Pathologic features of cytomegalovirus retinopathy after treatment with the antiviral agent ganciclovir

Ganciclovir is a new antiviral compound (also called BW B759U, DHPG, BIOLF-62, and 2'NDG) that has been used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinopathy in immunocompromised patients (bone marrow recipients or acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS] victims). The authors studied the eyes of three AIDS patients with CMV retinopathy who died while receiving ganciclovir chemotherapy. Gross, microscopic, and ultrastructural studies of these cases showed varying degrees of retinal scarring and active CMV lesions at the margins of the scars. CMV antigens were localized in cells at all layers of retina at the border of the lesions and in isolated cells in a perivascular location within histologically normal appearing retina. These areas probably represent sites of recrudescence when the drug is discontinued. In situ hybridization using a cloned complementary DNA (cDNA) probe of human CMV corroborated the immunocytologic localization of the virus. Ultrastructural studies showed megalic syncytial cells containing mostly capsids exclusively in the cell nucleus. The cytoplasmic electron-dense membrane-bound bodies that have characterized untreated cases of CMV retinopathy were absent in the treated cases. An attempt to isolate CMV in tissue culture from the vitreous and retina of one of the cases yielded a negative result. Our results indicate that ganciclovir does not effectively eliminate CMV from the retina nor does it suppress expression of all viral genes. Ganciclovir appears to function by limiting viral DNA synthesis and subsequent packaging of viral DNA into infectious units, thereby acting as a virostatic chemotherapeutic agent.     

Preoperative evaluation of endometrial carcinoma by selective hysterography: a preliminary report

Using a new instrument designed by the Authors having two cannulas to allow filling of a contrast medium exclusively in the cervical canal and uterine cavity, selective hysterography was performed for 22 cases of endometrial carcinoma. This method was useful not only for evaluation of the size, location and growth patterns but also for estimation of the cervical involvement of endometrial carcinoma.     

The liver first pass effects and bile concentrations of (-)-, (+)- and (+/-)-praziquantel in rabbits

Praziquantel (PQT) is a racemic mixture. Intragastric gavage of (-)-, (+)- and (+/-)-PQT 100 mg/kg were used to study the liver first pass effects in rabbits. HPLC was used to determine the concentration of each compound in the portal and systemic circulation, and in the bile within 4h. The results showed that all drugs were absorbed rapidly from the gut into the portal vein. The serum concentration in the portal vein were similar. However, over 90% of PQT and its enantiomers were extracted in the first passage through the liver. Intrinsic metabolic clearances of the liver of (-)-, (+)- and (+/-)-PQT were 50.3, 174.4 and 52.6 L/h, respectively. The serum concentrations of the three drugs markedly decreased in the systemic circulation, especially that of (+)-PQT. The AUC of (+)-PQT was apparently lower than that of (-)- or (+/-)-PQT. From these results, it is assumed that the first pass effects of PQT and its enantiomers in the liver are pronounced and most likely stereoselective. Also, unchanged PQT and its enantiomers were found in the bile of the rabbits.     

A GIANT INTRAOCULAR FOREIGN BODY OF NONMAGNETIC METAL REPORT OF A CASE

A perusal of the medical literature re- vealod only one case of giant nonmetallic in traocular foreign body, 15x11x7 mm, removed in China However, no mention was made of the operative result of the wounded eye in the report. Usually after removal of intraocular foriegn bodies, especially the giant ones, the eyeball becomes inevitably atrophied, thus it has to be enucleated soon after operation. We removed a giant intraocular metallic foreign body, measuring 18.1x9x1.5 mm and weighing 0.24 g, from the left eye of a patient at our clinic. Follow-up l year after operation found that the eyeball of the affected eye was good in appearance with preservation of partial vision.     

The effect of a carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on rabbit follicular oocytes and early embryonic development

The effect of a carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum and its duration on rabbit follicular oocytes was assessed by evaluating fertilization and subsequent embryonic development rates. CO2 may cross the plasma membrane and form carbonic acid, which liberates H+, thus lowering the intracellular pH. There were no significant differences in arterial pH and [HCO3-] between CO2 and air treatment groups, whereas arterial pCO2 and pO2 were significantly increased in the CO2 treatment group. We found that the duration of pneumoperitoneum, irrespective of type of gas used, was negatively correlated with success of embryonic development. These findings necessitate that more attention be given to the gas used for creation of a pneumoperitoneum during egg retrieval for in vitro fertilization and an attempt be made to minimize duration of the pneumoperitoneum.     

Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis followed shortly by acute rheumatic fever

A 16 year old girl with post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis developed acute rheumatic fever 19 days afterwards. Previous publications on concurrent post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and acute rheumatic fever are reviewed.