The prostaglandins (PGs) are a group of naturally occurring acidic lipids, ubiquitous in mammalian tissues and possess diverse biological activity. The cardiovascular actions of these compounds have been extensively investigated and in most peripheral vascular beds E-type prostaglandins are potent vasodilators, whereas PGF_2α is a weak vasoconstrictor agent.
The present investigation was conducted to compare the effects of prostaglandins E₁, E₂, D₂, F_2α and I₂ on the canine airways and pulmonary vascular bed.
Thirty-two mongrel dogs, weighing between 18 and 28kg, were anesthetized with intravenous administration of 25mg/kg of sodium pentobarbital. The left hemithorax was opened under artificial respiration. Catheters were inserted into the pulmonary artery trunk, left atrium and left femoral artery, and pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa), left atrium pressure (Pla) and femoral artery pressure (Pfa) were measured using pressure transducers. The noncannulating electromagnetic flow probes were placed around the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery of left lower lobe, and cardiac output (Qaorta) and blood flow of the left lower lobe (Qlll) were measured, respectively. Drugs were injected into the left pulmonary artery and the left femoral vein through polyethelene catheter.
1) Ptr, Pla and Pfa decreased and Qaorta increased dose-dependently by an injection of PGE₁ and PGE₂ into left pulmonary artery, while PGE₁ caused a decrease and PGE₂ an increase in Ppa, and PGE₁ caused an increase and PGE₂ a decrease in Qlll.
2) Ptr, Ppa and Pfa increased, Pla and Qaorta decreased dose-dependently by an injection of PGF_2α into the left pulmonary artery.
3) Ptr and Ppa increased, and Qlll decreased dose-dependently by an injection of PGD₂ into the left pulmonary artery.
4) Ppa, Pla and Pfa decreased, Qaorta and Qlll increased dose-dependently by an injection of PGI₂ into left pulmonary artery.
5) The above results suggest that these PGs may act on the pulmonary vascular, tracheobronchial and pulmonary lymphatic systems, ameliorating the ventilation perfusion ratio and modulating pulmonary circulation.

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The fundamental importance of the lung in providing oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide is well known. However the lung has an another important role, that is the metabolism of vasoactive substances.
The present investigation was conducted to explore the effects of histamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, adrenaline and angiotensin II on the canine airways and pulmonary vascular bed.
Thirty-four dogs, weighing between 18 and 28kg, were anesthetized with intravenous administration of 25mg/kg of sodium pentobarbital. The left hemithorax was opened under artificial respiration. Catheters were inserted into the pulmonary artery trunk, left atrium and left femoral artery, and pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa), left atrium pressure (Pla) and femoral artery pressure (Pfa) were measured, respectively. Drugs were injected into the left pulmonary artery through polyethelene catheter.
1) Ptr and Ppa increased, Pfa, Qaortaand Qlll decreased dose-dependently by injections of histamine.
2) Ptr, Ppa, Pla and Pfa increased, Qaorta and Qlll decreased dose-dependently by injections of serotonin.
3) Ppa, Pla, Pfa, Qaorta and Qlll increased dose-dependently by injections of adrenaline and noradrenaline, while Ptr decreased by an injection of adrenaline.
4) Ppa, Pla and Pfa increased, Qaorta and Qlll decreased dose-dependently by injections of angiotensin II, while Ptr remained unchanged.
5) The above results suggest that these vasoactive substances act on the pulmonary vascular, tracheobronchial and pulmonary lymphatic systems, ameliorating the ventilation perfusion ratio and modulating pulmonary circulation.

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A case of mesenchymal condrosarcoma occurring in the right 4th rib of a 24-year-old male was presented. Japanese cases of this rare tumor were reviewed and 11 cases, including the present case, were reported. No other case of this tumor involving the rib has been reported in these Japanese studies. The patient was treated by radical resection. After the operation he was treated by administration of anti-cancer drugs and radiotherapy. No recurrence is noted at present, 9 months after the operation.

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A case of pulmonary carcinosarcoma was described.
A 73 year-old male visited Keio University Hospital in December 1974 with a complaint of productive cough. His chest X-ray revealed right massive pleural effusion and he was admitted to our hospital. One month after admission, he complained of extreme fatigue, had no intake of food and finally died.
On autopsy a large white mass (16×15×13cm) was found in the right lower lobe of the lung. This tumor was adhered to the right diaphragm and its central portion was necrotic. A small round metastatic lesion (1×1cm) was found at the right upper parietal pleura. Microscopically, almost all parts of the tumor consisted of spindle-shaped fibrous cells with round nuclei. In other parts of the tumor, irregular glandular patterns composed of cuboidal and cylindrical cells were seen. Nuclei of these cells were oval and their cytoplasms were clear.

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An autopsy case of pseudomesotheliomatous lung cancer presenting as pneumothorax was described.
The patient was a 49 year-old man who suffered from sudden chest pain and dyspnea. Chest X-ray film indicated pneumothorax.
Two months after the onset of pneumothorax he was admitted with increasing pleural effusion and dyspnea. He died with evidence of cardiac failure 5 months after the onset of pneumothorax. At autopsy the right lung was collapsed and the visceral pleura was grey to whitish colored and thickened.
Histologically the tumor was composed of polygonal or spindle shaped cells.
Ultrastructurally the bundles of tonofilaments, and desmosomes were identified in the tumor cell. Microvilli or glycogen granules were not visible.

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A 71 year old woman presented with a feeling of chest compression.
Plain and lateral chest radiography showed a smooth, oval homgeuous radiodensity in the right cardio phrenic angle, touching the anterior chest wall and the anterior portion of right hemidiaphragm, Ultrasonography and CT scan revealed the cystic nature of the Diagnosis was confirmed by needle aspiration, whith obtained slightly yellowish and clear fluid. After the procedure, the abnormal shadow disappeared and there was no tendency for fluid to reaccumulation, Her symptom also completely disappeared.

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