Biomedical subjects

T Imai

Publications and source records attributed to T Imai.

At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate stimulates mouse placental lactogen-I (mPL-I) secretion but inhibits mPL-II secretion at midpregnancy.

To determine whether cAMP regulates mouse placental lactogen-I (mPL-I) and mPL-II secretion at midpregnancy in vitro, mouse placental tissue from day 9 of pregnancy was dispersed with collagenase, cells were fractionated on a Percoll gradient, and the purified trophoblast cells were plated in a serum-free medium. The cells were then incubated with various agents that increased the intracellular cAMP level for 5 days. 8-Bromo-cAMP stimulated mPL-I secretion, but inhibited mPL-II secretion in a time- and dose-dependent manner without changing the amount of newly synthesized trichloroacetic acid-precipitable proteins. Cholera toxin and forskolin, which increase intracellular cAMP accumulation, also regulated mPL-I and mPL-II secretion in the same manner. 8-Bromo-cAMP increased the intracellular mPL-I concentration, decreased the intracellular mPL-II concentration, and increased the immunoprecipitable newly synthesized mPL-I concentration in both the medium and cells. 8-Bromo-cAMP increased the expression of mPL-I messenger RNA and decreased the expression of mPL-II messenger RNA. The sequential reverse hemolytic plaque assay and double immunocytochemistry indicated that 8-bromo-cAMP regulates the subpopulation of giant cells containing and releasing mPL. These findings suggest that an increase in intracellular cAMP stimulates mPL-I secretion, but inhibits mPL-II secretion by changing the subpopulation of giant cells containing and releasing mPL.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

PubMed1995

Hormonal regulation of rat adrenomedullin gene in vasculature.

Adrenomedullin (AM), a novel vasodilatory peptide originally isolated from human pheochromocytoma, has subsequently been shown to be expressed in a variety of tissues, such as adrenal gland, lung, heart, kidney, and aorta. To determine whether vascular AM gene expression is under hormonal control, the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) and T3 on AM messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were tested in cultured rat vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by Northern blot analysis using polymerase chain reaction-cloned rat AM complementary DNA as a probe. DEX dose and time dependently increased steady-state AM mRNA levels in both endothelial cells and VSMC. T3 modestly induced AM mRNA expression in both cells, whereas rT3, a biologically inactive isomer of T3, failed to affect AM mRNA expression. A glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (RU 38486) blocked DEX-induced AM mRNA expression in both cells, whereas neither estradiol nor testosterone affected AM mRNA expression. Actinomycin D abolished basal as well as stimulated AM mRNA expression by T3, whereas cycloheximide markedly increased steady state mRNA levels (superinduction). The approximate half-lives of basal and stimulated expression of AM mRNA by DEX in VSMC were within 1 h. In contrast, there was little, if any, decay in cycloheximide-induced AM mRNA expression over 6 h. Our study demonstrates that the AM gene expressed by vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells is similarly regulated by glucocorticoid and possibly by thyroid hormone, and that superinduction of AM mRNA is most likely due to increased mRNA stability.

Adrenomedullin↗

PubMed1995

Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate stimulation of placental proliferin and proliferin-related protein secretion.

To identify factors that regulate proliferin (PLF) and PLF-related protein (PRP) secretion by the mouse placenta, placental cells from day 9 of pregnancy were cultured for up to 5 days, and PLF and PRP release into the medium was assessed by RIA. Transforming growth factor-alpha, interleukin-1 alpha, and interleukin-6 did not regulate either PLF or PRP secretion. However, treatment of primary placental cell cultures with 8-bromo-cAMP, cholera toxin, or forskolin resulted in 2- to 3-fold increases in the percentages of PLF- and PRP-producing cells in the population and corresponding increases in both PLF and PRP messenger RNA and secreted protein. The increase in the number of PLF-producing cells was accompanied by an increase in the number of cells expressing both PLF and mouse placental lactogen-I. These data suggest that cAMP levels can regulate trophoblast giant cell differentiation and, consequently, the amount of PLF and PRP secretion.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

PubMed1995

Estrogen induces epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and its ligands in human fallopian tube: involvement of EGF but not transforming growth factor-alpha in estrogen-induced tubal cell growth in vitro.

We studied the estrogen-dependent expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF) alpha, and EGF receptor gene transcripts in human fallopian tubes in vivo and in vitro. Competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on the fallopian tube RNA samples from the postmenopausal women with or without estrogen replacement. Amounts of EGF, TGF alpha, and EGF receptors gene transcripts in the estrogen-treated group (n = 3) were significantly (P < 0.01) more than those in the untreated group (n = 3). Competitive PCR also showed that EGF, TGF alpha, and EGF receptor gene transcripts level in tubal cells were increased by estrogen in vitro: messenger RNA levels of these factors were significantly (P < 0.01, n = 3) increased in cells incubated with 10(-8) M estrogen compared with those in cells without estrogen treatment. We studied whether EGF and/or TGF alpha is involved in the estrogen-induced tubal cell growth in vitro. Estrogen enhanced the [3H]-thymidine incorporation into the cell in dose- and time-dependent manners in culture: estrogen treatment for more than 12 h significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the [3H]-thymidine incorporation into the cell at 10(-8) M. The estrogen-induced cell growth was observed in association with the increase in EGF, TGF alpha, and EGF receptor messenger RNA levels by estrogen. If the EGF and/or TGF alpha is involved in the cell growth, then the estrogen-induced cell growth should be suppressed by blocking the action of EGF and/or TGF alpha. Therefore, we examined the effects of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against EGF, TGF alpha, and EGF receptors. Anti-EGF antibody significantly reduced the estrogen-induced increase in [3H]-thymidine incorporation, whereas anti-TGF alpha antibody failed to show the effect. Anti-EGF receptor antibody showed a significant suppressive effect on the estrogen-induced increase in [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Moreover, the growth inhibitory effect by 1 microgram/ml anti-EGF was restored by 10(-8) M EGF but not by TGF alpha even at 10(-6) M. All these data suggest that estrogen induces EGF and TGF alpha/EGF receptors in the human fallopian tube and that EGF but not TGF alpha may be involved in the estrogen-induced human tubal cell growth in vitro.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1995

Effect of oral multiple-dose administration of anti-inflammatory flurbiprofen chimera drug on gastric lesion, other toxicities and disposition kinetics.

Flurbiprofen (FP) was esterified with a histamine H2-antagonist, PPA (N-[3-(3-(1-piperidinylmethyl)phenoxy)-propyl]-2-(2- hydroxyethylthio)acetamide), to yield a chimera drug, FP-PPA, and its protective effect toward gastric lesions, other toxicities and the disposition kinetics were investigated, as compared to those of FP, in multiple oral administration to rats for 2 weeks. FP-PPA scarcely formed any disorder of the gastric mucosa following multiple oral administration. The body weight changes and hematological and serum biochemical parameters were found to be similar to those in the control group. Some drug metabolizing enzyme activities tested were the same as those of the control group. Further, the pharmacokinetic parameters were found to be the same after both single and multiple oral administration. On the other hand, in the FP treated group, the inhibition of body weight increase and changes in serum biochemical and hematological parameters were observed due to malabsorption. The absorption rate constant was increased significantly after multiple administration as compared to that of single administration. It is suggested that these changes in the absorption process of FP are due to variations in gastrointestinal permeability derived from gastrointestinal damage. The results obtained here indicate clearly that the chimera drug FP-PPA scarcely forms any disorder of the gastric mucosa, even after multiple oral administration, and is thus a potential candidate for oral use.

Absorption↗

PubMed1995

An autopsy case of incomplete left atrial rupture following left atrial infarction associated with left ventricular myocardial infarction.

We report a 78-year-old woman with incomplete left atrial rupture following left atrial infarction associated with left ventricular myocardial infarction. An autopsy revealed a hemopericardium. A large hematoma was observed in the posterior wall of the left atrium and a few small tears were found on the same wall. Near its origin, the left circumflex artery was severely sclerotic and completely occluded by fresh thrombus. Histologic examination revealed that large intramural hematoma longitudinally dissected the inner third of the posterior wall of the left atrium, and transversely dissected through the necrotic tissue to the pericardial sac to result in rupture. Coagulation necrosis and intramyocardial hemorrhage were also observed throughout the entire left atrium and the postseptolateral wall of the left ventricle.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

[The effects of long-term intake of restricted calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E and cadmium-added diets on various organs and bones of mice: a histological and the roentgenological study].

The toxic effects of long-term administration of cadmium (Cd) on the kidneys, liver, and hind leg bones were studied histologically and roentgenologically in 29-day-old female ICR-strain mice separated into groups variously fed 1) a commercial (calcium [1.17%], vitamin D [220IU/100g], vitamin E [10mg/100g]) diet, 2) a low Ca (0.18% diet, 3) a low Ca and low D (50IU/100g) diet, and 4) a low Ca, low D and low E (5mg/100g) diet. Though the levels of vitamin D and vitamin E were designed to be low in each diet, their amounts fulfilled the nutritional requirements. Three subgroups in each category were fed Cd at dietary concentrations of 0, 20 or 40 ppm. After 12, 18 or 24 months on these diets the mice were sacrificed. 1) In the groups fed the commercial diet containing Cd, prominent swelling of the glomerulus and thickening of the basement membrane of glomerulus were observed. This did not occur in the groups fed the commercial diet without Cd. 2) In the groups fed the Cd-added low-Ca diet the following findings were more prominent compared with the low-Ca diet group. In the kidneys, swelling of the glomerulus, hyaline casts in tubular lumina and cellular infiltration of the interstitial tissue were present. In the liver, cellular infiltration on the interstitial tissue were present. In the liver, cellular infiltration of the interstitial tissue occurred. In the hind leg bones, thinning of trabeculae and ossification of the Achilles's tendon were seen. 3) In the Cd-added low-Ca, D diet groups, there was atrophy of glomerulus, thickening of basement membrane of glomerulus, and atrophy of tubular epithelial cells in the kidneys, while in the liver, binuclate cells, anisonucleosis and enlargement of Kupffer cells were seen. In the hind leg bones, thinning of the cortex and trabeculae were present. All of these findings were more prominent in this group than in the low-Ca, group. 4) In the Cd-added low-Ca, D, E, diet groups subjects the following findings were more prominent than in the low-Ca, D, E, diet group. In the kidneys, there was swelling of glomerulus and in the liver, there were binuclate cells, anisonucleosis, and cellular infiltration into interstitial tissue. In the hind leg bones, thinning of the cortex and trabeculae, a decrease of cartilage cells and a decrease of osteocytes were seen. These histological and roentgenological changes were seen to increase in a dose-dependent manner with the amount of dietary Cd.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1995

[The effects of long-term intake of restricted calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E and cadmium-added diets on the bone mass of mouse femoral bone: a microdensitometrical study].

Effects of undernutrition on development of cadmium (Cd) poisoning were investigated in mice over a long experimental period ranging from 29 days to 24 months. The study was designed to examine low in calcium, low in vitamin D and low in vitamin E diets, which were considered neither to induce lesions of Ca, vitamin D and vitamin E deficiency nor in nutrition. Twenty-nine-day-old female ICR strain mice were separated into 7 groups and different diets were given to each group. Group I a commercial diet (Intact), Group II a low in Ca and low in D diet, Group III a low in Ca, low in D and low in E diet, Group IV a low in Ca, low in D and 20ppm Cd diet, Group V a low in Ca, low in D and 40ppm Cd diet, Group VI a low in Ca, low in D, low in E and 20ppm Cd diet and Group VII a low in Ca, low in D, low in E and 40ppm Cd diet. Using X-rays of the hind legs, the bone density was measured at the middle of the femur employing a densitometer; effects of the undernutrition and the cadmium-added diet on bone density were investigated referring to five indices: 1) peaks of the density of the middle of the bone cortex (h1, h2) (the maximum density of the bone cortex (h1 + h2)/2 [hmax]), 2) the lowest density of the middle of the bone marrow (h3) (the minimum density of the bone marrow [hmin]), 3) the bone cortical width (d1 + d2), 4) the bone marrow width (d) and 5) the cortical bone index (the ratio of cortical bone width to bone width. [CBI]). The long-term effects of cadmium. a) Comparisons among groups II, IV and V.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1995

[The effects of long-term intake of restricted calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E and cadmium-added diets on the skeletal muscles of mice: an enzyme histochemical study].

To clarify the effect of chronic cadmium exposure on muscles, 29-day-old female ICR strain mice were separated into 7 groups and various diets were given to each group. Group I a commercial diet (Intact), Group II a diet low in calcium and low in vitamin D, Group III a diet low in Ca, low in D and low in vitamin E, Group IV a low in Ca, low in D and 20ppm cadmium-added diet, Group V a low in Ca, low in D and 40ppm Cd diet, Group VI a low in Ca, low in D, low in E and 20ppm Cd diet and Group VII a low in Ca, low in D, low in E and 40ppm Cd diet. The levels of vitamin D and vitamin E were designed to be low in each diet but their amounts fulfilled the minimum nutritional requirements. The experimental period was long, ranging from 29 days to 24 months. Using a microscope, two skeletal muscles, the soleus (red muscle) and the gastrocnemius (white muscle) of mice with chronic Cd effects were observed after staining with H. E. and analyzed after enzyme histochemical reaction to ATPase. Using ATPase stain, type I muscle fibers were distinguished from type II muscle fibers. The long-term effects of cadmium. 1) Comparisons among groups II, IV and V. After 18 months it was found in group IV that myopathic muscle damage (increased random variation of fiber size [Size] and widening of interstitial tissue [Widening]) were more prominent that in group II. In group V myopathic muscle damage (Size and Widening) and type II atrophy were more prominent that in group IV. At 24 months it was found in group IV that myopathic muscle damage (Size, internal nuclei [IN] and Widening) and type I and type II atrophy were more prominent than in group II. In group V myopathic muscle damage (Size, IN and Widening) and type I and type II atrophy were more prominent than in group IV. 2) Comparisons among group III, VI and VII.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Aging↗

PubMed1995

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) increases the expression of its own receptor gene.

Regulation of the ACTH receptor (R) in the adrenal gland by its own ligand "ACTH" has been a matter of controversy. In the present study, whether ACTH regulates the expression of mRNA for its own receptor in the adrenal gland was studied in human subjects and in rats in vivo. In the human study, adrenal adenoma tissues as well as adjacent normal tissues were obtained at surgery from two patients with typical Cushing's syndrome. Northern blot analysis revealed two ACTH-R mRNA species with 4.0 kb and 2.0 kb. ACTH-R mRNAs in the adenoma tissues were much more abundant than those in the normal tissues from the two patients, suggesting that the mRNA in normal adrenal tissue is either suppressed by cortisol excess or the absence of ACTH. To examine the mechanism involved in ACTH-R mRNA regulation, the changes in the receptor mRNA caused by ACTH were studied in dexamethasone-treated rats. Administration of dexamethasone for 5 days resulted in a marked decrease in ACTH-R mRNA to an undetectable level. A bolus administration of ACTH1-24 intravenously or ACTH-Z1-24 intramuscularly to the dexamethasone-treated rat did not cause any significant change in ACTH-R mRNA from 0.5 to 12 h after the administration. However, a significant increase in the receptor mRNA was observed at 24 h after the ACTH-Z1-24 and the level was further increased until 48 h followed by a sustained increase at 72 h when it was given once every 24 h. These data suggest that the ACTH-receptor is increased by ACTH at a pretranslational level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed1995

Heterotransplantation of human parathyroid glands into nude mice.

Heterotransplantation of human parathyroid tissues into nude mice was performed to investigate the characteristics of grafted tissues. Grafts prepared from hyperplasia, adenoma and normal glands which were resected at operation were implanted in the gluteus muscle of the recipient mice (female, KSNnu/nu strain). Graft function was evaluated by measuring human intact PTH concentrations in sera of the mice. Serum PTH concentrations 12 weeks after transplantation were correlated with the tissue volume in the mice which received one, two, four or eight pieces of 1 mm3 hyperplastic tissues. Changes in graft function were examined in the mice which received four grafts prepared from hyperplasia, adenoma or normal glands. Transplantation of parathyroid tissues resulted in an increase in PTH concentrations for 4 weeks, reaching a plateau thereafter. The level remained unchanged for 8 weeks. Serum PTH levels in the mice with grafts prepared from hyperplasia or adenoma were significantly higher than in those with grafts from normal glands, though without a significant difference between the mice with grafts from adenoma and from hyperplasia. Serum calcium levels were similar in all three groups. We also observed the response of grafted parathyroid tissue to a low calcium level in sera: there was higher PTH secretion four weeks after the administration of the low calcium diet. The success of heterotransplantation was histologically proven by the presence of grafts which were not atrophic in the muscle 12 weeks after transplantation. Nucleoli were found more frequently, and nuclear pleomorphism was observed in the cells of heterografts.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1995

Increase in human placental glucose transporter-1 during pregnancy.

Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) has been found in high abundance in human placentas. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in the level of GLUT1 during pregnancy. We have analyzed the gestational changes in human placental GLUT1 by [3H]cytochalasin B binding assay, immunoblot analysis and Northern blot analysis. Levels of [3H]cytochalasin B binding to placental membrane in pregnancy at 7-10, 18-20 and 38-40 weeks were 4.2 +/- 0.47, 5.2 +/- 0.46 and 7.2 +/- 0.40 (mean +/- SEM, N = 4) mumol/kg protein, respectively. Amounts of 49-kD and 60-kD proteins detected in immunoblot analysis increased during pregnancy in parallel with [3H]cytochalasin B binding to placental membrane. The GLUT1 mRNA levels also increased during pregnancy. Immunohistochemical examination showed that GLUT1 was localized in the plasma membranes of trophoblast cells. These findings showed that the GLUT1 level increased during pregnancy in human placentas and suggest that GLUT1 may play an important role in fetal development.

Blotting, Northern↗

PubMed1995

Involvement of epidermal growth factor in inducing adiposity of age female mice.

Aged mice exhibit an increase in their body weight (BW), which is associated with fat deposit increase. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentration in the submandibular gland also increases with aging. We examined the effects of elevated EGF on the adiposity of aged female mice. Studies were started in two groups of animals consisting of sham-operated (n = 10) and sialoadenectomized (n = 10, Sx; surgical removal of the submandibular glands) mice at 8 weeks of age. Body weight gain and food intake were measured throughout 78 weeks of age in these two groups. Body weight was significantly less in the Sx group throughout 78 weeks, while food intake was not changed by Sx after 12 weeks of age. To examine further if EGF plays a role in the induction of adiposity in aged female mice, sham-operated animals were given 100 microliters anti-EGF rabbit antiserum (anti-EGF group, n = 5) or normal rabbit serum (control group, n = 5) every 3 days, and Sx animals were given 5 micrograms/day EGF (Sx+EGF group, n = 5) or saline (Sx group, n = 5) from 78 weeks of age for 3 weeks. At 81 weeks of age, all animals of these four groups were killed, and carcass fat deposition and fat cell sizes were measured. Although the relative weights (weight ratio to BW) of the liver and kidney were not changed by Sx and anti-EGF treatment, the relative weights of mesenteric and subcutaneous fat tissues and adipocyte weights were significantly decreased in Sx and anti-EGF groups compared with the control group. Moreover, both acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA levels were significantly decreased by Sx or anti-EGF administration in mesenteric and subcutaneous fat tissues. On the other hand, EGF administration to Sx animals had no effect on BW, fat tissues and adipocyte weights, and ACS and LPL mRNA levels. The results, however, were consistent with the fact that adipose tissue EGF receptors were down regulated in Sx mice. These findings suggest that EGF may play a role in the induction of adiposity in aged female mice.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1995

Menstrual cycle specific expression of epidermal growth factor receptors in human fallopian tube epithelium.

We studied the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) in human fallopian tubes at three stages of the menstrual cycle: early follicular (n = 3), late follicular (n = 3) and luteal (n = 3). Immunohistochemical studies in the ampullary portion of the tubes showed that specific staining was localized to the epithelium and the vascular endothelium. Staining of the epithelium was intense at the late follicular and luteal stages, while it was weak at the early follicular stage. 125I-EGF binding study in the tubal plasma membranes revealed a class of high-affinity EGF receptors. Although dissociation constants were similar between the stages, numbers of binding sites at the late follicular and luteal stages were significantly (P < 0.01) greater than those at the early follicular stage. Western blotting showed that tubal plasma membranes contain M(r) 170,000 EGF receptor protein. The amounts were significantly (P < 0.01, n = 3) greater at the late follicular and luteal stages than those at the early follicular stage. Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that EGF receptor mRNA was expressed in all the 9 RNA samples (n = 3 for each stage) from the tubal ampullary portion. The amounts were significantly (P < 0.01, n = 3) greater at the late follicular and luteal stages than those at the early follicular stage (by a competitive PCR). Increase in the amounts of EGF receptor protein and mRNA occurred in association with an increase in serum oestradiol but not progesterone levels. Next we examined whether EGF receptor and its ligands (EGF and transforming growth factor alpha) are directly induced by oestrogen. We found that specific staining for EGF receptor and its ligands in the tubal epithelium was detected (by immunohistochemistry) in postmenopausal women with oestrogen replacement (n = 3), but not in subjects without oestrogen replacement (n = 3). These results suggested that EGF receptors in the human tubal epithelium are expressed in relation to specific stages of the menstrual cycle and that the expression may be induced by oestrogen.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1995

[An immunoblot technique].

After a protein is separated by various types of gel electrophoresis, it is transferred onto a nitrocellulose membrane, where a specified protein is detected through immunological reactions. This procedure, called an immunoblot technique, combines gel electrophoresis, which is capable of separating materials and immunological detection with specificity and high sensitivity. It has recently been used widely as a useful method for analyzing proteins in the fields of medicine, biochemistry, molecular biology and human genetics. The aim of this technique is to transfer a target protein, which is present in the gel, as efficiently as possible onto a membrane so that it can react uniquely on the membrane. To achieve this end, it is necessary to select the following; 1) a transfer system, 2) a transfer membrane, 3) a transfer buffer and additive, 4) optimal transfer conditions, and 5) a specific and highly sensitive means of immunological detection, to be combined with the technique. Since the immunoblot technique is, in principle, capable of analyzing all types of proteins as long as there is an antibody specific to the target protein, it can be used widely to determine the physiopathology of human proteins.

Antibody Specificity↗

PubMed1995

[Anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta: a case report].

We report a successful case of anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta. A 34 days old infant, who had suffered from cardiogenic shock, underwent a direct anastomosis of the right pulmonary artery to the main pulmonary artery behind the ascending aorta under cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative catheterization showed no significant stenosis over the anastomosis and normalized pulmonary artery pressure. We conclude that early surgical correction is necessary in the treatment of this life threatening disease.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed1995

[A case of absence of the left internal carotid artery].

A case of absence of the left internal carotid artery with epilepsy was reported. Only a few cases of absence of the internal carotid artery with epilepsy in childhood have been reported in Japan. A flow void image of the cavernous sinus portion of the left internal carotid artery was not obtained on MRI. MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography also did not reveal the left internal carotid artery. On thin slice, axial CT scanning of the skull base, the right carotid canal was normally observed, but the left carotid canal was hypoplastic. It was suggested that the epileptic focus was in the right hemisphere, judging from the fast waves dominant over the right hemisphere on ictal EEG, and the hyperfusion in the right parietal and occipital lobes seen on 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT one hour after the seizure.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

PubMed1995

[Muscle histopathology and responsiveness to steroid therapy in polymyositis and dermatomyositis].

We carried out muscle biopsies on 22 patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis, and evaluated the relationship between muscle histopathological findings and steroid responsiveness. We classified the histopathological findings of the biopsied muscles into 4 types based on the distribution and extent of inflammatory cellular infiltration. The first "perivascular infiltration" type was seen in 7 patients who had inflammatory cells mainly around the small vessels, the second "endomysial infiltration" type in 5 patients who had inflammatory cells mainly around the muscle fibers, the third "diffuse infiltration" type in 4 patients who had scattered inflammatory cells around the small vessels and the muscle fibers, and the fourth "scant infiltration" type in 6 patients who had no prominent inflammatory cells. Most of the patients with the first or the second type showed a good response to the initial steroid therapy, while 3 patients with the diffuse infiltration and 4 with the scant infiltration types poorly responded. Histopathological typing of biopsied muscles is one of the useful markers to predict the responsiveness to the initial steroid therapy.

Administration, Oral↗