Development of a Complete En-Bloc Technique with Direct Bladder Neck Incision: A Newly Modified Approach for Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to introduce a newly developed approach for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) called the "complete en-bloc technique," and to compare the clinical outcomes of this approach with those of previously performed procedures. Methods: This study retrospectively assessed the perioperative findings from 548 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) undergoing HoLEP who were divided into the following groups according to the consecutive changes in surgical techniques: group A (n = 236), the three-lobe technique; group B (n = 137), the conventional en-bloc technique; and group C (n = 175), the complete en-bloc technique with direct bladder neck incision. Results: There were no significant differences in major clinical characteristics or urinary symptoms among groups A, B, and C. Although there was no significant difference in the resected prostate weight among the three groups, the enucleation time was significantly shorter and total laser energy was significantly lower in group C than in groups A and B. Therefore, the enucleation efficiency, calculated by dividing the resected prostate weight by the enucleation time, was significantly greater in group C than in groups A and B. Furthermore, no significant differences in the postoperative urinary symptoms, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life, maximum flow rate, postvoid residual, and persistent stress urinary incontinence rate, were noted among the three groups, and there were no significant differences in the incidences of major perioperative complications, including the blood transfusion, bladder injury, urethral stricture, and bladder neck sclerosis among the three groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that our complete en-bloc technique can improve the clinical outcomes of HoLEP in BPH patients, even in difficult cases, considering its markedly improved enucleation efficiency.

[AN ISOLATED INTERNAL ARTERY ANEURYSM WITH COMPLETE THROMBOTIC OCCLUSION FOR WHICH PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS WAS DIFFICULT: A CASE REPORT].

A 74-year-old man was incidentally discovered during treatment of prostate cancer to have a pelvic tumor, measuring 8 cm in diameter. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a roundish-shaped hypovascular solid tumor compressing the left internal iliac artery to the inner back side. Values on endocrinological examination were within normal ranges. The tumor was suspected to be chronic abscess, angiosarcoma, or gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) or neurogenic tumor, but no definitive diagnosis was able to be established before operation. During laparotomy, given its location relative to the internal iliac artery wall, the tumor was extracted by sacrificing periphery of the artery. The pathological diagnosis was an internal artery aneurysm with complete thrombotic occlusion. Isolated internal iliac aneurysm is rare, and this is the first case which resulted in complete thrombotic occlusion.

[Surgery without blood transfusion for pheocromocytoma in a Jehovah's Witness patient: a case report].

A 59-year-old woman who identified as a Jehovah's Witness was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma in the left adrenal gland, measuring 11 cm in diameter, during treatment for hypertension. Given her desire to undergo transfusion-less surgery for religious reasons, we obtained fully informed consent and had the patient sign both a transfusion refusal and exemption-from-responsibility certificate and received consent to instead use plasma derivatives, preoperative diluted autologous transfusion and intraoperative salvaged autologous transfusion. To manage anemia and maintain total blood volume, we preoperatively administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and alpha 1 blocker, respectively. During the left adrenalectomy, the patient underwent a transfusion of 400 mL of preoperative diluted autologous blood, ultimately receiving no intraoperative salvaged autologous blood. The operation took 4 hours 42 minutes, and the total volume of blood lost was 335 mL. In conclusion, to complete transfusion-less surgery for pheochromocytoma, it is necessary to have the patient sign a generic refusal form for transfusion and exemption-from-responsibility certificate as well as outline via another consent form exactly what sort of transfusion is permitted on a more specific basis. And doctors should become skilled in perioperative management and operative technique for pheochromocytoma and make the best effort by all alternative medical treatment in order to build trust confidence with a patient.

Expression and functional role of ß3 -adrenoceptors in the human ureter.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the presence of ß-adrenoceptor subtypes in the human ureter, and to examine whether ß(3) -adrenoceptors modulate relaxation of the human ureter. METHODS: Expression of messenger ribonucleic acid of ß-adrenoceptors in the human ureter was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and distribution of ß-adrenoceptors was examined by immunohistochemistry. In functional studies, the relaxant effects of isoproterenol, procaterol, TRK-380, salbutamol and BRL 37344 on KCl-induced contraction of the human ureter were evaluated, and the inhibitory effects of isoproterenol, procaterol and TRK-380 on electrical field stimulation-induced contractions were determined. RESULTS: Expression of ß(1) -, ß(2) - and ß(3) -adrenoceptor messenger ribonucleic acid in the human ureter was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Positive staining for ß(1) -, ß(2) - and ß(3) -adrenoceptor was identified not only in smooth muscle, but also in the urothelium of the human ureter. All ß-adrenoceptor agonists decreased the tone of KCl-induced contractions of the human ureter with a rank order of relaxant effects of isoproterenol > procaterol > TRK-380 > salbutamol > BRL 37344. Furthermore, isoproterenol, procaterol and TRK-380 significantly decreased the amplitude of electrical field stimulation-induced contractions with a rank order of inhibitory effects of isoproterenol > procaterol > TRK-380. CONCLUSIONS: Human ureteral relaxation is mediated by both ß(2) - and ß(3) -adrenoceptor stimulation. ß(3) -Adrenoceptor agonists have the potential to relax the human ureter, and their clinical application in the treatment of ureteral stones is expected.

Expression of ß-Adrenoceptor Subtypes in Urothelium, Interstitial Cells and Detrusor of the Human Urinary Bladder.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether interstitial cells (ICs) of the human urinary bladder expressed ß-adrenoceptor (AR) subtypes, and semiquantitatively compared the staining intensity among urothelium, ICs and detrusor muscles. METHODS: Paraffin sections of the human urinary bladder were obtained from histologically normal areas of formalin-fixed specimens removed for bladder carcinoma. Double-labeling immunohistochemical methods using antibodies against each ß-AR subtype and vimentin were performed to identify ICs of the human urinary bladder. The staining intensity of ß-ARs was semiquantitatively compared among urothelium, ICs and detrusor muscles. Further, gender-related difference or age-related correlation in the staining intensity of ß-ARs was compared in the same cell types. RESULTS: The expression of ß1 -, ß2 -, and ß3 -AR was observed in vimentin-positive ICs localized in suburothelium, between detrusor muscle bundles, and within these bundles of the human urinary bladder. The rank order of the staining intensity was urothelium > ICs = detrusor muscles in ß1 -AR, urothelium > ICs > detrusor muscles in ß2 -AR, whereas its order was ICs = detrusor muscles > urothelium in ß3 -AR. Except for urothelial ß1 -AR, there was no gender-related difference in the signal intensity of ß-ARs in the urothelium, ICs or detrusor muscles. Age negatively correlated with the signal intensity of all ß-AR subtypes. CONCLUSION: ß-ARs were expressed in vimentin-positive ICs of the human urinary bladder. As for ß2 - and ß3 -AR, there was no gender-related difference or age-related correlation in urothelium, ICs and detrusor muscles. In the human urinary bladder, ß-ARs expressed in ICs may play a role in bladder physiology.

Successful treatment for adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia, characterized by bilateral macronodular adrenal hypertrophy and autonomous cortisol production, is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy is considered the standard treatment for adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia but obliges the patient to receive lifetime steroid replacement therapy subsequently, and may increase the patient's risk of adrenal insufficiency. These circumstances require surgeons to carefully consider operative strategies on an individual basis. CASE PRESENTATION: We performed successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy on four patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Computed tomography scans showed bilateral adrenal enlargement in all patients. Case 1: a 56-year-old Japanese woman presented with obvious Cushing's symptoms during treatment for diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Case 2: a 37-year-old Japanese man also presented with Cushing's symptoms during treatment for diabetes mellitus and hypertension. These patients were diagnosed as Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia based on endocrinologic testing, and underwent bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Case 3: an 80-year-old Japanese woman was hospitalized due to unusual weight gain and heightened general fatigue, and was diagnosed as Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. She underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy due to high operative risk. Case 4: a 66-year-old Japanese man was discovered to have bilateral adrenal tumors on medical examination. He did not have Cushing's symptoms and was diagnosed as subclinical Cushing's syndrome due to suppressed adrenocorticotropic hormone serum levels and loss of cortisol circadian rhythm without abnormal levels of serum cortisol. He underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy. During follow-up, serum cortisol levels were within the normal range in all cases, and serum adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were not suppressed. Further, cases with Cushing's syndrome experienced clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to effectively treat adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia in patients with obvious Cushing's symptoms by laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy, which promptly improved symptoms. Further, unilateral adrenalectomy was effective for treating an older patient at high operative risk and a patient with subclinical Cushing's syndrome.

[Rupture of renal artery aneurysm into the renal pelvis].

We report a case of ruptured renal artery aneurysm into the renal pelvis. A 48-year-old woman presented with complaints of gross hematuria and right back pain. Abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the aneurysm, which was 5 x 5 cm in diameter. Enhansed CT revealed blood flow from the renal artery aneurysm into the renal pelvis. Radical nephrectomy was performed. Rupture of renal artery aneurysm into the renal pelvis is the 3rd case in the Japanese literatures. Pathogenesis and management of this rare condition are discussed.

[A clinical study of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma--analysis of clinical parameters influencing operative time and intraoperative systolic blood pressure].

PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed the preoperative clinical parameters which influence operative time and intraoperative maximum systolic blood pressure in patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1992 and September 2010, we performed 28 laparoscopic adrenalectomies for pheochromocytoma at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine. These 28 cases were characterized based on the following parameters: body mass index (BMI), tumor size, history of hypertension, preoperative blood pressure, serum concentration of catecholamine, and 24-h urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolite. We retrospectively analyzed whether or not these parameters influenced operative time or intraoperative maximum systolic blood pressure. RESULTS: All 28 cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomy were performed safely and without intraoperative complications and needed neither blood transfusion nor conversion to laparotomy. The median operative time was 203 minutes, and intraoperative hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 200 mmHg) occurred in 46% (13/28) of cases. Median day of discharge in all patients was post-operative day 5. Significant positive correlation was shown between tumor size and operative time and between intraoperative maximum systolic blood pressure and serum concentration of catecholamine or 24-h urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolite (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The lengthened operative time for large tumors and elevated intraoperative blood pressure for tumors with high preoperative catecholamine activity necessitate careful perioperative management in patients receiving laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

[A case of ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with endocrine therapy and radiation therapy].

We report a case of ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate. A 81-year-old man presented with a complaint of microhematuria. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 18. 44 ng/ml. A cystourethroscopic examination revealed a papillary tumor near the verumontanum. Transurethral resection of the tumor and transrectal prostatic needle biopsy was carried out. The pathological diagnosis was ductal adenocarcinoma and acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The tumor responded to endocrine therapy and radiation therapy. At the follow up at 18 months, the PSA level was in the undetectable range (＜0.01 ng/ml), and no reccurence of the tumor was seen. Pathogenesis and management of this rare condition is discussed.

Application of ultrasonography and the resistive index for evaluating bladder outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an extremely common and chronic condition that can lead to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in elderly men. Although pressure-flow studies are considered the most reliable method for evaluating BOO, they are invasive and complicated. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) is a promising alternative because of its minimal invasiveness. Recently, TRUS imaging has been shown capable of measuring the resistive index, a useful parameter for evaluating BOO and for determining proper medical intervention in patients suffering from BPH.

Arteriosclerosis related factors had no clinical significant correlation with resistive index in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the resistive index (RI) in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) could be used as a surrogate index of the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH, and whether arteriosclerosis-related factors were associated with the RI in LUTS due to BPH. METHODS: From January 2005 to April 2008, a total of 625 men with LUTS due to BPH were prospectively enrolled. Patients with heart failure, liver cirrhosis, prostatic cancer, neurogenic bladder, acute prostatitis, acute urinary retention, urethral stenosis, history of transurethral resection or any drug treatment for BPH, or currently under drug treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia were excluded. Variables analyzed included estimated smoking status, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), serum fasting glucose (FBS), lipid profile (low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride), serum prostate-specific antigen, International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life score, maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max.)), and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR). We also measured total prostate volume, transition zone (TZ) index, and RI using transrectal ultrasonography. Correlations among parameters were statistically examined. RESULTS: RI was significantly correlated with IPSS, Q(max.), and PVR, but not with blood pressure, BMI, or FBS. On multiple regression analysis, RI was a significant independent variable of IPSS, TZ index, and PVR. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that RI might represent a surrogate index of the severity of LUTS due to BPH, and that RI might have no clinically significant relationship with arteriosclerosis-related factors.

Resistive index as risk factor for acute urinary retention in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the usefulness of several parameters obtained by transrectal ultrasonography in predicting acute urinary retention (AUR). METHODS: The present study consecutively enrolled 1962 men with a complaint of lower urinary tract symptoms. Of these men, 245 were found to have AUR on examination at our clinic. We assessed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximal urinary flow rate, and postvoid residual urine volume and measured the total prostate volume, transition zone index (TZI), and resistive index (RI) using transrectal ultrasonography. To compare the usefulness of these indexes for predicting AUR, we calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for each index and for age. RESULTS: In patients without AUR, age, prostate-specific antigen level, IPSS, maximal urinary flow rate, and postvoid residual urine volume were significantly correlated with both the TZI and the RI (P < .001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that age, maximal urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume, and TZI were significant independent determinants of the RI (P < .001). Patients with AUR were, on average, older and had an elevated prostate-specific antigen level, increased IPSS, and greater TZI and RI than patients without AUR (P < .001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.640 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.618-0.662) for age, 0.674 (95% CI 0.653-0.695) for prostate-specific antigen level, 0.787 (95% CI 0.768-0.805) for total prostate volume, 0.821 (95% CI 0.803-0.838) for IPSS, 0.860 (95% CI 0.844-0.875) for TZI, and 0.867 (95% CI 0.851-0.882) for RI. CONCLUSIONS: The RI and TZI obtained using transrectal ultrasonography correlated with the incidence of AUR and are useful predictors of AUR in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Resistive index: a newly identified predictor of outcome of transurethral prostatectomy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the usefulness of several preoperative parameters obtained through transrectal ultrasonography in predicting the outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: A total of 572 men aged 51-85 years scheduled to undergo TURP for benign prostatic hyperplasia were prospectively enrolled, and 560 were ultimately evaluated. We preoperatively assessed International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)), and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), and measured total prostate volume (TPV), transition zone (TZ) index, and resistive index (RI) using transrectal ultrasonography. To compare the usefulness of the latter 3 indices, we calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for each index and for IPSS. RESULTS: IPSS (total, postmicturition symptoms, storage symptoms, voiding symptoms), QOL score, Q(max), and PVR were significantly improved after TURP. Significant differences between the effective and noneffective groups were observed with regard to age, IPSS (total, postmicturition symptoms, storage symptoms, voiding symptoms), QOL score, TPV, TZ index, RI, Q(max), and PVR. The area under the ROC curve was 0.663 for IPSS, 0.691 for TPV, 0.719 for the TZ index, and 0.845 for the RI. CONCLUSIONS: The RI is a useful predictor of an effective outcome after TURP in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and may be useful for determining suitability for surgical intervention.

Expression and functional role of beta-adrenoceptors in the human urinary bladder urothelium.

We investigated the presence of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in human urinary bladder urothelium and examined whether beta-adrenoceptors in the urothelium modulate the relaxation responses of isolated human detrusor strips to a beta-adrenoceptor agonist. Expression of beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenoceptor mRNA in urothelium and detrusor smooth muscle was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the distribution of beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenoceptors in human urinary bladder urothelium were examined by immunohistochemistry. Paired human longitudinal detrusor strips with and without an intact urothelium were suspended in organ baths to construct concentration-response curves to isoproterenol. The possible involvement of urothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) in this response was examined in additional experiments with urothelium-intact strips in the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME). Results confirmed the expression of beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenoceptors in the human urinary bladder urothelium. Further, the presence of the urothelium caused a parallel rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to isoproterenol with a significant reduction in potency (pEC50). L-NAME failed to exert any significant effect on the relaxation response to isoproterenol in the urothelium-intact strips. These results confirm the presence of beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-adrenoceptors in human urinary bladder urothelium. Further, they suggest that urothelial beta-adrenoceptors induce the release of a urothelium-derived factor which inhibits the beta-adrenoceptor agonist-induced relaxation of the human detrusor smooth muscle and that this inhibitory mechanism might not involve NO.

Effects of a novel beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist, AJ-9677, on relaxation of the detrusor muscle: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relaxant effects of AJ-9677, a novel beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonist, on the isolated rat, monkey and human detrusor muscle. METHODS: The isolated detrusor strips of rats, monkeys and humans were mounted in organ baths containing Krebs solution. By the cumulative addition of beta-adrenoceptor agonists (isoproterenol, AJ-9677, CL 316,243 and salbutamol in rats; isoproterenol, AJ-9677 and CL 316,243 in monkeys and humans), concentration-relaxation curves were obtained. The maximal relaxation responses and pEC(50) values were calculated. In rats, concentration-relaxation curves to isoproterenol and AJ-9677 were obtained in the presence and absence of propranolol or SR 59230A. RESULTS: Isoproterenol, AJ-9677, CL 316,243 and salbutamol induced concentration-dependent relaxation in rats. The rank order of their relaxing potency in the rat detrusor muscle was AJ-9677 > isoproterenol > CL 316,243 > salbutamol. Isoproterenol and AJ-9677 also produced a concentration-dependent relaxation with high potency in monkeys and humans, whilst CL 316,243 had low relaxing potency. According to the antagonist studies in rats, propranolol and SR 59230A caused a rightward shift of the concentration-relaxation curves to isoproterenol or AJ-9677, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AJ-9677 has a high relaxant potency on the rat, monkey and human detrusor smooth muscle, and it may have the potential to treat overactive bladder.

Seasonal changes in symptom score and uroflowmetry in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether subjective or objective seasonal changes occur in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 31 patients with LUTS were observed for >5 years. Their International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), voided volume (VV) a nd post-void residual (PVR) we re measured every month. RESULTS: Total IPSS, QOL, VV or PVR did not show any seasonal changes between the three seasons: summer (hot season: June to September); winter (cold season: December to March); and spring and fall (comfortable season: April, May, October and November). Furthermore, when the IPSS was examined by dividing it into storage symptoms (frequency, urgency and nocturia) and voiding symptoms (incomplete emptying, intermittency, weak stream and straining), no significant seasonal changes were detected. Only Qmax showed a significant seasonal change, being higher in both the cold season (median 10.4 ml/s) and the comfortable season (median 10.1 ml/s) than in the hot season (median 9.4 ml/s). CONCLUSIONS: It has generally been thought that LUTS worsen in winter. Our results indicate that the IPSS and the QOL score remain nearly constant if they are determined regularly over an extended period of time. Qmax may however be influenced by seasonal changes in temperature.

[Primary ureteral carcinoma composed of both transitional cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma: a case report].

We present a case of primary ureteral carcinoma composed of both transitional cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma. A 79-year-old woman visited her home doctor with the chief complaint of right lower abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomographic scan (CT) disclosed a tumor measuring about 5 cm in diameter at the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed for hydronephrosis and pyonephrosis. The urinary cytology revealed class V, transitional cell carcinoma. Re-abdominal CT showed further enlargement of tumor diameter, but the primary site of the tumor was not identified. Her general condition worsened, and she died 42 days after her initial complaint. Pathologic examinations upon autopsy revealed both mucinous carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma in the right ureter. Pathogenesis and management of this rare condition are discussed.

Human muscarinic receptor binding characteristics of antimuscarinic agents to treat overactive bladder.

PURPOSE: We characterized the binding affinities of several antimuscarinic agents in human muscarinic receptors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Competitive inhibitory effects of antimuscarinic agents on specific NMS [H] (PerkinElmer Life Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts) binding were examined in human tissue homogenates and in CHO-K1 cell membranes expressing human muscarinic receptor subtypes. RESULTS: Oxybutynin, propiverine, tolterodine, the respective metabolites DEOB, DPr-P-4(N-->O) and 5-HM, and darifenacin inhibited in concentration dependent fashion specific [(3)H]NMS binding in homogenates of the human bladder and parotid gland as well as in membranes of CHO-K1 cell lines expressing human muscarinic M(1) to M(5) receptor subtypes. Based on inhibition constant values the inhibitory effects of tolterodine, 5-HM and DPr-P-4(N-->O) were 1.4 to 1.7 times greater in the bladder than in the parotid gland, whereas the inhibitory effects of oxybutynin, DEOB, propiverine and darifenacin were 2 to 10 times greater in the parotid gland. Consequently tolterodine, 5-HM and DPr-P-4(N-->O) compared with oxybutynin, DEOB, propiverine and darifenacin were found to show 3 to 4 times greater affinity to muscarinic receptors in the human bladder than in the parotid gland. Tolterodine and 5-HM were 2-fold more potent for inhibiting specific [(3)H]NMS binding at cell membranes expressing the M(2) vs the M(3) subtype. Conversely oxybutynin, DEOB, propiverine, DPr-P-4(N-->O) and darifenacin showed 2 to 22 times higher affinity to the M(3) than to the M(2) subtype. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with oxybutynin, tolterodine, 5-HM and DPr-P-4(N-->O) may bind more selectively to muscarinic receptors in the human bladder than in the parotid gland.

Oral clonidine advances spermatogenesis in oligozoospermic patients with spermatogenetic maturation arrest.

BACKGROUND: Growth hormone (GH) plays an important role in the pubertal development of males and females, and influences the male reproductive function after puberty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cause of GH deficiency in infertile men with spermatogenetic maturation arrest using the clonidine loading test (GH stimulation test). Based on the results of the loading test, we tried to con fi rm whether clonidine might be usable as a male infertility remedy. METHODS: We studied 75 infertile men (55 oligozoospermic and 20 azoospermic men) and 25 normal fertile volunteers. We used the oral clonidine (0.15 mg/m2) loading test to evaluate the GH secretory reserve. Histological diagnoses were performed using testicular biopsy and testicular sperm extraction specimens. RESULTS: The most important finding was that the clonidine loading test caused a good response in 41 out of 55 (74.6%) patients with oligozoospermia. We treated these 41 good-response patients with oral clonidine, and the sperm count improved in 34 (82.9%) cases, increasing to 12-79 million/mL. Spontaneous pregnancy was subsequently achieved by 10 (24.4%) couples. CONCLUSIONS: These findings also suggest that GH is necessary for spermatogenesis, at least for the process of spermatozoa maturation. Oral clonidine therapy improved the sperm count in patients who showed an excessive response to the clonidine loading test.

[Sling suspension of incontinent urinary reservoir].

We report a case and surgical technique of successful sling suspension of insufficient efferent limb of continent urinary reservoir, which has occurred urinary incontinence. A 64-year-old male, who received radical cystectomy with continent urinary reservoir, had been suffered urinary incontinence from the reservoir about one year after surgery. Various procedures, such as the repair of the efferent limb of the reservoir, addition of the ileal patch, instillation of scopolamine, oxybutynin into the reservoir and an injection of GAX collagen in the efferent limb, were not effective for his urinary incontinence. Finally, anti-incontinence procedure of sling at an efferent limb using abdominal rectus muscle fascia was employed and obtained a continence for 2 years after operation. The principle of this surgery is same with that of sling suspension for female stress incontinence. It is advisable for the incontinent urinary reservoir when it has an enough length of efferent limb.