Localization of sirtuins (SIRT1-7) in the aged mouse inner ear.

Conclusion: The expression of sirtuin in vestibular end organs and cochlea responds differently to age-related changes. Down-regulation of SIRT1, 3, and 5 in the cochlea may weaken the protective activity regarding degeneration of the organ of Corti as well as of spiral ganglion cells, resulting in the development of age-related hearing loss. An increase in SIRT 1, 4, or 5 in vestibular tissue could indicate an increased need of detoxification of reactive oxygen species and an increased anti-ageing potential.

Long-term administration of vasopressin can cause Ménière's disease in mice.

Conclusion: A new murine model of Ménière's disease has been developed, based on long-term administration of vasopressin. Induction of vestibular dysfunction in the present animal model can cause additional stress, by reducing inner ear blood flow. Latanoprost, a selective agonist for the FP prostanoid receptor, may become a new remedy for Ménière's disease.

[Clinical study of secondary cholesteatoma].

Acquired middle ear cholesteatoma is considered to be formed by retraction of the tympanic membrane. There are rare cases in which the tympanic membrane epidermis extends into the medial surface of the tympanic membrane from the margin of its perforation, namely so-called secondary cholesteatoma. We studied the cases of secondary cholesteatoma clinically.

[A case of epiglottic NK/T cell malignant lymphoma].

We report a case of malignant epiglottic natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma. A 33-year-old man seen 1-month period for throat pain was found in endoscopic larynx examination to have inflammation with plaques and redness epiglottic. The 4 month period, right epiglottic inflammation showed progressive necrosis.

[Evaluation of soft diets using freeze infusion in videofluorography].

A food developed at the Hiroshima Prefectural Food Technology Research Center, Hiroshima, Japan, has proved to be a boon in videofluorography. The food features decreased hardness with retained their shape due to being impregnated with macerating enzymes under reduced pressure after vegetables are defrosted. Samples were removed immediately from the enzyme solution after freeze infusion.

Decreased visual function after patchy loss of retinal pigment epithelium induced by low-dose sodium iodate.

Purpose: To correlate damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with decreased visual function after the systemic administration of sodium iodate (NaIO(3)).

Methods: Damage was produced in mice by injection of 15, 25, or 35 mg/kg NaIO(3). Visual function was assessed with the cued water maze (WM) behavioral test and the optokinetic reflex (OKR) measurement at different times after injection.

Long-term cellular and regional specificity of the photoreceptor toxin, iodoacetic acid (IAA), in the rabbit retina.

This study investigated the anatomical consequences of a photoreceptor toxin, iodoacetic acid (IAA), in the rabbit retina. Retinae were examined 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months after systemic IAA injection. The retinae were processed using standard histological methods to assess the gross morphology and topographical distribution of damage, and by immunohistochemistry to examine specific cell populations in the retina.

An adaptive ERG technique to measure normal and altered dark adaptation in the mouse.

The time-course of dark adaptation provides valuable insights into the function and interactions between the rod and cone pathways in the retina. Here we describe a technique that uses the flash electroretinogram (ERG) response to probe the functional integrity of the cone and rod pathways during the dynamic process of dark adaptation in the mouse. Retinal sensitivity was estimated from the stimulus intensity required to maintain a 30 microV criterion b-wave response during a 40 min period of dark adaptation.

Conformational contagion in a protein: structural properties of a chameleon sequence.

Certain sequences, known as chameleon sequences, take both alpha- and beta-conformations in natural proteins. We demonstrate that a wild chameleon sequence fused to the C-terminal alpha-helix or beta-sheet in foreign stable proteins from hyperthermophiles forms the same conformation as the host secondary structure. However, no secondary structural formation is observed when the sequence is attached to the outside of the secondary structure.

Application of thermo-setting gel as artificial vitreous.

Purpose: In this study, we produced a rabbit model and investigated the safety of intravitreous injection of a thermo-setting gel (TG) to determine whether TG can be used as artificial vitreous.

Methods: Ten male Japanese white rabbits were used. After performing vitrectomy in a unilateral eye, we injected 1 ml of WTG-127 into the vitreous cavity.

Effects of intravitreal injection of tacrolimus (FK506) in experimental uveitis.

Purpose: To examine the immunosuppressive and neuroprotective effects of intravitreal injection of tacrolimus in experimental uveitis.

Methods: Tacrolimus (40 microg) was injected intravitreally in rabbits to examine safety. Experimental uveitis was induced in rabbits by systemic immunization with bovine serum albumin (BSA) followed by intravitreal challenge with BSA.

Residual triamcinolone acetonide in the macular hole after vitrectomy.

Purpose: To report a case of vitrectomy using intraocular triamcinolone acetonide (TA), in which TA remained in the macular hole after surgery.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: A 60-year-old Japanese man had a Stage II macular hole in the right eye with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50.