The present scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations of the terminal vas deferens of the cat have revealed that the epithelial cells, like luminal macrophages, are not only involved in the removal of spermatozoa as previously reported but also capable of taking up actively the latex beads injected to the lumen. In addition, orchidectomy has been shown to do not have any remarkable effects on the ability of the epithelial cells for phagocytosis of beads.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -8 and TIMP-1 mRNA levels in normal and diseased human gingivae.

Interstitial collagenases, including matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and -8 (MMP-8), serve as initiators of extracellular matrix destruction in periodontal disease. Collagenase activities are mainly regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). We tested the effects of inflammation on MMP-1 and MMP-8 gene expression in periodontal disease. To determine the relative abundance of these mRNAs in gingiva, we used a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Gingival biopsies were divided into 2 groups; a control group and an inflamed group with severe gingivitis or periodontitis. The MMP-1 mRNA levels were significantly elevated in inflamed gingiva, while the levels of the MMP-8 transcript were not different in the 2 groups and barely detectable by RT-PCR assay. The expression of the TIMP-1 gene was not altered, and remained higher than any of these other genes in both control and diseased gingivae. These results suggest that MMP-1 rather than MMP-8 may play an important role in the initiation of collagen degradation in periodontal disease. However, the possibility remains that MMP-8 plays an important role in periodontal tissue destruction, since the mRNA abundance and not the enzyme activity was assessed.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

CT and MR appearance of multiple intracranial lesions associated with suprasellar dermoid cyst.

Multiple lesions associated with suprasellar dermoid cyst are well demonstrated preoperatively on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Although the presence of multiple fatty globules in ventricles and/or subarachnoid space has been thought to be evidence of ruptured dermoid cyst, there are no signs or symptoms, including operative findings, attributable to dermoid cyst rupture in our case. The distinctive CT and MR appearance is described and possible etiology of the multiple lesions is discussed.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Early venous filling in acoustic schwannoma.

An unusual case of acoustic schwannoma in neurofibromatosis with extensive and abundant early draining veins demonstrated on angiography is reported with a brief discussion of the literature. Although the histological features were those of a typical acoustic schwannoma, many dilated and thin-walled vascular channels were interspersed among the tumor.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Aneurysm arising from the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery: case report.

A 21-year-old man with hearing loss and recurrent otorrhagia was shown angiographically to have an aneurysm arising from the intrapetrous internal carotid artery (ICA). Endovascular balloon occlusion of the aneurysm with preservation of the parent ICA was attempted twice, but each time the balloon deflated and the aneurysm reappeared two weeks and three months, respectively, following the endovascular procedures. The patient was then successfully treated with a surgical trapping procedure combined with superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass.

Adult↗