Immotile cilia 症候群の徴細型態学的研究

Since presentation of the concepts of the immotile cilia syndrome, much attention has been paid to function and structure of respiratory cilia, many authors have pointed out that ultrastructural abnormality of cilia was attributed to the immotility of cilia. We investigated a woman suspected of the immotile cilia syndrome by electron microscopy, cross sections of cilia obtained from respiratory tract showed lack of dynein arms, radial spokes and central sheath, moreover so-called compound cilia

Separation and Analysis of Adherent and Non-Adherent Cancer Cells Using a Single-Cell Microarray Chip

A new single-cell microarray chip was designed and developed to separate and analyze single adherent and non-adherent cancer cells. The single-cell microarray chip is made of polystyrene with over 60,000 microchambers of 10 different size patterns (31–40 µm upper diameter, 11–20 µm lower diameter). A drop of suspension of adherent carcinoma (NCI-H1650) and non-adherent leukocyte (CCRF-CEM) cells was placed onto the chip, and single-cell occupancy of NCI-H1650 and CCRF-CEM was determined to be 79% and 84%, respectively. This was achieved by controlling the chip design and surface treatment. Analysis of protein expression in single NCI-H1650 and CCRF-CEM cells was performed on the single-cell microarray chip by multi-antibody staining. Additionally, with this system, we retrieved positive single cells from the microchambers by a micromanipulator. Thus, this system demonstrates the potential for easy and accurate separation and analysis of various types of single cells

Endobronchial Ultrasonography with a Guide-Sheath and Virtual Bronchoscopy Navigation Aids Management of Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules

Occasionally, we have difficulty in diagnosing small peripheral pulmonary nodules. However, efforts have been made to resolve this problem. For instance, computed-tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), flexible bronchoscopy examination (BF), and videoassisted thoracic surgery (VATS) have been performed to investigate such nodules. We have used endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide-sheath (EBUS-GS) for BF examination, and recently applied the virtual reality technique "virtual bronchoscopy (VB)". Here, we present a case in which a combined technique with VB and EBUS-GS was useful. The patient was a 54-year-old man with a persistent cough and chest pain. Small nodules were seen in the bilateral lungs on the chest CT taken at the local hospital. A slight increase in the CEA level (6.1 ng/ml; normal level< 5.0 ng/ml) was shown as well as an uptake in the latter term on PET. As a result, he was referred to our hospital for a detailed work-up. We applied VB to confirm the location of the tumor, which allowed us to approach the lesion easily. Furthermore, we precisely localized the lesion using EBUS-GS. Then a biopsy was performed, which demonstrated bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP). As seen in this case, combining VB and EBUS-GS seems beneficial for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary nodules