Biomedical subjects

M Shimizu

Publications and source records attributed to M Shimizu.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Juvenile polyposis occurring in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Various extraintestinal manifestations may occur in juvenile polyposis, but hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia has rarely been reported in this type of polyposis. The authors treated a 14-year-old girl with rectal bleeding and anemia who had multiple polyps of the colorectum. Large polyps were removed and histologically diagnosed as juvenile polyps. She was later diagnosed as having telangiectasia of the skin, and arteriovenous malformations in the lung and in the liver, all of which were compatible with the diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. At age 32, she had multiple ulcers in the ileum and in the colon. The coexistence of juvenile polyposis and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may be a clue for the understanding of the histopathogenesis of juvenile polyposis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Evaluation of gastric biopsies for neoplasia: differences between Japanese and Western pathologists.

Cited variations in the evaluation of gastric endoscopic biopsies for neoplasms between pathologists in Japan and those in the United States and Europe (the West) may have stemmed from several causes. The five-tiered group classification of the Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer (JRSGC) for interpretation of biopsies is not used in the West. Some differences may also exist in the morphologic criteria to reach a diagnosis of dysplasia or carcinoma. The goals of this study were to test the Western and Japanese classifications of gastric dysplasia and adenocarcinoma and to assess the differences between four Japanese and seven Western pathologists. One hundred biopsies, 20 from each of the five categories of the JRSGC scheme as determined by one observer, were collected. The Japanese observers used the JRSGC system, expressed in Roman numerals, whereas Western pathologists used a five- or six-tiered scheme expressed in diagnostic terms. Pairwise agreement was evaluated using k statistics within both groups. Consensus diagnosis on each biopsy was accepted as the opinion of the majority. The sensitivity and specificity of each reviewer for a certain diagnosis were also assessed. The intragroup agreements were moderate for both the Japanese (mean k = 0.663) and the Westerners (mean k = 0.652). The pairwise agreements between Japanese and Western observers were low (mean k = 0.542). Overall, the sensitivity was low for all Japanese observers for the diagnosis of dysplasia (38.7% vs 92.5%), and the sensitivity for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was high in both groups but higher among the Japanese observers (93.9% and 85.2%, respectively). Overall, the Japanese-Western interobserver agreement was moderate. The JRSCG scheme did not translate into higher interobserver agreement among Japanese observers. The sensitivity for the diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma was high for both groups, but the specificity was low among the Japanese. The cause seemed to be centered around the diagnosis of dysplasia in the Western system, which was a lesion frequently interpreted as carcinoma in Japan because of the different definitions of carcinoma in each system. Such a discrepancy might be important because it may explain some of the differences in the prevalence and prognosis of early gastric cancer between Japan and the West. An international effort is needed to harmonize morphologic criteria and analyze whether therapeutic consequences may stem from such discrepancies.

Biopsy↗

PubMed1999

Differential effects of UCN-01, staurosporine and CGP 41 251 on cell cycle progression and CDC2/cyclin B1 regulation in A431 cells synchronized at M phase by nocodazole.

UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine) and CGP 41 251 (4'-N-benzoyl staurosporine), both of which were discovered as protein kinase C selective inhibitors, have entered in phase 1 clinical trials as anti-cancer drugs. In this study, we have directly compared the effects of these drugs as well as staurosporine (STP) on cell cycle progression of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells synchronized at M phase by treatment with nocodazole. The nocodazole-synchronized cells progressed from M to G1 phase in the absence of the drug, which was accompanied by a decrease of cyclin B1 protein expression, disappearance of the complex formation of CDC2 with cyclin B1 and reduction of the kinase activity. Treatments of the M phase cells with UCN-01, STP and CGP 41 251 at 80% growth-inhibitory concentrations (IC80S) resulted in specific G1 block, G2M block and polyploidy, respectively. Decreases of cyclin B1 protein expression was partially prevented by treatments with STP and CGP 41 251 but not with UCN-01 at IC80S. Reductions of active complex and kinase activity of CDC2/cyclin B1 were also observed in the presence of the three drugs. In addition, augmentation of CDC2 protein tyrosine phosphorylation was induced only when the cells were treated with STP. These observations demonstrated that higher concentrations of UCN-01, STP and CGP 41 251 showed different effects on cell cycle progression as well as CDC2/cyclin B1 regulation in A431 cells synchronized at M phase. The data suggest that UCN-01 and CGP 41 251 may act at quite different points on the cell cycle.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed1999

The angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonist candesartan improves functional recovery and reduces the no-reflow area in reperfused ischemic rat hearts.

It is not yet clear if cardiac angiotensin II is involved in the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonist candesartan on myocardial functional recovery in isolated rat hearts subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. Three groups of hearts perfused in the Langendorff mode with Krebs-Henseleit buffer under constant pressure received either vehicle (n = 7), candesartan, 1 nM (n = 6), or 100 nM (n = 7) at the start of 30 min of global ischemia. The recovery of the double product was significantly higher in the candesartan, 100 nM, group (75+/-9.2%) than in the vehicle group (40+/-5.1%; p < 0.05). At the end of 30 min of reperfusion, left ventricular end diastolic pressure was lower in rats given candesartan, 100 nM, than in rats given vehicle (10+/-4.3 vs. 38+/-4.8 mm Hg; p < 0.05). After ischemia and reperfusion, there was a large no-reflow area in the vehicle group (28+/-3.1% of the left ventricle), which was reduced by candesartan, 100 nM (12+/-1.3%; p < 0.05). In rats given candesartan, 1 nM, there was a trend toward a higher recovery of the double product (73+/-13.4%), a lower left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (29+/-6.6 mm Hg), and a smaller no-reflow area (19+/-3.5% of the left ventricle) compared with the rats receiving vehicle. These trends did, however, not reach statistical significance. Our results demonstrate that candesartan reduces myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, thus indicating that endogenous cardiac angiotensin II is involved in the tissue injury after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1999

Combination of a calcium antagonist, a lipid-peroxidation inhibitor, and an angiotensin AT1-receptor antagonist provides additive myocardial infarct size-limiting effect in pigs.

The calcium antagonist felodipine, the lipid-peroxidation inhibitor H290/51, and the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1)-receptor antagonist candesartan all exert beneficial effects on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that a combination of these drugs with different pharmacologic properties could exert additive cardioprotective effects. Anesthetized pigs were subjected to 45 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 240 min of reperfusion. Five groups of pigs were randomly given either 0.65 microM (7 nmol/kg) felodipine, 1.0 microM (3.1 microg/kg) H 290/51, 4.2 microM (20 microg/kg) candesartan, a cocktail of these three drugs, or vehicle (n = 6 for each) for 30 min starting at 5 min before reperfusion by coronary venous retroinfusion, which delivers drugs specifically to the ischemic regions. Systolic segment shortening (%SS) was measured by sonomicrometer. The myocardial area at risk and the final infarct size were determined by Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. The hemodynamics did not change significantly during the study. In the vehicle group, the recovery of coronary flow was not maintained during reperfusion, and it was significantly lower after 240 min of reperfusion than during the preischemic period (p < 0.05). The coronary flow in the drug-treated groups was approximately the same by the end of the reperfusion period as that before the induction of ischemia. In the ischemic myocardium, %SS slightly recovered during reperfusion in the four drug-treated groups, but not in the vehicle group. The infarct size, expressed as a percentage of the myocardial area at risk, was smaller in all four drug-treated groups compared with the vehicle group. The infarct size in the cocktail group was significantly smaller than that in the groups given felodipine, H290/51, or candesartan alone. These results demonstrate that a combination of a calcium antagonist, a lipid-peroxidation inhibitor, and an angiotensin AT1-receptor antagonist has an additive effect on infarct limitation, indicating that combined therapy with agents having different pharmacologic modes of action may provide better cardioprotection than any of the drugs alone. The findings also support the view that reperfusion injury is possibly mediated by a combination of mechanisms.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed1999

Topical tocoretinate improved hypertrophic scar, skin sclerosis in systemic sclerosis and morphea.

Four patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc), 4 patients with morphea, and 4 patients with hypertrophic scar were treated with topical tocoretinate for 6 months to 3 years and studied clinically and histopathologically. Clinically, all of the lesions responded to this therapy. The stiffness of the skin lesions, glossy appearance of the lesions, and telangiectasia improved. Histopathologically, the proliferated collagen fibers decreased in thickness, and the inter-fiber spaces increased. Immunoreactive tenascin-C expressed in the proliferated deep dermal fibers of the SSc and hypertrophic scar lesions was markedly decreased compared with the level before the topical tocoretinate therapy. Topical tocoretinate has been used for the treatment of ulcers; it is also a potent treatment for sclerotic skin diseases.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed1999

G1-checkpoint function including a cyclin-dependent kinase 2 regulatory pathway as potential determinant of 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01)-induced apoptosis and G1-phase accumulation.

7-Hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01), which was originally identified as a protein kinase C selective inhibitor, is currently in clinical trials as an anti-cancer drug. We previously showed that UCN-01 induced preferential G1-phase accumulation in tumor cells and this effect was associated with the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein and its regulatory factors, such as cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and CDK inhibitors p21Cip1/WAF1 and p27Kip1. We demonstrate here that G1-phase accumulation was induced by UCN-01 in Rb-proficient cell lines (WiDr and HCT116 human colon carcinomas and WI-38 human lung fibroblast), and it was accompanied by dephosphorylation of Rb. In addition, UCN-01-induced G1-phase accumulation was also demonstrated in a Rb-defective cell line (Saos-2 human osteosarcoma), but not in a simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed cell line (WI-38 VA13). Apoptosis was induced by UCN-01 in the two Rb-deficient cell lines, but not in the other Rb-proficient cell lines. These observations suggest that G1-checkpoint function might be important for cell survival during UCN-01 treatment. In addition, there may be a UCN-01-responsive factor in the G1-checkpoint machinery other than Rb which is targeted by SV40. Further studies revealed a correlation between UCN-01-induced G1-phase accumulation and reduction of cellular CDK2 kinase activity. This reduction was strictly dependent on down-regulation of the Thr160-phosphorylated form of CDK2 protein, and coincided in part with up-regulation of p27Kip1, but it was independent of the level of the p21Cip1/WAF1 protein. These results suggest that G1-checkpoint function, including a CDK2-regulatory pathway, may be a significant determinant of the sensitivity of tumor cells to UCN-01.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed1999

Chemopreventive effect of N-(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl)methane sulfonamide (NS-398), a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in rat colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as sulindac and indomethacin inhibit colon carcinogenesis, and selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors are considered to be potential chemopreventive agents without the side effects of usual NSAIDs. We reported that NS-398, N-(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl)methane sulfonamide, suppressed the formation of preneoplastic lesions, aberrant crypt foci (ACF), induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in a short-term assay of rat colon carcinogenesis. In this study, we examined the effects of long-term NS-398 administration on rat colon carcinogenesis. After three AOM treatments at weekly intervals, a dose of 10 mg/kg of NS-398 in 5% Arabic gum solution was administered by gavage three times per week in group 2 until the termination of the experiment. Rats in group 1 were fed in a basal diet and given 5% Arabic gum solution alone after AOM treatment. At 40 weeks after the first AOM treatment, all rats were killed and the whole intestines including colon were examined. While the incidences of whole intestinal and colon neoplasms in group 1 were 84.6% and 80.8%, respectively, those in group 2 (given NS-398) were 51.9% and 44.4% respectively (P=0.0177 and P=0.0103 by Fisher's exact test, respectively). The multiplicities in group 2 (0.67+/-0.78 and 0.48+/-0.58) were also decreased significantly compared with those (1.39+/-1.10 and 1.08+/-0.74) in group 1 (P<0.01 by Welch's method and P<0.002 by Student's t test, respectively). In immunohistochemistry for proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), the PCNA-stained cell index (7.40+/-0.5) in group 2 was significantly decreased from that in group 1 (14.03+/-0.82) (P<0.001 by Welch's method). The results suggest that NS-398, a selective COX inhibitor, has a chemopreventive activity against colon carcinogenesis without side-effects such as gastric ulceration.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Characterization of cytokine expression in the rectal mucosa of ulcerative colitis: correlation with disease activity.

OBJECTIVE: Mucosal inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC) is presumed to be regulated by Th2-like cytokines. The aim of this study was to characterize local expression of various cytokines mRNA. METHODS: Total RNA was extracted from rectal biopsy specimens in 61 patients with UC, 18 inflammatory controls, and 16 noninflammatory controls. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-15. RESULTS: Expression of IL-10 was more frequent in UC (75.4%) than in noninflammatory controls (37.5%, p < 0.01). IL-4 was more frequently positive in UC (41%) than in inflammatory controls (5.6%, p < 0.01) and in noninflammatory controls (6.3%, p < 0.01). Positive expressions of IL-4 (66.7% vs 20.6%, p < 0.01) and IL-13 (63.0% vs 29.4%, p < 0.01) were higher in active UC than in inactive UC. The positive rate of IL-2, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and IL-15 expression showed no difference among the groups divided by clinical, endoscopic, and histological grade of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that in active UC, IL-4 is pivotal, in combination with other Th2-like cytokines. In contrast, Th1-like cytokines and IL-15 bear no definite relation to local inflammation of UC.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

In vivo observation of the ileal microadenoma in familial adenomatous polyposis.

Microadenomas or aberrant crypt foci (ACFs) are regarded as early neoplastic lesions that precede the development of macroscopic adenomas. The aim of this study was to characterize surface features of ileal microadenomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Magnifying ileoscopy was performed in 19 patients with FAP. A histologically verified adenomatous tubule, the existence of which was suggested by magnified observation, was regarded as a microadenoma. Magnifying ileoscopy detected microadenoma in five patients. In four of the five cases, the ileal microadenomas were identified as areas with tiny crypt openings or serrated surfaces, which were distinctive of nonneoplastic, diminutive protrusions. Magnifying ileoscopy seems to be useful in the detection of ileal microadenomas.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1999

Basaloid type adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast.

We report a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast with a prominent basaloid feature. The patient was a 62-year-old Japanese woman with a right breast mass, measuring 1.5 cm in diameter. Histologically, the tumor was composed of basal cell-like tumor cells, and it was originally diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma. The presence of PAS-positive basement membrane material around the tumor cell nests may be a diagnostic clue to ACC. The prognosis of ACC of the breast is considered to be favorable. However, basaloid type ACC may represent a poor prognosis, since our case revealed an aggressive behavior in spite of its small size.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

Bamboo-joint-like appearance of the stomach: a histopathological study.

A bamboo joint-like (BJL) appearance is an endoscopic finding characterized by swollen longitudinal folds transversed by erosive fissures or linear furrows, and it seems to be associated with Crohn's disease (CD). We performed gastroduodenoscopy in 1781 patients, and found BJL lesions in 15 (65.2%) of 23 CD patients and 20 (1.1%) of 1758 non-CD patients. Histological examination of the biopsy specimens showed sharp, fissure-like erosion or mucosal cleft in 7 (50%) out of 14 CD patients and one (20%) out of 5 non-CD patients. All cases with fissure-like erosion or, mucosal cleft revealed lymphoid aggregates, eosinophilic infiltration and edema in the superficial portion of the surrounding lamina propria. Epithelioid granuloma was seen at the base of the fissure-like erosion in two cases with CD. Our results indicated that fissure-like erosion or mucosal cleft in gastric biopsy specimens reflects the BJL appearance, and that such findings may provide a diagnostic clue to CD.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Intraosseous epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the phalanx. Case report.

We report the first case of intraosseous epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) occurring in the phalanx. The patient was a 50-year-old Japanese man with an intramedullary lytic lesion of the proximal phalanx. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of epithelioid cells or polygonal cells, forming large cell nests with central necrosis. Most tumor cells were diffusely and strongly immunopositive for S-100 protein and vimentin, and negative for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and HMB-45. Laminin-positive material was discontinuously demonstrated between the individual tumor cells. Electron microscopy showed prominent external lamina. Our case indicated that laminin is useful for differentiating epithelioid MPNST from metastatic carcinoma and malignant melanoma.

Bone Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

[Influence of dexamethasone on the clinical course of bacterial meningitis in children. Especially on secondary fever. Experiences in 27 institutions].

Of pediatric patients with purulent meningitis seen at the institutions listed in the title page of this paper between 1986 and 1994, 93 patients treated with antibiotics and dexamethasone (DXM) were compared with 91 patients treated with antibiotics alone. The patients receiving antibiotics with dexamethasone achieved overall improvement in inflammatory symptoms and signs and cerebrospinal fluid findings and became afebrile significantly earlier than those receiving antibiotics alone. However, some of the patients became febrile again. The secondary fever rate for the DXM group was much higher than that for the antibiotic alone group (p < 0.0001). In most of the rebounded cases, the body temperature rose above 38 degrees C and remained elevated for 2-4 days. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was cultured daily in 54 and 32 patients receiving antibiotics with and without DXM, respectively. Although this study was not a controlled study in a strict sense, these patients compared. In both groups, the CSF became mostly culture-negative within 48 hours. In a few patients receiving DXM, however, it became culture-negative after 72 hours or longer. DXM caused an adverse effect in a patient with meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The adverse effect was mild gastrointestinal bleeding, which recovered spontaneously. From the findings described above, the use of DXM combined with antibiotic therapy was considered to accelerate the relief from fever and improvement of inflammatory symptoms and signs and CSF findings. The body temperature rose again in more than half of the patients receiving DXM, but fell to normal spontaneously without treatment. The elevation doubtlessly could not be distinguished from recurrence of the meningitis itself or complications. It seems to be likely that no treatment but careful observation is required even if the fever recurs as far as the CSF findings showed favorable progress with excelluent general conditions. When DXM is given, it is essential that CSF tests and culture are repeated during the early stages and the progress is monitored carefully.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1999

Biodegradation of cyclohexylamine by Brevibacterium oxydans IH-35A.

A bacterial strain capable of growing on cyclohexylamine (CHAM) was isolated by using enrichment and isolation techniques. The strain isolated, strain IH-35A, was classified as a member of the genus Brevibacterium. The results of growth and enzyme studies are consistent with degradation of CHAM via cyclohexanone (CHnone), 6-hexanolactone, 6-hydroxyhexanoate, and adipate. Cell extracts obtained from this strain grown on CHAM contained CHAM oxidase, and the model for CHAM oxidation by this enzyme was similar to the model for deamino oxidation of amine by amine oxidase.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

PubMed1999

Clinicopathological features of serrated adenoma of the colorectum: comparison with traditional adenoma.

AIM: Serrated adenoma is a recently described category of colorectal adenoma. The aim of this study was to determine whether serrated adenomas have clinicopathological findings distinct from "traditional" adenoma. METHODS: Colonoscopy records for 1995-1998 were reviewed, and all traditional adenomas and serrated adenomas identified. Tumour site and endoscopic configuration were compared between the two types of adenoma. In polypectomised lesions, size and grade of dysplasia were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 3305 traditional adenomas and 43 serrated adenomas. Serrated adenomas were more often found in the rectosigmoid colon than the traditional adenomas (67.5% v 41.2%, p = 0.0008). Polypectomy was more often done for serrated adenomas (27 of 43 lesions, 62.8%) than for traditional adenomas (626 of 3305 lesions, 18.9%, p < 0.0001). Size (mean (SD) maximum dimension, 12 (6) mm v 13 (3) mm) and incidence of high grade dysplasia (14.8% v 13.6%) in endoscopically removed specimens were not different between the two types. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic judgement applied to the management of traditional adenoma seems to be appropriate for serrated adenoma.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1999

Fiber connections of the inferior lobe in a percomorph teleost, Thamnaconus (Navodon) modestus.

Afferent and efferent fiber connections of the lobus inferior (LI) were studied in a percomorph teleost, Thamnaconus (Navodon) modestus. The LI of Thamnaconus is composed of the nucleus diffusus lobi inferioris (NDLI), the nucleus recessus lateralis pars lateralis et medialis (NRLl and NRLm), and the nucleus centralis lobi inferioris pars anterior et posterior (NCa and NCp). The NDLI receives projections from the secondary gustatory nucleus, preglomerular tertiary gustatory nucleus, corpus glomerulosum, dorsal region of the area dorsalis telencephali pars medialis (dDm), and area dorsalis telencephali pars lateralis. Different subdivisions of the dorsal telencephalon project to discrete regions of the NDLI. The NDLI projects to the corpus mamillare, NRLl, NCa, and NCp. Thus the NDLI could be regarded as an intrahypothalamic relay nucleus. The NCa receives projections from the NDLI and projects to the preglomerular tertiary gustatory nucleus, secondary gustatory nucleus, nucleus lateralis valvulae, and NRLl. The NCa appears to be primarily an extrahypothalamic projection nucleus. The NCp receives projections from the NDLI. Efferent connections of the NCp remain to be studied. The NRLl receives projections from the NDLI, and projects to the nucleus ruber (NR) of Goldstein [1905] and the preglomerular tertiary gustatory nucleus. Dense projections of the NR to the stratum opticum and stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale of the optic tectum are demonstrated. The NRLm receives projections from the medial part of the dDm. Efferent connections of the NRLm remain unclear. The LI as a whole receives projections from the locus coeruleus and nucleus raphe superior. These results suggest that the LI receives gustatory and/or general visceral information from the secondary and tertiary gustatory nuclei, visual and somatosensory inputs from the corpus glomerulosum. Inputs from the dorsal telencephalic subdivisions could be of various modalities (e.g. visual, acousticolateral, gustatory and/or general visceral). The present study also suggests that information processed in the LI is transmitted to the optic tectum via the NR, to the corpus mamillare, to the secondary and tertiary gustatory nuclei, and to the cerebellum via the nucleus lateralis valvulae.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Clinical evaluation of repeat apheresis donors in Japan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the safety of repeat apheresis donation, hematological and biochemical tests were performed on 511 donors with a donation rate of over 6 times per year for a period of 12-19 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Repeat donors who had apheresis more than 6 times in the previous year were chosen. Data for the repeat donors at the start of the experiments were compared with those at the end of the study. Blood samples were taken prior to donation. Serum protein, albumin, immunoglobulin G, A, and M, serum ferritin levels were determined by biochemical tests. RESULTS: When compared to prospective donors of 400 ml, WBC, lymphocytes, and serum ferritin levels were lower in a roughly frequency-dependent manner in female and male donor groups at the beginning of the study. All the data for the male group remained almost constant with increasing frequency of apheresis donation. However, in the female group, ferritin levels significantly decreased with over 21 donations. CONCLUSIONS: The present data showed that the serum ferritin level of the female donors decreased the most with increasing frequency of apheresis donation. The cumulative RBC left in the collecting chamber and for the laboratory test is discussed in relation to a possible cause of iron deficiency in frequent apheresis donors.

Adult↗