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Biomedical subjects

M Shibata

Publications and source records attributed to M Shibata.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Single injections of a DNA plasmid that contains the human Bcl-2 gene prevent loss and atrophy of distinct neuronal populations after spinal cord injury in adult rats.

Spinal cord injury in adult mammals causes atrophy or loss of axotomized neurons. We have previously found that the product of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2, delivered by intraspinal injection of a DNA plasmid, reduces atrophy and loss of axotomized Clarke's nucleus neurons in adult rats. Here we studied whether the same treatment protects axotomized red nucleus (RN) neurons. Two months after the right dorsolateral funiculus was ablated in adult Sprague-Dawley rats by C3/C4 subtotal hemisection, there was approximately 48% loss of RN neurons in the magnocellular portion of the RN contralateral to the lesion and atrophy of many surviving neurons. When a DNA plasmid encoding the human Bcl-2 gene and the bacterial reporter gene LacZ, complexed with cationic lipids, was injected just rostral to the subtotal hemisection site, 87% of RN neurons survived, and there was partial, but robust, protection from atrophy. These and our previous results indicated that intraspinal administration of the Bcl-2 gene can prevent retrograde cell loss and reduce atrophy of axotomized RN and Clarke's nucleus neurons in adult rats and provide an effective means to rescue neurons whose survival depends on different growth factors.

Animals↗

A common downstream signaling activity of osteoclast survival factors that prevent nitric oxide-promoted osteoclast apoptosis.

Treatment with NO-releaser NOC18 significantly promoted apoptosis in murine osteoclast-like cells, with a transient increase in caspase-3-like protease activity. In contrast, the apoptosis was protected against by caspase inhibitors, most efficiently with the broadly acting caspase specific inhibitor z-Asp-CH2-DCB, indicating involvement of multiple caspases in progression of the apoptosis. Among osteoclast survival factors examined, calcitonin completely protected against morphologically defined-apoptosis and the increase of caspase-3-like protease activity. The effect of calcitonin was mimicked by treatment of cells with (Bu)2cAMP and forskolin, and abolished by protein kinase-A inhibitor H-89. Independently from the PKA activation, colony stimulating factor-1, interleukin-1beta and the receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand also protected against the apoptosis but were less effective than calcitonin. All survival factors investigated inhibited conversion of procaspases-3 and -9 to their mature forms in the cells. Thus, downstream antiapoptotic signaling activity from each factor overlapped in inhibition of caspases. However, how this was attained seemed to be different from each other. Typically, only colony stimulating factor-1 up-regulated expression of endogenous caspase inhibitor protein, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), in the osteoclast-like cells.

Animals↗

Antifungal activity of Hinokitiol-related compounds on wood-rotting fungi and their insecticidal activities.

Hinokitiol (beta-thujaplicin), beta-dolabrin and gamma-thujaplicin isolated from Thujopsis dolabrata SIEB. et ZUCC var hondai MAKINO showed antifungal activities against all of the wood-rotting fungi examined. The antifungal activity of three compounds on Daedalea dickinsii IFO-4979 was especially strong, their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values being 0.2 microg/ml. Their antifungal activities on D. dickinsii IFO-4979 were as high as that of amphotericin B used as a positive control. Three compounds had strong insecticidal activities on Tyrophagus putrescentiae [50%-lethal concentration (LC50 : g/m2) 0.25 in hinokitiol, 0.02 in beta-dolabrin and gamma-thujaplicin. Their insecticidal activities were higher than that of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET, LC50 : 1.46 g/m2) used as a positive control. Three compounds also showed strong insecticidal activity on Coptotermes formosanus [LC50 (g/m2) 0.07 in hinokitiol, 0.05 in beta-dolabrin and gamma-thujaplicin], although their insecticidal activities were much lower than that of commercial chloropyrifos (LC50 : 0.00016 g/m2).

Antifungal Agents↗

Studies on antihypertensive agents with antithrombotic activity. 2. Syntheses and pharmacological evaluation of pyrrolo[2,3-c]azepine derivatives.

As an extension of our previous investigation, a series of 7-aminoalkylpyrrolo[2,3-c]azepine derivatives was synthesized and evaluated as alpha1-adrenergic- and serotonin 2 (5-HT2)-receptor antagonists, with the aim of finding a novel potent antihypertensive agent with both activities. Among the compounds obtained in this study, (E)-1-ethyl-7-[3-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl]-4-hy droxyimino-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-c]azepin-8-on e (16d) displayed potent alpha1-adrenoceptor blocking activity (pA2=7.83+/-0.20) and 5-HT2-receptor blocking activity (pA2=9.47+/-0.17) in isolated guinea pig arteries. At 3 mg/kg oral administration, compound 16d exhibited antihypertensive activity more potent than that of doxazosin in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive dogs. Furthermore, this compound reduced the rate of mouse acute pulmonary thromboembolytic death induced by collagen and serotonin at oral doses of 0.3 mg/kg or more, and its effect lasted for at least 6 h at 3 mg/kg.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists↗

Synthesis and serotonin 2 (5-HT2) receptor antagonist activity of 5-aminoalkyl-substituted pyrrolo[3,2-c]azepines and related compounds.

A series of 5-aminoalkylpyrrolo[3,2-c]azepine derivatives was synthesized and their serotonin 2 (5-HT2) receptor antagonist and antiplatelet aggregation activities were evaluated. 5-HT2 receptor antagonist activity was largely determined by the nature of the substituent at the 8-position as well as the aminoalkyl group at the 5-position of the pyrrolo[3,2-c]azepine ring. Compound 18a, 5-[3-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl]-8-hydroxy-1-methyl- 1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydropyrrolo[3,2-c]azepin-4-one, was recognized as having potent 5-HT2 receptor antagonist activity with weak alpha1 adrenoceptor blocking activity and no significant D2 receptor binding affinity, while the corresponding isomeric pyrrolo[3,4-c]azepine derivative (22) displayed only weak 5-HT2 receptor antagonist activity. After racemic 18a was resolved directly via diastereomeric salt formation, each enantiomer was evaluated precisely. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist activity of 18a was found to reside primarily in (-)-18a (which was about 14-fold more potent than (+)-18a in isolated guinea pig arteries). Consequently, (S)-(-)-18a (SUN C5174) displayed the overall best profile with potent 5-HT2 receptor antagonist activity (pA2=8.98+/-0.06) and high selectivity versus other receptors. SUN C5174 showed a marked inhibitory effect on the platelet aggregation induced by serotonin in combination with collagen and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in canine or human platelet-rich plasma (IC50=6.5 to 16 nM). Moreover, this compound significantly inhibited the mortality rate in mouse acute pulmonary thromboembolytic death induced by collagen and serotonin at oral doses of 0.3 mg/kg or higher. SUN C5174 is currently undergoing clinical evaluation.

Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Antagonists↗

Teratogenic and fetal toxicity following intravenous theophylline administration in pregnant rabbits is related to maternal drug plasma levels.

This study investigated the teratogenic and fetal toxicity of i.v. theophylline and its relationship to maternal plasma levels in pregnant rabbits. From days 6-18 of gestation, each dose of theophylline (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day at a rate of 0.5 ml/kg/min) was administered i.v. to pregnant rabbits using an automatic infusion pump. Theophylline showed reversible toxicity: accelerated respiration, sluggish startle reactions, dilation of the auricular vessels and polyuria were observed in dams treated with 60 mg/kg/day but not in animals given 15 or 30 mg/kg/day. Fetuses from the dam group treated with 60 mg/kg/day exhibited teratogenic toxicity such as cleft palate and skeletal variation of the 13th rib. Fetal toxicity was also observed including abortion, increased number of late deaths and decreased body weight appearing on day 29 of gestation. No toxicity was observed in fetuses from the dam group treated with 15 or 30 mg/kg/day. However, in the 30 and 60 mg/kg/day theophylline-treated groups, maternal plasma concentrations (Cmax) during the treatment period were approximately 56 and 106 micrograms/ml, respectively. It is therefore suggested that the risk of teratogenic and fetal toxicity caused by theophylline is dependent on its dosage. In conclusion, caution should be taken when administering theophylline or aminophylline to pregnant individuals at doses that could result in high neonate peak blood levels.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Force-induced osteoclast apoptosis in vivo is accompanied by elevation in transforming growth factor beta and osteoprotegerin expression.

The mechanism controlling the disappearance of osteoclasts from bone surfaces after bone resorption in vivo is largely unknown. This is because there is no suitable experimental system to trace the final fate of osteoclasts. Here, we used an experimental model of tooth movement in rats to show that preexisting osteoclasts disappeared from the bone surface through apoptosis during a force-induced rapid shift from bone resorption to formation. On the distal alveolar bone surface of the maxillary molar in growing rats, many mature osteoclasts were present. When light tensional force was applied to the bone surface through an orthodontic appliance, these preexisting osteoclasts gradually disappeared. One day after the application of force, about 24% of the osteoclasts exhibited apoptotic morphology and the proportion of apoptotic cells was increased to 41% by day 2, then decreased afterward. These changes were undetectable on the control distal alveolar bone surface, which is free from tensional force. As shown by in situ hybridization, a marked increase in transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) messenger RNA (mRNA) was observed in the stretched cells on the tensioned distal bone surface, simultaneously with the loss of osteoclasts. Both of these factors are known to have a negative effect on osteoclast recruitment and survival. As early as 2 days after force application, some of these stretched cells were identified as cuboidal osteoblasts showing intense signals for both factors. Our data suggest there may be a sequential link in tensional force applied on the bone lining cells, up-regulation of TGF-beta1/OPG, and disappearance of osteoclasts.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Long-term follow-up of periodontitis in a patient with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome. A case report.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is an extremely rare hereditary disease characterized by leukocyte dysfunction. We report on a 21-year-old woman who presented at the age 9 years with CHS and serious periodontal tissue destruction around erupted teeth. The patient had received systemic, radiographic, immunological, microbial, and clinical periodontal examinations since childhood. The chemotactic activity of neutrophils in the Boyden chamber assay was 22% of the control, and leukocyte bactericidal activity was one-third of the control. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia were isolated from periodontal pockets. Periodontal treatment including oral hygiene was provided, followed by professional tooth cleaning from the age of 12 to 21 years. However, the mobility of teeth and the inflammation of periodontal tissue progressed. This CHS patient presented with periodontal disease of extremely early onset, which was resistant to periodontal treatment.

Actinobacillus Infections↗

Induction of hepatic CYP2B1/2 by a teratogenic compound cis-1-[-4-(p-menthane-8-yloxy)phenyl]piperadine (YM9429) in rats.

A teratogenic compound cis-1-[-4-(p-menthane-8-yloxy)phenyl]piperadine (YM9429) selectively induces skeletal malformations characterized by cleft palate in rat fetuses. In the present study, we investigated the effect of YM9429 on hepatic cytochrome P-450s and their activities in rats. Oral administrations of YM9429 at a dose of 250, 500 or 750 mg/kg daily for 3 days induced cytochrome P-450 contents in a dose-dependent manner. Concomitant induction of enzyme activities of benzphetamine N-demethylase, erythromycin N-demethylase and, to a lesser extent, aminopyrine N-demethylase was observed. Immunoblot analysis revealed that YM9429 up-regulated hepatic levels of CYP2B1/2 and CYP3A1/2 proteins. A single dose of YM9429 at 250 mg/kg induced CYP2B1/2 protein levels significantly. These results suggest that YM9429 is a strong inducer of cytochrome P-450 with characteristics resembling those of phenobarbital.

Animals↗

Motor cortex stimulation for central and peripheral deafferentation pain. Report of eight cases.

The authors tested a modified motor cortex stimulation protocol for treatment of central and peripheral types of deafferentation pain. Four patients with thalamic pain and four with peripheral deafferentation pain were studied. Preoperative pharmacological tests of pain relief were performed using phentolamine, lidocaine, ketamine, thiopental, and placebo. In five patients we placed a 20- or 40-electrode grid in the subdural space to determine the best stimulation point for pain relief for a few weeks before definitive placement of a four-electrode array. In three patients, the four-electrode array was implanted in the interhemispheric fissure as a one-stage procedure to treat lower-extremity pain. In two patients with pain extending from the extremity to the trunk or hip, dual devices were implanted to drive two electrodes. Six of eight patients experienced pain reduction (two each with excellent, good, and fair relief) from motor cortex stimulation. No correlation was apparent between pharmacological test results and the effectiveness of motor cortex stimulation. Patients with peripheral deafferentation pain, including two with phantom-limb pain and two with brachial plexus injury, attained pain relief from motor cortex stimulation, with excellent results in two cases. Testing performed with a subdural multiple-electrode grid was helpful in locating the best stimulation point for pain relief. Motor cortex stimulation may be effective for treating peripheral as well as central deafferentation pain.

Aged↗

Pathophysiology of long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults.

OBJECT: Long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA) is a unique form of hydrocephalus that develops during childhood and manifests symptoms during adulthood. The aim of the present study was to analyze the specific pathophysiological characteristics of LOVA. METHODS: The specific diagnostic criteria for LOVA include severe ventriculomegaly in adults that is associated with macrocephalus measuring more than two standard deviations in head circumference and/or neuroradiological evidence of a significantly expanded or destroyed sella turcica. Twenty patients who fulfilled these criteria, 14 males and six females, were retrospectively studied. These patients' ages at diagnosis ranged from 15 to 61 years (mean 39.4 years). All had symptoms and/or signs indicating that hydrocephalus first occurred at birth or during infancy in the absence of any known underlying disease. The authors performed a pathophysiological study that included specific variations of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, such as fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and cardiac-gated cine-mode imaging; intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring; three-dimensional computerized tomography (CT) scanning; and other techniques. Hydrocephalus was caused by aqueductal stenosis in all patients. Severe ventriculomegaly involving the lateral and third ventricles was associated with a marked expansion or destruction of the sella turcica in 17 cases. Cardiac-gated cine-MR imaging did not reveal any significant movements of cerebrospinal fluid in the aqueduct. Three-dimensional CT ventriculography confirmed that the expanded third ventricle protruded into the sella and, sometimes, extended a diverticulum. Fourteen patients revealed symptoms and signs that indicated increased ICP with prominent pressure waves. Dementia or mental retardation was seen in 11 patients, gait disturbance in 12, and urinary incontinence in eight; all three of these symptoms were observed in seven patients. Thirteen patients experienced visual disturbance. Nine patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation as the initial treatment, leading to postoperative subdural hematoma in all seven cases in which a differential pressure valve was used. Nine patients, three of whom were initially treated by shunt placement, underwent a neuroendoscopic procedure, mainly for third ventriculostomy. Postoperatively, ICP returned to normal, and marked to-and-fro pulsatile movements at the site of ventriculostomy were recognized on cine-MR imaging in patients treated endoscopically. However, the ventriculomegaly was little improved. Consequently, all patients eventually demonstrated improvement in response to either a shunt equipped with a pressure-programmable valve or an endoscopic procedure; however, depression appeared in six patients, who required psychiatric consultation or medication. CONCLUSIONS: Such remarkably decreased intracranial compliance but relatively high ICP dynamics are the pathophysiological characteristics of LOVA. The therapeutic regimen should be determined based on the individual's specific pathophysiological makeup.

Adolescent↗

Efficacy of neuroendoscopic procedures in minimally invasive preferential management of pineal region tumors: a prospective study.

OBJECT: This prospective study is based on a consecutive series of 20 patients with pineal region tumors who underwent minimally invasive preferential management. The purpose of this report is to discuss the role of neuroendoscopic procedures in the management of pineal region tumors. METHODS: If the tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin were not detected in serum and there was significant ventricular dilation visualized on neuroimages, neuroendoscopic surgery was first applied for tumor debulking with tissue diagnosis and gross morphological analysis of the tumor and the intraventricular structures, followed by third ventriculostomy. Subsequent procedures were determined on the basis of verified individual tumors. For treatment of germinomas and pineoblastomas, if no tumor dissemination was confirmed by pre-, intra-, or postoperative findings, stereotactic radiotherapy or radiosurgery was performed after one course of chemotherapy with the ICE regimen (isofomid, cisplatin, and etoposide) and followed by two additional courses of chemotherapy. For treatment of malignant germ cell tumors, after extensive surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy with the ICE regimen was performed in three courses in all cases. Then radiotherapy was started using various methods, depending on the evidence of tumor dissemination. For treatment of teratomatous and neuroectodermal tumors other than pineoblastomas, extensive surgical removal was performed. As for adjuvant therapy, if the tumor was a low-grade glioma or if the patient was younger than 5 years of age, postoperative treatment did not include radiotherapy. If the tumor was a malignant teratoma or high-grade glioma, conventional focal radiotherapy was performed, followed by chemotherapy with ICE for 1 year. All but two treated patients had ventriculomegaly. Neuroendoscopic procedures were performed in six of 15 treated patients. Neuroendoscopic biopsy with tumor debulking offered enough material for tissue diagnosis, including immunohistochemical analysis and, in one case, revealed evidence of tumor dissemination undetectable on neuroimaging. With one exception, no shunt was required in any patient undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Stereotactic radiotherapy was performed in indicated cases. Favorable therapeutic outcomes were obtained in all cases of germinoma and pineoblastoma, with follow-up periods ranging from 24 months to 6.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our minimally invasive preferential regimen clarified the precise indication for neuroendoscopic procedures, and the majority of our patients with dilated ventricles and no evidence of tumor markers were treated satisfactorily with effective neuroendoscopic procedures as the initial procedure, avoiding unnecessary craniotomy and radiotherapy and promising excellent therapeutic outcomes. The treatment for malignant pineal region tumors remains a subject for further study.

Adolescent↗

[Changes of serum hepatocyte growth factor in coronary artery disease].

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is an endothelial cell specific growth factor involved in the repair of endothelial cells and collateral formation, however, the role for coronary artery disease is still unknown. We measured serum HGF level in various coronary artery diseases to examine the clinical significance. Serum HGF level was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in patients with stable effort angina pectoris (n = 26), old myocardial infarction (n = 18), unstable angina pectoris (UAP; n = 10) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n = 21). As a control group, we selected 11 patients with neurocirculatory asthenia. Blood samples from peripheral veins were collected at cardiac catheterization before heparin administration. In the AMI group, blood samples were also collected at 48, 72 hr, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks from the peripheral veins and 48 and 72 hr after reperfusion from the coronary sinus. Serum HGF level was significantly higher in the UAP (0.41 +/- 0.12 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and AMI groups (0.38 +/- 0.26 ng/ml, p < 0.05) compared to the control group (0.19 +/- 0.09 ng/ml). Serum HGF level peaked 48 hr after reperfusion in both the peripheral veins (0.42 +/- 0.16 ng/ml) and coronary sinus (0.58 +/- 0.23 ng/ml) in the AMI group, with a significantly higher level in the coronary sinus than the peripheral veins (p < 0.05). No significant correlation between peak HGF level in the peripheral veins and peak creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, ejection fraction and cardiac index was observed. Serum HGF was elevated in acute coronary syndrome, indicating advanced endothelial cell damage. HGF is produced, at least partially, in the heart in patients with AMI. Serum HGF level may be useful to detect endothelial cell damage rather than myocardial cell damage.

Angina Pectoris↗

Acute and subacute toxicities of theophylline are directly reflected by its plasma concentration in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between acute and subacute toxicity and blood levels of theophylline in dogs. Theophylline was administered intravenously into dogs once (at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) or for 4 weeks (at doses of 20, 35 and 70 mg/kg/day). In the single dose toxicity study, by increasing the dose of theophylline, plasma concentration increased and the severity of toxic symptoms were intensified. After a single dosing of theophylline, accentuated heart rate and vomiting were observed at a concentration of more than 67 micrograms/ml, and excitement, spasm and hyperpnea were observed at more than 130 micrograms/ml. Animals died after tonic convulsion at 180 micrograms/ml. In the repeated dose toxicity study, the plasma concentration of theophylline increased dependent on dosage, and was not affected by repeated dosing. Even under these conditions, the toxic symptoms were quite similar to those of the single dose, except for an additional decrease in movement, body weight reduction and myocardial lesion. These present results suggest that the severity of theophylline toxicity is dependent on its plasma concentrations rather than accumulated dosages. The blood concentration of theophylline-treated patients should be maintained within the therapeutic range in order to diminish risk.

Animals↗

[SIRS and CARS: discussion based on the pathologic condition of acute pancreatitis].

Relationship between SIRS and CARS in the pathologic condition of acute pancreatitis was discussed. SIRS promotes excessive inflammatory reaction and CARS induces the susceptibility to infection. Both conditions can develop into organ failure in acute pancreatitis. Hence, countermeasures for both conditions are mandatory in the care of patients with acute pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

A dose-escalation and pharmacokinetic study of subcutaneously administered recombinant human interleukin 12 and its biological effects in Japanese patients with advanced malignancies.

A pilot dose-escalation study of recombinant human interleukin 12 (rhIL-12) was conducted in Japanese patients with advanced malignancies. Cohorts of three patients received escalating doses of rhIL-12 that increased from 50 to 300 ng/kg/day s.c. three times a week for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest. The same dosage and schedule was repeated for two additional courses. Sixteen previously treated patients were registered, and 15 were evaluated. Common toxicities were fever and leukopenia; the abnormality of laboratory tests included elevations in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein, and beta2-microglobin. Dose-limiting toxicity was the grade 3 elevation of aminotransferases, and was observed in two of six patients at the 300-ng/kg dose level after the first course in one patient and after the third course in the other. Leukopenia was observed at all of the dose levels; two of six patients at 300 ng/kg experienced grade 3 leukopenia. Thus, 300 ng/kg was determined to be the maximum acceptable dose. Peak plasma levels of rhIL-12 decreased in the second courses, but the areas under the curve were almost the same in the first and second courses. Biological effects included increases of plasma levels of IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, and neopterin. In two patients with renal cell carcinoma, complete response and partial response of metastatic tumors were observed with 50 and 300 ng/kg; the responses lasted for 5 and 3.5 months, respectively. Although immunological response to rhIL-12 varies depending on administration route and schedule and on patients' physiological conditions, the recommended dose for Phase II studies is 300 ng/kg s.c. three times a week for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest.

Adult↗

An alloantibody recognizing the FVIII A1 domain in a patient with CRM reduced haemophilia A due to deletion of a large portion of the A1 domain DNA sequence.

We report the development of a FVIII inhibitor in a patient with severe, cross reacting material reduced (CRM(R)) haemophilia A. The level of Factor VIII antigen (FVIII:Ag) measured by ELISA using anti-C2 monoclonal and alloantibodies was 1.9 U/dl. This baseline FVIII:Ag level was increased to 8.3 U/dl after administration of DDAVP. The anti-FVIII inhibitor titer was 2.9 Bethesda U/ml. DNA analysis showed a large deletion of the FVIII gene from exon 4 to 7, corresponding to amino acid residues 111-317 included within the A1 domain. The size of the gene deletion was approximately 28 kb. 5' and 3' breakpoints were identified by sequencing in intron 3 and intron 7, respectively. FVIII mRNA was detected in the patient's peripheral lymphocytes and the deletion spanning exon 4 to 7 was confirmed at the RNA level. Immunoprecipitation experiments using 125I labeled A1, A2 and light chain demonstrated that the inhibitor reacted only with the 54 kDa A1 domain. The inhibitor activity was more than 95% neutralized by A1 domain polypeptide. Our findings suggest a close relationship between the inhibitor epitope and the specific gene deletion with regard to the pathogenesis of the inhibitor in this patient.

Adult↗

[Occurrence of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma six months after onset of Lyme disease].

A 68-year-old man, who had suffered a tick bite one week previously, consulted his home doctor because of fever and an erythematous rash around the bite scar. He underwent a skin biopsy, and Borrelia garinii was detected, from which Lyme disease was diagnosed. He received amoxicillin for two weeks and his symptoms disappeared. After 6 months he noticed swelling of his cervical, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. A biopsy sample was taken from a left cervical lymph node, and this revealed angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. The patient achieved a complete remission after chemotherapy. The relationship between Lyme disease and lymphoma is discussed.

Aged↗