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Biomedical subjects

A Watanabe

Publications and source records attributed to A Watanabe.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Structures of genomic and complementary DNAs coding for Pleurotus ostreatus manganese (II) peroxidase.

To study the mechanism of regulation and structure/function relationship of the Pleurotus ostreatus manganese (II) peroxidase (MnP), we amplified the full-length genomic and complementary DNAs for the major isozyme of the MnP mainly by the cassette-primer PCR technique and then sequenced them. The cDNA contained an open reading frame of 1083 bp encoding for a polypeptide of 361 amino-acid residues, including the suggested signal peptide of 29 amino-acid residues with a prepro structure. The predicted amino-acid sequence of the protein shared several common characteristics with those of fungal lignin and manganese (II) peroxidases. We could find a suggested metal response element and two heat-shock element-like sequences in the 5'-flanking region of the structural gene. The structural gene contained 15 introns, many of which lie identical to those in lignin peroxidase genes rather than to those in the known MnP genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Loss of expression of the human MSH3 gene in hematological malignancies.

Human MSH3 (hMSH3), previously named human mismatch repair protein 1 (MRP1), is one of the human homologs of the bacterial DNA mismatch repair protein MutS. The hMSH3 gene is expressed at low level in most types of cells. Using the RT-PCR technique, we examined the expression of the hMSH3 gene in bone marrow cells from 40 patients with various hematological malignancies. The hMSH3 mRNA was not detectable in 7 cases including 3 of chronic myelogenous leukemia, 2 of acute myelogenous leukemia, and 1 of acute lymphocytic leukemia, and 1 of myelodysplastic syndrome. In addition, 17 cases showed significantly reduced expression of the hMSH3 gene. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA demonstrated no remarkable changes in the structure and the copy number of the hMSH3 gene in all cases. These results suggest that inactivation of the hMSH3 gene may be involved in the development of hematological malignancies.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Distinction between binding of [3H]triamcinolone acetonide to a ligand binding domain on the glucocorticoid receptor complex in cytosol fractions of brain and liver from the rat with intact adrenals.

Binding of [3H]triamcinolone acetonide (TA) was examined to evaluate possible differences in biochemical and pharmacological profiles of a ligand binding domain on the naive glucocorticoid (GC) receptor complex between cytosol fractions of brain and liver obtained from the rat with intact adrenals. Unlabeled TA was 3-times less potent in displacing [3H]TA binding at equilibrium in the presence of Na2MoO4 at 2 degrees C in brain than in liver, while dexamethasone was more than 15-times more potent in displacing brain binding than liver binding. Both progesterone and aldosterone caused more than 20-times more potent displacement of [3H]TA binding in brain than in liver. However, zinc ions were effective in similarly inhibiting binding at equilibrium via lowering the affinity without affecting the density. In contrast to these experiments done at 2 degrees C, the addition of Na2MoO4 potentiated binding in brain and liver in a transient manner at 30 degrees C. Prolongation of incubation period from 30 min to 5 h induced a rightward shift of concentration-response curves of Na2MoO4 for [3H]TA binding at 30 degrees C in brain and liver in an irreversible fashion. The potentiation by Na2MoO4 was prevented by the addition of leupeptin but not 5 other protease inhibitors in brain cytosol fractions. Ion exchange chromatography revealed that elution profiles were entirely different from each other for [3H]TA binding between brain and liver cytosol fractions. These results suggest that GC receptors may respond to a variety of signals mediated by different steroid hormones through broader pharmacological spectrum of the ligand binding domain in brain than in liver.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1995

TGF-beta induces expression of monocyte chemoattractant JE/monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 via transcriptional factor AP-1 induced by protein kinase in osteoblastic cells.

In this work, we demonstrate the signal-transducing mechanism of TGF-beta 1 for gene expression of monocyte chemoattractant JE/monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in clonal osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. TGF-beta 1-induced JE/MCP-1 gene expression in the cells was inhibited markedly by H-7 (1-(5-isoguinolinesulfonyl)-2-O-methylpiperazine-dihydrochloride) and staurosporine, potent inhibitors of protein kinase. TGF-beta 1-induced expression of both early proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-jun in the cells was also inhibited by H-7 and staurosporine. Antisense oligonucleotides to c-fos and c-jun genes inhibited significantly the cytokine-induced JE/MCP-1 gene expression. Curcumin, a specific inhibitor of c-jun/AP-1, inhibited the cytokine-induced c-jun gene expression in a dose-dependent manner, though the c-fos gene expression was not affected. TGF-beta 1 stimulated transcriptionally the JE/MCP-1 gene expression, and this stimulation was inhibited significantly by curcumin. Curcumin-induced inhibition of the JE/MCP-1 gene product was also evidenced by both an assay involving immunoprecipitation with antiserum specific for JE/MCP-1 and an assay for monocyte chemotaxis. Curcumin markedly inhibited AP-1 binding activity to 12-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate-responsive element (TRE) in the cytokine-treated cells. Furthermore, H-7 and staurosporine also inhibited the binding activity to TRE in the cells treated by the cytokine. These results demonstrate that TGF-beta 1 induces expression of monocyte chemoattractant JE/MCP-1 via the transcriptional factor AP-1 induced by protein kinase in the osteoblastic cells.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
PubMed1995

Effect of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methylester, on light-induced phase delay of circadian rhythm of wheel-running activity in golden hamsters.

Under constant darkness hamsters demonstrate free-running activity rhythms and light exposure during the early subjective night results in permanent phase delays of the activity rhythm. Recently, we reported that application of glutamate receptor agonists such as N-methyl-D-aspartate could reset the phase of the circadian rhythm of suprachiasmatic nucleus firing activity in vitro via nitric oxide production. In order to confirm this result by in vivo experiment, we examined the effect of nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor on the light-induced phase delay of circadian rhythms of wheel-running activity in hamsters. In vehicle-treated animals, light stimulation at circadian time 13.5 resulted in stable phase delays (1.3 +/- 0.63 h), whereas pre-treatment with 150 mg/kg of N-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) significantly attenuated light-induced phase delays (0.72 +/- 0.18 h). L-NAME administration alone without light exposure, did not cause phase changes. The L-NAME-induced attenuating effect was reversed by co-administration of L-arginine (300 mg/kg). The present results suggest that nitric oxide production is involved in the light-induced phase delay of the hamster's circadian system.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Regional myocardial sympathetic dysinnervation in patients with coronary vasospasm.

The purpose of this study was to assess the presence and location of impaired myocardial sympathetic innervation by using 123I metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I MIBG) in 15 patients with coronary vasospasm induced by intracoronary acetylcholine. The results were compared with those using thallium-201 (Tl-201). We also examined 14 patients with severe coronary stenosis (> 90%) and 8 control subjects without significant coronary stenosis (< 50%) and provokable coronary vasospasm. Regional myocardial sympathetic dysinnervation was detected by 123I MIBG single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in all patients with coronary vasospasm, despite normal uptake during Tl-201 SPECT. This regional uptake-mismatch between 123I MIBG and Tl-201 Spect occurred specifically in the vasospasm group (p < 0.001 vs stenosis and control groups). Moreover, regional myocardial sympathetic dysinnervation was located in the distribution of perfusion in 25 of the 27 vasospasm-induced vessels. Normal uptake of 123I MIBG was observed in the perfused areas in 16 of the 18 non-vasospasm-induced vessels. The sensitivity ans specificity of 123I MIBG for detection of coronary vasospasm were 92% and 88% respectively. In patients with coronary vasospasm, we found regional myocardial sympathetic dysinnervation to be present. Furthermore, we were able to distinguish these patients from patients with critical coronary stenosis by 123I MIBG and Tl-201 SPECT.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗
PubMed1995

Surgical treatment of patients with gastric carcinoma and duodenal invasion.

We retrospectively examined the extent of invasion of gastric cancer with duodenal involvement in order to design pertinent surgical procedures that may lead to a better prognosis. Examinations were made on excised tissues from 650 patients who underwent gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma in the gastric antrum. In 95 patients, the cancer cells extended to beyond the pyloric ring. Spread into the duodenum was limited to within 2 cm in 76% of the patients and to within 3 cm in 81%. In addition to high rates of metastasis in group 1 and 2 lymph nodes, some group 3 lymph nodes also were involved, and more frequently so in cases with duodenal invasion than in those without such invasion (P < 0.01). The 5-year survival rate for patients with duodenal invasion was 35.4% when a curative resection was done. For patients with advanced adenocarcinoma with duodenal invasion, gastrectomy with resection of 3-4 cm of the duodenum and dissection of group 1, 2, and 3 lymph nodes were recommended.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

Effects of bidisomide (SC-40230), a new class I antiarrhythmic agent, on ventricular arrhythmias induced by coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in anesthetized rats; comparison with mexiletine and disopyramide.

We investigated the antiarrhythmic effects of bidisomide (SC-40230), a new class I antiarrhythmic drug, in early-phase ventricular arrhythmias induced by coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in anesthetized rats. The effects of bidisomide were compared with those of mexiletine (MXT) and disopyramide (DSP), established class I antiarrhythmic drugs. Drugs were administered intravenously, 5 min before induction of coronary occlusion. Bidisomide (5 mg/kg) reduced the number of premature ventricular complexes and the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation similarly to MXT and DSP in rats with ventricular arrhythmias induced by coronary artery occlusion. In rats with ventricular arrhythmias induced by coronary artery reperfusion following a 5-min coronary occlusion, the antiarrhythmic effects of 5 mg/kg of bidisomide were similar to those of the same doses of MXT and DSP. All three drugs significantly slowed the heart rate. Our results suggest that bidisomide may effectively reduce the severity of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias that occur during acute coronary syndrome.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Evaluation of neuropsychological function in patients with liver cirrhosis with special reference to their driving ability.

Ability to drive an automobile was evaluated in 16 patients with well compensated liver cirrhosis. Four tests were performed, namely the emergency reaction test, the continuous emergency reaction test, the signal confirmation test and the accelerator reaction test. Test scores were compared to those of a group of age-matched healthy volunteers. 31% of patients were found to be unfit to drive. Alcoholic cirrhotics fared as poorly as non-alcoholic cirrhotics. In patients with subclinical hepatic encephalopathy (defined by neuropsychologic testing), 44% were unfit to drive. Routine testing of cirrhotic patients for ability to drive could have a major impact on motor vehicle accident rates.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Acute immobilization stress reduces (+/-)DOI-induced 5-HT2A receptor-mediated head shakes in rats.

Acute immobilization stress induced by taping four limbs, applying tail pinch stress and electric foot shock stress immediately reduced the frequency of head shakes induced by 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane ((+/-)DOI), a 5-HT2A/C agonist in rats. Immobilization stress due to the use of cylinder restraint and forced swimming did not affect 5-HT2A-mediated behavior. Acute immobilization stress did not affect [3H]ketanserin binding to the 5HT2A receptor in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Presynaptic serotonergic lesions with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine(5,7-DHT) did not affect the reduction in 5-HT2A-mediated behavior after acute immobilization stress. The decreases in head shake frequency after acute immobilization stress by taping were attenuated by pretreatment with diazepam (2.5 mg/kg IP): This attenuation was reversed by pretreatment with flumazenil (10 mg/kg IP). The reduction in (+/-)DOI-induced 5-HT2A-mediated behavior caused by stress may be related to a change in agonist affinity to the receptor or changes in other neurotransmitter systems or the effect of PI turnover.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Rupture of pulmonary artery induced by balloon occlusion pulmonary angiography.

A case of pulmonary artery rupture induced by balloon occlusion pulmonary angiography (BOPA) is reported. A flow-directed pulmonary artery catheter had been inserted for hemodynamic monitoring in a septic shock patient complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome. To check for pulmonary damage, BOPA was performed immediately after hemodynamic measurement. Just as the hand injection of contrast medium was ending, the patient began to cough and a small amount of hemoptysis was observed. The angiogram showed the extravasation of contrast medium from the distal pulmonary artery to the situation of catheter tip. Pulmonary hemorrhage was controlled with mechanical ventilatory support with 10 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure and no specific therapy was required. This complication should be kept in mind and using a power injector to avoid injurious transient high pressure pulse is recommended.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Behavioural and neurochemical effects of OPC-14597, a novel antipsychotic drug, on dopaminergic mechanisms in rat brain.

OPC-14597 is a new antipsychotic drug with a unique pharmacological profile. In a behavioural study in rats OPC-14597 did not show cataleptogenic activity even at the highest dose (40 mg/kg, i.p.), whereas it antagonized apomorphine-induced stereotypy dose-dependently (0.5-40 mg/kg). In vivo microdialysis showed that extracellular dopamine (DA) in the striatum was decreased significantly after OPC-14597 administration at higher doses of 10 and 40 mg/kg. Similar results were obtained in extracellular dopamine concentration in the frontal cortex, although the changes in DOPAC and HVA concentrations were smaller than those in the striatum. OPC-14597 also antagonized DA increase induced by the DA autoreceptor antagonist (+)-AJ76. These results that OPC-14597 acts either as an antagonist at postsynaptic dopamine receptors or as an agonist at presynaptic dopamine autoreceptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

A similarity and a difference between two models of late eosinophil accumulation into the airway induced by antigen exposure in actively sensitized brown Norway (BN) rats.

1. Exposure of sensitized Brown Norway (BN) rats to ovalbumin aerosol induced a remarkable and a sustained accumulation of eosinophils into broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. 2. When male BN rats, sensitized by i.m. injection of ovalbumin and i.p. injection of killed Bordetella pertussis, were exposed to the antigen on day 14, eosinophils accumulated into BAL fluid, maximal 48 hr after antigen exposure. This accumulation of eosinophils was inhibited completely by administration of cyclosporin A (Cs A, 50 mg/kg/day) during induction phase, whereas it was inhibited slightly by administration of CsA (50 mg/kg) during the effector phase. 3. When BN rats were sensitized by weekly exposure of ovalbumin, eosinophils accumulated into BAL fluid, maximal 48 hr after the third exposure of antigen. The accumulation of eosinophils by this method was observed only in female rats and was inhibited completely by administration of CsA (50 mg/kg) during induction phase, whereas it was inhibited slightly by administration of CsA (50 mg/kg) during effector phase. 4. The present study demonstrates similarities and differences between two models of eosinophilia and also suggests increased function of T cells in BN rats.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1995

Danazol concentrations in ovary, uterus, and serum and their effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis during vaginal administration of a danazol suppository.

OBJECTIVE: To determine danazol concentrations in the ovary, uterus, and serum during daily vaginal administration of a danazol suppository and to examine its effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. DESIGN: Sampling of tissues after vaginal or oral administration of danazol and sampling of blood during control and danazol-administration menstrual cycles. SETTING: Outpatient volunteers and inpatients at a public hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients who were to undergo hysterectomy and oophorectomy because of uterine leiomyoma and eight regularly menstruating volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Danazol was administered as a vaginal suppository (100 mg) or orally (400 mg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Danazol concentrations in the ovary, uterus, and serum, and serum E2 and P levels. RESULTS: Danazol concentrations in the ovary and uterus after daily vaginal administration of a suppository containing 100 mg danazol were comparable to those after daily oral administration of 400 mg danazol, but the serum danazol concentration was much lower. Menstrual cycle patterns of serum E2 and P levels were normal during daily vaginal administration of a danazol suppository. CONCLUSION: Daily administration of a suppository containing 100 mg danazol produces high ovarian and uterine concentrations but low serum concentrations, and no effect was detected on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Expression in Escherichia coli of the extrinsic 18-kDa protein of photosystem II of spinach.

A cDNA encoding the precursor for the 18-kDa protein of PSII of spinach was expressed in Escherichia coli. When the cell lysate was incubated at 7 degrees C, the precursor was degraded by proteases of E. coli to a polypeptide of 18 kDa (P18) that consisted of the mature protein moiety plus the last four residues of the transit peptide. P18 was able to reconstitute the water-oxidizing complex of NaCl-treated PSII membranes supplemented with the 23-kDa protein. Moreover, P18 was cleaved by the prolyl endoproteinase of spinach specifically at the Pro-12-Leu-13 bond, as was the authentic 18-kDa protein. These properties of P18 indicate that the present expression system is potentially useful for studies of the substrate specificity of the endoproteinase, as well as of the structure-function relationships of the 18-kDa protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗