Diagnostic significance of tau protein in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with corticobasal degeneration or progressive supranuclear palsy.

Distinguishing corticobasal degeneration (CBD) from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is clinically and pathologically difficult, and a useful biological marker to discriminative these two diseases has been a subject of clinical interest. In the present study, we assessed tau protein levels in cerebrospinal fluids by sandwich ELISA to distinguish CBD from PSP. The subjects consisted of 27 cases of CBD, 30 cases of PSP, and 36 healthy controls (CTL). The tau values in CBD were significantly higher than those in PSP (P<0.001) and those in CTL (P<0.001). The assay of CSF tau provided diagnostic sensitivity of 81.5% and specificity of 80.0% between CBD and PSP according to receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. When values were compared separately with respect to stage of the disease, differences in the values for moderate CBD vs. moderate PSP had the greatest significance (P<0.001 sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 100.0%), followed by cases of mild CBD and PSP (P<0.005, sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 87.5%). The values in severe CBD and PSP were not significantly different (P=0.07, sensitivity 100%, specificity 75.0%). Using data obtained from a larger number of disease cases, we confirmed our previous findings that tau protein levels in cerebrospinal fluids in patients with CBD are significantly higher than those in patients with PSP. Because tau protein levels in cerebrospinal fluids are significantly higher in early CBD cases than in early PSP cases, measurement of tau protein levels in cerberospinal fluids may be useful for the differential diagnosis of early CBD from early PSP.

Visual event-related potentials in progressive supranuclear palsy.

The purpose of this study is to assess the cognitive function in early stages of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Visual event-related potentials (visual ERPs) were examined in five non-demented patients with PSP and seven control subjects. ERPs were recorded using Figure (non-verbal) and Kanji (verbal) oddball paradigms. The latencies and amplitudes of N100 and P300 components were not significantly different between the PSP and control groups. However, the score of Hasegawa's dementia scale-revised (HDSR) was correlated with P300 amplitudes in the Figure task only in the PSP group. Since the P300 amplitude is related to attentional resources, changes in visual ERP induced by non-verbal stimuli might be associated with the attentional impairment even in early stages of PSP. In the Kanji task but not in the Figure task, the reaction time was prolonged in the PSP group, and positively correlated with the P300 latency in both groups. Visual verbal stimuli might be a good tool to evaluate the information processing in the early stages of PSP. Recording of visual ERP using both non-verbal and verbal stimuli could be helpful to assess a mild cognitive dysfunction in PSP.

Electrophysiological studies in spinocerebellar ataxia type 6: a statistical approach.

In spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6), the cerebellum is predominantly affected, but several electrophysiological studies have revealed subclinical disorders other than cerebellar lesions. We conducted statistical analyses by comparing SCA6 patients and age-matched normal controls to asses whether electrophysiological abnormalities are directly associated with SCA6 because late onset of SCA6 may involve senile changes. We performed brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP), visual evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials and nerve conduction studies in 10 SCA6 patients. The BAEP latencies of wave I was prolonged and compound muscle action potentials of peroneal nerve and sensory nerve action potentials of sural nerve reduced in SCA6 patients. Our results suggest an existence of peripheral impairment in the auditory pathway and axonal neuropathy in SCA6.

Habituation of event-related potentials in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Auditory event-related potential (ERP) was studied in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) using our new procedures. We examined 12 non-demented patients with PD, and 9 age-matched control subjects. Ninety responses induced by rare stimulation were continuously recorded from Fz, Cz, Pz referred to linked earlobe electrode (A1A2), and were divided into nine blocks (one block = 10 responses) for statistical analysis. We assessed the habituation of auditory ERP to detect delicate changes related to the information processing in PD. N100 and P300 latencies were significantly longer in PD than in control subjects (p<0.05). P300 latency gradually increased with progression of recording blocks in both PD and control subjects, whereas N100 latency increased only in PD. Three way analysis of variance for P300 amplitude revealed significant effects of subject group, recording electrode site, and trial block. P300 amplitude was smaller in PD than in control subjects. Significant negative correlation between P300 amplitudes and block numbers were observed at Cz and Pz in PD, and at Fz in the control group. Previous reports as well as present results suggest that prolongation of N100 latency might be related to frontal lobe dysfunction, and abnormality of P300 to dysfunction in both the frontal lobe and hippocampus in PD.

[Electrophysiological findings in patients with SCA6].

The major symptom of spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is progressive cerebellar ataxia. MRI revealed isolated cerebellar atrophy without brainstem and cerebral involvement. Up to the present electrophysiological abnormalities in patients with SCA6 have not been intensively investigated. We performed electrophysiological examination, such as multi-modality evoked potentials, in 10 patients with SCA6. We analyzed the electrophysiological data including the results previously reported. When compared with SCA1, 2 and MJD, specific findings in electrophysiological studies are obscure in SCA6. Existence of subclinical lesions in peripheral nerves, pyramidal tract, auditory pathway, visual pathway, and sensory pathway was suggested in some cases with SCA6. It is important to consider the effect of age, because age at onset is relatively late in SCA6.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 in relation to CAG repeat length.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between clinical characteristics of spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) and CAG repeat length. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined clinical symptoms of 54 patients with SCA6. CAG repeat length was compared among subgroups divided by clinical manifestations. RESULTS: The major symptom was progressive cerebellar ataxia. Truncal or limb ataxia, dysarthria, and nystagmus were observed in more than 80% of the patients. In analysis of CAG repeat length in patients with different types of nystagmus, CAG repeat length was the longest when both upbeat and downbeat nystagmus existed (P < 0.01). In addition, CAG repeat length was longer when the initial symptom was ataxic gait and was shorter when the initial symptom was dysarthria or ocular symptom (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinical features of SCA6 might be influenced by the length of abnormal CAG repeat.

Objective evaluation of fatigue by event-related potentials.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between mental fatigue and event-related potentials (ERPs). Six healthy men (mean age: 22 years old) performed a simple calculation for 6 h. Auditory ERPs were recorded before and after the calculating task. The scores of subjective fatigue symptoms were significantly increased, and P300 latency of auditory ERPs was significantly prolonged by the calculating task (P<0.05). We suggest that the recording of ERPs may be useful for the objective evaluation of mental fatigue.

Relationship between plasma testosterone concentrations and age, breeding season and harem size in Misaki feral horses.

Jugular vein blood samples were collected from 23 young and sexual mature feral stallions to examine the relationship between plasma testosterone concentration and age, breeding season or harem size. Testosterone concentration increased with the age of the stallions until they formed their own harems, at about 4 to 6 years old. Seasonal variations in testosterone concentrations were observed, and found to be significantly higher (P<0.001) throughout the breeding season than non-breeding season, from 3 years of age. Testosterone levels were correlated with harem size for individual stallions. It can be inferred from these results that there is a relationship between plasma testosterone concentration and age, breeding season and harem size.

Causes of natal dispersal and emigration and their effects on harem formation in Misaki feral horses.

Misaki feral horses were separated into 2 herds and the difference between dispersal from natal group (natal dispersal) and dispersal from natal area (natal emigration) was studied. The causes of dispersal and emigration and their effects on harem formation were studied 1979-1994. The number of horses ranged from 73 (mature males: 8, mature females: 26, young males: 8, young females: 3, colt foals: 6, filly foals: 10 and geldings: 12) in 1979 and 86 (mature males: 14, mature females: 37, young males: 12, young females: 7, colt foals: 5, filly foals: 7 and geldings: 4) in 1994 when the present study ended. All 29 males which survived to age 4 years and 58 females which survived to age 3 years left their natal or mother groups at age one to 3. Seventeen of 22 dispersing males and 29 of 39 dispersing females left their natal groups around the birth of their siblings and significant correlations were found between natal dispersal and birth of a sibling. The number of emigrating young males correlated negatively and significantly with the total number of young males in another herd and the number of emigrating young females correlated positively and significantly with the total number of young females in the natal herd. All 13 emigrating stallions which survived to age 5 years formed stable harem groups and a significant correlation was found between natal emigration and harem formation. Twenty-three of 35 resident mares formed stable consort relations with harem stallions and a significant correlation was found between residence and formation of stable consort relations.

[Chronic neuropathy, a high level of protein in cerebrospinal fluid, and vitamin B1 and folate deficiency in a patient with normal-pressure hydrocephalus].

A 67-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of gradual weight loss, reduced mental activity, muscle weakness, and urinary dysfunction. Neurological examination revealed mild lethargy, severe muscular atrophy, and diminished deep tendon reflexes in the extremities. The levels of vitamin B1 and folate in blood were low: 1.9 micrograms/dl (normal range 2.0-7.2) and 0.7 ng/ml (normal range 4.0-12.0). respectively. A lumbar puncture was done. The pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid was within normal limits, the level of protein was very high (467 mg/dl), and only a few lymphocytes were seen. A nerve-conduction study showed low amplitudes of action potentials and slow conduction velocities in both the motor and sensory nerves. Myelin irregularity, "onion bulb formation", and axonal atrophy were seen in a specimen obtained by sural nerve biopsy. A T2-weighted magnetic resonance image of the brain showed ventricular dilatation, high-intensity signals around the lateral ventricles, and a flow-void sign of the cerebral aqueduct. Radioisotope cisternography (111In-DTPA) disclosed ventricular reflux and slow clearance of the tracer from the ventricles. These findings indicated the presence of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, nutritional polyneuropathy, vitamin B1 deficiency, folate deficiency, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. In this patient, the high level of protein in the cerebrospinal fluid may have caused the hydrocephalus.

Characteristics of cefdinir uptake by rabbit small intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles.

Aminocephalosporins with peptide-like structures have been shown to be absorbed by the intestinal peptide carrier. We investigated the transport mechanism of cefdinir, an oral monocarboxylic acid cephalosporin, using rabbit small intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles. Transport of cefdinir showed a slow and almost linear uptake rate for concentrations up to 30 mM with and without and inward H+ gradient. No overshoot phenomenon was observed in the presence of an inward H+ gradient. The uptake rate increased only slightly with decreasing extravesicular pH, and a protonophore had little effect on the uptake. Aminocephalosporins such as cephalexin only slightly inhibited cefdinir uptake even in the presence of an inward H+ gradient, and vice-versa. Monocarboxylic acids such as acetic acid and salicylic acid had little effect on cefdinir uptake. These findings suggest that in contrast with other oral cephalosporins cefdinir uptake through the brush-border membrane is slow and involves a mechanism similar to passive diffusion.

Inhibitory effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor on cefroxadine uptake by rabbit small intestinal brush border membrane vesicles.

Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, captopril, enalapril maleate and quinapril, on the uptake of aminocephalosporin antibiotic, cefroxadine, by rabbit small intestinal brush border membrane vesicles were examined. These ACE inhibitors significantly inhibited the uptake of cefroxadine, which is transported by H+/dipeptide transporter in the membrane, in the order of captopril < enalapril < quinapril in the presence of an inward H+ gradient. Inhibitory effect of quinapril was more marked than that of aminocephalosporin cephradine, while in the absence of an inward H+ gradient inhibition by these ACE inhibitors was much less. Dixon plot analysis showed that the inhibition by enalapril and quinapril in the presence of an inward H+ gradient occurred in a competitive manner and estimated inhibition constants of these two drugs to be 5.3 mM and 0.46 mM, respectively. These results suggested the strong affinity of these ACE inhibitors, especially quinapril, on the H+/dipeptide transporter.

[Autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism with diurnal fluctuation (AR-EPDF)--clinical characteristics].

Among heterogeneous diseases manifested by parkinsonism beginning early in life, there is a disease presenting with marked diurnal fluctuation of symptoms, called autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism with diurnal fluctuation (AR-EPDF). To identify the characteristics of this condition as a disease entity, we examined the clinical manifestations of AR-EPDF patients (Group I, n = 42) in comparison with those of early-onset parkinsonism patients without diurnal fluctuation (Group II, n = 34). Family history suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance was noted in 85.7% of Group I patients and 17.6% of Group II. The male-to-female ratio was 1: 1.8 in Group I, and 1:0.89 in Group II. Age at onset showed a standard distribution with an average of 25.6 years (SD: +/- 7.7) in Group I and an average of 32.7 with an increasing pattern toward 40 years in Group II. The initial symptom was dystonic gait disturbance in 42.9% of Group I and 5.9% of Group II, parkinsonian gait in 19.9% of Group I and 2.9% of Group II, and tremor in 28.6% of Group I and 41.2% of Group II. The main clinical feature was parkinsonism in both groups. Diurnal fluctuation of parkinsonism was remarkable in all but one (97.6%) of Group I, while it was not observed in Group II. Dystonic postures were noted in 79.4% of Group I and in 37.1% of Group II; hyperactive tendon reflexes in 74.3% of Group I patients and in 20% of Group II. Autonomic symptoms were mild in both groups. None of the Group I patients had dementia while two of Group II did. Levodopa was markedly effective in both groups. Dopa-induced dyskinesia was observed in 96.8% of Group I and in 61.8% of Group II. As for progression of the disease, the Hoehn-Yahr stage of patients on medication was evaluated as 2.2 +/- 0.7 (mean +/- SD) in Group I and 3.1 +/- 1.1 in Group II for a period of 10 to 20 years of onset, 2.5 +/- 0.8 in Group I and 3.3 +/- 0.5 in Group II for 20 to 30 years, and 3.2 +/- 0.9 in Group I and 4.3 +/- 0.6 in Group II after 30 years. There were significant differences between the two groups in the frequency of positive family history, in the mean and distribution of age at onset, in the incidence of dystonic gait as the initial symptom, and in the incidences and medians of the variables including dystonia, hyperreflexia and dopa-induced dyskinesia, as well as in the progression of the disease. Thus, we have successfully characterized the clinical features of AR-EPDF and demonstrated that diurnal fluctuation is a cardinal symptom of this disease. Reported pathologic studies on AR-EPDF showed the nigral lesion characterized by non-Lewy body type degeneration and the occurrence of melanin-poor neurons. These pathologic findings as well as the clinical manifestations differentiate AR-EPDF from Parkinson's disease and from autosomal-dominant familial parkinsonism. Low melanin-content of the nigral neurons is also a striking feature of hereditary progressive dystonia with diurnal fluctuation, in which unlike AR-EPDF there is no neuronal loss in the substantia nigra.

Inheritance of Chediak-Higashi syndrome in Japanese black cattle.

Fifty-six Japanese black cattle affected with Chediak-Higashi syndrome (C-HS) have been referred to Miyazaki University Veterinary Teaching Hospital during the past 12 years, and 44 pedigree records were collected. In pedigree analysis, the parents had no clinical sign, the affected dams had clinically normal calves, and approximately equal numbers of males and females were affected, we therefore considered this syndrome to be an autosomal recessive trait. Quantitative genetic analyses were then made in a restricted area. Segregation analysis by the a priori method in 8 families showed that C-HS was a simple autosomal recessive trait. Furthermore, 36 dams and their 257 offspring (including 8 C-HS affected cattle) were analyzed using population genetics in the same area. The result was the same as in the former analysis.

Increased preproenkephalin mRNA and preprotachykinin mRNA in the striatum of Rolling mouse Nagoya.

Although Rolling mouse Nagoya (RMN) has been considered to demonstrate cerebellar dysfunction, our previous metabolic and electrophysiological studies also revealed a dysfunction of the basal ganglia, with the presumable primary site of dysfunction being the striatum. In the present study, we investigated the neurochemical functions of the striatum. In RMN, both preproenkephalin mRNA and preprotachykinin mRNA increased significantly in the striatum, with unaltered GAD mRNA, [(3)H]spiperone binding, [(3)H]QNB binding and preprosomatostatin mRNA, thus indicating the dysfunction of striatal projection neurons. These findings support the hypothesis that the site of primary dysfunction in the basal ganglia is in the striatum of RMN.

Harem stability and reproductive success of Misaki feral mares.

The stability of relationships between harem stallions and mares (consort relations) was investigated and the durations of inter partum intervals were determined in order to establish if there was any correlation between the stability of consort relation and reproductive success of mares in Misaki feral horses. Thirty-four mares were observed continuously for more than 5 years. The lifetime stability was 80-100% (mean 92.4%) for 16 mares, 60-79% (mean 70.4%) for 10 mares and 0-59% (mean 27.9%) for 8 mares. The continuous length (years) of specific consort relations was 2-10 years and was found to correlate significantly with lifetime stability. There was a significant positive correlation of lifetime stability with lifetime reproductive success for 34 mares observed, and the correlation was higher when the data of 8 wandering mares (<60% in lifetime stability) were omitted. The mean +/- s.d. delivery interval of 25 stable mares was 364.5 +/- 11.0 days, whereas that of 8 unstable mares and stable mares who changed stallions was 387.0 +/- 40.2 days. There was a significant difference between delivery intervals of stable and unstable mares. Significant correlations between the stability of consort relations and both the foaling rates and delivery intervals suggest that mares may obtain major reproductive advantages if they maintain long term and stable consort relations with a particular stallion throughout their reproductive life span.

Correlation between event-related potentials and MR measurements in chronic alcoholic patients.

Event-related potentials were recorded in 25 abstinent alcoholics, and 25 gender- and age-matched controls during a two-tone discrimination (odd ball) task. All the subjects were free from medication and dextral. MR images were examined in the alcoholics. The amplitudes of N100, N200 and P300 in the alcoholics were reduced compared with those of the controls. In order to identify morphological changes responsible for ERP abnormalities, linear regression analyses were performed between ERP measures and MRI parameters. The amplitude of N100 was inversely correlated with ventricular size. The amplitudes of P300 were inversely correlated with both ventricular size and width of cortical sulci. It was suggested that the N100 abnormality was related to subcortical structure, and P300 alteration was related to both subcortical and cortical structures in the alcoholics.

Auditory middle-latency responses in patients with localized and non-localized lesions of the central nervous system.

Auditory middle-latency responses were recorded in 45 neurological patients. In 4 patients with localized lesions in the thalamus, or subcortical white matter, the component Na was attenuated or delayed at T3, Cz and T4, exclusively on stimulation of the ear contralateral to the lesion. In 5 patients with temporal lobe lesions with receptive aphasia, the amplitude of component Pa was decreased on the lesion side (T3), regardless of the side of stimulation. These findings suggest that Na is generated from a subcortical structure and Pa is generated from the temporal cortex. In 25 patients with diffuse CNS lesions, V-Na interpeak latency was prolonged in 2 cases.

Age-related changes in striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding in weaver mice and effects of ventral mesencephalic grafts.

Dopamine (DA) D2 receptor binding is increased in the striatum of 5-6 months old weaver mutant mice (Kaseda et al. 1987). This may occur in response to the loss of DA neurons in the midbrain and the decrease in DA content in the striatum of homozygous mutants. One purpose of the present study was to determine if the diminished DA innervation is associated with changes in D2 receptors at earlier ages and if the increase in DA D2 receptor binding seen at 5-6 months is a lasting phenomenon. Specific [3H]spiperone binding was measured in the dorsolateral (DL), dorsomedial (DM) and ventrolateral (VL) striatum and in the nucleus accumbens (AC) of homozygous weaver mutant mice (wv/wv), heterozygous littermates (wv/+) and wild-type controls (+/+). Mice were studied at 20 days and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. The difference in specific [3H]spiperone binding in DL striatum between wv/wv and +/+ mice was significantly greater at 6 months than the difference at 1 month and at 12 months of age. Foetal ventral mesencephalic grafts survive and establish functional innervation in the striatum of weaver mice as shown by the induction of a contralateral turning bias (Low et al. 1987). The second aim of the present studies was to determine if such grafts would also reverse the increase in DA D2 receptor binding in the striatum. Aspiration cavities were prepared in the cortex of weaver mice, and ventral mesencephalic tissue from E14-E15 +/+ foetuses was subsequently placed on the surface of the right dorsal striatum when the recipients were 3 months old.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Restoration of high affinity choline uptake in the hippocampal formation following septal cell suspension transplants in rats with fimbria-fornix lesions.

High affinity choline uptake (HACU) was investigated in the hippocampal formation following fetal septal cell suspension transplants into rats with fimbria-fornix lesions. Nine-14 weeks after transplantation, HACU was markedly decreased in hippocampi from animals with fimbria-fornix lesions; this decrease was ameliorated by fetal septal cells transplanted into the host hippocampus. HACU related to septal transplantation was activated in vitro by K+, and in vivo by the administration of scopolamine and picrotoxin. These findings suggest that fetal septal cell transplantation can restore HACU in the host hippocampus following fimbria-fornix lesions, and that HACU related to the graft has pharmacological properties similar to those of the normal adult HACU system. The activation of HACU by picrotoxin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist, suggests that transplanted cholinergic neurons receive either direct or indirect functional input from GABAergic afferents from the transplant and/or host hippocampus. Lesions of the fimbria-fornix also resulted in an increased binding to muscarinic receptors in the dorsal hippocampus. This increase in binding was not significantly ameliorated by intrahippocampal grafts of cholinergic neurons.