Agminated fibroblastic connective tissue nevus in a 1‐year‐old boy

Fibroblastic connective tissue nevus (FCTN) is a benign cutaneous mesenchymal lesion characterized by proliferation of CD34‐positive fibroblastic/myofibroblastic spindle‐shaped cells. We report a case of agminated FCTN on the right lower abdomen of a 1‐year‐old boy.     

Effect of oxitropium bromide (Ba253) on isolated respiratory smooth muscle and release of chemical mediators from passively sensitized lung fragments

The effect of oxitropium bromide (Ba253), a quaternary scopolamine derivative, on the resting tonus and agonist-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig airway smooth muscle and on the anaphylactic release of histamine and immunoreactive leukotrienes (i-LTs) from lung fragments were investigated and compared with those of Sch1000, atropine and isoproterenol. Ba253 dose-dependently inhibited the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contraction of the isolated trachea and lung parenchyma. The degree of inhibitory potency was similar to that of Sch1000 and 10 times higher than that of atropine. Ba253 minimally influenced the resting tonus or contractions induced by other agonists including histamine, serotonin and LTD4. Sch1000 and atropine had similar or slightly stronger inhibitory effects on the tonus and contractions than Ba253. On the other hand, low concentrations of isoproterenol solely relaxed the resting tonus and inhibited the the agonist-induced contractions of both preparations. Neither Ba253 nor Sch1000 inhibited the anaphylactic release of histamine and LTs from both guinea pig and human lung fragments, but both mediator releases from either species were slightly inhibited with dose-dependency by atropine and potently inhibited by isoproterenol. From these results, it is suggested that Ba253 is a relatively specific antagonist to cholinergic receptors and might be possibly effective as an inhalant for asthma.     

Studies on isolated smooth muscle cells. IX. Application of papain for isolation of single smooth muscle cells from guinea-pig taenia coli

To prepare single smooth muscle cells from the taenia coli of guinea pig, the application of papain to the enzymatic solution was examined under two conditions: 1) the isolation in a modified Tyrode solution (containing 0.18 mM Ca2+: 0.18 mM Ca2+-Tyrode solution) and 2) the isolation in a high-K+ Tyrode solution (Na+ was replaced by K+, and Ca2+ was not added: high-K+ Tyrode solution). The presence of papain during collagenase digestion reduced contamination of broken cells and cell debris. In the case of the high-K+ Tyrode solution, papain increased the yield of single cells significantly. The cells were contracted in a dose-dependent manner by Ca2+ in the high-K+ Tyrode solution and by carbachol in 0.18 mM Ca2+-Tyrode solution; furthermore, the contractions were antagonized by verapamil and atropine, respectively. Treatment with papain did not affect cell sensitivity to the stimulants. Therefore, our results suggest that the addition of papain is useful for the isolation of single cells to investigate the physiological and pharmacological characteristics of smooth muscle.     

Does H2-receptor antagonist alter the renal function of cyclosporine-treated kidney grafts?

Histamine-type 2 antagonists (H₂-blockers) as represented by cimentidine have been shown to adversely affect renal allograft function, particularly when coadministered with cyclosporine, currently a major immunosuppressant. To determine whether or not a newer and more powerful H₂-blocker, famotidine, would produce similar adverse effects, we assessed seven cyclosporine-treated renal allograft recipients with regard to changes in their renal function on or off the H₂-blocker over a one-week period. Neither the administration nor withdrawal of famotidine (20–40 mg/day) resulted in any significant changes in serum creatine, BUN, urine output or cyclosporine trough levels, suggesting that famotidine can be safely administered as an H₂-blocker to cyclosporine-treated renal allograft recipients.     

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the temporal bone with endocranial extension.

Cranial malignant fibrous histiocytomas are rare tumors. Most are hypervascular, destructive masses that are similar to other malignant lesions and to malignant fibrous histiocytomas found elsewhere in the body. We describe a myxoid malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the temporal bone, possibly of dural origin, with features that more closely resembled a meningioma at CT, MR imaging, and angiography.     

Immediate changes in subcellular structures of transplanted tumors following photodynamic and laser hyperthermic therapy

Background and Objective: To further understand the precise process of the tumor cell degeneration after photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser hyperthermic therapy (LH), and combined treatments using an Nd:YAG laser. It is important to examine initial morphological alteration of tumor cells after these treatments. Study Design/Materials and Methods: In this study, nude mice bearing HeLa cell tumors were treated with PDT, LH, and combined treatments of the two. Tumor tissues obtained immediately after these treatments were analyzed using electron microscopy and morphometry. Results: In the combined treatments, which produced more severe effects on tumor cells, morphological features of apoptosis such as cytoplasmic condensation, blebs, and apoptotic bodies appeared in the cells, although the typical alteration in the nuclear chromatin was not seen. Conclusion: Cytoplasmic alterations may proceed more rapidly than nuclear alterations in the cellular degeneration induced by the single or combined treatments of PDT and LH.     

A case of thymolipoma on the cervicomediastinal area

Thymolipoma is a very rare mediastinal tumor. We reported a case of 52-year-old female with thymolipoma which was located in the cervicomediastinal area. The chest X-ray film revealed an abnormal shadow in the superior mediastinum. Computed Tomography (CT) clearly showed the existence of a large mass in the left side of the trachea. The angiogram showed that there was a stenosis on the left brachiocephalic vein. On June 13, 1988, median sternotomy was performed. A large tumor, about 5.5 x 13 x 5.5 cm, was found arising from the left cervical area. This tumor was excised completely and thymolipoma was diagnosed histopathologically. The post-operative course was very satisfactory.     

Clinical study of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine

The efficacy and safety of a recombinant yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine were evaluated in 209 subjects after three administrations at 0, 4 and 20 weeks. Subjects were divided into four groups given 5 micrograms vaccine subcutaneously, 10 micrograms subcutaneously, 10 micrograms intramuscularly and 20 micrograms subcutaneously to define the effective dose and to compare the effect of administration. Seroconversion of the antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen after the third vaccination reached 96.6% in the group given 5 micrograms vaccine subcutaneously and 100% in the other groups. The final geometric mean antibody titres were 700 IU/l in subjects given 5 micrograms subcutaneously, 2004 IU/l in those given 10 micrograms subcutaneously, 4674 IU/l in those given 10 micrograms intramuscularly and 3342 IU/l in those given 20 micrograms subcutaneously. In the groups given 10 micrograms, the early seroconversion rate of the antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen and the geometric mean antibody titres after the third vaccination were significantly higher in subjects administered intramuscularly than subcutaneously (P less than 0.05). No major adverse effects were observed and minor reactions were the same as, or less than, those reported for the plasma-derived vaccine. Before and after administration, no significant fluctuation in the yeast antibody titre was observed. These results demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the yeast-derived vaccine, and show that 10 micrograms was the effective dose.     

Urinalysis for detection of chemically induced renal damage (1)--Changes in urinary excretions of enzymes and various components caused by mercuric chloride and gentamicin

In order to establish sensitive methods of detecting minor renal damage, changes of enzymes, tubular cell counts, and creatinine in the urine were investigated in rats that had been given nephrotoxic chemicals. Daily administration of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) dose-dependently increased urinary excretions of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), lysozyme (LZM), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and acid protease together with increased counts of tubular cells in the urine. The increase in tubular cell counts and the change in urinary LDH isoenzyme profile preceded the changes in the other enzymes. Daily administration of gentamicin (GM) increased urinary excretions of LDH, GOT, LZM, NAG, acid protease and tubular cell counts in a dose-dependent manner, but did not increase gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) and ALP excretions. The urinary isoenzyme profiles of LDH in rats treated with GM were different from those with HgCl2. The increase in acid protease excretion outlasted those in LDH and GOT in the high dose group. It was concluded that the severity of renal damage can be readily detected by periodic determinations of the following urinary parameters: tubular cell counts, LDH isoenzyme, acid protease, LZM and NAG, in addition to either LDH or GOT and one of the enzymes ALP, LAP or gamma-GTP. Furthermore, the site of renal damage can be presumed from these results.