Colon-specific delivery of budesonide with azopolymer-coated pellets: therapeutic effects of budesonide with a novel dosage form against 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid-induced colitis in rats.

The objective of this study was to achieve colon-specific delivery of budesonide using azopolymer-coated pellets and to accelerate healing of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid sodium salt (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. After oral administration of azopolymer-coated pellets containing budesonide, a significant increase was observed in the therapeutic effects of the drug accompanied by a decrease in its systemic adverse effects when compared with oral administration in saline or rectal administration by enema. In addition, with the use of the colon-specific oral dosage form the dose of budesonide could be reduced. These results suggested that azopolymer-coated pellets may be a useful dosage form for the colon-specific delivery of budesonide as an anti-inflammatory steroid drug to bring about the healing of TNBS-induced colitis in rats.     

Glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma of the breast: A case report and review of the literature

A case of glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma (GRCC) which arose in the right breast of a 35-year-old Japanese woman is reported. Light microscopic examination of the tumor revealed solid alveolar proliferation of clear cells containing abundant glycogen. Electron microscopy identified aggregates of glycogen particles and numerous empty glycogen lakes. This case is reported with a discussion on the other 42 GRCC cases reported in the international literature.     

Current topics of acute encephalitis and encephalopathy: introductory remarks

Encephalitis/encephalopathy is a neurological syndrome characterized by acute onset, symptoms of intracranial hypertension accompanying severe sequels or death. Encephalitis is caused by microbial infection of central nervous system, such as neurotrophic or conventional viruses. Infectious encephalopathy shows similar clinical symptoms to acute encephalitis, without any evidence of inflammation and microbial infection in brain tissues. The national epidemiological surveillance of the diseases is carried out to study the frequency and prognosis of patients with both diseases. The principal treatment is quite different in the both, in the former the eradication of microbial from the brain and in the latter the reduction of pressure of brain edema. Furthermore, the improvement of the brain with severe destruction requires such new step to reduce the activities of enzymes or cytokines to destroy brain tissues, as a mild hypothermia to lower body and brain temperature to 33-34 degrees C.     

The effect of exogenous nitric oxide on endothelial dysfunction in two-kidney, one-clip renovascular hypertensive rats

Previous studies have shown that hypertension causes endothelial dysfunction. To study the influence of exogenous nitric oxide(NO) on endothelial dysfunction produced by hypertension, we administered a non-depressor dose of nipradilol to two-kidney, one-clip renovascular hypertensive rats(2K1C). Sprague-Dawley rats underwent either sham surgery(G-1) or clipping of the left renal artery. From day seven, 2K1C were randomized into 3 groups, placebo treatment(G-2), nipradilol treatment(G-3,) and propranolol treatment(G-4). Urinary NO2- + NO3-(NOx) excretion (UNOx V) was measured 4 weeks after clipping, and then, acetylcholine(Ach), A23187, or sodium nitroprusside(SNP)-induced relaxation were measured in the aorta. Blood pressure was increased in G-2, G-3, and G-4 compared to G-1. UNOx V was lower in G-2, G-3, and G-4 compared to G-1, but UNOx V was higher in G-3 compared to G-2 and G-4. Although Ach or A23187-induced relaxation was significantly decreased in isolated artery from G-2, G-3, and G-4 compared with those from G-1. Ach- or A23187-induced relaxation was improved in G-3. SNP-induced relaxation did not differ among the 4 groups. These results suggest that exogenous NO from nipradilol reduces the endothelial dysfunction caused by hypertension without changing the blood pressure.     

Membranous glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

A 66-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of edema of the extremities. Laboratory findings suggested that she had nephrotic syndrome and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Renal biopsy (with PAM staining) showed a spike formation in the capillary wall. Immunofluorescent staining revealed deposition of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the third component of complement in the glomerular basement membrane. Electron microscopy showed fibrillary deposits in the subepithelium. These findings indicated membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN). In addition, focal segmental sclerosis and interstitial lymphocytic infiltration were observed in the renal biopsy specimen. In CLL patients nephrotic syndrome occurs rarely. Even if the complication occurs, MGN is not frequent. Both diseases are suspected to occur in association with each other, and immunologic abnormality contributes to their coexistence. Although administration of prednisolone and endoxan improved leukocytosis, proteinuria was not sufficiently improved with combination therapy.     

Aortic valve replacement for aortic valve stenosis due to congenital bicuspid aortic valve with abnormal positioning of coronary orifice, pseudotendon, and persistent left superior vena cava, report of a case

A patient was a 65-year-old female who had a complaint of palpitation was diagnosed aortic valve stenosis due to congenital bicuspid aortic valve with pseudotendon by the echocardiographic examination. We suspected left single coronary artery by the aortography and the coronary artery angiography. Aortic valve replacement and resection of pseudotendon was performed with Carbomedics supra-annular aortic valve (21 A). During surgery, persistent left superior vena cava was detected. High-posterior take-off right coronary artery was casually detected at aortic closure. Ventricular fibrillation due to insufficient supply of cardioplegic solution at right coronary area frequently occurred after cardio-pulmonary bypass and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was required. The patient was discharged 32 days after the operation. Preoperative and intraoperative evaluation was important in the case of aortic valvular disease.     

Hemangioma of bone arising in the ulna: imaging findings with emphasis on MR

An 18-year-old woman presented with left elbow joint pain. Radiographs and computed tomographic scan showed a well-defined osteolytic lesion of the left ulna associated with a honeycomb appearance on the radiographs. Magnetic resonance images showed intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images and mixed intermediate and high signal intensities on T2-weighted images. Only the periphery of the lesion enhanced with intravenously injected gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. The lesion was curetted to avoid pathologic fracture, and a histologic diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma of bone was made. Hemangioma involving the ulna is rare, but should be included in the differential diagnosis of a radiographic osteolytic lesion with a honeycomb appearance. Received: 17 September 1999 Revision requested: 31 October 1999 Revision received: 10 December 1999 Accepted: 13 December 1999