Effect of Tamoxifen in C6 Glioma Cells

This work describes tamaoxifen, a nonsteroidal antiestrogen compound, which has been used extensively in the treatment of breast cancer on account of its efficacy and relatively low toxicity. It has been reported to inhibit glioma proliferation in all cell line tested, acting by a mechanism independent of estrogen receptor blockade. Tamoxifen causes cytotoxicity at higher concentration(>or=5 micrometer), as compared with control. Our results showed that this compound decreased the rate of cell proliferation in dose-dependent manner. Its treatment against the C6 glioma cells also resulted in enhancement of the antitumor effect. These data suggest that tamoxifen may serve as an useful agent in chemotherapy of glioma.

Anterolateral Intrumentation and Spinal Stabilzation of Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture

Between March 1994 and March 1995, 10 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures underwent a one-stage operation consisting of anterior decompression, reduction, bony fusion with iliac bone and stabilization with Kaneda device. The mean follow-up was 6.4 Months. Most patients with incomplete neurologic lesions showed postoperative improvement and were upgraded one or two steps in the Frankel scale. No patient showed neurological deterioration after surgery. Loss of reduction was 5.5 degree during follow-up period. Anterior decompression and strut fusion was used to effectively recover the neurological deficit and reduce the pain in a thoraco-lumbar burst fracture.