Cervical plexus block has been evaluated clinically for surgery of the anterior neck in 13 patients during the 10 months(from July 1981 to April 1982) at the Department of Anesthesiology in Capital Armed Forces General Hospital. We have assessed CPB for technique, onset, anesthetized area, duration, complication and supplimentary agents, and reviewed the anatomical aspects of cervical plexus. The distribution of injected local anesthetics was demonstrated under radiography using Urographin. We experienced incomplete block in 9 cases which needed substitution with Thalamonal. The incidence of complications was few and most significant complication seen in this study was respiratory difficulty. However, There was no evidence for phrenic nerve paralysis. Cervical plexus block was performed safely and effectively for surgery of the anterior neck.
Incidence

Phase-partitioning with Triton X-114 (TX114) was applied to the TSP antigen, which may be preferentially associated with the cell wall of M. tuberculosis. The hydrophilic protein components of the TSP antigen were successfully separated from integral hydrophobic macromolecules. To further characterize and examine the cellular immune response of the aqueous fraction of the TSP antigen (TSPa), the in vitro properties of the antigen were measured by lymphoproliferation; surface expression of IL-2 Ra on T lymphocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry; and the cytokine mRNA expression pattern was determined by RT-PCR. Significant lymphoproliferative responses to the TSPa antigen were observed in healthy tuberculin reactive donors after a 5 day in vitro stimulation. TSPa treatment of PBMCs from healthy tuberculin positive subjects for 5 days resulted in progressive augmentation of IFN-r, II 2, and IL-2Ra mRNA expression, as measured by RT-PCR, but considerably reduced IL-4 mRNA expression. In addition, the TSPa antigen stimulated more IL-12 p40 mRNA production than did the PPD antigen, and graduaBy suppressed IL- 10 mRNA expression. Moreover, the CD3' T cells of tuberculin positive subjects displayed a profound increase in their expression of the II 2Ru protein (39.0%) in response to the TSPa antigen. Proliferation was correlated with IL-2 and IL-2Ra mRNAs, but not correlated with distinct IFN-r or IL-12 p40 mRNA production. These findings strongly suggest that the TSPa antigen preferentially evokes the generation of a Thl-like immune response in healthy tuberculin reactors.
Cell Wall ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans* ; Immunity, Cellular* ; Interleukin-12 ; Interleukin-2 ; Interleukin-4 ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis* ; Mycobacterium* ; Neptune ; RNA, Messenger ; T-Lymphocytes ; Tissue Donors ; Tuberculin ; Tuberculosis

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of Hwangyun, Hwangyunhaedogtang, and Kumeunhwa on the lymphocyte activity in allergic contact dermatitis induced by contact allergen 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) of Balb/c mouse. For examination of a contact hypersensitivity, MEST (mouse ear swelling test) and lymphocyte proliferation assay measured by [(3)H]-methylthymidine incorporation were done. Cytokine mRNA in the draining lymph node cells were examined by RT-PCR. Contact hypersensitivity was more effectively induced by 0.25% DNCB treatment than 1% DNCB treatment. Local lymph node cell proliferation from DNCB-sensitized mouse was most highly elicitated with 100 ug/ml DNBS stimulation in vitro. The cytokine profiles of lymph node cells from DNCB-sensitized and DNBS-stimulated mouse were strong expression of IL-2 and IFN-r, weak expression of LT and IL-4, and no expression of IL-6 and IL-10. This lymphocyte proliferation was significantly inhibited in mice administered Korean medical drug for 10 days and sensitized with DNCB at day 5 (88.22%, 65.14%, and 52.29% in Hwangyun, Hwangyunhaedogtang, and Kumeunhwa, respectively). But Kumeunhwa was not effective in the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation when administered after DNCB-sensitization. The cytokine expressions were also inhibited especially IL-2 and IFN-r in Hwangyun administered- mice. These inhibitions of lymphocyte activity by Korean medical drugs were also observed when stimulated with ConA (1 ug/ml). Conclusively, immune responses of contact hypersensitivity induced by DNCB are involved in local lymph node T cells mainly Th1 type cells, and Korean medical drugs especially Hwangyun suppressed allergic contact dermatitis via inhibition of the activity of these cells.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact* ; Dermatitis, Contact ; Dinitrochlorobenzene ; Ear ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-2 ; Interleukin-4 ; Interleukin-6 ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphocytes* ; Mice ; RNA, Messenger ; T-Lymphocytes

No abstract available.
Embryonic Development* ; Female ; Humans* ; Pregnancy ; Serum Albumin*

In the olfactory bulb, normal and transected olfactory axons are able to enter, regenerate, and reestablish lost synaptic contacts with their targets, throughout the lifetime of the organism. It was expected that studies of olfactory bulb ensheathing glia will provide important advances for the field of neural regeneration. Purpose of this study is to analyze morphologically the effects of olfactory bulb transplants into the cord after complete transection. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Spinal cord of the rats were transected after laminectomy followed by insertion of chopped olfactory bulb tissues immediately and 3 weeks after the operation. In this study, transplants of olfactory bulb were successfully used to promote functional and structural recovery after complete spinal cord transection. The area of damaged spinal cord was greatly diminished after olfactory bulb transplantation. Nearly normal anterior horn cells were observed immediately distal to the transected region. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive descending fibers were observed in the distal region beyond transected area.
Animals ; Anterior Horn Cells ; Axons ; Immunohistochemistry ; Laminectomy ; Neuroglia ; Olfactory Bulb* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Regeneration ; Spinal Cord Injuries* ; Spinal Cord* ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase

Present study was aimed to investigate the immunological activities of the 47 kDa protein antigen from Treponema pallidum and conducted on 12 patients with syphilis (early, late, spontaneously healed, congenital and treated patients) followed by therapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained three times from each patient, on admission before the initiation of therapy, 1 and 6 months later. Eleven (96.7%) of the patients prior to therapy, showed depressed lymphoproliferative responses to the 47 kDa antigen (stimulation index <4) by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. However, these T cell responses were seemed to be transient because most of the patients (63.6%) exhibited significantly higher lymphoproliferation after therapy. Before therapy, PBMC from spontaneously healed syphilis patients resulted in significantly increased gene expression of IFN- and proinflarnmatory cytokines, such as TNFa, IL-1B and IL-6, in response to the 47 kDa. Patients with late latent and late congenital syphilis exhibited lower IFN-r and proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression than spontaneously healed syphilis group did. After therapy, IFN-r and proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expressions were gradually reduced in these groups. On the other hand, IFN- and proinflammatory cytokine gene expressions were considerably depressed in early syphilis patients, but these patients went on to express prominent IFN-r and proinflamrnatory cytokine mRNA with treatment. These data suggest that the pattern of cellular immune response in response to the 47 kDa antigen may be involved in the evaluation of the clinical course and outcome of syphilis followed by therapy.
Cytokines ; Flow Cytometry ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Gene Expression ; Hand ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Interleukin-6 ; RNA, Messenger ; Syphilis ; Syphilis, Congenital ; Treponema pallidum* ; Treponema*

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of functional electrical stimulation on swallowing function in stroke patients with dysphagia. METHOD: The subjects were 22 stroke patients with dysphagia. Functional electrical stimulation was applied to skin over anterior neck for thirty minutes and then, the patients were trained to swallow at the time of maximal stimulation. Swallowing function was evaluated by functional dysphagia scale using videofluoroscopic swallowing study with semisolid material before and 2 weeks after electrical stimulation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in oral phase scores, the scores of triggering of pharyngeal swallow, residue in piriform sinuses, and coating of pharyngeal wall after swallow of pharyngeal phase. However, the scores of laryngeal elevation and epiglottic closure, residue in valleculae and pharyngeal transit time were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The score of pharyngeal phase was negatively correlated with the pulse intensity. The score of oral phase was negatively correlated with the cognitive function. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the functional electrical stimulation can be used as an additional treatment method for stroke patients with dysphagia.
Deglutition Disorders* ; Deglutition* ; Electric Stimulation* ; Humans ; Neck ; Pyriform Sinus ; Skin ; Stroke*

BACKGROUND: Milrinone, phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, has been used effectively in patients with right heart failure, especially resulted from pulmonary hypertension. However, milrinone is often used with alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor agonist to prevent severe systemic vasodilation and unfavorable hypotension. Furthermore, structural and functional vasacular changes are associated with aging and are greatest in the aorta. We evaluated the vasodilatory effects of milrinone and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on young and old rat aortic rings preconstricted with various catecholamines. METHODS: Aortic rings of young and old rat were placed in 25 ml organ chamber and preconstricted with epinephrine (EPI, 10(-6) M), norepinephrine (NE, 10(-7) M) , phenylephrine 10(-7) M) , and U46619 (10(-8) M). Cummulative dose-responses to milrinone (10(-9)-10(-5) M) and SNP (10(-9)-10(-5) M) were obtained to characterize vasodilatory effects. RESULTS: Relaxation response to milrinone was markedly enhanced in both young and old aortic rings preconstricted with U46619 compared with other vasoconstrictors. The maximal response of the young rat aortic rings preconstricted with NE is significantly reduced, compared with that of EPI. The maximal vasorelaxant response of SNP in young and old aortic rings are nearly identical. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that combined use of milrinone and epinephrine may be more useful in prevention and treatment of systemic hypotension.
15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid ; Adrenergic beta-Agonists ; Aging ; Animals ; Aorta ; Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 3 ; Epinephrine ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; Hypotension ; Milrinone ; Nitroprusside ; Norepinephrine ; Phenylephrine ; Rats ; Relaxation ; Vasoconstrictor Agents ; Vasodilation

PURPOSE: There is no clear evidence of the original cause of hypertrophic scar, and the effective method of treatment is not yet established. Recently the steps of searching in gene and molecular level are proceeding. we are trying to recognize the difference between keratinocytes of hypertrophic scar and normal skin. Then we do support the comprehension of the scar formation mechanism and scar management. METHODS: Total RNAs were extracted from cultured keratinocytes from 4 hypertrophic scars and normal skins. The cDNA chips were prepared. A total of 3063 cDNAs from human cDNA library were arrayed. And the scanning data were analyzed. RESULTS: On microarray, heat shock protein, pyruvate kinase, tumor rejection antigen were more than 2 fold intensity genes. Among them, heat shock 70 kd protein showed the strongest intensity difference. CONCLUSION: In this study, it can be concluded that heat shock proteins play an important role in the process of wound healing and scar formation. This study provides basic biologic information for scar research. The new way of the prevention and treatment of scar formation would be introduced with further investigations.
Cicatrix ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; Comprehension ; DNA, Complementary ; Gene Expression ; Gene Library ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; Pyruvate Kinase ; Rejection (Psychology) ; RNA ; Shock ; Skin ; Wound Healing

PURPOSE: Peroxynitrite plays a critical role in vascular pathophysiology by increasing arginase activity and decreasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate whether arginase inhibition and L-arginine supplement could restore peroxynitrite-induced endothelial dysfunction and determine the involved mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with SIN-1, a peroxynitrite generator, and arginase activity, nitrite/nitrate production, and expression levels of proteins were measured. eNOS activation was evaluated via Western blot and dimer blot analysis. We also tested nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and performed a vascular tension assay. RESULTS: SIN-1 treatment increased arginase activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner and reciprocally decreased nitrite/nitrate production that was prevented by peroxynitrite scavenger in HUVECs. Furthermore, SIN-1 induced an increase in the expression level of arginase I and II, though not in eNOS protein. The decreased eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 and the increased at Thr495 by SIN-1 were restored with arginase inhibitor and L-arginine. The changed eNOS phosphorylation was consistent in the stability of eNOS dimers. SIN-1 decreased NO production and increased ROS generation in the aortic endothelium, all of which was reversed by arginase inhibitor or L-arginine. N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) prevented SIN-1-induced ROS generation. In the vascular tension assay, SIN-1 enhanced vasoconstrictor responses to U46619 and attenuated vasorelaxant responses to acetylcholine that were reversed by arginase inhibition. CONCLUSION: These findings may explain the beneficial effect of arginase inhibition and L-arginine supplement on endothelial dysfunction under redox imbalance-dependent pathophysiological conditions.
15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid ; Acetylcholine ; Arginase* ; Arginine ; Blotting, Western ; Endothelium ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III* ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Peroxynitrous Acid ; Phosphorylation* ; Reactive Oxygen Species