Molecular Packing Structure of Mesogenic Octa-Hexyl Substituted Phthalocyanine Thin Film by X-ray Diffraction Analysis.

The molecular packing structure in a thin film of the liquid crystalline phthalocyanine, 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octahexylphthalocyanine (C6PcH2), which is a promising small-molecular material for solution-processable organic thin-film solar cells, has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. The crystal structure of C6PcH2 in the spin-coated film was determined to be a centered rectangular structure (a = 36.4 Å, b = 20.3 Å). The tilt angle of the phthalocyanine core normal vector was 34-39° from the column axis, and the shortest intermolecular distance was 3.9-4.0 A. The crystal structure determined by XRD analysis was ascertained to be consistent with that calculated by Fourier analvsis.

Porphyrin accumulation in mitochondria is mediated by 2-oxoglutarate carrier.

Heme (Fe-protoporphyrin IX), an endogenous porphyrin derivative, is an essential molecule in living aerobic organisms and plays a role in a variety of physiological processes such as oxygen transport, respiration, and signal transduction. For the biosynthesis of heme or the mitochondrial heme proteins, heme or its biosynthetic precursor porphyrin must be transported into mitochondria from cytosol. The mechanism of porphyrin accumulation in the mitochondrial inner membrane is unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the mechanism of mitochondrial translocation of porphyrin derivatives. We showed that palladium meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (PdTCPP), a phosphorescent porphyrin derivative, accumulated in the mitochondria of several cell lines. Using affinity latex beads, we showed that 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC), the mitochondrial transporter of 2-oxoglutarate, bound to PdTCPP, and in vitro PdTCPP inhibited 2-oxoglutarate uptake into mitochondria in a competitive manner (Ki = 15 microM). Interestingly, all types of porphyrin derivatives examined in this study competitively inhibited 2-oxoglutarate uptake into mitochondria, including protoporphyrin IX, coproporphyrin III, and hemin. Furthermore, mitochondrial accumulation of porphyrins was inhibited by 2-oxoglutarate or OGC inhibitor. These results suggested that porphyrin accumulation in mitochondria is mediated by OGC and that porphyrins are able to competitively inhibit 2-oxoglutarate uptake into mitochondria. This is the first report of a putative mechanism for accumulation of porphyrins in the mitochondrial inner membrane.

[A case of colonic perforation: a complication of percutaneous nephrostomy managed conservatively].

Percutaneous nephropyelostomy is commonly performed prior to endoscopic procedures, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy or endopyelotomy. We report a case of colonic perforation, complicating percutaneous nephrostomy, which was managed conservatively. A 10-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital for the diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The first percutaneous nephrostomy with sonographic guidance was performed for evaluating renal function. About three weeks later, the second percutaneous nephrostomy with fluoroscopic guidance was performed for endopyelotomy. The tract was dilated to 26F incision was made at the ureteropelvic junction without any problems. A nephrostogram, taken 53 days later, revealed a large amount of contrast material in the colon. Abdominal CT scan showed that the nephrostomy tube had passed through the most posterior aspect of the ascending colon. A double-J ureteral stent was placed and the nephrostomy tube tip was withdrawn to lie in the colon. A retrograde pyelography, taken next day, showed no communication between the colon and the right kidney. After 2 days, the tube was removed and no further complications occurred. Reports of percutaneous iatrogenic colonic perforation are rare. The etiology and treatment of this complication are discussed.