP20 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

NIK250 might be useful in reversing MDR, which often develops during chemotherapy of advanced or hormone-resistant prostatic cancer.

Full-length cDNA cloning and distribution of human dopamine D4 receptor

Dopamine D4 receptor is the focus of interest in terms of pharmacological profile and possible relation to the disease. Using poly A+RNA from human retina as a template, we succeeded in cloning of full-length cDNA of the human dopamine D4 receptor by improved reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). From the RT-PCR products, two polymorphic variants which had two and four tandem repeats in the putative third cytoplasmic loop were obtained. Transient expression of the full-length cDNA in COS-1 cells produced [3H]spiperone binding sites with a high affinity. These results confirmed the existence of the D4 receptor mRNA containing a different number of polymorphic tandem repeats in native human tissues. The RT-PCR method demonstrated the restricted distribution of the D4 mRNA in human tissues and brain regions. The mRNA was detected at the highest level in the retina, followed by the brain, placenta, and kidney. Among brain regions, relatively low levels for mRNA of the human D4 receptor were observed in the nigrostriatal pathway compared with the mesolimbic system. The distribution of the mRNA in human brain suggests that the D4 receptor plays a different role in the central nervous system compared with the D2 receptor.

Differential effects of [3H]nemonapride and [3H]spiperone binding on human dopamine D4 receptors

We compared some binding parameters of [3H]nemonapride and [3H]spiperone in human dopamine D4 (hD4) receptors with three different numbers of tandem repeat units. Although both of the radioligands showed similar affinity constants for each hD4 receptor variant, the maximal number of binding sites labeled by [3H]nemonapride was approximately 1.35-fold higher than that by [3H]-spiperone for all variants. Estimated Ki values for the inhibition of [3H]nemonapride binding by a series of dopaminergic ligands were highly correlated to respective values obtained for the inhibition of [3H]spiperone binding to each hD4 receptor. These results suggest that the hD4 receptor, as shown for the D2 receptor, may exist in multiple molecular forms as a monomer-dimer equilibria, and that [3H]spiperone may discriminate in the multiple molecular forms.

Polymorphic tandem repeats in dopamine D4 receptor are spread over primate species

The human dopamine D4 receptor has polymorphic tandem repeats in the third cytoplasmic loop. However, these repeats are not present in the rat counterpart. To determine whether the tandem repeats are specific to humans or not, we analyzed genomic DNA sequences for the D4 receptor of six primate species (human, chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, macaque, marmoset). Sequencing data revealed that all primates have the 48-bp tandem repeats in the D4 receptor gene. This finding suggests that these repeats originated before the separation of the New World monkey lineage from the Old World monkey and ape-human lineages.

Muscle glycogen repletion and pre-exercise glycogen content: effect of carbohydrate loading in rats previously fed a high fat diet

We have recently reported that rates of muscle glycogen repletion during the early period of recovery were increased by carbohydrate (CHO) loading in rats previously fed a high fat diet. However, the reason for this remained unanswered. The purpose of this study was to examine whether an increase of glycogen utilization due to an elevated pre-exercise glycogen store would enhance rates of glycogen repletion in muscle. Despite an equal degree of glycogen depletion, the rates of glycogen repletion of soleus, red and white gastrocnemius muscles by postexercise administration of glucose (3.0 g.kg-1 body mass) and citrate (0.5 g.kg-1 body mass) were faster in the CHO loaded (3 days) rats than in the nonloaded rats, as a result of elevated pre-exercise glycogen content and consequently the greater glycogen utilization. The higher rate of muscle glycogen repletion may in part be explained by increased postexercise glycogen synthase activity.

Is bed isolation necessary during flap prefabrication? An experimental study in rats

This study was designed to investigate whether isolation of the bed is necessary during flap prefabrication. A fasciovascular carrier was used to prefabricate a 3 x 8-cm epigastric flap in rats. The animals were divided into three groups of 42 each. During flap prefabrication, in group 1 (control), no bed isolation was done, whereas in groups 2 and 3, a thin silicone sheet was used to isolate the underlying bed from the flap and fasciovascular carrier partially or completely, respectively. In each group, 14 prefabricated flaps were raised at 3, 7, and 14 days after prefabrication. Flap survival was assessed at day 7 after flap elevation. In comparing to the survival rates of the prefabricated flaps for each time interval, there was no significant statistical difference between the control and experimental groups (p > 0.05). With further studies, including india ink injection study and microangiographical and histological examinations of the prefabricated flaps, it was concluded that, during flap prefabrication, isolation of the bed with a silicone sheet does not improve the survival of prefabricated skin flaps. Moreover, it may cause some complications, such as extensive seroma, infection, and exposure of the sheet, which further interfere with the evaluation of experimental results.

Cutaneous vascular anatomy of the thoracic region of the dorsum and its role in flap design in the rat

The cutaneous vascular anatomy of the proximal one-half of the dorsum (the thoracic region) and its role in flap design was studied in the rat. The investigation included anatomical dissection, ink injection into the axial artery, and flap harvesting in live animals. Anatomical dissection and india ink injection of the thoracic region revealed that the skin derives its principal blood supply from the lateral thoracic artery. The cutaneous vascular territory of the lateral thoracic artery was defined as follows: the medial border, along the midline of the back from the level of the inferior angle of the scapula to the lower border of the last rib; the lateral border, anterior axillary line corresponding with the length of the medial border; the cephalic border, a line joining the medial and lateral border at the level of the inferior angle of the scapula; and the caudal border, a line corresponding to the lower border of the last rib. Bilateral vascular pedicle island cutaneous flaps were harvested in living rats based on the vascular territory demarcated by India ink injection. All flaps survived; hence, this flap is reliable, with consistent vascularity, and is easy to harvest, and therefore, can be used as a vascular pedicle experimental model to study flap hemodynamics.

A new experimental model: the vascular pedicle cutaneous flap over the dorsal aspect (flank and hip) of the rat

Cutaneous vascular anatomy of the flank and the hip was studied in the rat. Investigation was done by anatomical dissection, ink injection to the axial artery and flap harvesting in living rats. Anatomical dissection and India ink injection revealed that the rat's flank and hip skin derives its blood supply from the iliac branch of the iliolumbar artery, which originates from the lateral aspect of the abdominal aorta. The vascular territory of the iliac branch of the iliolumbar artery was defined as follows: the medial border--along the midline of the back from the 12th rib to the proximal part of the tail; the lateral border-anterior axillary line corresponding with the length of the medial border; the cephalic border--a line joining the medial and lateral border at the level of the 12th rib; and the caudal border--the posterior lateral line of the hip. On the basis of the vascular territory demarcated by India ink injection, bilateral vascular pedicle island cutaneous flaps were harvested in living rats. Results showed total survival of all flaps. This flap is easily made, and it could be used as a reliable model for flap research.

Effect of short-term exercise training on muscle glycogen in resting conditions in rats fed a high fat diet

It has been reported that exercise training increases muscle glycogen storage in rats fed a high carbohydrate (CHO) diet in resting conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a 3-week swimming training programme would increase muscle glycogen stores in rats fed a high-fat (FAT) diet in resting conditions. Rats were fed either the FAT or CHO diet for 7 days ad libitum, and then were fed regularly twice a day (between 0800 and 0830 hours and 1800 and 1830 hours) for 32 days. During this period of regular feeding, half of the rats in both dietary groups had swimming training for 3 weeks and the other half were sedentary. The rats were not exercised for 48 h before sacrifice. All rats were killed 2 h after their final meal (2030 hours). The glycogen contents in red gastrocnemius muscle, heart and liver were significantly higher in sedentary rats fed the CHO diet than in those fed the FAT diet. Exercise training clearly increased glycogen content in soleus, red gastrocnemius and heart muscle in rats fed the CHO diet. In rats fed the FAT diet, however, training did not increase glycogen content in these muscles or the heart. Exercise training resulted in an 87% increase of total glycogen synthase activity in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats fed the CHO diet. However, this was not observed in rats fed the FAT diet. The total glycogen phosphorylase activity in the gastrocnemius muscle of the rats of both dietary groups was increased approximately twofold by training.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nutritional status and daily physical activity of handicapped students in Tokyo metropolitan schools for deaf, blind, mentally retarded, and physically handicapped individuals

Heights, weights, and skinfold thicknesses of 2222 handicapped students aged 3-22 y were measured in the 1984 nutritional survey for handicapped students in Tokyo metropolitan schools for deaf, blind, mentally retarded, and physically handicapped individuals. Although delayed growth was most obvious in physically handicapped students, obesity was already prevalent in many different types of handicapped students, especially those who were mentally handicapped. To estimate daily physical activity, 473 males and 329 females wore a pedometer for 24 h. There were considerable differences in the mean pedometer scores among the four groups of students: deaf greater than blind = mentally retarded greater than physically handicapped. In the female students who could walk normally, pedometer scores were negatively related with both body mass index and percent body fat. The nutritional status in the handicapped students is discussed in relation to daily physical activity.

1-Methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, decreasing in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated mouse, prevents parkinsonism-like behavior abnormalities

In 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mouse brain, there was no significant increase or decrease in the content of an endogenous amine, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ), which is well noted for inducing parkinsonism, whereas another endogenous amine, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1-MeTIQ), was markedly reduced. This result agrees with the finding in human idiopathic parkinsonianism, confirmed by our previous research. In addition, pretreatment with 1-MeTIQ completely prevented MPTP- or TIQ-inducing bradykinesia, a symptom of parkinsonism. This study confirmed that 1-MeTIQ plays an important role in preventing the pathogenesis of parkinsonism and is a possible leading compound of anti-parkinsonism agents.

[Multi-center evaluation of Showa disk susceptibility to presumptively determine minimum inhibitory concentrations through linear regression analysis]

To confirm the reliability of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined by use of predefined linear regressions to bacterial growth inhibitory zone diameter on Showa disk susceptibility test, the multi-center evaluation along daily routines was performed in comparison with the standard agar dilution method. In total, 4,107 (89.0%) of 4,613 testings gave comparable MICs with 4-fold or less differences to those determined by the standard agar dilutions. The agreement of MICs (less than or equal to 4-fold differences) for gram-negative rods, excluding Pseudomonas aeruginosa, against 10 antimicrobial agents was estimated to 92.1%, and those for gram-positive cocci against 9 agents and for the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa against 8 agents were 84.5% and 81.7%, respectively. With these results, we can conclude that, under the well-controlled test procedures, the MIC correlates determined by Showa disk susceptibility test are enough comparable to those determined by the standard agar dilution method.

Prostaglandin D2 metabolite stimulates collagen synthesis by human osteoblasts during calcification

We investigated the effect of the prostaglandin D2 metabolite delta 12-PGJ2 (9-Deoxy-delta 9, delta 12-13,14-dihydroprostaglandin 2D) on collagen synthesis in human osteoblasts. delta 12-PGJ2 at 10(-5) M enhanced collagen synthesis in the presence of 2 mM alpha-glycerophosphate-2Na. The stimulative effect appeared as early as 3 days after addition and continued until 22 days. The enhancement of type I collagen synthesis was confirmed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The potency was the same as 10(-8) M 1 alpha, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). Northern blot analysis showed that 10(-5) M delta 12-PGJ2 and 10(-8) M 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced the transcription of type I procollagen (alpha 1) mRNA levels in osteoblasts.

Isozyme polymorphisms in human diploid cell strains for research on cellular aging

Six human lung diploid cell strains established for the study of in vitro cellular aging (TIG-1, TIG-7, WI-38, IMR-90, MRC-5, MRC-9, and HeLa cells as a control) were studied by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis for allozymic differences at 18 enzyme loci. Eight enzyme loci (G6PD, PGM1, PGM3, PepA, PGD, ADA, GLO1, and ME), proved to be informative in establishing unique allozyme genetic signatures for all of the cell strains established from the same species and from the same organ. Changes in the allozyme genetic signatures were not observed throughout the life span of TIG-1 and MRC-9 cells. The allozyme genetic signatures can be used as a quick monitor of cell identification and intraspecific cell contamination.

A new human male diploid cell strain, TIG-7: its age-related changes and comparison with a matched female TIG-1 cell strain

A new human diploid cell strain, TIG-7, which has the male karyotype, was established and characterized. Isozyme and histocompatibility typing of the cell strain was performed. The average in vitro life span of the cells is 73 population doublings. Changes in cell volume, doubling time, saturation density, the efficiency of cell attachment, plating efficiency, and relative DNA content were examined during in vitro cellular aging. Hydrocortisone slightly prolongs the life span of the cell strain when the hormone is administered to the cultures during middle passages. The age-related changes in the parameters of TIG-7 are not appreciably different from those of the previously established TIG-1 cell strain. These results show that this cell strain is useful for research on cellular aging; further profit is anticipated from research using a combination of these two sexually different cell strains.

A novel and neurotoxic tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative in vivo: formation of 1,3-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, a condensation product of amphetamines, in brains of rats under chronic ethanol treatment

Repeated amphetamine administration to rats under chronic ethanol intoxication resulted in the formation of 1,3-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1,3-DiMeTIQ), a novel metabolite of amphetamines. 1,3-DiMeTIQ was quantified with a sensitive, specific assay using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was not found in the brains of rats given repeated amphetamine administration but no ethanol. The chronic ethanol-intoxicated rats subjected to repeated amphetamine administration exhibited behavioral abnormalities, such as repeated convulsions and curving of the back. 1,3-DiMeTIQ contents were markedly higher in the brain or plasma of rats manifesting abnormal behavior in comparison with those in rats behaving normally. Thus, the 1,3-DiMeTIQ content in the rat brain seems to have some relationship with behavioral abnormalities. This study also confirmed that 1,3-DiMeTIQ can cross the blood-brain barrier in the rat. Intraperitoneal 1,3-DiMeTIQ injections to rats caused behavioral symptoms similar to those observed in rats with chronic ethanol intoxication and repeated amphetamine administration. The effect of toxic doses of 1,3-DiMeTIQ on dopaminergic and serotonergic metabolism in the whole rat brain was also investigated.

Confirmation of the enantiomers of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline in the mouse brain and foods applying gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with negative ion chemical ionization

With the aid of a new chiral derivatizing reagent and a sensitive and specific assay using capillary gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry, the proportions of R and S enantiomers of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1MeTIQ) in mammalian tissues and foods were studied. R- and S-1MeTIQ enantiomers derivatized with a chiral derivatizing reagent, perfluoro-2-propoxypropionylchloride, were clearly separated. The ratio of enantiomers was R/S = 0.24, 0.55 and 0.60 in wine, cocoa and mouse brain. S-1MeTIQ predominated in all samples. This result suggested that 1MeTIQ could be formed at least partially through an enzymatic mechanism.

Activation of branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex by exercise: effect of high-fat diet intake

The effect of exercise on the activity of branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex in liver and muscle was studied in rats fed a high-fat (FAT) or a high-carbohydrate (CHO) diet. Both diet groups of rats were offered isoenergetic diets by a meal-feeding method and were trained by treadmill running. On the final day of the experiment, half of the rats in each diet group were exercised by 2 h of running just before they were killed. The activity state of the enzyme complex was elevated maximally by exercise in liver of rats fed the FAT diet but not in liver of rats fed the CHO diet, suggesting that catabolism of branched-chain amino acids in rat liver during exercise was enhanced by the FAT diet. The activity state of the enzyme complex in muscle was enhanced by exercise in both groups of rats, but a significant difference was not observed between the groups. The concentration of branched-chain amino acids was elevated in liver and muscle by exercise in both groups of rats, but the elevated levels in liver were lower in rats fed the FAT diet than in those fed the CHO diet. Serum branched-chain amino acid concentrations were significantly lower in rested rats fed the FAT diet than in those fed the CHO diet, and the leucine and isoleucine concentrations in the former were elevated by exercise, but the serum concentrations in the latter were not significantly affected by exercise. ATP and ADP concentrations in muscle were not significantly affected by either diet or exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Metabolism and brain accumulation of tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) a possible parkinsonism inducing substance, in an animal model of a poor debrisoquine metabolizer

4-Hydroxytetrahydroisoquinoline (4OH-TIQ) was detected as a metabolite of a possible parkinsonism-inducing substance, tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ), in rat liver microsomes and rat urine. Urinary excretion of 4OH-TIQ was significantly reduced in female DA rat, an animal model of a poor debrisoquine metabolizer. The female DA rat also showed significantly higher brain accumulation of TIQ. These results suggest that the metabolic detoxication process is depressed and TIQ accumulation in the brain is enhanced in a poor debrisoquine metabolizer, which may be one possible explanation for poor debrisoquine metabolizers being susceptible to Parkinson's disease.

Annual cycle of plasma thyroid hormone levels in the toad, Bufo japonicus

Plasma thyroxine (T4) of the toad, Bufo japonicus formosus, was monitored monthly from March, 1981 to February, 1982. Toads were captured at Sayama, Saitama Prefecture, and individual blood samples were collected from the heart soon after capture in the field. The plasma T4 levels were minimal in November for males (0.096 ng/ml) and in December for females (0.038 ng/ml). Levels increased during the resting stage in winter and reached a peak in March, about 1 week before the breeding migration, in both males (0.48 ng/ml) and females (0.66 ng/ml). After breeding occurred in early April, the T4 levels fell rapidly to nearly the minimum in females (0.088 ng/ml) and to an intermediate level in males (0.26 ng/ml). During summer, the T4 levels were low (between 0.1 and 0.3 ng/ml) but were significantly higher than the minimum in both sexes. Males showed significantly higher T4 levels than females in January, April, October, and December. Changes in plasma T4 levels around the breeding period were studied in greater detail with toads collected in March at Shiki, Saitama Prefecture. Extremely high levels of T4 (1.72 ng/ml) were detected in both male and female toads collected in the breeding pond, showing a secondary rise of the T4 level at arrival at the breeding pond. Plasma triiodothyronine (T3) levels followed patterns similar to those of T4, although the concentrations of T3 were extremely low (between undetectable level and 116 pg/ml). The initial rise of the thyroid hormone level in winter may be related to energy metabolism at the low temperature.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hemispheric lateralization of spatial contrast sensitivity

Visuospatial contrast sensitivity was determined by the Arden grating chart in 23 patients with cerebral infarctions involving the primary visual cortex or visual association cortex. Subjects were classified into three groups according to their lesions: I, 6 patients with unilateral medial occipital or occipitotemporal lesions; II, 6 patients with left lateral parieto-occipital lesions; and III, 11 patients with right lateral parieto-occipital lesions. Contrast sensitivity was markedly reduced in Group III, especially in patients having hemispatial agnosia. Group I patients with hemispatial agnosia showed almost normal contrast sensitivity. Spatial contrast sensitivity appears to be more affected when the lesion has an influence on the nondominant lateral parieto-occipital cortex.

[Dilatometry of gypsum bonded investment (author's transl)]

Although many investigations on the thermal expansion of dental investments have already been done, the conditions upon which thermal expansion was measured were not always definitely shown and the phenomena on thermal behavior of dental investments were not reasonably interpreted. In this investigation the effects of W/P ratio of samples, heating rate and furnace atmosphere were studied by "Push Rod" Dilatometer in order to attempt to standardise dilatometry of dental investments. All experiments were designed with two-way layout techniques. The main results were as follows, 1) W/P ratio, heating rate and furnace atmosphere have significant effects on the thermal expansion curves of the gypsum bonded investments. 2) One steep expansion and three stages of shrinkage in heating process of these investments from room temperature to about 900 degrees C were observed. 3) The quantity of the steep expansion, first and second stages of shrinkage and the expansion at 650 degrees C were affected by W/P ratio. 4) The temperature at which the steep expansion or shrinkage occurred were affected by heating rate. 5) Furnace atmosphere affected on both quantity of the steep expansion or shrinkage and their temperature. It also affected on the expansion at 650 degrees C. Then, these factors should be considered in dilatometry of gypsum bonded investments and in dental practice.