New algorithmic-based digital filter processing system for real-time continuous blood pressure measurement and analysis in conscious rats

A new algorithmic-based digital filter processing system for real-time continuous blood pressure (BP) measurement and analysis in freely-moving conscious rats has been developed. Real-time recognition of BP waveforms, real-time noise rejection and determination of representative waveform indexes (WIs) at indicated time points using digital filters and Smirnov's rejection test were realized with this system. Digital filters were applied for two different purposes: waveform segmentation and smoothing the calculations of representative WIs. Smirnov's rejection test was used for real-time noise rejection and yielded an accurate rejection rate of 99.99%. The result was that the digital filter processing and Smirnov's rejection test realized accurate real-time BP measurement and analysis in freely-moving conscious rats using a personal computer.     

Influence of polymorphisms in the genes for cytokines and glutathione S-transferase omega on sporadic Alzheimer's disease

We studied promoter region polymorphisms in the interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 genes in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 172) and normal controls (n = 163). We also examined an association of a polymorphism located in the glutathione S-transferase omega 1 (GSTO-1) gene region with AD patients. None of these genotypes or allele frequencies showed a significant difference between AD patients and controls. We also failed to detect any difference in the disease onset between each genotype of the seven polymorphisms. Although AD patients carrying high producer alleles of TGF-beta1 and IL-1beta or TGF-beta1 and IL-6 showed a tendency for an early onset of the disease, neither of these combined effects reached a significant level after multiple comparisons. Our findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms in the cytokines and GSTO do not play a major role in Japanese AD patients.     

Prostaglandin E1-initiated immune regulation during human mixed lymphocyte reaction

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has therapeutic value for transplantations due to its microvascular activity. Interleukin (IL)-18, which is elevated in plasma during the acute rejection after organ transplantation, elicits the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, B7.1, B7.2, CD40, and CD40 ligand (CD40L) on monocytes as well as the production of interferon (IFN)-gamma and IL-12 and proliferation of T-cells during the human mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) in an in vitro model of acute rejection. In contrast, PGE1 inhibits all the adhesion molecule expression, cytokine production and T-cell proliferation in the presence of IL-18. The effects of PGE1 depend on stimulation of the IP/EP2/EP4-receptor, and thus, PGE1 might have therapeutic potential for treating acute rejection due to its immune regulatory effect.     

Histamine downregulates CD14 expression via H2 receptors on human monocytes

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binds to LPS-binding protein (LBP) in plasma and is delivered to the cell surface receptor CD14 on human monocyte. LPS is transferred to the transmembrane signaling receptor toll-like receptor (TLR) 4. In the present study, the effect of histamine on the expression of CD14 on human monocytes was investigated. Histamine concentration- and time-dependently decreased the expression of cell surface CD14, whereas histamine did not decrease mRNA for CD14 nor increase soluble CD14 (sCD14). The inhibitory effects of histamine on CD14 expression were antagonized by H2-receptor antagonist, but not by H1 and H3/H4 antagonist. The effects of selective H2-receptor agonists, 4-methylhistamine and dimaprit, on CD14 expression mimicked that of histamine indicating that histamine regulated CD14 expression through the stimulation of H2-receptors. The pretreatment with histamine partially inhibited the LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Such inhibition might be due to the down-regulation of CD14 expression on monocytes by histamine.     

Papillary adenoma of type II pneumocytes might have malignant potential

Papillary adenoma of type II pneumocytes is a rare tumour. It is considered to be a benign neoplasm and is derived from immature cells in the bronchioloalveolar epithelium, however, its biological nature has not been elucidated. We report a case of an adenomatous tumour; a papillary adenoma of type II pneumocytes, which we regard as possessing malignant potential. Light microscopically, as well circumscribed, papillary tumour of predominantly cuboidal cells resembling type II pneumocytes was found, but Clara type and ciliated cells were also present. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells reacted positively with antibodies to surfactant apoproteins (A, B), carcinoembryonic antigen, cytochrome P-450 1A1-2 and 2B1-2. Ultrastructurally, many osmiophilic lamellar bodies and electron-dense granules were demonstrated. Semi-serial sections revealed signs of transbronchial dissemination and vascular invasion. Morphometry using 12-dimensional cluster analysis disclosed features of the tumour cells which resembled those of pneumocyte type II adenocarcinoma. These findings suggest that the present case has some malignant characteristics and originates from immature bronchiolar or alveolar cells, with a potential to develop into both type II pneumocyte and Clara cell type adenocarcinomas.     

Successful treatment of tracheomalacia associated with esophageal atresia without a tracheoesophageal fistula by aortopexy: Report of a case

Tracheomalacia (TM) is well known as a complication associated with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF); however, the occurrence of TM requiring surgical treatment in a patient having EA without a tracheoesophageal fistula has never been reported. We describe herein a rare case of TM associated with EA without TEF. Respiratory distress was caused by compression of the trachea by a severely dilated upper esophageal pouch with weakness of the tracheal wall. Aortopexy was performed, and an excellent postoperative result was achieved.     

Nicardipine inhibits acute rise of aqueous flare and intraocular pressure induced by argon laser photocoagulation

The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of the calcium channel blocker nicardipine. Intraocular inflammation was induced by argon laser photocoagulation of the iris of pigmented rabbits and was assessed by measuring aqueous flare and intraocular pressure. This resulted in a marked increase in the aqueous flare that peaked at approximately one hour following coagulation and returning to the original values after six hours. Intraocular pressure increased within 15 minutes following laser treatment and returned to baseline levels at 60 minutes. Pre-treatment of the rabbits with an intravenous injection of 2 mg/kg of nicardipine completely abolished both the increase in aqueous flare and intraocular pressure induced by laser photocoagulation as compared to the control experiment. Earlier work from the author's group has shown that nicardipine can also block aqueous flare and intraocular pressure increases induced by topical administration of prostaglandin E2. From these combined experiments they would like to draw the conclusion that the inflammatory reaction induced by photocoagulation of the iris is partly mediated by prostaglandins and that blockade of calcium channels by nicardipine can inhibit the effects induced by prostaglandin E2.