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Biomedical subjects

A Hirano

Publications and source records attributed to A Hirano.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Comparative studies on bile flow and biliary lipid excretion after bile-acid loading in normal and partially hepatectomized rats.

This study was performed to investigate sequential changes in bile secretion and biliary lipids after taurocholic acid (TCA) loading of regenerating rat liver. TCA was administered intravenously at stepwise-increasing doses to groups of non-operated control and partially hepatectomized rats, 24, 72 and 168 h after surgery. Bile flow, bile-acid output (BAO) and phospholipid output (PLO) (expressed per gram of liver) in partially hepatectomized rats increased more than in the controls. Using an isolated perfusion rat-liver system, TCA infusion was also carried out on groups of non-operated control and hepatectomized rats 72 h after operation. Again bile flow, BAO and PLO (expressed per gram of liver) were significantly higher in the partial hepatectomy case, mirroring the results obtained in vivo. When horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was pulse-loaded in isolated perfusion preparations, the second peak of biliary HRP secretion in hepatectomized rats was significantly higher than in controls. We conclude that increased bile-acid flow in partially hepatectomized rats is dependent upon acceleration of vesicular transport accompanying or following proliferation in regenerating livers.

Animals↗

Expression and biological activities of bovine interleukin 4: effects of recombinant bovine interleukin 4 on T cell proliferation and B cell differentiation and proliferation in vitro.

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a pleotropic cytokine affecting a wide range of cell types in both the mouse and the human. These activities include regulation of the growth and differentiation of both T and B lymphocytes. The activities of IL-4 in nonprimate, nonmurine systems are not well established. Herein, we demonstrate in the bovine system that IL-4 upregulates production of IgM, IgG1, and IgE in the presence of a variety of costimulators including anti-IgM, Staphylococcus aureus cowan strain I, and pokeweed mitogen. IgE responses are potentiated by the addition of IL-2 to IL-4. Culture of bovine B lymphocytes with IL-4 in the absence of additional costimulators resulted in the increased surface expression of CD23 (low-affinity Fc epsilon RII), IgM, IL-2R, and MHC class II in a dose-dependent manner. IL-4 alone increased basal levels of proliferation of bulk peripheral blood mononuclear cells but in the presence of Con A inhibited proliferation. In contrast to the activities of IL-4 in the murine system, proliferation of TH1- and TH2-like clones was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner as assessed by antigen-or IL-2-driven in vitro proliferative responses. These observations are consistent with the role of IL-4 as a key player in regulation of both T and B cell responses.

Animals↗

Cerebellar superoxide dismutase expression in Menkes' kinky hair disease: an immunohistochemical investigation.

This comparative immunohistochemical study deals with the expression of the cytosolic Cu/Zn-binding and mitochondrial Mn-dependent superoxide dismutases (SODs) in the cerebella of five patients with Menkes' kinky hair disease (MKHD) and five age-matched controls. Several cell types, including Purkinje cells and reactive astrocytes, of all MKHD patients examined were intensely stained by an antibody to Mn SOD, but not by an anti-Cu/Zn SOD antibody. By contrast, the cells of the five controls reacted very weakly or not at all with the anti-Mn SOD antibody, but were strongly reactive with the antibody to Cu/Zn SOD. These results suggest that the increased Mn SOD immunoreactivity in MKHD reflects enzyme induction as a protective mechanism against the highly toxic superoxide anion generated under the disease conditions.

Adolescent↗

Stress-response (heat-shock) protein 90 expression in tumors of the central nervous system: an immunohistochemical study.

This retrospective study deals with the expression of stress-response (heat-shock) protein 90 (srp 90) in a series of 148 human brain tumors. Immunohistochemical procedures were employed; cells of the human breast cancer line MCF7 exposed to hyperosmolar stress served as positive controls. Deposits of reaction products were found in the cytoplasm and they displayed a granular pattern. srp 90 was detected in 14/31 meningiomas and 5/10 breast cancer metastases to the brain. The protein was also present in 6/13 glioblastomas and 7/18 astrocytomas. In addition, a positive reaction was found in 2/10 medulloblastomas, 2/14 primitive neuroectodermal tumors, 1/11 pituitary tumor, 2/21 schwannomas and 2/11 lung tumor metastases; however, oligodendrogliomas and primary malignant lymphomas were not stained. The srp 90 was detected in Western blots of meningioma tissue homogenates. No significant immunohistochemical reaction was seen with sections of normal human cerebra, brain stem, cerebella, pituitary glands and spinal cords. These results document the expression of srp 90 by a variety of primary and metastatic intracranial tumors.

Autopsy↗

Nucleoprotein phosphorylated on both serine and threonine is preferentially assembled into the nucleocapsids of measles virus.

The nucleoprotein (N) in the nucleocapsids of measles virus (MV) has different conformation and antigenicity than the free N-protein in MV-infected cells. These two forms of N-protein have identical methionine-containing tryptic peptides. The free N-protein contains 4 phosphorylated tryptic peptides. However, the nucleocapsid-associated N-protein has an additional phosphorylated peptide not found in the free N-protein. The free N-protein is phosphorylated only on serine residues, whereas the nucleocapsid-associated N-protein is phosphorylated on both serine and threonine residues. The MV N-protein expressed from a cloned gene in primate cells is also phosphorylated on both serine and threonine residues. These results suggest that cellular kinases phosphorylate the MV N-protein, and N-protein with phosphorylated serine and threonine is preferentially assembled into the viral nucleocapsids.

Cells, Cultured↗

Familial Saethre-Chotzen syndrome with or without polydactyly of the toe.

A family with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome with or without polydactyly of the great toes is presented. Saethre-Chotzen syndrome with polydactyly of the great toes has been reported as Robinow-Sorauf syndrome. Both syndromes were observed in this family. This suggests that Saethre-Chotzen syndrome and Robinow-Sorauf syndrome fall within the same clinical spectrum, and the cause is a pleiotropic effect, which is variously expressed.

Acrocephalosyndactylia↗

An intracranial wooden foreign body without neurological findings: case report.

We encountered an unusual case of an intracranial wooden stick penetrating through the frontal bone, without remarkable neurological findings. That foreign body was shown to be a low-density area similar to an intracranial air pocket by a standard computed tomogram. Here we discuss the potential hazards of intracranial wooden foreign bodies and emphasize the necessity for special attention to them during radiologic examination.

Brain Injuries↗

Single-step purification of prostatic acid phosphatase: immunoaffinity chromatography with a monoclonal antibody.

BACKGROUND: Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is an important protein which should be studied further as a tumor marker or as a biologically functional molecule. The purpose of the study was to establish a simple and reliable method to obtain highly pure PAP. METHODS: Spleen cells from mice immunized with prostatic epithelial cells prepared from benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue were fused with myeloma cells X63Ag8-653. Hybrid cells of interest were selected using the indirect immunofluorescence method with unfixed frozen tissue sections. One clone of the hybrid cell lines was established which secreted the monoclonal antibody specifically reactive to prostatic acid phosphatase. Using this monoclonal antibody, we purified the antigen from human prostatic tissue by means of single-step immunoaffinity chromatography. RESULTS: SDS-PAGE profiling under reducing conditions indicated that the protein recognized by this antibody consisted of several components of molecular weight 41,000-45,000. Partial amino acid sequence analysis of this protein indicated that these components involved a heterogeneously modified single polypeptide, and that this antigen is identical to human prostatic acid phosphatase. CONCLUSIONS: This single-step method saves the time needed to purify prostatic acid phosphatase and requires only half a day for the whole procedure. Moreover, the purity of the isolated protein was extremely high. This method seems to be useful not only for purifying prostatic acid phosphatase but also for purifying other proteins from the prostate gland and for analysis of antigenic macromolecules.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Engineered serine protease inhibitor prevents furin-catalyzed activation of the fusion glycoprotein and production of infectious measles virus.

We have identified the major cellular endoprotease that activates the fusion (F) glycoprotein of measles virus (MV) and have engineered a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) to target the endoprotease and inhibit the production of infectious MV. The F-protein precursor of MV was not cleaved efficiently into the mature F protein in human colon carcinoma cells lacking functional furin, indicating that furin is the major enzyme responsible for activation of the MV F protein. A human serpin alpha 1-antitrypsin variant was engineered to specifically inhibit furin. When expressed from a recombinant vaccinia virus in primate cells infected by MV, the engineered serpin (alpha 1-PDX) specifically inhibited furin-catalyzed cleavage of the F-protein precursor without affecting synthesis of other MV proteins. We generated human glioma cells stably expressing alpha 1-PDX. MV infection in these cells did not result in syncytia. The infected cells produced all the MV proteins, but the F-protein precursor remained largely uncleaved. This did not prevent virus assembly. However, the released virions contained inactive F-protein precursor rather than mature F protein, and infectious-virus titers were reduced by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude. These results show that a mature F protein is not required for the assembly of MV but is crucial for virus infectivity. The engineered serpin may offer a novel molecular antiviral approach against MV.

Animals↗

Craniofacial deformities associated with juvenile hyperthyroidism.

Three juvenile cases of thyrotoxic craniosynostosis are reported. Two patients had small heads with posterior slanted foreheads. Skull expansion was performed in one patient. Various degrees of ocular proptosis and shallow orbits without enlargement of the extraocular muscles were seen in all cases. Zygomatic repositioning for zygomatic hypoplasia and exophthalmos was performed in two patients. The facial skeleton was involved in thyrotoxic craniosynostosis in these children, and their clinical features seemed to resemble craniofacial dysostosis.

Adolescent↗

Delayed activation of altered fusion glycoprotein in a chronic measles virus variant that causes subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

We compared the intracellular processing of the fusion (F) glycoproteins of an acute measles virus (MV) Nagahata strain and its relative Biken strain that caused subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), Nagahata strain synthesizes a precursor F0 which acquires three asparagine (N)-linked oligosaccharide chains sequentially in 1 h. One oligosaccharide chain on the partially glycosylated F0 is less accessible to endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (endo-H) but becomes accessible as the protein becomes fully glycosylated, suggesting a protein conformational change. Biken strain SSPE virus synthesizes a similarly glycosylated F0. However, one oligosaccharide chain on the Biken F0 remains less accessible to endo-H even after the protein is fully glycosylated. The Nagahata F0 is cleaved into the F1 and F2 subunits with a half life of 1 h. The Biken F0 is cleaved with a half life of 4 h. We cloned the F genes of Nagahata and Biken strains and showed by transfection that the defect causing delayed cleavage of F0 resides in the Biken F gene. Sequence analysis predicts a mutation in the cleavage recognition sequence, a truncated carboxyl-terminus, and multiple mutations in F1 of the Biken F protein. Expression of chimeric F genes showed the mutated cleavage recognition sequence and the carboxyl-terminal truncation do not delay cleavage of F0. Instead, delayed F0 cleavage is due to multiple mutations in the extracellular domain of F1, and four amino acid substitutions near the transmembrane region impair endo-H access to the oligosaccharide chain. These results provide detailed information on the normal maturation process of the F protein of MV and additional clues to the mechanisms of MV persistence in the CNS.

Animals↗

Delayed activation of altered fusion glycoprotein in a chronic measles virus variant that causes subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

We compared the intracellular processing of the fusion (F) glycoproteins of an acute measles virus (MV) Nagahata strain and its relative Biken strain that caused subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). Nagahata strain synthesizes a precursor F0 which acquires three asparagine (N)-linked oligosaccharide chains sequentially in 1 h. One oligosaccharide chain on the partially glycosylated F0 is less accessible to endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (endo-H) but becomes accessible as the protein becomes fully glycosylated, suggesting a protein conformational change. Biken strain SSPE virus synthesizes a similarly glycosylated F0. However, one oligosaccharide chain on the Biken F0 remains less accessible to endo-H even after the protein is fully glycosylated. The Nagahata F0 is cleaved into the F1 and F2 subunits with a half life of 1 h. The Biken F0 is cleaved with a half life of 4 h. We cloned the F genes of Nagahata and Biken strains and showed by transfection that the defect causing delayed cleavage of F0 resides in the Biken F gene. Sequence analysis predicts a mutation in the cleavage recognition sequence, a truncated carboxyl-terminus, and multiple mutations in F1 of the Biken F protein. Expression of chimeric F genes showed the mutated cleavage recognition sequence and the carboxyl-terminal truncation do not delay cleavage of F0. Instead, delayed F0 cleavage is due to multiple mutations in the extracellular domain of F1, and four amino acid substitutions near the transmembrane region impair endo-H access to the oligosaccharide chain. These results provide detailed information on the normal maturation process of the F protein of MV and additional clues to the mechanisms of MV persistence in the CNS.

Animals↗

Isolation and characterization of intranuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes associated with double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase from brain cells: implications for RNA-editing and hypermutation of viral RNA in the CNS.

Double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase (DsRAD), which converts adenosine in duplex RNA to inosine, has been implicated in editing of cellular mRNA and hypermutation of viral RNA in the central nervous system (CNS). We used subcellular fractionation to show that DsRAD in bovine brain tissues is associated with high-molecular-weight ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes in the nuclei. DsRAD-associated RNP complexes have apparent molecular mass of up to 500 kDa and buoyant density of 1.35 to 1.42 g cc-1 in CsCl solution. In human glioma cells, DsRAD is also found exclusively in intranuclear RNP complexes that co-sediment with the largest RNA species. These DsRAD-associated RNP complexes are dissociated by RNase A or high salt. The RNA component is not essential for DsRAD activity, and the protein component can be separated by dsRNA-affinity column, gel filtration column, and glycerol gradient into enzymatically active protein species with apparent molecular mass ranging from 120 kDa to 70 kDa in polyacrylamide gel. The bovine brain DsRAD has no apparent requirement for low-molecular-weight cofactors or metal ions. These results provide insight into the native state of DsRAD in brain cells and have interesting implications for its putative roles in RNA-editing and hypermutation of viral RNA in the CNS.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

[Spinal intradural arachnoid cyst associated with enlarged filum terminale].

This is a report of a spinal intradural arachnoid cyst associated with an enlarged filum terminale. A 9-year-old female was admitted to our hospital complaining of lumbosacral pain. Neurological examination revealed no abnormal findings. CT scan showed a round shaped mass lesion in the right dorsolateral side of the spinal canal between the level of L1 to S1/2. The mass lesion disclosed isodensity and was not enhanced. A small low density mass lesion was visualized in the dural sac at the same level. MRI showed the mass lesion with low signal intensity on the T1-weighted image, and high signal intensity on the T2. The small mass lesion in the dural sac was demonstrated with low signal intensity on the T1 and T2-weighted image. In addition to this finding, Chiari malformation type I was disclosed. It was suspected that this mass lesion was extradural arachnoid cyst associated with an enlarged filum terminale. Osteoplastic laminotomy between L3 to S1/2 was performed, and an arachnoid cyst was found in the intradural space. It compressed the cauda equina and enlarged tough filum terminale. The cyst was removed subtotally, and the filum terminale was cut off. Postoperative course was uneventful and the lumbosacral pain disappeared. It was thought that this pain might be derived from the intradural arachnoid cyst, or the enlarged filum terminale.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arachnoid Cysts↗

[A case of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage].

This is a report of cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage derived from systemic lupus erythematosus. A 49-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to dysarthria and supranuclear facial palsy. He had been suffering from SLE and medicated incompletely since 9 years prior to admission. A CT scan showed a small infarction in the left parietal area. An angiography revealed a tapering stenosis of the left carotid siphon and an occlusion of the left vertebral artery at the cisternal portion. On the 13 days after the admission, he complained of a high fever and right hemiparesis. The CT scan disclosed newly multiple small infarctions in the left parietal area. The angiography showed the progressing of the tapering stenosis at the left carotid siphon, and demonstrated the narrowing of the left superior temporal artery and ophthalmic artery in addition to the disappearance of a left posterior communicating artery. High dose of steroid was given to him, but cerebral hemorrhage and huge left cerebral infarction were complicated. On the 26 days after the admission, his general condition was worsened and died. It was considered that the cerebral infarction and hemorrhage might be derived from the vasculitis of SLE.

Cerebral Angiography↗

[Combined hormone and chemotherapy for the patients with advanced prostate cancer].

From November 1984 to December 1993, 72 patients with newly diagnosed, stage C or D prostate cancer were treated with chemohormonal therapy consisting of CDDP, CPM, diethylstilbestrol diphosphate and orchiectomy. Forty-four of 72 patients (61%) had partial response 3 months after the initiation of the treatment. A good response rate was observed in prostate gland and tumor markers (63% and 81%), but the response rate was poor in bone and other soft tissure metastasis (17% and 18%). Subjective symptoms improved in 82% of the pain, 70% of the infravesical obstruction, 65% of the performance status, and 5% of the body weight. The 5-year survival rate was 66%. The prognosis of the patients with poorly differentiated carcinoma or high Gleason score tumor was poor. Survival rate was no different between stage C and D. Relapse occurred in 16 patients (22%) and tended to occur in the patients with poorly differentiated carcinoma, high Gleason score tumor, stage D2 or stable disease. The survival rate was better, and the relapse rate lower than in the 35 patients with hormonal treatment alone during the same period, but no significant difference was observed between the two groups.

Aged↗

[Subdural abscess following chronic subdural hematoma].

This is a report of subdural abscess following chronic subdural hematoma. An 86-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to drowsiness and left hemiparesis. He had been suffering from a spike fever which originated during chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis and which had continued since 2 years prior to admission. On admission, CT scans revealed right chronic subdural hematoma, and the collection of a few old hematomas was suspected in the left subdural space. An emergency removal of the right hematoma was carried out by using right single burr hole. It was found that the old hematoma accompanied a yellow-white abscess in the subdural space. Escherichia coli were detected from a bacterial culture of the abscess. Postoperative enhanced MRI clearly showed the capsule of the right subdural abscess, and the left chronic subdural hematoma. Removal of the left hematoma was performed by using a left single burr hole. But the abscess did not exist in the left subdural space, and only old hematomas had collected there. The bacterial culture of the left old hematoma was negative. Escherichia coli might be implanted on the capsule of the right chronic subdural hematoma by bacteremia derived from chronic cholecystitis. It was considered that the formation of the subdural abscess might have developed through the deterioration of the immunological function under the influence of senility.

Aged↗

[A case of growing up aneurysms with occlusion of basilar artery].

This is a report of unruptured aneurysms with occlusion of the basilar artery. A 61-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of dysarthria and numbness of her left face. Angiography revealed occlusion of the basilar artery and severe arteriosclerosis of the bilateral cerebral carotid arteries. Pcom was not visualized on bilateral carotid angiogram. These neurological signs were considered to be derived from vertebrobasilar insufficiency by occlusion of the basilar artery. Right STA-SCA anatomosis was performed to prevent brain stem infarction. Postoperative angiography showed a good filling of both PCA and SCA by collateral circulation via a right STA and an unruptured basilar top aneurysm. Seven months after the bypass surgery, angiography disclosed that the basilar top aneurysm was visualized clearly, and its size was unchanged. The fact that there was no thrombus formation in the aneurysm was considered to be due to ticlopidine, and the hemodynamic changes after the bypass surgery were suspected to have increased the intraaneurysmal pressure. Therefore we performed neck clipping of the basilar top aneurysm by using a right pterional approach. Two years after the second operation, the patient complained of severe headache and vomiting. CT scan showed subarachnoid hemorrhage, and angiography demonstrated a newly developed aneurysm which might have ruptured on left internal carotid anterior choroidal artery bifurcation. Emergency neck clipping of the second aneurysm was performed, and the patient showed a good postoperative course. The newly developed second aneurysm might have been caused by severe arteriosclerosis and hypertension in addition to hemodynamic stress.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗