Morphology and distribution of lamellar corpuscles in the mesentery of the cat.

Mesentery samples obtained from 13 mixed breed cats were stereoscopically and microscopically examined and yielded the following results. In the mesentery, lamellar corpuscles were densely distributed around blood vessels, with a mean number of 182.2 ± 20.9 and mean maximum and minimum diameters of 0.98 ± 0.18 mm and 0.54 ± 0.08 mm, respectively. While most lamellar corpuscles were isolated, some complex lamellar corpuscles were found in the mesentery. Lamellar corpuscles in the mesentery appear to serve more as internal receptors that detect changes in the internal environment than as external receptors. In addition, those found around blood vessels in the mesentery are likely to be involved in blood pressure regulation.

Scanning electron microscopic study for pore formation of the greater omentum of cats.

The greater omentum of the cats is said to have a lace-like structure. However, there are only a few descriptions on whether pores exist, and there are not many morphological studies on this meshwork. In this study, the greater omentum of the cats was observed at each age of development using a scanning electron microscope. The greater omentum of the cats immediately after birth was found to be continuous, and no pores were observed. Also, development of microvilli was observed in the mesothelial cells on the surface of the greater omentum. In young cats at 3 months of age, small pores were sporadically observed, and at the ages of 6-12 months, there were more and larger pores. It was estimated that the pores on the greater omentum are formed in the process of moving from the movement of organs, such as the stomach, intestines and diaphragm, and the presence of these pores enables the passage of ascites between the omental bursa, the greater omentum and the serosal cavity of the wall without flowing through the omental foramen.

Assessment of proliferative potentials of canine osteosarcomas and chondrosarcomas by MIB-1 immunohistochemistry and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation.

The proliferative potential of 17 canine osteosarcomas (OSs) (13 osteoblastic, two anaplastic, one fibroblastic and one chondroblastic), 18 chondrosarcomas (CSs) (13 mesenchymal and five ordinary), three osteomas, and one chondroma was evaluated immunohistochemically by labelling Ki-67 antigen with MIB-1 antibody, and incorporated bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) with anti-BrdU antibody. The location of BrdU-positive cells in OSs and CSs was similar to that of MIB-1 positive cells, and the mean value of the BrdU labelling index (BrdU LI) and the MIB-1 positive index (MIB-1 PI) in each case were significantly correlated (rs = 0.942, P < 0.05 with Spearman rank correlation coefficient; r = 0.779 P < 0.05 with linear regression analysis). The mean MIB-1 PI of OSs was 29.5%, which was approximately 2.5 times that of CSs, and the highest MIB-1 PI was 34.8% +/- 1.8 S.E.M. in areas without osteoid. In CS cases, the survival rate after 24 months was significantly higher than in OS cases. The high MIB-1 PI therefore supports the view that OSs are clinically more aggressive than CSs in dogs. On the other hand, the highest MIB-1 PI values of mesenchymal CS components occurred in transitional areas, which were composed of poorly differentiated cells embedded in a myxomatous matrix between the chondroidal and mesenchymal regions. The MIB-1 PI was 21.3% +/- 3.0 S.E.M. P < 0.001 in transitional areas. Proliferative markers may be useful in diagnosis and prognosis.

Effect of beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation on eosinophilic bronchitis in patients with silicosis.

The efficacy of beclomethasone dipropionate (CAS 5534-09-8, BDP, beclomethasone) inhalation therapy over the course of 12 months were evaluated in 42 patients with established chronic silicosis. Their pulmonary functions were monitored every 3 months and volume of sputum production was established daily. Subjects were divided randomly into two groups; 21 patients (BDP group) were treated with BDP (400 micrograms/day) by way of a metered-dose inhaler, while the 21 controls did not receive the BDP inhalation therapy. Although FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s), MMEF (maximal mean expiratory flow) and arterial blood oxygen tension did not improve significantly, sputum production significantly decreased in the BDP group. The patients who responded most dramatically to the treatment presented with sputum eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE levels prior to therapy. Pulmonary tuberculosis or exacerbation of chronic airway infection was not observed in any of the patients. These results suggest that corticosteroid inhalation therapy is helpful in the management of chronic silicosis, especially in patients with sputum eosinophilia. Positive atopic factors may be related to the pathogenesis of eosinophilic bronchitis, a complication of chronic silicosis.

Rhabdomyolysis following status asthmaticus.

A case of rhabdomyolysis following an asthmatic attack is reported. A 71-year-old man was admitted because of wheezing and hypoxemia. Brown urine was present on admission. Although these symptoms completely disappeared with the treatment with aminophylline, salbutamol and corticosteroid, transiently elevated serum creatine phosphokinase and myoglobinuria were present. Rhabdomyolysis has rarely been reported in cases of bronchial asthma. This case represents an extremely rare case of rhabdomyolysis following status asthmaticus.

Rhabdomyolysis associated with bacteremic pneumonia due to Staphylococcus aureus.

A case of rhabdomyolysis associated with bacteremic pneumonia due to Staphylococcus aureus is reported. A 58-year-old man was admitted because of severe left lobar pneumonia, and presented myoglobinuria on admission. The serum creatine phosphokinase level was transiently elevated and myoglobinuria were disclosed. Sputum and venous blood cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus. Rhabdomyolysis has rarely been reported in cases of bacterial infection, especially those due to Staphylococcus aureus. This case might be an extremely rare case of rhabdomyolysis complicating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia following severe left upper lobar pneumonia.

Pulmonary plasma cell granuloma improves with corticosteroid therapy.

Two cases of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma that progressed after respiratory infectious disease are described. The men, 48 and 32 years old, were admitted to the hospital with blood-streaked sputum and mass or nodular shadow on chest radiograph. Close examination revealed that these tumors were plasma cell granulomas, which are known as postinflammatory pseudotumors. Biopsy specimens, obtained by way of transbronchial biopsy, demonstrated proliferation of mature plasma cells and infiltration of lymphocytes supported by granulation tissue, and there was no evidence of malignancy or tuberculosis. Although surgery is common in the treatment of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma, some cases relapse or invade the mediastinum. Therefore, we decided to treat these patients with prednisolone, 30 mg/d, an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent. Two or 4 weeks later, these tumors disappeared completely and they have never recurred. As middle-dosage corticosteroid therapy is not cytotoxic, it is useful for the treatment of pulmonary plasma cell granuloma, especially in multifocal, unresectable, and/or relapsing cases.

Minocycline-induced pneumonitis with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion.

A 65-year-old man developed respiratory failure with diffuse interstitial shadow, bilateral pleural effusion, and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy on chest X-ray and CT, after intravenous administration of minocycline. Corticosteroid therapy was effective. The findings from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial lung biopsy were compatible with eosinophilic pneumonia. Provocation test supported this diagnosis, but the lymphocyte stimulation test was negative. A review of the literature and the diagnoses of drug-induced pulmonary diseases are discussed.

[A case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by toluene diisocyanate presenting with transient bronchoconstriction].

A 50-year-old male spray paint worker was admitted with non-productive cough and dyspnea on exertion. Chest X-ray and chest CT showed diffuse interstitial shadows in the bilateral lung fields. After admission, the symptoms and chest X-ray findings improved over several days, and he was followed as an outpatient. He then developed nocturnal dyspnea with wheezing and dry cough every day. About two months later, chest X-ray showed more severe diffuse interstitial shadows which did not disappear after admission. Bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy revealed allergic exudative interstitial pneumonia, and he was treated with steroid therapy. Paint contains toluene diisocyanate, and challenge test to toluene diisocyanate was positive. In the early course, this case presented with bronchoconstriction; bronchial reversibility and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine were positive. Bronchoconstriction may cause worsening of respiratory symptoms in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by isocyanates.

[A case of post-traumatic eosinophilic pleural effusion improved by direct infusion of corticosteroid into the pleural space].

A 49-year-old man was admitted with non-productive cough and left chest discomfort. About one month prior to the admission, he suffered a non-penetrating injury to the left anterior chest. Although rib fracture or pleural effusion was not reported, left chest discomfort and non-productive cough progressed gradually. Chest X-ray film and chest CT scan on admission showed left massive pleural effusion. Close examination revealed a marked increase of eosinophils in the pleural effusion (77% of total cell counts). Because malignancy, parasitic disease, and collagen disease were differentiated, we diagnosed this case as post-traumatic eosinophilic pleural effusion, and decided to administers corticosteroid therapy; hydrocortisone 300 mg was infused into the left pleural space. Seven days after the treatment, the pleural effusion and peripheral eosinophilia had completely disappeared. This case suggests that direct infusion of corticosteroid into the pleural space provides greater drug availability in the treatment of post-traumatic eosinophilic pleural effusion related to immunological reaction of the pleura. The indication and dosage of corticosteroids should be established, however, because there have been some reports of cases of improvement without any special treatment.

[Availability of determination of serum anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody in diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection].

We studied on clinical availability of determination of serum anti-Helicobacter pylori (HP) IgG antibody in diagnosis of HP infection compared with bacterial culture. The population of this study consisted of patients who underwent endoscopic examination in our hospital. Detection and quantification of HP were made by the culture of biopsy specimens taken from the antrum and the body of the stomach. And, simultaneously, serum anti-HP antibody (HP-Ab) was measured by ELISA. The levels of HP-Ab in culture positive patients, 40.6 +/- 33.7U, are significantly higher than that of culture negative patients, 10.6 +/- 9.1U. Sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of HP infection using determination of serum HP-Ab were 96.2% and 60.0% respectively. Significant correlation was found between the levels of serum HP-Ab and the amounts of HP bacilli in the biopsy specimen taken from body of the stomach.

Non-specific immunological abnormalities and association of autoimmune diseases in idiopathic portal hypertension. A study by questionnaire.

A large survey by questionnaire of idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) in Japan disclosed that 11.9% of 160 cases were associated with one or two autoimmune diseases, and 26.3% of them disclosed hypergammaglobulinemia. Patients with IPH also frequently showed one or more autoantibodies in the serum, such as antinuclear or anti-smooth muscle antibodies. These findings overlapped frequently in the same patient. These data imply that immunological disturbance and/or chronic antigenic stimulation are related to the pathogenesis of IPH, though the exact immunological mechanisms remain unclear. It will be necessary to study more specific immunological reactions in IPH.

A case of splenic inflammatory pseudotumor.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen in a 50-year-old man was encountered in our surgical clinic. This splenic tumor is very rare and in the ninth of the cases in the literature. The removed spleen, weighting 255g, revealed the presence of a firm, circumscribed mass, measuring 4.5 x 4.0 x 4.5 cm, and histologically presenting marked lamination of collagen fibers around the small vessels associated with granulomatous lesions. The implications of its pathogenesis was analyzed with a review of the literature.

A fluoroquinolone (DR-3355) protects human lymphocyte cell lines from HIV-1-induced cytotoxicity.

HIV-1 infection of human CD4+ lymphocyte cell lines results in cell death. Treatment, but not pretreatment, of infected cells, with a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, DR-3355, protects a significant subfraction of cells from HIV-1-mediated cytolysis. All surviving cells have lost expression of the CD4 antigen, but do (MT-4) or do not (CEM) express viral antigens and produce infective virus. The rescued CEM and MT-4 cells are phenotypically stable and do not require continuous exposure to the drug for survival.

Fluoroquinolones protect the human lymphocyte CEM cell line from HIV-1-mediated cytotoxicity.

Infection of the human lymphocyte CEM cell line with the HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus-1, LAV-1 strain) results in cell death. A fluoroquinolone antibiotic, ofloxacin, protected the infected cells from HIV-1-mediated cytolysis. Other fluoroquinolones, e.g. ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and enoxacin, also protected the infected cells from HIV-1-mediated cytolysis. The d-isomer of ofloxacin (DR-3354) was about 50-fold less effective than the l-isomer (DR-3355). Almost none of the rescued cells had detectable HIV-antigens and they could be maintained for long periods in vitro without drugs.

Resected case of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with lupoid hepatitis.

A 65 year old woman with lupoid hepatitis developed hepatocellular carcinoma which was diagnosed at an early stage. She had no history of blood transfusion and serum hepatitis B virus markers were negative. Prednisolone and 6-mercaptopurine were administered for the treatment of lupoid hepatitis. A hepatocellular carcinoma was detected by the elevation of serum alpha-fetoprotein and imaging studies. A tumour, 1.4 cm in diameter, was located in the lateral segment of the left hepatic lobe. It was resected by hepatic subsegmentectomy. Histological study showed a hepatocellular carcinoma of Edmondson type II against a background of posthepatitic cirrhosis. The patient was in good condition 2.5 years after the operation.

Endocrine cells in the intrahepatic biliary tree in normal livers and hepatolithiasis.

Endocrine cells in the intrahepatic biliary tree were examined histochemically and immunohistochemically in human infants and adults, as well as in patients with hepatolithiasis. Endocrine cells were sparse but found rather constantly in normal infant livers as well as in adult livers. Almost all endocrine cells were of argyrophil cells or somatostatin-containing cells, and they were usually found in the extramural peribiliary glands in normal livers. On the other hand, in hepatolithiasis in which there were marked proliferation of the peribiliary glands and hyperplasia of surface-lining epithelia, many kinds of endocrine cells were seen in the extramural and intramural peribiliary glands, as well as in the lining epithelial layer. Furthermore, these endocrine cells were hyperplastic in the affected intrahepatic bile duct in two patients with hepatolithiasis. These data suggested that argyrophil cells and somatostatin-containing cells are physiologically present in the intrahepatic biliary tree, and many kinds of other endocrine cells newly appear and even proliferate in hepatolithiasis. These findings imply the participation of reported action of these hormones on bile flow in normal livers and hepatolithiasis.

Risk lesions in cirrhosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma: an autopsy study.

Non-neoplastic morphologic changes in various types of cirrhosis were evaluated in relationship to the presence or absence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), using autopsy livers from Hokuriku (Japan) and Los Angeles (USA). Macronodular cirrhosis was closely related to HCC in B-viral cirrhosis, alcoholic cirrhosis and cirrhosis of uncertain type. Liver cell dysplasia was most frequently seen in cases with and without HCC in B-viral cirrhosis but was significantly more frequent with HCC in cases of alcoholic cirrhosis and cirrhosis of uncertain type. Nodular bulging activity within regenerative nodules was closely related to HCC in alcoholic cirrhosis. A positive relationship between HCC and Mallory bodies was found in non-alcoholic cirrhosis. These data suggest that patients with macronodular cirrhosis, liver cell dysplasia, nodular bulging activity and Mallory bodies may have an increased risk of developing, or having HCC dependent on the etiology of cirrhosis. The geography and race differences had some relationship to the incidence of HCC.