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A tonometric biosensor for glucose was constructed using a chemo-mechanical reaction unit and a differential pressure sensor. The reaction unit was fabricated by using both liquid and gas cells separated by an enzyme diaphragm membrane, in which glucose oxidase was immobilized onto the single (gas cell) side of the dialysis membrane. By applying glucose solution (0, 25.0, 50.0, 100, 150 and 200 mmol/l) into the liquid cell of the chemo-mechanical reaction unit, the pressure in the gas cell decreased continuously with a steady de-pressure slope because the oxygen consumption in the gas cell was induced by the glucose oxidase (GOD) enzyme reaction at the enzyme side of the porous diaphragm membrane. The steady de-pressure slope in the gas cell showed the linear relationship with the glucose concentration in the liquid cell between 25.0 and 200.0 mmol/l (correlation coefficient of 0.998). A substrate regeneration cycle coupling GOD with l -ascorbic acid (AsA: 0, 1.0, 3.0, 10.0 and 50.0 mmol/l; as reducing reagent system) was applied to the chemo-mechanical reaction unit in order to amplify the output signal of the tonometric biosensor. 3.0 mmol/l concentration of AsA could optimally amplify the sensor signal more than 2.5 times in comparison with that of non-AsA reagent.

High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) support has been investigated as a first-line treatment in patients with poor risk germ cell cancer. However, effective management of patients with residual cancer after HDCT has not been well addressed, and the outcome in such patients is poor. Here, we report a case of disseminated germ cell cancer successfully treated with intensive conventional chemotherapy after HDCT. A 31-year-old man presented with a bulky mass at the retroperitoneum, which had invaded the lumbar and sacral vertebra, and multiple lung and liver metastases. The patient's serum beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG) was elevated to 2600 IU (cut-off value0.1 IU). At the time of diagnosis of poor risk germ cell cancer of extragonadal origin, he underwent two cycles of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin) chemotherapy and PBSC harvest followed by three cycles of HDCT with PBSC transplantation. The liver metastases disappeared. The retroperitoneal bulky mass and multiple lung metastases shrank but were still present, and the serum beta-hCG level was not completely normalized. An additional three courses of BEP and five courses of VIP (cisplatin, ifosfamide, etoposide) normalized the beta-hCG level. Pathological evaluation of the residual masses revealed no viable cancer cells at either site. The patient is alive without disease recurrence 5 years after completion of chemotherapy.

Introduction Cutaneous ureterostomy is the simplest and safest method of all permanent urinary diversions. However, the procedure does carry a risk of stomal stenosis. We describe a simple technique for improving tubeless cutaneous ureterostomy. Technical Considerations Between June 1991 and June 2003, the Toyoda cutaneous ureterostomy was performed in 54 patients (102 renal units) with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. Since 1998, we introduced a new technique, consisting of fixation between the anterior and posterior rectus sheath by four interrupted sutures to maintain the stability of the abdominal wall tunnel for the ureters. The ureteral patency rate was reviewed. Of the 79 renal units (77.5%) that achieved a tubeless condition, 70 (68.6%) had no hydronephrosis. The catheter-free rate improved from 60.5% (26 of 43 renal units) to 89.8% (53 of 59 renal units) with the introduction of the new surgical stabilization step for the abdominal wall tunnel. Conclusions This surgical modification is an effective and simple procedure that improves tubeless cutaneous ureterostomy performed with the Toyoda method.

Using proteomic analysis, we previously identified calreticulin (CRT) as a potentially useful urinary marker for bladder cancer. Now, we have also identified gamma -synuclein (SNCG) and a soluble isoform of catechol-o-methyltransferase (s-COMT) as novel candidates for tumor markers in bladder cancer, by means of proteomic analysis. In the process of establishing a superior tumor marker system, we investigated the diagnostic value of a combination assay of these three proteins. Voided urine samples were obtained from 112 bladder cancer and 230 control patients. Urinary CRT, SNCG, and s-COMT were measured as a combined marker by quantitative western blot analysis. Relative concentration of each protein was calculated and the diagnostic value of a concomitant examination of these markers was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic analysis. With the best diagnostic cutoff, the overall sensitivity of the combined markers was 76.8% (95% confidence interval, 69-81%) with a specificity of 77.4% (72-80%), while those of a single use of CRT were 71.4% and 77.8%, respectively. When evaluated in relation to tumor characteristics, such as grade, stage, size, and outcome of urinary cytology, the diagnostic capacity of the combined markers was equal to or better than that of CRT in all categories. Concomitant use of CRT, SNCG, and s-COMT had higher sensitivity for detection of bladder cancer than did single use of CRT. Our study suggests that use of this panel of markers will improve the diagnosis of bladder cancer and may allow the development of a protein microarray assay or multi-channel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Background: New methods for detection of bladder cancer are needed because cystoscopy is both invasive and expensive and urine cytology has low sensitivity. We screened proteins as tumor markers for bladder cancer by proteomic analysis of cancerous and healthy tissues and investigated the diagnostic accuracy of one such marker in urine.Methods: Three specimens of bladder cancer and healthy urothelium, respectively, were used for proteome differential display using narrow-pH-range two-dimensional electrophoresis. To evaluate the presence of calreticulin (CRT) as detected by Western blotting, we obtained 22 cancerous and 10 noncancerous surgical specimens from transurethral resection or radical cystectomy. To evaluate urinary CRT, we collected 70 and 181 urine samples from patients with and without bladder cancer, respectively. Anti-CRT COOH-terminus antibody was used to detect CRT in tissue and urine.Results: Proteomic analysis revealed increased CRT (55 kDa; pI 4.3) in cancer tissue. Quantitative Western blot analysis showed that CRT was increased in cancer tissue (P = 0.0003). Urinary CRT had a sensitivity of 73% (95% confidence interval, 62–83%) at a specificity of 86% (80–91%) for bladder cancer in the samples tested.Conclusions: Proteomic analysis is useful in searching for candidate proteins as biomarkers and led to the identification of urinary CRT. The diagnostic accuracy of urinary CRT for bladder cancer appears comparable to that of Food and Drug Administration-cleared urinary markers, but further studies are needed to determine its diagnostic role.

The glucose sensor was constructed by immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOD) with glutaraldehyde solution onto the sensitive area of the transparent oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode was fabricated by sealing KCl electrolyte solution including the Indium-Tin Oxide (ITO)-electrode with both metal-weldable film and gas-permeable membrane coated with Ag/AgCl electrode. The sensor behavior was evaluated using standard glucose solutions in a batch measurement system with a computer-controlled potentiostat at a reduction potential of -900 mV. The sensor device has flexible structure and good optical transparency (less than 0.6 abs) at the visible wavelength from 400 to 700 nm. The sensor was possible to be used for measuring glucose from 0.06 to 1.24 mmol/l (correlation coefficient: 0.999), including the reported concentration of tear glucose in normal (0.14 mmol/l), with good reproducibility.

A wearable and flexible oxygen sensor with membrane structure was constructed by pouching KCl electrolyte solution by both non-permeable (metal weldable) sheet and gas-permeable membrane with Pt- and Ag/AgCl-electrode patterned by microfabrication techniques. The electrolyte solution was fastened only by heat-sealing the edges of the weldable membranes without any chemical adhesives. The wearable oxygen sensor (thickness: 84 μm) was applied to the electrochemical measurement with a fixed potential of −600 mV vs. Ag/AgCl, thus obtaining the calibration range to dissolved oxygen (DO) from 0 to 8.0 mg/l and the quick response time (11 s to 90% of a steady-state current), which operate similarly to a commercially available oxygen electrode. By placing the wearable oxygen sensor onto the forearm skin surface of the subject inhaling various concentrations of oxygen the gas phase as the physiological application of it, the transcutaneous oxygen pressure was successfully monitored without any inconveniences such as skin inflammation, etc.

The family of neurotrophins, encompassing nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5), is important in the regulation of neuronal development and function. We examined the expression of neurotrophin messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in the rat urinary bladder during pre- and postnatal development using competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA levels showed a biphasic pattern of expression; one peak was at prenatal ages (embryonic day (E)15-E18) and the other peak was at postnatal ages (postnatal day (P)14-P28). NT-4/5, BDNF and NGF mRNA levels were greatest at E15, E16 and E18, respectively. In contrast, NT-3 mRNA levels were significantly highest at P14. These data suggest that neurotrophins are involved in the mechanisms of bladder nerve growth for the prenatal period and reorganization of bladder reflex pathways during the second to the fourth postnatal week.

Little is known about how the prenatal innervation of the urinary bladder develops. The objective of this study was to define the timing and pattern of innervation of the developing rat bladder using growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) immunohistochemistry. In addition, we examined the development of two different classes of transmembrane receptor proteins, the Trk family of tyrosine kinases and neurotrophin receptor p75 immunoreactivities. GAP-43-positive nerves were first detected in the bladder at embryonic day (E) 16. They were growing rapidly to the bladder dome and covered the whole bladder by E18. The density of GAP-43-containing nerves increased in the muscle layer by postnatal day (P) 0. Both Trk receptor-positive and p75 neurotrophin receptor-positive fibers were also first seen at E16. The number of Trk immunoreactive nerves reached a peak at E18, and then decreased over the following days. In contrast, p75-labeled fibers were abundant at E18-P14. There were few GAP-43 or neurotrophin receptor-positive fibers in the adult. GAP-43 immunohistochemistry provided us with a picture of innervation in the developing rat bladder. Furthermore, the demonstration of neurotrophin receptors positive fibers in the prenatal and early postnatal bladders suggests that neurotrophins may contribute to the development of the peripheral nervous system in the urinary bladder.

Purpose: Nerve regeneration in the urinary bladder after pelvic nerve plexus injury remains uncertain. The objectives were to establish a rat model of nerve regeneration in the bladder and to examine possible changes of low-affinity neurotrophin receptor p75 and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) immunoreactivities during denervation and nerve regeneration.Materials and Methods: Adult male rats were divided into 3 groups: controls, crush of the nerve bundles from the right major pelvic ganglion (MPG) to the bladder (nerve crush group) and removal of the right MPG (MPG removal group). Bladders were collected at 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days, and immunohistochemically stained for protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5: an axonal marker), p75 and GAP-43.Results: In the nerve crush group, PGP9.5 positive nerves were decreased in number at 3 and 7 days, and then increased after 14 days in the muscle layer of the operated side. By 60 days, the density returned to control levels. However, MPG removal resulted in...

We examined the effect of inflammation on immunoreactivity of growth-associated protein (GAP-43) in the rat urinary bladder in which acute cystitis was induced with cyclophosphamide (CPA). Following CPA injection, the number of GAP-43 labeled nerves was significantly increased in the muscle layer. Immunoreactivity of PGP9.5, which was used as an axonal marker, was not augmented following CPA injection. Double fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed that substance P immunoreactivity was present in most GAP-43 immunoreactive fibers (90.2%) in the inflamed bladder. Electron microscopic examination showed that GAP-43 immunoreactivity was localized on axons. Some GAP-43 positive axons showed degeneration. Possible significance of the increase of GAP-43 immunoreactive afferent nerve fibers in the muscle layer of acutely inflamed bladder was discussed.

The localization of low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor in the enteric nervous system of adult rats has been studied by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody (clone 192) against the rat receptor. Cryostat and whole-mount sections were stained. By light and confocal microscopy, positive staining in neural structures was found in every part of the gut. In the ganglionic plexus, dense staining was detected in the neuropil surrounding neuronal cell bodies that were themselves devoid of immunoreactivity. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed deposition of reaction products on the outer plasma membranes of both perikarya and processes of neuronal as well as glial cells. Such a selective localization of the receptor in the plasma membrane, but not the cytoplasm, suggests that the mechanisms of receptor-ligand interaction in the gut may differ from those in the brain, where internalization of the receptor is observed in cholinergic cells. The present study provides the morphological basis for future studies designed to elucidate the functional significance of this enteric nervous system receptor. Since it is found in both neuronal and glial cells, it is probably under the influence of a number of trophic factors, including nerve growth factor

Renal hypothermia using ice slush for retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed in 2 patients. A cylindrical device was secured in the enlarged port site. Through the device, ice slush was introduced and placed around the kidney. The nadir renal temperature under renal ischemia in the 2 patients was 18.4 degrees C and 25.8 degrees C.

The distribution of adrenergic nerves in the body detrusor muscle of the cat urinary bladder was studied by means of the immunohistochemical identification of noradrenaline (NA) and the NA synthesizing enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase, aromatic L-aminoacid decarboxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase. We identified the basic structural organization of the detrusor muscle, which had previously been described as lacking discernible layers. In the lateral wall, both outer longitudinal and inner circular muscle bundles were present, the latter extending in both anterior and posterior directions. The posteriorly running bundles came to lie on the outside of the posterior wall where they enabled recognition of inner longitudinal muscle bundles. Those running anteriorly were dispersed to enter the longitudinal bundles in the anterior wall. NA-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the detrusor muscle of the bladder were found to be similar to those immunoreactive for NA synthesizing enzymes in both distribution and density. In the upper and middle bladder body--including the dome (apex)--immunoreactive nerve fibers were always more abundant in the outer part of the detrusor muscle than in the inner part, regardless of the course of muscle bundles. Even in individual muscle bundles running from the inside to the outer surface, the outer part was more richly innervated by immunoreactive fibers than the inner part. In the bladder dome, a moderate number of immunoreactive nerve fibers preferentially innervated the outer part of the muscle layer. In the lower bladder body, these nerve fibers increased in density in the inner part of the detrusor muscle. There was no sexual difference in density or distribution of nerve fibers. NA- and NA synthesizing enzyme-immunoreactive nerve fibers were markedly decreased in number after 6-hydroxydopamine treatment. No dopamine- or phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase-immunoreactive nerve fibers were present in the bladder. The findings of this study indicate that the cat bladder musculature includes longitudinal and circular muscle bundles, both of which are extensively innervated by adrenergic nerves, particularly in the outer part of the bladder.

A total of 13 patients received intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy for superficial bladder cancer and were followed for at least 6 months (range 6 to 50 months). Of the patients 7 had carcinoma in situ and 6 had recurrent tumors following intravesical mitomycin C therapy. Of the 7 patients who had carcinoma in situ, 4 (57%) are free of disease and 3 (43%) have required cystectomy for recurrence or progression. Of the 6 patients who had recurrent tumors following intravesical mitomycin C therapy, 3 (50%) remain free of tumor after BCG therapy alone, 2 (33%) had superficial recurrences but no progression and 1 (17%) has required cystectomy for prostatic involvement. After intravesical BCG therapy, transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate was identified in 4 of the 13 patients, and tumors in the upper urinary tract were detected in 2 of the 4 patients with prostatic involvement. Of the 4 patients 2 have local recurrence or distant metastasis. In patients treated with BCG therapy the prostate and upper urinary tract represent a potential site of progression or recurrence. Patients treated with intravesical BCG therapy for superficial bladder cancer should be monitored closely for the development of transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate and upper urinary tract.

A biochemo-mechanical pump was constructed with funnel type glass tubes and an enzyme membrane, immobilized catalase onto single-side of dialysis membrane. By applying hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution into non-enzyme immobilized side tube, the pressure in another tube increased rapidly. Namely, an active transportation of H2O2 by the asymmetric enzyme membrane from the funnel area to the tube induced the increase in the tube pressure (max.: 5000 Pa), thus resulting in buffer discharge with non-pulsating and low flow rate. The output pressure was linearly related to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide over a range of 11.8 to 123.6 mmol/l, with good reproducibility.

To study the hemodialysis period following cadaveric renal transplantation, we reviewed 18 consecutive cadaver donor kidney pairs of which one kidney was transplanted at Shiga University of Medical Science (SUMS) while the contralateral kidney was transplanted at Kyoto Prefectural Medical University (KPMU) between January 1983 and September 1988. Of these 18 pairs, graft function was satisfactory and the recipient was free from hemodialysis in 13 pairs. However, the postoperative hemodialysis periods were different between the two centers. To clarify the factors causing this difference, recipient factors, such as age, HLA matching, total ischemic time of the graft (TIT), immunosuppression, onset of diuresis and postoperative complications were studied. There were no significant differences in age, HLA matching, or immunosuppression. TIT of cases at SUMS was significantly longer than that of cases at KPMU. The postoperative hemodialysis period at SUMS was 25.8 days and that at KPMU was 17.8 days, however, the difference was not statistically significant. The results of this study indicate that TIT seems to be a major factor relating to delayed graft function in cadaveric renal transplantation.

A biochemical-powered pump was constructed by using two funnel type glass tubes separated by an enzyme diaphragm membrane, in which catalase was immobilized onto the single side of the dialysis membrane. By applying hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution into the non-enzyme side of the glass tube, the tube pressure at the enzyme side increased continuously. In consequence, an active transportation of H2O2 through the asymmetric enzyme membrane could induced the pressure increase in the enzyme side tube (max.: 5000 Pa), thus resulting in the discharge of buffer solution from the enzyme-side tube with non-pulsating flow.

Bilateral single ectopic ureters with hypoplastic bladder are rare and difficult to treat. Urinary diversion (e.g. by ileal conduit) is usually performed because of small bladder capacity. We report a case treated by staged operation without urinary diversion or bladder augmentation. The outcome shows that ureterovesicostomy between the dilated ureter and the bladder is a feasible method to increase capacity for bilateral single ectopic ureters with hypoplastic bladder.

A 6-year-old girl was referred to our department due to pyelonephritis. Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) revealed grade 4 vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and urethral deformity (stenosis and lateral deviation). She had a history of sacrococcygeal teratoma resection in the newborn. Urodynamic study revealed a large-capacity hypotonic bladder and poor bladder emptying. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the spine demonstrated no abnormal findings. Despite conservative therapy, there were no improvement of VUR. Then, urethral dilation and anti-reflux-surgery were performed. Six months after the operation, VCUG showed no VUR. However, she has persistent residual urine due to neurogenic voiding dysfunction, and is being treated with a regimen of frequent timed voiding to reduce urinary residual and urinary tract infection.

Three patients suffered from renal pelvic, ureteral and bladder cancers that were treated with both standard surgical treatments and two adjuvant cycles of cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. Metastases of interaortocaval lymph nodes were detected in all patients between 9 and 33 months from the surgery for primary lesions. All patients received three cycles of cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). The chemotherapy achieved partial response (62-98%). Two patients with viable cancer cells died with hepatic metastases; the first 15 months and the second 25 months from the date of diagnosis of distant lymph node metastasis. The third patient, who had no viable cancer cells, remains alive and disease-free 36 months later. Therefore, RPLND after chemotherapy provides prognostic information that helps to define patients who might benefit from additional systemic chemotherapy.

Urinary incontinence impairs the quality of life for patients following radical prostatectomy. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 36 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between 1987 and 2002, and achieved the time from operation until urinary continence. A modification in the technique of apical dissection was introduced in 1999 and applied in 12 cases of consecutive radical prostatectomy. The principles for this technique were based on sharp division of the dorsal vein complex, continuous suturing cut edges of lateral pelvic fascia, and anterior anastomotic sutures including lateral pelvic fascia as well as urethra and bladder neck. None of the patients undergoing the new technique used pads at 6 months. With introduction of this technique, the rate of continence at 12 months increased from 58.3 to 100.0%. Our results suggest that the surgical technique of apical dissection is an important factor associated with postprostatectomy in continence.

The mouth of a LapSac was opened horizontally using a guidewire and, thereafter, the kidney was moved onto the center of the mouth. Forceps lifted the mouth and the specimen entered into the sack automatically under its own weight. Use of this technique facilitated kidney entrapment.

Inadvertent peritoneal tearing causes pneumoperitoneum and makes retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedures technically more difficult. We describe some simple techniques of atraumatic peritoneal dissection and the prevention of peritoneal injury during trocar placement under retroperitoneoscopic guidance.After balloon dilation and the establishment of pneumoretroperitoneum a laparoscopic swab stick was used for peritoneal dissection from the abdominal wall under retroperitoneoscopic guidance. Exploratory puncture using a Cathelin (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) needle was performed before trocar placement in close proximity to the lateral peritoneal reflection.We applied this technique in our last 10 consecutive retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedures. No peritoneal rents occurred during dissection of the lateral peritoneal reflection or trocar insertion.The laparoscopic swab stick technique described facilitates atraumatic peritoneal dissection as well as creation of an adequate working space. Exploratory puncture using a Cathelin needle is useful for preventing inadvertent peritoneal injury during trocar placement.

Aims: Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and related factors neurturin (NRTN), artemin, and persephin are members of the GDNF family of neurotrophic factors. GDNF and NRTN bind to the tyrosine kinase receptor Ret and the receptors GFRα1 and GFRα2. The objective was to examine the developmental expression of GDNF, NRTN, and their receptors within the rat urinary bladder. Methods: Rat bladders dissected from embryonic day (E) 15, postnatal day (P) 0, P14, P28, and adult rats (P60) were investigated by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Embryos (E15, E16, and E17) were immunohistochemically stained for neurofilament. Results: GDNF and Ret mRNA levels at E15 were the highest of all the stages we examined and then immediately decreased. In contrast, NRTN mRNA levels did not change between E15 and postnatal day 14; thereafter, they gradually but insignificantly increased. GFRα1 and GFRα2 mRNA levels were high at E15, after which their signal intensities decreased. In whole-mounted specimens, neurofilament-positive axons were first detected in the bladder at E16. Conclusions: Our results suggest that GDNF and NRTN may act as trophic factors for neural in-growth to the bladder and/or for the maintenance of mature neurons innervating the bladder. These factors might also be involved in bladder morphogenesis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:83–88, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 23 patients (25 kidneys) who underwent open pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) between 1980 and 2001, focusing on failures. The patients included 17 men and 6 women, ranging from 3 months to 69 years old (mean 15.9 years). The followup period was 6 months to 19 years (mean 8.6 years). Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty, Y-V plasty, Hëllstrom's operation and simple pelvi-ureterostomy were performed in 22, 1, 1 and 1 kidney, respectively. We successfully repaired 21 of 25 renal units (success rate 84.0%). Of the four patients (4 kidneys) with persistent UPJO occurring in this primary pyeloplasty series, repeat pyeloplasty was performed on 2 patients, nephrectomy on 1 patient and balloon dilatation on 1 patient. Infection and prolonged urinary drainage seem to result in fibrosis of periureteral tissues. Inadequate stitches may cause granuloma in the lumen of the anastomosis. The techniques and complications associated with open pyeloplasty are discussed.

Torsion of a spermatocele on its pedicle is an extremely rare clinical condition that mimics acute testicular torsion. This rare condition has not been well characterized. Here, we report a case of torsion of a spermatocele. The present case is the 5th case of torsion of a spermatocele and the first report in a patient with a history of scrotal trauma. A tender cystic mass adjacent to the normally appearing testicle in the scrotum is highly significant for the differentiation from other types of acute scrotum. Torsion of a spermatocele should be considered a differential diagnosis of acute scrotum in adolescents and adults.

Previous studies suggest that NGF may function as a mediator of inflammatory pain. Here, we examined the effect of inflammation on expression of the low affinity neurotrophin receptor p75, using the model of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis in rats. In control rats, p75-positive thick fibre bundles were scattered in the muscle layer. At 2 and 3 days after injection of cyclophosphamide, numbers of p75-positive fine fibres in the muscle layer were dramatically increased. Electron microscopy revealed that p75 immunoreactivity was localized on the surface of Schwann cells and at the sites where they were apposed to axons. Results show that p75 is up-regulated in inflamed tissues, suggesting that p75 may bind to and take up nerve growth factor (NGF), thus participating in NGF-induced hyperalgesia.

A biochemical-pump with a flow cell was constructed by using active pressure increase through catalase asymmetric-immobilized membrane with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as enzyme substrate. By applying H2O2 to the lower case of the flow cell, the buffer slolution was continuous discarged from the upper cell-case by the active pressure increase through the enzyme membrane.

The localization of low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR) in the human urinary bladder was examined immunohistochemically using the mouse monoclonal antibody (ME20-4) against human LNGFR. LNGFR immunoreactivity was present in the human urinary bladder. The distribution of LNGFR-positive fibers was more abundant in the mucosa than in the muscle layer. Results also showed that some LNGFR-positive fiber bundles contained tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. Electron microscopic examination revealed that LNGFR immunoreactivity was located on the surface of Schwann cells, and frequently on the interface of axons and Schwann cells.

A H2O2 sensing-pump was constructed with a manometer and a catalase immobilized membrane. A vaporization of oxygen at the enzyme membrane was induced by the catalytic reaction with H2O2 solution, thus resulting in a pumping pressure in the manometer. The characteristics of the pumping actuator (i.e. response curve, pumping pressure) were dependent on the concentration of H2O2.

The ultrastructure of substance P (SP)-containing axon terminals in the mucosa of the human urinary bladder was studied. Numerous SP-immunoreactive varicose nerve fibers were seen in the lamina propria, and most of them ran freely in the connective tissue. Many SP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed beneath the epithelium, and perivascular SP-immunoreactive nerves were also found in the submucosal layer. We observed a total of 305 SP-immunoreactive (IR) axon terminals, of which most (89.6%) were free nerve endings at the ultrastructural level; the rest of the SR-IR axon terminale were seen in the vicinity of the epithelium and blood vessels in the lamina propria. Varicose regions of SP-IR axon terminals contained large granular and small agranular synaptic vesicles, and most of them partially lacked a Schwann cell sheath. In some SP-IR varicosities, synaptic vesicles were concentrated in the region without any Schwann cell sheath. Long storage (for more than 1 month) of fixed-tissue pieces in sucrose before freezing has improved the ultrastructure of cryostat sections in pre-embedding immunohistochemistry. Trypsin digestion for the purpose of exposing antigenic sites was also employed before applying the first antiserum.

The distribution and density of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive nerves in the cat urinary bladder and proximal urethra were similar to those of glyoxylic acid fluorescent nerves. Both TH-immunoreactive and fluorescent nerve fibres markedly decreased after 6-hydroxydopamine treatment. Hence, immuno-electron histochemistry of TH was employed to investigate adrenergic termination to the muscle layers of the cat urinary bladder and proximal urethra. A total number of 3728 TH-immunoreactive axon terminals in the lower bladder body, lateral bladder base, trigone, bladder neck and proximal urethra were examined. In the bladder base (the lateral bladder base, trigone and bladder neck) and proximal urethra, most of the TH-immunoreactive axon terminals (57.1–89.2%) lay outside smooth muscle cell fascicles, while most (69.7%) in the bladder body were inside muscle cell fascicles. The proportions of TH-immunoreactive axon terminals accompanying non-TH-immunoreactive axon terminals in the five regions were almost the same (about 70%). The present study demonstrated that the mode of adrenergic termination in the bladder base and proximal urethra notably differed from that in the bladder body, and that approximately 70% of adrenergic axon terminals were associated with non-adrenergic or cholinergic axon terminals in each region.

The incidence of an ectopic ureter in male patients is low. The ectopic ureter in men often ends at the seminal tract in association with renal dysgenesis. Malignant transformation of this closed, nonfunctional urothelial system has been reported only once. To our knowledge, we report the first case of primary transitional cell carcinoma in a single ectopic ureter with a dysplastic kidney that terminated in the ejaculatory duct.

A 62-year-old man was hospitalized with a history of intermittent hematuria. Excretory urography showed a delayed left nephrogram. Although cytological evaluation of urine indicated transitional cell carcinoma, cystoscopy revealed no visible tumor. Retrograde pyelography on the left side demonstrated a 1.5 cm. lesion in the lower third of the ureter. Computerized tomography and ultrasonography showed no tumor in the liver, pancreas or gallbladder. Serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 was 88.7 units per ml. (normal less than 37). Radical nephroureterectomy was performed. A 1.0 X 1.5 cm. white nonpapillary tumor was discovered in the lower third of the ureter. The lesion was moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma associated with transitional cell carcinoma in situ and it infiltrated the entire ureteral wall. Immunoperoxidase staining of the adenocarcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma was strongly positive for carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (see figure). Convalescence was uneventful and postoperatively carbohydrate antigen 19-9 returned to normal (33.4 units per ml.). At 2-year followup there was no sign of recurrence.

希薄アセチレンより塩化ビニルを生成する固定触媒多管式反応器の場合について,運転中の反応管軸方向の温度分布測定より,触媒層中の活性度分布を推定し,反応器通過ガス量と共に触媒層内の活性がどのように変化して行くかを見た。反応管半径方向の温度分布に関しては,R. H. Wilhelmらの複雑な理論式を2次式で近似し,これに基いた反応速度基準とエンタルピー基準の2種類の平均温度を規定し,これに基いた活性度を算出することにより計算が簡略化された。活性度分布の推移より触媒活性低下の速度を左右する因子を解析し,逆に同じ手法を用いて運転条件による触媒活性変化の予測を含めた反応器のシミュレーションが可能であると考える。

We describe a case of Russell-Silver syndrome associated with horseshoe kidney in a three-year-eleven-month-old boy. Several urologic anomalies are reported in this syndrome, but to our knowledge, horseshoe kidney has not been reported previously in the English literature.