Schwann cells generated from neonatal skin-derived precursors or neonatal peripheral nerve improve functional recovery after acute transplantation into the partially injured cervical spinal cord of the rat.

The transplantation of Schwann cells (SCs) holds considerable promise as a therapy for spinal cord injury, but the optimal source of these cells and the best timing for intervention remains debatable. Previously, we demonstrated that delayed transplantation of SCs generated from neonatal mouse skin-derived precursors (SKP-SCs) promoted repair and functional recovery in rats with thoracic contusions. Here, we conducted two experiments using neonatal rat cells and an incomplete cervical injury model to examine the efficacy of acute SKP-SC transplantation versus media control (Experiment 1) and versus nerve-derived SC or dermal fibroblast (Fibro) transplantation (Experiment 2).

[Experimental induction of biliary tract carcinoma associated with proliferative cholangitis in Syrian hamster].

The biliary tract carcinogenesis related to proliferative cholangitis was investigated using Hamster. Proliferative cholangitis was induced by inserting a nylon thread into the papilla followed by ad libitum oral intake of the water including 70 ppm N-nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl) amine (BOP). The respective 12 animals were sacrificed 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the procedure to evaluate histologic features of the bile ducts and to determine the incidence of carcinoma.

[Primary torsion of the omentum--report of a case and review of the Japanese literature].

A case of primary torsion of the omentum is reported. A 37-year-old male was admitted with the chief complaint of RLQ pain of 3 day's duration on June 10, 1986. Tenderness and Blumberg's sign were found at Mc Burney's point with leucocytosis of 11,500/mm3.