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Biomedical subjects

H Kawashima

Publications and source records attributed to H Kawashima.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Epitope mapping of monoclonal antibodies against N-domain of carcinoembryonic antigen.

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against N-domain of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), C249, K348, K1338, and K1444, that inhibit CEA-mediated cell adhesion, did not crossreact with nonspecific cross-reacting antigen (NCA). To determine amino acid sequences involved in the adhesion, epitopes of the MoAbs were mapped with recombinant NCAs carrying CEA-NCA chimeric N-domain. The data showed that the epitopes of C249, K1338, K1444 are located within the regions 1-32, 1-32, and 33-59 of CEA, respectively, and that two discrete regions 1-32 and 60-93 may be related to the epitope of K348. Comparison of amino acid sequences between CEA and NCA suggested that four residues (21, 27-29), eight residues (21, 27-29, 66, 78, 79, 89), and three residues (43, 44, 46) are important for recognition by C249 (or K1338), K348, and K1444, respectively. These residues seem to participate in the cell adhesion mediated by CEA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification and characterization of ligands for L-selectin in the kidney. II. Expression of chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans reactive with L-selectin.

Ligands for the leukocyte adhesion molecule L-selectin are expressed not only in lymph node high endothelial venules (HEV) but also in the renal distal tubuli. Here we report that L-selectin-reactive molecules in the kidney are chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans of 500-1000 kDa, unlike those in HEV bearing sialyl Lewis X-like carbohydrates. Binding of L-selectin to these molecules was mediated by the lectin domain of L-selectin and required divalent cations. Binding was inhibited by chondroitinase and/or heparitinase but not sialidase. Thus, L-selectin can recognize chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans structurally distinct from sialyl Lewis X-like carbohydrates.

Animals↗

Humanization of a mouse neutralizing monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

An anti-human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) monoclonal antibody, designated as 3B10, inhibits the biological activity of human TNF-alpha. In the present study, we constructed humanized version of the antibody by grafting its complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) onto a human antibody, HBS-1. Using a molecular model of mouse 3B10, framework residues affecting the CDR conformation were identified. Thus, these residues were also introduced into the framework together with the CDRs in a stepwise manner, depending on the degree of the possible importance of the residues. As a result, one humanized version (h3B10-9) which possesses nine mouse framework residues showed the same binding activity as that of the chimeric version. This humanized anti-TNF-alpha antibody is expected to be less immunogenic and thus more suitable for possible clinical use.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

L-selectin and its ligands mediate infiltration of mononuclear cells into kidney interstitium after ureteric obstruction.

It was previously reported that the L-selectin ligands detected by a rat L-selectin and human IgG chimeric molecule (rLEC-IgG) are expressed in the distal tubules of the kidney, where no leukocyte traffic is seen under physiological conditions. In the present study, the role of L-selectin ligands in leukocyte infiltration into the kidney interstitium was investigated using a rat ureteric obstruction model. After ligation of the ureter, ligands for L-selectin rapidly disappeared from tubular epithelial cells and were relocated to the interstitium and peritubular capillary walls, where infiltration of monocytes and CD8(+) T cells subsequently occurred. Mononuclear cell infiltration was significantly inhibited by intravenous injection of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb) against L-selectin, indicating the possible involvement of an L-selectin-mediated pathway. Interestingly, immunohistochemical studies with a MAb against sulphatide showed that the distribution of sulphatide, known to be one of the candidates of L-selectin ligand, was almost indistinguishable from the staining pattern of rLEC-IgG in both normal and ureteric obstructed kidneys, suggesting that sulphatide and/or related molecule(s) relocated to the renal interstitium were recognized by leukocyte L-selectin, leading to interstitial leukocyte infiltration. In line with this notion, intravenous injection of sulphatide markedly inhibited leukocyte infiltration, suggesting that L-selectin-sulphatide interaction may play a pivotal role in interstitial leukocyte infiltration in the kidney following ureteric obstruction.

Animals↗

In vivo effects of monoclonal antibodies against rat beta(2) integrins on kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) involves adhesion of leukocytes to the activated endothelium, leading to tissue damage. CD11/CD18 beta(2) integrins interact with their ligands on endothelial cells and may therefore represent a therapeutic target for the prevention of IR. We investigated the effects of three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognize epitopes of heavy or light chain of the beta(2) integrins on IR in kidneys. METHODS: Uninephrectomized Fischer rats were subjected to 45 or 60 min of renal ischemia, treated with intravenously anti-beta(2) integrin monoclonal antibodies (anti-CD11a, anti-CD11b, and anti-CD18) 5 min prior to reperfusion, and compared to a nontreated group. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and kidney histopathological damages were assessed at 1, 2, and 7 days after ischemia. RESULTS: After 45 and 60 min of ischemia, serum creatinine and BUN were significantly higher in the control than in animals treated with anti-CD11a and anti-CD18 at 24 and 48 h. Administration of anti-CD11b had a beneficial effect on renal function after 45 min but not after 60 min of ischemia. Histologic and immunostaining studies demonstrated mild tubular necrosis and less leukocyte infiltration in the anti-CD11a- and anti-CD18-treated groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that selected antibodies to CD11a/CD18 may decrease kidney IR injury when administered prior to reperfusion.

Animals↗

Gastric hyperplastic polyp occurring at the resection site of gastric adenoma.

Endoscopic mucosal resection was carried out in a 70-year-old man with a gastric adenoma. Endoscopy 1 year later revealed a subpedunculated polyp about 1 cm in diameter at the resection site. Pathological examination of the resected specimen showed hyperplasia of the regenerative epithelium. The mechanism of occurrence of hyperplastic polyp at the resection site is discussed.

Adenoma↗

Identification and characterization of ligands for L-selectin in the kidney. I. Versican, a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, is a ligand for L-selectin.

Ligands for a leukocyte adhesion molecule, L-selectin, are expressed not only in the specific vascular endothelium in lymph nodes and Peyer's patches but also in the extravascular tissues such as the brain white matter, choroid plexus and the kidney distal straight tubuli. However, the biological significance of these extravascular ligands is currently unknown. We now report the purification and characterization of a novel extravascular ligand for L-selectin in the kidney using a tubule-derived cell line, ACHN. Binding of L-selectin-IgG chimera (LEC-IgG) to the isolated ligand was specifically blocked with either (i) anti-L-selectin mAb, (ii) EDTA, (iii) fucoidan, (iv) chondroitin sulfate (CS) B or CS E, or (v) treatment with chondroitinases. Partial amino acid sequencing, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation analyses showed that a major ligand for L-selectin in ACHN cells is versican of 1600 kDa. Histochemical as well as biochemical analyses verified that a versican subspecies in the kidney was indeed reactive with L-selectin. Studies with cell lines including those derived from the kidney indicated that a certain glycoform and/or splice form of versican is reactive with L-selectin. Under pathological conditions such as those induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction, versican was shed from the distal straight tubuli and became localized in the adjacent vascular bundles around which a substantial leukocyte infiltration was concomitantly observed. Possible involvement of versican in leukocyte trafficking into the kidney under diseased conditions is discussed.

Animals↗

Identification and characterization of ligands for L-selectin in the kidney. III. Characterization of L-selectin reactive heparan sulfate proteoglycans.

L-Selectin, a leukocyte adhesion molecule, mediates leukocyte rolling on the endothelium and plays a critical role in leukocyte recruitment at inflammatory sites as well as in lymphocyte homing. We have previously shown that L-selectin reactive chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are both expressed in the distal tubules of the kidney and that versican is one of the chondroitin sulfate-type ligands. In the present study, we characterized the heparan sulfate-type ligand(s) in more detail. The molecular sizes of HSPGs were approximately 600 kDa with core protein sizes of 160 and 180 kDa. Western blotting analysis showed that L-selectin reactive HSPGs were neither agrin nor perlecan, major basement membrane HSPGs in the kidney. The binding to L-selectin was mediated by the lectin domain of L-selectin in a Ca2+-dependent manner and required heparan sulfate side chains, but not sialic acid. To our knowledge, this is the first biochemical characterization of the L-selectin reactive heparan sulfate proteoglycan(s) in the distal tubules of the kidney.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of etoposide and carboplatin in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma during hyperosmotic disruption of the blood brain barrier and intraarterial combination chemotherapy.

The present paper investigates the pharmacokinetics of etoposide (VP-16) and carboplatin (CBDCA) in plasma and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in the space left by tumor removal, of patients with glioma. Eight Japanese patients with glioma received a course of hyperosmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier (HODBBB) and intraarterial combination chemotherapy with 60 mg/m2 of VP-16 and 300 mg/m2 of CBDCA. All patients were initially administered mannitol, followed by infusion of the anticancer drugs into the right internal carotid artery. Blood samples and samples of CSF in the space left by tumor removal were obtained. VP-16 and CBDCA concentration were measured by HPLC, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of these drugs estimated in CSF and plasma. The plasma concentrations of VP-16 and CBDCA peaked at the end of infusion, then decreased in a bi-exponential decay pattern during the remainder of the treatment period. Both VP-16 and CBDCA were detectable in CSF beginning 0.5 h after the initiation of each infusion, and were then slowly eliminated from the space left by tumor removal. The mean maximum CSF concentration of VP-16 and CBDCA was 0.17 and 15.25% of that in plasma, respectively. The mean area under the time-CSF concentration curve from 0 to 24 h after VP-16 and CBDCA infusion was 1.91 and 113.6% of plasma, respectively. In two of the eight patients, the clinical response to treatment was a partial response and other patients showed no change. HODBBB and intraarterial combination chemotherapy with VP-16 and CBDCA may be useful in patients with brain tumors for maintenance chemotherapy.

Aged↗

[Interaction of warfarin and vitamin K2 on arterial thrombotic tendency using a rat aorta loop model].

Vitamin K2(K2), a therapeutic agent osteoporosis, is prohibited for patients with thrombosis who are receiving warfarin (WF). However, because some aged patients with thrombosis have osteoporosis, some patients treated with WF may be administered K2 concomitantly. We investigated here the interaction between K2 and WF on thrombosis in a rat aorta loop model. Administration of WF at 0.58, 0.82 and 1.16 mg/l in drinking water for 7 days decreased the thrombotic rate and increased the death rate, dose-dependently. Therefore in the following study, 0.80 mg/l of WF was used. After 2 days of WF-treatment, 1.5, 14 and 145 mg/kg of K2 was administered for 5 days. The blood coagulation time was markedly prolonged by WF treatment for 7 days and this effect was completely inhibited by all doses of K2. WF treatment significantly decreased the cumulative thrombotic rate for 5 days. Administration of 1.5 and 14 mg/kg of K2 did not influence the WF effect on thrombosis. The thrombotic rate in the 145 mg/kg K2 group was lower than that in the WF-control group, but similar to that in the WF-untreated group. These findings suggest that high dose of K2 reduces the effect of WF on thrombosis but does not enhance the occurrence of thrombosis more than that without WF treatment.

Animals↗

[Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) treatment increased bone strength in rats given low-calcium diets].

Two experiments were carried out in 4-week-old rats. First, the effect of dietary calcium (Ca) content (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.16%) on bone loss was assessed for 3 weeks. Dry weight of the femur showed a Ca-content-dependent decrease. Significant decrease in body weight and plasma Ca level was observed in the 0.05 and 0.1% Ca diet groups, but not in other groups. Second, the curative effect of V.K2 on bone strength was examined. After being fed a 0.2%-Ca diet for 3 weeks, rats were fed 0.2%- or 0.5%-Ca diets for the next 6 weeks with or without V.K2 treatment. At the beginning and after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment, femurs and lumbar vertebra (L3) were collected. In the 0.2%-Ca group, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength in the femur gradually increased, but were much lower than those in the intact group. In the 0.5%-Ca group, both parameters in the femur and L3 were rapidly increased. V.K2 treatment did not affect the BMD or bone strength in the femur at either point. However, the bone strength in L3 in the V.K2 group was higher than that in the 0.5%-Ca group at 3 weeks and in the 0.2%-Ca group at 6 weeks than that in the respective control group. These findings suggest that V.K2 has curative effect on bone strength in the vertebra.

Animals↗

Dose-related increases in cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of methotrexate in a postoperative patient with glioblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the postoperative pharmacokinetics of methotrexate in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the space created by tumor removal of a patient with glioblastoma during hyperosmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and intraarterial chemotherapy with a stepwise increase in the methotrexate dosage. CASE SUMMARY: A 30-year-old Japanese woman with glioblastoma received four courses of hyperosmotic disruption of the BBB and intraarterial chemotherapy with a combination of peplomycin, vindesine, nimustine, pirarubicin, and methotrexate. The patient was initially administered mannitol; anticancer drugs were then infused into the left internal carotid artery. Following the first, second, third, and fourth courses of treatment, methotrexate 350, 700, 1000, and 1500 mg, respectively, were administered for 30 minutes. Samples of blood and CSF from the space created by tumor removal were obtained. Methotrexate concentrations were measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and the pharmacokinetic parameters of methotrexate in plasma and CSF were estimated. RESULTS: The plasma concentration of methotrexate peaked at the end of drug infusion, then decreased in a biexponential decay manner during the remainder of the treatment period. The CSF concentration of methotrexate in the space created by tumor removal peaked two hours after drug administration, then monoexponentially decreased. Although the maximal CSF concentration of methotrexate in the space created by tumor removal was lower than that in the plasma, the CSF concentration of methotrexate in the space created by tumor removal exceeded that in the plasma six hours after drug infusion. The half-life of methotrexate in the CSF exceeded that in the plasma. The AUC for the plasma and CSF methotrexate concentration increased parallel with the methotrexate dosage. The mean CSF AUC of methotrexate was 59.4% of that found in plasma. CONCLUSIONS: The CSF AUC of methotrexate in the space created by tumor removal increased parallel with the methotrexate dosage during hyperosmotic disruption of the BBB and intraarterial chemotherapy.

Adult↗

A trans-acting enhancer modulates estrogen-mediated transcription of reporter genes in osteoblasts.

The presence of bone-specific estrogen agonists and discovery of the osteoblast-specific transcription factor (TF), Cbfa1, together with the discovery of synergism between a TF Pit-1 and estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) on rat prolactin gene, led to investigation of Cbfa1 in the modulation of osteoblast-specific actions of estrogen. Reverse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated expression of Cbfa1 in the osteoblastic cell lines, MG63, ROS17/2.8, and MC3T3E1, but not in nonosteoblastic cell lines, MCF7, C3H10T1/2, and HeLa. An ER expression vector and a series of luciferase (Luc) reporter plasmids harboring the Cbfa1 binding site OSE2 (the osteoblast-specific cis element in the osteocalcin promoter) and palindromic estrogen response elements (EREs) were cotransfected into both osteoblastic and nonosteoblastic cells. OSE2 worked as a cis- acting element in osteoblastic cells but not nonosteoblastic cells, whereas EREs were cis- acting in all cell lines. Synergistic transactivation was observed in osteoblastic cells only when both ERE and OSE2 were placed in juxtaposition to the promoter. Forced expression of Cbfa1 in C3H10T1/2 cells also induced synergism. Tamoxifen, a partial agonist/antagonist of estrogen, acted as an osteoblast-specific agonist in cells transfected with a promoter containing ERE and acted synergistically with a promoter containing the ERE-OSE2 enhancer combination. These results support the idea that bone-specific TFs modulate the actions of estrogen in a tissue-specific manner.

Animals↗

Constitutive expression of GlyCAM-1 core protein in the rat cochlea.

Glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule-1 (GlyCAM-1) is a mucin-like glycoprotein previously identified on high endothelial venules (HEV) of lymph nodes and also in lactating mammary glands. A specifically glycosilated form of GlyCAM-1 on HEV has been shown to be a ligand for a leukocyte L-selectin, which plays an important role in leukocyte rolling along the inflamed endothelium. Here we report that GlyCAM-1 is also expressed in the cochlea. Immunohistochemistry revealed the lateral wall of the cochlea, tectorial membrane, modiolus, organ of corti, and spiral modiolar vein (SMV) to be strongly stained with polyclonal anti-GlyCAM-1 antibody. Moreover, RT-PCR of the cochlear tissue by the use of specific oligonucleotide primers for rat GlyCAM-1 generated a 378 bp product which was then verified by nucleotide sequencing to represent GlyCAM-1. Electron microscopic investigation revealed the presence of GlyCAM-1 over the entire lumenal surface of the vessels, and the basolateral infoldings in stria vascularis. However, soluble L-selectin or mAb MECA-79 which recognizes a carbohydrate epitope on functional L-selectin ligands bound only to the spiral ligament, tectorial membrane and modiolus. These observations suggest that GlyCAM-1 expressed in the cochlear region is heterogenous in terms of its glycosylation.

Animals↗

Clinical results of total cystectomy for 92 patients with bladder cancer.

The survival rate of 92 patients with primary bladder cancer who had undergone total cystectomy during a 13-year period from 1984 to 1996 was examined. The mean follow-up period was 1,886 days. The 5-year survival rate was 67.9% and the 10-year survival rate was 55.1%. When survival rates were compared pathohistologically, with 81 patients with transitional cell carcinoma divided into two groups, a high-stage group including T3 and T4 patients and a low-stage group with all other patients, the cancer-specific 5-year survival rate of the low-stage group was 88.9% while that of the high-stage group was 45.4%; this difference was significant (p = 0.0002). There were also significant differences in survival rate between those with and those without regional lymph node metastasis, those with and those without lymphatic infiltration, and those with and those without vascular infiltration. However, there was no significant difference in survival rate for the 34 patients with T3 or T4 disease when those with or without chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy were compared.

Adult↗