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Biomedical subjects

F Furukawa

Publications and source records attributed to F Furukawa.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

[13-week subchronic toxicity study of 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy) 3,3,5-trimethyl cyclohexane in mice].

A 13-week subchronic toxicity study of 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)3,3,5-trimethyl cyclohexane (TMCH) was performed in male and female B6C3F1 mice by feeding a CRF-1 powder diet containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0% TMCH, to determine the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) for subsequent carcinogenicity study. Mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, each consisting of 10 males and 10 females. Eight animals of both sexes in the 4.0% TMCH group died during the early administration period. Suppression of body weight gains was marked in both sexes of the 4.0% and 2.0% TMCH groups as compared with the control group. The mean food consumption in all groups treated with TMCH was lower than that in the control group in a dose-related manner. Hematological examination revealed decreases in the number of erythrocytes, volume of hemoglobin, and values for hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in both sexes of the 4.0% and 2.0% TMCH groups. The relative liver weights of all groups treated with TMCH increased in a dose-related manner, whereas both absolute and relative spleen weights decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathologically, swelling of the hepatocytes was found centrilobularly or diffusely in both sexes of the 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0% TMCH groups, and decrease of the hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow was observed in both sexes of the 2.0 and 4.0% TMCH groups. In addition, atrophy of red pulp and white pulp of the spleen was found in both sexes of the 2% and 4% TMCH groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Stimulation of anti-RNP antibody binding to cultured keratinocytes by estradiol.

Antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) are frequently demonstrated in the serum of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus. To gain a better understanding of the influence of sex hormones on cutaneous lupus, we investigated the in vitro binding of anti-ENA antibodies to cultured human keratinocytes. Estradiol-beta augmented the binding of anti-RNP, anti-SS-A/Ro, and anti-SS-B/La antibodies to cultured cells, but produced no enhancement of the binding of anti-Sm antibodies. In addition, we examined the effects of 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone, a highly estrogenic metabolite, on the binding of anti-ENA antibodies to cultured cells. This agent did not produce any augmentation of binding. Based on these experiments, we discuss the influence of estradiol on cutaneous lupus.

Antibodies, Antinuclear↗

A subpopulation of Langerhans cells (CD1a+Lag-) increased in the dermis of plaque lesions of mycosis fungoides.

The population of CD1a+ cells and the quantity of Birbeck granules were evaluated in comparison with the population of T lymphocytes in a variety of clinical lesions of mycosis fungoides. Anti-CD1a and Lag antibodies that specifically react with Birbeck granules and related structures of human Langerhans cells were used immunohistochemically. CD1a+ cells in the dermis of lesions of mycosis fungoides significantly increased in plaques of the plaque stage and in plaques of the tumor stage. They were most frequent in lesions with CD4+ cells ranging in number from 100 to 150/mm2. These lesions were suspected to be progressing from the plaque to the tumor stage. During the course of the disease, most of the dermal CD1a+ cells had few Lag antigens. These results suggest that dermal CD1a+Lag- cells may promote the progression of mycosis fungoides from the plaque to the tumor stage.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Inhibitory effects of soybean trypsin inhibitor on induction of pancreatic neoplastic lesions in hamsters by N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine.

The effects of simultaneous soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) treatment on initiation of pancreatic carcinogenesis by N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) were investigated. Female Syrian golden hamsters were given five weekly s.c. injections of BOP at a dose of 10 mg/kg while being administered a diet containing 5% SBTI for 5 weeks (BOP + SBTI group). Two other groups of 30 animals each received the s.c. injections of BOP or the 5% SBTI diet for the same period, alone (BOP and SBTI groups respectively). Total numbers of pancreatic dysplastic lesions in hamsters of the BOP+SBTI group were significantly decreased as compared to the BOP group values, though the incidences of pancreatic adenocarcinomas were not significantly different. Atrophic changes were, however, more severe in the BOP group than in the BOP+SBTI group pancreatic exocrine tissue, showing that treatment with SBTI was effective for protection of acinar cells from carcinogen toxicity.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Enhanced lipid peroxidation in rat gastric mucosa caused by NaCl.

The effects of NaCl on lipid peroxidation levels in gastric mucosa and urine were investigated in male Wistar rats. The animals were fed NaCl-supplemented diet at concentrations of 4.0, 2.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25 and 0% (control) for 5 weeks. Further groups were maintained on the 4.0 or 0% NaCl diets and simultaneously administered 20 p.p.m. indomethacin dissolved in the drinking water. When the rats were killed, a dose-related increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) was found in both gastric mucosa and urine, the urinary MDA levels clearly correlating with those for stomach tissue. Cell proliferation of fundic mucosa was also significantly increased in rats fed 4.0 or 2.0% NaCl-supplemented diet. Indomethacin suppressed the 4% NaCl-associated MDA increase in both gastric mucosa and urine as well as the elevation in cell proliferation. The results clearly show that administration of NaCl, a gastric tumor promoter, is associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa.

Animals↗

Characterization of cutaneous infiltrates in MRL/lpr mice monitored from onset to the full development of lupus erythematosus-like skin lesions.

The skin is a primary site injured in lupus erythematosus (LE), but it is still controversial whether the injury is due to cells of the mononuclear infiltrate and which immunocompetent cells play the major role in the development of cutaneous LE. To better characterize the role of immunocompetent cells, we performed an immunohistochemical examination of these cells in LE-like skin lesions in MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice. Skin lesions in 60 female MRL/lpr mice were monitored from onset to full development. Skin specimens from each stage were stained for epidermal Ia+ Langerhans cells (Ia(+)-LC), for Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal cells (Thy-1+DEC), and for the phenotype of the mononuclear cell infiltrates. The numbers of Ia(+)-LC and Thy-1+DEC were decreased markedly in the skin lesions at the later stage. However, the numbers of Ia(+)-LC were increased significantly in the central portion of lesions at an early stage and in the peripheral portion of lesions later. L3T4+ cells were predominant, and the L3T4/Lyt-2 ratio was high in dermal infiltrates at an early stage. With advancing stage, the L3T4/Lyt-2 ratio gradually decreased in dermal infiltrates, whereas the Thy-1.2/Lyt-2 ratio in lymph nodes was reversed. L3T4+ cells were especially predominant in dermal infiltrates under the epidermis with increased numbers of Ia(+)-LC. This immunohistochemical analysis of a mouse model of cutaneous LE revealed changes in immunocompetent cell populations with the evolution of skin lesions, and we conclude that Ia(+)-LC and Thy-1+DEC, as well as L3T4+ and Lyt-2+ cells, may play pathogenic roles in the development of skin lesions.

Animals↗

Regional development of Langerhans cells and formation of Birbeck granules in human embryonic and fetal skin.

The regional development of Langerhans cells (LC) and the formation of Birbeck granules (BG) were examined in human embryonic and fetal skin. Samples were obtained from multiple anatomic sites and stained with anti-CD36, anti-CD1a, and anti-HLA-DR antibody as well as Lag antibody specifically reactive to BG and some vacuoles of human LC. In the first trimester, CD36+ dendritic epidermal cells were identified before the appearance of CD1a+ cells and Lag+ cells. Some of the former co-expressed HLA-DR antigens but not CD1a antigens. In the second trimester, regional variations in LC development were observed. Epidermal LC of palms and soles reached a peak in number in the first trimester but were rarely detected after 18 weeks estimated gestation age (EGA), whereas, in other regions, their number increased with age. In the second trimester, CD1a+ cells and Lag+ cells were also identified in the epidermis, although Lag+ cells appeared later than CD1a+ cells. The Lag+ cells until 17 weeks EGA showed a variety of staining intensities and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that they contained various amounts of Lag-reactive BG. Flow cytometric analysis showed that relative amounts of Lag antigens in LC increased during the second trimester and that fetal LC of 18 weeks EGA expressed the same amounts of HLA-DR, CD1a, and Lag antigens as did adult human LC. In the dermis, in the second trimester, numerous CD36+ cells and HLA-DR+ cells were found, whereas CD1a+ cells and Lag+ cells were rarely detected. Taken together, it is suggested that HLA-DR+ dendritic cells acquire CD1a+ antigens first and then form BG after migration to the epidermis and that fetal LC are phenotypically mature in the second trimester.

Antigens, CD↗

Oral contraceptive-induced lupus erythematosus in a Japanese woman.

A case of oral contraceptive-induced lupus erythematosus (LE) was reported. Erythematous skin lesions were noticed on hypothenor sites of palms and acral sites of pedes. Abnormal laboratory findings included an elevated ESR, CRP and weakly positive anti-nuclear antibodies. Skin biopsy specimens from involved skin showed Clq deposits at the dermo-epidermal junction. LE-like symptoms were considered to be induced by oral contraceptives, because her symptoms disappeared after the oral contraceptives were discontinued.

Adult↗

Immunohistochemical and biochemical identification of pepsinogen isozymes in the hamster lungs: induction by polychlorinated biphenyls.

Pepsinogens are acid protease enzymes of pepsin usually found in gastric mucosa. In the present study, we demonstrated the presence of pepsinogen isozymes in male Syrian golden hamster lung tissues by a combined immunohistochemical and biochemical approach. Immunohistochemically, using rat pepsinogen 1 antibody, pepsinogen positive cells were observed mainly in the epithelia of the terminal bronchioles. They demonstrated morphological features of Clara cells. The pepsinogen isozyme pattern of lung tissue determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was similar to that of stomach mucosa. Treatment of hamsters with polychlorinated biphenyls at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight ip caused a 2.8-fold increase in pepsinogen content (p less than 0.01) as well as increase in numbers of pepsinogen positive cells in the lung.

Animals↗

[Twenty-eight-day repeated dose toxicity test of p-phenetidine in F344 rats].

A twenty-eight-day repeated dose toxicity test of p-phenetidine was carried out in male and female F344 rats at dose levels of 160, 40, 10 or 0 mg/kg/day. Thirty animals of both sexes were divided into 6 groups of equal number. All groups were treated daily by i.g. administration for 28 days, two extra groups of animals at dose levels of 160 and 0 mg/kg being used for investigation of recovery over 14 days. Hematological and urinary examinations revealed decrease in erythrocytes and increased serum reticulocytes and urinary urobilinogen in the 160 and 40 mg/kg groups of both sexes, and methemoglobinemia occurred in the 160 mg/kg group. Increase in spleen weight was noted in the 160 and 40 mg/kg groups. On histopathological examination, hemosiderosis, increased extramedullary hemopoiesis, congestion of the spleen and myeloid hyperplasia of the bone marrow were observed in the 160 and 40 mg/kg groups of both sexes. Repair of these lesions occurred within 14 days after the cessation of administration. Based on these findings, a no-observed-effect level for p-phenetidine would be concluded 10 mg/kg/day.

Animals↗

[Ultrastructural study of the blood-testis barrier in rat by the lanthanum method].

Ultrastructural changes of the testes in 35-week-old WBN/Kob rats were investigated using the lanthanum-tracer method. Tissues were cut and fixed with a solution containing 1% lanthanum and 2% glutaraldehyde in a 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer at pH 7.8 and with a solution of 2% osmium and 1% lanthanum in a 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer. Ultrathin sections of epoxy resin-embedded specimens were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and observed into a JEM-100CXS JEOL transmission electron microscope. The remnants of each testis were fixed in Bouin's fixative, and observed light-microscopically, where almost all seminiferous tubules in all of the six testes were found to be severely atrophied. Electron microscopically, lanthanum pigments were limited in the Sertoli cell tight junctions of the seminiferous tubules even in the severely atrophied tubules. In conclusion, it is unlikely that the testicular atrophy in WBN/Kob rats is attributable to dysfunction of the blood-testis barrier.

Animals↗

Effects of 2-phenyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,5-dihydroxybiphenyl on two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis.

Two metabolites of sodium o-phenylphenate (OPP-Na), 2-phenyl-1,4-benzoquinone (PBQ) and 2,5-dihydroxybiphenyl (5-OH), were examined for initiating, promoting or complete carcinogenic activity for skin carcinogenesis in female CD-1 mice. While PBQ treatment (1 mg per mouse, twice a week for 34 weeks) did cause sustained hyperplasia like 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) treatment (2.5 micrograms, twice/week for 34 weeks), it showed weak, but not statistically significant, tumor promoting potential for skin tumor development initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA, 10 micrograms x 10 in 5 weeks). On the other hand, 5-OH applied at a dose of 10 mg/mouse using a similar protocol did not exert any promoting influence, and neither of these chemicals administered continually for 40 weeks without prior DMBA initiation treatment induced any skin tumors. Furthermore, both chemicals applied 10 times in 5 weeks at higher doses (2 mg for PBQ and 20 mg for 5-OH) in association with subsequent TPA treatment did not initiate any skin tumor development. Thus, neither of the OPP-Na metabolites demonstrated any capacity to influence skin tumor development in any manner, despite the fact that OPP-Na itself was previously found to exert skin tumor promoting potential in the mouse.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

Langerhans cells in human allergic contact dermatitis contain varying numbers of Birbeck granules. Double staining immunohistochemistry with OKT6 and Lag antibody.

Dynamic changes in human Langerhans cells (LCs) were studied with OKT6, anti-HLA-DR antibody, and Lag antibody in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Both T6-positive (T6+) cells and Lag-positive (Lag+) cells in the epidermis decreased in number from 0 to 48 h, but then gradually increased after day 7 of ACD. Lag+ cells after day 7 manifested a variety of staining intensities from weak to strong. It was also shown, after day 7, that some T6+ cells were Lag negative whereas all Lag+ cells were T6 positive. Flow cytometric analysis suggested that Lag-strongly-positive cells and Lag-weakly-positive cells belonged to the same population, and that the relative amount of Lag antigens in T6+ LCs gradually increased after day 7. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the Lag-strongly-positive cells contained numerous Lag-reactive Birbeck granules (BGs) whereas the Lag-weakly-positive cells contained fewer BGs in the cytoplasm. In some Lag-weakly-positive cells, no BGs were detected.

Adult↗

Histamine metabolism in delayed type hypersensitivity--comparative analysis with cellular infiltrates.

We examined the dynamic changes of histamine metabolism and infiltrating cell populations in lesional sites of representative cutaneous delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), including dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) allergic dermatitis, purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) reaction, and keyhole limpet homocyanin (KLH)-induced cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity. The concentration of histamine increased with time in all DTH reactions examined, though the time course varied among these reactions. In DNCB allergic dermatitis, the maximum content of the amine at 3 days after the initiation was about three times that of the control baseline. In PPD reaction, the maximum content and the time course were almost similar to that in DNCB allergic dermatitis. However, in KLH-induced cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity the maximum content was about ten times that in DNCB allergic dermatitis or PPD reaction, and was observed earlier, on the 2nd day. There was no remarkable change in the activities of histamine-degrading enzymes in these reactions. There was little infiltration of mast cells, while time-dependent changes of the basophil infiltration were almost parallel those of the histamine concentration in all these reactions. Basophils in DNCB allergic dermatitis showed a piecemeal degranulation, while those in either the PPD reaction or KLH-induced cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity remained intact. These results clearly suggest that the increase of histamine concentration in cutaneous DTH depends on the number of basophils infiltrating the lesional sites, even if the regulatory mechanisms of the activation of the cells differ among the DTH reactions.

Animals↗

Reactivity of monoclonal anti-human skin basal cell antibody to cultured keratinocytes in serum-free medium.

The reactivity of the monoclonal anti-human skin basal cell antibody (3B4-6) to cultured keratinocytes was examined by immunofluorescence techniques in order to verify the change in distribution of basal cell antigens during the in vitro differentiation of keratinocytes cultured in serum-free medium. The basal cells' antigen(s) determinants recognized by 3B4-6 were present in the cytoplasm of the cells at low concentration of Ca2+ (0.03 mM). High concentrations of Ca2+ (0.1 mM approximately 0.3 mM) induced the reactivity on the cell surface. This result was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis. The staining pattern was different from that of anti-involucrin antibody in 0.3 mM Ca2+ culture medium. This MoAb might be a useful tool for monitoring the degree of differentiation of cultured keratinocytes.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Effects of various prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors on pancreatic carcinogenesis in hamsters after initiation with N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine.

The effects of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors on development of N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP)-initiated pancreatic tumors were investigated. Female Syrian golden hamsters were given five weekly s.c. injections of BOP (10 mg/kg body weight) during the first 5 weeks and then given 20 p.p.m. indomethacin in the drinking water, 0.25% phenylbutazone in the diet, 1% aspirin in the diet, or no treatment (control group). The resultant incidence of pancreatic carcinoma at week 32 was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in animals receiving phenylbutazone (36.8%) than in the controls (71.4%) and the numbers of carcinomas per hamster were significantly reduced by indomethacin (0.63) and phenylbutazone (0.58) treatment compared with the control group value (1.29). Aspirin also showed a tendency to decrease pancreatic tumor incidence, but this was not significant. Thus, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors reduce the development of pancreatic cancer when administered during the post-initiation phase in this animal model.

Animals↗