Biomedical subjects

G Murakami

Publications and source records attributed to G Murakami.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Lateral plate mesoderm and guidance cues for cutaneous nerve growth in the avian body wall.

Transplantation of the somatic layer of the lateral plate mesoderm (somatic mesoderm) was performed using the quail-chick chimera system in order to evaluate whether the connective tissue acts as guidance cues for the developing cutaneous nerve in the body wall. When quail somatic mesoderm at the sacro-coccygeal (pudendal) level was transplanted into the chick somatic mesodermal region at the thoracic level, the ventral nerve exhibited the pudendal type of branching pattern in the thoracic region. However, the cutaneous nerve course remained the thoracic type. These results suggest that the connective tissue derived from the somatic mesoderm provides cues for the determination of the nerve branching pattern. In contrast, the pathway selection might require other guidance cues than the somatic mesoderm in the ventral cutaneous nerve growth in the body wall.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

[Study of cockroach allergy in asthmatic children. The positive rates and antigenicity of cockroach allergen].

The specific IgE antibodies to 4 species of cockroach were measured in sera from 51 asthmatic children 6 to 16 years old by RAST and CAP system. Positive rates of RAST to Periplaneta fuliginosa, Blattela germanica, Periplaneta americana and Periplaneta japonica were 17.6%, 29.4%, 19.6% and 15.7%, respectively and those of CAP system to Periplaneta fuliginosa and Blattela germanica were 15.7%, respectively. Among those with positive RAST to 4 species of cockroach there were significant correlations. Significant correlations were observed also between the RAST titer for the whole bodies and feces of Periplaneta fuliginosa and Blattela germanica and immunoblotting analysis of sera obtained from two cockroach-positive patients revealed common sensitive fraction between whole body and feces. Immediate bronchial response was detected by bronchial provocation test. RAST inhibition study indicated no cross-reacting allergenicity between cockroach and mite. Collectively, cockroach is one of important inhalent allergens in asthmatic children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Direct lymphatic drainage from the esophagus into the thoracic duct.

The lymphatic vessels from around the esophagus which drain into the thoracic duct were identified macroscopically and histologically in 106 cadavers. Direct lymphatic drainage to the duct was macroscopically demonstrated by 84 vessels in 46 cases (43.4%). In 23 cases (19.8%), large collecting vessels arose from the thoracic esophagus and opened directly into the duct. In most of these cases (15/23) these lymphatic connections were found at the levels of the 1st-3rd or 6th-8th thoracic vertebrae. Histologic study revealed that two vessels originated from the fine lymphatic plexus in the esophageal adventita, which showed monocytic infiltration. In 11 of the 23 cases, an intercalated node was found along the thoracic duct. The results suggest that lymph drains rapidly into the systemic circulation via the thoracic duct. In view of the clinical applications in esophageal carcinoma, previous accounts of the extramural esophageal lymphatics concerned in direct drainage are discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Differentiation of histochemical properties of masticatory muscles in Bovidae and Cervidae (Artiodactyla).

We analyzed the masticatory muscles (masseter, temporal, medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid muscles) of Bovidae and Cervidae (Artiodactyla) for the histochemical characteristics of their fiber types. Analysis of muscle fiber types in the present study was based on the staining reaction for SDH, Sudan black B, alpha-GPDH, and myosin-ATPase after alkaline preincubations. Histochemical properties were found to contribute to masticatory function, including a slow-twitch fatigue resistant activity derived from the high percentage of red fibers, in spite of the differences in the distributions of fiber types in three portions (superficial, medial and profound portions) of each masticatory muscle. These results indicate a correlation between the histochemical profiles of individual masticatory muscles in these species and their functions during jaw movements.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Collateral lymphatic configuration of the internal jugular chain and jugulo-omohyoid nodes.

Minute dissection was performed bilaterally on 178 human adult cadavers (356 sides) in order to investigate the collateral lymphatic configurations of the internal jugular node chain. The superior and inferior collateral pathways identified based on the topographical anatomy of the large collecting vessels in the neck region. The superior collateral pathway (in 99 of 208 sides, 47.6%) consisted of a node chain, lying on the common carotid artery or along the medial edge of the internal jugular vein, connecting the submandibular lymphatics to the jugulo-omohyoid node (JO). In contrast, the inferior collateral pathway (in 63 of 356 sides, 17.7%) consisted of a single large collecting vessel, lying immediately superficial to the inferior deep cervical nodes, and which directly connected the JO to the venous angle region. A short cervical lymphatic trunk arising from the inferior deep cervical nodes, was also observed in the inferior collateral pathway. The JO seemed to be located at a critical position, where it connected the two collateral pathways. These results are discussed in relation to the fascial arrangement and development of the lymphatics in the cervical region.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

The superior alveolar nerves: their topographical relationship and distribution to the maxillary sinus in human adults.

The superior alveolar nerves in human adults were investigated macroscopically using whole-mount silver impregnation, paying special attention to their topographical relationship and distribution to the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus. In addition, the fiber composition of the alveolar nerves was analysed in order to estimate their contribution to teeth innervation. The posterior superior alveolar nerve (PSAN) ran through canaliculi in the lateral wall of the sinus (23 of 37 cases, 62.2%) or under the mucous membrane of the sinus (14 of 37 cases, 37.8%). Moreover, the PSAN gave off many fine twigs to make complex plexus under the mucous membrane of the sinus before joining the superior dental plexus. The plexus of the maxillary sinus was separated from the superior dental plexus by the bony wall of the sinus. After the above gross observations, the perimeter compositions of myelinated fibers of the plexus, PSAN and the anterior alveolar nerve were analysed in the same specimen. The plexus was composed of myelinated fibers of less than 27 microns in circumference perimeter (mean: 14.3 microns) and numerous unmyelinated fibers. The fiber composition suggested that few fibers in the plexus of the maxillary sinus contribute to the formation of the superior dental plexus. The superior dental plexus, innervating the upper teeth, was located in the thick alveolar process of the maxilla, and not on the maxillary sinus wall. The clinical importance of these results was discussed in relation to nerve injury during antrostomy of the maxillary sinus.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Venous drainage of the thoracic esophagus toward the pulmonary vein.

Venous drainage of the thoracic esophagus toward the pulmonary vein (PV) was investigated in 52 human specimens in which the veins around the esophagus were clearly observed owing to venous blood retention after injection of 10 L of formol solution into the femoral artery. Below the level of the tracheal bifurcation, 43 cases (right, 21; left, 22) of venous drainage toward the PV were observed in 29 of the 52 specimens examined (55.8%). The direct drainage to the PV was observed mainly on the left side (19 of the 22 cases). In contrast, drainage via the bronchial vein toward the PV existed mainly on the right side (18 of the 21 cases). These drainage routes merged into the tributaries of the inferior PV, such as the inferior or superior basal vein. The draining veins often communicated with the azygos vein system on the right side (10 of the 21 cases). The veins passed through the pulmonary ligament, and also often along the vagus nerve or the bronchial artery. No venous valves were found during the course of direct drainage from the esophagus to the PV. Venous drainage toward the PV was considered to be one of the main drainage routes from the thoracic esophagus.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Anatomical relationship between saphenous vein and cutaneous nerves.

The anatomical relationship between the saphenous veins and cutaneous nerves was investigated in 148 lower limbs of 74 cadavers in order to re-examine the stripping technique for treatment of varicose veins. The great saphenous vein frequently ran intimately along the saphenous nerve (59.5% in the middle third and 83.1% in the lower third of the leg) in the leg region. More than half of the latter cases showed an adhesive relationship in which the perineurium of the saphenous nerve was seen histologically to be attached to the adventitia of the vein. Moreover, in the thigh region as well, the great saphenous vein had an intimate relationship with the cutaneous nerves of various origin. In contrast, the small saphenous vein was often located close to the cutaneous nerves of the calf like the sural nerve. However, the adhesive relation between the small saphenous vein and nerves was rarely observed, in contrast to the case of the great saphenous vein. From these results, the anatomical relationship between the superficial vein and nerve in the lower limb were characterized according to each part of the lower limb. Based on our observations, limited extraction of the vein was recommended to reduce the risk of nerve injury during the stripping operation.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Topographical anatomy of the internal mammary lymphatics in the superior mediastinum and anterior mediastinal lymph nodes.

The lymphatics lying along the internal thoracic artery and vein, which are termed the "internal mammary lymphatics" (IML), were minutely dissected in 134 adult cadavers (80 males and 54 females, aged 27-94 years) in order to clarify the configuration of IML in the superior mediastinum. On the right side, IML frequently terminated at the brachiocephalic angle (BA) nodes and often at the nodes situated at an intermediate position between the internal thoracic artery and vein. By way of these nodes, IML communicated with regional lymphatics of the lung and esophagus. Moreover, IML joined the right superficial bronchomediastinal trunks. On the left side, IML consistently terminated at a superficial group of aortic arch nodes, termed the "superior phrenic nodes", lying along the left phrenic nerve and lying medially to the internal thoracic vein and inferiorly to the left brachiocephalic vein. At and around these nodes, IML joined drainage routes from the so-called Botallo's nodes, which received the left lung lymphatics. The efferents of the superior phrenic nodes formed the left superior bronchomediastinal trunks, and passed deeply to the left brachiocephalic vein and on the subclavian artery toward the left venous angle region. Consequently, IML formed common drainage routes with the drainage routes from the lung and esophagus in the superior mediastinum. A transverse communicating route of IMLs via the retromanubrial nodes, lying inferior to or along the left brachiocephalic vein, was often observed. On the right side, the communicating route terminated at the BA nodes or the nodes situated at an intermediate position between the internal thoracic artery and vein. On the left side, the route consistently terminated at the superior phrenic nodes. In addition to the communicating route described above, we identified (1) a direct and superficial transverse communicating route, and (2) a deep transverse communicating route. The former route was composed of fasciculated large collecting vessels directly connecting the BA nodes to the left venous angle region, lying superficial to the left brachiocephalic vein. The latter route was composed of several large collecting vessels, crossing the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries superficially, and merging into the left phrenic nodes directly or occasionally via the pretracheal nodes. These results suggested that IMLs of both sides can closely communicate with each other in the superior mediastinum.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Anatomical study of the tonsillar bed: the topographical relationship between the palatine tonsil and the lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve].

The topographical relationship between the lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (LBGN) and the muscle layer of the palatine tonsillar bed was investigated by gross and histological observation in 107 sides of 83 Japanese adult cadavers, aged 27-88yr, in order to provide anatomical data facilitating the prevention of taste disturbance caused by injury to the LBGN during tonsillectomy. The muscular composition and lamination of the tonsillar bed are thought to be unchanged by aging or pathological conditions such as inflammation, in contrast to the morphological instability of the palatine tonsil itself. In the present study, the nerve branch was often (23.4%) observed to pass along the inferior side of the styloglossus muscle and to be located lateral to the superior constrictor pharyngeal muscle, during almost its entire course to the base of the tongue, so that the palatine tonsil was clearly separated from the LBGN. In 55.1% of cases, however, the muscle lining observed at the tonsillar bed was not continuous, and instead thin muscle bundles, derived from the stylopharyngeus, palatopharyngeus or superior constrictor pharyngeal muscles, partly covered the tonsillar capsule externally. Moreover, in 21.5% of cases, the LBGN was firmly adherent to the tonsillar capsule, due to complete absence of the lining muscles at the tonsillar bed. In these cases, and also probably in a similar percentage of patients undergoing tonsillectomy, taste disturbance could occur upon removal of the hypertrophic tonsillar capsule produced by chronic inflammation. Therefore, tonsillectomy with minimal disturbance of the tonsillar bad is recommended in all cases.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Bronchial hypersensitivity and development of bronchial asthma in children with atopic dermatitis].

Using histamine inhalation tests, we followed changes in bronchial hypersensitivity in 48 children with atopic dermatitis (AD) who were nonasthmatic on their initial visit. Twenty-three of these subjects became asthmatic during the follow-up period. The respiratory thresholds to histamine RT-Hist) of children with AD were widely distributed, ranging from 156 to more than 5000 micrograms/ml. There was a statistical difference in RT-Hist, as those who became asthmatic showed lower levels (< or = 625 micrograms/ml) at 2-6 yr of age. The percentage of peripheral eosinophil counts and IgE level was significantly elevated in those who became asthmatic. Subjects who developed asthma were more likely to have had positive D.p. RAST when they were less than 2 yr of age. The development of asthma in children with AD showed no significant relationship with family history of bronchial asthma.

Age of Onset↗

PubMed1994

[Bronchial hypersensitivity to histamine in asthmatic children longitudinal study from first visit to remitted state].

In order to examine the changes in bronchial hypersensitivity, histamine inhalation tests were evaluated in 27 asthmatic children who remitted. The respiratory threshold to histamine (RT-Hist) 2-3 yrs after remission was higher than in the initial test, in their worst periods of the asthma and just before remission (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.005, respectively). Eleven subjects (40.7%), showed no improvement of bronchial hypersensitivity 2-3 yrs after remission (RT-Hist was 1250 micrograms/ml or lower). In this group, the asthma score per year two and three years before symptom-free state was higher than in the group with improved bronchial hypersensitivity (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between % fall of FEV1.0 in RT-Hist in the worst periods of the asthma and 2-3 yrs after remission. FEV1.0/VCP, %V50, %V25 and V25/Ht 2-3 yrs after remission were higher than those in the worst periods of the asthma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

[A case of anaphylaxis caused by sunflower seed].

A 14 years old boy experienced an anaphylactic reaction of dyspnea, vomiting, urticaria and hypotension after he ate sunflower seeds. Specific IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to sunflower seen extract was demonstrated by skin tests and radioallergosorbent test (RAST). By immunoblotting test analysis (SDS-PAGE, Western blotting method), the allergenic activity of sunflower seem were shown to be in the MW range of 13.5 Kd.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Fine structure and elemental analysis of the enamel in the cryptobranchid salamander Megalobatrachus japonicus.

Teeth from Megalobatrachus japonicus were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe analyzer (EMPA) to assay the elements of the enamel layer. The enamel layer of each of tooth is thin and the arrangement of the enamel crystals is regular in the Megalobatrachus japonicus. Based on calcium, phosphate and magnesium levels of distribution, the calcification level of the enamel layer differs between the labial and lingual surfaces. Concentrations of iron and fluoride are located in both portions of the enamel layer as well. The presence of trace elements and distribution of calcified levels are related to the mineral formation in the enamel layer and function of the teeth during feeding.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

[Adult case of bronchial asthma induced by chironomid midges].

A 48-year-old woman who was diagnosed to have bronchial asthma induced by chironomid midges is reported. In spring of 1985, massive growth of chironomid midges occurred in the river beside her house. Since then, moderate growth has occurred in every spring or summer. She had wheezing attacks every May or June since June 1986. On May 2, 1991, she was hospitalized because of exacerbation of wheezing and dyspnea. Wheezing attacks were improved by appropriate medical treatment during hospitalization. Examination was performed during the state of stable clinical symptoms. RAST scores to Chironomus thummi thummi (CTT) and Chironomus plumosus (CP) were 4 and 3, respectively. Allergic skin reaction showed the threshold dilution of CP of 10(-6). CP skin test concomitantly provoked a mild acute asthma attack. The midges found swarming around her house were identified as Chironomus nippodorsalis. According to her clinical history and allergic skin reactions followed by acute asthmatic attack, this patient was diagnosed to have bronchial asthma induced by chironomid midges. Chironomid midge can be one of the inhalant allergens in adults.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Further histological observations on popliteal lymph nodes after interruption of the afferent lymphatic vessels.

Lymphatic vessels afferent to the popliteal nodes in young adult rats and guinea pigs were interrupted at the lowest edge of the popliteal fossa, and regressive changes in the nodes occurring 4 to 16 or 18 weeks after surgery were re-examined histologically. In the rat, some popliteal nodes were drained by lymphatic channel(s) from the tail. After surgery, the popliteal nodes without lymphatic channel(s) from the tail underwent regression of all their constituent deep cortical units and also the peripheral cortex comprising lymph follicles, until at 18 weeks, the lymphoid organization of the node reached a minimal level. On the other hand, in popliteal nodes having a lymphatic channel from the tail, some deep cortical units and the overlying peripheral cortex underwent hypotrophy, leaving the remaining units and their overlying peripheral cortex little affected. In the guinea pig, the treated nodes underwent progressive atrophy and ultimately became rudimentary, or even vanished, after 16 weeks. Treated rudimentary nodes were composed largely of stromal cells only, and these were replaced to a various extent by fat. The present results are discussed in relation to complete and incomplete inhibition of the afferent lymph flowing into the surgically treated nodes.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

[Airborne Japanese red cedar allergens studied by the immunoblotting technique--comparison with pollen counts obtained by Durham sampling and effect of weather].

We collected airborne particles with Burkard's sampling tape in Toyama from March to July. According to the immunoblotting technique (Takahashi et al, 1990), the airborne pollen allergens were reacted with anti-Cry j I polyclonal antibody and were stained as blue spots. The areas of these spots were measured with a color image analyzer (CIA) and a densitometer. There were significant correlations between the airborne Cry j I allergen spots (CIA and densitometer) and the pollen counts obtained with a Durham sampler (r = 0.624, 0.555, p < 0.001). The airborne Cry j I allergens however, tended to maintain a higher level than the pollen counts (Durham) in May. We theorized that this discrepancy is caused by cross reactivity with other pollen or crushed cedar pollen particles have allergenicity. There was a negative correlation between the Cry j I spots and rainfall. The pollen counts had a negative correlation with rainfall, and a positive correlation with average wind speed. These results suggest that this method is useful in evaluating fluctuations in airborne Cry j I allergen.

Allergens↗

PubMed1993

[Evaluation of the Magic Lite SQ specific IgE kit].

The new IgE specific antibody assay kit (Magic Lite SQ) was evaluated by comparing its results with those obtained by the Phadebas RAST and the skin prick tests. Sera from allergic children were used in the tests. The correlation coefficients between the Magic Lite SQ and the Phadebas RAST were as follows: 0.87 for D.p., 0.89 for D.f., 0.87 for HD1, 0.55 for HD2, 0.76 for orchard grass, 0.93 for cat dander, 0.78 for Alternaria, 0.88 for egg white, 0.75 for egg york, 0.81 for milk, 0.75 for say bean, and 0.60 for shrimp. The concordance rate of the two methods was high, except on the case of HD2. The sensitivity and specificity of Magic Lite SQ to the skin prick test was high, except on the case of HD2 and orchard grass. Dilution tests using samples from D.f. positive patients showed a good linearity and excellent quantitativeness. When mite allergen was added to D.f. positive pool serum, mite specific IgE antibody yielded an excellent inhibition curve of up to a maximum of 96%. Since the Magic Lite SQ requires only a small sample of serum and can completed the test in a short time, it is a useful and specific IgE antibody assay kit.

Child↗