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Biomedical subjects

H Ishiguro

Publications and source records attributed to H Ishiguro.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Association study between the -141C Ins/Del and TaqI A polymorphisms of the dopamine D2 receptor gene and alcoholism.

Dopamine D2 receptors have been implicated in the biology of alcohol preference. We examined the -141 C Ins/Del polymorphism in the promoter region of the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) and the DRD2 TaqI A polymorphisms in 209 Japanese alcoholics and 152 age- and sex-matched Japanese controls. The Ins allele was significantly increased in the alcoholics, compared with the controls (p < 0.002, odds ratio = 1.82). The TaqI A1 allele tended to be more frequent in the alcoholics than in the controls (p < 0.04). Linkage disequilibrium between these two polymorphisms was weak (a maximum delta value = 0.13). The -141 C Ins/Del polymorphism may affect the vulnerability for alcoholism presumably through different expression of DRD2 in the Japanese.

Adult↗

[Structure and function of a novel ErbB ligand, NTAK].

A novel member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, the neural and thymus-derived activator for ErbB kinase (NTAK) has been cloned from the cDNA library of a rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12 cells and human neuroblastoma cell line, SK-N-SH cells. Four alternative spliced isoforms from rat cDNA have been detected by the methods of RT-PCR. The rat NTAK alpha 2a isoform exhibits 94% identity in its sequence with the human NTAK alpha isoform. Three characteristic Ig-like, EGF-like and hydrophobic domains have been identified in rat and human NTAK molecules. Recombinant NTAK, the soluble 46 kDa form, binds directly to ErbB3 and ErbB4, but not ErbB1 and B2. NTAK, however, transactivates with heterodimer such as ErbB1/B3, B1/B4, B2/B3, B2/B4, and B3/B4. NTAK stimulates the differentiation of MDA-MB-453 cells, derived from blast carcinoma. NTAK competitively inhibits the binding of [125I] NRG-1 to these cells. Thus, NTAK is a new member of the EGF family displaying NRG-1 properties.

Animals↗

Nicotine regulates mRNA level of tyrosine hydroxylase gene but not that of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes in PC12 cells.

To understand the molecular mechanism of nicotine addiction, we examined the mRNA level of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene and that of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) genes by long-term nicotine treatment. The transcript levels of the four subunit genes of the nAChR (alpha3, alpha5, alpha7, and beta4) were down-regulated by the treatment with forskolin, whereas the mRNA levels of the TH gene was increased in PC12 cells. By long-term nicotine treatment, the mRNA level of the nAChR genes did not change, but transcript levels of alpha3, alpha5, alpha7, and beta4 nAChR genes were still negatively regulated by forskolin. However, the mRNA level of TH gene did not change by forskolin under long-term nicotine treatment. The TH gene may be regulated by a nicotine-related signaling pathway, whereas alpha3, alpha5, alpha7, and beta4 nAChR genes may be further regulated by a protein kinase A (PKA) pathway under long-term nicotine treatment.

Animals↗

Manumycin and gliotoxin derivative KT7595 block Ras farnesylation and cell growth but do not disturb lamin farnesylation and localization in human tumour cells.

Recently, many inhibitors of farnesyl protein transferase (FPTase) have been identified. Some of them interrupt cell growth in addition to Ras and nuclear lamin processing of Ras-transformed cells. We have tested the effect of the FPTase inhibitors manumycin, an analogue of farnesyl diphosphate, and KT7595, a gliotoxin derivative, on Ras farnesylation, DNA synthesis and the anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of human colon carcinoma (LoVo), hepatoma (Mahlavu and PLC/PRF/5) and gastric carcinoma (KATO III). Both drugs severely inhibited DNA synthesis, cellular proliferation and Ras farnesylation in LoVo and moderately reduced them in Mahlavu and PLC/PRF/5 but not in KATO III. Complete sequencing of ras genes, however, revealed that LoVo and KATO III have activated Ki-ras and activated N-ras, respectively, whereas Mahlavu and PLC/PRF/5 have no activated ras. We next checked whether the inhibition of the cellular proliferation is due to the blocking of nuclear lamin function. Neither drug disturbed lamin farnesylation and localization, as demonstrated using metabolic labelling, immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence. These results indicate that manumycin and KT7595 can inhibit Ras farnesylation and cell growth without disturbing the farnesylation and localization of the lamins on human tumour cell lines.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

A novel brain-derived member of the epidermal growth factor family that interacts with ErbB3 and ErbB4.

A novel member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, the neural- and thymus-derived activator for ErbB kinases (NTAK), has been purified and cloned. Five alternative spliced isoforms have been detected in the rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cell line, PC-12 cells. The rat NTAK alpha2a isoform exhibits 94% identity in its primary sequence with the human NTAK alpha isoform. In vivo, NTAK is only expressed in the brain of rat E11.5 embryos, and in the brain and thymus of adult rats. The soluble 46 kDa form binds directly to ErbB3 and B4, but not to ErbB1 or B2. NTAK, however, transactivates ErbB1 and B2 via heterodimerization with ErbB3 or B4. NTAK stimulates the differentiation of MDA-MB-453 cells and competitively inhibits the binding of [125I]neuregulin to these cells. In addition to these neuregulin-like properties, NTAK exhibits limited structural homology to neuregulins in the immunoglobulin (Ig)-like, EGF-like, and hydrophobic domains. Thus, NTAK appears to be a new member of the EGF family displaying neuregulin properties.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Change of pancreatic enzymes, pancreatic stone protein (PSP), and plasma alpha(2)-macroglobulin-trypsin complex-like substance (MTLS) in the activation of pancreatic juice.

To characterize the activation of pancreatic zymogens (trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and proelastase 1) in acute pancreatitis, we studied the activation of pancreatic juice with porcine enteropeptidase in vitro, and then enzymatic activities and the generation of pancreatic stone protein (PSP) S1 form in pancreatic juice were investigated. Further, we determined immunoreactive trypsin, immunoreactive elastase 1, PSP, and alpha(2)-macroglobulin-trypsin complex-like substance (MTLS) levels in plasma to which the activated juice was added. In the present report, we demonstrate that the plasma MTLS level reflected the activation of pancreatic trypsinogen in pancreatic juice. Further, the generation of PSP S1 form was found at an early stage of activation. Therefore, the plasma MTLS level and the generation of PSP S1 form may offer new diagnostic information on the amounts of activated proteases and subsequently on the severity of acute pancreatitis.

Animals↗

Evaluating exocrine function tests for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis.

To evaluate the effectiveness of exocrine function tests in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis (CP), we compared the sensitivity and specificity of duodenal intubation with tubeless tests. While the secretin test (ST) was necessary to diagnose CP, especially in noncalcified CP, and tubeless tests demonstrated insufficient sensitivity to diagnose CP, the combination assay of tubeless tests was specific enough to diagnose severe exocrine dysfunction. Our studies found the sensitivity of secretin testing to diagnose definite CP to be 87%. In patients with probable CP, 60% had mild exocrine insufficiency and 40% had normal function. The false-positive rate of the ST results in nonpancreatic diseases, except diabetes mellitus, was 5%. The correlation between morphological changes in endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) and exocrine function evaluated by ST was 74%. In patients with calcified CP, 81% had parallel results between ERP and the ST, but in noncalcified CP, 47% had parallel results. In patients with severe or moderate exocrine insufficiency demonstrated by ST, abnormally low levels were observed in 63% by N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid (BT-PABA) test, 61% by fecal chymotrypsin test (FCT), and 44% by pancreatic amylase (PA). In patients with normal exocrine function demonstrated by ST, abnormally low levels were observed in 28% by BT-PABA test, 28% by FCT, and 10% by PA. A combination assay of BT-PABA test, FCT, and PA improved the specificity for diagnosing CP but not the sensitivity.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗

An association study between a transcriptional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and panic disorder in a Japanese population.

A polymorphism in the 5' region of the serotonin transporter gene modulates its transcription efficiency. Its short allele has been reported to be associated with neurotic traits. The serotonin transporter is the action site of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, widely used in the treatment of panic disorder. We examined an association between the polymorphism and panic disorder in a case-control study consisting of 66 Japanese patients and 150 controls. The short allele was significantly more frequent in the Japanese than in Caucasians. The patients and the controls had similar allele frequencies, indicating no association between the polymorphism and panic disorder in most Japanese patients.

Adult↗

Sclerosing cholangitis associated with hypereosinophilic syndrome.

A 15-year-old male with hypereosinophilic syndrome was admitted to our hospital because of general malaise and abnormal liver function tests. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography demonstrated bile duct changes consistent with primary sclerosing cholangitis. The patient's liver profile tests returned to normal after treatment with prednisolone and ursodeoxycholic acid. In this case, eosinophils might have played an important role in the pathogenesis of the bile duct lesion.

Adolescent↗

[Blood rheological study in rats with fatty liver--with special reference to effects of ethyl icosapentate].

A blood rheological study was conducted using Kikuchi's micro-channel method in rats with fatty liver. Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on blood rheology were also evaluated. Male SD rats given normal feed served as the control. One group was given choline-deficient feed for 4 weeks (EPA (-) group), while another group was daily given EPA (1000 mg/kg) for 4 weeks together with choline-deficient feed (EPA (+) group). The micro-channel passage time was determined using 100 microliters of whole blood. The passage time significantly increased in the EPA (-) group compared to the control (p < 0.01). It significantly decreased in the EPA (+) group compared to the EPA (-) group (p < 0.01). Findings obtained in the present study suggested that blood rheological factors are related to the development of fatty liver and that EPA inhibits fatty changes of the liver by improving these rheological factors.

Animals↗

[Adult onset Still's disease with a brainstem lesion demonstrated on MRI].

We report a 39-year-old man with seven-year history of adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) who developed left abducens palsy and ataxic gait. T2-weighted MRI demonstrated high-intensities in the left side of the lower pons, including nucleus abducens and the inferior cerebellar peduncle, and in the right anteromedial portion of the thalamus corresponding to his neurological abnormalities. He responded favorably to corticosteroid treatment, and the high-intensities in the T2-weighted MRI diminished subsequently. Previously, he had developed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss which had responded to corticosteroid treatment during an exacerbation of the disease. There was no evidence of multiple sclerosis or other systemic diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) in the laboratory findings. Although the precise reason for the MRI lesions was unclear, we thought they were CNS manifestations of Still's disease. We suggest that AOSD is one of the causes of focal CNS involvement in young adults, particularly who has a history of fever of unknown origin.

Abducens Nerve↗

Immunoreactivity of growth inhibitory factor in normal rat brain and after stab wounds--an immunocytochemical study using confocal laser scan microscope.

The growth inhibitor factor (GIF) is a new member of the metallothionein family that is downregulated in Alzheimer's disease brain. Using a confocal laser scan microscope with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to GIF, and monoclonal antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and MAP-2, we demonstrated that GIF immunoreactivity was expressed primarily in astrocytes and much less in neurons. In astrocytes of normal rat brain GIF immunoreactivity was detected mainly in the cell bodies, while GFAP immunoreactivity was detected mainly in the processes. GIF immunoreactivity was more strongly expressed in reactive astrocytes. These findings were confirmed with both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. Following stab wounds, a number of GIF-positive reactive astrocytes were detected around the wounds at 3 days postoperation. After 7 days GIF immunoreactivity was detected in cell bodies and processes of reactive astrocytes. The number of GIF-positive astrocytes and the intensity of the immunoreactivity remained elevated over the control levels at least through 28 days. These immunocytochemical findings correlated well with changes in GIF protein and mRNA levels. Not only changes in GIF protein and mRNA levels but also intracellular localization of GIF in normal rat brain and after stab wounds in rat brain were different from those of GFAP. These results support the concept that GIF plays an important role in the processing of reconstruction after brain damage.

Animals↗

Accumulation of intracellular HCO3- by Na(+)-HCO3- cotransport in interlobular ducts from guinea-pig pancreas.

1. Short segments of interlobular duct were microdissected from guinea-pig pancreas following enzymatic digestion. After overnight culture, intracellular pH (pH1) and Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) were measured by microfluorometry in duct cells loaded with either the pH-sensitive fluoroprobe 2'7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) or the sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (SBFI). 2. The transporters responsible for maintaining pHi above equilibrium were investigated by using the NH4Cl pulse technique to acid load the cells. In the absence of HCO3-/CO2, the recovery of pH1 was Na+ dependent, abolished by 0.2 mM amiloride and by 10 microM N-methyl-N-isobutylamiloride and was therefore attributed to Na(+)-H+ exchange. 3. In the presence of HCO3-/CO2, amiloride only partially inhibited the recovery from acid loading. The amiloride-insensitive component was abolished by 0.5 mM H2DIDS and unaffected by depletion of intracellular Cl- and was therefore attributed to Na(+)-HCO3- cotransport. 4. Stimulation with 10 nM secretin did not cause a significant change in pH1 despite a significant increase in HCO3- efflux. However, in the presence of secretin, addition of 0.5 mM H2DIDS caused a decline in pH1 that was three times more rapid than that obtained with 0.2 mM amiloride. 5. In secretin-stimulated ducts, Na+ uptake increased when HCO3-/CO2 was added to the bath and this increase was strongly inhibited by 0.5 mM H2DIDS. 6. We conclude that Na(+)-HCO3- cotransport contributes approximately 75% of the HCO3- taken up by guinea-pig pancreatic duct cells during stimulation with secretin. It is proposed that electrical coupling between HCO3- efflux at the luminal membrane and electrogenic Na(+)-HCO3- cotransport at the basolateral membrane explains why secretin causes little change in pH1.

Amiloride↗

Bicarbonate secretion in interlobular ducts from guinea-pig pancreas.

1. The transport of HCO3- across the luminal membrane of pancreatic duct cells was studied by monitoring the luminal pH of isolated guinea-pig interlobular ducts after microinjection of an extracellular fluoroprobe, the dextran conjugate of 2'7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF-dextran). Luminal Cl- concentration was also measured by microfluorometry following microinjection of the dextran conjugates of 6-methoxy-N-(4-aminoalkyl)quinolinium bromide (ABQ-dextran) and Cl-NERF (Cl-NERF-dextran). 2. When HCO3-/CO2 was admitted to the bath, a transient acidification of the duct lumen was observed, followed by a marked alkalinization. The latter was abolished when the luminal Cl- concentration was reduced to 25-35 mM by replacement with glucuronate and may, therefore, be attributed to Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange at the luminal membrane. 3. Secretin, forskolin and acetylcholine stimulated HCO3- secretion into the lumen even when the luminal Cl- concentration was reduced to approximately 7 mM. Furthermore, agonist-evoked HCO3- secretion was not inhibited by luminal glibenclamide, dihydro-4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (H2DIDS) or 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB). These observations are not easily reconciled with HCO3- transport across the luminal membrane being mediated by Cl(-)-HCO3- exchange in parallel with a Cl- conductance. 4. Agonist-stimulated HCO3- secretion was blocked by omitting Na+ from the bath but not by addition of N-methyl-N-isobutylamiloride (MIA) or bafilomycin A1. This supports our previous conclusion that HCO3- entry into duct cells from the extracellular fluid requires Na+ but is not dependent on Na(+)-H+ exchange or vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase activity. 5. The three actions of secretin on guinea-pig pancreatic duct cells described in this and the accompanying paper - stimulation of a relatively Cl(-)-insensitive luminal HCO3- efflux pathway, stimulation of basolateral Na(+)-HCO3- cotransport, and lack of effect on intracellular pH- require the current model of pancreatic HCO3- secretion to be modified.

Animals↗

Inhibition of cell growth of human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) by a farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor: a preferential suppression of ras farnesylation.

So far, treatment with anti-cancer agents has failed to achieve satisfactory results in hepatocellular carcinoma. In the process of hepatocarcinogenesis, ras has been shown to play a role. ras requires a farnesyl moiety for activation. It has been found that UCFI-C (manumycin), an antibiotic, inhibits farnesyl protein transferase, an enzyme that catalyzes farnesylation. Therefore, we investigated the effects of UCFI-C on cell growth, prenylation of cellular proteins including ras and Rapl, MAP kinase activity, activities of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and synthesis of cholesterol in a ras-activated human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2. Treatment with varying concentrations of UCF1-C(10-30 microM for 24 and 72 hr resulted in a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of cell numbers. 3H-Thymidine incorporation was also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, with 50% inhibition after 44 hr being observed at a concentration of 17 microM. UCFI-C dose-dependently inhibited ras farnesylation and MAP kinase activity, but did not decrease Rap 1++ geranylgeranylation or prenylation of 21-to 26-kDa proteins. Neither the activities of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase nor cholesterol synthesis were inhibited. These results suggest that UCFI-C antagonizes the growth of Hep G2 via the suppression of ras farnesylation and could be a lead for the development of new anti-cancer agents blocking the function of oncogenic ras associated with human cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Phenotypic diversity and kinetics of proliferating microglia and astrocytes following cortical stab wounds.

Brain injury induces reactive gliosis, characterized by increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), astrocyte hypertrophy, and hyperplasia of astrocytes and microglia. One hypothesis tested in this study was whether ganglioside GD3+ glial precursor cells would contribute to macroglial proliferation following injury. Adult rats received a cortical stab wound. Proliferating cells were identified by immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and by [3H]-thymidine autoradiography, and cell phenotypes by immunocytochemical staining for GD3, GFAP, ED1 (for reactive microglia) and for Bandeiraea Simplicifolia isolectin-B4 binding (all microglia). Animals were labeled with thymidine at 1,2,3, and 4 days postlesion (dpl) and sacrificed at various times thereafter. Proliferating cells of each phenotype were quantified. A dramatic upregulation of GD3 on ramified microglia was seen in the ipsilateral hemisphere by 2 dpl. Proliferating cells consisted of microglia and fewer astrocytes. Microglia proliferated maximally at 2-3 dpl and one third to one half were GD3+. Astrocytes proliferated maximally at 3-4 dpl, and some were also GD3+. Both ramified and ameboid forms of microglia proliferated and by 4 dpl all GD3+ microglia were ED1+ and vice versa. In the contralateral cortex microglia expressed neither GD3 nor ED1. Thus they acquired these antigens when activated. Neither microglia nor astrocytes that were thymidine-labeled at 2, 3, or 4 dpl changed in number in subsequent days. Most thymidine+ astrocytes were large GFAP+ reactive cells that clearly arose from pre-existing astrocytes, not from GD3+ glial precursors. In this model of injury microglia proliferate earlier and to a much greater extent than astrocytes, they can divide when in ramified form, and GD3 is up-regulated in most reactive microglia and in a subset of reactive astrocytes. We also conclude that microglial proliferation precedes proliferation of invading blood-borne macrophages.

Animals↗

Suppression of human pancreatic cancer growth in BALB/c nude mice by manumycin, a farnesyl:protein transferase inhibitor.

Activating mutations of Ki-ras have been detected in most human pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Since Ras protein requires farnesylation to function, we investigated the effects of manumycin, a potent farnesyl:protein transferase inhibitor, on the growth in nude mice of a human pancreatic cancer cell line, MIA PaCa-2, with a point mutation in the Ki-ras gene. Tumor-bearing mice received intraperitoneal injection of 1 or 5mg/kg manumycin daily for 5 days, or 2 mg/kg manumycin daily for 2 weeks. Growth of inoculated tumors was significantly inhibited by the treatment. The treatment significantly (P<0.05) lowered the numbers of bromodeoxyuridine-incorporating tumor cells. Manumycin did not have apparent hepatotoxicity in vivo. Farnesyl:protein transferase inhibitors could offer a new approach for cancer chemotherapy.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗