Enhancement of selective drug accumulation and retention in normal and regenerating liver by the use of lipiodol in portal venous infusion in rats]

We studied selective accumulation and retention of lipiodol (LP) and anticancer agents in normal and regenerating liver tissue following portal infusion in rats. Total concentration of Aclarubicin (ACR) and its metabolites in liver tissue was higher in ACR + LP portal infusion group than in ACR portal infusion group both in normal and regenerating liver, concentration of active metabolites of ACR was higher in ACR portal infusion group than in ACR peripheral infusion group. Much higher concentration was found in ACR + LP portal infusion group. Histologic examination revealed more toxic effect on regenerating liver in ACR portal infusion group than in ACR + LP portal infusion group. Oil red staining demonstrated the retention of lipiodol more than 7 days following intraportal infusion in regenerating liver tissue. This study confirms that the ACR + LP portal infusion induces selective accumulation and long-term retention in normal and regenerating liver tissue, and may enhance the antitumor effect of drugs.     

Mixed blast crisis with the cytogenetic evidence of three clonal evolutions

A 46-year-old man was diagnosed as having chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in chronic phase in Dec. 1985. In Dec. 1987, anemia and leukocytopenia progressed, and the percentage of blast cells increased in the bone marrow. The blast cells were lymphoblastoid and positive for TdT. It was treated as a lymphoid crisis with vincristine and prednisolone, and complete remission was achieved. However, the blasts (11%) were observed in the bone marrow in Mar. 1988, and the chromosomal analysis revealed 46, XY, t (2q-; 11q+), t (9q+; 22q-) in 13 out of 20 cells. In June, the percentage of the blasts increased again, but chromosomal analysis showed a different karyotype, 46, XY, t(2p-; 11p+), t(9q+; 22q-) which was observed in 9 out of 10 cells. Then, myeloblastoid cells increased rapidly in spite of the chemotherapy in Dec. 1988. The chromosomal analysis showed 46, XY, 2p-, 7q-, 9q+, 11p+, 22q- in all analyzed cells. The rearrangement of the bcr gene could be detected by the Southern blotting. The blasts were positive for CD7, CD11, CD13, CD33, CD36, CD41 and CD42, suggesting that the blasts had the surface phenotypes of both myeloid and megakaryocytoid-lineage. This is a case with the mixed blast crisis that changed from the lymphoid to the myelo-megakaryocytoid in nature, in which three clonal evolutions were observed during the clinical course.     

Trends in research related to “Shinrin-yoku” (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing) in Japan

“Shinrin-yoku”, which can be defined as “taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing”, has been receiving increasing attention in Japan in recent years for its capacity to provide relaxation and reduce stress. Since 2004, the authors of this paper have been involved in an investigation designed to ascertain the physiological effects of “Shinrin-yoku” within the framework of the “Therapeutic Effects of Forests” project. We have conducted physiological experiments, both in actual forests and in the laboratory, to elucidate the physiological effects on individuals of exposure to the total environment of forests or to only certain elements of this environment, such as the odor of wood, the sound of running stream water, and the scenery of the forest. We have obtained physiological measurements of central nervous activity, autonomic nervous activity, and biomarkers reflecting stress response that can be applied in this line of approach. Using these measurements, we have summarized the separate elements of forests in terms of the five senses. We have also reviewed a selection of field studies and introduced a number of results from ongoing projects as well as those from early studies. Future perspectives are also discussed.     

Intracellular localization of the Menkes and Wilson''s disease proteins and their role in intracellular copper transport

Copper is a heavy metal ion essential for the activity of a variety of enzymes in the body. In excess, copper is a very toxic ion and therefore efficient regulation of its metabolism is required. This is dramatically illustrated by the genetic disorders X-linked Menkes disease and autosomal recessive Wilson's disease. In 1993, both the Menkes and Wilson's genes were isolated and it was found that these genes encode homologous cation copper transporting P-type ATPase proteins. The Menkes protein (ATP7A) is expressed in most tissues, except liver. In contrast, the Wilson's protein (ATP7B) is abundantly expressed in liver. Intracellular localization of those proteins was investigated. Both ATP7A and ATP7B are localized in the trans-Golgi network and post-Golgi vesicular compartment (PGVC) in the cell. This intracellular localization was altered by the copper content present in the cell. This result may support the hypothesis that ATP7A and ATP7B are involved in cellular copper transport and those proteins could be suitable models for elucidating intracellular copper metabolism.     

123I-IMP accumulation in the lung with bronchial asthma--early uptake and delayed washout

123I-IMP is taken up by the pulmonary capillary endothelial cells during the first pass through the lung, and is slowly released from them. To look up the factors which influence on the prolonged 123I-IMP retention in the diseased lung, we examined the correlation between the 123I-IMP uptake during the first pass and the 123I-IMP retention. Patients with bronchial asthma had no abnormal finding in the chest X-ray photograph. However 123I-IMP release from their lungs was delayed. Some patients show a tendency that 123I-IMP uptake during the first pass was uneven, which suggested the change in amine uptake function of endothelial cells. However their correlation coefficients between the uptake during the first pass and the prolonged retention were very small. It was considered that the prolonged 123I-IMP retention in the diseased lung was not explained only by the change in uptake function of pulmonary capillary endothelial cell.     

Extensive simultaneous multisegment laminectomy for myelopathy due to the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical region

Extensive simultaneous multisegment laminectomy (ESML) for treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the cervical region is a technique which cuts the laminae on the median line and on the pedicles with an air drill, and then, the right and left halves of laminae are lifted simultaneously. This technique provides a protection to the spinal cord that swells instantaneously after decompression. A total of 155 cases were followed up for more than 1 year. According to the Japanese Orthopedic Association's evaluation criteria, 127 cases (81.9%) showed some improvement; specifically, 57 cases (36.8%) were rated excellent; 28 (18.1%), good; 42 (27.1%), fair; 11 (7.1%), unchanged; and 17 (11.0%) had poor results.