Plasma cyclic AMP concentration after glucagon injection intravenously was determined in 8 normal subjects, 15 patients with liver cirrhosis, 10 patients with chronic hepatitis, and 8 patients with acute hepatitis.Plasma fasting cyclic AMP indicated comparatively high in patients with chronic hepatitis and hepatoma, compared with normal subjects.Plasma cyclic AMP levels at 10 minute after glucagon injection were maximum, and peak values of cyclic AMP in acute hepatitis or chronic hepatitis were significantly higher than those in normal subjects, but those in decompensated cirrhosis were lower than those in normal subjects.

No abstract

No abstract

Our experience in the treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma by the intra-arterial infusion with Mitomysin C (MMC) was reported. Of 26 patients given oral administration of 5Fu or FT-207, 5-10mg/kg of body weight/day, and intermittent intra-arterial infusion with 10-20mg of levels, decrease in distance of the liver edges from the costal margin and increased survival time. In the 27% of the patients, subjective responses were obtained. Of 13 control patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with oral adoministration of 5Fu or FT-207 alone, or intravenous injection of 4mg of MMC/twice a week, objective responses were observed in 7%. It indicates significant therapeutic effect of intra-arterial infusion of MMC on patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma. The best results were obtained for stage I of Vogel's functional classification of primary liver carcinoma. Patients with severe liver dysfunctions, decrease levels of peripheral lymphocytes, and high levels of serum alkaline phosphatase were unsuitable for such treatment. Siginficant decrease of serum hemoglobin levels were observed as a side effect of intra-arteral infusion of MMC.