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Biomedical subjects

A Shintani

Publications and source records attributed to A Shintani.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Characterization of the 5'-flanking region of the human brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene.

The 5'-flanking region of the human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene was isolated from a human placental genomic library using the cDNA fragment for the 5'-noncoding region of human BDNF as a probe. A 3.2 Kbp genomic fragment containing the 5'-flanking region, the first exon and a portion of the first intron was isolated and sequenced. The transcriptional initiation site, identified by S1 nuclease mapping, was located 26 bp downstream from the TATA-like sequence. Several expression plasmids, in which the BDNF promoter regions were fused to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene, were constructed. Transient expression in human glioma Hs683 cells demonstrated that a fragment of about 0.5 Kbp from the transcriptional initiation site was sufficient for promoter activity.

Base Sequence

Regional expression of the nerve growth factor gene family in rat brain during development.

The developmental expression patterns of three members (NGF, NGF-2/NT-3, and BDNF) of the NGF family in rat brain are different. NGF-2/NT-3 mRNA was the first detected during development followed by NGF and BDNF mRNAs. A substantial amount of NGF mRNA was found to be synthesized in the hippocampus and the cortex, and this regional expression pattern did not change during development. In contrast, NGF-2/NT-3 mRNA was detected in almost all the brain regions examined in the early developmental stage. In the late stage, the transcript was found in high concentration only in the hippocampus and the cerebellum. BDNF mRNA was widely distributed, and its level was augmented in the late developmental stage.

Animals

Production, purification and characterization of biologically active recombinant human nerve growth factor.

The human NGF gene was isolated and inserted downstream from murine leukemia virus LTR in a plasmid having dihydrofolate reductase cDNA. The expression plasmid was introduced into CHO cells. Selection of the transformants for the resistance to methotrexate gave a CHO cell line which produced human NGF at a level of 4 mg/L in the culture medium. The recombinant human NGF was purified to near homogeneity from the culture supernatant. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence, the COOH-terminal amino acid (Ala), and the amino acid composition of the human NGF were identical to those deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the human NGF gene. The recombinant human NGF was composed of 120 amino acid residues. Three disulfide linkages were determined to be Cys15-Cys80, Cys-58-Cys108, and Cys68-Cys110; the locations were identical to those in the mouse 2.5S NGF molecule. The specific biological activity of the recombinant human NGF was comparable with that of authentic mouse 2.5S NGF as determined by stimulation of neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells.

Amino Acid Sequence

The percutaneous absorption of propranolol and prediction of the plasma concentration.

In order to avoid first-pass metabolism and to maintain therapeutically effective concentration of propranolol (PL) for a prolonged time, ointments of PL were prepared and the percutaneous (p.c.) absorption was investigated in rabbits. To describe the plasma PL concentration profile during repeated p.c. administrations, a simple pharmacokinetic model, including a first-order absorption process, was applied. The p.c. absorption of PL from both macrogol (400:4000, 30:40, g/g) and Carbopol 934 ointments was significantly increased by adding Azone (AZ). Effective plasma levels were sustained for about 10-20 h, but the absorption of PL from the macrogol ointment was relatively slow. The bioavailability of PL in the 5% PL Carbopol ointment with AZ was 13%. The plasma level of PL after application of Carbopol ointment was enhanced as PL was increased in the ointment, 3 to 5%. The repeated p.c. absorption studies were carried out by applying the 5% PL ointment daily for 3 d. The use of the pharmacokinetic model was justified by good agreement with the observed data after repeated applications of the ointment. Thus, the plasma PL concentration profile during repeated p.c. administrations can be predicted using the model.

Administration, Cutaneous

[Central alveolar hypoventilation as a complication of massive intracerebellar hemorrhage: report of a case treated by diaphragm pacing].

The author reported a case of central alveolar hypoventilation (Ondine's curse) which was treated by diaphragm pacing. A 59-year-old man was admitted because of sudden deep coma and tetraparesis. Neurological examination on admission showed miotic pupils with absent light reaction, no oculocephalic reflex, no corneal reflex and tetraparesis. Glasgow scale was evaluated to be E-1 V-1, and M-3 with total of 5 points. Computed tomography confirmed a large hematoma in the cerebellum with ventricular rupture. Immediately, a suboccipital craniectomy was performed and the hematoma was evacuated. His neurological condition was improved gradually within a month after the operation. He responded to verbal orders and moved all his limbs against gravity. His respiration, however, was irregular with a pattern of so-called "cluster breathing" followed by prolonged apnea, that was more pronounced in night. He was suffered from hypoxic hypercapnea and recurrent pneumonia. Therefore, authors decided to employ diaphragm pacing for management of central alveolar hypoventilation. A diaphragm pacemaker (radiofrequency induction) was implanted. A cuff electrode was put around the right phrenic nerve in the right thorax, and the receiver installed subcutaneously in the right anterior chest. Postoperative respiratory study showed ventilation on pacing with satisfactory blood gas and he became able to move around using a wheel chair. In 1966 Glenn demonstrated a new technique to move the diaphragm paced by a receiver through the phrenic nerve, triggered by radio wave from external device.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cerebellar Diseases

Microneurosurgery for aneurysms of the basilar artery.

The authors report microsurgical treatment in 32 cases of basilar artery aneurysms, operated on with good results in 28 cases, fair results in one, and poor results in one; there were two deaths. Twenty-nine patients (91%) were able to return to social activities. Characteristics of the surgical techniques include 1) taking a transsylvian route; 2) retracting the M1 portion of the middle cerebral artery (occasionally the C1 portion of the internal carotid) medially with tapered brain retractors; and 3) approaching the aneurysm through and between perforators arising from the posterior cerebral artery in cases of high-placed basilar bifurcation. With regard to instrument improvements, tapered brain retractors, a multipurpose head frame, and bayonet clips (Sugita design) proved very helpful.

Basilar Artery