Dynamic Mobility of Immunological Cells Expressing S100A8 and S100A9 in vivo: A Variety of Functional Roles of the two Proteins as Regulators in Acute Inflammatory Reaction

The immunological properties of rat S100A8 (r-S100A8) and S100A9 (r-S100A9) in immune cells are poorly understood. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for r-S100A9 enabled us to discuss the differential functional roles of the two proteins, and their localization in the cells was observed microscopically. Recombinant human S100A8 (rh-S100A8) or S100A9 (rh-S100A9) were intravenously administrated into rats with LPS-induced liver damage. ELISA was used to measure the serum concentration of S100A9 in the rats. Western blotting and a preparative ELISA were used to prove specificity and avidity of monoclonal antibodies for r-S100A8 and r-S100A9. Immunohistochemical staining was carried out to visualize intracellular localization of the two proteins in the immune cells using the antibodies. When rh-S100A8 was intravenously injected in the rats (B group), the serum concentration of r-S100A9 apparently decreased as compared with that of the positive control rats (A group). The activities of AST, ALT, and LD in the rat sera (B group) also significantly went down in comparison with those of the rats (A group). Although both the S100A8 and S100A9 were abundantly expressed in activated immune cells, quite difference of not only their intracellular localization but also distribution of the cells expressing the two proteins was microscopically observed. In the rats (B group), less number of the immune cells or less amount of r-S100A8 and r-S100A9 in the cells than those of the rats (A group) was also seen. The r-S100A8 could serve as a regulator of acute inflammatory reaction in the rats with LPS-induced damage.     

Evaluation of resorption and biocompatibility of collagen hemostats in the spinal epidural space

Background contextCollagen hemostats have different characteristics depending on their properties and configuration. In vivo serial evaluation of local reactions because of placement of hemostats in the epidural space has not been reported.PurposeThis study compared the resorption and biocompatibility of two types of collagen hemostats placed in the epidural space.Study designThis in vivo study used experimental animals to evaluate collagen hemostats that were placed in the epidural space.MethodsA ligamentum flavum resection model was created in Japanese white rabbits (n=65). A microfibrillar collagen hemostat (MCH group, n=5), cotton-type collagen hemostat (CCH group, n=5) that was chemically cross-linked, or no hemostat (control group, n=4) was placed in the spinal epidural space. For histologic evaluation, each group was euthanized 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively (PO), and hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and macrophages (CD68) was performed. To evaluate exudate accumulation and the degree of inflammation in the epidural space, magnetic resonance imaging at 7.04 T was serially performed in each group (n=3) under anesthesia and sedation.ResultsThe collagen hemostats in both groups were reabsorbed at 4 weeks PO. In the MCH group, there was inflammatory cell infiltration and granuloma formation around the hemostat, TNF-α–positive cells were seen up to 1 week, and IL-6–, COX-2–, and CD68-positive cells were seen at all evaluation times. In the CCH group, no inflammatory cell infiltration around the hemostat was observed, and IHC staining showed no positive cells at 4 weeks PO and later. T2*-weighted MR images showed significantly higher mean signal intensity of the epidural space in the MCH group than in the CCH group but only at 1 week PO (p<.05).ConclusionsResorption of both hemostats was similar. In the MCH group, there was intense tissue inflammation around the hemostatic material, and MR images showed high signal intensity because of exudate accumulation in the epidural space. This indicated a strong foreign-body reaction to the MCH, thus demonstrating a difference in biocompatibility with the CCH.     

Tubular surgery with the assistance of endoscopic surgery via midline approach for lumbar spinal canal stenosis: a technical note

Purpose

We devised a tubular surgery with the assistance of endoscopic surgery via midline approach to the spinal canal to preserve the bilateral facet joints and the paravertebral muscles when treating lumbar spinal canal stenosis. We report details of this operative procedure.

Methods

A 2-cm incision is made in the skin in the midline of the intervertebral level to be decompressed. The spinous process on the cranial side is partially excised, and incisions along the ligament fiber are made in the midline of the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments to expose the ligamentum flavum. After the lamina and the inferior parts of the bilateral facet joints are adequately excised, the microendoscopic discectomy system is inserted. With this procedure, no muscular tissue is seen in the surgical site. The portal approach is small, but if full advantage is taken of the spinal microendoscope’s merits, the bilateral facet joints are preserved and wide decompression of deep parts is possible. The microendoscope is positioned above the spinal canal to provide a good symmetrical field of view to enable easy anatomical orientation.

Results

Bilateral intervertebral joints were satisfactorily preserved in ten patients who received this surgery. All became ambulatory on the day after surgery and the clinical results remained favorable 3 years after the operation.

Conclusion

Tubular surgery with the assistance of endoscopic surgery via a midline approach is a minimally invasive surgical procedure with favorable results that enables preservation of paravertebral muscles and bilateral facet joints.     

An operative case of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection with patent ductus arteriosus and atrial septal defect

The patient was a 28-year-old female who had underwent the operation of the closure of ASD on 7 years old. She administered due to palpitation. Cardiac catheterization revealed PDA, residual ASD, and PAPVC that blood flow from right superior pulmonary vein returned to the high level of SVC (juxsta-inominate vein). Successful repair was performed by intraluminal direct closure for PDA and placing a long patch for ASD and PAPVC.     

Effect of estrogen on liver plasma membrane in rats.

The effect of estrogen on plasma membrane was investigated using the primary cultured rat hepatocytes treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and the isolated plasma membrane of rat liver. 17 beta-Estradiol (E2), at concentrations of 10(-10) M to 10(-4) M, 10(-8) M to 10(-6) M and 10(-12) M to 10(-4) M, had an inhibitory effect on the CCl4-induced leakage of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase, respectively from primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Diethylstilbestrol, which caused inhibition at a dose of 10(-4) M, did not inhibit any enzyme leakage at any further concentrations of 10(-12) M to 10(-6) M. In the isolated plasma membrane of rat liver, Mg(2+)- and Na+,K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase activity was increased by E2 treatment at concentrations of 10(-6) M and 10(-4) M.