Biomedical subjects

A Yamazaki

Publications and source records attributed to A Yamazaki.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1991

[Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the urinary bladder: a case report].

A case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the urinary bladder was presented. A 59-year-old man visited our hospital with a chief complaint of gross hematuria with clots. Intravenous urography revealed a filling defect on the left side of the bladder. CT scan demonstrated that the tumor invaded the bladder wall deeply. The histology of the biopsy specimens obtained by TUR was suspected to be transitional cell carcinoma. Bleeding from the bladder was so severe that a lot of units of blood transfusion were required in order to compensate for anemia before total cystectomy was performed. The tumor was hemispheric, moderately demarcated, measuring 5.5 cm x 4.0 cm x 5.5 cm, and located at the posterior wall. The histological diagnosis was malignant fibrous histiocytoma, inflammatory type, with venous invasion of tumor cells. Postoperatively, the patient received 5 courses of combination chemotherapy of adriamycin (100 mg/body, day 1) and dacarbazine (400 mg/body, day 1-5). He is alive with no evidence of local and metastatic disease 24 months after operation, in spite of the poor prognosis predicted from the histological findings. MFH of the urinary bladder is very rare. We also made a brief review of prior reports on this disease.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed1991

Effects of carvedilol on serum lipids in patients with essential hypertension.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of carvedilol on serum lipids in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. Twenty-one patients with blood pressure greater than or equal to 160/95 mm Hg after a 4-week placebo run-in period were initially given 10 mg of carvedilol once daily. The dose was increased to 20 mg after 4 weeks if the target blood pressure was not achieved. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of administration, blood pressure and the pulse rate (PR) declined significantly (blood pressure from 173/105 to 142/91 mm Hg, p less than 0.001; PR from 74 to 67 beats/min, p less than 0.001); however, serum lipids [total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), HDL2, and HDL3], lipoprotein fraction (alpha, pre-beta, and beta), apoprotein fraction (A-I, A-II, CII, CIII, and E), and atherogenic index [(total cholesterol - HDL cholesterol) divided by HDL cholesterol] were not altered significantly. There were no side effects reported during the trial. From these results, it can be concluded that carvedilol has no adverse effect on the coronary risk profile as reflected by lipid measurements, and is an efficacious, safe, well-tolerated antihypertensive drug in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

PubMed1991

[Two cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to contamination of an ultrasonic humidifier].

Two cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to contamination of ultrasonic-humidifier were reported. The first case, a 64-year-old man, developed fever and dyspnea on exertion in January 1986. He was hospitalized for 18 days and received antibiotics for presumptive bacterial pneumonia. Half a day after discharge, those symptoms recurred. On readmission, fine crackles were heard at the left lung base, and chest X-ray film showed ground glass shadows all over the lung fields. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) were performed on the next day after readmission. TBLB specimen revealed lymphocyte alveolitis, granulomatous tissue and infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in alveoli. Differential cell count of the BAL fluid showed not only lymphocytosis (38.2%) but also increased PMNs (44.2%). In the second BAL performed 18 days later, the value of PMNs demonstrated a dramatic decrease. Environmental challenge tests revealed that his hypersensitivity pneumonitis was caused by an ultrasonic humidifier in his bed room. Immunological examinations showed positive Arthus type skin reaction and serum precipitin against Aspergillus fumigatus. Inhalation challenge with A. fumigatus produced cough and dyspnea with a decrease of 10 Torr in PaO2. These data suggest that A. fumigatus may be the causative antigen in this case. The second case, a 64-year-old man who had used ultrasonic humidifier in his living room, was admitted for 8 weeks with an illness characterized by cough, low fever and general malaise on 22 January 1987. Examination revealed fine crackles on both lung bases. Chest X-ray film demonstrated diffuse nodular shadows. The TBLB specimen showed lymphocytic alveolitis and bronchiolitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acremonium↗

PubMed1991

[Study on recombinant BCG].

For the purpose to establish the system to express foreign antigen from Mycobacterium bovis BCG. We have cloned, sequenced and expressed genes for secreting proteins, alpha antigen, MPB64, MPB57 and MPB70 from M. bovis BCG. The upstreams and structural genes were characterized. The gene for alpha antigen of Mycobacterium kansasii was also characterized. The gene for alpha antigen of M. kansasii (k-alpha) was chosen for the further study at first. This gene was fused with shuttle plasmid PIJ666-PAL5000 obtained from T. Kisser and transfected to M. bovis BCG (Tokyo). Transformant was obtained by a selection with kanamycin. It was able to secrete k-alpha antigen. DNA-containing a B-cell epitope (Glu-12-Leu-Asp-Arg-Trp-Glu-Lys-Ile-19) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 P17 gag was fused to this vector at C terminal of k-alpha. Using this vector, we have succeeded to express foreign antigen in M. bovis BCG. The products were analyzed in one or two dimensional electro-phoresis. The results thus obtained will be reported elsewhere.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1991

[Chemotherapeutic evaluation of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with a complication of hepatic dysfunction].

A retrospective study on the evaluation of antituberculous drugs for patients with hepatic dysfunction was undertaken to clarify treatment regimens. The values of GOT, GPT and T. Bil were used as indicators of liver function, and the "deterioration" in the liver function was defined as a level greater than 1.5 times the initial value. Of total 538 cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis, 103 cases (19.1%) had abnormalities in liver functions before chemotherapy, and 21 of 103 cases showed the deterioration in their liver functions during chemotherapy. There was little relationship between the initial status of liver functions and the incidence of their deteriorations after chemotherapy. Nine of 21 cases did not exceed the 3 times of normal ranges of liver functions. These nine cases could tolerate the same regimens of chemotherapy, and showed satisfactory clinical responses to chemotherapy with two exceptions: one died of tuberculosis and the other cerebrovascular disease. On the other hand, of 12 cases with elevated values of hepatic function greater than 3 times the normal limits, 6 cases discontinued chemotherapy. One case, however, died of hepatic failure related to chronic active hepatitis. Eight of 12 cases showed the rapid improvement of liver dysfunctions. These results suggest that antituberculous drugs are acceptable to patients with hepatic dysfunction as long as the elevations of GOT, GPT and T. Bil stay within 3 times of normal limits. Further chemotherapy could be continued under careful monitoring of liver functions even if the cases exhibit elevated levels of liver functions greater than 3 times the normal ranges.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Interactions between the subunits of transducin and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase in Rana catesbiana rod photoreceptors.

In bullfrog (Rana catesbiana) rods the activity of cyclic GMP (cGMP) phosphodiesterase was stimulated 10 times by washing disc membranes with an isotonic, GTP-containing buffer. This stimulation was maintained following hydrolysis of GTP and after removal of guanine nucleotides. At least 60-70% of the inhibitory gamma subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase (P gamma) was physically released from membranes by these washing procedures. When cGMP phosphodiesterase was activated by a hydrolysis-resistant GTP analogue, P gamma was found in the supernatant complexed with the transducin alpha subunit (T alpha) using three chromatography systems. When GTP was used to activate cGMP phosphodiesterase, P gamma was also found in the supernatant complexed with GDP.T alpha. This complex was also isolated using the same three chromatography systems, indicating that P gamma remained tightly bound to T alpha even after bound GTP was hydrolyzed. Interaction with the beta,gamma subunits of transducin, which remained associated with disc membranes, was required for the release of P gamma from the GDP.T alpha complex, which resulted in the deactivation of active cGMP phosphodiesterase. We conclude that during activation of cGMP phosphodiesterase, P gamma is complexed with T alpha (both GTP and GDP forms) in the supernatant and that, following GTP hydrolysis, beta,gamma subunits of transducin are necessary for the release of P gamma from the complex and the resulting inactivation of cGMP phosphodiesterase in frog photoreceptors.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed1990

Cross-resistance to anti-HIV nucleoside analogs in multidrug-resistant human cells.

Human multidrug-resistant K562/ADM cells showed 12-fold and 31-fold resistance to AZT (3'-azido-2', 3'dideoxythymidine) and DDC (2', 3'-dideoxycytidine), respectively. Other multidrug-resistant human cells CEM/VLB100 and AdrRMCF-7 also showed resistance to these nucleoside analogs. However, verapamil (10 microM) failed to reverse the resistance to the nucleoside analogs. Accumulation of [3H]AZT in human multidrug-resistant K562/ADM, CEM/VLB100 and AdrRMCF-7 cells decreased by 23, 35, and 42% respectively, as compared to their parental cells. These results suggest that anti-HIV nucleoside analogs including AZT, DDC could be transported by outward drug-transport system in the multidrug-resistant cells.

Biological Transport↗

PubMed1990

A benzophenazine derivative, N-beta-dimethylaminoethyl 9-carboxy-5-hydroxy-10-methoxy-benzo[a]phenazine-6-carboxamide, as a new antitumor agent against multidrug-resistant and sensitive tumors.

NC-190, a benzophenazine derivative (N-beta-dimethylaminoethyl 9-carboxy-5-hydroxy-10-methoxy-benzo[a]phenazine-6-carboxamide), was effective against multidrug-resistant human and mouse tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. When vincristine (VCR)-resistant P388 leukemia-bearing mice were treated with an optimal dose of NC-190, four of six mice were cured, whereas treatment of mice with VCR resulted in only a marginal increase in life span. The compound also showed chemotherapeutic effect against Adriamycin-resistant P388 leukemia-bearing mice and was effective against various multidrug-resistant human and murine tumor cells in vitro. Its cytotoxicity to multidrug-resistant K562 cells was not enhanced by the addition of verapamil. The accumulation of NC-190 in multidrug-resistant K562 cells was slightly lower than that observed in sensitive K562 cells; the compound did not efficiently inhibit the binding of VCR to the plasma membrane of resistant cells, indicating that NC-190 has little affinity for P-glycoprotein. NC-190 inhibited the activity of DNA topoisomerase II. These observations suggest that NC-190 (1) is not transported out of resistant cells by P-glycoprotein and (2) inhibits DNA topoisomerase II activity in the cells, resulting in its likely effectiveness against various multidrug-resistant tumor cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Inhibition by protein kinase-C inhibitor and cycloheximide of phorbol ester- and epidermal growth factor-induced arachidonic acid metabolism in cultured porcine thyroid cells.

In an attempt to elucidate possible mechanism(s) for stimulated arachidonic acid metabolism by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in porcine thyroid cells, we examined the effects of protein kinase inhibitors, isoquinolinesulfonamide derivatives (H-7 and HA-1004), and cycloheximide. The production of PGE2 stimulated by either PMA or EGF was strongly inhibited by H-7, with an ID50 value of approximately 20 to 25 mumol/L in each case, as well as by cycloheximide, with an ID50 value of less than 0.5 micrograms/mL in each case. In contrast, 100 mumol/L of HA-1004 showed less inhibition of PGE2 production provocated by either PMA or EGF. On the other hand, PGE2 production in basal or stimulated condition by exogenously added arachidonic acid, was inhibited to an even lesser extent by both H-7 and cycloheximide. The EGF- and PMA-stimulated release of 3H-arachidonic acid from the cells was also strongly inhibited by H-7 and cycloheximide. These results suggest an induction of synthesis of some proteins responsible for the release of arachidonic acid, which might be attributed to protein kinase-C activation in arachidonic acid metabolism stimulated by PMA or EGF. Moreover, PGE2 production was potently induced by PMA and slightly by EGF in the cyclooxygenase-inactivated cells by acetyl salicylate pretreatment, which also suggests that both agents might induce the synthesis of cyclooxygenase in cultured porcine thyroid cells, although we did not measure its activity.

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

PubMed1990

Establishment of a foreign antigen secretion system in mycobacteria.

In order to develop recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG into a useful multivaccine vehicle, we established a foreign antigen secretion system in mycobacteria in which an extracellular alpha antigen of Mycobacterium kansasii was utilized as a carrier. By using this system, a B-cell epitope (Glu-12-Leu-Asp-Arg-Trp-Glu-Lys-Ile-19) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 p17gag, which was identified by a fusion protein-based method, has been successfully obtained from BCG along with the alpha antigen. This is the first report of expression and secretion of a foreign viral antigen from BCG. It is possible that the system can become a universal vaccination vehicle applicable to protection against various infectious diseases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1990

Cloning and expression of the gene for the cross-reactive alpha antigen of Mycobacterium kansasii.

The gene for the extracellular alpha antigen of Mycobacterium kansasii was cloned by using the alpha-antigen gene fragments of M. bovis BCG as probes. Gene analysis revealed that this gene encodes 325 amino acid residues, including 40 amino acids for the signal peptide, followed by 285 amino acids for the mature protein. A comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the genes isolated from these two mycobacterial species showed that the levels of DNA and amino acid homology were 84.8 and 89.1%, respectively. The hydropathy profiles were also compared, and two highly changed hydrophilic regions were observed, which might account for the antigenic diversity of this antigen or its acquirement of antigenic specificity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1990

Effect of medium-chain glycerides on the membrane transport of D-glucose and sulfanilic acid in the intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles.

To clarify the influence of medium-chain glycerides (MCG) on a biological membrane, we investigated the membrane transport of D-glucose and sulfanilic acid in the brush-border membrane (BBM) vesicles pretreated with MCG. The size distribution of the BBM vesicles determined by electron microscopic observation was not significantly different between the vesicles incorporated with MCG and those of the control. However, the amount of D-glucose taken up by the vesicles at an equilibrated stage (30 min) was significantly decreased in the MCG-treated ones based on unit content of protein. Based on these results we estimated the membrane transport of D-glucose and sulfanilic acid in consideration of vesiculation or filter-capturing efficiency in MCG-treated vesicles. The rates of Na+ gradient-independent D-glucose transport and sulfanilic acid transport were significantly greater in MCG-treated vesicles than in the control. On the other hand, the magnitude of overshooting effect in Na+ gradient-dependent uptake of D-glucose in MCG-treated vesicles was maintained similar to the control. Comparison of kinetic parameters for active D-glucose transport at different concentrations indicated that Km and Vmax were not significantly different between MCG-treated and the control vesicles. These results indicated that passive diffusion of D-glucose and sulfanilic acid was significantly increased but Na(+)-glucose cotransporter was not significantly changed by the incorporation of MCG in the intestinal BBM vesicles.

Benzenesulfonates↗

PubMed1990

[Pharmacological studies of celiprolol: III. Effects of celiprolol on the cardiovascular system and renal function, and its antiarrhythmic effects].

Effects of celiprolol on the cardiovascular system and renal function, and its antiarrhythmic effects were studied. 1. In anesthetized dogs, celiprolol (0.01-3 mg/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently depressed the maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure, cardiac output and cardiac work less severely than propranolol and atenolol. 2. Celiprolol (0.01 mg/kg, i.v.) decreased the myocardial oxygen consumption in anesthetized dogs as potently as propranolol. 3. Celiprolol (0.03-3 mg/kg, i.v.) tended to increase femoral blood flow. Celiprolol (1 mg/kg, i.v.) increased common carotid blood flow. 4. Celiprolol decreased urine volume and urinary excretion of Na+ and Cl- at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg and increased the sodium reabsorption rate at a dose of 10 mg/kg in anesthetized dogs, whereas it produced no change in plasma renin activity. 5. Celiprolol inhibited both halothane-adrenaline arrhythmia in dogs and ouabain-induced arrhythmia in rabbits. Its antiarrhythmic effects were 1/10-1/3 as potent as those of propranolol. 6. Celiprolol suppressed the maximum rate of rise of action potential at a concentration of 3 x 10(-4) M, which was 30 times as high as that of propranolol. Celiprolol (3 x 10(-5)-3 x 10(-4) M) dose-dependently shortened the effective refractory period (ERP), but it produced no change in the ratio of ERP to action potential duration. 7. These results suggest that celiprolol may be a useful drug for the treatment of ischemic heart disease and some types of arrhythmia, and that it has only a little influence on renal function.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1990

Protein breakdown in submandibular glands rendered hypertrophic by amputation of lower incisor teeth in rats.

Protein breakdown in submandibular glands rendered hypertrophic by amputation of the lower incisor teeth in rats was investigated. Reduced protein breakdown was observed in the hypertrophic gland tissues, and was found to be inhibited by 20 mM epsilon-amino-n-caproic acid, an inhibitor of serine protease, and 50 microM leupeptin, an inhibitor of trypsin, plasmin, papain and cathepsin B, but not by 2 mM PMSF (phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride), an inhibitor of serine protease, 10 microM pepstatin, an inhibitor of cathepsin D and 20 microM antipain, an inhibitor of cathepsin A and B. These results suggest that some serine proteases and leupeptin-sensitive proteases (presumably cathepsin B) participate in protein breakdown in hypertrophic gland tissues, and that hypertrophy of the submandibular glands is closely related to the reduced protein breakdown in these tissues.

Aminocaproic Acid↗

PubMed1990

[A bulky mass non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with dysuria in the rectovesical space].

A case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is reported. A 71-year-old man presented with complaint of dysuria and urinary frequency. Rectal examination and CT scan revealed a bulky mass in the rectovesical space. Transperineal needle biopsy of the tumor revealed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, large cell type, diffuse. The patient received combination chemotherapy of adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone and pepleomycin. After two days the tumor was marvelously reduced in size, and partial response (PR) by CT was achieved after two months. PR was sustained for two months with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone. However, the tumor progressed gradually, and he died five months after the first treatment and two additional courses of chemotherapy. Autopsy showed a 1,700 g bulky mass in the rectovesical space. The mass was covered with peritoneum and had a fistula from rectum to central necrosis of the tumor. Nine cases of the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with complaint of dysuria have been reported in Japan before our case, which seemed to arise from the submucosal tissue of anterior rectal wall, prostate or lymphatic tissue of rectovesical space.

Aged↗

PubMed1990

[Pulmonary tuberculosis with chemotherapy related liver dysfunction].

A retrospective study of the hepatotoxicity of antituberculous drugs was undertaken to establish preventive measures for elevated transaminases by analyzing its clinical courses. Four hundred and forty six patients with normal liver function on admission were enrolled in this study. More than 50% of total 113 cases who showed abnormalities of transaminases were aggravated up to 4th week after administration of drugs, and 80% up to 8th week. The initial values of elevated transaminases did not relate to recovery rate, and could tolerate the additional administration of drugs. However, cases with higher peak values and exacerbation in transaminases showed a tendency of delayed normalization. These results indicate that the chronological observation of transaminases is useful to determine whether or not the antituberculous drugs should be discontinued when hepatic dysfunction occurs. Moreover, they suggest that patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis may continue chemotherapy with the same regimen under careful observation of liver function even when their transaminase values exceed 100.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Identification of drug receptors in porcine dental pulp by the radioligand binding assay.

1. The acetylcholine (ACh), histamine and serotonin (5-HT) receptors in porcine dental pulp were characterized by the radioligand binding assay. 2. For [3H]nicotine binding site, Kd was 8.06 +/- 1.65 nM and Bmax was 270.83 +/- 32.68 fmol/mg protein. 3. For [3H]QNB binding site, Kd was 1.04 +/- 0.14 nM and Bmax was 24.83 +/- 3.09 fmol/mg protein. 4. For [3H]histamine binding site, Kd was 1.22 +/- 0.1 nM and Bmax was 283.15 +/- 33.1 fmol/mg protein. 5. For [3H]5-HT binding site, Kd was 1.41 +/- 0.1 nM and Bmax was 53.1 +/- 3.4 fmol/mg protein. 6. These findings indicate that the specific receptors for ACh, histamine and 5-HT are present in the porcine dental pulp, and that the ACh receptor is predominantly nicotinic.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Complete nucleotide sequence of immunogenic protein MPB70 from Mycobacterium bovis BCG.

The extracellular protein MPB70 is a heat-stable immunogenic protein which was found in the culture filtrate of Mycobacterium bovis BCG Japanese. We determined the complete nt and aa sequences of MPB70 and correlated with the previously reported data. The N-terminal sequence revealed that the signal peptide (SP) consisted of 30 aa and that the mature protein had 163 aa with a molecular weight of 16,305. The SP displayed a characteristic feature of an Ala-rich property which would be efficient in a SP function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗