Inhibitory effect of serum from rats administered with coffee on the proliferation and invasion of rat ascites hepatoma cells

The action of coffee on the proliferation and invasion of a rat ascites hepatoma cell line of AH109A was investigated using in vitro and ex vivo assay systems. When rats were given oral intubation of instant coffee powder solution, the sera of those rats had the potent inhibitory activity on both the proliferation and invasion of AH109A. The activity of rat serum was both time- and dose-dependent. The instant coffee powder also inhibited the proliferation and invasion of AH109A in vitro. These results indicate that coffee has anti-proliferative and anti-invasive activity both in vitro and ex vivo. They also suggest that some anti-proliferative and anti-invasive material(s), which may be the ingredient(s) of coffee or their metabolites, appear in rat serum when rats are given oral intubation of coffee, although a possibility that host defense systems may be activated by the oral intubation of coffee cannot be ruled out.

Inhibitory effects of chlorogenic acid and its related compounds on the invasion of hepatoma cells in culture

Actions of chlorogenic acid, a major component of coffee, andits constituents, caffeic and quinic acids, on theproliferation and invasion of AH109A, a rat ascites hepatomacell line, were investigated using in vitro assay systems. Allthree components suppressed the AH109A invasion atconcentrations of 5-40 muM without altering the cellproliferation. At the concentration of 10 muM, chlorogenic,caffeic and quinic acids significantly (P < 0.05) suppressedthe invasion by 68%, 36% and 31%, respectively, implying thatthe suppressive effect of chlorogenic acid on the AH109Ainvasion might result from the additive effects of itsconstituents, caffeic and quinic acids. At the concentrationof 10 muM, cinnamic acid and p-coumaric acid (4-hydroxycinnamicacid) exerted no or little influence on the invasion, whereascaffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) significantly (P <0.05) suppressed it, suggesting the possible involvement ofthe 3,4-dihydroxy group of caffeic acid in the suppression.Chlorogenic acid was thus demonstrated to be one of thechemical entities in coffee suppressing the hepatoma invasionin vitro, and both of its constituents, caffeic and quinicacids, to be responsible for the anti-invasive activity. Theseresults suggest the existence of nutritionally andpharmacologically important substances in coffee which controltumor cell invasion.

Bronchogenic and Esophageal Cyst With Laryngeal Malformations in a Thoroughbred Foal

This report documents an unusual case of congenital foregut cyst with dysphagia and stridor in a Thoroughbred foal. Histologically, the bilocular cyst, near the junction of larynx and trachea, had an epithelial lining of bronchogenic and esophageal origin. Concomitant malformation of the laryngeal muscles and cartilage resulted in a combination of anomalies that have not been reported in the human or veterinary literature.

Adaptive response and the influence of ageing: effects of low-dose irradiation on cell growth of cultured glial cells

PURPOSE

To examine the molecular mechanism of radiation adaptive response (RAR) for the growth of cultured glial cells and to investigate the influence of ageing on the response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Glial cells were cultured from young and older rats (1 and 24 months). RAR for the growth of glial cells conditioned with a low dose of X-rays and subsequently exposed to a high dose of X-rays was examined for cell number and BrdU incorporation. Involvement of the subcellular signalling pathway factors in RAR was investigated using their inhibitors, activators, and mutated and knockout glial cells.

RESULTS

RAR was observed in cells cultured from young rats but was not in cells from older animals. The inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) suppressed RAR. The activators of PKC instead of low-dose irradiation also caused RAR. Moreover, glial cells cultured from severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mice (CB-17 scid) and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (Atm) knockout mice showed no RAR.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that PKC, ATM, DNAPK and/or PI3K were involved in RAR for growth and BrdU incorporation of cultured glial cells and RAR decreased with ageing.

Morphological changes in the orbital surface layer muscle of the rabbit eye produced by botulinum toxin

We quantitated the morphological changes in the orbital surface layer muscles in the rabbit following the single injection of botulinum A toxin. Experiments were performed in 9 white rabbits (1.6-3.0 kg). They were administered 5 units (5 rabbits) or 10 units (4 rabbits) of botulinum toxin injected into the superior rectus muscle of one eye. The diameter of myofibers of the orbital and intermediate layer zones was measured with an ocular micrometer on histological sections 3 days and 1, 3 and 5 weeks after injection. Quantitative changes were noted in the muscle fibers of the orbital surface layer zone following the injection of 10 units of botulinum toxin. At 1 week, the diameter of myofibers in the orbital layer was reduced, but it was increased at 5 weeks compared to that in the control eyes; in contrast, no change in the diameter of muscle fibers was found in the intermediate layer zone.

Characteristics and variability of vertical phoria adaptation in normal adults

We evaluated the characteristics of phoria adaptation for vertically induced retinal disparity. An adaptive change in the fusion-free ocular alignment, phoria adaptation, was measured with a computer-aided mirror haploscope at 10, 30, and 60 minutes after the start of wearing of a 3-prism-diopter base up prism by 35 normal subjects ranging in age from 21 to 67 years (mean: 37 years). The relationships between phoria adaptation and the subjects' age, the vertical fusional amplitude, the amount of heterophoria, and the starting time of the examination were evaluated. All subjects showed phoria adaptation, with the mean (+/- SD) degree of 0.78 +/- 0.28 degree, 0.96 +/- 0.26 degree and 1.02 +/- 0.30 degrees at 10, 30, and 60 minutes, respectively, after wearing the prism. The repeatability (95% confidence interval) for the measurements was less than +/- 0.24 degree. There was a significant correlation between the vertical fusional amplitude and the gain of phoria adaptation (at 10 and 60 minutes, P < 0.05). The gain of phoria adaptation measured at 60 minutes showed a significant decrease with age (P < 0.01). The results indicate that the time course of phoria adaptation in the vertical direction is similar to that in the horizontal direction and its gain differs considerably among subjects.

Comparison of surgical results of responders and non-responders to the prism adaptation test in intermittent exotropia

The data for 94 consecutive patients with intermittent exotropia of basic type, ranging from 20 to 40 prism diopters (delta), who preoperatively wore neutralizing prisms for 3 to 5 days, were studied retrospectively. The surgery in 43 patients in whom the amount of increase of angle was 4delta or less was based on the original angle (Group A), while that in 51 patients in whom the magnitude of increase was 5delta or more was based on the increased angle of deviation (Group B). Patients with initial deviation less than 30delta and patients younger than 7 years of age showed an increase of deviation with prism correction. There were no significant differences in surgical results between the two groups at 1 year, and at 3 years; although at 3 years satisfactory motor alignment and binocular function for single vision at distance was higher in Group B than that in Group A.

Microvascular change of the anterior eye segment after tenotomy in the rabbit

BACKGROUND

The microvascular changes secondary to anterior segment ischemia following tenotomy of the extraocular muscles have not been studied in the rabbit.

METHODS

Using scanning electron microscopy of methyl-methacrylate ocular microvascular luminal castings, the anterior eye segment vasculature after tenotomy was documented and compared to that after occlusion of the bilateral long posterior ciliary arteries and that in the eyes that were not subjected to any surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Five days and 1 week after the surgical intervention with tenotomy, microvascular change secondary to the anterior segment ischemia was not apparent, but 2 weeks after the tenotomy subtle evidence of ischemia such as new vessels in the iris was observed. Seven weeks after tenotomy, marked microvascular change was observed where corneal new vessels arose from the superior perilimbal arteries. In contrast, we found prominent microvascular changes 2 weeks after the occlusion of the long posterior ciliary arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

Tenotomy of the rabbit eye causes microvascular change similar to that in occlusion of the long posterior ciliary arteries. This result suggests that the anterior ciliary artery of the rabbit contributes blood flow to the anterior eye segment and also has a stronger connection with the long posterior ciliary artery than previously reported.

Strabismus surgery in ocular myasthenia gravis

We evaluated the efficacy of eye muscle surgery in 4 patients with ocular myasthenia gravis with troublesome diplopia. All patients were in remission and had shown a consistently stable angle of deviation for at least 6 months preoperatively. The extent of eye muscle surgery was based on the degree of deviation in the primary position, and conventional recession and resection procedures were performed in 3 patients and hang-loose recession with an adjustable recession in 1. Single binocular vision was obtained in 3 patients in the primary position without prism correction or compensatory head posture. Electron-microscopic studies on the eye muscle specimens obtained at strabismus surgery revealed non-specific degenerative findings for the muscle fibers and sarcomeric disorganization compared to that in a control extraocular muscle.

The reliability of a video-enhanced Hirschberg test under clinical conditions

PURPOSE

To examine the reliability and usefulness of a video-based Hirschberg test under clinical conditions.

METHODS

The authors estimated ocular deviation in 87 patients with strabismus through automated analysis of corneal reflex displacement using a video refractor. The reproducibility of measurement, the comparison with the prism and alternate cover test (PACT), and the distribution of the Hirschberg ratio were investigated.

RESULTS

The 95% limits of agreement of the video-based Hirschberg test evaluated by repeated measurements were +/- 0.18 mm (equivalent to +/- 2.2 degrees or +/- 3.8 prism diopters [PD] of calculated strabismic deviation) for the horizontal deviation and +/- 0.28 mm (equivalent to +/- 3.4 degrees or +/- 5.9 PD) for the vertical deviation. The 95% limits of agreement between the Hirschberg measures and the PACT were within +/- 7.8 degrees or +/- 13.7 PD. The average (+/- SD) Hirschberg ratio was 12.3 +/- 1.2 degrees/mm or 21.8 +/- 2.1 PD/mm.

CONCLUSIONS

The video-enhanced Hirschberg measurement shows good reproducibility and ease of application, even in the testing of infants. In quantitative analysis, however, systematic measurement error resulting from intersubject variance of the Hirschberg ratio should be taken into consideration.

Production of defective virus by terminally differentiated myotubes infected with Rous sarcoma virus

The generally accepted concept that the replication of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) is dependent on host cell DNA synthesis was reexamined. As the host we used terminally differentiated myotubes (MT), in which no cellular DNA synthesis is observed. As an extension of our previous study which indicated that RSV-infected MT produce various virus components, we examined viral particles produced by infected MT. Electron microscopy showed presence of viral particles released from infected MT. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that these particles contained an equal amount of the gag but a decreased amount of the env proteins as compared with the particles from infected chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). Consequently, viral particles from infected MT had an infectivity only 6% of that of particles from infected CEF cells. In a parallel experiment, we microinjected molecularly cloned RSV DNA into MT. In contrast to the infection mediated by viral particles, both MT and CEF cells produced the same amount of infectious particles when microinjected with viral DNA. We conclude that RSV replicates in the complete absence of host DNA synthesis, though infectivity of the progeny virus depends on the initial condition of the infection.

Extraocular muscle surgery in a rabbit model: site of reattachment following hang-back and conventional recession

To determine the precise site of reattachment of recessed muscles, 4-mm conventional and hang-back recessions of the inferior rectus muscle were performed in 18 albino rabbits. Six weeks later, the distance from the anterior border of the reattached muscle to the insertion was measured both grossly and microscopically. In all cases the operated muscles had advanced minimally from the site of surgical placement. Gross observation showed that the mean forward creep was significantly greater for those rabbits which underwent hang-back recession (1.81 +/- 0.67 mm) than for those that were submitted to the conventional technique (0.83 +/- 0.38 mm). Measurements done on histological sections revealed that the mean distance of the anterior border of the muscle fiber from the reference suture was larger for conventional recession (2.73 +/- 0.75 mm) than for hang-back recession (1.91 +/- 0.72 mm).

Critical period for restoration of normal stereoacuity in acute-onset comitant esotropia

We conducted a retrospective study of 25 patients with acute-onset comitant esotropia to evaluate whether the timing of the start of treatment is a critical factor in the development of normal stereopsis. The mean age at onset was 12 years 4 months, and mean age at the start of treatment was 17 years 9 months. Bifixation was defined as a stereoacuity threshold score that was numerically lower than 60 seconds of arc on stereotesting. An operation was performed on the nonfixating eye for the prism-adapted angle. At the final examination, bifixation was observed in four patients (16%) with the Randot test and in 15 patients (60%) with the Titmus test. No relationship was found between the time of the start of treatment and the postoperative development of stereopsis, nor was there a significant (P > .10) difference between the two groups with early and delayed start of treatment in the proportion of patients with bifixation.

Intraoperative adjustable suture surgery for bilateral superior oblique palsy

BACKGROUND

The modified Harada-Ito procedure has been reported to be an effective treatment for correction of cyclotorsion in bilateral superior oblique palsy. However, there are no reports regarding its use in intraoperative adjustable suture surgery.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective study of 12 patients with traumatic bilateral superior oblique palsy who were classified as having either symmetric or asymmetric palsy according to the symmetry of the alternate hyperdeviation on side gazes. Cyclotorsion and vertical and horizontal deviation in the nine diagnostic positions were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of the 12 patients, 6 were determined to have symmetric palsy and 6 asymmetric palsy. Intraoperative adjustable suture surgery with the modified Harada-Ito procedure was performed bilaterally in the six patients with symmetric palsy and unilaterally in those with asymmetric palsy. The median measured value of extorsion in the primary position was reduced from 14.5 degrees to 2.5 degrees in patients with symmetric palsy and from 9.5 degrees to 2.0 degrees in those with asymmetric palsy. In downgaze, some degree of residual extorsion remained, and there was no significant change in esodeviation after surgery. In five patients with symmetric palsy and in all of those with asymmetric palsy, normal single binocular vision in the primary position but did not that in downgaze was restored after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative adjustable suture surgery is an effective treatment in correcting torsion, but may not be as effective for esodeviation in downgaze.

The effects of aging on the function of alveolar macrophages in mice

In order to determine whether the function of alveolar macrophages (AM) is modulated by aging, we measured the TNF-alpha production, phagocytic function, and surface antigen expression of AM from young and old mice. When AM were primed by IFN-gamma (500 units/ml) and triggered by LPS (100 micrograms/ml), TNF-alpha production by AM was significantly smaller in old mice as compared with young mice (young mice: 161.7 +/- 28.2 units/ml; old mice: 89.3 +/- 13.6 units/ml, P < 0.05). The percentage of AM which phagocytosed latex particles (more than one particle) in old mice was significantly lower than in young mice (young: 78.1 +/- 2.5%; old: 62.8 +/- 3.4%, P < 0.05). Ia antigen expression of the AM was significantly higher and asialo-GM1 antigen expression was significantly lower in old mice than in young mice (Ia: young, 0.030 +/- 0.005; old, 0.092 +/- 0.024, P < 0.05; asialo-GM1: young, 0.-9 +/- 0.01; old, 0.75 +/- 0.07, P < 0.01). These results suggest that alveolar macrophage function is at least decreased in part with aging in mice.

Two cases of coronary artery spasm induced by indocyanine green

There is no evidence in the literature that coronary artery spasm is induced by indocyanine green (ICG). In the present report, we describe 2 cases who developed chest pain with transient ST elevation on electrocardiograms after intravenous administration of ICG.

A case of four coronary artery fistulae originating from three vessels associated with aneurysm

A case of an aneurysm associated with four coronary artery fistulae originating from three vessels is reported. The patient, a 52-year-old woman, had chest heaviness and palpitations. Coronary arteriography revealed the four fistulae originating from three coronary vessels with an aneurysm draining into the left ventricle and the main pulmonary artery. The patient's symptoms were relieved after fistulectomy and the aneurysmectomy, suggesting that a coronary steal phenomenon through the fistulae was the cause of her symptoms. This case is of interest because of its rarity, since this is the first case report of an aneurysm associated with four coronary artery fistulae from three vessels.

[Metastatic tumor of the heart from gall bladder cancer detected by echocardiography: a case report]

Cardiac metastases have been reported increasingly partly because of the longevity of cancer patients, but its antemortem diagnosis is frequently missed. This is due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations or relative lack of characteristic signs which are masked by the underlying disease. This is a report of a 42-year-old man diagnosed as having a metastatic cardiac tumor by echocardiography, six months after operation for squamous cell carcinoma of the gall bladder. Echocardiography revealed abnormal structures in the regions of the posterior and lateral walls of the left ventricle and interventricular septum, suggesting metastatic tumors. The cytological findings of a fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimen were squamous cell carcinoma. The patient died of cardiac failure eight months after the echocardiographic diagnosis. At autopsy, the abnormal structures in the heart were identified as cardiac metastatic tumors from gall bladder cancer. Reports of cardiac metastasis of gall bladder cancer is very rare (0-3%). The myocardial metastasis may have a more serious prognostic importance than the primary neoplasm itself; thus, its definite diagnosis is mandatory.

Prognostic significance of pancreatic tumor regression after intraoperative radiotherapy

Tumor volume measurement using tumor-margin clipping radiography was performed for estimating tumor regression of eight pancreatic adenocarcinomas treated with intraoperative electron irradiation. Half of the tumors regressed exponentially from the first day of treatment, but the other half increased slightly within the first week, after which volume reduction occurred. The volume-halving time was calculated from the regression curve. A wide distribution of volume-halving times as well as initial tumor volumes was seen in all patients. No correlation was found between these variables, but the former correlated well with survival time (r2 = 0.80). This well-known technique may offer a chance to foresee the prognosis of the disease by determining the volume-halving time.

Effect of bepridil on membrane currents of rabbit sinoatrial node cells

Effect of 1-[3-isobutoxy-2-(benzylphenyl) amino]propyl pyrrolidine hydrochloride (bepridil), a new antianginal agent, on membrane potentials and membrane currents of sinoatrial node cells of rabbits was examined using conventional microelectrode and double microelectrode voltage clamp methods. Bepridil at a concentration of 10 mumol/l caused an increase in spontaneous cycle length, and a decrease in maximum rate of rise of the action potential and action potential amplitude. The rate of diastolic depolarization (phase 4) was also decreased by the drug. In the voltage clamp experiment, bepridil reduced both the slow inward current (Isi) and the hyperpolarization activated current (Ih), and increased the recovery time constant of Isi, whereas the time-dependent potassium current (IK) was not altered significantly. The major effect, however, was the reduction of Isi. These electrophysiological findings suggest that bepridil has a depressant effect on the electrical activity of sinoatrial node mainly by mediating the depression of slow channel.

[Heart metastasis of gallbladder cancer--a case report]

A 42-year-old man with gall bladder cancer was given a pancreatoduodenectomy. Chest-roentgenograms revealed a prominence of the left cardiac silhouette 6 months after operation. Two months later, the patient developed exertional dyspnea and chest pain. A diagnosis of heart metastasis of gall bladder cancer was established by aspiration cytology. Intravenous administration of 5-FU and cis-DDDP proved ineffective in controlling the disease. The patient died 14 months after operation. An autopsy revealed metastasis to the left ventricle of the heart. This is the 6th such case of gallbladder cancer in the literature.

Inhibitory action of 711389-S on the electrical activity of rabbit sinoatrial node

The effects of 711389-S (0.1-10 mumol.litre-1) on membrane potentials and currents of rabbit sinoatrial node preparations were studied using a conventional double microelectrode voltage-clamp method. The agent 711389-S decreased the heart rate, the maximum rate of depolarisation, and the amplitude of the action potential and increased the action potential duration in a dose dependent manner. The slope of the diastolic depolarisation was also reduced. Of the current systems of sinoatrial node, 711389-S depressed the slow inward current (Isi), the potassium outward current (IK), and the hyperpolarisation activated current (Ih) dose dependently. The kinetics of IK were not altered significantly by the drug. It is concluded that 711389-S does not have an effect on a single current system but that the drug exerts a depressant effect on the electrical activity of the sinoatrial node.

Estimation of catecholamine potencies on the myocardium by means of a new method

A simple method is described for evaluating the potencies of catecholamines on the slow response of myocardium. Catecholamines depolarize guinea pig ventricular muscle cells exposed to the high K+ (27 mmol/l) Tyrode's solution containing 0.2 mmol/l Ba through an increase in slow channel conductance. Higher concentrations of catecholamines in addition induce spontaneous action potentials. This model was used to estimate and compare catecholamine potencies on myocardium. Catecholamine concentrations needed for depolarization alone or for depolarization plus automatic activity were taken as basis for comparison. The order of potency obtained by means of this new method was: l-isoproterenol greater than l-adrenaline greater than or equal to dl-noradrenaline greater than or equal to dobutamine greater than or equal to dopamine. This is similar to the order reported with other methods.

Complete atrioventricular block with a 22-month history of ocular sarcoidosis: a case report

A 52-year-old woman with acute uveitis associated with ocular sarcoidosis developed complete atrioventricular block 22 months after the initial diagnosis was made. Cardiac sarcoidosis is a serious and, not infrequently, a fatal disease. Although it is difficult to establish the clinical diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis, a serial ECG is considered necessary in patients with any kind of sarcoidosis.

Usefulness of Q-wave response to exercise as a predictor of coronary artery disease

In lead CM5, the Q-wave response to exercise has been reported as an effective index in predicting coronary artery disease (CAD) and CAD with left anterior descending (LAD) disease. The purpose of this study was to verify these findings when the Q wave was analyzed in lead CC5 in 135 patients. The sensitivity for abnormal ST depression was 77%, specificity 83% and predictive value 78%. The corresponding values for the abnormal Q-wave response (reduction or no change in Q-wave amplitude) were 70%, 61% and 59%. These differences (except sensitivity) were significant. When either a positive ST or Q-wave response was used, sensitivity, specificity and predictive value did not significantly increase compared with the ST segment alone. In addition, only 45% of normal subjects with false-positive ST depression had a normal Q-wave response (increase) and 57% of patients with false-negative ST responses had an abnormal Q-wave response. When a positive response for CAD with an LAD lesion and for multivessel CAD with LAD narrowing was defined as having a Q-wave reduction, the sensitivities were extremely low (15% and 17%), but both the specificities and the predictive values were 100%. Therefore, the Q-wave analysis in lead CC5 is no more sensitive for detecting CAD than the ST-segment response. However, when a decreased Q-wave amplitude is observed, multivessel CAD and LAD narrowing can be predicted.

Studies on the bradycardia induced by aprindine in rabbit sinoatrial node cells

The effects of aprindine (1 X 10(-7) to 4 X 10(-6) M) were examined on membrane potential and current of rabbit sinoatrial node by means of conventional microelectrode and double microelectrode voltage clamp methods. Aprindine decreased, in a dose-dependent manner, the spontaneously firing frequency, the maximum rate of depolarization and the action potential amplitude, and prolonged the action potential duration at half-amplitude. The slope of the diastolic depolarization was also reduced by the drug. In the voltage clamp experiment, aprindine reduced the slow inward current (Isi), the time-dependent potassium current (Ik) and the hyperpolarization activated current (Ih). The recovery time constant of Isi was prolonged by aprindine, while the kinetics of Ik was not altered. It is indicated that aprindine does not have an effect on a specific conductance or a single current system, but that the drug exerts an inhibitory effect on the electrical activity of sinoatrial node.

[The clinical significance of an oscillating flap in the acute stage of dissecting aneurysm: report of three cases]

The important two-dimensional echocardiographic finding of dissecting aneurysm in the acute stage is characterized by the presence of an oscillating intimal flap which is thought to be of highly diagnostic value. This report describes about three cases with dissecting aneurysm in which an oscillating flap was transiently observed. In Case 1 (62-year-old female), an oscillating flap observed in the aortic arch seven hours after the onset was not detected three days later. A flap in Case 2 (65-year-old male) which had been present in the descending aorta three hours after the onset of illness disappeared two days later. In Case 3 (55-year-old male), only an intimal flap without fine oscillation was demonstrated in the abdominal aorta by echocardiography performed three days after the onset of illness. In the acute phase of dissection, the echocardiographic detection of an oscillating flap seems to depend on the time of the study after the attack.

Low energy levels in thiamine-deficient encephalopathy

Pyrithiamine-induced acute thiamine-deficient encephalopathy was produced in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty-four hours before the onset of neurological signs the brain showed no morphological abnormalities. Encephalopathic rats had symmetrical lesions of edematous necrosis localized in the thalamus, mammillary body, and pontine tegmentum. Biochemically, encephalopathic rats had brain thiamine levels less than 20% of controls. For the assay of the concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine, the brains were fixed using 5 KW microwave irradiation and were divided into four parts: cerebral cortex, diencephalon, lower brainstem, and cerebellum. In the lower brainstem of the encephalopathic rats ATP concentrations were 89.5% of normal controls. Phosphocreatine levels were lowered to 70% of controls in the diencephalon and to 75% in the lower brainstem. Total high energy phosphate levels were decreased to 89% of controls in the diencephalon and 91% in the lower brainstem before the onset of neurological signs and to 76% and 79%, respectively, after the onset. In the cerebral cortex and cerebellum high energy phosphates were not significantly reduced. Lower high energy phosphate levels and the distribution of edematous lesions were coincident in the brain. These findings suggest that a low energy state is closely related to the formation of edematous lesions in thiamine-deficient encephalopathy.

[Calcification of the tricuspid annulus in association with pulmonary stenosis: report of a case]

A 51-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of palpitation, dyspnea and anterior chest discomfort. She had had a heart murmur since childhood. On physical examination, a rough grade 6/6 ejection systolic murmur was maximally audible at the second left intercostal space with a systolic thrill. The chest X-ray film showed the cardiothoracic ratio of 54% and the electrocardiogram demonstrated right ventricular hypertrophy. Calcification of the tricuspid annulus was recognized by chest X-ray films (anteroposterior and lateral views), M-mode and cross-sectional echocardiograms and the computed tomogram (CT) of the chest. Cardiac catheterization revealed the presence of valvular pulmonary stenosis and atrial septal defect. These findings were confirmed by surgical operation. Since the first description of Paktovskii in 1960, nine cases of calcification of the tricuspid annulus were reported, but no case has been described in the Japanese literature. Contrary to the mitral annulus, the echocardiographic and computed tomographic features of the calcification of the tricuspid annulus has not been reported previously. In this paper, we reported a middle aged patient with circumferential calcification of the tricuspid annulus in association with severe pulmonary stenosis and atrial septal defect, and the features of the echocardiogram and CT images were illustrated.

Difference in 3H-thymidine incorporation after irradiation between murine B16 melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in vivo

The tumor growth and cell proliferation kinetics of B16 melanoma and transplantable squamous cell carcinoma (BSC tumor) in C57BL/6 mice were studied after single-dose X-ray and fast-neutron (2 MeV) irradiations. From tumor volume change studies, B16 tumor showed a high relative biological effectiveness (RBE) value (5.5) compared to that of BSC tumor (3.5). The tissue characteristics of the two tumors were not significantly different, but the post-irradiation changes in mitotic index (MI) and lebeling index (LI) were dependent on the tumor and on the nature of the radiation. After irradation, mitosis was immediately inhibited (G2 block) but recovered within several hours in BSC and X-ray-irradiated B16 tumors. The neutron-irradiated B16 tumors showed no recovery up to the end of the observation period. After X-ray irradiation, of B16 tumors, LI showed an immediate reduction, while the reduction was delayed several hours (equal to G1 + M) in BSC tumors. The extent of reduction was dose-dependent, and its recovery was coincident with the recovery of mitosis. The change in LI of neutron-irradiated BSC tumors was similar to that with X-rays, but no change in LI was observed in neutron-irradiated B16 tumors over 18 hr. From these results, it is assumed that the cell progression of B16 tumors is susceptible to ionizing radiation, and that G1 block is induced as a result of irradiation.

Induction of pigmentation by continuous X-irradiation of amelanotic tumors of B16-XI mouse melanoma and induced change in chromosomes of amelanotic cells

Non-pigmented tumor cells of B16-XI mouse melanoma were found to contain a diploid number of chromosomes similarly to those of melanotic tumors and the parental cells in tissue culture. A major difference between pigmented and non-pigmented cells was in the number of biarmed chromosomes per cell. There was no difference in growth rate between non-pigmented and pigmented tumors, but growth usually begins about 2 days earlier in the former. Pigmentation lost in the course of serial transplantation was restored by irradiating the non-pigmented tumor continuously with 2,500-3,000 rads/passage of X-rays during six transfer generations. In the course of repeated irradiations, the chromosomes changed structurally and numerically as the pigmentation of the tumor was gradually restored. The observations of tumor growth and chromosomal changes are discussed in relation to the pigmentation of B16-XI melanoma cells.

Monoclonal antibody to acetylcholine receptor: cell line established from thymus of patient with Myasthenia gravis

A human B cell line producing a monoclonal antibody to an antigenic determinant of acetylcholine receptors was established by cloning B cells that had been transformed in vitro by Epstein-Barr virus. The B cells were obtained from the thymus of a patient with myasthenia gravis. The antibody produced by the cell line precipitated acetylcholine receptors from denervated and innervated rat muscle and from human muscle, but did not show detectable response to the acetylcholine receptors from the electric organs of Narke japonica. The monoclonal antibody showed identical binding patterns in innervated and denervated rat muscles. Passive transfer of the monoclonal antibody into rats induced moderate muscle weakness and electromyographic changes characteristic of myasthenia gravis.

Effect of irradiation with fast neutrons or X-rays on the incidence of metastasis of transplanted B16 melanoma in mice

The effects of X-rays and fast neutrons on the incidence of metastasis of B16 melanoma were investigated. Tumors were irradiated with the iso-effect dose (380 rad of 2 MeV fast neutrons, and 1900 rad of 200 kV X-rays) for regression and regrowth of the tumor, and then were excised 3 days after irradiation. Metastasis was examined macroscopically and microscopically in all organs and tissues of mice when death occurred or after sacrifice of surviving mice at 130 days after tumor inoculation. Metastasis was found in 16 to 22% of tumor-bearing mice irrespective of whether or not the tumor had been irradiated before excision. Almost all the mice with metastasis developed pulmonary metastasis accompanied by lymphogenous spread to the thoracic lymph node. The overall incidence of metastasis in the X- or fast neutron-irradiated mice was slightly but not significantly higher than that in the control mice. Irradiation significantly enhanced the incidence of metastasis when the tumor volume was smaller than 200 mm3, but not when the tumor volume was larger than 200 mm3. The incidence of metastasis was significantly enhanced in mice with tumors invading the muscle. The metastasis-enhancing effect of irradiation was noticeably greater with X-irradiation than with fast neutron irradiation in mice with localized tumors of B16 melanoma, whereas in mice with invasive tumors the effects were similar.

Comparative study on radiosensitivities of cultured cell lines derived from several human tumors under hypoxic condition

Three human cell lines, Burkitt lymphoma cells (P3HR-1), epidermoid carcinoma cells (HeLa S3-1), and melanoma cells (HMV) were irradiated with 200 kV X-rays under three different oxygen conditions. The values of D0 and D10(-2) were estimated for survival curves, and then the dose-modifying factors (DMF) were calculated, for the oxygenated and hypoxic irradiations. These DMF values for oxygenation were not different for each cell line, but those for hypoxia revealed considerable difference for cell lines. From the comparison of modifications due to variable oxygen concentrations on the survival curves of Burkitt lymphoma cells with those of other resistant cells, it is concluded that the shoulder of the survival curves becomes larger primarily with lowering of the oxygen tension, and then D0 value increases followed by a decrease in n value, while in oxygenation, the decrease in D0 value takes place after n value becomes close to 1.

Recovery in Burkitt lymphoma cells after X-ray irradiation

The radiation response of cultured Burkitt lymphoma cell, known as a particular cell line of high radiosensitivity, was studied by the colony formation method. The values of n, Dq, and Do derived from the survival curve after a single dose X-irradiation resulted in small values as 1.1, 10 rad, and 125 rad. The maximum recovery of about 5% was observed 3 hr after the irradiation by a split-dose experiment. In the survival curve derived from a split-dose irradiation, n and Dq increased while Do remained unchanged. The reason for these increases in n and Dq may be attributed to the nonhomogeneous or mixed population response.

Linear energy transfer-dependent radiosensitivity of Burkitt lymphoma cells, with special references to human melanoma HMV, HeLa-S3, and L5178Y cells

Dependence of the survival curves of Burkitt lymphoma cells, which were featured by their small n or Dq values, on linear energy transfer (LET) obtained for different quality of radiation was revealed markedly in the change of D0 value, together with a small change in n value. Relative biological effectiveness (RBE) compared with Dq, n and D37 values of Burkitt lymphoma cells for high LET radiation was smaller than that of other cell lines. This finding supports the hypothesis that in Burkitt lymphoma cells the recovery capacity from sublethal damage (Dq) is so small even after low LET irradiation that LET does not modify the suppression of recovery. Similar survival curves with n value closely equal to 1 were obtained for four different mammalian cell lines (Burkitt lymphoma p3HR- 1, human melanoma HMV, HeLa-S3, and L5178Y) after 2 MeV neutron irradiation. This fact may suggest that the radiation which has an LET value at which n value of the survival curve is to be 1 will be optimum for therapeutic purpose to the radioresistant tumors.