One of the most interesting subjects in the field of dermatology has become the clarifying of the action mechanism of various drugs in promoting skin permeability in regard to their usefulness or harmfulness to various skin diseases. Although dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) detergents and propylene glycol were well known as having a promoting effect on the skin permeability, but the exact action mechanism of them was still unknown because of difficulty in methodology. So an attempt to clarify the action mechanism and find out the differences in the mode of action between them have been made by using frog skin, which has been used in research for the 'membrane transport', during past but having complex structures i.e. soley as 'skin' in this study was done. Abdominal skin was removed from frogs, Rana nigromaculata, captured on the area of Kyung Ki Do. In a series of experimental procedures about effect of experimental agents, short circuit current (SCC) as an estimate of net flux of sodium transport and potential difference (PD) was measured by the method of Ussing and Zerahn(1951). And changes of SCC and PD was observed during treatment with bathing mediums which contained agents and maintained iso-osmorality by varying amount of sodium chloride. These were compared including the effect of concentration of each experimental agent. The experimental agents used were DMSO and various detergent, i.e., sodium lauryl sulphate(SLS): anionic detergent, benzalkonium chloride (BAC): cationic detergents, and 'Tween-80: nonionic detergents. Results obtained are summarized on the followings. 1. The promoting effect of the sodium lauryl sulphate on the active sodium transport was reached to maximum within 10 to 20 min and was present until 40 min. after bathing with it, and thereafter, sodium transport was inhibited irreversibly at the both sides of the frog skin. And the maximal promoting effect of the SLS induced by increasing concentration had relationship in such a way on the saturation curve. 2. The active sodium transport was always increased on the inside of the frog skin after bathing with benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and in spite of changing of bathing medium with Ringer's solution, the active sodium transport was steadiIy increased even beyond the effect of BAC except temporally decreasing just after the bathing with Riger's solution. But the frog skin died within 20 min. at the outside after bathing with BAC. 3. Tween-80 brought about reversible reaction increasing the active sodium transport across the frog skin at the inside after bathing. And it seemed to be parallel to the degree of tle coneentration of it. 4. The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the active sodium transport across the frog skin was altered seasonaly, i.e., promoting sodium transport during the summer months hut inhibiting it during the winter months. So it was suggested that the action of DMSO on the sodium transport depends on the metabolic rates of the frog skin and the action differed from that of ADH hormone which promotes the sodium transports only in winter months. Also the effect of the DMSO differed from various detergents in view of seasonal variation and reversibility of the action of it. From the above resu]ts, this experimental method should be used more preferably using isolated frog skin in the research for clarifying the action mechanisms of the various other drugs in skin permeability.
Baths ; Benzalkonium Compounds ; Dermatology ; Detergents ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; Permeability* ; Propylene Glycol ; Ranidae ; Seasons ; Skin Diseases ; Skin* ; Sodium ; Sodium Chloride

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is one of the recently found skin disorderes, which was differentiated from classicaI porokeratosis (Mibelli) and senile keratosis etc. in view of clinical features and hietogenesis by Marvin E. Chernosky on 1967. The one was 60 years old female patient, who had been suffered from multiple dark-brownish keratotic uniform minute papules on dorsa of the hands, forearms and neck with accompanying itching sensation since about 20 year's old of her age. The another one was 38years old housewffe, wha had been suffered from same lesions of the former on the face, neck, extremities especially sun-light exposed area. In both cases, skin lesions were exacerbated during each summer season and increase in numbers of the skin lesions with more severe itching sensation. Chernosky postulated none of a dark-sklnned race affording natural protection against sun-light had skin lesion of D S A P, we were abIe to find out two cases of typical D S A P ih the Korea.
Continental Population Groups ; Extremities ; Female ; Forearm ; Hand ; Humans ; Keratosis ; Korea ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; Porokeratosis* ; Pruritus ; Seasons ; Sensation ; Skin

Secondary localized amyloidosis of the skin is occasionaly associated with keratoma, epithelioma, seborrheic keratosis, chronic dermatitis, etc. It was generally known that amyloidosis, especially lichen amyloidosis, is frequently seen in atopic disorders. But the exact mechanism and relationship of atopic disorders to the development of the amyloidosis is obscure still nowadays. This 72 years old male patient was suffered from itching sensation on the whole body which is suggested to be atopic dermatitis since about 35 years ago and pruritic lichenoicl papulonodular eruptions developed on the extensor surface of the lower extremity first since about 10 years ago and then occured gradually on the thigh and extensor surface of the arm and forearm in both side. The charateristic lesions seems to be lichen amyloidosis. But we suggest thc case is secondary localized amyloidosis of the skin probably due to atopic dermatitis in according to past history, physical examination and eosinophilia without other definitive diseases, The therapeutic results were not promissing, however itching and lichenoid papules were much disappeared during the treatment with steroid cream for occlusivc dressing therapy and oral use of steroid.
Aged ; Amyloidosis* ; Arm ; Bandages ; Carcinoma ; Dermatitis ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Dronabinol ; Eosinophilia ; Forearm ; Humans ; Keratosis ; Keratosis, Seborrheic ; Lichens ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Physical Examination ; Pruritus ; Sensation ; Skin ; Thigh

Mucoepidermoid earcinoma occurred in about 2% among salivary gland tumor and in about 15% among malignant parotid gland tumor. The tumor occurred usually in elderly persons and arose as innocent-appearing swelling in the parotid gland region with gradual painless enlargement without alarming and it's usual size is less than 2 cm, However, a few of the poorly differentiated neoplasms grew rapidly and were painful and accompanied by facial nerve paralysis in about 15%. But it's prognosis is better than other salivary gland origin. We report a case of typical mucoepidermoid carcinoma of parotid gland origin which is occurred in 15 years old girl. The tumor begins pea sized painless nodule since about 2 years ago, and enlarged gradually to apple size and accompanied by facial nerve paralysis and pain sensation recently. But there was no evidence of tumor in parotid gland itself and no metastasis.
Adolescent ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid* ; Facial Nerve ; Female ; Humans ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Paralysis ; Parotid Gland* ; Peas ; Prognosis ; Salivary Glands ; Sensation

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is a proced.ure for in vitro enzymatic ampli fication of a specific segment of DNA. PCR method was used to detect any M. tuberculi DNA in the 16 cerebrospinal fluid specimens from 6 patients clinically diagnosed as tuberculous meningitis. We synthesized two oligonucleotide primers derived from the sequence of a gene that codes for the 65-kilodalton antigen of M. tuberculosis. The amplified 165bp genomic DNA of M. tuberculosis was detected in 3 specimens (18.5%) with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A following southem blot analysis confirmed these mycobacterial DNAs and detected another amplified DNA (25%) that was not seen on the polyacrylamide gels. Conventional detection methods such as smear and culture for M. tuberculosis found these specimens to be negative. Now we recommend PCR and combined southem blot analysis as a useful tool for early and rapid diagnosis of tuberulous meningitis.
Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Diagnosis* ; DNA ; DNA Primers ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Gels ; Genes, vif ; Humans ; Meningitis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Meningeal*

Intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia of the stomach have been stressed as precursors of gastric carcinoma of the intestinal type, although their preneoplastic nature is still debated. In this study, the cytomorphometric and cytokinetic spectra of the suggested preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the stomach were investigated. From the resected stomachs of early gastric carcinoma of intestinal type, areas of normal, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma were selected. They were immunostained for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, counterstained with propidium iodide, and various nuclear parameters were measured by image analysis. Normal and intestinal metaplastic mucosae differed by the localization of proliferation zone, but not by nuclear profile area, circular shape factor, and proliferation index. In dysplasia, proliferation zone covered large parts of the dysplastic area. Nuclear profile area and proliferation index were larger whereas circular shape factor was smaller than in normal or intestinal metaplasia. Carcinomatous lesion had diffuse proliferation activity, the largest nuclear profile area and proliferating index, and circular shape factor in-between those of normal or intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. The above results showed a structural spectrum among normal of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma of intestinal type in cytomorphometric and cytokinetic terms. The structural spectrum raises the possibility that dysplasia of the stomach is a preneoplastic lesion.

PURPOSE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new imaging technique that can provide cross-sectional images of the retina. This study was designed to evaluate the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and optic nerve head shape in normal eyes using OCT. METHODS: A total of 134 normal Korean volunteers in different age groups (age range, 10-50 years) were recruited for this study. Fifty-nine males and 75 females were enrolled. The mean age of the subjects was 24.0+/-12.91 years. RESULTS: At optic disc scan, the horizontal and vertical C/D ratios were 0.55 and 0.48, respectively, which were statistically significant (p<0.05). A significant positive correlation with increasing age was identified in the C/D area ratio and horizontal C/D ratio. According to the RNFL scan, the inferior and superior areas were significantly thicker than the nasal and superior areas. These areas were thinner with age. In addition, RNFL thickness in the superonasal, inferotemporal and superotemporal areas differed between subjects under 20 years old and those over 21 years old. CONCLUSIONS: We determined that RNFL thickness and optic nerve head shape in normal Koreans had age-related differences. These results could provide correctness with OCT scan in glaucoma patients.
Female ; Glaucoma ; Humans ; Male ; Nerve Fibers ; Optic Disk ; Retina ; Retinaldehyde ; Tomography, Optical Coherence* ; Volunteers ; Young Adult

The effect of MPTP on catecholamine neurons in young (4-6 weeks) and aging (10-12 months) C57BL/6 mice was studied using immunocytochemical techniques. Both groups of mice received 4 repeated dosages of 10mg/kg of MPTP given 12 hours apart. We compared the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cell bodies using immunocytochemical technique in substantia nigra (SN), ventral tegmental area(VTA) and locus ceruleus (LC) 7 days after the last injection of MPTP. There was a significant decrease in the number of TH-positive cell bodies in the SN of young mice, but not in VTA or LC. In aging mice, there was a significant decrease in the number of TH-positive cell bodies in VTA as well as in SN. It is concluded that aging mice are more sensitive to MPTP and show more widespread damage in the catecholamine neurons than young mice, suggesting that MPTP-treated aging mice provide a more useful model for studing anatomical characteristics of Parkinson's disease than young mice.
1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine* ; Aging* ; Animals ; Brain* ; Locus Coeruleus ; Mice* ; Neurons ; Parkinson Disease ; Substantia Nigra ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase

A strictly right handed patient showed aphasia and left hemiplegia following a deep infarct of the right hemisphere. He had no personal or family history o{ left-handedness. His aphasia was persistent and global in nature without right limb apraxia which was tested by serial Modified Western Aphasia Battery There was a deep subcortical infarc tion of the territoy supplied by the right middle cerebral artery without any lesion or .perfusion defect in the left hemisphere on brain CT and SPECT. The frequency of persistent aphasia in the right hemispheric lesion in dextrals has been known to be very low and there was no reported case in Korea So we report a case of crossed aphasia in a dextral with review of literature.
Aphasia* ; Apraxias ; Brain ; Extremities ; Hand ; Hemiplegia ; Humans ; Korea ; Middle Cerebral Artery ; Perfusion ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

BACKGROUND: In geriatric patients, cardiovascular disease is common and a main cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Therefore preoperative evaluation of cardiac function is important. The purpose of this study is to evaluate preoperative echocardiography in geriatric patients for understanding aging heart changes and proper selection of patients. METHODS: In the 381 geriatric patients, authors evaluated chamber size, wall thickness, wall motion, valve abnormalities and ejection fraction. In addition, in patients who had left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < OR = 55%), authors evaluated past medical histories and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings. RESULTS: Left atrial enlargement was present in 16%, left ventricular enlargement in 3%, right ventricular enlargement in 6%, ascending aorta dilatation in 13% and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in 28%. Aortic regurgitation (AR) was present in 44%, mitral regurgitation (MR) in 42%, aortic valve calcification in 21% and hypokinesia of the left ventricular wall in 4%. Left ventricular dysfunction was present in 18 patients and their past medical histories showed hypertension in 39%, myocardial ischemia in 33%, congestive heart failure in 28% and diabetus mellitus in 28%. Also their ECG findings showed LVH in 45%, atrial fibrillation in 30% and ventricular premature contraction in 15%. Among the 18 patients with left ventricular dysfunction, 16 patients (89%) had dyspnea or heart disease histories such as myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, premature ventricular contraction and atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: 16% of the patients showed a normal echocardiograpy. Abnormal findings of the echocardiography were, in order of frequency, AR (44%), MR (42%) and LVH (28%). Dyspnea or cardiac disease histories were present in 89% of the left ventricular dysfunction patients.
Aging ; Aorta ; Aortic Valve ; Aortic Valve Insufficiency ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Dilatation ; Dyspnea ; Echocardiography* ; Electrocardiography ; Heart ; Heart Diseases ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; Hypokinesia ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left ; Ventricular Premature Complexes