A retrospective analysis of the risk factors for allergic reactions induced by the administration of oxaliplatin

This study retrospectively investigated the clinical features and risk factors of allergic reactions induced by oxaliplatin administration. This study investigated the incidence of allergic reactions and analysed the background and laboratory data in patients with colorectal cancer treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy at Kyushu Medical Center between April 2012 and September 2012. A total of 62 patients were included in this study. The number of patients in the allergic and non-allergic groups was 7 and 55 respectively. The incidence of allergic reactions was 11.3%. We compared the patients' characteristics and laboratory data between the two groups and found that the average dose of dexamethasone in the allergic group was significantly lower than that observed in the non-allergic group (P = 0.0111). Furthermore, the incidence of allergic reactions in the group that received prophylaxis of less than 12 mg of dexamethasone was significantly higher than that observed in the group that received more than 12 mg of dexamethasone (P = 0.0103). In conclusion, a lower dexamethasone dose is a possible risk factor for allergic reactions induced by the administration of oxaliplatin; however, given the retrospective design used in this study, further validation of this finding is warranted.

Human cerebral cortices: signal variation on diffusion-weighted MR imaging

INTRODUCTION

We have often encountered high signal intensity (SI) of the cingulate gyrus and insula during diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) on neurologically healthy adults. To date, cortical signal heterogeneity on DW images has not been investigated systematically. The purpose of our study was to determine whether there is regional signal variation in the brain cortices of neurologically healthy adults on DW-MR images.

METHODS

The SI of the cerebral cortices on DW-MR images at 1.5 T was evaluated in 50 neurologically healthy subjects (34 men, 16 women; age range 33-84 years; mean age 57.6 years). The cortical SI in the cingulate gyrus, insula, and temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes was graded relative to the SI of the frontal lobe. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) on DW-MR images were compared for each cortical area. Diffusion changes were analyzed by visually assessment of the differences in appearance among the cortices on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps.

RESULTS

Increased SI was frequently seen in the cingulate gyrus and insula regardless of patient age. There were no significant gender- or laterality-related differences. The CNR was significantly higher in the cingulate gyrus and insula than in the other cortices (p< .01) , and significant differences existed among the cortical regions (p< .001). There were no apparent ADC differences among the cortices on ADC maps.

CONCLUSION

Regional signal variation of the brain cortices was observed on DW-MR images of healthy subjects, and the cingulate gyrus and insula frequently manifested high SI. These findings may help in the recognition of cortical signal abnormalities as visualized on DW-MR images.

Characteristic evaluation of a Lithium-6 loaded neutron coincidence spectrometer

Characteristics of a (6)Li-loaded neutron coincidence spectrometer were investigated from both measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. The spectrometer consists of three (6)Li-glass scintillators embedded in a liquid organic scintillator BC-501A, which can detect selectively neutrons that deposit the total energy in the BC-501A using a coincidence signal generated from the capture event of thermalised neutrons in the (6)Li-glass scintillators. The relative efficiency and the energy response were measured using 4.7, 7.2 and 9.0 MeV monoenergetic neutrons. The measured ones were compared with the Monte Carlo calculations performed by combining the neutron transport code PHITS and the scintillator response calculation code SCINFUL. The experimental light output spectra were in good agreement with the calculated ones in shape. The energy dependence of the detection efficiency was reproduced by the calculation. The response matrices for 1-10 MeV neutrons were finally obtained.

Signal intensity of the normal pontine tegmentum on T2-weighted MR imaging

On T2-weighted MR images, the pontine tegmentum frequently shows a signal of high intensity in neurologically healthy individuals. We examined whether the signal intensity of the pontine tegmentum normally differs from that of the pontine base. We evaluated the signal intensity of the pontine tegmentum and pontine base on T2-weighted images from 38 neurologically healthy subjects. The subjects included 29 adults (16 males and 13 females, age range 23-48 years, mean age 39.5 years) and 9 children (4 boys and 5 girls (age range 4-9 years mean age 6.5 years). We compared the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the tegmentum and the base in the upper pons, midpons and lower pons, and evaluated the signal intensity ratio of the tegmentum to the base. The CNR was significantly higher for the tegmentum than the base at each level of the pons (P<0.0001), and the signal intensity ratio of the tegmentum to the base in the upper pons was significantly higher in children than in adults (P<0.005). On T2-weighted images, a high signal intensity of the pontine tegmentum is frequently seen in neurologically healthy subjects. This finding should not be considered abnormal, particularly in children.

Pancreatic sphincter precutting to gain selective access to the common bile duct: a series of 172 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Several precutting techniques have been described in cases of failed access to the common bile duct. We describe our experience with pancreatic sphincter precutting in an upward direction, and report its success rates and complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 172 patients underwent a procedure using this technique between January 1989 and December 2001. The technique consisted of a medium-to-large precut along the midline, above the papillary elevation, using either the common channel or the pancreatic duct in the ampulla of Vater as a guide. The septum between the pancreatic duct and the bile duct was removed and separate openings to the pancreatic and bile ducts were created, followed by complete biliary sphincterotomy.

RESULTS

Biliary cannulation and sphincterotomy was successful in 163 of the 172 study patients (95 %). Mild complications, which were all managed conservatively, occurred in 17 patients (10 %). This complication rate was significantly higher than our complication rate for standard endoscopic sphincterotomy, which was 0.8 % in 1770 patients ( P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic sphincter precutting is an effective and safe technique for patients in whom selective cannulation of the common bile duct has failed. Further prospective comparative studies of other precutting techniques will better define its clinical value.

Mechanism of pancreatitis caused by ERCP

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis can develop after either ERCP or endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). The pathogenesis of this complication remains poorly understood.

METHODS

The frequency and severity of acute pancreatitis were retrospectively evaluated after 17,602 ERCP procedures and 3003 ES procedures. Pancreatitis was diagnosed and evaluated according to the scoring system of Ranson and criteria developed in Japan.

RESULTS

Pancreatitis developed after 15 (0.09%) of 17,602 ERCP procedures and 13 (0.43%) of 3003 ES procedures (p = 0.0001, chi-square). The severity of pancreatitis (Ranson score) was less than 3 in 10 cases of ERCP-induced pancreatitis and from 3 to 5 in 5 cases. One (7%) of the 15 patients with ERCP-related pancreatitis died. All 13 patients with ES-induced pancreatitis had a Ranson score of less than 3; none died (p = 0.04, Fisher exact test). The ERCP pancreatitis score (Japanese criteria) beyond 48 hours after the onset of pancreatitis increased in 5 (33%) of the 15 patients with ERCP-induced pancreatitis; the score did not increase in any of the 13 patients with ES-induced pancreatitis (p = 0.04, Fisher exact test).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the frequency of ES-induced pancreatitis is significantly higher than that of post-ERCP pancreatitis, the frequency of severe pancreatitis within 48 hours and worsening of pancreatitis after 48 hours is significantly lower with ES-induced pancreatitis. Our hypothesis is that the lowering of pancreatic intraductal pressure after ES mitigates the severity of postprocedure pancreatitis.

Simultaneous determination of ingredients in an ointment by hydrophobic interaction electrokinetic chromatography

Hydrophobic interaction electrokinetic chromatography was used to simultaneously determine seven active ingredients (diphenhydramine hydrochloride, dibucaine hydrochloride, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, phenylephrine hydrochloride, hydrocortisone acetate, allantoin and tocopherol acetate) in an ointment. Not only hydrophobic but also ionic compounds were successfully separated by use of a separation solution composed of acetonitrile-water (80:20, v/v), tetradecylammonium salt and ammonium chloride. The migration behavior of the hydrophobic compound depended on tetradecylammonium concentration, while that of the ionic compounds depended on ammonium chloride concentration. An addition of triethylamine to the separation solution markedly improved the reproducibility of the peak areas of cations with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 1.7% (n=6). The established method was validated and confirmed to be applicable to the determination of the active ingredients in a commercial ointment. Sample preparation was performed by liquid-liquid extraction and no interference from the formulation excipients was observed. Good linearities were obtained, with correlation coefficients above 0.999. Recoveries and precisions ranged from 98.0 to 100.8%, and from 0.4 to 2.9% RSD, respectively. These results suggest that hydrophobic interaction electrokinetic chromatography can be used for the determination of ionic compounds as well as hydrophobic compounds in ointment.

Impaired heart rate response during incremental exercise in patients with acute myocardial infarction and after coronary artery bypass grafting: evaluation of coefficients with Karvonen's formula

Heart rate (HR) response during exercise in patients with ischemic heart disease was evaluated, and the appropriateness of Karvonen's method for determining rehabilitation exercise target HR was investigated. The study group comprised 24 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 37 patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) was performed with a cycle ergometer and changes in HR (deltaHR)/changes in work rate (deltaWR) and interval changes of the coefficient of Karvonen's formula were evaluated. In the AMI group and the CABG group, deltaHR/deltaWR were significantly lower than those of age-matched control subjects (p<0.01). Karvonen's coefficients ranged from 0.37 to 0.54 when calculated from actual peak HR and 0.21 to 0.32 calculated from the predicted peak HR. An impaired HR response was found in patients with AMI and those who had had CABG up to 6 months previously. Because the Karvonen's coefficient values, which ranged from 0.6 to 0.8, were elevated for these patients, and considering the data from the CPX, increased exercise is recommended for such cases.

Simultaneous determination of eleven ingredients in ophthalmic solutions by cyclodextrin-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography with tetrabutylammonium salt

Cyclodextrin-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography was applied to determine simultaneously 11 active ingredients in ophthalmic solutions. All the ingredients were successfully separated by using the mixed carrier system containing sodium dodecyl sulfate with beta-cyclodextrin and tetrabutylammonium phosphate. The effects of the cyclodextrin type on selectivity were also examined. Excellent separation of the all ingredients was obtained by the use of dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin. The established method was validated and confirmed to be applicable to the determination of the active ingredients in a commercial ophthalmic solution. These results suggest that capillary electrophoresis can be applied to the quantitative analysis as well as qualitative analysis in pharmaceuticals.

Intraductal papillary tumors of the pancreas. Histopathologic correlation of MR cholangiopancreatography findings

PURPOSE

To evaluate MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings of intraductal papillary tumors of the pancreas and correlate them with histopathology.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventeen patients with intraductal papillary tumor of the pancreas underwent MRCP before surgery. MRCP findings were correlated to histopathology with regard to the presence of septa and excrescent nodules in the cystic lesion, communication between the cystic lesion and the main pancreatic duct (MPD), degree of dilatation of MPD, and dilatation of the common bile duct (CBD).

RESULTS

MRCP demonstrated septa in 17 cases (100%), excrescent nodules in 8 cases (47.1%), communication between the intraductal papillary tumor and the MPD in 14 cases (82.3%), dilatation of MPD over 50% in 6 cases (35.3%), and dilatation of CBD in 3 cases (17.6%). These findings showed excellent correlation with histopathology. The septum on MRCP corresponded with a layer of connective tissue with pancreatic duct epithelium. Excrescent nodules in the carcinomas consisted not only of malignant cells, but also of dysplasia and adenoma. Excrescent nodules in adenomas were consistent not only with minimal papillary growth of adenoma, but also with proliferation of fibrosis, and hematoma and organized fibrin with minimal fibrosis. Pancreatic tissue was affected by chronic pancreatitis in all cases. Cases with dilatation of CBD on MRCP were due to microscopic invasion by the carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

MRCP appearances of intraductal papillary tumors are well correlated with the findings at histopathology.

Correlation of 99mTc-GSA hepatic scintigraphy with liver biopsies in patients with chronic active hepatitis type C

99mTc-DTPA-galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc-GSA) liver scintigraphy was performed in 230 patients with chronic active hepatitis type C, and its quantitative indices were compared with histological findings. 99mTc-GSA findings correlated well with four indices of the histology activity index (HAI), especially with the fibrosis score. Ninety patients were given interferon treatments, and 99mTc-GSA findings were compared with the results of the treatments. We classified the effects of interferon treatment into three groups according to clinical outcome: group 1: good effect (HCV-RNA negative, n = 34), group 2: moderate effect (HCV-RNA positive, but the value of GPT was normal for six months after the end of treatment, n = 19) and group 3: no effect (n = 37). Quantitative indices of 99mTc-GSA showed significant differences between groups. Follow-up study with 99mTc-GSA scintigrams was obtained in eight patients. The results of 99mTc-GSA improved in three patients in group 1 and deteriorated in five patients in group 3. There is a possibility that 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy can be used to predict the clinical outcome of chronic active hepatitis type C after interferon treatment.

[Evaluation of hepatic artery occlusion after intra-arterial infusion of SMANCS in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma]

Although intra-arterial infusion of SMANCS is effective for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, injury of the hepatic artery is occasionally encountered. We analyzed 78 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received intraarterial infusion of SMANCS. Twenty-seven patients who were treated by epirubicin were used as a control. Complete occlusion of the right hepatic artery was induced in 15 patients who received SMANCS infusion. The average number of administrations was 1.9 in the occluded group, 1.5 in the non-occluded group, and 1.6 in the epirubicin group. There was no statistically significant difference in the dose of drugs in a single session between the three groups (3.5 +/- 1.5 ml in the occluded group, 3.6 +/- 1.5 ml in the non-occluded group and 4.2 +/- 1.2 ml in the epirubicin group), and there was no statistically significant difference in total dose between the three groups (6.8 +/- 2.6 ml in the occluded group, 5.5 +/- 3.6 ml in the non-occluded group and 6.8 +/- 4.3 ml in the epirubicin group). However, total dose per tumor volume was significantly larger in the occluded group (1.1 +/- 1.0 cm3) than in the non-occluded group (0.5 +/- 0.5 cm3) (p < 0.05). Excess infusion of SMANCS for small hepatocellular carcinomas appears to be an important factor in vascular injury.

Recanalization after coil embolotherapy of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: study of long-term outcome and mechanism for recanalization

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the efficacy of steel coils for embolotherapy of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) by reimaging the embolized PAVMs.

CONCLUSION

We found a high incidence (57%; 8/14) of recanalization in PAVMs embolized with steel coils. Contrast-enhanced CT is useful for detection of recanalized PAVMs. Half of the recanalized PAVMs were fed by bronchial artery branches. Thus, coil embolization should be performed as close as possible to the PAVM to avoid future development of bronchial artery-to-pulmonary artery anastomoses that may cause recanalization.

[Intra-arterial infusion of SMANCS for treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma--adverse reactions and complications]

Although intra-arterial infusion of SMANCS has been demonstrated to be highly effective for treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, it is reported to cause critical adverse reactions and complications. We examined the adverse reactions of SMANCS on the hepatic artery in 78 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, who were infused with SMANCS from right, left or proper hepatic artery at our hospital. SMANCS caused right hepatic artery occlusion in 15 patients (19%) and the average amount of infused SMANCS was 6.8 mg. The tumor volume in the artery occluded patients was smaller than that in the artery non-occluded patients. Then, the mechanism by which SMANCS caused arterial occlusion was its induction of arterial injuries by excess infusion. When SMANCS was infused to whole liver, it induced decreased hepatic functional reserve and liver atrophy, followed by delayed liver failure. Other adverse reactions were no different from those in patients infused with epirubicin-lipiodol emulsion.

Small cystic insulinoma: value of arterial stimulation venous sampling

Cystic insulinomas are rare, with only three cases having been reported in the literature. It is not difficult to determine the site of such neoplasms, as cystic insulinomas are usually 4-10 cm in diameter. We report a patient with a histologically confirmed cystic insulinoma. This case is unique because of the small size (1.3 cm) of the tumor. Arterial stimulation venous sampling was useful for localizing and distinguishing this tumor from other pancreatic lesions.

Gastrointestinal physiology-regulated dogs for bioavailability evaluation of an oral controlled-release dosage form composed of pulsatile release granules

Gastrointestinal (GI) physiology-regulated beagle dogs (regulated dogs) were regulated by a combined treatment using intramuscular pentagastrin and intravenous atropine sulfate. In the regulated dogs, the gastric pH was shifted to around 2, and the GI transit time was prolonged to approximate that in humans. Pranoprofen, an acidic anti-inflammatory agent, was granulated around sucrose seeds, and then coated with low substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose used as a swelling agent to afford plain granules (A-granule). Then, A-granule was coated stepwise with ethyl cellulose used as an outer shell material to afford two kinds of pulsatile release granules (B- and C-granules). In the dissolution study using pH 1.2 and 6.8 media, A-, B- and C-granules exhibited lag times of 0, 1 and 2h, respectively. Even in intact beagle dogs, the absorption profiles for A- and B-granules corresponded with those expected from the dissolution profiles. In contrast, the bioavailability of C-granule was only 35% in the intact dogs, but was 55% in the regulated dogs. Thus, the absorption of pranoprofen from pulsatile release granules after a longer lag time should be influenced by the location in the GI tract. Next, a controlled-release (CR) dosage form of pranoprofen was tentatively prepared by combining A-, B- and C-granules at the ratio of 3:4:3 (w/w in contents of pranoprofen). The bioavailability of the CR dosage form was significantly diminished in the intact dogs, being about 70% as much as that in the regulated dogs. Therefore, the regulated dogs would be superior to the intact dogs in avoiding the underestimation of the bioavailability of a CR dosage form with a pulsatile release property.

Correlation of Tc-99m GSA hepatic studies with biopsies in patients with chronic active hepatitis

To determine whether scintigraphic findings of Tc-99m DTPA-galactosyl-HSA (GSA) correspond to histopathologic findings, Tc-99m GSA hepatic scintigraphy and biopsy were compared in 65 patients with chronic active hepatitis. After injecting 185 MBq of Tc-99m GSA, anterior images were obtained at 5 minutes and 15 minutes. Scintigrams were classified into three grades according to the extent of visualization of the cardiac blood pool on 5 minute and 15 minute images. Biopsies were subjectively graded for findings of necrosis and fibrosis. Scintigraphic grades on 5 minute images were correlated with hepatic necrosis and fibrosis and those on 15-minute images with hepatic fibrosis. Scintigraphic abnormalities of Tc-99m GSA correlated well with histopathologic abnormalities, especially with hepatic fibrosis and necrosis in patients with chronic active hepatitis.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: value of percutaneous microwave coagulation

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) is a new therapeutic technique for the treatment of solid neoplasms that uses an energy source different from those of other interstitial therapies. We report our initial experience using PMCT to treat hepatocellular carcinomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NIne hepatocellular carcinomas exceeding 3 cm in diameter in nine patients were treated with PMCT. Within 2 weeks before PMCT, all patients had been treated with transcatheter arterial embolization therapy, which had failed to produce complete necrosis of the tumors. PMCT was done under local anesthesia. A 14-gauge guiding needle was inserted percutaneously toward the lesion under sonographic guidance, and a needle electrode was positioned precisely within the lesion. Microwaves of 2450 MHz in frequency were produced for 60 sec with a 60-W emission. Three to 12 microwave emissions were administered in each case.

RESULTS

Dynamic CT showed that unenhanced areas indicative of coagulation necrosis developed in all lesions. All lesions appeared smaller without enhancement: on CT, the tumor diameters (mean +/- SD) were 48 +/- 13 mm before treatment and 41 +/- 13 mm 1 month after treatment. Follow-up studies showed that five lesions were controlled without any signs of recurrence. All patients tolerated the treatments well, and no serious complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary experience suggests that PMCT may be a useful alternative to other forms of interstitial therapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas.

Extraction of water-soluble vitamins from pharmaceutical preparations using AOT (sodium di-2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinate)/pentane reversed micelles

Reversed micelles can be used to concentrate water-soluble materials in the water pool. In this study, the extraction of water-soluble vitamins into reversed micelles was attempted, and a flow system was used to determine the time-course of the vitamin extraction. The efficiency of extraction was strongly affected by the extraction temperature and the concentration of reversed micelles, and the selectivity depended on the size of micelles. Water-soluble vitamins could be efficiently and rapidly extracted. The selective extraction of a model mixture of vitamins from pharmaceutical preparations was also attempted. Moreover, the usefulness of the proposed method for the determination of vitamins in various commercial tablets was also demonstrated. Using of this method, the surfactant remains mixed with the extracted compounds, and so we attempted to remove the surfactant from the extract by supercritical fluid extraction. Supercritical carbon dioxide containing 7.5% ethanol as entrainer was found to be the most efficient solvent for removing residual surfactant from the extract.

Relationship between the phasic period of interdigestive migrating contraction and the systemic bioavailability of acetaminophen in dogs

The relationships of the phasic period of interdigestive migrating contraction to gastrointestinal (GI) transit of drugs and their oral absorption were investigated in mongrel dogs by simultaneous oral dosing of acetaminophen (AAP) and salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP) at the starting points of the phase I and phase III periods of gastric contractions. Strain-gauge force transducers were surgically sutured onto the serosa of the GI tracts in the dogs to measure the interdigestive migrating contractions. The mean absorption time of AAP and the time for the first appearance of sulfapyridine (a bacterial metabolite of SASP in the colon) in plasma were used as the indices of gastric emptying time (GET) and small intestinal transit time (SITT), respectively. In individual dogs, the GET and the SITT at phase I showed a clear delay in comparison with those at phase III. For AAP used as a marker compound here, the systemic bioavailability after oral dosing to intact beagle dogs at doses of 3, 10, and 20 mg/kg was about 55, 63, and 79%, suggesting that AAP undergoes a non-linear hepatic clearance. At a dose of AAP 20 mg/kg, the systemic bioavailability of AAP was 100% in the case of dosing at phase III, but was reduced by half when dosing at phase I. These results indicate that, in oral dosing, the transit of drugs through the GI tract was clearly affected by the phases of gastric contractions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transcatheter hepatic subsegmental arterial chemoembolization therapy using iodized oil for small hepatocellular carcinomas. Correlation between lipiodol accumulation pattern and local recurrence

Lipiodol accumulation patterns were correlated with local recurrences after subsegmental or conventional arterial chemoembolization therapy using iodized oil (Lipiodol-TAE). Thirty-six patients with solitary small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) less than 3 cm in diameter were included in this retrospective study. Superselective subsegmental catheterization was performed in 14 patients (subsegmental Lipiodol-TAE). In the remaining 22 cases, embolization was performed from the proximal portion of the hepatic artery (conventional Lipiodol-TAE). Patterns of Lipiodol accumulations within the tumors were classified in 2 groups: complete and incomplete accumulation. Complete accumulation was observed in 71% of subsegmental Lipiodol-TAE and in 32% of conventional Lipiodol-TAE. The rate of local recurrences within 12 months was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in incomplete accumulation (100%) than in complete accumulation (13%). We suggest that when small HCCs are to be treated with TAE, subsegmental Lipiodol-TAE should be performed because of its superior capability for achieving complete Lipiodol accumulation.

SecF stabilizes SecD and SecY, components of the protein translocation machinery of the Escherichia coli cytoplasmic membrane

The effect of the overproduction of SecF encoded by the tac-secF gene on a plasmid on the synthesis of other Sec proteins was studied in Escherichia coli. SecF overproduction resulted in the simultaneous overproduction of SecD encoded by the tac-secD gene on a plasmid. Deletion of the orf6 gene, located downstream of the secF gene, had no effect on SecD overproduction. A pulse-chase experiment revealed that the overproduction was due to stabilization of SecD with SecF. SecF overproduction also resulted in the overproduction of SecY encoded by the tac-secY gene on a plasmid as well. SecF overproduction also enhanced the level of SecY expressed by the chromosomal secY gene. This SecF effect was not due to its effect on SecD or SecE, since SecF overproduction did not affect the levels of SecD and SecE expressed by the chromosomal secD and secE genes, respectively. SecE-dependent overproduction of SecY has already been demonstrated. It is suggested that SecF interacts with both SecD and SecY. SecE-SecY interaction has been demonstrated. It is likely, therefore, that all Sec proteins in the cytoplasmic membrane interact with each other.

Utility of gastrointestinal physiology regulated-dogs: bioavailability study of a commercial sustained-release dosage form of theophylline

The utility of gastrointestinal physiology regulated-dogs (regulated-dogs) was evaluated in a bioavailability study. The gastrointestinal physiology of beagle dogs was regulated with a combined-treatment of intramuscular pentagastrin and intravenous atropine sulfate. Theophylline has been regarded as a drug that is absorbed completely in the entire gastrointestinal tract but slowly in the colon for humans. A commercial sustained-release tablet (SR tablet) of theophylline and a commercial conventional tablet of aminophylline (theophylline hemiethilenediamine salt) were chosen as model preparations in this study. In the regulated-dogs, the drug absorption was almost complete for the conventional tablet. The bioavailability of the SR tablet accounted for 76% in the regulated-dogs and 71% in intact dogs relative to that of the conventional tablet in the regulated-dogs, respectively, but no significant difference was detectable between these values. An advantage of the regulated-dogs over the intact dogs was, however, revealed in the time-profiles of the cumulative percentage of theophylline absorbed from the SR tablet, suggesting a modification of drug absorption by the prolonged arrival of the tablet to the colon.

[Clinical experiences of granulocyte colony stimulating factor for granulocytopenia after AC bypass]

We have successfully treated 3 cases of granulocytopenia, using Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) after AC bypass surgery. All cases were male, aged 68, 75 & 54 years old, and underwent AC bypass surgery without transfusion except in case 1. Granulocyte cell counts decreased to 135/mm3 on 39th post-operative days (POD) in case 1, 624/mm3 on 13 rd POD in case 2, and 514/mm3 on 20th POD in case 3. In case 1, 300 micrograms of G-CSF was given intravenously for 3 days. In case 2, 100 micrograms of G-CSF for 1 day and 50 micrograms for 3 days was given subcutaneously, and in case 3, 100 micrograms of G-CSF was also given subcutaneously for 2 days. And their granulocyte cell counts all increased within few days. G-CSF is effective for patients with granulocytopenia after AC bypass surgery, but we need more experiences to know the best way of administration.

Gastrointestinal physiology-regulated dogs: utilization of a bioavailability study of a new thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]-diazepine, an antagonist of platelet-activating factor, and its preparations

The gastrointestinal (GI) physiology of beagle dogs was effectively regulated with a combined treatment using intramuscular pentagastrin (10 micrograms/kg x 2) and intravenous atropine sulfate (0.02 mg/kg x 1). The superiority of the GI physiology regulated-dogs over the intact dogs was confirmed by comparative bioavailability studies using two classes of preparations of poorly water-soluble 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-[2-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethyl]-6,9-dimethyl-6H- thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine (Y-24180). Both the fine granules and the tablets of Y-24180 exhibited similar absorption profiles in the intact dogs, whereas the latter preparations revealed a delayed plasma curve of the drug in the regulated-dogs. The absorption profiles of the two classes of Y-24180 preparations in the regulated-dogs simulated those in healthy volunteers. The combined-treatment of beagle dogs with pentagastrin and atropine sulfate was suggested to supply a useful animal model for predicting the absorption characteristics of poorly water-soluble drugs and their preparations in humans.

Induction and the possible mechanism of ventricular tachycardia after catheter ablation with direct current shocks in dogs

Cathodal DC shocks (150-J) were administered via the His bundle to 20 closed-chest dogs, and in a further three dogs 25-J cathodal shocks were given via the left ventricular endocardium. In 18 dogs, including three that underwent left ventricular ablation, Holter electrocardiograms were recorded from 1 to 7 days after ablation, and 4 weeks after ablation. There were frequent episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) from the first few hours after ablation to 4 days after ablation in all dogs, but both the rate and the coupling interval of VT were variable. In five conscious dogs stimulated 1 day after ablation, it was difficult to induce and terminate VT repeatedly. There was a direct relationship between the paced cycle length and the interval of the last paced beat to the initiating VT beat in three out of four dogs. In the fourth dog there was an inverse relationship. There was no transient entrainment with ventricular burst pacing during VT in any of the four dogs tested. The effects of lidocaine (2-3 mg.kg-1), verapamil (0.2-0.4 mg.kg-1), and propranolol (0.2 mg.kg-1) on VT were tested within 2 days of ablation in 10 conscious dogs. In general, both lidocaine and verapamil terminated VT, and propranolol slowed VT. In conclusion, VT soon after ablation possibly results from triggered activity, although abnormal automaticity cannot be ruled out.

Bioavailability study of commercial sustained-release preparations of diclofenac sodium in gastrointestinal physiology regulated-dogs

The gastrointestinal (GI) physiology of beagle dogs was regulated with a combined-treatment of intramuscular pentagastrin (10 micrograms/kg x 2) and intravenous atropine sulfate (0.02 mg/kg x 1). Here, the gastric acidity, the gastric emptying time and the small intestinal transit time in the regulated-dogs were respectively around pH 2, 0.7h and 4h, approximating those in healthy humans. The superiority of the regulated-dogs over the intact dogs was confirmed in comparative bioavailability studies by using two classes of commercial preparations. Both the conventional tablet and the sustained-release capsule of diclofenac sodium exhibited simple and similar average plasma concentration-time curves of free diclofenac in the intact dogs, while the latter preparation is reported to reveal a bimodal plasma curve of the drug in healthy humans. The regulated-dogs, however, permitted a bimodal average plasma pattern of the drug for the capsules due to an approximation of the GI physiology between humans and these classes of the dogs. The combined-treatment of beagle dogs with pentagastrin and atropine sulfate seems to supply a useful animal model in predicting the absorption characteristics of the sustained-release preparations and poor water-soluble drugs.

[Percutaneous injection of cisplatin lipiodol suspension (CLS) in rabbit lung, aiming at intratumoral injection therapy for lung cancer]

Cisplatin lipiodol suspension (CLS: cisplatin 20 mg/ml) was percutaneously injected (cisplatin dose, 2, 4 or 6 mg/kg) in normal lungs of 10 rabbits (1.9-2.3 kg) to assess the safety and feasibility of intratumoral injection of CLS for lung cancer. Histological study revealed acute and chronic infiltrates with bronchiolitis and immature fibrosis at the injected lung tissue even at four weeks after injection. Intrathoracic leaks of CLS produced mild and focal fibrinous pleuritis. Intrabronchial leaks of CLS produced peripheral bronchiolitis with regenerative epithelia. However, no noxious parenchymal damage in the lung and surrounding tissues was noted. Neither oil embolism in brain nor renal toxicity was demonstrated. Seven of eight rabbits showed an increase in body weight. Concentration levels of plasma platinum were lower when compared with intravenous injection of cisplatin in the rabbit: highest at 30 minutes and unmeasurable one week after injection. Lipiodol accumulation in mediastinal lymph nodes was demonstrated in two of nine rabbits by X-ray examination, suggesting intralymphatic drainage of CLS. Intratumoral injection of CLS is safe even with CLS leaks in surrounding normal lung tissues and may be a potent therapy for controlling mediastinal lymph nodes metastasized from lung cancer as well as the primary tumor.

[Anticancer effect and side effect of arterial chemoembolization using cis-diamine-dichloroplatinum (II)/4-0-tetrahydropyranyl-adriamycin-lipiodol (CTL) suspension on hepatocellular carcinoma]

Seventeen patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were treated by intraarterial injection of CTL suspension. The doses of CTL suspension, CDDP and THP(mean +/- SD)/injection were 4.1 +/- 1.6 ml, 81.9 +/- 31.6 mg and 13.5 +/- 5.2 mg, respectively. The therapy was given once in 10 patients, twice in 6 and 4 times in one. Over 50 per cent reduction in tumor size was obtained in 5 patients (30%). Fifty or more % decrease in serum alpha-feto-protein (AFP) levels was observed in 3 of 7 patients (43%) with the initial serum AFP level of more than 200 ng/ml, Fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting were noted in most cases. However, they disappeared within 2 weeks after therapy was completed. No severe complications were encountered except one case of a liver abscess which healed by administration of antibiotics. No severe changes in laboratory data were observed. This study suggests that a new method of intraarterial injection must be developed to enhance the therapeutic effect even more, in addition to an increased injection dose of CDDP/THP-LPD and higher concentration of CDDP and THP in LPD.

Overproduction, purification and characterization of SecD and SecF, integral membrane components of the protein translocation machinery of Escherichia coli

SecD and SecF proteins were overproduced by means of recombinant DNA technology. Immunoblot and amino-acid sequencing analysis revealed that the overproduced proteins are SecD and SecF. The SecD- or SecF-overproduced membrane fraction was subjected to differential solubilization. The SecD protein was then purified through ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatographies. The SecF protein was purified through size exclusion chromatography. Proteoliposomes reconstituted from the purified SecD and SecF together with SecE and SecY were used to analyze the translocation activity. SecD and SecF did not exhibit significant effects on the translocation activity of proteoliposomes. The amounts of SecD and SecF in overproducers were determined densitometrically on a stained SDS gel and their overproduction (fold) was determined by means of immunoblot analysis. Then the number of these molecules in one normal cell were estimated. From these numbers, together with those of other Sec proteins, the number of the translocation machinery existing in one Escherichia coli cell was inferred to be around 500.

Idiopathic necrosis of the femoral epiphyseal nucleus in rats

To study the cause of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in spontaneously hypertensive rats, the site and mechanism of the occlusion of the blood vessels feeding the femoral head were investigated histologically and microangiographically. Tracing the blood vessels using serial sections revealed that the lateral epiphyseal vessels disappeared immediately before entry into the ossific nucleus. As the reparative process advanced, the blood vessels from the lateral side of the head entered the ossific nucleus again. To investigate the relationship between osteonecrosis and mechanical stress on the femoral head, some treatments to reduce mechanical stress were applied, and the frequency of the femoral head lesions, such as osteonecrosis, disturbed ossification, and abnormality of the growth plate, was compared among the groups of treatments for stress relief. The incidence of femoral head lesions was found to be directly proportional to the mechanical stress working on the area, as was evident from a decrease in the incidence of osteonecrosis as a result of reduction of mechanical stress. Thus, the obstruction of the vessels in the lateral part of the femoral head might result from the breakdown of cartilage caused by the mechanical stress on the femoral head.