Biomedical subjects

G Murakami

Publications and source records attributed to G Murakami.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Configuration of hepatic veins in the right surgical lobe of the human liver with special reference to their complementary territorial relationships: morphometric analysis of controlled specimens with clearly defined portal segmentation.

The configurations of hepatic veins, particularly the complementary territorial relationships between the veins, in the right surgical lobes of 156 human livers, the segments of which were identified clearly according to the portal ramification, were studied. In order to assess the functional roles of the vessels, we compared the diameter values of the vessels in the upper region of the lobe under the assumption that this parameter corresponds very closely to the actual blood flow volume through the vessel. The right hepatic vein (RHV) sometimes (17%) developed poorly and drained neither segment V (S5) nor VI (S6); instead, the inferomedial part of the S6 was often (26%) drained by the middle hepatic vein (MHV). However, most thick short hepatic veins (SHVs) did not drain S6 specifically instead of a poorly-developed RHV, but usually drained both S6 and segment VII (S7), irrespective of the configurations of other veins. Sometimes (8%), the RHV, rather than the MHV, drained a large part of S5. Overall, in the lower region of the lobe, the RHV, SHV and MHV showed complementary venous drainage relationships. Furthermore, the RHV usually (75%) ran not between S5 and S6 but through S6, corresponding to its usual territory, and could not be regarded as the intersectorial landmark in the lower region. Although various names have been given to the thick venous tributaries in the upper region of the right lobe, we systematically classified these tributaries into 5 types of "right superior radicles" (RSR), according to their topographical relationships with the right superior portal branches (P7 and P8), RHV, MHV, SHVs and their tributaries. When just thick RSRs were considered, the 5 types (anterior, posterior, lateral, medial and intersegmental) were observed in 90%, 88%, 89%, 38% and 34%, respectively. Notably, all but the intersegmntal RSRs almost always corresponded to a specific segmental territory (S7 or segment VIII (S8) and had specific terminals (at the RHV or MHV), suggesting that these 4 RSRs were proper segmental or intrasegmental veins, whereas, the 5th type showed a different configuration, i.e., an intersegmental vein that drained both S7 and S8, ran along and above the RHV and merged with it. Our morphometric examination of the upper region revealed that the sizes of P7 and P8 increased or decreased simultaneously, and suggested that the RSRs played limited roles in venous return. Rather than the RSRs, the SHVs appeared to drain the overflow in excess of the venous return capacity of the RSRs. Despite their limitations and possible complementary relationships with some veins, however, all the superior veins tended to developed evenly well or poorly. Overall, the venous return did not seem to converge into a single particular vein, but was carried away by multiple superior veins: the RHV, MHV, SHVs, and 5 RSRs.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Surgical anatomy of the facial nerve and chorda tympani with special reference to cochlear implantation].

The surgical anatomy of the facial nerve (FN), chorda tympani nerve (CT) and round window (RW) in 26 Japanese temporal bone specimens was analyzed. The relationships were classified according to the relative position of these structures and the posterior wall of the external auditory canal (EAC). Most frequently, the widest approach route through the facial recess did not point directly at the RW, but rather at the basal turn. Moreover, the approach route crossed the FN-RW line in a posterior to anterior direction (76.9%) and the CT-RW line frequently crossed the posterior wall of the EAC (92.3%). The latter seemed to provide a critical landmark for avoiding damage to the CT during cochlear implant surgery. Therefore, we recommend inserting the electrode into the basal turn at the promontory. Several other anatomical indices were measured and we extracted the index which was related to the maximum approach amplitude and direction. Preoperative diagnosis may be possible using these indices.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Anatomical studies of the autonomic nervous system in the human pelvis by the whole-mount staining method: left-right communicating nerves between bilateral pelvic plexuses.

PURPOSE: Some recent neurophysiological studies have suggested cross-innervation of pelvic genitourinary organs by extrinsic left-right communicating nerves. However, no definite course for these nerves has been clearly determined macroanatomically in humans. In the present study we extensively investigated the adult human pelvis to elucidate their courses by the whole-mount staining method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6 male human specimens that had been subjected to pathological dissection were examined by means of an acetylcholinesterase whole-mount staining method. A map of nerve pathways was made by composite photomicrography. Histologically, nerves dissected accurately under a dissecting microscope were stained with both Klüver-Barrera stain and the Bodian method. RESULTS: The communicating nerves between bilateral pelvic plexuses were observed at the back of the rectum and in the rectoprostatic space. The former were composed of nothing but myelinated fibers in the same way as the pelvic splanchnic nerve. By contrast, the latter were composed of unmyelinated fibers with a few myelinated fibers. The pelvic plexus could be divided into three portions, anterosuperior, anteroposterior and inferior areas, by ganglion type. Morphologically, fiber components differed among those three portions. CONCLUSION: The communicating nerves at the back of the rectum seemed to be predominantly parasympathetic communicantes between bilateral pelvic splanchnic nerves rather than pelvic plexuses. These nerves may be involved in postoperative voiding function in the case of pelvic surgery with hemilateral nerve preservation. The function of the pelvic plexus seemed to be heterogeneous in each portion according to our morphological results.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Lumbosacral plexus in Hoxa9 knockout mice with special reference to their nerve variations identified according to whether they were interphenotypic or intergenotypic differences.

The lumbosacral plexus in specific Hox gene mutant mice originating from C57bl/60, i.e., Hoxa9 +/+, +/- and -/- genotypes (10 specimens of each), were dissected minutely and detailed examinations were made of the eight nerves in the plexus and the lowest intercostal nerve. We identified three types of nerve variation in mice with Hox mutations: interphenotypic variations, intergenotypic variations and common variations regardless of the genotype axial phenotype. The interphenotypic variations involved a caudal shift of the nerve origin in mice with the Hoxa9 -/- axial phenotype. We divided these variations into three patterns according to whether or not nerve configurations in mice with the wild and/or Hoxa9 -/- axial phenotypes were consistent, as follows: 1) the iliohypogastric and pudendal nerve morphologies of either of the phenotypes were consistent; 2) the femoral, obturator and sciatic nerve morphologies of the wild axial phenotype were consistent, but those of the -/- phenotype showed several variations and 3) both phenotypes showed several variations of the ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerves. The intergenotypic variations, were limited to two examples: the common trunk formation of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves in mice with the +/- and -/- genotypes, regardless of their axial phenotypes, and the territory of the ilioinguinal nerve touched the lateral margin of the thigh in the wild genotype, but extended beyond the margin onto the posterior aspect in the -/- genotype. The common variations regardless of either axial phenotype or genotype, included the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh which showed a limited, common variation in both of the nerve origin, ramification pattern and territory among either the three genotypes or two axial phenotypes. We consider the interphenotypic variations to be consistent with previous experimental findings showing a discrepancy between the nerve origins and their cues for nerve pathfinding. However, this developmental sequence did not seem to apply to the intergenotypic or common variations.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Variations of the uncinate process of the lateral nasal wall with clinical implications.

The morphology of the uncinate process (UP) and nasal fontanelle is described in 119 human specimens, which were examined both before and after removal of the mucosa. Forms of the UP are classified and based on which site the process is articulated, and each form is characterized in relation to the endonasal endoscopic operative technique. Type I: The infero-posterior tip of the UP is articulated to the inferior concha (turbinate). This was the most frequently observed type. Subtype I-b: The UP adhered to the inferior concha along the antero-inferior margin. The anterior nasal fontanelle was closed by the UP adhesion; therefore, special attention is required not to damage the lacrimal bone. Type N: The tip of the UP had no articulation and made a free edge. It reduces the bony resistance at surgery. Type S: The tip articulated to the superior structures, such as the bulla ethmoid, medial orbital wall, tegument of the maxillary sinus, and basal area of the ethmoid sinus. These structures are known as high-risk areas of endonasal surgery (Levine, 1993). Type P: The tip articulated with the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone. The UP was prolonged posteriorly. Attention should be paid to the sphenopalatine artery, which goes through the posterior edge of the middle concha. Four additional variations (combinations of the above basic types, Variations IS, IP, SP, and ISP) were also observed.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Arteries and veins behind the thoracic vertebrae with special reference to the cutaneous blood supply.

One thousand and thirty eight dorsal cutaneous vessels, which emerged onto the superficial fascia behind the thoracic vertebrae, were examined with regard to the point at which they perforated the fascia, their diameters, intermuscular courses and origins. Large vessels (more than 1 mm in diameter) were mainly distributed at the T1-T4 level. The intermuscular courses could be classified into three groups: a descending scapular course arising from the transverse cervical vessels (4.0%), a nerve-accompanying vertebral course (68.6%) and a deep vertebral course arising from other origins (27.4%). Vessels with a nerve-accompanying course ran through the middle sized (3-4 vertebral segments long) semispinalis muscle slips and descended over 1-2 vertebral segments. Vessels with a deep vertebral course, including the posterior external vertebral venous plexus, were located around the rotatores muscle. Vessels with a deep vertebral course as well as those following a nerve-accompanying course frequently emerged onto the fascia with a nerve since the former merged into the nerve-accompanying vessels immediately before perforating the fascia. The potential clinical applications of these results are discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Venous drainage from the posterior aspect of the pancreatic head and duodenum.

Eighty-three pancreatic head and duodenum specimens, selected from 214 specimens, were dissected minutely to clarify the configurations of the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein (PSPDv) with special reference to its topographical relationship to the common bile duct (CBD) and to whether an artery accompanied the PSPDv. The PSPDv frequently (71.1%) ran postero-inferior to the CBD without the accompaniment of an artery. Moreover, several tributaries draining the second and third portions of the duodenum sometimes (28.9%) joined together without arterial association and formed a stem, the so-called dorsal pancreatic vein. Variations of PSPDv were discussed in relation to the general vascular configuration of the small intestine.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

A case of the scalenus anterior muscle lying behind the fifth cervical nerve root.

Muscle slip composition and innervation was minutely examined in the case of the scalenus anterior muscle lying behind the 5th cervical nerve root. This minor change of topography deeply involved the muscle-nerve relationships of the entire muscle. Critical observations were as follows: (1) lower and unusual origins of the muscle; (2) irregular innervation with regard to the nerve elements and their approach to the muscle. This evidence suggested that abnormal migration, splitting and fusion of the muscle anlage had occurred during the development of the variant.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Topographical relationship between cutaneous and osteonutrient arterial branches of the peroneal artery: a morphometric study.

For the total procedure of the fibular osteocutaneous flap in which a part of the fibula and its covering skin and fascia are grafted, the authors conjectured that the complete preservation of the osteonutrient arterial branch of the peroneal artery is essential in order to maintain good perfusion of the grafted fibula. The aim of this study is to clarify the morphometrical relationship between the cutaneous (C) and osteonutrient (OS) arterial branches of the peroneal artery in order to re-examine the procedure. One hundred cadavers were dissected minutely and examined morphometrically. 1. At the middle third of the leg, the OS branch frequently (64.5%) arose from the peroneal artery at a close position (0-10 mm) to the origin of one of the C branches. Moreover, the OS and C branches often (35.4%) formed a common trunk. 2. In several C branches in one leg, the C branch which existed closest to the OS branch showed a relatively larger diameter. In the case where two or three C branches were found, the closest C branch was most likely to be the uppermost one of them. When four or more C branches were found, the middle one tended to be the closest C branch. Consequently, we recommended that the flap be designed using both the middle part of the fibula and the skin at the proximal 30-50% level of the leg, and that the peroneal arterial trunk be attached to the fibula at the minimum 30-50% level of the leg in order to guard the OS branch.

Arteries↗

PubMed1997

Studies of bronchial asthma induced by chironomid midges (Diptera) around a hypereutrophic lake in Japan.

There have been few reports on hypersensitivity to chironomid midges in bronchial asthmatic patients around the area of hypereutrophic natural lakes, which have been notorious as an environmental hazard due to the massive occurrence of adult chironomids during several periods of the year. Our study investigated IgE antibodies to chironomid midges in bronchial asthmatic patients around the Lake Suwa area in comparison with those of the Matsumoto area (control area). A total of 123 adult patients with bronchial asthma were investigated by measurement of IgE antibodies with extracts of three chironomid midges (Chironomus yoshimatsui, C. plumosus, and Tokunagayusurika akamusi), mite, and silkworm. In addition, in the allergy testing, 12 common inhalant antigens were used. Of 123 adult patients with bronchial asthma, 65 (52.8%) produced positive allergy tests. Thirty-three (50.8%) were positive to mite, 28 (43.1%) to silkworm, 11 (16.9%) to C. yoshimatsui, eight (12.3%) to C. plumosus, and three (4.6%) to T. akamusi. We compared our results with the previous reports. The number of positive tests to silkworm in the Lake Suwa area was higher than in other areas. However, C. plumosus and T. akamusi showed a lower number of positive reactions. We considered the lower positive number of C. plumosus and T. akamusi tests in the Lake Suwa area to be related to the advanced age of patients in this area. The chironomids are an important cause of asthma, together with mite and silkworm, in the Lake Suwa area, but affect old asthmatic patients less than asthmatic children.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1996

Purification and characterization of an allergenic monomeric hemoglobin from a chironomid distributed worldwide, Polypedium nubifer.

The Pol n component MV, a potent experimental allergen for mice, was purified to homogeneity from extracts of a chironomid distributed worldwide, Polypedium nubifer (PN). The Pol n I component MV was shown to have cross-reactivity to hemoglobins (Hb) derived from all species of chironomids tested. Determination of the amino acid sequence of the first 37 N-terminal residues revealed that it had 30-59% homology to Hb of an European chironomid, Chironomus thummi thummi, which had been known as an important allergen for humans. By Western blot analysis, we showed that sera from asthmatic patients, which had positively reacted to the extract of the adult PN midge, bound to the purified Pol n I component MV. Furthermore, using rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against synthetic polypeptides corresponding to the N-terminal residues, it was demonstrated that the N-terminal amino acid sequence between position 15 and 35 contained antigenic epitope(s) for human IgE. The results indicate that the Pol n I component MV is an allergen for human beings as well as for mice, and useful as a diagnostic tool for chironomid allergy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Bronchial hyper-responsiveness to inhaled histamine in children with congenital heart disease.

In order to assess bronchial responsiveness in patients with congestive heart failure secondary to congenital heart disease, we performed a histamine inhalation test while monitoring transcutaneous oxygen tension and compared the respiratory threshold to histamine with that obtained in patients with bronchial asthma. The inhalation test was performed by doubling concentrations of histamine solution for 2 min at 1 min intervals. The respiratory threshold of histamine was defined as the minimal concentration causing a drop in transcutaneous oxygen tension greater than 10% from baseline. Six of 10 patients with congenital heart disease and all of 12 patients with bronchial asthma had bronchial hyper-responsiveness to histamine. The mean of histamine concentration was 2750 micrograms/mL and 937 micrograms/mL, respectively. During the histamine inhalation test, respiratory resistance gradually increased in congenital heart disease patients. This was measured by the linear slope of transcutaneous oxygen pressure (-1.08 +/- 0.75 mmHg/min), whereas in the bronchial asthma patients it rapidly decreased at the infection point (-4.19 +/- 1.86 mmHg/min). We conclude that children with congestive heart failure had bronchial hyper-responsiveness. We suggest bronchial hyper-responsiveness to inhaled histamine in congestive heart failure was caused by the gradual increased respiratory resistance, which was different from that of bronchial asthma.

Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous↗

PubMed1995

Occupational allergy to adult chironomid midges among environmental researchers.

A case of occupational allergy to chironomid midges in research work is described. A researcher was exposed to adult chironomid midges during his research and developed allergic rhinitis after 10 years of such exposure. Using the midge extract of adult Chironomus plumosus (CP) (Linnaeus, 1758), both immediate skin test and the ophthalmic challenge test gave positive results. IgE antibody against adult CP was also demonstrated by the radioallergosorbent test. Four of the five serum samples of the environmental researcher examined showed a positive radioallergosorbent test to at least one of the adult midges breeding around eutrophic Japanese lakes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition test and immunoblot experiments indicated that the remaining hemoglobin is one of the major allergens of adult CP. These results demonstrate that the exposure to adult chironomid midges is an important occupational hazard among environmental researchers.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Postnatal development of lymphoid follicles in rat Peyer's patches, with special reference to increased follicle number.

The postnatal development of Peyer's patches was investigated using routine histological and immunohistochemical techniques, focusing especially on the formation and increase in number of lymphoid follicles. In addition, we studied the influence on the development of lymphoid follicles in Peyer's patches of a sublethal dose of whole-body X-irradiation at an earlier postnatal age. At 1 day after birth, surface-IgM (sIgM)-bearing cells (B lymphocytes) were scattered throughout the Peyer's patch. At Day 3, sIgM-bearing cells had accumulated to form primary follicles in association with domed elevations. OX2-positive reticular cells (FDC) were detected in the centers of primary follicles at Day 5. The first appearance of germinal centers within lymphoid follicles was noted at 18 days, and at 21 days almost every follicle contained a germinal center. At Day 5, each Peyer's patch contained 6-8 lymphoid follicles, with the lymphoid follicles subsequently increasing in size and number. The mean number of follicles per Peyer's patch became 11.1, the adult level, at 21 days, and remained at this level for the next 15 weeks, even though respective follicles continued to enlarge during the observation period. Three-week-old rats received 400 rad whole-body X-irradiation. At 3 and 7 days after treatment, lymphocytes were largely depleted from Peyer's patches, leaving behind the structural framework of the lymphoid follicles, interfollicular zones and domes. Stromal cells in the follicle remnants retained a positive reaction to OX2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Classification of the ophthalmic artery that arises from the middle meningeal artery in Japanese adults.

In a study of Japanese adults, we found that the orbital branch (OB) passing through the superior orbital fissure frequently anastomosed with the lacrimal artery or the ophthalmic artery (12/20). However, the OB passing through the meningo-orbital foramen (mof) only associationaly anastomosed with branches of the ophthalmic artery (4/79). Furthermore, the OB in the orbit, excluding the lacrimal gland as previously reported. We examined 116 cases in which the OB passed through the mof in 129 adult Japanese cadavers (45.0% in 258 sides). The OB passing through the mof was always distributed to the periorbital region and the area that it supplied was limited to the periorbita in about half of those cases. In another half of the cases (58/116), the area supplied included the lacrimal gland.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Morphometric study of chorda tympani-derived fibers along their course in the lingual nerve].

The topographical organization of chorda tympani-derived fibers (Ch-fibers) was investigated macroscopically and histologically along their entire course through the lingual nerve in 81 adult Japanese cadavers (113 sides), in order to obtain basic data to explain the taste disturbance occurring after oral anesthesia. Ch-fibers frequently (approx. 80%) merged and intermingled with nerve bundles composed of fibers of the lingual nerve proper (L-fibers) above the level of the mandibular foramen (intermingled type). However, on 23 sides (20.4%) the Ch-fibers could be separated under a stereomicroscope from the L-fiber bundles during their course behind the oral cavity (separated type). Moreover, on 12 of the 23 sides, the Ch-fibers were clearly separated from the L-fibers, since the Ch-fibers formed an independent nerve bundle attached to the surface of the L-fiber bundles throughout almost their entire course to the tongue. Irrespective of whether they were intermingled or separated, however, the Ch-fibers traveled downward, maintaining their superficial and posterolateral topographical organization in the lingual nerve. In 8 of the 12 clearly separated cases, the perimeter of the myelinated fibers was analyzed at three levels: the hard palate, the mandibular foramen and immediately above the angle of the mandible. At each level, the perimeter spectrum of Ch-fibers was significantly smaller (mean: 16.6 +/- 5.4 microns, e.q. at the level of the mandibular foramen) than that of the L-fibers (mean: 20.2 +/- 6.2 microns, at the same level) (p < 0.01). Moreover, the lingual nerve consistently had 2-3 buccal branches supplying the lining of the oral cavity posterior to the internal oblique line of the mandibular ramus. These buccal branches did not contain Ch-fibers, but were composed of only L-fibers, possibly including pain fibers. These observations suggest that physicians performing nerve block to and around the mandibular foramen tend to regard the inferior alveolar nerve and the lingual nerve as targets of the block, irrespective of whether or not this is intended, since the buccal branch of the lingual nerve should also be anesthetized in such cases. Moreover, local anesthetics seem to have a rapid effect on Ch-fibers, because of their superficial position in the lingual nerve and their smaller diameter than L-fibers. Consequently, Ch-fibers along the lingual nerve seem to be easily damaged by local anesthesia of the oral region. Greater care should therefore be exercised to avoid producing a taste disturbance when performing oral anesthesia in clinical practice.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Airborne Japanese cedar allergens studied by immunoblotting technique using anti-Cry j I monoclonal antibody--comparison with actual pollen counts and effect of wind speed and directions].

We collected airborne particles of Japanese cedar pollen with Burkard's sampling tape in Toyama from February to April 1992. The tape was cut into two pieces in parallel to time axis. The one of piece of the tapes was stained with glycerin-jerry and stained pollens were counted with a microscope. The other piece was treated according to the immunoblotting technique. The airborne pollen allergens, reacting with anti-Cry j I monoclonal antibody, were stained as blue spots. The spots were classified by diameter into two groups, large spots (> 50 microns) and small spots (< 50 microns). There were significant correlations found between the airborne Cry j I allergen spots (in large and small) and actual pollen counts obtained with the Burkard's sampler and the Durham's sampler (r = 0.729, 0.586 in large spots and r = 0.676, 0.489 in small spots, p < 0.001). The counts of small spots stayed in high level even in April when actual pollen counts decreased. We concluded that this discrepancy was caused by allergenic crushed cedar pollen particles staying floating longer than actual pollens. Secondly we set a gauge of wind speed and direction at the same point as the samplers. The actual pollen counts and large spots counts were significantly larger in the wind (SE wind in Toyama city) from cedar trees blooming area than other areas. However small spots counts did not differ significantly according to wind directions. Wind speed did not effect on actual pollen counts, large spots counts and small spots count.

Air↗

PubMed1995

[Lymphatics of the thoracic surface of the diaphragm especially located around the inferior surface of the pericardial sac].

The lymphatics on the thoracic surface of the diaphragm, especially lying around the lateral and posterior sides of the base of the cardiac sac, were examined in 68 adult Japanese cadavers macroscopically (37 males and 24 females, aged 45-92 years, no clinical evidences of neoplasms). In this observation, a vein which drained into the terminal portion of the inferior vena cava was observed. The lymph nodes in this region were located along the vein frequently (80.9%). The vein passed through the esophageal hiatus, or penetrated the diaphragm and finally communicated with veins around the esophagogastric junction. However, lymphatic vessels were not observed passing through the phrenico-esophageal membrane and/or the diaphragm. The collecting vessels, which originated from the lymphatics, drained into the esophageal lymphatics, and it drained into the thoracic duct via the esophageal lymphatics. In pleural effusion cases, lymphatic nets were clearly observed on the thoracic surface of the diaphragm immediately under the parietal pleura. The lymphatic nets did not communicate with the diaphragmatic lymphatics around the base of the cardiac sac. Moreover, large collecting vessel from the lymphatic nets passed through the muscular crus of the diaphragm near the medial arcuate ligament and traveled inferior to merge at the original portion of the thoracic duct at the level of the renal vessels. From these observations, the lymphatics on the posterior part of the thoracic surface of the diaphragm communicated with several regional lymphatics independently. This morphological lymphatic traveling suggests that the route differs in cases of pleural effusion or cancer metastasis.

Aged↗