Clinical and anatomopathological descriptions of dog with arterious Hemitruncus: case report / [Descrições clínicas e anatomopatológicas de cão com hemitruncus arterioso: relato de caso

The anomalous origin of the pulmonary trunk in the ascending aorta, defined as arterious hemitruncus, is a rare congenital malformation in dogs, caused by a defect in the spiral septum. Thus, given the unusual occurrence in the canine species, the systemic severity and the high lethality, the aim of this study was to describe this heart disease in a three-month-old male German Spitz puppy, emphasizing clinical changes of the necropsy and microscopics. The animal had cyanosis, dyspnea and weakness and was forwarded for necropsy after sudden death. Numerous changes were detected in the post-mortem examination, including in the heart, as cardiomegaly and absence of the arterial ligament, which was replaced by the complete fusion between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary trunk, after leaving both the left and right ventricles, respectively and, among the microscopic findings, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy stood out. The association of these findings with the history indicated the diagnosis of arterious hemitruncus followed by cardiorespiratory failure, emphasizing the importance of out complementary cardiological exams in young symptomatic patients for the survival of those affected. Arterious hemitruncus, although rare, must be added in the differential diagnosis of other heart diseases that cause similar clinical signs.(AU)

A origem anômala do tronco pulmonar em aorta ascendente, definida como hemitruncus arterioso, é uma malformação congênita rara em cães, causada por defeito no septo espiral. Assim, diante da ocorrência incomum na espécie canina, da gravidade sistêmica e da alta letalidade, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever essa doença cardíaca em um filhote de três meses de idade, macho, Spitz Alemão, enfatizando as alterações clínicas, de necropsia e microscópicas. O animal apresentava cianose, dispneia e fraqueza e foi encaminhado para necropsia após morte súbita. Inúmeras alterações foram detectadas no exame post-mortem, inclusive no coração, como cardiomegalia e ausência do ligamento arterioso, o qual foi substituído pela fusão completa entre aorta ascendente e tronco pulmonar, após a saída de ambas dos ventrículos esquerdo e direito, respectivamente, e, dentre os achados microscópicos, destacou-se a hipertrofia de cardiomiócitos. A associação desses achados com o histórico indicou o diagnóstico de hemitruncus arterioso seguido de insuficiência cardiorrespiratória, ressaltando-se a importância de exames complementares cardiológicos em pacientes jovens sintomáticos na sobrevida dos acometidos. O hemitruncus arterioso, apesar de raro, deve ser acrescido no diagnóstico diferencial de outras cardiopatias que causam sinais clínicos similares.(AU)

Anatomic and histologic analysis of paca larynx (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766) / [Análise anatômica e histológica da laringe da paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766)]

Paca (Cuniculus paca) has encouraged research as an experimental model both in the human medicine and veterinary, as well as the economic exploitation of its meat cuts, which favored its zootechnical use. There are no anatomical, microscopic descriptions and measurements of the larynx in this rodent. Eight pacas were dissected from the wild animal's sector of the Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of the University of the State of São Paulo. The larynx was observed located in the ventral region of the neck, ventral to the esophagus, connecting the pharynx to the trachea, with cylindrical and irregular shape. Laryngeal cartilages (epiglottic, thyroid, cricoid and arytenoid) are interconnected and have different shapes. Thyroid showed greater length and width, compared to the others. Laryngeal cartilages were submitted to histological processing and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. The epiglottic cartilage was stained with toluidine blue. Laryngeal cartilages thyroid, cricoid and the lower portion of the arytenoids are of hyaline origin and, in contrast, the epiglottis and the upper portion of the arytenoids are elastic. This latter cartilage demonstrated taste buds. The results will be able to auxiliate in veterinary care and as well as the conservation programs for this rodent.(AU)

A paca (Cuniculus paca) tem encorajado inúmeras pesquisas, tornando-a modelo experimental tanto em humanos como na veterinária, além da exploração econômica de seus cortes cárneos, que favoreceu diretamente sua importância zootécnica. Não há descrições anatômicas, microscópicas e mensurações da laringe desse roedor. Foram dissecadas oito laringes de pacas, provenientes do setor de Animais Silvestres da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - Universidade Estadual Paulista. Observou-se que a laringe localiza-se na região ventral do pescoço, ventral ao esôfago, conectando a faringe à traqueia, possuindo formato cilíndrico e irregular. As cartilagens laríngeas (epiglote, tireóide, cricóide e aritenóidea) são interligadas e possuem formatos variados. A cartilagem tireóide demonstrou-se maior em comprimento e largura, comparativamente às demais. As cartilagens laríngeas foram submetidas a processamento histológico e coradas em hematoxilina-eosina e tricrômio de Masson. A cartilagem epiglote foi corada em azul de toluidina. As cartilagens laríngeas tireóide, cricóide e a porção inferior das aritenóides são de origem hialina; em contrapartida, a epiglote e a porção superior das aritenóides, de origem elástica. Esta última cartilagem demonstrou corpúsculos gustativos. Os resultados poderão auxiliar tanto nos atendimentos veterinários quanto nos programas de conservação desse roedor.(AU)

Morphoquantitative evaluation of the heart of cutia (Dasyprocta agouti) and capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) / [Avaliação morfoquantitativa do coração da cutia (Dasyprocta agouti) e da capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)]

The cutia (Dasyprocta agouti) and capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris ) are hystricomorphic rodents of the Brazilian fauna. The wild animal anatomy is essential to the clinic and surgery practices and conservation programs. This work aimed to evaluate the heart quantitative morphology of the cutia and the capybara. For this, three hearts of cutia and three of capybaras were used from the collection of the Anatomy Sector of Domestic and Wild Animals of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo. The hearts were weighted and measured with a pachymeter. The left ventricle volume was estimated through the Cavalieri method. The hearts' mean weight was 16.76g (cutias) and 104.2g (capybaras). The mean values for the axis, width and base dimensions were of the cutia 4.3cm, 3.3cm and 3.3cm and for the capybara were 7.6cm, 6.0cm and 6.1cm, respectively. The mean volume of the left ventricle of the cutia and the capybara was 5.03cm3 and 54.55cm3, respectively. The quantitative results of the hearts were compatible with the average body weight of the rodents. Thus, these numerical data can be applied to veterinary cardiology.(AU)

A cutia (Dasyprocta agouti) e a capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) são roedores histricomorfos da fauna brasileira. A anatomia de animais silvestres é essencial para a prática clínico-cirúrgica e programas conservacionistas. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a morfologia quantitativa do coração da cutia e da capivara. Para isso, foram utilizados três corações de cutias e três de capivaras, provenientes do acervo do Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo. Os corações foram pesados e as mensurações foram realizadas com paquímetro. O volume do ventrículo esquerdo foi calculado pelo método de Cavalieri. O peso médio dos corações foi de 16,76g (cutias) e de 104,2g (capivaras). Os valores médios para as dimensões eixo, largura e base foram, para a cutia, de 4,3cm, 3,3cm e 3,3cm e para a capivara, de 7,6cm, 6,0cm e 6,1cm, respectivamente. O volume médio do ventrículo esquerdo da cutia e da capivara foi respectivamente de 5,03cm3 e de 54,55cm3. Os resultados quantitativos dos corações foram compatíveis com o peso corporal médio dos roedores. Assim, esses dados numéricos podem ser aplicados à cardiologia veterinária.(AU)

Radiographic pelvimetry in 0 to 24 month-old pacas (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766) / Pelvimetria radiográfica em pacas de 0 a 24 meses de idade (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

The pelvimetry consists of the metric determination of the pelvis dimensions and its use is directly related to the reproduction. The cartilage closure time of the ossification centers varies according to the bone, some closing already in the uterine life and others remaining present for many years. The objective was to evaluate, radiographically, the pelvic diameters by pelvimetry during the first 24 months of life in pacas, the second lagest Brazilian rodent and an animal that has shown big recent scientific interest, aiming the estimated age determination. Twelve pacas were used, which were monthly radiographed up from birth until 24 months old, with the animals anesthetized. The pacas are dolicopelvic animals and with pelvis presenting strong tendency to constant growth along the 12 first months of age, fact that can be useful in the approximated animals' age determination that do not have precise birth date, for example.(AU)

A pelvimetria consiste na determinação métrica das dimensões pélvicas, e sua utilização está diretamente relacionada à reprodução. O momento de fechamento da cartilagem dos centros de ossificação varia de acordo com o osso, algumas fechando já na vida uterina e outras permanecendo presentes por vários anos. Objetivou-se avaliar, radiograficamente, os diâmetros pélvicos, mediante pelvimetria, durante os 24 primeiros meses de vida de pacas, o segundo maior roedor brasileiro e sobre o qual tem havido grande interesse científico, para a determinação aproximada da idade. Foram utilizadas 12 pacas, as quais foram radiografadas mensalmente a partir do nascimento até 24 meses de idade, com os animais anestesiados. As pacas são animais dolicopélvicos e com pelve apresentando forte tendência ao crescimento constante durante os 12 primeiros meses de vida, o que pode ser útil na determinação aproximada da idade em animais que não possuem data precisa de nascimento, por exemplo.(AU)

Morfologia do pâncreas da paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766) / Morphology of the pancreas of pacas (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

Este trabalho se baseou na descrição morfológica da paca (Cuniculus paca), espécie selvagem pertencente à ordem dos roedores, típica de regiões tropicais, sendo o seu conhecimento anatômico detalhado muito importante para sua conservação, experimentação e comercialização, pois ainda são escassos na literatura os trabalhos sobre morfologia de espécies selvagens. Macroscopicamente, o pâncreas da paca é formado por lóbulos, organizados em ramificações difusas, e, microscopicamente, tal órgão possui uma camada de tecido conjuntivo frouxo, a partir da qual partem septos, que dividem a glândula em lóbulos, compostos de ácinos e ilhotas pancreáticas.(AU)

The present study aimed to describe the morphology of pacas (Cuniculus paca), a wild species belonging to the order Rodentia, found in tropical areas. The detailed anatomical knowledge of pacas is very important for conservation, experimental studies and commercialization because studies in literature about wild species are scarce. The pancreas of paca has lobes organized in diffuse branches at the macroscopic level and microscopically this organ has a loose connective tissue layer, originating septa that divide the gland into lobes composed of acini and pancreatic islets.(AU)

Reproductive system development in male and female horse embryos and fetuses: Gonadal hyperplasia revisited.

In horses, pregnancy is characterized by high levels of maternal estrogens that are produced largely by the interstitial tissue inside the gonads of the offspring, associated with a physiological gonadal hyperplasia, that is uncommon in other species. However, a detailed structural-functional understanding of the early stages of gonadal development and hyperplasia has remained elusive in horse pregnancy because of the lack of substantial data. The goal of this study was to describe the genital organs' development in 19 early horse embryos and fetuses (days 20-140 of gestation) of both sexes by means of anatomy, histology, stereology, and immunohistochemistry, with a specific focus on gonadal hyperplasia and interstitial tissue development. Gonadal hyperplasia with similar amounts of interstitial cells was observed in both sexes, but only during the early stage of development (days 40-90). Surprisingly, a higher degree of hyperplasia, characterized by larger amounts of interstitial cell-rich areas, was seen in fetal ovaries from 90 days of gestation onwards. Another novel aspect was that parallel to the hyperplasia of the interstitial cells, a much more precocious and pronounced differentiation of germinal cells was seen in the ovary, characterized by an earlier peak and decrease of DAZL and OCT protein immune markers. In conclusion, a reduced degree of hyperplasia and interstitial tissue in the fetal testis after 90 days of gestation suggests the existence of a more efficient mechanism regarding the synthesis of estrogen precursors as a structural or physiological difference between both fetal sexes, which warrants further investigation.

The Hindlimb Arterial Vessels in Lowland paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766).

This study aims to describe the origin and distribution of the hindlimb arterial vessels. Five adult lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) were used. Stained and diluted latex was injected, caudally to the aorta. After fixation in 10% paraformaldehyde for 72 h, we dissected to visualize and identify the vessels. It was found out that the vascularization of the hindlimb in lowland paca derives from the terminal branch of the abdominal aorta. The common iliac artery divides into external iliac and internal iliac. The external iliac artery emits the deep iliac circumflex artery, the pudendal epigastric trunk, the deep femoral artery; the femoral artery originates the saphenous artery, it bifurcates into cranial and caudal saphenous arteries. Immediately after the knee joint, the femoral artery is called popliteal artery, which divides into tibial cranial and tibial caudal arteries at the level of the crural inter-osseous space. The origin and distribution of arteries in the hindlimb of lowland paca resembles that in other wild rodents, as well as in the domestic mammals.

Morfologia do estômago e do duodeno da paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) / Morphology of the stomach and duodenum of paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766)

Considerando a importância da paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766), tanto como fonte proteica alternativa para a população quanto pela possibilidade de vir a se tornar um animal de experimentação e pela falta de informações sobre a sua anatomia, objetivou-se descrever a morfologia macroscópica e histológica do estômago e do duodeno desse roedor, reconhecendo as relações, forma e posição que esses órgãos estabelecem entre si e com outros órgãos. O estômago da paca é unicavitário, está no plano médio mais voltado para o antímero esquerdo, transversalmente, na região hipocôndrica em posição ventrocaudal, interposto entre o esôfago e o duodeno. O duodeno da paca se inicia em sequência ao estômago, segue caudalmente até o nível da quinta ou sexta vértebra lombar, na altura das quais se curva e toma direção cranial, dirigindo-se até o nível da transição entre a última vértebra torácica e a primeira vértebra lombar, onde se continua como jejuno. Histologicamente, o estômago e o duodeno da paca possuem o padrão característico da arquitetura dos órgãos ocos, apresentando as seguintes túnicas: mucosa, submucosa, muscular e serosa. Da forma que se conduziu este estudo, conclui-se que o estômago e duodeno da paca, de forma geral, possuem características morfológicas macroscópicas e histológicas semelhantes às dos animais domésticos e de outros roedores selvagens.

Considering the importance of paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766) as an alternative protein source for the population as well as the possibility to become an experimental model and the lack of information regarding to the anatomy of this species, the present study aims to describe the gross anatomy and the histology of the stomach and duodenum of this rodent, recognizing the relations, shape and position that these organs establish between themselves and among other organs. The paca stomach is monocavitary; it is located at the median plane, more toward the left antimere, transversally, at the hypochondriac region in a ventrocaudal position, interposed between the esophagus and duodenum. The duodenum of paca begins in sequence of the stomach, following caudally until the fifth or sixth lumbar vertebra, at this level it curves and takes the cranial direction, going until the transition level between the last thoracic vertebra and the first lumbar vertebra where it continues as jejune. Histologically, the stomach and duodenum of paca have the characteristic pattern of the hollow organs architecture, presenting the following layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscular and serous. As this study was conducted, it is possible to conclude that the stomach and duodenum of paca, in general, present gross anatomical and histological characteristics similar to the domestic animals and to the other wild rodents.

Morfologia do estômago do cervo-do-pantanal (Blastocerus dichotomus, Illiger 1815) / Morphology of the marsh deer's stomach (Blastocerus dichotomus, Illiger 1815)

Em razão da falta de informações sobre a morfologia do cervo-do-pantanal, objetivou-se apresentar a morfologia das câmaras gástricas desse cervídeo. Macroscopicamente, o estômago do cervo-do-pantanal é formado pelo rúmen, retículo, omaso e abomaso, assemelhando-se aos ruminantes domésticos. Microscopicamente, o rúmen e o abomaso são semelhantes aos animais domésticos, já o retículo e o omaso apresentam características específicas, como acentuada queratinização no ápice das pequenas projeções epiteliais do retículo e pregas omasais revestidas por discretas papilas.(AU)

Based on the lack of information regarding the morphology of marsh deer, this work aims to describe some morphological aspects of the gastric chamber in this species, collaborating with future investigations, mainly related to rational handling in this cervid. This work aimed to describe the morphology of the gastric chamber of the marsh deer, characterizing the external and internal macroscopical details and the microscopical architecture of these structures by light microscopy. Macroscopically, the marsh deer stomach is formed by the rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum similar to the domestic ruminants. Microscopically, rumen and abomasum are similar to the domestic ruminants. The reticulum and the omasum, however, present specific characteristics such as keratin on the top of the reticulum, small epithelial projections and omasum folds covered with discrete papillae.(AU)

Ibudilast, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, in combination with low-dose aspirin potently inhibits guinea pig carotid artery thrombosis without extending bleeding time and causing gastric mucosal injury.

A combination of low-dose aspirin (ASA) and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor has been clinically tried for the secondary prevention of atherothrombotic diseases. The in vivo antithrombotic property of ibudilast (CAS 50847-11-5), a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, was evaluated in a photochemically-induced guinea pig carotid artery thrombosis model in combination with low-dose ASA. The time required to decrease the carotid artery blood flow to the reading "zero" was defined as the time to occlusion (TTO) of the artery through thrombogenesis. Each independent use of ASA (300 mg/kg, p.o.) and ibudilast (3 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly prolonged the TTO, and ASA (300 mg/kg) significantly increased bleeding time (BT) and gastric mucosal injury. A selective PDE4 inhibitor rolipram (1 and 5 mg/kg, p.o.) tended to prolong the TTO without extending BT. ASA (100 mg/kg) plus ibudilast (3 mg/kg) and ASA (100 mg/kg) plus rolipram (5 mg/kg) markedly prolonged the TTO compared with each agent alone. Interestingly, ASA (100 mg/kg) plus ibudilast (3 mg/kg) caused a longer TTO than ASA (300 mg/kg) alone, without significant extension of BT and gastric mucosal injury as observed in ASA (300 mg/kg). These results indicate that the combination of low-dose ASA and ibudilast has a more potent antithrombotic effect than ASA alone without increasing bleeding tendency and gastric mucosal injury. The potent in vivo antithrombotic effect of this combination may be brought about by an action that is associated with PDE4 inhibition of ibudilast.

Bacillus cereus bacteremia outbreak due to contaminated hospital linens.

We describe an outbreak of Bacillus cereus bacteremia that occurred at Jichi Medical University Hospital in 2006. This study aimed to identify the source of this outbreak and to implement appropriate control measures. We reviewed the charts of patients with blood cultures positive for B. cereus, and investigated B. cereus contamination within the hospital environment. Genetic relationships among B. cereus isolates were analyzed. Eleven patients developed B. cereus bacteremia between January and August 2006. The hospital linens and the washing machine were highly contaminated with B. cereus, which was also isolated from the intravenous fluid. All of the contaminated linens were autoclaved, the washing machine was cleaned with a detergent, and hand hygiene was promoted among the hospital staff. The number of patients per month that developed new B. cereus bacteremia rapidly decreased after implementing these measures. The source of this outbreak was B. cereus contamination of hospital linens, and B. cereus was transmitted from the linens to patients via catheter infection. Our findings demonstrated that bacterial contamination of hospital linens can cause nosocomial bacteremia. Thus, blood cultures that are positive for B. cereus should not be regarded as false positives in the clinical setting.

Sex-related macrostructural organization of the deer's brachial plexus.

We describe the morphological organization of the deer brachial plexus in order to supply data to veterinary neuroclinics and anaesthesiology. The deer (Mazama gouazoubira) brachial plexus is composed of four roots: three cervical (C6, C7 and C8) and one thoracic (T1). Within each sex group, no variations are observed between the left and the right brachial plexus, though sex-related differences are seen especially in its origin. The origin of axillary and radial nerves was: C6, C7, C8 and T1 in males and C8-T1 (radial nerve) and C7, C8 and T1 (axillary nerve) in females; musculocutaneous nerve was: C6-C7 (males) and C8-T1 (females); median and ulnar nerves was: C8-T1 (males) and T1 (females); long thoracic nerve was: C7 (males) and T1 (females); lateral thoracic nerve was: C6, C7, C8 and T1 (males) and T1 (females); thoracodorsal nerve was: C6, C7, C8 and T1 (males) and C8-T1 (females); suprascapular nerve was: C6-C7 (males) and C6 (females) and subscapular nerve was: C6-C7 (males) and C7 (females). This study suggests that in male deer the origin of the brachial plexus is more cranial than in females and the origin of the brachial plexus is slightly more complex in males, i.e. there is an additional number of roots (from one to three). This sexual dimorphism may be related to specific biomechanical functions of the thoracic limb and electrophysiological studies may be needed to shed light on this morphological feature.

Cloning of cDNA for UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and the expression of mRNA in rice endosperm.

Rice endosperm UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) cDNA clones were isolated by screening a lambda ZAP II library prepared from poly (A(+)) RNA of japonica rice (cv Sasanishiki) endosperm with a probe of potato UGPase cDNA. One cDNA clone, possessing about 1,700 nucleotides, contained the complete open reading frame of rice UGPase. At the nucleotide-sequence level, the UGPase cDNA of rice endosperm had high homology with the UGPase cDNA of barley endosperm (84%) and potato tuber (71%). The calculated molecular weight (50 kDa) agrees with the value determined by SDS-PAGE (51 kDa). At the amino-acid sequence level, rice UGPase has high homology with the UGPase of barley (92%) and potato (85%). The enzyme contained conserved sequence elements which are thought to be involved in substrate binding and catalytic activity. A Southern-blot analysis indicated that the gene existed as a single copy. Expression of the enzyme in rice endosperm examined by Northern-blot analysis was high at 10-15 days after heading.

Group-II phospholipase A(2) enhances oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced macrophage growth through enhancement of GM-CSF release.

Inflammatory process plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Recently, group-II phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), an inflammatory mediator, was reported to exist in human atherosclerotic lesions and to enhance the development of murine atherosclerotic lesions. Oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) stimulates the growth of several types of macrophages in vitro. Since proliferation of macrophages occurs in atherosclerotic lesions, it is possible to assume that the Ox-LDL-induced macrophage proliferation might be involved in the progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, the role of group-II PLA(2) in the Ox-LDL-induced macrophage growth was investigated using thioglycollate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages. Thioglycollate-elicited macrophages significantly expressed group-II PLA(2) and released it into the culture medium. The Ox-LDL-induced thymidine incorporation into thioglycollate-elicited macrophages was three times higher than that into resident macrophages, whereas under the same conditions, granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) equally induced thymidine incorporation into both types of macrophages. Moreover, the Ox-LDL-induced GM-CSF release from thioglycollate-elicited macrophages was significantly higher than that from resident macrophages. In addition, the Ox-LDL-induced thymidine incorporation into macrophages obtained from human group-II PLA(2) transgenic mice and the GM-CSF release from these cells were significantly higher than those from their negative littermates, and the Ox-LDL-induced thymidine incorporation into human group-II PLA(2) transgenic macrophages was significantly inhibited by a polyclonal anti-human group-II PLA(2) antibody. These results suggest that the expression of group-II PLA(2) in thioglycollate-elicited macrophages may play an enhancing role in the Ox-LDL-induced macrophage growth through the enhancement of the GM-CSF release.

Effects of probucol on cholesterol metabolism in mouse peritoneal macrophages: inhibition of HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux.

Macrophage-derived foam cells are known to play an essential role in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Probucol prevents oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and lowers plasma contents of LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). A recent report using apoE -/- mice demonstrated that probucol treatment enhanced atherosclerosis in apoE -/- mice more rapidly than that in untreated apoE -/- mice, and a reduction in plasma cholesterol by probucol was not the cause of enhancement of atherosclerotic lesions in probucol-treated apoE -/- mice. Moreover, probucol was reported to inhibit apoA-I mediated cholesterol efflux from mouse macrophages. These reports suggested that probucol might directly affect cholesterol metabolism in mouse macrophages. Thus, we investigated the effects of probucol on cholesterol metabolism in mouse resident peritoneal macrophages. Probucol did not affect degradation of acetylated LDL (Ac-LDL), degradation of LDL and endogenous cholesterol synthesis in mouse macrophages. However, it significantly inhibited HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, probucol partially (30%) inhibited the binding of HDL to mouse macrophages, and significantly activated acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). Our results suggested that probucol inhibited HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux by inhibiting the binding of HDL to mouse macrophages and reducing HDL-accessible free cholesterol content by ACAT activation, thereby worsening atherosclerotic lesions in apoE -/- mice. However, it remains unclear whether probucol inhibits HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux from human macrophages.

[Decision levels of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia in elderly Japanese subjects].

Decision levels of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia in elderly subjects as well as younger subjects should be determined to prevent complications of these diseases such as microvascular and macrovascular diseases. Therefore, prospective follow-up study is necessary to decide the decision levels. In the case of diabetes mellitus, there are some useful studies such as KUMAMOTO STUDY show that strict glycemic control can prevent microvascular diseases, but there are few studies in elderly subjects. However, hypoglycemia causes macrovascular events, and chronic hypoglycemia leads to dementia and apathy. It is generally accepted that the glycemic control level can be milder than that in younger subjects. We suggest that the following decision levels are reasonable for elderly diabetic subjects, 1. FPG > 140-160 mg/dl, 2. PG(2 h) > 200-250 mg/dl, 3. HbA1c > 7-8%. Decision level of hyperlipidemia in elderly subjects should also be determined to prevent cardiovascular disease. It is demonstrated that anti-hyperlipidemic treatment can prevent CHD even in elderly subjects by many prospective studies. Japan Atherosclerosis Society recommend that the decision levels of hyperlipidemia in elderly subjects can be the same as younger subjects. The decision levels indicating diet therapy and medication for risk factor free subjects(category A) are LDL-C > or = 140 and 160 mg/dl, respectively. Those for subjects without CHD but have some risk factors(category B) are LDL-C > or = 120 and 140 mg/dl, respectively. Those for subjects with CHD(category C) are LDL-C > or = 100 and 120 mg/dl, respectively.

Phylogenetic relationships in the genus Oryza based on mitochondrial RFLPs.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of mitochondrial DNA in the genus Oryza was surveyed using 20 accessions including 11 species and a single endonuclease, EcoRI. RFLPs were visualized by Southern hybridization with eight rice mitochondrial DNA probes labeled non-radioactively with digoxigenin-dUTP. A total of 66 bands were obtained from all of the accessions. The total number of fragments per plant was higher in diploid A-genome species (an average of 35.3) than that in diploid B- and C-genome species and allotetraploid BC- and CD-genome species (an average of 28.2). The extent of the polymorphism in the RFLP patterns was various depending on the probes used. A diverse polymorphism was observed with most of the probes used, i.e. the cob, cox I, atp6, rrn18, rrn26 and atp9 regions, whereas, no polymorphic band was observed with a probe for the coxII region. The genus Oryza was separated into two large clusters. One cluster was comprised of A-genome species and the other cluster was comprised of B-, BC-, C-, and CD- genome species. Within A-genome species, the genetic variation was relatively high. Even in O. sativa species, the RFLP patterns of japonica and indica subspecies were clearly different from each other when three probes were used. However, there was no polymorphism between O. glaberrima and O. barthii. Within the genomes of B, BC, C, and CD, RFLP patterns were similar to each other and they showed a closer affinity except for O. minuta (BBCC). Within the BC genome species, the patterns of O. punctata and O. minuta were largely different from each other and separated into two different subclusters. Thus, the mitochondrial genomes of the two BC species (O. punctata and O. minuta) apparently evolved independently. Among CD genome species (O. latifolia and O. alta), the patterns of one accession, O. alta W0017 were largely different from those of the other accessions of CD genome species.

Glucocorticoid inhibits oxidized LDL-induced macrophage growth by suppressing the expression of granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Glucocorticoid, an anti-inflammatory agent, inhibits the development of atherosclerosis in various experimental animal models. This is partially explained by its ability to inhibit smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation in the intima and to reduce chemotaxis of circulating monocytes and leukocytes into the subendothelial spaces. We have recently demonstrated that oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) has a mitogenic activity for macrophages in vitro in which Ox-LDL-induced granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) production plays an important role. Proliferation of cellular components is one of the characteristic events in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In the present study, we investigated the effects of glucocorticoids on Ox-LDL-induced macrophage growth. Dexamethasone, prednisolone, and cortisol inhibited Ox-LDL-induced thymidine incorporation into macrophages by 85%, 70%, and 50%, respectively. Ox-LDL induced a significant production of GM-CSF by macrophages, which was effectively inhibited by dexamethasone, prednisolone, and cortisol by 80%, 65%, and 50%, respectively. Dexamethasone-mediated inhibition of Ox-LDL-induced GM-CSF mRNA expression and macrophage growth was significantly abrogated by RU-486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist. Our results suggest that the inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids on macrophage growth may be due to the inhibition of Ox-LDL-induced GM-CSF production through transactivation of the glucocorticoid receptor.

Effects of insulin therapy and glycemic control on distribution of HDL alpha and pre-beta subfractions in non insulin-dependent diabetic subjects.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The heterogeneous population of HDL particles can be separated into six classes which may provide a more sensitive index of cardiovascular risk than HDL cholesterol. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate HDL distribution in NIDDM. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-five individuals were treated with diet and sulfonylurea and 14 with insulin; both groups had similar plasma lipid profiles and BMI, but the insulin-treated subjects were older and their diabetes was of longer duration. The major findings were a greater proportion of apoA1 in alpha 1-HDL in the insulin-treated group (24.3 +/- 5.2% vs 20.8 +/- 4.0%), which is a desirable profile, and a greater proportion of pre-beta 1-HDL, which are the initial acceptors of cellular cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a beneficial influence of insulin treatment on reverse cholesterol transport. Moreover, glycemic control (HbA1c) also related to alpha 3-HDL significantly (r = 0.51; p < 0.01), indicating an association between poorer glycemic control and an adverse HDL profile.

Effect of a stearic acid-rich, structured triacylglycerol on plasma lipid concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Structured lipids are being incorporated into foods to reduce their energy value. One such lipid is rich in stearic acid. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the effects on plasma lipids of a stearic acid-rich triacylglycerol and a fat rich in palmitic acid in hypercholesterolemic subjects. DESIGN: Fifteen subjects with an average plasma cholesterol concentration of 6.13 +/- 0.80 mmol/L initially ate a low-fat diet for 2 wk (run-in period), followed in random order and blinded fashion by 2 high-fat diets (for 5 wk each) containing foods derived from margarines rich either in palmitic acid or in the structured, stearic acid-rich triacylglycerol. RESULTS: Plasma cholesterol concentrations with the low-fat, the stearic acid-rich, and the palmitic acid-rich diets were not significantly different (5.35 +/- 0.83, 5.41 +/- 0.78, and 5.52 +/- 0.68 mmol/L, respectively) but were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those measured during the habitual diet period (ie, 2 wk before the study began). Neither HDL cholesterol nor plasma triacylglycerol differed significantly among the 3 study diets. CONCLUSION: A similar increase in the intake of stearic and palmitic acids (differing by approximately 5% of total energy) to ensure a high fat intake resulted in plasma total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations that did not differ significantly from concentrations measured during a period of low-fat intake.