Nocodazole is an anticancer agent that acts on microtubules or filaments. HeLa, Hep G2, A549, L929 and NIH/3T3 cell lines were cultivated in alpha-MEM with 3micrometer or 30micrometer nocodazole. To elucidate the associations between nocodazole`s antitumor actions and these effects, the influences of nocodazole on the cellular morphology and the organelles involving synthesis, secretion and destruction of proteins were investigated under light and electron microscopes. The changes of intermediate filaments such as pancytokeratins and vimentins that maybe suggest antimetastatic action of nocodazole were observed using immunocytochemical technique, PAP at light microscopic level. Rounded or micronucleate cells were induced by treatment with 3micrometer and 30micrometer nocodazole for 2 hours to 4 days. Multimicronucleate cells appeared in experimental groups of all cell lines. Nuclear foldings occurred in cells of experimental groups treated with nocodazole for 2-3 days. The numerical increases of rough endoplasmic reticulum were observed in HeLa cells treated with nocodazole for 3 days and the dilatation or numerical increases in L929 cells treated with nofodazole for 1-3 days. The fragmentations or dispersion of Golgi complex were observed in cells treated with nocodazole for 1-3 days. The amount of filaments increased in cells treated with nocodazole for 1-3 days. The number of lysosomes increased in cells treated with nocodazole for 1-3 days. The number of liposomes also increased in Hep G2 cells treated with 30micrometer nocodazole for 3 days and in 3micrometer & 30micrometer, 3 days group of 3T3 cells. The amount of pancytokeratins and vimentins increased in cells treated with nocodazole for 1-3 days. Taken together, depolymerization of microlubules was induced by nocodazole, and then the organization of cells was disintegrated. As a result, the rounded cells, the cells having multimicronuclei, and the changes of golgi complexes occurred. But there were relatively no great changes of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The amount of intermediate filaments that maintain the differentiated states of cells increased by nocodazole treatment. It was suggested that morphological changes of cells could be used in evaluation of actions of nocodazole. Especially, the increase of amount of intermediate filaments by nocodazole changed cells of each cell line from undifferentiated state to differentiated, and therefore the author hope that the changes in amount of intermediate filaments provide an important clue in anticancer and antimetastatic actions of nocodazole.
3T3 Cells ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Dilatation ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Rough ; Golgi Apparatus ; HeLa Cells ; Hep G2 Cells ; Hope ; Humans ; Intermediate Filaments ; Liposomes ; Lysosomes ; Mice ; Microtubules ; Nocodazole* ; Organelles ; Vimentin

PURPOSE: Most recently developed anti-adhesive membranes are not suitable for laparoscopic surgery due to weak mechanical properties or adhesive characteristics. To overcome these problems, we prepared electrospun bioabsorbable nanofibrous poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based membranes as an adhesion barrier. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of this material for laparoscopic surgery in a rabbit model. METHODS: A standardized laparoscopic surgical trauma was made on the rabbit's uterine horn and adjacent abdominal wall to induce adhesion formation. The injured uterus was covered by a nanofibrous barrier or it was left untreated (the negative control group) (each group: n=14). To evaluate acute toxicity of this material, blood sampling was made 3 and 7 days after laparoscopic surgery to check liver and renal function. Three weeks after laparoscopy, a second look laparoscopy was performed and the adhesions were scored according to Blauer's scoring system. Tissue between abdominal wall and uterus was obtained to examine microscopically. Liver, kidney and uterus were harvested to examine chronic toxicity. RESULTS: 36.4% of the nanofiber treatment group and 70% of the untreated control group showed severe adhesions (grade>3) after laparoscopic surgery but failed to get a statistical significance (P=0.198). Acute and chronic toxicity induced by this material were not noted in the blood and tissue exam. CONCLUSION: This study showed that nanofiber barrier seems to be a novel resorbable biomaterial for the reduction of postoperative adhesions. Easy placement and handling of this material make these membranes potentially successful candidates for laparoscopic surgery. But further study is needed to get a statistical significance.
Abdominal Wall ; Adhesives ; Animals ; Handling (Psychology) ; Horns ; Kidney ; Laparoscopy ; Liver ; Membranes ; Nanofibers ; Uterus

PURPOSE: Guardix-sol(TM) is solution type of anti-adhesion barrier, and it is composed of a mixture of hyaluronate (HA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The anti-adhesive effect was proved through several clinical trials with using this material, but the most efficient viscosity for this solution has not been shown by the previous research. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HA/CMC mixture solutions, with varying viscosities, in a rat model. METHODS: Three different viscosities (low=LV, mid=MV and high=HV) of the HA/CMC mixture solutions were prepared to evaluate their potential as a tissue adhesion barrier. The viscosity was measured by a Brookfield viscometer. To evaluate the anti-adhesion effect, a cecal-abdominal wall abrasion model was adopted. The denuded cecum was coated by a HA/CMC mixture of different viscosity or it was left uncoated (the negative control group) and then the denuded cecum was apposed to the abdominal wall (each group: n=10). All the rats underwent a second celiotomy after 14 days to evaluate the extent of their abdominal adhesions and tissue reactions (inflammatory response, granulation tissue formation and toxicity in organs). RESULTS: The viscosities of the HA/CMC mixture solutions were 248.+/-24.4 cps in the LV, 1,353.8+/-4.4 cps in the MV and 3,556.7+/-38.8 cps in the HV. The grade of adhesion and the adhesion area were significantly lower in the all HA/CMC mixture solution groups compared to the control regardless of their viscosity. The inflammatory responses were not remarkable at the application site and the major solid organs did not show histological change in the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: The difference of viscosity of HA/CMC mixture solutions did not affect the efficacy of the adhesion barrier. All the HA/CMC mixture solutions with varying viscosities showed a low inflammatory response and non-toxicity.
Abdominal Wall ; Animals ; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium ; Cecum ; Granulation Tissue ; Rats ; Tissue Adhesions ; Viscosity

PURPOSE: Guardix-sol(TM) is solution type of anti-adhesion barrier, and it is composed of a mixture of hyaluronate (HA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The anti-adhesive effect was proved through several clinical trials with using this material, but the most efficient viscosity for this solution has not been shown by the previous research. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HA/CMC mixture solutions, with varying viscosities, in a rat model. METHODS: Three different viscosities (low=LV, mid=MV and high=HV) of the HA/CMC mixture solutions were prepared to evaluate their potential as a tissue adhesion barrier. The viscosity was measured by a Brookfield viscometer. To evaluate the anti-adhesion effect, a cecal-abdominal wall abrasion model was adopted. The denuded cecum was coated by a HA/CMC mixture of different viscosity or it was left uncoated (the negative control group) and then the denuded cecum was apposed to the abdominal wall (each group: n=10). All the rats underwent a second celiotomy after 14 days to evaluate the extent of their abdominal adhesions and tissue reactions (inflammatory response, granulation tissue formation and toxicity in organs). RESULTS: The viscosities of the HA/CMC mixture solutions were 248.+/-24.4 cps in the LV, 1,353.8+/-4.4 cps in the MV and 3,556.7+/-38.8 cps in the HV. The grade of adhesion and the adhesion area were significantly lower in the all HA/CMC mixture solution groups compared to the control regardless of their viscosity. The inflammatory responses were not remarkable at the application site and the major solid organs did not show histological change in the experimental groups. CONCLUSION: The difference of viscosity of HA/CMC mixture solutions did not affect the efficacy of the adhesion barrier. All the HA/CMC mixture solutions with varying viscosities showed a low inflammatory response and non-toxicity.
Abdominal Wall ; Animals ; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium ; Cecum ; Granulation Tissue ; Rats ; Tissue Adhesions ; Viscosity

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical presentation, surgical outcome of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD) after laser refractive surgery and the relationship between RRD and laser refractive surgery. METHODS: We examined age distribution, refractive error, time interval of RRD onset after refractive surgery, shape and location of retinal break, extent of RD, refractive change and postoperative complications in fifteen patients who experienced RRD after LASIK(9 eyes), or PRK(6 eyes) from March 1993 to August 2001. RESULTS: 66% of patents were in twenties, 47% of patients developed RD within 1 year after refractive surgery, 80% of patients had horse shoe type retinal tear and refractive changes after RD surgery were within 2 diopters. Patients who had undergone LASIK had shorter time interval in developing RRD, more refractive change, and more complications than those with PRK. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that laser refractive surgery can be one of the cause of RD. LASIK had more association with RD than PRK. Thorough retinal exam will be needed in patients undergoing LASIK.
Age Distribution ; Horses ; Humans ; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ ; Postoperative Complications ; Refractive Errors ; Refractive Surgical Procedures* ; Retinal Detachment* ; Retinal Perforations ; Retinaldehyde* ; Shoes

The effects of an antipsychotic, chlorpromazine, on the electroencephalogram (EEG) were observed while rats were awake but immobile. The time course and the dose-dependency of the EEG changes were examined. The method of the power spectrum analysis was used to examine the EEG changes by the drug. The bands were divided into delta (1 ~ 3.5 Hz), theta (3.5 ~ 8 Hz), alpha (8 ~ 13 Hz), beta1 (13 ~ 21 Hz), beta2 (21 ~ 30 Hz) and gamma (30 ~ 50 Hz). In rats, the low dose of chlropromazine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a significant increase in the power of the beta1 band. The higher doses (5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a significant increase in the power of the delta, theta, alpha and beta1 bands, and the decrease in the power of the gamma band. The powers of the bands changed dose-dependently. Then, the authors discussed whether the EEG effects produced by a drug are associated with the accompanying behavioral changes specifically.
Animals ; Chlorpromazine* ; Electroencephalography ; Rats* ; Spectrum Analysis

PURPOSE: The occurrence of post-surgical adhesion is still a major cause of postoperative morbidity due to the lack of satisfactory treatment or prophylaxis. Several adhesion barriers have been developed in the form of solutions or membrane in an attempt to solve these problems. However both types of tissue barriers have some limitations in their practical applications. In order to overcome these problems, a temperature-sensitive Poloxamer/Alginate/CaCl2 mixture was prepared as an adhesion barrier. With this material, toxicity, inflammation and the adhesion prevention effect was evaluated in an animal model. METHODS: The sol-gel transition behavior was measured using a viscometer. An in vitro gel stability test and an in vivo degradation test was performed. The anti-adhesion effect was evaluated using a cecal-abdominal wall abrasion model. The denuded cecum was coated with Poloxamer/ Alginate/CaCl2 mixture, GUARDIX-SL (positive control group) or neither (negative control group) and apposed to the abdominal wall (each n=14). One week after surgery, the level of adhesion was graded from zero to three using a whole-number system. RESULTS: The LCST of the poloxamer/sodium alginate mixture was 25 degrees C. The gel stability of Poloxamer was improved by adding mild cross-linked sodium Alginate/CaCl2 mixture. The adhesion grade and area were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control. CONCLUSION: The anti-adhesive effect of the Poloxamer/Alginate/CaCl2 mixture was comparable to the previously- developed solution type barrier and all the materials had degraded within 21 days. From these results, Poloxamer/ Alginate/CaCl2 mixture is a good candidate for use as a coatable or injectable tissue adhesion barrier.
Abdominal Wall ; Animals ; Cecum ; Inflammation ; Membranes ; Models, Animal* ; Poloxamer ; Rats* ; Sodium ; Tissue Adhesions

Advanced esophageal carcinoma which invades into adjacent organs are classified as T4 esophageal cancer,. Its complete resection without residual tumor would be difficult. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy and combined modality therapy are being tried to improve survival in patients with T4 esophageal carcinoma. In a 74-year-old man a 6cm squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus with invasion of the thoracic aorta was detected (T4). After neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy the patient was operated on using bio-pump with aorto-femoral cannulation. The invased segment of descending aorta was resected and reconstructed with a graft. The tumor was resected and EG anastomosis was done. The postoperative period was uneventful the patient was discharged after good condition and has been well to now.
Aged ; Aorta* ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Catheterization ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; Esophagus ; Humans ; Neoplasm, Residual ; Postoperative Period ; Transplants

We report a case of a 63-year-old man with adult respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary infarction. The patient presented with fever, dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and acute respiratory failure, and we applied mechanical ventilation and steroid therapy. Pulmonary infarction and diffuse alveolar damage were confirmed by open-lung biopsy. Diffuse alveolar damage activated the blood coagulation system, resulting in thrombosis in the pulmonary vasculature. After anticoagulation therapy, the patient improved rapidly. We report a rare pulmonary infarction caused by diffuse alveolar damage confirmed by open-lung biopsy.
Biopsy ; Blood Coagulation ; Chest Pain ; Dyspnea ; Fever ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Infarction ; Respiration, Artificial ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Thrombosis

Pseudomembranous colitis, although uncommon, is an important complication of antibiotics that is related to a variety of deleterious effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Rifampicin is one of the 1st line agents in the treatment of tuberculosis and a large number of patients are exposed to its potential adverse effects. We report upon a patient that had diarrhea due to pseudomembranous colitis after receiving antitubeculous medication, and which was probably caused by rifampicin. A 77-year-old man was admitted with diarrhea of three weeks duration. One month previously, he suffered from left pleuritic chest pain and left pleural effusion was noticed at chest X-ray. One week prior to the onset of diarrhea, he was started on empirically isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazynamide as antituberculous medication. On admission, he complained of diarrhea, left pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea and sputum. On physical examination, breathing sound was decreased in the left lower lung field and bowel sound increased. Pleural biopsy revealed chronic granulomatous infalmmation, which was compatible with tuberculosis. Sigmoidoscopy showed whitish to yellowish pseudomembrane with intervening normal mucosa, and his stool was positive for C.difficle toxin. He was diagnosed as pseudomembranous colitis and treated with oral metronidazole and vancomycin. The diarrhea did not recur after reinstitution of the anti-tuberculous medication without rifampicin. In patients with severe diarrhea receining anti-tuberculous medication, rifampicin induced pseudomembranous colitis should be excluded.
Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Biopsy ; Chest Pain ; Clostridium difficile ; Diarrhea ; Dyspnea ; Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous* ; Ethambutol ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Isoniazid ; Lung ; Metronidazole ; Mucous Membrane ; Physical Examination ; Pleural Effusion ; Respiratory Sounds ; Rifampin* ; Sigmoidoscopy ; Sputum ; Thorax ; Tuberculosis ; Vancomycin