Immunogold localization of type IV collagen and laminin in the aging human outflow system

Tissue from the outflow system of six surgically enucleated aged eyes was used for an ultrastructural immunocytochemical study of the distribution of laminin and type IV collagen. The immunogold technique provided precise localization of laminin beneath lining endothelial cells of the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. Laminin labelling was absent in the trabecular beams. Type IV collagen was found in the basement membranes of the trabecular beams and in fine filamentous basement membrane material in the cribriform layer. Electron dense plaques in the cribriform layer labelled positively for laminin in the outer coarse fibrillar zone but not in the electron dense core. Long-spacing collagen was negative for type IV collagen.     

Effects of alminoprofen on the allergic reactions

The effects of alminoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, on the experimental animal models of allergic reactions were examined and compared with those of ibuprofen. Alminoprofen at 30 mg/kg given intraduodenally significantly suppressed passive anaphylactic bronchoconstrictions, while ibuprofen did not at the same doses. In vitro studies revealed that alminoprofen, in contrast to ibuprofen, exerted an inhibitory effect on arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase activity which initiates the bio-synthesis of leukotrienes. Alminoprofen inhibited arachidonic acid-induced ear edema in mice and homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats at high doses, while ibuprofen did not at the high doses. From its characteristic feature of inhibitory effects on 5-lipoxygenase activity and the experimental model of type I allergic reaction, it is suggested that alminoprofen is a new type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent.     

Effects of Nitrite Exposure on Acid–Base Balance, Respiratory Protein, and Ion Concentrations of Giant Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii at Low pH

Macrobrachium rosenbergii that had been exposed individually for 24 h to 0 (control), 2, 5, 10 mg/L nitrite-N (nitrite as nitrogen) at 4.3 and 7.7 pH levels were examined for hemolymph nitrite-N, oxyhemocyanin, protein, acid–base balance, ion concentrations, and ammonia-N (ammonia as nitrogen) excretion. Hemolymph oxyhemocyanin, protein, pH, HCO₃ ⁻ , TCO₂, osmolality, and ion concentrations were inversely related to ambient nitrite-N concentration and were lower at pH 4.3. However, hemolymph nitrite-N, PO₂ and PCO₂ levels, and ammonia-N excretion were directly related to ambient nitrite-N, and were higher at pH 4.3. Ambient nitrite-N and pH level interacted to cause changes in hemolymph nitrite-N, oxyhemocyanin, protein, PO₂, and pH levels. It is concluded that for M. rosenbergii following nitrite exposure, the incorporated nitrite causes a decrease of pH and an increase of PO₂ in the hemolymph where it reduces oxyhemocyanin level; disturbs nitrogen excretion, ion regulation, and respiratory gas exchange; and may lead to a decrease of oxygen-carrying capacity, which are affected more at low pH. Received: 31 August 1996/Accepted: 9 July 1997     

In vivo production of tumor necrosis factor for the treatment of mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was produced in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) by priming with zymosan and subsequently challenging with lipopolysaccharide. The optimal conditions for the in vivo production of TNF in treating EAT bearing mice were established. The endotoxin shock induced in mice during TNF production could be minimized by the combined administration of sulindac and mannoheptulose. The endogenous TNF produced could suppress proliferation of EAT cells as well as prolong the survival time of mice bearing small tumors.     

RETT's syndrome in Korea--report of two cases

Rett's syndrome(RS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by exclusive occurrence in females, autistic behavior, dementia, gait ataxia, loss of purposeful use of the hands with stereotypic hand movement, and seizures. Initially RS was considered to be very rare; however, recent reports suggest that the prevalence is considerably higher and occurrence is world-wide. Because the pathophysiological process remains unknown, the diagnosis of RS is based mainly on its characteristic clinical features and course. We experienced two cases of RS which, to our knowledge, are the first reported in Korea. It is quite possible that many patients with RS not yet being diagnosed in Korea.     

Quality of life in adult survivors of lung,colon and prostate cancer

In a cross-sectional study design, a disease free sample of 57 lung, 117 colon, and 104 prostate cancer survivors who represented short, intermediate and long-term survivors completed a detailed assessment of quality of life (QOL) and rehabilitation needs using the CAncer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES). Demographic and medical data, social support, and a global QOL rating were also assessed. Lung cancer patients showed no differences in QOL with respect to their period of survival. QOL improved for survivors of colon cancer as they lived for longer periods, but declined with time for survivors of prostate cancer. The best predictor of QOL for all groups was KPS, although other variables such as type of hospital, gender, and work status were predictive for survivors of colon cancer. For survivors of prostate cancer comorbidity with other medical illnesses, time since diagnosis and comorbidity due to psychiatric difficulties were predictive of QOL. All groups had significant rehabilitation problems in the domains of physical, psychosocial, sexual, medical interaction, and marital relationships. Lung cancer survivors had more problems than the other cancer survivors. We conclude that patients who survive cancer do not return to a state of normal health. They demonstrate a variety of difficulties with which they must cope as they continue to survive. Greater efforts need to be made early in diagnosis and treatment to understand rehabilitation problems and target interventions in the hope of reducing later sequelae.Currently in private practice, Glendale, CaliforniaC. A. C. Schag was supported in part by Veterans Administration Health Research and Development Grant 83-002 and in part by Cares Consultants, 2210 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 359, Santa Monica, CA 90403.Address requests for Information about CARES to: CARES Consultants, 2210 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 359, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA. Tel: (+1) 310-450-7410; Fax: (+1) 310-399-0016