The Study of K Channels in Smooth Muscle Cells of Rabbit Seminal Vesicle / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: Ionic currents in smooth muscle have fundamental roles in initiation and maintenance of excitability and contractile status. So we studied and characterized potassium ion channels in smooth muscle cells of rabbit seminal vesicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single smooth muscle cells of New Zealand White rabbit seminal vesicle were obtained using proteolytic enzymes (collagenase and papain). Using single cell and channel recording methods of patch clamp, potassium channels in smooth muscle of seminal vesicle were recorded. RESULTS: Potassium currents recorded whole-cell patch clamp method were divided into maxi-K channel dominant cells (n=11) and the cells with mixture of maxi-K and delayed rectifier K channels (n=7). Inside-out mode of patch clamp technique was used to characterize the maxi-K channel. The channel showed outward rectification and Ca-dependency. The single channel conductance of this channel estimated from slope conductance was 188 pS in physiological condition. These characters were typical properties of maxi-K channel. CONCLUSIONS: From these results it is suggested that maxi-K channel was predominantly distributed in rabbit seminal vesicle cell. The physiological roles of this channel in modulating seminal vesicle smooth muscle tone need further studies.

A Case of Primary Malignant Lymphoma of the Parotid Gland

The malignant lymphoma originating in the parotid gland is relatively rare, constituting 0.3% of all reported malignancies. Malignant lymphoma is a neoplastic proliferation of cell in the lymphoreticular system and devided as Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurs primarily in lymph nodes and is rarely found in extralymphatic organs. In general, malignant lymphoma originating in the parotid gland is histologically described as non- Hodgkin's lymphoma, frequently belongs to the B-cell type and rarely relapses into other sites. Recently, we have experienced a malignant lymphoma in the left parotid gland. It was diffuse large B-cell type, stage I. In the imaging examination, exhibited homogeneity of the tumor. It was well defined margin and no infiltration into the adjacent tissue. The patient underwent superficial parotidectomy and combination chemotherapy with CHOP-regimen. He have been followed for 6 months and no relapse occurred. We report this case with a brief review of literature.

Parapharyngeal Second Branchial Cleft Cyst Extending to the Skull Base: A Lateral Transcranial Infratemporal fossa Approach

Branchial cleft cysts, sinuses, and fistulae are classified as first, second, third and fourth branchial cleft anomalies. They represent the congenital anomalies resulting from defects in the normal maturation of the branchial apparatus. Second branchial cleft anomalies occur more commonly than other branchial cleft anomalies. Most branchial cysts from the second branchial cleft are found deep in the sternocleidomastoid muscle or along its anterior border. Recognizing and diagnosing lateral neck cysts correctly are not difficult for an expert physician, although an unusual localization may cause problems in differential diagnosis. Complete excision of branchial cleft cysts is necessary to avoid recurrence. Approaches to the lesions are depending on the location and extent of the lesion. This article presents an unusual case of parapharyngeal branchial cleft cyst extending the skull base. Excision of the lesion was achieved via the lateral transcranial infratemporal fossa approach with zygomato-temporal craniotomy. This approach provides access not only to all of the subcranial tissues that underlie the middle cranial fossa, but to the maxillary or sphenoid sinus.