The involvement of mucosal mast cells (MMC) in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still controversial. We aimed to re-evaluate the role of MMC in visceral hypersensitivity associated with IBS using a rat IBS model that develops the IBS symptom after a subsidence of acetic acid-induced colitis. No significant difference in the number of MMC was observed between normal rat colon and IBS rat colon. (61.7 +/-2.9/mm 2 in normal vs. 88.7 +/-13.3/mm 2 in IBS, p >0.29). However, the degranulation rate of MMC was significantly higher in IBS rat colon (49.5 +/-2.4% in normal vs. 68.8 +/-3.4% in IBS, p >0.05). Pretreatment of a mast cell stabilizer, doxantrazole (5 mg/kg, i.p.), reduced the degranulation rate of MMC and significantly attenuated visceral hypersensitivity to rectal distension in IBS rat, whereas it had no effect on the visceral sensory responses in normal rat. These results suggest that, although the number of MMC is not significantly changed in IBS rat colon, the higher degranulation rate of MMC is responsible for visceral hypersensitivity in this model IBS.
Acetic Acid/toxicity ; Animals ; Cell Count ; Colitis/chemically induced/*pathology ; Hypersensitivity/*pathology ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Intestinal Mucosa/*pathology ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome/*pathology ; Male ; Mast Cells/drug effects/*pathology ; Models, Theoretical ; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Thioxanthenes/pharmacology ; Viscera/immunology ; Xanthones/pharmacology

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to investigate the correlation between the symptoms and the incidence of anatomical variant without mucosal abnormality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 892 patients with CT performed for the evaluation of sinus disease symptoms between March 1991 and March 1993, we observed the anatomic variations in 82 symptomatic patients without mucosal abnormality(male:female=43:39, mean age 36. 4 years). The control group included 88 patients with facial bone CT performed for the evaluation of trauma during the same period while patients with recent paranasal sinusitis were excluded. (male:female=76:12, mean age 22. 4 years). The scouis were performed with 5-ram section thickness from posterior margin of sphenoid sinus to anterior margin of posterior ethmoid and then with 3 mm thickness from anterior margin of posterior ethmoid to anterior margin of frontal sinus. The artatomic variations included nasoseptal deviation, concha bullosa, Hailer cells, Agger nasi cells, etc. RESULTS: The anatomic variations were demonstrated in 71 our of 82 symptomatic patients(86. 5%), whereas they were seen 26 of 88 patients(29. 5%) in control group. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that there is a possible causal relationship between anatomic variations and symptomas. Even though without accompaning mucosal abnormalities, anatomic variations could contribute simply to its symptomas. ^natomic variants may obstruct or narrow the airway, leading to turbulating air flow or interrupting ucociliary movement, and finally may produce a series os symptoms.
Facial Bones ; Frontal Sinus ; Humans ; Incidence ; Sinusitis ; Sphenoid Sinus

MR arthrography is a useful modality for evaluating the labrocapsular ligamentous complex (LCLC) of the shoulder. This study was performed to describe normal anatomic variations and pitfalls in image interpretation related to evaluation of the LCLC. MR arthrogram of 56 shoulders in 41 asymptomatic young, active, male volunteers were prospectively reviewed to evaluate the labral shapes, capsular insertions and images which may mimic the lesions of glenohumeral instability. The anterior and posterior parts of the labra, respectively, varied in shape: triangular (72%,36%), round (13%,35%), cleaved (8%,1%), notched (2%,0%), flat (5%,24%), and absent (0%,4%). The anterior and posterior capsular insertions, respectively, varied in site: Mosely and Oevergaard type I (82%,62%), type II (13%,36%), and type III (5%2%). A number of pitfalls in image interpretation were discovered. Articular cartilage undercutting the labrum (29%) and middle glenohumoral ligament in proximity to anterior labrum (5%) simulated a labral tear. Joint fluid interposed in the central, superior portion of the sublabral sulci (25%) simulated a SLAP lesion. Synovial fold (38%) in the axillary pouch resembled a loose body. Knowledge of normal variations and pitfalls in MR arthrogram image interpretation of labral-capsular-ligamentous complex will help the orthopedist to accurately detect debilitating derangements associated with the glenohumeral instability.
Arthrography* ; Cartilage, Articular ; Humans ; Joints ; Ligaments ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Shoulder ; Volunteers

No abstract available.
Humans ; Spinal Cord*

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) on the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis and to evaluate whether -202 A/C IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) promoter polymorphism affects growth velocity in females with central precocious puberty (CPP) during treatment. Methods: Data was collected from 97 females younger than 9 years, diagnosed with precocious puberty and treated with GnRHa for at least 1 year at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital from 2014 to 2015. Their body height, weight, change in height standard deviation score (∆SDS), serum IGF-1, serum IGFBP-3, bone age, and -202 A/C IGFBP-3 promoter polymorphism were measured before and after GnRHa treatment. The interrelationships between the variables were calculated. Results: During treatment, height SDS, IGF-1 SDS, IGFBP-3 SDS, and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio significantly decreased. A significant correlation was observed between ∆IGF-1 SDS and ∆height SDS (r=0.405, P<0.001). The presence of the C allele was significantly correlated with IGF-1 SDS after treatment (P=0.049) and with IGFBP-3 SDS before and after treatment (P=0.012 and P=0.001), but not with ∆IGF-1 SDS, ∆IGFBP-3 SDS, ∆IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio, or ∆height SDS. Conclusion Growth velocity during GnRHa treatment is related to ∆IGF-1 SDS, indicating the apparent impact of GnRHa on the GH-IGF-1 axis. The -202 A/C IGFBP-3 promoter polymorphism does not affect the growth velocity of GnRHa in CPP girls.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic findings of lumbosacral transitional verte-brae (LSTV), as seen on plain radiographs and MRI, and to compare the incidence of combined diseases be-tween unilateral and bilateral groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We retrospectively evaluated the plain radiographs and MR images of 63 patients with LSTV, classifying its type according to Castellvi 's criteria, and evaluated disc herniations, facet joint os-teoarthritic change, scoliosis, and spondylolisthesis. We then compared the incidence of each combined diseases between unilateral and bilateral groups, and as a control group, 63 patients without LSTV were also eval-uated. RESULTS: Forty of 63 cases of LSTV (63.5%) were bilateral, and 23 (36.5%) unilateral. According to Castellvi 's criteria, the incidence of type I was 41.3% (unilateral 7 cases, bilateral 19), type III30.2% (unilateral 8 cases, bilateral 11), type II23.8% (unilateral 8 cases, bilateral 7), and type IV 4.8% (unilateral 0 cases, bilateral 3).With combined diseases, the incidence of disc herniation was 66.7% (unilateral 15 cases, bilateral 27), moderate to severe facet joint osteoarthritic change 28.6% (unilateral 11 cases, bilateral 7), scoliosis 27.0% (unilateral 9 cases, bilateral 8), and spondylolisthesis 9.5% (unilateral 2 cases, bilateral 4). The incidence of facet joint os-teoarthritic change was significantly higher in the unilateral group (47.8%) than in the bilateral group (17.5%) (p=0.02), and scoliosis occurred at a higher rate in the unilateral group (39.1%) than in the bilateral group (20.0%) (p=0.18). There was, however, no significant difference in the incidence of disc herniation and spondylolisthesis between the two groups (unilateral group: 65.2% and 8.7%; bilateral group: 67.5% and 10.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: With LSTV, the incidence of facet joint osteoarthritic change was significantly higher in the unilat-eral group than in the bilateral group, and scoliosis also showed a higher rate of occurrence in the unilateral group.
Humans ; Incidence* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; Spine* ; Spondylolisthesis ; Zygapophyseal Joint

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate postnatal growth and examine the longitudinal change of leptin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), adiponectin, and ghrelin in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: Weight, height, and head circumference (HC) were prospectively measured at birth, full term, and at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 months of corrected age (CA) in 91 VLBW infants (41 females and 50 males). They were evaluated as either being small for gestational age (SGA) or appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Blood samples were serially taken for IGF-I, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin. RESULTS: 1) Weight, height, and HC Z scores decreased from birth to 2 months of CA at a deeper rate for AGA and birth weight < 1,000 g than for SGA and < 1,000 g birth weight < 1,500 g infants. 2) Weight, height, and HC Z scores increased from 2 months to 24 months of CA for the whole population. 3) 25.0% in the SGA and 5.4% in the AGA group did not show weight catch up growth (< -2 SDS) at 1 year of age (P < 0.05). 4) At 12 months of CA, 16.7% in the SGA and 13% in the AGA group did not show height catch up growth. 5) Leptin, ghrelin, IGF-I concentrations increased during the first 2 years of life in VLBW. 6) 1 year weight Z score is related to term weight Z score (beta = 0.775, P = 0.001). One year height Z score is related to term weight Z score. (beta = 0.632, P = 0.000) CONCLUSION: Rapid catch up growth occurred mainly during the first year of life, irrespective of SGA or AGA. Leptin, ghrelin, and IGF-I concentration increased during the first 2 years of life in VLBW. Rapid catch up growth is thus required to give rapid and enough nutrition after birth in VLBW.
Adiponectin ; Birth Weight ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Ghrelin ; Head ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Insulin ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Leptin ; Parturition ; Prospective Studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Abnormal visceral sensitivity and disordered motility are common in patients with diabetes mellitus. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether visceral sensation and bowel motility were altered in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by weight loss. METHODS: A type 2 diabetic rat model in adulthood was developed by administrating streptozotocin (STZ; 90 mg/kg, i.p.) to neonatal rats. Eight weeks after STZ administration, rats with blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher were selected and used as diabetic group (n = 35) in this study. Abdominal withdrawal reflex and arterial pulse rate were measured to examine visceral nociception induced by colorectal distension (0.1-1.0 mL). The amplitude, frequency, and area under the curve (AUC) of spontaneous phasic contractions of colonic circular muscles were recorded in vitro to examine colonic motility. RESULTS: STZ-treated diabetic rats gained significantly less weight for 8 weeks than control (P < 0.01). Forty-eight percent of the diabetic rats showed enhanced visceral nociceptive response to colorectal distension. Diabetic rats did not differ from control rats in colorectal compliance. However, the frequency and AUC, not the amplitude, of colonic spontaneous contraction in vitro was significantly decreased in diabetic rats compared to control rats (P < 0.01 in frequency and P < 0.05 in AUC). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate visceral hypersensitivity and colonic dysmotility in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by weight loss.
Animals ; Area Under Curve ; Blood Glucose ; Colon* ; Compliance ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Models, Animal ; Muscles ; Nociception ; Rats* ; Reflex ; Sensation ; Streptozocin ; Weight Loss

Nitric oxide (NO) is a non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic neurotransmitter found in the enteric nervous system that plays a role in a variety of enteropathies, including inflammatory bowel disease. Alteration of nitrergic neurons has been reported to be dependent on the manner by which inflammation is caused. However, this observed alteration has not been reported with acetic acid-induced colitis. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to investigate changes in nitrergic neuromuscular transmission in experimental colitis in a rat model. Distal colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of 4% acetic acid in the rat. Animals were sacrificed at 4 h and 48 h postacetic acid treatment. Myeloperoxidase activity was significantly increased in the acetic acid-treated groups. However, the response to 60 mM KCl was not significantly different in the three groups studied. The amplitude of phasic contractions was increased by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in the normal control group, but not in the acetic acid-treated groups. Spontaneous contractions disappeared during electrical field stimulation (EFS) in normal group. However, for the colitis groups, these contractions initially disappeared, and then reappeared during EFS. Moreover, the observed disappearance was diminished by L-NAME; this suggests that these responses were NO-mediated. In addition, the number of NADPH-diaphorase positive nerve cell bodies, in the myenteric plexus, was not altered in the distal colon; whereas the area of NADPH-diaphorase positive fibers, in the circular muscle layer, was decreased in the acetic acidtreated groups. These results suggest that NO-mediated inhibitory neural input, to the circular muscle, was decreased in the acetic acid-treated groups.
Acetic Acid/toxicity ; Animals ; Colitis/chemically induced/*pathology/*physiopathology ; Colon/drug effects/enzymology/*innervation/pathology ; Indicators and Reagents/toxicity ; Male ; Muscle Contraction/drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth/drug effects/metabolism ; Myenteric Plexus/pathology ; NADPH Dehydrogenase/metabolism ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester/pharmacology ; Neuromuscular Junction/drug effects/*metabolism ; Nitrergic Neurons/drug effects/*metabolism ; Nitric Oxide/*metabolism ; Peroxidase/metabolism ; Potassium Chloride/pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

No Abstract available.
Tracheal Stenosis*