Peroxisomal localization of inducible nitric oxide synthase in hepatocytes

Shock states induce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in both Kupffer cells and hepatocytes in the liver, but little is known about its subcellular localization in these cells. Studies were undertaken to characterize the subcellular location of iNOS in hepatocytes in response to sepsis. By immunofluorescence analysis, intraperitoneal challenge with bacterial lipopolysaccharide induced cytosolic iNOS in Kupffer cells but punctate labeling in hepatocytes. Cultured rat hepatocytes exposed to interferon gamma, interleukin 1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha showed iNOS protein expression within peroxisomes as early as 4 hours after stimulation, as determined by colabeling for catalase or PMP70. To a lesser extent, iNOS was also observed associated with the plasma membrane and in undefined intracellular aggregates. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) antagonist L-N-imino-ornithine (L-NIO) did not affect the expression of iNOS within peroxisomes, cytoplasmic aggregates, or cytosol but increased plasma membrane localization of iNOS. Human iNOS transduced into iNOS-null mouse hepatocytes using an adenoviral vector also localized to peroxisomes. The expression of iNOS often resulted in the disappearance of detectable catalase in many hepatocytes. In conclusion, these studies establish the peroxisome as a site of iNOS localization in hepatocytes and show a relationship between iNOS up-regulation and decreased expression of catalase.     

Subcutaneous sacrococcygeal myxopapillary ependymoma

A case of subcutaneous sacrococcygeal ependymoma in a child is reported. A review of the literature is made, emphasizing the pediatric population. In contrast to the other forms of ependymomas that generally do not metastasize, the sacrococcygeal variety does disseminate even after many years. Complete local excision is required. Postoperative radiotherapy may be necessary for residual tumor. Long-term follow-up is essential.     

Increased incidence of urethane induced lung adenomata by autosensitized lymphocytes

The present work investigates the influence of autosensitized lymphocytes on the carcinogenic response of the host. Urethane treated SWR mice received 6 fortnightly injections of lymphocytes sensitized in vitro against syngeneic fibroblasts. An increased incidence of lung adenomata was found in these mice compared with controls injected with unsensitized lymphoid cells or with lymphoid cells sensitized against unrelated transplantation antigens. Autosensitized lymphocytes also modified the response of host lymphoid cells to concanavalin A or to stimulation in a mixed lymphocyte culture assay. These results indicate that autoimmune lymphocytes may increase susceptibility of a host to the induction of tumours.     

Human DNA topoisomerase II-alpha expression in laparoscopically treated renal cell carcinoma

To investigate whether the expression of Topoisomerase II-alpha (TII-alpha) can serve as a prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), histological sections from 27 renal tumors were stained immunohistochemically for TII-alpha expression. The percentage of positive cells in the area of greatest staining was recorded as the TII-alpha index. TII-alpha nuclear staining was positive in all the samples except one. The mean TII-alpha index was 12.5 for grade 1, 44 for grade 2 and 113 for grade 3 tumors. The mean TII-alpha index was 22.3 in tumors which did not recur and 81 for tumors which recurred during the follow-up period. In this study, a higher TII-alpha index correlated with more aggressive tumor behaviour. However, a large cohort of patients should be assessed before drawing definitive conclusions.     

A new clinical method for the assessment of penile endothelial function using the flow mediated dilation with plethysmography technique

PURPOSE: Penile endothelial function (EnF) is 1 of the major factors involved in the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction. EnF assessment could offer crucial information on the etiology and degree of severity of cavernosal vascular pathology. In the present study we propose a new technique for the evaluation of penile EnF and test its applicability using strain gauge plethysmography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 healthy subjects (13 younger and 10 older than 40 years) with no history of erectile dysfunction were studied. The flow mediated dilation technique was applied to the arm and penis in both age groups for the assessment of EnF. Baseline blood flow and the sequential flow recordings after rapid cessation of 5 minutes of ischemia were obtained in both organs. RESULTS: Baseline flow in the penis was significantly higher (approximately 3-fold) than that in the forearm and was not affected by age in either organ. Both measures of penile EnF, ie area under the flow-time curve (AUC) and maximal flow obtained after ischemia were significantly lower in the older group compared to the younger group (p <0.01 and p <0.02, respectively). Individual penile AUC and maximal flow were significantly correlated with age (r = 0.55, p <0.01 and r = 0.50, p <0.02, respectively). Finally a positive, significant correlation existed between penile and forearm AUC (p <0.05, r = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the flow mediated dilation technique using mercury strain gauge plethysmography is simple and applicable for the assessment of penile EnF. Endothelial function parameters in the penis were found to correlate with those in the forearm, thus support for the validity of the technique is given. Further strength for the validity of this procedure in the penis comes from the comparison between the forearm and penis, and the relation to subject age.     

Die perkutane Kompressionsplatte zur Behandlung pertrochantärer Frakturen

Zusammenfassung Operationsziel Anatomische Reposition und minimalinvasive Stabilisierung pertrochantärer Frakturen mit der perkutanen Kompressionsplatte (PCCP). Sofortige postoperative Vollbelastung. Indikationen Pertrochantäre Frakturen. Kontraindikationen Pertrochantäre Frakturen, die nicht geschlossen reponiert werden können, subtrochantäre Frakturen und reverse oblique fractures (AO/OTA 31-A3). Operationstechnik Der Patient wird auf einem Extensionstisch gelagert. Das Femur distal der Fraktur wird durch eine dorsale Repositionshilfe (PORD [posterior reduction device]) unterstützt. Reposition der Fraktur durch geschlossene Manipulation. Perkutanes Einführen der Platte über eine proximale laterale Inzision. Die Platte wird mit Hilfe einer Zange über eine zweite, mehr distal gelegene Inzision an den proximalen Femurschaft angelegt. Einbringen der Gleitschrauben durch die Platte in den Schenkelhals und Sicherung der Platte am Femurschaft mit drei zusätzlichen Schrauben. Abschließend Vervollständigung der Frakturstabilisierung mit einer zweiten Schenkelhalsschraube. Ergebnisse Von 130 Patienten mit einer pertrochantären Fraktur, die zwischen Mai 2000 und Dezember 2001 mit der beschriebenen Technik in der Hadassah-Universitätsklinik für Orthopädische Chirurgie, Jerusalem, Israel, behandelt wurden, konnten 108 in diese Studie eingeschlossen werden. Das Patientenalter lag bei durchschnittlich 81 Jahren (± 8 Jahre). Die durchschnittliche Operationszeit betrug 67 min, der Krankenhausaufenthalt lag bei 11,5 Tagen. 40% der Patienten benötigten während des Krankenhausaufenthalts keine Bluttransfusion, wohingegen 8,3% mehr als drei Erythrozytenkonzentrate erhielten. Komplikationen traten bei vier Patienten auf: in zwei Fällen Implantatversagen, das erfolgreich mit Kompressionshüftschrauben (CHS) behandelt wurde, und eine Pseudarthrose, die mit einer Arthroplastie behandelt wurde. Der vierte Patient hatte eine Beinverkürzung von 3 cm, die mit einer Schuherhöhung ausglichen wurde. Drei Patienten entwickelten eine Infektion, wovon eine ein chirurgisches Débridement erforderte.(Übersetzt von R. Attal, Innsbruck)