[Bone fracture receiving LH-RH agonists for prostatic cancer]

BACKGROUND

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists are popularly used drugs in the treatment of prostatic cancer. However, it has been reported that continuation of a low testosterone level following a longterm administration of these drugs reduces the bone mineral density and makes for osteoporosis, which is accountable for fracture, we measured the bone mineral density and bone metabolic markers in the cases who suffered fracture receiving LHRH agonists for prostatic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1994 and 1998, 196 patients (mean age 78.1 years) were treated with LHRH agonists for prostatic cancer. Of these patients, 13(7%) who had bone fracture during treated with LHRH agonists were divided into fracture group, and 70 patients who had not bone fracture divided into non-fracture group. Fracture by traffic accident was excluded. The bone density in the third lumbar vertebra was measured using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Osteocalcin, 1, 25- (OH)2 vitamin D, urinary type 1 collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides (NTx), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin were measured as bone metabolic markers.

RESULTS

The mean age of fractured cases was 78 years. The period from the start of treatment to fracture was 11 to 45 months (mean 27 months). No case of fracture at the site of metastasis of prostatic cancer was found. The bone density was significantly low in the fracture group compared with that of non-fracture group. Of the bone metabolic markers, NTx showed high values in the fracture group.

CONCLUSION

There is a need to measure bone mineral density and bone metabolic markers periodically and to evaluate secondary osteoporosis in the patients receiving LHRH agonists for prostatic cancer.

[Diagnostic value of urinary N-telopeptide of type I collagen in prostate cancer: comparison with bone scintigraphy]

The usefulness of a new biochemical marker of bone resorption, N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx), in the diagnosis of bone metastasis was assessed in 69 prostate cancer patients. Based on the bone scintigraphy findings, the patients were divided into a bone metastasis (+) group (n = 36) and a bone metastasis (-) group (n = 33). The urinary NTx level was significantly higher in the bone metastasis (+) group than in the bone metastasis (-) group (95.5 +/- 18.5 nM BCE/mM Cr vs. 63.3 +/- 7.9 nM BCE/mM Cr). There was a tendency for greater variability in urinary NTx levels during a 2 month-period in the bone metastasis (+) group than in the bone metastasis (-) group. The urinary NTx level of the 6 patients who were clinically staged as (4+) according to the extent of disease (EOD) grading system was 211.4 +/- 96.9 nM BCE/mM Cr, and was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the (-) group. However, there was not a significant difference in urinary NTx levels between the (1+) to (3+) groups and the (-) group. In conclusion, measuring urinary NTx levels in useful in diagnosing bone metastasis in view of the fact that it is a simple and noninvasive procedure. While it is not as sensitive as bone scintigraphy, it may be used to supplement bone scintigraphy.

[A case of ectopic familial pheochromocytoma]

This is a report of the occurrence of familial ectopic pheochromocytoma in two brothers, whose father had bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma. Both brother complained of hypertension. In the first case, a 22-year-old man presented with much higher than normal norepinephrine. Abdominal CT and chest CT scanning and 123I-MIBG scintigraphy revealed an extraadrenal tumor in the chest on the bilateral adrenal grands. Bilateral adrenectomy was performed. In the second case, the 20-year-old brother was found to have an abdominal mass that was diagnosed as ectopic pheochromocytoma originating in the intra-abdominal paraaorta according to abdominal CT scanning and 131I-MIBG scintigraphy. The tumor was resected.

[Clinical study of Silver Lubricath Foley catheter]

We evaluated the Silver Lubricath Foley Catheter (silver catheter) coated with silver and hydrogel developed to prevent urinary infection, in comparison with the silicone-coated catheter (silicone catheter). Twelve patients ranging from 71 to 95 years of age (median age, 82 years) were catheterized and the 16 of 18F catheter was replaced every 2 weeks. They answered a questionnaire which included inquiry about the treatment with urinary catheter. Because of less leakage and discomfort to the urethra, the silver catheter had advantages over the silicone catheter. The risk of bacteriuria after 14 days of catheterization was not significantly different between the two types of catheter. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that bacterial biofilm developed on the inner surface of both catheters after 14 days of catheterization. On the other hand, the amount of bacterial biofilm on the outer surface of a silver catheter was less than that on the outer surface of a silicone catheter.

Renal gluconeogenesis in man: comparison with rats and rabbits

To provide evidence on renal gluconeogenesis in humans and to compare with rats and rabbits, glucose production from several substrates was determined using cortical slices of the three species. In humans, the normal parts of kidney tissue were obtained from six cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis and four cases of renal cell carcinoma. Renal cortical slices were incubated aerobically with or without substrates, and the glucose contents were assayed photometrically. The specificity of human kidneys was evaluated by comparison with the results obtained from rats and rabbits. The rank order of renal gluconeogenesis from various substrates was as follows: Humans: pyruvate > oxaloacetic acid > lactic acid > fructose-1,6-diphosphate > L-glutamine. Rats: pyruvate > fructose-1,6-diphosphate > oxaloacetic acid > lactic acid > L-glutamine. Rabbits: fructose-1,6-diphosphate > pyruvate > oxaloacetic acid > lactic acid >> L-glutamine = 0. In general, the human kidney can produce glucose at the lowest rate among the three species. The substrate specificity of humans was more or less similar to that of rats. These results suggest the existence of a species difference in renal gluconeogenesis both in substrate specificities and quantitative activities.

[A case of muscle metastasis of renal cell carcinoma treated by local resection and tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flaps]

A 44-year-old male with a little finger tip-sized tumor palpable on the left epigastric wall and a left renal tumor detected on computerized tomography (CT) was referred to this hospital in June 1991. Nephrectomy was performed in July 1991 under the diagnosis of a left renal tumor. Histologically, the tumor was a renal cell carcinoma, grade 2, clear and granular cell type. The tumor in the left abdominal wall was not extracted. As a tumor also developed in the scapular tunica muscularis, tumors in the left musculus rectus abdominis and the scapular tunica muscularis were extracted to the extent possible in July of 1992. Histologically, these tumors were metastatic clear cell carcinomas. The tumor in the left musculus rectus abdominis recurred and another was palpable in the left lateral femur. In August of 1993, the tumors in the left musculus vastus lateralis and the left musculus abdominis were extracted together with the tunica muscularis, and the defective region on the abdominal wall was closed with a left musculus tensor fascia lata flap. No evidence of recurrence has been observed to date.

[Study of nephrotoxicity through glutathione metabolism by cisplatin (CDDP) and adriamycin (ADM) in rat kidneys]

We studied cytotoxicity in vitro through reduced glutathione (GSH) metabolism by cisplatin (CDDP) and adriamycin (ADM) in rat kidneys. Renal cortical slices of Fischer 344 rats were incubated with Krebs-Ringer buffer containing CDDP (0-5mM) or ADM (0-0.5 mM). GSH and glutathione reductase (GSSG reductase) in these renal cortical slices were determined. Cell viability was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. The following results were obtained. 1) Intracellular GSH in renal cortex was decreased by CDDP dose- and time-dependently. 2) The activity of GSSG reductase was suppressed by CDDP, but not by ADM. 3) LDH leakage increased significantly with CDDP and ADM respectively. 4) The incubation of renal cortical slices with GSH exogenously protected the increase of LDH leakage induced by CDDP or ADM. 5) The coincubation of renal cortical slices with CDDP and ADM did not increase LDH leakage compared with single administration of ADM. 6) LDH leakage in incubation with ADM after incubation with CDDP increased remarkably. The viability of renal cortical slices was more damaged by ADM under the condition of depleted GSH by CDDP. Therefore, it seemed that the order of administration was very important in combination chemotherapy.

[Study on gamma-GTP activity in urine and renal tissue of drug-induced nephrotoxicity in rats]

We investigated changes of urinary and renal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GPT) activities in rat with renal damages caused by nephrotoxic agents in order to clarify the onset and the course of these nephrotoxicities. Cisplatin (CDDP) which is an antitumor agent, cephaloridine (CER) which is the first-generation cephem, and gentamicin (GM) which is an aminoglycoside were employed as tested nephrotoxic agents. We administered three fourth of LD50 of each agent to male Fischer 344 rats, intra-peritoneally. And the time-course changes of serum creatinine (s-Cr) value, creatinine clearance (Ccr) and urinary gamma-GTP activity were observed after administration of each agent. Finally, we measured renal gamma-GTP activities and observed pathological changes of the kidneys. The elevation of s-cr values and the reduction of Ccr appeared 3 days and 12 hours after the administration of CDDP and CER, respectively. And the peak appeared 7 days and 3 days after the administration of CDDP and CER, respectively. Increase of urinary gamma-GTP activities occurred earlier than the peak of s-cr value and Ccr in each group and as early 12 hours after the administration. In CER groups, the peak of urinary gamma-GTP activities was observed within 12 hours after the administration. And the peak of urinary gamma-GTP activities was observed at 24 hours and in 3 days after the administration of GM and CDDP, respectively. In addition, renal gamma-GTP activities reduced around 40% of those of control.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Recurrence presenting as anuria at 16 years after partial nephrectomy for a pelvic tumor in a solitary kidney: a case report]

A 61-year-old male underwent right partial nephrectomy for a pelvic tumor of a solitary kidney at the former hospital on April 1975. Two years later he had a small bladder tumor and transurethral resection was performed. Since August 1985 he had been followed up in our hospital. On June 1986, the urine cytology showed class V, but neither cystoscopy nor drip infusion pyelography revealed the tumor. On January 1992, he consulted our department with macrohematuria and anuria. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen level were 17.24 mg/ml and 84.1 mg/ml, respectively. Hemodialysis was administered. Retrograde pyelography revealed a defect of tumor at the pyeloureteral junction, and pyuria by ureteral catheterization showed class V cytology. Abdominal CT showed right hydronephrosis caused by the recurrence of pelvic tumor, and right nephrectomy was performed. The histopathological diagnosis was non-papillary transitional cell carcinoma, grade 3 > 2, pT3. He is in good condition with maintenance hemodialysis. In the Japanese literature there were 16 cases of pelvic tumor on the solitary or residual kidneys. In 12 of the 16 cases, kidney sparing treatment was tried and only our case has lived over 10 years. The indication of partial nephrectomy for pelvis tumor was discussed.

[Alterations of gluconeogenesis by ischemic renal injury in rats]

This study was designed to determine changes in one of metabolic functions, gluconeogenesis after ischemic renal injury. Right kidneys of SD rats were removed and a vascular clamp was placed across the left renal artery and vein for 0, 10, 30, 60 and 90 min. On 1, 3 and 7 days after the treatment, tubule suspensions were prepared by collagenase treatment of left kidneys and incubated with or without 2 mM pyruvate or malate aerobically. After the incubation, glucose contents were assayed photometrically. Serum creatinine was also determined. In addition, morphological changes were observed under light microscopy to examine the relationship between metabolism and morphology. The tendency of increase of gluconeogenesis was observed on day 1 and 3 after 10, 30, 60 min of ischemic time. On the other hand, gluco-neogenesis decreased significantly on day 1 after 90 min treatment. In contrast, on day 1 and 3 after treatment, serum creatinine levels showed no difference from control at the groups of 10 and 30 min ischemia. Whereas it rose significantly at the group of 60 min ischemia, showing a different tendency from that of the increase of gluconeogenesis. Moreover, morphologic damage was observed on day 1 and 3 after ischemia of 30 and 60 min. The morphologic damage was found more advanced in the corticomedullary region than those of the cortex which has the high gluconeogenic activity and which thus showed relatively limited damage. These results suggest that renal gluconeogenesis is relatively insusceptible to ischemic injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Changes in the cerebral vascular bed in experimental hydrocephalus: an angio-architectural and histological study

The angio-architectural and histological changes of small cerebral blood vessels in experimental hydrocephalus were studied to assess the changes of the vascular bed in the cerebral mantle. Change of the microvasculature assessed from microcorrosion casts by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the histological changes shown by light and electron microscopy were compared before and after shunting for hydrocephalus. The changes of the rCBF were also evaluated by the hydrogen clearance method. In hydrocephalus, a reduction in the number and caliber of the capillaries was noted in both the white and gray matter in the SEM study, but the capillaries were preserved and changes were mild and nonspecific in the electron microscopic examination. Shunting resulted in the reversal of all these changes to normal along with recovery of the rCBF, which had decreased in hydrocephalus. These observations suggest that changes of the vascular bed participate in the alteration of cerebral mantle width in the hydrocephalic process, and that the changes of the microvasculature result not only from damage to the capillaries themselves but also from changes of the perivascular structures.

Cisplatin-induced alterations in renal structure, ammoniagenesis and gluconeogenesis of rats

Cisplatin [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II): CDDP] is a widely used cancer chemotherapeutic agent which has been shown to cause dose-related acute renal failure. The kidney damage is histologically characterized by widespread tubular necrosis, predominantly found in the third segments (S3) of the proximal tubules. To identify the intranephron targets of CDDP more precisely, we examined alterations in ammoniagenesis (AMG) and gluconeogenesis (GLG) using rat kidney slices (for AMG and GLG), tubule suspensions (for GLG), and microdissected nephron segments (for AMG). Ultramicroassay of AMG was carried out using the enzymatic cycling method, and GLG was measured by the HK/G6PHD method. GLG obtained from kidney slices and tubule suspensions on day 3 and day 7 following CDDP treatment did not change significantly from levels in control rats. In contrast, AMG increased on day 3 in the first and third kidney slices cut from the surface inward and decreased significantly on day 7 in the third and fourth slices. Microdissected nephron segments examined on day 7 showed decreased AMG in the second segments (S2; 20.3 +/- 7.7 pmol/mm/15 min vs. 78.7 +/- 9.7 for control, P less than 0.005) and the third segments (S3; 26.3 +/- 14.4 pmol/mm/15 min vs. 79.2 +/- 7.8 for control, P less than 0.005) of the proximal tubules. Additionally, we observed morphological changes under light microscopy to examine the relationship between metabolism and morphology. On day 3 following the CDDP treatment, typical acute tubular necrosis was seen primarily localized in the outer stripe of the outer medulla, while on day 7 the lesion appeared to be recovering. Our data imply a prominent dissociation between renal metabolic and morphologic changes induced by CDDP.

Adjuvant chemotherapy with vinblastine, adriamycin, and UFT for renal-cell carcinoma

VAU therapy (vinblastine, Adriamycin, and UFT) was given postoperatively to 31 patients with stage I, II, or III renal-cell carcinoma, and the incidence of relapse as well as the survival of patients were studied. Administration was started at 7-14 days post-surgery; 5 mg/m2 vinblastine and 30 mg/m2 Adriamycin were given i.v. once every 4 weeks for a total of five courses, and three capsules of UFT (containing 300 mg tegafur) were given p.o. every day for 2-3 years. The postoperative observation period ranged from 2 years and 6 months to 7 years and 1 month (mean, 4 years and 2 months). The 1-year survival of patients was 100%, and the 3- and 5-year survival values were 96%. These results were significantly better (P less than 0.01) than the respective values (81%, 72%, and 60%) obtained for the historical controls, i.e., the 60 patients with stage I, II, or III renal-cell carcinoma who received no chemotherapy. Side effects such as alopecia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and myelosuppression were encountered, but all symptoms were so mild and transient that discontinuation of the treatment was not necessary. As VAU therapy might be useful as adjuvant chemotherapy for renal-cell carcinoma, it seems to merit further study.

Alterations of gluconeogenesis by ischemic renal injury in rats

This study was designed to determine changes in one metabolic function, gluconeogenesis (GLG), after ischemic renal injury. Tubule suspensions were prepared by collagenase treatment of SD rat kidneys on 1, 3, and 7 days after left renal artery and vein occlusion for 0-90 min and incubated in Krebs-Henseleit buffer with or without 2 mM pyruvate or malate aerobically. Glucose contents were assayed photometrically. On days 1 and 3 after ischemia for longer than 60 min, serum creatinine levels rose significantly. The tendency of increase of GLG was observed on days 1 and 3 after 10-60 min of ischemia. GLG increased significantly on day 1 after 30-min ischemia. On the other hand, GLG decreased significantly on day 1 after 90-min treatment. Morphologic damage was limited to the corticomedullary region on days 1 and 3 after ischemic times of 30 and 60 min. These results suggest that renal GLG is stimulated to supply energy for ATP decrease by ischemia and for further regeneration in extraproximal segments along the nephron.

[A case of priapism successfully managed by local irradiation]

A 42-year-old man with priapism is reported. The condition did not improve by cavernous body irrigation with heparin, intravenous administration of anticoagulant, or various surgical shunt operations. However, the condition improved after local radiation therapy: a total dose of 6Gy, 1.5 Gy daily for 4 days, was given to a site 24 cm x 24 cm which covered the small pelvic cavity and the femoral area centering around the root of the penis. Improvement of the condition became evident from Day 3 of radiation therapy. For about 1 year since then the patient has been entirely free of recurrence.

[Adjuvant chemotherapy with vinblastine, adriamycin and UFT (VAU) for renal cell carcinoma]

We tried adjuvant chemotherapy with vinblastine, adriamycin, and UFT on thirty-one renal cell carcinoma patients in stage I, II or III to determine whether or not it might improve their survival rate. The patients were started on adjuvant chemotherapy with vinblastine 5 mg/m2 i.v. and adriamycin 30/m2 i.v. 7 to 14 days after surgery, and drugs were administered every 4 weeks for a total of 5 times. UFT was administered orally in a dose of 3 capsules (300 mg as tegafur) daily for 2 to 3 years. The postoperative period averaged 4 years and 2 months with a range of 2 years and 6 months to 7 years and 1 month. The 1-year survival rate for the 31 patients was 100%, and 3- and 5-year survival rates were 96%. These results were encouraging, compared to the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 81%, 72% and 60% achieved in a series of 60 renal cell carcinoma patients in stage I, II or III without adjuvant chemotherapy. Side effects such as alopecia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and myelosuppression were observed, but all symptoms were so mild or transient that the treatment could be continued in the patients.

Surgical approach to arteriovenous malformation of the medial temporal lobe--report of three cases

We report three cases of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the medial temporal lobe and the surgical approaches used. The AVM was fed by the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) in two cases (Cases 1 and 2) and by the posterior cerebral artery in one (Case 3). The trans-Sylvian approach was first used for cerebrospinal fluid aspiration to retract the brain in all cases, and for confirming the feeding arteries to prevent premature bleeding from the AVM in Cases 1 and 2. In Case 1, a corticotomy was then made in the fusiform gyrus via the subtemporal approach to avoid the development of speech disturbance and visual field defects, while in Cases 2 and 3, a cortical incision was made in the middle temporal gyrus because visual field defects were preoperatively present. Cases 1 and 2 achieved good recoveries, but Case 3 suffered postoperative speech disturbance and died of rebleeding from a recurrent AVM fed by the AChA 22 months after the operation. This AVM was not demonstrated on the postoperative angiograms. We emphasize the usefulness of the combination of trans-Sylvian and subtemporal approaches for this lesion, because the feeding arteries are easily identified and retraction of the temporal lobe is alleviated. A corticotomy in the fusiform gyrus is also recommended to avoid the development of not only visual field defects but also aphasia.

Vertigo caused by scalenus anterior compression of the subclavian artery: a report of two cases

Two cases of vertigo with subclavian artery stenosis are presented. In both cases, the angiograms revealed left subclavian artery stenosis at the middle portion of the clavicle as well as kinked origin of the vertebral artery. After resection of the anterior scalene muscle, the stenosis and the vertigo resolved.

[A case of bullous cystitis]

A case of bullous cystitis with a right ureter stone seen in a 25-year-old male is described. Inflammatory tumorous cystitis was performed. One month after transurethral resection, there was inflammatory tumorous cystitis at the same position. Therefore, right ureterolithotomy and right ureterovesical neostomy were done. The patient is currently in good health 1 year and 5 months after the surgery.

[Treatment of hydrocele testis by injection of tetracycline solution]

Eleven cases of hydrocele testis were treated with injection of a 1% or 2% dedoxycycline hydrochloride or minocycline hydrochloride, and a cure was obtained in 9 cases (81.8%). Of these 9 cases, 7 cases were cured after one injection, and 2 cases after 2 injection. Both of the latter 2 cases in which physiological salt solution was used as the dissolving solution experienced scrotal pain immediately after injection. Among the cases in which 1% lidocaine was used as the dissolving solution only 1 injection (11.1%) was associated with slight pain out of 9 injections. This treating method is highly effective and little or no pain is experienced if lidocaine is used. In conclusion, we recommend this method as a treatment for hydrocele testis.

[Anti-tumour effect of UFT on human renal cell carcinoma heterotransplanted into nude mice]

1) Using two histologically different human renal cell carcinomas heterotransplanted into nude mice, the antitumour effect of UFT was investigated, and an attempt was made to analyze the properties of the tumour strains where a drug efficacy was noted. 2) The two strains used were the JRC 1 strain (tumour doubling time of 9.4 days, clear cell type, papillary histologic pattern, grade 3) and the JRC 11 strain (tumour doubling time of 2.72 days, granular cell type, anaplastic histologic pattern, grade 4). 3) Two dose groups were set up, one receiving 10 mg/kg of tegafur (FT) and 22.4 mg/kg of uracil and the other receiving 20 mg/kg of FT and 44.8 mg/kg of uracil. Each group was further divided into an early administration group (start of administration 3 days after the tumour transplantation) and a late administration group (start of administration at a time when the transplanted tumour proliferated to weight of 100 to 300 mg). 4) Effect as noted in the tumour proliferation inhibition rate was seen only in the group receiving 20 mg/kg of FT and 44.8 mg/kg of uracil in both early and late administration groups of the JRC 1 strain. Among these groups only the early administration groups showed a histological positive effect. 5) The fact that the measured 5-FU intra-tumour concentration in the JRC 1 strain was only 1/4 that of the JRC 11 strain demonstrates more susceptibility of JRC 1 strain to UFT. Moreover, intratumoral concentration of 5-FU differed markedly even with the same administration method and dosage level. This result indicates that intra-tumour concentration will be different if the histological pattern differs.

[A case of metastasis of gastric cancer to spermatic cord]

A 63-year-old man underwent total gastrectomy and partial resection of the transverse colon for Borrman IV gastric cancer on August 27, 1985. On August 8, 1986, 11 months after the operation, he visited our department with chief complaint of swelling of both groins. The spermatic cord was swollen to about 3 cm in diameter from both groins to inside of the scrotum and was hard as a club. The diagnosis of bilateral spermatic cord metastasis of gastric cancer was established and a biopsy was carried out. Histopathologically the diagnosis of spermatic cord metastasis of gastric cancer was confirmed.

[Treatment of nonseminomatous testicular tumor with liver metastases]

Therapeutic course of 2 cases of nonseminomatous testicular tumor with liver metastasis is reported. One case had mixed tumors including embryonal carcinoma, choriocarcinoma and yolk sac carcinoma, and was positive pulmonary metastasis already at the initial examination. In the other case having mixed tumors of embryonal carcinoma and choriocarcinoma, metastasis to the supraclavicular lymph node was detected at the initial examination. In both cases liver metastasis occurred after complete response could be obtained by treatment chiefly consisting of PVB therapy. For liver metastasis four-drug combination treatment using cisplatin, vinblastine, adriamycin and actinomycin D was performed with partial response. However, this patient eventually died. The other case received VAB-6 therapy with complete response for liver metastasis. It is advisable to consider other modalities therapy in addition to conventional chemotherapy in cases of testicular tumor with liver metastasis since the prognosis is poor in these cases.

[Outcome of patients in metastatic renal cell carcinoma with or without embolization]

Nineteen cases of metastatic renal cell carcinoma were embolized (embolization group) and 18 cases were not (non-embolization group). The median survival time after nephrectomy for the 14 cases in the embolization group, 23 months, was more favorable than the 11 months obtained for the 13 cases in the non-embolization group. In the case of one organ metastasis, the median survival time was 33 months for 9 cases in the embolization group and 11 months for 10 cases in the non-embolization group, with a remarkable difference in survival time between the two groups. Therefore, the survival rate can be improved by performing nephrectomy after embolization in the case of single organ metastasis. On the other hand, in the case of multiple organ metastasis prolongation of survival time cannot be expected even when embolization is performed with or without nephrectomy.

Intra- and inter-nephron heterogeneity of gluconeogenesis in the rat: effects of chronic metabolic acidosis and potassium depletion

The intra- and inter-nephron heterogeneity of renal gluconeogenesis within rat proximal tubules and the effects of chronic metabolic acidosis and chronic potassium(K)-depletion were studied using isolated proximal tubules of rats by directly measuring glucose synthesized. The gluconeogenic activity from pyruvate and glutamine in control rats was almost limited to within the early proximal tubule (S1: 45.4 +/- 5.7 pmol/mm/60 min from pyruvate; 58.0 +/- 6.0 from glutamine). Very low, but detectable gluconeogenesis was observed in the middle portion of the proximal tubule (S2: 9.9 +/- 2.2 from pyruvate; 4.8 +/- 1.1 from glutamine). The rate of glucose production in the terminal proximal tubule (S3) was negligible. Furthermore, gluconeogenesis from glutamine of superficial (SF) nephrons was significantly higher than that of juxtamedullary (JM) ones, whereas no difference was seen in gluconeogenesis from pyruvate. In acidotic and K-depleted rats, significant increase could be seen in S1 and S2, but the increase in S3 was not significant. By the serial determination in acidosis, the glucose production from both substrates was found to be the highest at the second 1 mm segment from the glomerulus, and it decreased downward along the proximal tubule. In acidosis, glucose production from both substrates in SF nephrons and that from glutamine in JM ones were elevated significantly compared with the control, but that from pyruvate in JM nephrons did not change. These results suggest that S1 of the SF nephron plays the most important role in gluconeogenesis in the control, whereas S1 of the JM nephron and S2 contribute to gluconeogenesis in acidotic and/or possibly K-depleted rats.

Evidence that alpha-1-adrenergic stimuli specifically increase gluconeogenesis of the isolated proximal convoluted tubule in the rat

Isolated kidney-cortical tubule suspensions and microdissected nephron segments from fed rats were used to study the action of catecholamines on gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis from rat tubule suspension incubated with 5 mM pyruvate was stimulated maximally by 10(-5) M methoxamine, an alpha 1-selective agonist, and 10(-6) M noradrenaline by 29.2 +/- 5.2% (mean +/- SEM) and 32.6 +/- 2.9%, respectively. These effects were completely inhibited by 10(-7) M prazosin, a beta 1-selective antagonist. Yohimbine, an alpha 2-antagonist, also inhibited the effect, but only at a higher concentration (5 X 10(-5) M). Gluconeogenesis was not stimulated by isoproterenol, a alpha-agonist, at any concentrations between 10(-5) and 10(-7) M. With microdissected nephron segments, only the proximal tubule possessed gluconeogenic activity. Within the proximal tubule, the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) revealed higher gluconeogenic activity than the proximal straight tubule (PST). Methoxamine at 10(-5) M stimulated gluconeogenesis in PCT, whereas in PST no increase of gluconeogenesis was observed. From these results, it can be concluded that an alpha 1-adrenergic agonist specifically stimulates renal gluconeogenesis in PCT, but not in PST.

[Acute myeloid leukemia with intracranial tumor formation--case report]

A 44-year-old house-wife was admitted to the hematological clinic of our hospital on December 21, 1981 for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Hematological examination showed severe anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. She was soon started on DCMP therapy (Daunomycin, Cytosine arabinoside, 6-MP and prednisolone). After several repeats of remission and aggravation, she suffered from vertigo, nausea and vomiting in early August of 1982. The CT scan and angiography showed a mass lesion in the middle of the posterior cranial fossa. On August 26, surgical extirpation of the tumor locating in the vermis of the cerebellum was performed successfully. On gross examination the tumor revealed smooth yellowish-red surface, elastic in consistency and measured 40 X 40 X 30 mm in size. Histologically it comprised the leukemic cells. The pathology of the central nervous system due to leukemic cells was discussed in relation to the pertinent literature, including the CT findings and the indication of the surgical treatment.

Atrial natriuretic peptides stimulate renal gluconeogenesis

Atrial natriuretic peptide (5-28AA; ANP) and atrial extract (ANS) stimulated rat renal gluconeogenesis in cortical tubule suspension in a dose dependent fashion only from substrates that enter gluconeogenesis via phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxylase. The effects of ANP and ANS were significantly potentiated by cAMP and cGMP, whereas methoxamine showed no effect. Extracellular calcium revealed a key role for ANP and ANS response to gluconeogenesis: a concentration of calcium higher than 1 mM was essential. Isolated cells from cortex which lost cell membrane polarity by warming but responded solely to cAMP and cGMP showed no effect by ANP nor ANS. These data suggest that ANP or ANS may act mainly from the basolateral site in the proximal tubule cell and promote gluconeogenesis through cAMP and/or cGMP system.

[Lymphadenectomy for renal cell carcinoma]

The techniques, results and problems of lymphadenectomy were assessed in 56 cases of renal cell carcinoma. As the approach to the retroperitoneum, the thoracoabdominal approach was used in 22 cases and transabdominal approach in 34 cases. Radical nephrectomy was performed, followed by lymphadenectomy. All of the regional lymph nodes were dissected. The mean time required for lymphadenectomy was 1 hour and 40 minutes and the mean volume of blood loss was 350 ml. As intraoperative complications, vascular injury occurred in 3 cases. In 1 of these cases the left second lumbar vein was injured. Therefore, in lymphadenectomy caution should be exercised not to give injury to this blood vessel. The postoperative complication observed included bleeding and chylous ascites in 1 case each. In performing operations one must ligate the lymphatic vessel carefully. The 5-year-survival rate for 6 cases associated with metastasis to lymph node was 33%. From this fact, it was postulated that lymphadenectomy is helpful to improve prognosis of these patients.

[The role of preoperative embolization in renal cell carcinoma]

In 84 cases of renal cell carcinoma, the effect of embolization was assessed by dividing the patients into two groups: those having undergone (42 cases) or not having undergone (42 cases) embolization. A 16% decrease in tumor volume following embolization using an MMC-micro capsule was noted. In patients without metastasis at nephrectomy, a tendency was observed for the incidence of postoperative metastasis to be lower with more favorable survival for the group with embolization than that without. On the other hand, among cases with metastasis at nephrectomy, there were more patients who survived for a longer period in the embolization group.

[Clinical study of UFT in renal cell carcinoma]

A clinical study of UFT, a mixture of FT and uracil in a molar ratio of 1 : 4, was conducted on 12 patients with renal cell carcinoma. UFT was continuously administered at doses of 300, 400 or 600 mg per day. CR was recorded in 2 patients, PR in 2, NC in 7 and PD in 2, respectively. The overall response rate was 33.3%. Concerning side effects, 2 of the 12 patients suffered from anorexia and stomatitis, but no hepatic disorders or bone marrow suppression was observed. We concluded that UFT therapy was effective for renal cell carcinoma.

[5-FU concentration in blood and tissue of patients with renal cell carcinoma after administration of UFT]

UFT (3 capsules; 300mg FT) was administered to five of 10 patients with renal cell carcinoma, and concentrations of FT, 5-FU and uracil in the serum and tissues (normal renal tissues, renal tumor tissues and liver) were determined 5.2 hours on average, after administration. The levels were also compared with these in the five patients administered 300 mg of FT. There was no difference in FT concentration between the serum and the tissues in the group administered UFT, but the concentration of 5-FU in tumor tissues was significantly higher (25.6 times) than that in the serum. The level was also higher (3.2 times) than that in normal renal tissues. There was a positive correlation between the concentration of 5-FU in the tissues and the concentration of uracil in the tissues. Although there was no difference in the concentration of FT between serum and tissues in patients administered UFT or FT, the concentration of 5-FU in patients administered UFT was definitely higher than that in patients administered FT; the concentration of 5-FU in the tumor tissues of patients given UFT was 3.9 times higher than in those given FT. Thus, UFT induced a concentration of 5-FU in tumor tissues that was maintained at a high level, suggesting that an excellent antitumor effect on renal cell carcinoma can be expected with UFT.

Angioarchitecture in experimental hydrocephalus

The angioarchitecture of microcorrosion casts in 12 hydrocephalic rats and 5 normal control rats was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy to observe the changes of the vascular bed in the cerebral mantle in hydrocephalus. Reduction in the number and caliber of the capillaries in the white matter was the most remarkable change in the hydrocephalic rats. This change increased in proportion to the severity of hydrocephalus. A similar change was observed in the basal ganglia. The change in the cortical capillaries was mild, but the cortical 'palisade' pattern had disappeared in some cases. Three-dimensional consideration of the angioarchitecture by using microvascular casts compared with microangiographic technique in rat hydrocephalus was discussed.

[Obstructive anuria: unilateral cutaneous ureterostomy with remission of contralateral ureter obstruction]

We experienced 1 case of obstructive anuria. This patient had received radiotherapy for uterine cancer. We performed unilateral cutaneous ureterostomy. Excretion of urine from the contralateral kidney occurred from the 17th postoperative day indicating improvement in renal functions. The possible mechanism for improvement of functions of the contralateral kidney is considered to be release of unilateral obstruction resulting in improvement in edema of tissues around kidney and ureter and remission of intravesical ureter obstruction caused by inflammation as a sequela of radiotherapy through improvement in inflammation.