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Biomedical subjects

H Kawamura

Publications and source records attributed to H Kawamura.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Apoptosis and expression of Bax protein and Fas antigen in glomeruli of a remnant-kidney model.

The role of apoptosis in glomerular cell depletion associated with a decrease in renal function is still controversial. To examine the involvement of apoptosis in renal disease, the occurrence of apoptosis during the progression of renal insufficiency as well as the expression of Bax protein and Fas antigen that are related to the apoptosis were investigated using five-sixths nephrectomized rats, one of the progressive renal disease models. Serum creatinine was significantly elevated to a level approximately five-fold higher than that in the sham-operated group on day 1 after the five-sixths nephrectomy and then maintained at a level approximately two- to three-fold higher until day 56 and then elevated further to a level eight-fold higher on day 96 after nephrectomy as compared with the sham-operated group. The total number of glomerular cells was significantly increased from day 7 to day 56 after nephrectomy and then returned to the level of the sham-operated group by day 96. The number of PCNA-positive cells (a marker of proliferating cells) in the glomeruli was significantly increased from day 7 to day 28 after nephrectomy; the highest level was observed on day 7, and the numbers then decreased gradually. Apoptotic cells, which were represented by TUNEL-positive cells, as well as apoptotic bodies were persistently increased with time after nephrectomy in the glomeruli of nephrectomized rats; apoptotic cells could hardly be observed in the sham-operated group. Therefore, glomerular cell proliferation appeared to begin immediately after nephrectomy and to continue until day 28 at a level high enough to overcome the decrease in the number of glomerular cells due to apoptosis, since the total number of glomerular cells was apparently high until day 56. On day 96, the decrease in the number of glomerular cells probably becomes predominant over cell proliferation, since apoptosis continuously increased with time after nephrectomy. The events on day 96 may be associated with the severely decreased renal function which was represented by the explosive increase in the serum creatinine level on the same day. The number of Fas antigen positive glomerular cells was increased from day 1 after nephrectomy and reached a plateau on day 21. The number of Bax protein positive glomerular cells was generally increased with time after nephrectomy, but the number was slightly decreased on day 21. The theory that the expression of Bax protein is correlated with apoptosis appears to fit the case of progressive renal disease. These results suggest that apoptosis is involved in the cell depletion of progressive renal insufficiency.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Inhibitory effect of Coptidis Rhizoma and Scutellariae Radix on azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci formation in rat colon.

This study was conducted to obtain effective cancer chemopreventive agents with low toxicity from medicinal herbs. The effect of aqueous extracts from 9 medicinal herbs with antiinflammatory effect were examined on the formation of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF), putative preneoplastic lesions of the colon. Male F344 rats were treated with 15 mg/kg body weight of AOM once a week for two weeks. Herbal extract consisting of 2% of the diet was administered from 1 d prior to the first carcinogen treatment. The number of AOM-induced ACF per colon was counted at 4 week. Extracts of Coptidis Rhizoma and Scutellariae Radix significantly inhibited AOM-induced ACF formation. The number of ACF was decreased to 54% and 78% of that of the control by 2% Coptidis Rhizoma and Scutellariae Radix extract in the diet, respectively. Berberine and Baicalin, major ingredients of Coptidis Rhizoma and Scutellariae Radix, inhibited ACF formation at a dose equivalent to the amount in each herbal extract. Therefore, to investigate the mechanisms of action of berberine and baicalein which is the active substances of orally administered baicalin, their effects on cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 activities were studied. Berberine was found to inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 activity without inhibition of cyclooxygenase 1 activity, and baicalein inhibited cyclooxygenase 1 activity. Thus, Coptidis Rhizoma and Scutellariae Radix suppressed experimental colon carcinogenesis, and their chemopreventive effects were explained from the inhibition of berberine on cyclooxygenase 2 activity and baicalein on cyclooxygenase 1 activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Calcium channel blockers shorten the periodicity of ultradian variation in blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.

We studied ultradian and circadian variations in blood pressure (BP) in patients with essential hypertension who were receiving antihypertensive agents. No patient had previously received antihypertensive agents before this study began. After a 2-wk control period, we performed ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in 86 patients with essential hypertension (WHO stages I or II). The patients were then given a long-acting angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) (captopril or imidapril), a beta-receptor blocker (arotinolol or bisoprolol), or a calcium channel blocker (nisoldipine or benidipine) twice daily to control BP. We evaluated the patients' BP once every 2 wk to ensure optimal control. After 12 wk, ultradian and circadian variations in BP were analyzed by the maximum entropy method (MEM). All antihypertensive agents decreased office systolic BP (SBP), office diastolic BP (DBP), 24-h SBP, and 24-h DBP. ACEI did not change office, 24-h, daytime, or nighttime pulse rate (PR). Arotinolol and bisoprolol decreased 24-h PR. All antihypertensive agents decreased 24-h, daytime, and nighttime pressure rate product. MEM showed that no antihypertensive agent affected the circadian variation in the 1st peak (24-h periodicity) of SBP, DBP, or PR. However, calcium channel blockers shortened the periodicity of circadian variations in the 2nd peak (12-h periodicity) of SBP and the 3rd peak (8 to 6 h periodicity) of SBP. Therefore, ultradian variations in BP should be carefully monitored in hypertensive patients treated with calcium channel blockers.

Activity Cycles↗
PubMed1998

Serological relationship among porcine cytomegalovirus Japanese isolates and a UK isolate.

We isolated porcine cytomegaloviruses (PCMVs) from lung samples of fattening pigs collected in the slaughter houses of 4 prefectures of Japan. Seven isolates were obtained and used for a comparison of serological characteristics by ELISA. J1, the first field isolate in Japan, and B6 which was isolated in the UK were also used in the study. The serological relationships between the isolates were analysed by the method of Archetti and Horsfall. OF1 showed serological differences with Chiba2 and Hiroshima. Differences were also observed between Chiba2 and ChibaC, ChibaC and Kagawa. B6 showed differences with OF2, Chiba3, ChibaC and Hiroshima.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed1998

[The number of beds needed for patients with infectious diseases that require hospitalization by law].

PURPOSE: Using a statistical model, a study was conducted on the number of beds that are needed for patients with infectious diseases who are required by law to be hospitalized. METHODS: Based on 1995 data, the incidence of such infectious diseases and the average duration of isolation of these patients in Japan were obtained. Using a Poisson distribution, the probability that the number of patients that exceeds a specific number over an average duration of hospitalization was computed in a finite population. The observation period was then extended to one year and the probability that the number of patients did not exceed a specific number during one year was calculated. RESULTS: In 1995, the annual incidence of infectious diseases requiring isolation by hospitalization was 1.38 per 100,000 population and the average duration of hospital confinement was 13.8 days. The estimated patient numbers calculated based on the probability of less than 0.001 that the number of patients would not exceed a specific number were: 2 for 30,000 population, 3 for 50,000 through 100,000, 5 for 200,000 and 300,000, 5 for 400,000 and 500,000, 6 for 750,000 and 1,000,000, 8 for 2,000,000, and 10 for 3,000,000. CONCLUSION: By using a Poisson distribution, a method was developed for estimating the number of beds that are needed for patients with infectious diseases when hospitalization was mandatory.

Communicable Disease Control↗
PubMed1998

[Physiology of sleep-wakefulness rhythms].

As the most important site for sleep-wakefulness change, the role of the hypothalamus is particularly emphasized based on our long term experimental data. After rostral midbrain transection, ECoG of the isolated forebrain recovered sleep-wakefulness change, with circadian rhythm, one week after transection. In this preparation, after additional bilateral preoptic or posterior hypothalamic lesions, ECoG "insomnia" or "coma" pattern appeared, respectively. Therefore, the mechanism of sleep-wakefulness change of the forebrain primarily does not depend on the lower brain stem structures such as the raphe nuclei and midbrain reticular formation. Hypothalamic sleep-wakefulness mechanism usually receives strong influence from the suprachiasmatic nucleus, but it can exert its own ultradian "rhythms" (very irregular though) in intact rats or in rats with suprachiasmatic lesions.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic function in alcoholic neuropathy.

We examined sympathetic and parasympathetic function in 17 chronic alcoholics. The subjects were divided into 4 groups; (1) alcoholics without neurologic deficits, (2) alcoholics with mild neuropathy, (3) alcoholics with prominent neuropathy, (4) patients with alcoholic neuropathy but long abstinence. We measured pulsatile arterial pressure (AP) noninvasively and heart rate (HR) was calculated from the AP signals. The sweat response on the palm and sole were measured by ventilated capsular method, while the cutaneous blood flow response by laser Doppler flowmetry. The AP, HR, sweating and cutaneous blood flow response to the Valsalva maneuver were evaluated. In alcoholics with minimal and prominent neuropathy, a pressor (overshooting) in phase IV of the Valsalva maneuver were decreased significantly. The HR response (reflex bradycardia) in phase IV of the Valsalva maneuver was significantly decreased only in alcoholics with prominent neuropathy. The alcoholics with no or minimal neuropathy showed exaggerated sweat responses on the palm and sole. In prominent alcoholic neuropathy, the sweat response was greater on the palm, but diminished on the sole. In no or minimal neuropathy, magnitude of the blood flow response was markedly reduced on both sites. The low resting blood flow levels may contribute to the diminished response. We also evaluated pupillary light reflex and response to methacholine in 7 alcoholics with neuropathy by a portable infrared pupillometer system that can be used with personal computers. Maximum constriction velocity of the pupillary light reflex in patients with alcoholic neuropathy was slower than that in the controls. Reflex amplitude was smaller in the alcoholics than that in the control. However, local administration of methacholine did not change pupillary size and light reflex in the alcoholics same as the controls. The data suggest that preceding sympathetic hyperfunction related with distressed autonomic center is existing with sympathetic hypofunction involved from the sympathetic fibers, target organs and higher center.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Sairei-to inhibits the production of endothelin-1 by nephritic glomeruli(2): alisols, possible candidates as active compounds].

We have previously reported that Sairei-to (TJ-114), a Japanese herbal medicine, prevented the production of endothelin-1 in anti-GBM nephritic rats, and that Alismatis Rhizoma (Takusha in Japanese), one of the twelve herbs composing TJ-114, might be responsible for the action. In order to further clarify the antinephritic components of TJ-114, we investigated the effects of Takusha extracts on various parameters, including endothelin-1 production of glomeruli in vitro and in vivo using anti-GBM nephritic rats. MeOH-100% MeOH and MeOH-50% MeOH fractions (31.3 microgram/ml or higher) strongly inhibited an increase in endothelin-1 concentration in culture medium when they were added to a culture of glomerular cells derived from nephritic rats. In addition, oral administration of the MeOH-100% MeOH fraction (30 mg/kg) ameliorated the proteinuria, increase in systolic blood pressure and changes in histopathological parameters in nephritic rats. Oral administration of the MeOH-100% MeOH fraction inhibited increase in endothelin-1 expression in the glomeruli of nephritic rats and in endothelin-1 production by a culture of glomerular cells derived from the nephritic rats. Alisols A and B, the main constituents of the MeOH-100% MeOH fraction, inhibited in vitro endothelin-1 production by glomerular cells derived from the nephritic rats. Oral administration of alisol B (30 mg/kg) prevented the endothelin-1 expression by glomeruli and the increase in endothelin-1 production by cultured nephritic glomerular cells. Oral administration of alisol B also ameliorated the proteinuria, the increase in systolic blood pressure and the changes in histopathological parameters in the nephritic rats. These results indicate that the antinephritic action of TJ-114, resulting from the inhibition of endothelin-1 production, may be attributed to the alisols in Takusha.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Use of selectively colored stereolithography for diagnosis of impacted supernumerary teeth for a patient with cleidocranial dysplasia.

The objective of the present study was to develop a three-dimensional method of locating the position of impacted supernumerary teeth in a patient with cleidocranial dysplasia. Stereolithographies of the patient's teeth and maxillofacial structure were prepared, coloring the teeth red. This model established accurate tooth malposition and provided support for selection of surgical exposure for extraction and traction of the impacted teeth. Selectively colored stereolithography is expected to be useful in a number of diverse situations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[MRI findings in a testicular epidermoid cyst: a case report].

A 21-year-old man was admitted with a painless mass in the left testis. Physical examination revealed a firm, small-finger sized, mass lesion with a smooth surface in the left testis. The ultrasonographic appearance was a hypoechoic lesion with an echogenic rim in the left testis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings showed the echogenic rim to be a low-signal zone on both T1 and T2-weighted images. The center, on T2-weighted images, had a low signal intensity, with peripheral high signal intensity. Under a preoperative diagnosis of epidermoid cyst, the mass was resected surgically with preservation of the testis. Histopathological diagnosis confirmed an epidermoid cyst. Preoperative ultrasonographic and MRI findings suggested a benign lesion, thus permitting preservation of the testis.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Isolation and identification of hematopoietic stem cell-stimulating substances from Kampo (Japanese herbal) medicine, Juzen-taiho-to.

We have previously found that TJ-48 has the capacity to accelerate recovery from hematopoietic injury induced by radiation and the anti-cancer drug mitomycin C (MMC). The effects are found to be due to its stimulation of spleen colony-forming unit (CFU-S) counts on day 14. In the present study, we attempt to isolate and purify the active components in TJ-48 extracts using a new in vitro hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) assay method. n-Hexane extract from TJ-48 shows a significant stimulatory activity. The extract is further fractionated by silica gel chromatography and HPLC in order to identify its active components. 1H-NMR and GC-EI-MS indicate that the active fraction is composed of free fatty acids (oleic acid and linolenic acid). When 27 kinds of free fatty acids (commercially available) are tested using the HSC proliferating assay, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and linolenic acid are found to have potent activity. The administration of oleic acid to MMC-treated mice enhances CFU-S counts on days 8 and 14 to twice the control group. These findings strongly suggest that fatty acids contained in TJ-48 actively promote the proliferation of HSCs. Although many mechanisms seem to be involved in the stimulation of HSC proliferation, we speculate that at least one of the signals is mediated by stromal cells, rather than any direct interaction with the HSCs.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Intermediate TCR cells in mouse lung: their effector function to induce pneumonitis in mice with autoimmune-like graft-versus-host disease.

The lung comprises lymphocytes even under noninflammatory conditions. We investigated the presence of NK cells, extrathymic T cells, and thymus-derived T cells in this organ. As shown previously in mouse liver, two-color staining for CD3 and IL-2R beta-chain (IL-2Rbeta) identifies CD3- IL-2Rbeta+ NK cells, CD3int IL-2Rbeta+ cells (int indicates intermediate; of extrathymic origin), and CD3high IL-2Rbeta- cells (high indicates high; of thymic origin). These populations were present in the lungs of normal mice in a unique manner (i.e., NK cells > CD3high cells > CD3int cells). The proportion of CD3int cells increased in the lung with age. In athymic mice, only CD3int cells were detected in the lung. In contrast to CD3int cells in the liver, the majority of these cells in the lung did not express NK1.1 Ags. Other properties of CD3int cells in the lung were the same as those in the liver, e.g., double-negative CD4- 8- cells and gammadelta T cells. CD3int cells in the lung contained forbidden clones similar to those in other organs. When (B6 x bm12) F1 mice (Ly5.2) were injected with CD3high cells of B6-Ly5.1 origin, F1 mice fell victim to chronic graft-vs-host disease and pneumonitis, showing the expansion of CD3int cells. Almost all of them were of recipient origin (Ly5.2+). More importantly, such CD3int cells induced autoimmune-like pneumonitis when injected into irradiated F1 mice. CD3int cells isolated from the lung in mice with graft-vs-host disease exerted autologous cytotoxicity against thymocytes in vitro. These results suggest that extrathymic T cells exist in the lung and that their expansion may be responsible for inflammatory lung diseases.

Adoptive Transfer↗
PubMed1997

Ooplasmic round spermatid nuclear injection procedures as an experimental treatment for nonobstructive azoospermia.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to apply ooplasmic round spermatid nuclear injections for the treatment of nonobstructive azoospermia. MATERIALS: Participants were nine azoospermic men who had previously undergone diagnostic testicular biopsy. Spermatogenetic arrest was diagnosed at the round spermatid stage (n = 6) or primary spermatocyte stage (n = 3). A second (therapeutic) testicular biopsy was performed and round spermatid nuclei were recovered from all the participants. RESULTS: Forty-nine mature oocytes were successfully injected with nuclei and then cultured for 72 hr. Twenty-four embryos were transferred to nine women. No pregnancy was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Round spermatids can be recovered from therapeutic testicular biopsy material of men negative for round spermatids in previous routine diagnostic testicular biopsy specimens. Round spermatid nuclear injections may play a role in the treatment of nonobstructive azoospermia.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Ophthalmic findings in a case of hemophagocytic syndrome.

PURPOSE: To report a case of hemophagocytic syndrome, which is characterized by hemophagocytosis of histiocytes; optic nerve involvement, and unusual retinal white patches. METHOD: Case report. A 10-year-old boy had repeated relapses of hemophagocytic syndrome. He complained of swelling of the right upper eyelid and bilateral visual disturbance. RESULTS: Ophthalmoscopic examination disclosed bilateral optic disk edema, retinal hemorrhages, and multiple perivenous white patches in the retina. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated enlargement of both optic nerves. After chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, his visual acuity improved in both eyes, and retinal patches changed to inactive-appearing scars. CONCLUSION: Hemophagocytic syndrome may manifest with ophthalmic findings such as optic nerve involvement, retinal hemorrhages, and multiple white perivenous retinal patches.

Child↗
PubMed1997

Rhabdomyoma of the orbit in a child.

PURPOSE: To study a case of rhabdomyoma of the orbit in a 16-month-old boy. METHOD: The child had progressive right proptosis for 1 month. He underwent a computed tomographic scan, which showed an irregular right retrobulbar mass and partial resection. RESULTS: Histologic examination disclosed well-differentiated striated muscle cells with a mixture of collagen fibers and immature striated muscle cells with centrally placed nuclei. The specimen lacked nuclear atypia, indicating benign rhabdomyoma of the orbit. During the 1 1/2-year follow-up, the patient did not receive additional treatment, and no regrowth occurred. CONCLUSION: Rhabdomyoma can occur in the orbit of a child. Because of differences in treatment, rhabdomyoma must be distinguished from rhabdomyosarcoma.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Decreased glucose effectiveness but not insulin resistance in glucose-tolerant offspring of Japanese non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients: a minimal-model analysis.

The aim of the study was to estimate insulin sensitivity (SI), insulin secretion, and glucose effectiveness (SG) in 10 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (eight men and two women) with a family history of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM offspring). Ten glucose-tolerant subjects (eight men and two women) without a family history of NIDDM served as control subjects. All subjects were Japanese. They underwent a modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT): glucose (300 mg/kg body weight) was administered, and insulin (20 mU/kg over 5 minutes) was infused from 20 to 25 minutes after glucose. SI and SG were estimated by Bergman's minimal-model method. No significant difference was observed in body mass index (22.6 +/- 1.5 v 21.5 +/- 0.6 kg/m2) and fasting glucose (5.1 +/- 0.1 v 5.2 +/- 0.1 mol/L) and insulin (40.7 +/- 6.3 v 42.6 +/- 6.7 pmol/L). SI was not different between the two groups (0.83 +/- 0.11 v 0.94 +/- 0.15 x 10(-1).min-1.pmol/ L-1, P > .05). The acute insulin response to glucose (AIRglucose) estimated by intravenous glucose tolerance testing was significantly lower in the offspring than in the normal controls (2,139 +/- 265 v 3,438 +/- 318 pmol/L.min, P < .05). The glucose disappearance rate (KG) and SG were significantly diminished in the offspring versus normal controls (KG, 1.50 +/- 0.22 v 2.10 +/- 0.15 min-1, P < .05; SG, 0.016 +/- 0.003 v 0.023 +/- 0.002 min-1, P < .05). Thus, glucose-tolerant Japanese NIDDM offspring with normal insulin sensitivity are characterized by a reduced AIRglucose and diminished SG. This is the first report that glucose resistance but not insulin resistance already exists in glucose-tolerant Japanese NIDDM offspring.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1997

Intravenous glucose tolerance test-derived glucose effectiveness in bulimia nervosa.

The aim of the present study was to estimate insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity (SI), and glucose effectiveness at basal insulin (SG) in subjects with bulimia nervosa. Eight bulimic patients and eight age-, body mass index-, and sex-matched healthy control subjects without a family history of diabetes were studied. The subjects all had normal glucose tolerance. They underwent a modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test; glucose (300 mg/kg body weight) was administered, and insulin (4 mU/kg body weight/min) was infused from 20 to 25 minutes after administration of glucose. SI and SG were estimated by Bergman's minimal model method. Basal insulin (27 +/- 3 v 45 +/- 3 pmol/L) was significantly lower in bulimic patients than in normal controls (P < .05), but basal glucose was similar between the two groups (4.5 +/- 0.1 v 4.9 +/- 0.1 mmol/L, P > .05). The glucose disappearance rate (KG) and acute insulin response to glucose estimated by the intravenous glucose tolerance test (AIR(glucose)) were similar between the two groups (KG, 1.35 +/- 0.29 v 2.20 +/- 0.21 min(-1), P > .05; AIR(glucose), 2,920 +/- 547 v 2,368 +/- 367 pmol/L x min, P > .05). No significant difference was observed in SI between the two groups (1.34 +/- 0.18 v 1.25 +/- 0.20 x 10(-4) x min(-1) x pmol/L(-1), P > .05). On the other hand, glucose effectiveness at basal (SG) and zero (GEZI) insulin was significantly diminished in comparison to normal controls (SG, 0.011 +/- 0.002 v 0.024 +/- 0.002 min(-1), P < .01; GEZI, 0.008 +/- 0.002 v 0.017 +/- 0.003 min(-1), P < .01). Thus, bulimic patients with normal glucose tolerance without a family history of diabetes were characterized by normal insulin secretion, normal SI, and reduced SG and GEZI.

Adult↗