Since cancer cells are characterised by multiple genetic alterations the single inhibition of one tumourassociated gene might not be sufficient as a therapeutic strategy. We examined the effects of a combined inhibition of survivin, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in EJ28 and 5637 bladder cancer (BCa) cells. Following verification of the uptake of intraperitoneally applied fluorescence-labelled AS-ODNs and siRNAs in subcutaneous BCa xenografts, the target-directed constructs were tested as single agents in SCID mice bearing subcutaneous EJ28. Simultaneous inhibition of two of the selected transcripts significantly enhanced cell viability reduction compared to the controls consisting of a target directed construct and an appropriate control construct without any homology to the human genome. The uptake of both antisense inhibitor types in the subcutaneous BCa was achieved even without a carrier. In vivo studies with 9 consecutive intraperitoneal injections with 20 mg/kg AS-ODNs or 4.6 mg/kg siRNAs revealed the biocompatibility of both antisense inhibitor types and showed anti-tumoural activity of the AS-ODNs used.

Disturbances of osmoregulation leading to polyuria are well known complications after operations in the sella region. In contrast, increased urinary output following adrenalectomy is rare. We report a case of postoperative polyuria after laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma with urine output up to 15 l per day. Treatment included careful monitoring of the patient and intravenous and oral replacement of fluids and electrolytes. In our case a normalisation of the urine output was observed after few days. A further treatment with vasopressin was not undertaken as the osmolality at all times was in normal range.

Based on the basic principles of radioimmunoassay (RIA), it can be expected that by using this method, residues of anabolic sex hormones in animal tissues can be quantitated in the ng/g to pg/g range with adequate reliability. This was demonstrated for various endogenous and exogenous steroids as well as for stilbene-estrogens. Using the RIA for DES as a regulatory method allowed the successful control of the misuse of this compound in animal production, especially by examination of excreta. Also, for muscular tissue, an interlaboratory validation study yielded acceptable results. The need for confirmatory methods is stressed.

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