In order to elucidate the antitumor effect and mechanism of action of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the photosensitizing agent mono-L-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) and a semiconductor laser, we conducted a morphologic study on uterine cervical cancer cell lines. First, tumor shrinkage was confirmed in a tumor growth inhibition test. Next, morphologic changes after PDT were examined, and since the major change appeared to be tumor necrosis secondary to obstruction of the blood vessels around the tumor, an NPe6 cell uptake experiment was performed. The results confirmed that a significantly greater amount of NPe6 was incorporated by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUV-EC1) and the cervical cancer cell lines than by human umbilical cord-derived fibroblasts. Based on these findings it was concluded that NPe6 possesses tumor affinity, and necrosis secondary to vascular obstruction was postulated to be the principal mechanism of the antitumor effect of PDT using NPe6.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Tetralogy of Fallot associated with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion in adolescents and young adults.

PURPOSE: To clarify the clinical profiles of adolescents and young adults with tetralogy and 22q11.2 deletion, which has recently been identified as a cause of tetralogy of Fallot in about 15% of patients. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with 22q11.2 deletion and tetralogy of Fallot, with or without pulmonary atresia, including 15 males and 19 females, with their age ranging from 16 to 35 years (mean = 25) were studied. Main outcome measurements include chromosome deletion identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of peripheral blood lymphocytes, medical states assessed with New York Heart Association classification, social activity assessed with Warnes index, IQ assessed by Wechsler test. RESULTS: Eighteen of 20 patients with tetralogy and pulmonary stenosis had cardiac repair, and their cardiac conditions were good except one. Of 14 patients with tetralogy with pulmonary atresia, 7 had Rastelli type cardiac repair and were doing well, although 4 of them needed re-operation for conduit stenosis. No cardiac repair was done in the other 7 patients with tetralogy, pulmonary atresia and major collateral arteries because their peripheral pulmonary arteries were too small. In 28 of the 34 patients (82%), overall social activity was limited because of extracardiac diseases, including deafness, club feet, mental retardation, and schizophrenia. The IQ in 17 patients was 59 +/- 13 (mean +/- SD): range 41 to 79. In two patients, repeated IQ study showed a decrease. Four patients developed schizophrenia. CONCLUSION: Tetralogy with 22q11 deletion can be repaired surgically except in those patients with pulmonary atresia, major collateral arteries, and small peripheral pulmonary arteries. However, most of the adult patients show an inability to function in social life in contrast to most patients with tetralogy but without the deletion, who have a normal social life. Extracardiac diseases, including deafness, club feet, mental retardation, and schizophrenia were major handicaps limiting full social activities in postoperative adolescents and young adults with 22q11.2 deletion and tetralogy.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Acute and chronic effects of hyperosmolality on mRNA and protein expression and the activity of Na-K-ATPase in the IMCD.

We investigated acute and chronic effects of hyperosmolality on mRNA and protein expressions of Na-K-ATPase alpha and beta isoforms and Na-K-ATPase activity in the rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Incubation of IMCD in hypertonic medium for 30 min reduced the Na-K-ATPase activity by 50%. The Na-K-ATPase activity of dehydrated rats measured in isotonic medium was decreased, and incubation in hypertonic medium did not further decrease the activity. Incubation of IMCD in hypertonic medium for 6 h did not change alpha(1) mRNA. In contrast, dehydration decreased alpha(1) subunit mRNA and protein and beta(1) protein expressions without changing beta(1) mRNA. These data show (1) that acute hyperosmolality decreases Na-K-ATPase activity in IMCD without changing alpha(1) and beta(1) mRNA and (2) that 2 days of dehydration decreased Na-K-ATPase activity by reducing alpha(1) and beta(1) proteins. Thus, the mechanisms for the inhibition of the Na-K-ATPase activity in IMCD is different between acute and chronic exposure to hyperosmolality.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma: An unusual tumor of the paranasal sinus.

A 65-year old woman presented with nasal obstruction and on examination was found to have a huge mass in the maxillary sinus. This was removed, and histological examination revealed a mixture of trabecular structures consisting of inner dark cells, outer clear cells and solid structures consisting of only clear cells. Immunohistochemical examination showed the clear cells to be positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Ultrastructural examination confirmed the myoepithelial cell origin. The characteristic morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features aided in the diagnosis of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Temporal bone pathology of a patient with cochlear implant.

A 66-year-old man with profound total deafness received a 22-channel cochlear implant. After surgery, his hearing improved and the postoperative course was uneventful except transient vertigo. The patient died of lung cancer after 2.5 years. Twelve hours after death, the temporal bone was harvested for histological and electron microscopic examination. The mastoid air cells were preserved, although a few mucosal folds were present. The Dacron mesh tie had largely been absorbed, but part remained embedded in fibrous tissue. No inflammation was noted in the tympanic cavity or the round window through which the electrodes were inserted. In the cochlea, the scala tympani was filled with fibrous tissue at the site of electrode insertion. The scala media had collapsed, while the organ of Corti and stria vascularis showed degeneration. Osseous spiral bundles and spiral ganglion cells were noted, though reduced in number.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Two modes of auditory hair cell loss following acoustic overstimulation in the avian inner ear.

To determine the type of cell death occurring and how the removal of damaged cells proceeds following overstimulation, we examined chick basilar papillae using an in situ DNA nick end labeling method and transmission electron microscopy. Two distinct modes of hair cell loss were identified. First, hair cells which had not progressed into typical cell death processes, apoptosis or necrosis, were deleted by extrusion from the epithelium just after sound exposure. Second, hair cells manifested degeneration through the process of apoptosis, then further deterioration within the epithelium after the beginning of the process of hair cell regeneration. The latter mode may contribute to the following repair processes.

Acoustic Stimulation↗