Roles of Opioid Receptor Subtype in the Spinal Antinociception of Selective Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitor

BACKGROUND: Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 are commonly used analgesics in various pain conditions. Although their actions are largely thought to be mediated by the blockade of prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis, evidences suggesting endogenous opioid peptide link in spinal antinociception of COX inhibitor have been reported. We investigated the roles of opioid receptor subtypes in the spinal antinociception of selective COX-2 inhibitor. METHODS: To examine the antinociception of a selective COX-2 inhibitor, DUP-697 was delivered through an intrathecal catheter, 10 minutes before the formalin test in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Then, the effect of intrathecal pretreatment with CTOP, naltrindole and GNTI, which are micro, delta and kappa opioid receptor antagonist, respectively, on the analgesia induced by DUP-697 was assessed. RESULTS: Intrathecal DUP-697 reduced the flinching response evoked by formalin injection during phase 1 and 2. Naltrindole and GNTI attenuated the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal DUP-697 during both phases of the formalin test. CTOP reversed the antinociception of DUP-697 during phase 2, but not during phase 1. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal DUP-697, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, effectively relieved inflammatory pain in rats. The delta and kappa opioid receptors are involved in the activity of COX-2 inhibitor on the facilitated state as well as acute pain at the spinal level, whereas the micro opioid receptor is related only to facilitated pain.

Hemodynamic Changes according to the Remifentanil Effect Site Concentration for Patients under Total Intravenous Anesthesia during Laryngeal Microscopic Surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal microscopic surgery directly stimulates an airway via endotracheal intubation and insertion of a suspension laryngoscope, and this can result in acute elevation of the blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, an anesthesia that can maintain a sufficient depth of anesthesia and simultaneously makes awakening and recovery possible in a short period is required. We wanted to present the effect site concentration of remifentanil for achieving the best anesthesia by observing the hemodynamic changes according to the effect site concentration of remifentanil. METHODS: 36 patients, who corresponded with the ASA physical status classification 1 and 2 and who were from 20 to 70 years old, were the subjects of this study. They were randomly classified into three groups according to the effect site concentration of remifentanil. Propofol 4microgram/ml was infused continuously, and remifentanil was continuously infused for each group to achieve an effect site concentration of 4 ng/ml, 6 ng/ml, and 8 ng/ml, respectively. Rocuronium 0.5 mg/kg was used. The arterial blood pressures and heart rates were measured before induction of anesthesia, before endotracheal intubation, after endotracheal intubation and after insertion of a suspension laryngoscope. RESULTS: In comparison with the other groups, the 4 ng/ml remifentanil group was able to prevent acute elevation of blood pressure and heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: For total intravenous anesthesia using propofol and remifentanil, 4 ng/ml of remifentanil is proposed to be the effect site concentration that is able to stably maintain blood pressure and heart rate during laryngeal microscopic surgery.

Effects of Remifentanil and Alfentanil on Cardiovascular Responses to Laryngoscopy and Double-lumen Endobronchial Intubation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study examined the cardiovascular responses to double-lumen endobronchial intubation during rapid sequence induction of anesthesia, and compared the effect of remifentanil and alfentanil in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in three groups of 20 elderly patients each. METHODS: Anesthesia was induced with intravenous thiopental (4-6 mg/kg) immediately followed by either remifentanil 2 microgram/kg, alfentanil 30microgram/kg, or saline (placebo) given over 30 sec. Succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg was given for neuromuscular block. The laryngoscopy and intubation were performed 60 sec later. RESULTS: The intubation significantly increased systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) in all groups. The maximum pressure changes in the remifentanil and alfentanil groups (36 +/- 26 and 33 +/- 30 mmHg, respectively) were significantly lower than the 83 +/- 35 mmHg in the control group. The maximum HR in the remifentanil (77 +/- 13 bpm) and alfentanil (80 +/- 13 bpm) groups was lower when compared to controls (93 +/- 11 bpm). The norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations increased after intubation in the control group but remained unaltered in both the alfentanil and remifentanil groups. There were no significant differences between the remifentanil and alfentanil groups in HR, SAP or catecholamines at any time. Five patients in the remifentanil group and three in the alfentanil group received ephedrine for hypotension. CONCLUSIONS: Endobronchial intubation elicited a significant pressor response, and that both remifentanil and alfentanil similarly attenuated the pressor response. However, the incidence of hypotension confirms that both drugs should be used with caution in elderly patients.

Potentiation of Morphine's Antinociception by Group II and Group III Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Agonists on a Rat Incisional Pain / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to clarify the role of spinal groups II and III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) with respect to postoperative pain at the spinal level. In addition, the nature of the pharmacological interaction between groups II and III mGluRs agonists and morphine was determined. METHODS: Catheters were inserted into the intrathecal space of male SD rats. To induce postoperative pain, an incision was made in the plantar surface of the hind paw. A pharmacological characteristic for the interaction between groups II and III mGluRs agonists and morphine was evaluated using a fixed-dose analysis. RESULTS: None of intrathecal group II and III mGluRs agonists modified the withdrawal threshold of the incisional pain. The administration of intrathecal morphine resulted in an increase of a dose dependent withdrawal threshold. A fixed-dose analysis revealed that the group III mGluRs agonist, ACPT-III, increased the antinociceptive action of morphine, while the group II mGluRs agonist, APDC, had no effect the antinociception of morphine. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that group II and III mGluRs may not play a direct modulatory role in the processing of postoperative pain at the spinal level. However, agonizing group III mGluRs may indirectly contributable to the potentiation of morphines antinociception in the spinal cord. Thus, the combination of morphine and a group III mGluRs agonist may be useful in the management of spinal postoperative pain.

Evaluation for the Effects of Intrathecal Sildenafil on the Formalin- and Thermal-induced Nociception of Rats / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) plays an important role in the modulation of nociception. Although local sildenafil produces antinociception, by increasing cGMP through the inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5, the effect of spinal sildenafil has not been determined. The authors evaluated the effects of intrathecal sildenafil on the nociceptive behavior evoked by formalin injection and thermal stimulation. METHODS: Lumbar intrathecal catheters were implanted into rats, with formalin and Hot-Box tests used as nociceptive models. The formalin-induced nociceptive behavior (flinching response) and withdrawal latency to radiant heat were measured, and the general behaviors also observed. RESULTS: The intrathecal administration of sildenafil produced dose-dependent suppression of the flinches in both phases in the formalin test, and increased the withdrawal latency in the Hot-Box test. No abnormal behaviors were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5, is active against the nociceptive state evoked in the spinal cord by formalin and thermal stimulations. Accordingly, spinal sildenafil may be useful in the management of pain.

Anesthetic Experience of Patients with a Congenital Tracheal Bronchus: A report of two cases / 대한마취과학회지

A tracheal bronchus is an aberrant, accessory or ectopic bronchus arising almost always from the right lateral wall of the trachea at the level less than 2 cm above the carina. An endotracheal or endobronchial tube can obstruct or migrate into a tracheal bronchus, resulting in pulmonary atelectasis, hypoxemia, or both during general anesthesia. We report two patients in whom the anomalous tracheal bronchus had been surgically resected under general anesthesia. The anomaly was identified before surgery in each patient and anesthesia was uneventful.

Optimal Dose of Remifentanil to Blunt Hemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation during Induction of Anesthesia with Propofol / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: A laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation cause an increase in the blood pressure and heart rate. Remifentanil is an opioid that is often used to reduce the hemodynamic responses after tracheal intubation. This study evaluated the effect of three bolus doses of remifentanil on the hemodynamic responses to a laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. METHODS: Eighty patients, aged 35-65 years, with an ASA physical status of I and II were randomly divided into four groups containing 20 patients each. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg/kg followed 30 s later by saline (control) or remifentanil 0.5 (R0.5), 1 (R1) or 2 (R2)microgram/kg given as a bolus over a 30 s period. A laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation were performed 90 s later (corresponding to 3 min after induction), and anesthesia was maintained using 2% sevoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Rocuronium 1 mg/kg was given as a neuromuscular block. The systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded until 5 min after intubation. RESULTS: In all groups, the SAP decreased after inducing anesthesia and then increased after intubation in all groups (P < 0.05), but the maximum increases (46, 15, and 9 mmHg in the R0.5, R1, and R2 groups, respectively) after intubation were lower in the remifentanil groups than that of the control group (73 mmHg) (P < 0.05). The HR decreased in the remifentanil groups while it remained stable in the controls after the induction of anesthesia. However, it increased after intubation in all groups. The mean maximum HR (83, 71, and 69 bpm in the R0.5, R1 and R2 groups, respectively) was significantly lower in the remifentanil groups than that in the controls (98 bpm) (P < 0.05). All remifentanil doses significantly attenuated the pressor and tachycardiac responses (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All remifentanil doses were effective in controlling the pressor and tachycardiac response to endotracheal intubation in patients in whom anesthesia was induced with propofol. However, the use of the 1 and 2microgram/kg dose was associated with a decrease in the SAP to less than 85 mm Hg in 10 patients (50%) each. Therefore, 0.5microgram/kg appears to be the optimal dose to attenuate the cardiovascular responses to endotracheal intubation in patients.

Optimal Dose of Remifentanil to Blunt Hemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation during Induction of Anesthesia with Propofol / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: A laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation cause an increase in the blood pressure and heart rate. Remifentanil is an opioid that is often used to reduce the hemodynamic responses after tracheal intubation. This study evaluated the effect of three bolus doses of remifentanil on the hemodynamic responses to a laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. METHODS: Eighty patients, aged 35-65 years, with an ASA physical status of I and II were randomly divided into four groups containing 20 patients each. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg/kg followed 30 s later by saline (control) or remifentanil 0.5 (R0.5), 1 (R1) or 2 (R2)microgram/kg given as a bolus over a 30 s period. A laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation were performed 90 s later (corresponding to 3 min after induction), and anesthesia was maintained using 2% sevoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Rocuronium 1 mg/kg was given as a neuromuscular block. The systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded until 5 min after intubation. RESULTS: In all groups, the SAP decreased after inducing anesthesia and then increased after intubation in all groups (P < 0.05), but the maximum increases (46, 15, and 9 mmHg in the R0.5, R1, and R2 groups, respectively) after intubation were lower in the remifentanil groups than that of the control group (73 mmHg) (P < 0.05). The HR decreased in the remifentanil groups while it remained stable in the controls after the induction of anesthesia. However, it increased after intubation in all groups. The mean maximum HR (83, 71, and 69 bpm in the R0.5, R1 and R2 groups, respectively) was significantly lower in the remifentanil groups than that in the controls (98 bpm) (P < 0.05). All remifentanil doses significantly attenuated the pressor and tachycardiac responses (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All remifentanil doses were effective in controlling the pressor and tachycardiac response to endotracheal intubation in patients in whom anesthesia was induced with propofol. However, the use of the 1 and 2microgram/kg dose was associated with a decrease in the SAP to less than 85 mm Hg in 10 patients (50%) each. Therefore, 0.5microgram/kg appears to be the optimal dose to attenuate the cardiovascular responses to endotracheal intubation in patients.

Effects of Gabexate Mesilate (Foy(R)) on Endotoxin-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rabbit / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was to clarify the effects of gabexate mesilate (Foy(R)), a synthetic protease inhibitor, on endotoxin induced acute lung injury in rabbit. METHODS: Animals were randomly assigned to one of four groups: saline only (n = 7), saline and Escherichia coli endotoxin 5 mg/kg over 30 mins (n = 7), Foy(R) 1 mg/kg bolus, followed by infusion of Foy(R) at 1 mg/kg/h and endotoxin (n = 7), Foy(R) 2 mg/kg bolus, followed by infusion of Foy(R) at 2 mg/kg/h and endotoxin (n = 7). Infusion of saline or Foy(R) was started 0.5 hour before the start of infusion of saline or endotoxin and continued for 6.5 hours. At the end infusion animals were sacrificed, and the wet to dry (W/D) weight ratio of lung, lung injury score and leukocyte counts, percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL), and concentrations of albumin and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were evaluated. RESULTS: Endotoxin decreased the PaO2 and peripheral blood leukocyte and platelet counts. And it increased the W/D weight ratio of lung, lung injury score and leukocyte counts, percentage of PMNL, and concentrations of albumin and IL-8 in BALF. Foy(R) attenuated all these changes except the decreased peripheral blood leukocyte count. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Foy(R) attenuates endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in rabbit by inhibiting neutrophil, IL-8 and platelet responses which may play a central role in sepsis related lung injury.

Re-expansion Pulmonary Edema after Chest Tubing: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

Re-expansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is a rare complication associated with the treatment of collapsed lung caused by pneumothorax, atelectasis, pleural effusion in which a large amount of air or effusion fluid is evacuated. In general RPE is resulted from more than 3 days of lung collapse and application of high negative intrapleural pressure. However, it is reported that RPE could be developed despite the collapse period is short and negative pressure suction is not performed. It also has been known that the rate of reexpansion is more important than amount of evacuated air, or collapse period in the development of RPE. Seventeen-year-old female was undergone suture hemostasis for liver laceration, in which RPE was occurred after closed thoracostomy for pleural effusion on postoperative-27 day. We present a case report with review of related articles.

Effects of a Combination of Nicardipine and Alfentanil on Hemodynamic Response after Endotracheal Intubation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to examine the effect of a combination of nicardipine and low dose alfentanil on hemodynamic response following endotracheal intubation. METHODS: Thirty patients (20-65 yr) were assigned randomly to receive nicardipine (N: 20microgram/kg) or a combination of nicardipine and low dose of alfentanil (NA: nicardipine 10microgram/kg and alfentanil 5microgram/kg). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured at 1, 2 min after anesthetic induction, and every minute for 5 min after intubation. RESULTS: The magnitude of increases in SBP and DBP were non-significantly smaller in the NA group than in the N group, and increase in HR were significantly lower in the NA group. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the nicardipine with alfentanil combination was more effective than nicardipine alone at attenuating blood pressure and heart rate increases following intubation.

Effect of Zaprinast, a Phosphodiesterse Inhibitor, on Formalin-induced Nociception and Hemodynamics in the Rat Spinal Cord / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is involved in antinociception and vascular relaxation. The effects of zaprinast, which increases the level of cGMP by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, in the spinal cord have not been reported. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of intrathecal zaprinast on stimulus evoked by formalin injection, and to observe hemodynamic change in the absence of formalin stimulation. METHODS: Rats were implanted with lumbar intrathecal catheters. Intrathecal zaprinast was administered 10 min before formalin injection. After formalin injection, formalin-induced nociceptive behavior (flinching response) was observed for 60 min. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured after intrathecal delivery of zaprinast for a period of 60 min. RESULTS: Intrathecal administration of zaprinast produced a dose-dependent suppression of flinches in both phases. Zaprinast had no evident effects on baseline MAP or HR. CONCLUSIONS: Zaprinast, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, is active against the nociceptive state evoked by formalin stimulus without affecting resting MAP or HR. Accordingly, spinal zaprinast may be useful in the management of tissue-injury induced pain.

Antinociceptive Effect of the Intrathecal Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor, Zaprinast, in a Rat Formalin Test / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and opioid receptors are involved in the modulation of nociception. Although the opioid receptors agonists are active in pain, the effect of an phospodiesterase inhibitor (zaprinast) for increasing the level of cGMP has not been thoroughly investigated at the spinal level. This study examined the effects of intrathecal zaprinast and morphine in a nociceptive test and we also examined the nature of the pharmacological interaction after the coadministration of zaprinast with morphine. The role of the nitric oxide(NO)-cGMP-potassium channel pathway on the effect of zaprinast was further clarified. METHODS: Catheters were inserted into the intrathecal space of male SD rats. For the induction of pain, 50microliter of 5% formalin solution was applied to the hindpaw. Isobolographic analysis was used for the evaluation of the drug interaction between zaprinast and morphine. Furthermore, NO synthase inhibitor (L-NMMA), guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (ODQ) or a potassium channel blocker (glibenclamide) were intrathecally administered to verify the involvement of the NO-cGMP-potassium channel pathway on the antinociception effect of zaprinast. RESULTS: Both zaprinast and morphine produced an antinociceptive effect during phase 1 and phase 2 in the formalin test. Isobolographic analysis revealed a synergistic interaction after the intrathecal administration of the zaprinast-morphine mixture in both phases. Intrathecal L-NMMA, ODQ and glibenclamide did not reverse the antinociception of zaprinast in either phase. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that zaprinast, morphine and the mixture of the two drugs are effective against acute pain and they facilitated pain state at the spinal level. Thus, the spinal combination of zaprinast with morphine may be useful for the management of pain. However, the NO-sensitive cGMP-potassium channel pathway did not contribute to the antinocieptive mechanism of zaprinast in the spinal cord.

Assessment for the Role of Serotonin Receptor Subtype 3 for the Analgesic Action of Morphine at the Spinal Level / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Serotonin 3 receptor is involved in the modulation of nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord. The serotonin 3 receptor antagonist has been used for the management of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting. The aim of this study was to examine whether the analgesic effect of morphine is antagonized by serotonin 3 receptor antagonists at the spinal level. METHODS: Rats were implanted with lumbar intrathecal catheters. For nociception, a formalin solution (5%, 50microliter) was injected into the hind paw of male Sprague-Dawley rats. To determine whether the effect of intrathecal morphine was mediated via serotonin 3 receptors, serotonin 3 receptor antagonists were intrathecally administered 10 min prior to the morphine delivery. Following the formalin injection, formalin-induced nociceptive behavior (flinching response) was observed for 60 min. RESULTS: Intrathecal morphine produced a dose-dependent suppression of the flinches in both phases during the formalin test. The analgesic action of morphine was not reversed by serotonin 3 receptor antagonists (LY-278, 584, ondansetron), which had little per se effect on the formalin-induced nociception. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal serotonin 3 receptors may not be involved in the analgesia of morphine on a nociceptive state evoked by a formalin stimulus.

Study for the Antinociceptive Effect and Toxicity of Chronic Intrathecal Infusion of Cannabinoids in Rats / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Cannabinoids have shown antinociceptive action. The aims of this study were to examine the effect of chronic infusion of a cannabinoids receptors agonist (WIN 55, 212-2) for thermal nociception at the spinal level, and to also observe the development of toxicity. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with lumbar intrathecal catheters with the nociceptive response (withdrawal response latency) determined by exposing the plantar surface of the hindpaw to radiant heat. Initially, the effect of intrathecal WIN 55, 212-2 was evaluated followed by the change in the effect at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after repeated infusion. Finally, the histopathological findings were assessed 1 and 4 weeks following the infusion of WIN 55, 212-2. RESULTS: Intrathecal WIN 55, 212-2 was found to produce a limited antinociception during the thermal test. %MPE of WIN 55, 212-2 at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after infusion was not different from each other. No abnormal pathological findings were observed following a chronic intrathecal infusion of WIN 55, 212-2. CONCLUSIONS: WIN 55, 212-2, a cannabinoids receptors agonist, may be useful in the management of thermal nociception, without changing the effectiveness or causing the toxicity following a chronic infusion at the spinal level.

Antinociceptive Effects of Intrathecal Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Compounds and Morphine in Rats / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Spinal metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and opioid receptors are involved in the modulation of nociception. Although opioid receptors agonists are active for pain, the effects of the compounds for the mGluRs have not been definitely investigated at the spinal level. We examined the effects of the intrathecal mGluR compounds and morphine in the nociceptive test, and then we further clarified the role of the spinal mGluRs. In addition, the nature of the pharmacological interaction after the coadministration of mGluRs compounds with morphine was determined. METHODS: Catheters were inserted into the intrathecal space of male SD rats. For the induction of pain, 50microl of 5% formalin solution or a thermal stimulus was applied to the hindpaw. An isobolographic analysis was used for the evaluation of the drug interaction. RESULTS: Neither group I mGluR compounds nor group III mGluR compounds produced any antinociceptive effect in the formalin test. The group II mGluR agonist (APDC) had little effect on the formalin-induced nociception. The group II mGluR antagonist (LY 341495) caused a dose-dependent suppression of the phase 2 flinching response on the formalin test, but it did not reduce the phase 1 response of the formalin test nor did it increase the withdrawal latency of the thermal stimulus. Isobolographic analysis revealed a synergistic interaction after the intrathecal delivery of a LY 341495-morphine mixture. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that group II mGluRs are involved in the facilitated processing at the spinal level, and the combination of LY 341495 with morphine may be useful to manage the facilitated pain state.

A Case of Alpha-Fetoprotein producing Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor / 대한산부인과학회잡지

The Sertoil-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT) is gonadal tumor of sex-cord type, similar to that seen in the various phase of testicular development in the male. It is the most common type of all virilizing ovarian tumors and account for less than 0.5% of all ovarian tumors. A 26-year-old woman had an ovarian SLCT associated with an elevated level of serum AFP. The tumor had a heterologous element of intestinal-type mucinous epithelium, retiform and intermediately differentiated tubules of the Sertoli cell, and AFP-producing Leydig cells. After surgery, the serum AFP level of the patient fell to the normal range. We experienced a case of AFP producing SLCT, so we present it with a brief review of literature.

Alpha-Fetoprotein Producing Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor of the Ovary: A Case Report

A 26-year-old woman had an ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT) associated with an elevated level of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The tumor had a heterologous element of intestinal-type mucinous epithelium, retiform and intermediately differentiated tubules of the Sertoli cells, and AFP-producing Leydig cells. AFP was demonstrated within the Leydig cells by an immunohistochemical technique. After surgery, the serum AFP level of the patient fell to the normal range. The present case is the first documented case of AFP producing a SLCT of the ovary reported in Korea.

The efficacy of nuchal translucency with free beta-hCG, PAPP-A as a screening test for detection of chromosomal anomaly in the first trimester of pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of nuchal translucency in combination with free beta-hCG, PAPP-A in the first trimester screening for chromosomal anomaly in general population. METHODS: Between April 1998 and December 1999, we evaluated 263 pregnant women undergoing first trimester screening test for fetal chromosomal anomaly using nuchal translucency combined with free beta-hCG, PAPP-A. We confirmed the pregnancy outcomes through chorionic villi sampling, amniocentesis or term delivery. We excluded 15 pregnant women because of their obscure pregnancy outcomes. Statistical analysis was considered significant when P value was lower than 0.05. RESULTS: With a risk cut-off of 1 in 400, 24 pregnancies(9.7%) of 248 cases were screen positive and 224 pregnancies(90.3%) were screen negative. 2 cases of Down syndrome and 1 case of Turner syndrome were detected in screen positive group. No chromosomal anomalies were detected in screen negative group. CONCLUSION: In this study, 8.57% of false positive rate and 12.5% of positive predictive value were obtained in the first trimester screening for chromosomal anomaly using nuchal translucency and serum markers.

Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Ovarian Tumors / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: A large body of evidence suggests that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is important in tumorigenesis of gastrointestinal and other cancers. This was the study to determine whether COX-2 was also expressed in benign and malignant ovarian tumors. METHODS: We studied the expression of COX-2 in various ovarian tumors [ Benign epithelial tumors (n=10), borderline epithelial tumors (n=12), malignant epithelial tumor (n=12), nonepithelial tumors(n=10) ] by immunohistochemistry. Results of immunoreactivity was classified semiquantitatively based on the proportion and intensity of tumor cell immunostaining. RESULTS: In the epithelial ovarian tumors, the intensity of immunostaining was stronger in the malignant tumors than the benign and borderline tumors (p<0.001). Especially all serous and mucinous malignant tumors (n=9) showed weak and strong immunoreactivity, with 66.7% strong reactivity. None of the nonepithelial ovarian tumors expressed COX-2 immunoreactivity. CONCLUSION: These preliminary data indicate that COX-2 may have a role in carcinogenesis of epithelial ovarian tumors, especially in the serous and mucinous types. COX-2 maybe a target for future research in the tumorigenesis of the epithelial ovarian malignancies.