Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F Ono

Publications and source records attributed to F Ono.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Induction of MHC-IIDR expression on circulating CD8+ lymphocytes in macaques infected with SIVmac239 nef-open but not with its nef-deletion mutant.

We examined the expression kinetics of activation antigens CD38 and MHC-IIDR (DR) on circulating CD8+ lymphocytes in rhesus macaques infected with pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus strain SIVmac239 nef-open (239) or its nonpathogenic nef-deletion mutant (delta nef). In the longitudinal study, we found for the first time the induction of DR expression on CD8+ lymphocytes in 239-infected macaques. The induction of DR was in parallel with an increasing viral load and a decreasing CD4+ lymphocyte level. In the macaques with the high viral load and low CD4 level, a considerable proportion of the DR+CD8+ subpopulation was CD69+, indicating an activated state. On the other hand, no significant increase in the DR+CD8+ subpopulation level was observed in delta nef-infected macaques. These data indicate that the evaluation of activation markers such as DR and/or CD69 on circulating CD8+ cells may be valuable as a surrogate marker in the SIV-macaque model.

ADP-ribosyl Cyclase↗

A novel class II phosphoinositide 3-kinase predominantly expressed in the liver and its enhanced expression during liver regeneration.

We report herein the cloning and characterization of a novel class II phosphoinositide 3-kinase, termed PI3K-IIgamma, from the cDNA library of regenerating rat liver. This cDNA encodes a protein of 1505 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 170,972 Da. The amino acid sequence of PI3K-IIgamma is highly similar to those of class II PI 3-kinases, including murine Cpk-m/p170 and human HsC2-PI3K. It contains a C2 domain at the C terminus but no recognizable protein motifs at its N terminus. PI3K-IIgamma displays a restricted substrate specificity for PtdIns and PtdIns 4-P, but not for PtdIns 4,5-P2. By epitope tag immunocytochemistry, the immunoreactivity for PI3K-IIgamma is localized in the juxtanuclear Golgi region at high levels and also in the plasma and nuclear membranes at low levels. By Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization histochemistry, PI3K-IIgamma mRNA expression is confined to the liver throughout the development with much higher expression in adult liver than in fetal liver. In addition, its expression increases during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy with maximal expression after the growth period, suggesting that PI3K-IIgamma may function mainly in highly differentiated hepatic cells.

Adult↗

Simian T cell leukemia virus type I-induced malignant adult T cell leukemia-like disease in a naturally infected African green monkey: implication of CD8+ T cell leukemia.

Spontaneous T cell leukemia was found in an African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops, AGM) naturally infected with simian T cell leukemia virus type I (STLV-I). The hematological features and the evidence for monoclonal integration of provirus DNA in the leukemic cells revealed that the leukemia was an ATL-like disease. The expression of surface markers on the leukemic cells indicated that they were defined as an activated CD8+ T cell subset. Together with the finding that seven in vitro spontaneously STLV-I-transformed cell lines were CD4-CD8+, it is likely that CD8+ T cells are transformed by STLV-I in AGMs, in contrast with human ATL. Finally, we assessed characteristics of the CD8 chains on these transformed cells. The result indicated that the leukemic cells expressed only the alpha chains but not the beta chains. However, in the case of in vitro-transformed cell lines the expression pattern of the CD8 chains varied in individual monkeys. Thus, STLV-I may preferentially transform CD8+ (both alphaalpha+ and alphabeta+) T cells in AGMs.

Adult↗

Histopathological studies of senile plaques and cerebral amyloidosis in cynomolgus monkeys.

Senile plaques (SPs) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, have not been thoroughly investigated histopathologically in nonhuman primates. To determine the onset age and histopathological characteristics of SPs and CAA, we examined the brains of 64 cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from 2 to 35 years old. Mature (classical and primitive) plaques appeared in 16 out of 25 monkeys that were >20 years old. Moreover, mature plaques were observed more frequently than diffuse plaques and were located in the temporal cortex of the superior or inferior gyri and amygdala. Diffuse plaques in contrast to mature plaques did not show definite tendencies in onset age and distribution. CAA appeared in more than 22-year-old monkeys in 10 out of 16 animals and was frequently observed in capillaries and often found adjoining mature plaques. During immunohistochemical examination, an antiserum for amyloid beta protein (A beta) 1-40 could detect all SPs, whereas a monoclonal antibody for A beta 8-17 could not detect any diffuse plaques and only one third of the primitive plaques. As for CAA, the polyclonal antiserum was more sensitive than the monoclonal antibody. The present study describes the histopathological features of SPs and CAA in old cynomolgus monkeys.

Aging↗

Presence of anti-ovalbumin IgE antibody in the sera of laboratory-reared squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) fed quail eggs.

In this study, we examined serum anti-ovalbumin (OVA) IgE and IgG antibodies in laboratory-reared squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), that were fed a boiled quail egg everyday. We found that 36 of 95 monkeys (38%) possessed specific IgE and 44% (42/95) had specific IgG against OVA. These antibody titers seemed to increase with age. There was, however, no apparent correlation between the anti-OVA IgE and IgG antibody titers.

Animals↗

Efficacy of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG) on rhesus macaque monkeys chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac239).

To assess the therapeutic effects of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG), a lipophilic dideoxynucleoside analogue, three rhesus macaques chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac239) were subcutaneously administered 25 mg/kg of the drug every 8 hours for 2 weeks. In two of three animals, the viral RNA in plasma and the cell-associated viral load from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were markedly decreased and the number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were increased after 6-Cl-ddG administration. The decrease of the virus copies was associated with a reciprocal increase in the number of CD4+ lymphocytes. Additionally, a limiting dilution assay revealed a marked decrease in the lymph node cell-associated virus titer during the treatment. However, in the third monkey, the baseline of the number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes was higher than that of the other monkeys; these numbers changed very little during the treatment. In this monkey, the plasma SIV RNA level was decreased at the first week and was the same as the pretreatment level at the second week of the 6-Cl-ddG administration. In all three treated monkeys, the number of SIV RNA copies in the cerebrospinal fluid also tended to decrease during the 6-Cl-ddG treatment.

Animals↗

Regulation of voltage-gated ion channels during ascidian embryogenesis.

In the proto-chordate Halocynthia roretzi, a voltage-activated sodium current undergoes a change in kinetics within 48 h of fertilization. Molecular cloning and microinjection of antisense DNA into single cells suggest that the kinetic changes are due to the increased expression of a neural-specific sodium channel gene, TuNa I. TuNa I gene transcription is first induced in late-stage gastrulae, preceding the appearance of the rapidly inactivating sodium current unique to alpha 4-2 derived neural cells. In cleavage-arrested and intact embryos, cell interactions between specific animal and vegetal blastomeres are required for induction of TuNa I gene expression. By contrast, another sodium channel gene, TuNa II, is mainly expressed in neural cells of the alpha 4-1 lineage. In this lineage, cells of endoderm, notochord and muscle develop. TuNa II gene transcription occurs in isolated alpha 4-1 blastomeres without interacting with other lineage cells. Thus, there are two distinct neural cell lineages in the ascidian tadpole: one is similar to the ectoderm-derived neural tissue controlled by a mechanism reminiscent of the neural induction in the vertebrate, the other is the lineage of posterior neural tube in which motor neurons develop in close association with the notochord or muscle lineage.

Animals↗

Effects of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG) in surface lymph nodes of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac239).

We studied the effects of 6-chloro-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (6-Cl-ddG), an antiretroviral drug, in surface lymph nodes of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) chronically infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The rhesus monkeys were treated with 25 mg/kg of 6-Cl-ddG every 8 hr for 2 weeks. We performed sequential biopsies of the surface lymph nodes three times: before, during, and after the drug treatment. The 6-Cl-ddG dramatically decreased the number of infectious virus (measured by limiting dilution assay) in lymph node mononuclear cells. This decrease was consistent with the decrease in the number of viral RNA-positive cells in lymph nodes (analyzed by in situ hybridization). Histopathological analysis revealed that hyperplastic lymphoid follicles were reduced in size, especially, enlarged areas of centroblasts in lymphoid follicles (the so-called dark areas of germinal centers) were declined. Our results demonstrated that 6-Cl-ddG decreased the viral burden concomitantly with reduced hyper-activation of germinal centers in lymphoid follicles of SIV-infected rhesus monkeys.

Animals↗

Low prevalence of activated protein C resistance and coagulation factor V Arg506 to Gln mutation among Japanese patients with various forms of thrombosis, and normal individuals.

Resistance to activated protein C (APC), recently reported to be the most prevalent inherited cause of thrombosis among Caucasians, is associated with a single point mutation in the coagulation factor V gene. We investigated the prevalence of APC resistance and the factor V gene mutation (R506Q) in 34 consecutive Japanese patients with venous thrombosis or pulmonary thromboembolism and 63 control subjects. Three of the 33 patients examined (9%) had an APC ratio below the 5th percentile of control values (2.27), but all were above 2.0. The factor V mutation (R506Q) was not detected in the 29 patients studied, including the 3 patients whose APC ratios were below 2.27, or in 53 controls. In a tissue factor-based factor V assay to detect APC resistance recently described by Le et al. (Blood 1995;85:1704-1711), all patients studied were found to be normal including the three with a low APC ratio. We conclude that APC resistance and factor V gene mutation are less prevalent in Japan than in several European countries.

Adult↗

Immunohistochemical characteristics of the constituents of senile plaques and amyloid angiopathy in aged cynomolgus monkeys.

In this study, we immunohistochemically examined the several constituents of senile plaques (SPs) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in aged cynomolgus monkeys. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) deposited in all mature plaques and CAA, and in half of the diffuse plaques. Alpha-1-antichymotripsin (alpha ACT) deposited in half of the mature plaques and in one third of the CAA. Amyloid precursor protein (APP), ubiquitin (Ub), and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) accumulated in the swollen neurites of mature plaques. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was detected in the astrocytes and their processes surrounding the mature plaques. Tau was detected in neither the SPs nor CAA. Therefore, mature plaques involved extracellular A beta, apoE, and alpha ACT, and also astrocytes and swollen neurites. However, diffuse plaques involved only extracellular A beta and apoE. Since these features, except for tau, were consistent with those in humans, this animal model will be useful for studying the pathogenesis of cerebral amyloid deposition.

Aging↗

Immunohistochemical study on the deposition of apolipoprotein E in cerebral and islet amyloidoses in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

To investigate the role of apolipoprotein E (apo E) in amyloidoses of cynomolgus monkeys, the localization of apo E in cerebral amyloid, including senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid, and in islet amyloid was examined immunohistochemically. Mature types of senile plaques with amyloid deposits and cerebrovascular amyloid showed intense immunoreactivity to both antisera to apo E and amyloid beta protein (A beta). In contrast, diffuse plaques without obvious Congophilic amyloid showed weak immunoreactivity to antiserum to apo E, but intense reactivity to antiserum to A beta. In addition, the number of these apo E-positive diffuse plaques was small compared with that of A beta-positive plaques. On the other hand, diabetic islet amyloid that was negative with A beta, reacted intensely with antiserum to apo E. These findings suggest that apo E plays an important role in amyloid fibril formation in several types of amyloidoses.

Amyloid↗

Enzymes in intestinal juice from patients with liver diseases and colon polyps: measurement of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase.

Since the amounts of hepatogenous enzymes discharged into the intestinal tract remain unknown, this study was initiated to evaluate the amounts of the enzymes in the intestinal tract. Whole gut lavage fluid (polyethyleneglycol electrolyte solution) was administered orally to 42 subjects, consisting of 5 patients with hepatoma, 10 with chronic hepatitis, 10 with colon polyps, and 17 control subjects without liver disease. Two hr after the large intestinal lavage, the digestive tract juice was aspirated by colonoscopy, and the bilirubin (Bil), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the aspirates were measured. A positive correlation between the AST and LDH values was found, and a significant difference in these values between the hepatic disorders and the normal controls was noticed. A significant positive correlation between the ALP and Bil values was found, and a statistical difference in these values between the group of colon polyps and the controls and other groups was observed. This lavage fluid technique enables to estimate the amounts of hepatic enzymes discharged into the intestinal tract, thereby opening a new avenue for future enzyme research.

Adult↗

Carboxyl end-specific monoclonal antibodies to amyloid beta protein (A beta) subtypes (A beta 40 and A beta 42(43)) differentiate A beta in senile plaques and amyloid angiopathy in brains of aged cynomolgus monkeys.

Senile plaques (SPs) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in the brains of five aged (20-26 years old) cynomolgus monkeys were investigated immunohistochemically using two monoclonal antibodies (anti-A beta 40 (BA27) and anti-A beta 42(43) (BC05)) that can differentiate the carboxyl termini of amyloid beta protein (A beta) subtypes. In four of five animals, all types of SPs (i.e. diffuse, primitive, and classical plaques; DPs, PPs, and CPs, respectively) were identified by BC05. However, BA27 did not label DPs and stained only about one third of PPs and CPs, mainly labeling granular structures and cored portions, respectively. In CAA, lesions of cortical capillaries reacted to BC05 in four of five cases, but rarely and weakly to BA27 in two of five cases. On the other hand, lesions of parenchymal and meningeal arterioles were stained by both BA27 and BC05. These staining profiles of SPs in cynomolgus monkeys correspond well to those in humans, although there are two remarkable features in cynomolgus monkeys. First, BA27 stained PPs associated with granular structures. Secondly, capillary A beta reacted intensely to BC05 but only slightly to BA27. Despite these unique features, the results suggest that aged cynomolgus monkeys can be used to investigate the pathogenesis of A beta deposition in SPs and CAA.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

Neural expression of a sodium channel gene requires cell-specific interactions.

In the protochordate Halocynthia roretzi, voltage-activated sodium current undergoes a change in kinetics within 48 hr of fertilization. Molecular cloning and microinjection of antisense DNA into single cells suggest that the kinetic changes are due to the increased expression of a putative neural-specific sodium channel gene, TuNa I. TuNa I gene transcription is first induced in late stage gastrulae, preceding the appearance of the rapidly inactivating sodium current unique to neural cells. In cleavage-arrested and intact embryos, cell interactions between specific animal and vegetal blastomeres are required for induction of TuNa I gene expression. Our results implicate cell contact, prior to neurulation, as a mechanism for selectively activating the TuNa I gene expressed in cells of the neural lineage.

Animals↗

[Current status and problems of platelet function tests].

Platelet function tests have been utilized for a long time as a useful tool for the diagnosis of qualitative platelet disorders. However, recently reports suggest that platelet function tests currently available in routine laboratory do not necessarily reflect in vivo hemostatic states. First of all, bleeding time could sometimes be non-informative for the following reasons; 1) Duke method, the most popular method in Japan, has poor reproducibility, 2) there is no appropriate method for monitoring of aspirin ingestion, 3) prolongation of bleeding time does not correlate with the amount of blood loss during surgery. Platelet adhesion is still measured by the ability of platelets to be retained on glass beads. However, this test is unable to detect selectively platelet adhesion. Thus, the test in which platelets can exclusively adhere to subendothelial components such as collagen, may be required. Platelet aggregation has been mostly analyzed by the changes in light transmittance in platelet rich plasma (PRP) with a platelet aggregometer. However, this test totally depends on the platelet count in PRP or duration of time after taking blood from patients. Moreover, platelet aggregation in this system is optimally observed and is hardly detectable when the in vivo Ca++ concentration has been chelated. Furthermore, the test could not detect small platelet aggregates, thus being unable to measure the early phase of platelet aggregation. These observations suggest that more simple and specific tests should be developed and become available in routine laboratory.

Bleeding Time↗

[Study on cases of D dimer values were dissociated from FDP-E].

Determination of FDP D-dimer (D-dimer) has been recently developed for the diagnosis of thrombotic diseases with secondary fibrinolysis. We have studied the correlation between D-dimer and FDP-E concentrations in plasma from 282 patients with 630 samples. A linear correlation (r = 0.9269) was observed between the values of FDP-E and D-dimer. However, 13 out of 282 cases revealed an apparent dissociation of D-dimer concentrations from FDP-E values. Among them, 4 of these 13 cases (Group A) have shown to possess higher level of D-dimer when compared with the expected values from FDP-E, while 9 of 13 cases (Group B) revealed lower levels of D-dimer than that expected from FDP-E. All of Group A patients have been diagnosed as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). On the other hand, in Group B patients, 6 of 9 were shown to have a widespread metastasis of cancer and 2 of them were under treatment with urokinase. To study whether Group B patients were under hypercoagulable or hyper-fibrinolytic state, we have examined ratios of AT III/alpha 2 PI and PIC/TAT in these cases. It has been shown that 4 of 9 patients in Group B have higher ratios of both AT III/alpha 2 PI and PIC/TAT if compared with other patients than Group B. This suggests that patients in Group B have been under hyper-fibrinolytic states.

Adult↗

Studies on the castability of Co-Cr alloy for cast plates. Part 2: Effect of form of sprue attachment to the wax pattern.

Co-Cr alloy is used more frequently than Ni-Cr alloy as a non-precious alloy for cast plates in Japan. However, since the melting point of Co-Cr alloy is very high, about 1300 degrees C, and since it oxidizes easily, a vacuum-pressure casting machine capable of melting this alloy in a reducing atmosphere has recently been developed. Using this vacuum-pressure casting machine, the authors studied the effects on the castability of Co-Cr alloy due to the form of sprue attachment to the wax pattern. The results clarified that in the vacuum-pressure casting method, the form of sprue attachment to the wax pattern has a significant effect (p less than 0.01) on the castability of Co-Cr alloy.

Chromium Alloys↗