Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is the first identified long pentraxin, and it is rapidly produced and released by several cell types in response to proinflammatory signals. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of neutrophils to produce PTX3 protein in response to proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 in vitro, as well as identify the expression pattern of PTX3 in human ulcerative colitis lesions. Pentraxin 3 protein was found to be present following release upon IL-8 stimulation in cultured neutrophils together with lactoferrin(+)-specific granules localized in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formed by extruded DNA. Neutrophils in colonic mucosal tissue of patients with ulcerative colitis were the main cellular source of PTX3 protein, the expression of which is correlated well with the histological grades of inflammation. Immunofluorescence analysis against anti-lactoferrin antibody revealed the formation of NETs released from neutrophils within crypt abscess lesions, which were found to be activated through the expression of IL-8 receptor B (CXCR2). Of interest, neutrophils depleted of PTX3 protein were displayed, supporting the release of PTX3 from neutrophils in crypt abscess. We suspected that PTX3 protein may contribute to cell-mediated immune defense in inflamed colon tissue, and in particular in crypt abscess lesions, of patients with ulcerative colitis.

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The mechanism of spinal deformity after surgical removal of a cervical spinal cord tumor or tumorous lesions was studied in 36 patients, based on the spinal functional curve prepared from the intersectional angle. The postoperative spinal deformity depends on the surgical level and the type of operation. In the laminectomy group, kyphosis of the upper cervical spine and compensatory increased lordosis of the lower cervical spine were observed in the C2 laminectomy patients. Localized kyphosis of the spine at the cervicothoracic junction and compensatory increased lordosis of the upper cervical vertebrae were noted in the C7 laminectomy patients. In the laminoplasty group, spinal deformities were less frequently observed, and when present the deformity was limited to a slight increase of lordosis, even in patients who had the facetectomy. These facts demonstrate the preventive effect of the laminoplasty regarding postoperative spinal deformity. Laminoplasty with reconstruction of the erector spinal muscles and the nuchal ligament is recommended for patients with a spinal cord tumor or a tumorous lesion. The spinal functional curve was significant in studying the biomechanics of the vertebral column with the advantage that both alignment and mobility of the spine are simultaneously, respectively and precisely visualized.

We report herein a rare case of a 53 year old man with a benign lymphangioma of the small intestine. He presented with a complete obstruction of the small intestine and radiological examination revealed a small intestinal tumor. A long intestinal tube was passed, the intestinograms from which detected a submucosal tumor of the small intestine. Partial resection of the small intestine was thus performed and the tumor was found to be located mainly in the submucosa. The final pathological diagnosis was made as cavernous lymphangioma. This case is presented with a description of the roentgen appearance, followed by a review of the Japanese literature.