An ultrastructural study of the mitotic preosteoblasts in the primary spongiosa of the rat mandibular condyle.

In this study, we observed mitotic preosteoblasts that have the structural features of osteoblasts in the primary spongiosa of the rat mandibular condyle. The rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus showed remarkable disorganization during mitosis. The Golgi saccules were replaced by groups of large vacuoles and small vesicles. The cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum also were vacuolized. Since this disorganization occurred in conjunction with the formation of the mitotic spindle, it is probably related to the changes of the microtubular cytoskeleton. Further, secretory granules were arrayed along the mitotic spindle microtubules at the metaphase, and concentrated around the midbody at the telophase. These findings indicate a close relationship exists between secretory granules and microtubules.

Transport of drugs through human erythrocyte membranes: pH dependence of drug transport through labeled human erythrocytes in the presence of band 3 protein inhibitor.

To reveal the role of the band 3 anion transport protein of the erythrocyte membrane in drug transport through the membrane, the possible effects of inhibitors of anion transport on the permeability of some anionic drugs were examined. The amounts of these drugs that permeated varied markedly with the pH of the outer medium around human erythrocytes that contained the band 3 protein inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DIDS). In the pH range 7.0-8.0, the membrane permeability of drugs through DIDS-treated erythrocytes was affected by a slight pH change (0.2), whereas that through the intact erythrocytes was not pH dependent. These results suggest that the band 3 protein acts not only as a channel for the transport of anions or some anionic drugs but also as protection for the transport system from changes in the pH of the outer medium.

Reduction of erythrocyte membrane permeability and protein binding of low-molecular-weight drugs following glycoside derivitization.

The permeability of glycosides (salicin, arbutin, glycyrritin, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-lactopyranoside, and p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-maltopyranoside) and their aglycons through human erythrocyte membrane was investigated. The transport rate of the glycosides through human erythrocyte membrane was slower than that of their aglycons. Glycosides with a disaccharide did not permeate the erythrocyte membrane; this observation suggests that the introduction of disaccharide to drugs gives rise to a significant decrease in the leakage of drugs through the erythrocyte membrane. The derivatives of glycosides encapsulated in erythrocytes were not released from these erythrocytes into the outer medium. The transport capacity of the glycosides was not influenced by the kind of suspending medium, but that of the aglycons was influenced by the medium. The glycosides bound to human serum albumin more weakly than their aglycons. Particularly, the glycosides were more difficult to displace from 7-anilinocoumarin-4-acetic acid (site III drug) than their aglycons, except for glycyrritin.

Histological observation of large light cells that seem to be surviving hypertrophic chondrocytes in the rat mandibular condyle.

Large light cells (more than 20 microns dia), including some with mitotic figures, appeared to be surviving hypertrophic chondrocytes. Thus at least a few hypertrophic chondrocytes in the rat mandibular condyle may survive, be released into the primary spongiosa, and divide.

[Transport of drugs through human erythrocyte membrane. Structure-activity relationship of benzoic acid and its derivatives between membrane transport and partition coefficient].

The transport properties of benzoic acid and its eighteen derivatives such as o-, m- or p-hydroxybenzoic acid (o-, m- or p-HBA), aminobenzoic acid (o-, m- or p-ABA), toluic acid (o-, m- or p-TA), fluorobenzoic acid (o-, m- or p-FBA), chlorobenzoic acid (o-, m- or p-CBA) and bromobenzoic acid (o-, m- or p-BBA) through human erythrocyte membranes were examined. The drugs having a hydrophilic ortho-substituent and those having a hydrophobic meta- or para-substituent showed higher transport. The ratio of free drugs in erythrocytes, fuR, did not relate to the partition coefficient (P). However, fuM (the ratio of free drugs in the plasma) and Kp (the ratio of partition between erythrocytes and plasma) related to the P: fuM = -0.3128 x log P + 0.9727 (R2 = 0.8722***), Kp = -0.2558 x log P + 0.8642 (R2 = 0.8413***). In p-nitrophenol-glycosides, the fuM and the Kp that were predicted from these equations were compatible with the experimental results. It was suggested from these results that the fuM and the Kp may be predictable from the P.

[Transport of drugs through human erythrocyte membranes. Change of transport by introduction of amino group or amino acids in benzoic acid].

The transporting properties of benzoic acid (BA) and its derivatives such as hippuric acid (HPA), p-aminohippuric acid (AHPA), N-benzoyl-beta-alanine (NBA), p-amino-N-benzoyl-beta-alanine (ANBA), N-benzoyl-6-aminocaproic acid (NBC), p-amino-N-benzoyl-6-amino-caproic acid (ANBC), o-, m- or p-hydroxybenzoic acid (o-, m- or p-HBA) and alpha- or gamma-resorcylic acid (alpha- or gamma-RA) through erythrocyte membranes were examined in two aspects of the inward direction from a drug-containing medium into the erythrocyte and the outward direction from the drug-containing erythrocyte to the drug-free medium. The significant difference in the rate of transport was observed between both directions. The introduction of a few methylene groups into the amino acid moieties of BA derivatives was slower in the rate of transport than that of more methylene groups. The rate of transport was slowed down by the introduction of amino group at p-position: NBC greater than NBA greater than HPA much greater than ANBC greater than ANBA greater than AHPA. The rate of transport in these drugs was correlated with the changes in partition coefficients. The same correlation was also observed in the drugs to which hydroxyl groups were introduced except alpha- or gamma-RA. This transport of alpha- or gamma-RA suggested the participation of the band 3 anion transporter protein.

[Effect of human serum albumin on transport of drugs through human erythrocyte membranes].

The binding properties to human serum albumin (HSA) and the transport of drugs through human erythrocyte membranes were examined with benzoic acid or its twenty-five derivatives (o-, m-, or p-hydroxybenzoic acid, o-, m-, or p-aminobenzoic acid, o-, m-, or p-nitrobenzoic acid, o-, m-, or p-toluic acid, o-, m-, or p-fluorobenzoic acid, o-, m-, or p-chlorobenzoic acid, o-, m-, or p-bromobenzoic acid, aspirin, salicyluric acid, alpha-resorcylic acid and gamma-resorcylic acid) and with glycosides (arbutin, salicin, glycyrrhizin and four p-nitrophenylglycosides) or their aglycons (hydroquinone, saligenin, glycyrretinic acid and p-nitrophenol). The drugs having hydroxyl group and amino group to o-site and those having nitro group, methyl group and halogen group to m- or p-site showed higher affinity with HSA and the plasma hindered the permeability of these drugs. The glycosides bind to each site (1, 2, and 3) of HSA more weakly than do their aglycons and they were difficult for plasma to hinder membrane permeation. The binding constants of each drug to HSA (Kb-site 1, Kb-site 2, Kb-site 3 and Kb-total) and the inhibition ratio (IR) related to the partition coefficient (P): Kb-site 1 (M-1) = 2.1479 x 10(3).square root of P - 5.2824.P + 2.0985 x 10(3) (R = 0.9371), Kb-site 2 (M-1) = 4.3741 x 10(3).square root of P - 15.2068.P + 6.5660 x 10(3) (R = 0.6788), Kb-site 3 (M-1) = 2.2176 x 10(4).log P + 1.2022 x 10(4) (R = 0.5227), Kb-total (M-1) = 1.0214 x 10(4).square root of P - 33.3721.P + 1.6919 x 10(4) (R = 0.7413), IR (%) = 19.885.log P + 17.916 (R = 0.8605). IR obtained from predictive equations (IR = 17.837.log P - 13.286. log Kb-site 1 + 0.175.square root of Kb-site 2 + 0.074.square root of K b-site 3 + 37.355, R = 0.9642, F = 71.4937***, ***; p < 0.001) by multiple regression analysis was compatible with experimental IR.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer surviving 3 years and 6 months after resection of Krukenberg's tumor].

Total gastrectomy was performed in a patient with an advanced gastric cancer (stage III). One year and eleven months postoperatively, Krukenberg's tumor was recognized and the prognosis was considered to be poor. A recurrence of ascites was identified. After resection of tumor, CDDP was administered intraperitoneally, and 5-FU tablets were administered orally as a maintenance therapy for a long term. The patient has continued to be in a good condition without any sign of recurrence for three years and six months (ie, five years and five months after previous gastrectomy).

[Histological studies on growth and function of condylar process in rat mandible].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth direction and the function of the mandibular condyle with the observations of the bone structure. Seven week-old rats were used as materials and the condylar processes were studied by macroscopic, light microscopic and electron microscopic observations. The results were as follows: 1. Many types of bone of different degree of calcification and differentiation were observed in the condylar processes. The calcified cartilage and immature bone, which were highly calcified, function as the core of bone trabeculae and compact bone. Each core was surrounded by other types of bone, and then, it seemed that some of these types of bone gave the characteristics of stiffness and flexibility to the bone trabeculae and compact bone. 2. The bone trabeculae indicated the rational arrangements in the condylar process, and as a result, the pressure from the mandibular fossa was transmitted to the compact bone efficiently in the masticatory movement. 3. The condylar processes in these week-old rats were growing only backward. 4. It seemed that the function as the articular head was enhanced mainly after seven week-old though the condylar process grew while it was functioning until this stage.

Inhibition of inflammatory and bone-resorption-inhibitory effects of alendronate by etidronate.

Among the bisphosphonates (BPs), the aminobisphosphonates (aminoBPs) have much stronger bone-resorption-inhibitory activities (BRIAs) than nonaminobisphosphonates (nonaminoBPs). However, aminoBPs have inflammatory effects. We previously reported that in mice: (i) all aminoBPs tested (10-40 micromol/kg) induced various inflammatory reactions (including induction of histidine decarboxylase), whereas clodronate (a non-aminoBP) (10-160 micromol/kg) inhibited these reactions; and (ii) a clear sclerotic line (tentatively called the BP line) was detectable in the tibia by radiography a few weeks after a single injection of either alendronate (a typical aminoBP) (1.6 micromol/kg) or clodronate (160 micromol/kg), and this BP-line formation (a marker for the BRIAs of BPs) was not reduced in mice given both alendronate and clodronate. In this study, using this murine model, we compared clodronate, etidronate (another typical non-aminoBP), alendronate, etidronate + alendronate, and clodronate + alendronate in terms of their inflammatory effects and/or BP-line formation. For BP-line formation, 480 micromol/kg etidronate was needed (single injection). At 160 micromol/kg, etidronate inhibited the histidine decarboxylase induction, but not the other inflammatory reactions induced by alendronate. However, etidronate (unlike clodronate) also inhibited alendronate-induced BP-line formation (even at 40 micromol/kg). Etidronate (160 micromol/kg) also inhibited the physicochemical changes in the tibia induced by six, weekly injections of alendronate. Therefore, depending on the dose, etidronate can inhibit alendronate's inflammatory actions and its BRIA. These results, together with those reported previously, suggest that a strategy utilizing clodronate (but not etidronate) plus an aminoBP might prevent or reduce the inflammatory side effects induced by aminoBPs while preserving their powerful BRIAs. We discuss the mechanisms underlying the antagonism between aminoBPs and non-aminoBPs.

Permeability of glycosides through human erythrocyte membrane.

The permeability of glycosides (arbutin, salicin, glycyrritin, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-lactopyranoside, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-maltopyranoside) and their aglycons through human erythrocyte membrane was investigated. The glycosides permeated slowly, compared with their aglycons. Glycoside having disaccharide did not permeate the erythrocyte membrane. This suggested that the introduction of disaccharide to a drug significantly depresses the permeability of glycoside through erythrocyte membrane. The drug entrapped in erythrocytes was not released into the outer medium.

Transport of aspirin and its metabolites through human erythrocyte membrane.

The transport of aspirin (ASP) and its metabolites (salicylic acid (SA), salicyluric acid (SAU), gentisic acid (GA) and gentisuric acid (GAU)) through human erythrocyte membrane was investigated. ASP permeated rapidly into the erythrocytes and the concentration dwindled gradually after the maximum concentration was attained almost within one minute. It was suggested that SA is released from the erythrocytes after ASP transported into the erythrocytes is hydrolyzed in them. In both an inward and outward direction, the transport rates of SA and GA were rapid, while those of SAU and GAU were lower by conjugating glycine. It was suggested that GAU remains for a long time in a living body. The rate of transport of GA and GAU were markedly obstructed by the band 3 protein inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate, although the transport rates of SA and SAU were obstructed only slightly. It was suggested that the transport of GA and GAU are mediated through band 3 protein.

Modeling of controlled release of aspirin derivatives from human erythrocytes.

The transport of aspirin (ASP) and its derivatives (m- or p-acetoxybenzoic acid (m- or p-AcOHBA), o-propionyloxybenzoic acid (PrOHBA), o-butyryloxybenzoic acid (BuOHBA), o-acetoxyhippuric acid (AcOHPA), and o-acetoxy-N-benzoyl-beta-alanine (AcONBA)) through human erythrocyte membrane was investigated. ASP derivatives were transported into the erythrocytes where they were hydrolyzed and then released, although the derivatives varied in the rate of transport. In different binding positions, the hydrolyzed derivatives were released rapidly in the order of p- > m- > o-AcOHBA (ASP). The rates of derivatives were accelerated by lengthening of the side chain of the acetoxyl group (BuOHBA > PrOHBA > ASP). The rate of release of o-, m- or p-AcOHBA, BuOHBA and PrOHBA was related to hydrolysis rate in erythrocytes but not to partition coefficient (log P). In different amino acids in a carboxyl group of ASP, the release of AcONBA was slower and about 2 h was required to attain equilibrium. The release of AcOHPA was also slower and increased gradually during an incubation of 3 h. The rate of release of AcOHPA and AcONBA was not related to hydrolysis rate in the erythrocytes. The rates were equivalent values with the predicted values calculated by log P of tested drugs. It was suggested from these results that ASP derivatives were able to control the release from human erythrocytes.

[A case of primary mediastinal teratocarcinoma in a young girl].

Primary malignant germ cell tumors of the mediastinum are rare neoplasm, almost always occurring in young adult males. This report described embryonal carcinoma in a 13-year-old girl. The patient was checked up at chest X-ray examination of middle-school pupils on June 1989, and was referred to us because of rapid enlargement of the shadow on October 1989. Chest rentogenograms on admission showed a large mass at the anterior mediastinum, and MRI also revealed a multicystic one extending to the right hemithorax and pressing the superior vena cava and the right atrium. Her serum AFP level was high at 211.1 ng/ml. At operation, on November 6, 1989, a large tumor (110 x 95 x 75 mm) was removed completely through median sternotomy. Histological study of the lesion revealed a wide spread of cystic mature teratoma containing some foci of embryonal carcinoma. Positive immunochemical reaction indicated the presence of AFP in these carcinoma cells. She was treated with 13 courses of anti-cancer chemotherapy by various combinations of CDDP, THP-ADR, VP-16, VCR, ACD, CPM, CBDCA, for one postoperative year. She showed clinical improvement and has continued to be free from recurrence now at 52 months after surgery.

Ultrastructural observation on matrix fibers in the condylar cartilage of the adult rat mandible.

In this study, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies were performed on the adult rat (15 weeks old) mandibular condyle, with particular attention to the matrix fibers in the condylar cartilage. The fibrous zone had thick collagen fibrils which formed fibril bundles. These collagen fibrils consisted mainly of Type I collagen. From the proliferative zone to the mature zone, the density of the collagen fibrils became higher. In the hypertrophic zone, thick collagen fibrils were formed around the chondrocytes. Immunohistochemical study indicated that these collagen fibrils consisted mainly of Type I collagen. Therefore, it was confirmed that the hypertrophic chondrocytes in this tissue had one of the osteoblastic phenotypes.

Change in erythrocyte shape induced by cyclosporine administration.

In order to estimate the effect of the long term administration of cyclosporine (CsA) on the shape change of erythrocytes, erythrocyte shapes which are observed with a scanning electron microscope were classified according to the nomenclature of Bessis for stomatocyte-echinocyte shape transformation. As a result of observing the erythrocyte shape of fifty-six patients with kidney transplantation treated with CsA, the morphological index of the erythrocytes of patients significantly increased to 0.0835+/-0.0085*** in comparison with 0.0004+/-0.0051 of those from healthy volunteers (control) (***: p<0.001, ANOVA). Such transformations had no relation to the subjects' sex or age. On the other hand, the erythrocytes of patients administered more than 100 ng/ml of CsA and posttransplanted within less than two years were transformed by CsA from the state of discocyte to echinocyte. In rats, the morphological index of erythrocytes of rats treated with 3 mg/kg/d or 5 mg/kg/d of CsA significantly increased in comparison with rats treated with saline (control). Furthermore, the erythrocytes of two patients were observed in terms of shape before the treatment with CsA. In both patients, the echinocyte type of erythrocyte increased by treatment with CsA. In vitro, the morphological index of the erythrocytes incubated with plasma containing CsA significantly increased, to 0.459+/-0.066*** in comparison with 0.064+/-0.029 of the control. It is suggested from these results that CsA treatment induces the echinocyte type of erythrocyte.