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Biomedical subjects

H Kodama

Publications and source records attributed to H Kodama.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Choriocarcinoma in infant and mother: a case report.

We present a case of gestational choriocarcinoma that developed in a pregnant woman with metastases to her baby. In this case, severe anemia and hepatomegaly of the baby were noticed after delivery. Despite intensive treatments, the tumor progressed rapidly, and the baby died at the age of 38 days. Accurate diagnosis was made after autopsy. When the baby's mother visited our hospital again at 4 months postpartum, there were widespread multiple metastases to her lungs and liver. We want to emphasize that if a neonate or infant has anemia and/or hepatomegaly, it is necessary to be aware of the possibility of infantile choriocarcinoma with the presence of an occult tumor in the mother and to examine the mother's and infant's hCG levels immediately.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Comparison of two binding equations for prediction of the concentration of unbound valproic acid in the serum of adult epileptic polytherapy patients.

Because binding of valproic acid to plasma proteins affects the efficacy of the drug in the treatment of epilepsy (only the unbound fraction of the drug is effective) we have compared two methods which use different binding parameters to predict the in-vivo concentration of unbound valproic acid in serum. The study was performed on 46 serum samples from 29 polytherapy adult patients with epilepsy. Mean prediction error, mean absolute prediction error and root mean squared error were calculated for each method; these values served as a measure of prediction bias and precision. The mean absolute prediction errors and root mean squared errors for the two methods were similar in magnitude (Method 1, mean absolute prediction error = 10.0 microM, root mean squared error = 15.0 microM; Method 2, mean absolute prediction error = 10.3 microM, root mean squared error = 13.5 microM). Method 2 had a general tendency to over-predict unbound valproic acid; both methods had a tendency to over-prediction for total concentrations above 500 microM. Method 1 had a tendency to under-prediction at total concentrations below 250 microM. Within the total concentration range of valproic acid investigated, Method 1 was superior to Method 2 for prediction of unbound serum valproic acid. Our approach using Method 1 may be useful for prediction of unbound serum valproic acid concentration in patients with total valproic acid concentrations ranging from 250 to 500 microM; Method 2 may be useful for patients with total valproic acid below 500 microM. Our results suggest that there is wide and unpredictable variability in valproic acid binding to serum proteins among study populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Typing of group A streptococci by pulsed field gel electrophoresis].

Restriction endonuclease (Sma I) digestion patterns of chromosomal DNAs of T types 1 and 3 (T1 and T3) group A streptococci (GAS), isolated at two hospitals in Toyama Prefecture from 1983 to 1994, were analysed by pulsed-filed gel electrophoresis (PFGE). One hundred twenty seven isolated of T1 GAS were further divided into 5 PFGE types, which were provisionally designated as T1-1 approximately T1-5. Two epidemics of T1 GAS were observed during the 1983 approximately 1994 period, the first of which (1887 approximately 1988) seemed to be caused by T1-2, and the second (1991 approximately 1993) by T1-5. Some differences in biological characteristics between the two PFGE type strains were also observed. On the other hand, eighty one T3 GAS strains were divided into only two PFGE types, provisionally designated as T3-1 and T3-2, most of which belonged to T3-2. Naturally, both epidemics by T3 GAS, first from 1985 to 1986 and second from 1993 to 1994, seemed to be caused by the same PFGE type, T3-2. No differences in biological characteristics were observed between T3-1 and T3-2 strains.

Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field↗
PubMed1996

Content of sulfur amino acids and vitamin B6 and related enzyme activities in rats with chronic renal failure fed a high methionine diet.

The effect of concentrations of sulfur-containing amino acids, activities of cystathionine gamma-lyase and cystathionine beta-synthase, and level of vitamin B6 were examined following menthionine administration in normal rats and chronically uremic rats with 7/8 nephrectomy. In the uremic rats, the serum levels of methionine, cystathionine, cysteine and taurine increased in proportion to the amounts of methionine administered. The increase of taurine content in the serum and liver was particularly marked. Cystathionine beta-synthase activity in the liver increased with the administration, but the serum level of pyridoxal phosphate decreased markedly. The body weight gain of rats decreased with the administration, and the contents of urea and creatinine in serum increased. Thus, vitamin B6 deficiency in chronically uremic rats administered with large amounts of methionine may reduce growth, lower renal function and cause abnormal metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids.

Amino Acids, Sulfur↗
PubMed1996

Detection of Salmonella DNA in chicken embryos and environmental samples by polymerase chain reaction.

By polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a pair of primers specific for Salmonella phoE gene a 365-bp specific gene fragment could be amplified from yolk of infertile eggs and dead-in-shell chicken embryos, and from environmental samples. Out of 45 dead-in-shell embryo samples, 20 (44.4%) were found positive for Salmonella DNA by PCR compared to 11 (24.4%) by bacteria isolation. Salmonella DNA could also be detected from infertile eggs, chicken faeces, floor litter and chick fluff, which incidence was higher than that by bacteria isolation.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

S-(1,2- dicarboxyethyl)glutathione and glutathione in lens and liver of napthalene-treated rabbits.

The determination of S-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)glutathione and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the rabbit lens and liver was developed using an isotachophoretic analyser. The recovery of S-(1, 2-dicarboxyethyl)GSH from the rabbit liver after ion-exchange treatment was 96.8 +/- 11.3% (n=3). The contents of S-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)GSH in the rabbit lens and liver were 219.9 +/- 29.1 (n=5) and 44.0 +/- 13.5 (n = 8) nmol/g, respectively. The contents of S-(1, 2-dicarboxyethyl)GSH in the lens and GSH in the lens and liver of naphthalene-treated rabbits was also determined by this method 24 hours after naphthalene administration, at which time the axial opacity "spichen" was observed at the equatorial region of the lens. The content of S-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)GSH in the lens decreased in proportion to the content of GSH. During the further development of true lens opacity after naphthalene administration, the S-(l, 2-dicarboxyethyl)GSH content further compared with that in the spichen stage, but the S-(1, 2-dicarboxyethyl)GSH content of the lens that did not develop true opacity after naphthalene administration returned to the normal level. The change of S-(1, 2-dicarboxyethyl)GSH content of the lens in the spichen and true opacity stages coincided with that of GSH content. On the other hand, the content of GSH of the liver decreased markedly until 24 hours after naphthalene administration, then returned to normal, irrespective of whether true opacity did or did not subsequently develop.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Intravenous arginine dramatically improved hyperammonemia in a patient with late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency.

We describe a 12 year-old male patient with late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, in whom infusion of arginine alone dramatically improved intercurrent hyperammonemia. The plasma glutamine level also decreased while the urea nitrogen level increased with arginine infusion, indicating that accumulated nitrogen was metabolized to urea in response to the arginine infusion.

Ammonia↗
PubMed1996

[Essential trace elements and immunity].

The effects of zinc, iron, copper and selenium on the immune system are reviewed. Among the essential trace elements in humans, zinc, iron, copper and selenium are essential for the integrity and optimum function of the immunity. Although each element has different functions in the immune system, the deficiencies in each of these elements mainly causes the dysfunction of cell-mediated immunity. Deficiencies do not significantly effect the B cell function. These immunological abnormalities can be improved by supplementation of deficient elements. However, excess supplementation also impairs the immune system. Therefore, a proper balance of these elements is essential for maintenance of immunocompetence.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Characterization of murine stromal cell clones established from bone marrow and spleen.

Stromal cell lines were established by irradiating adherent layers of bone marrow and spleen cells in Dexter-type long-term culture with X-rays. Some of these cell lines support myelopoiesis and/or B lymphopoiesis in vitro. Furthermore, the characteristics of these stromal cell lines were studied. Cytokine activity was detected in the conditioned media from all hematopoietic-supportive and non-supportive stromal cells. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the mRNAs of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and stem cell factor, but not that of Interleukin-3, were detectable in all the hematopoietic-supportive and non-supportive stromal cell lines. The transcripts of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-6, interleukin-7, and leukemia inhibitory factor were expressed in a wide variety of cell lines. Most stromal cell lines synthesized mRNA of c-mpl, the ligand of which stimulates megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. These observations indicate that the pattern of mRNA expression of cytokines is not correlated with the hematopoietic-supportive ability of stromal cell lines. There was a significant difference in the efficiency of adhesion of lineage marker-negative bone marrow cells to fibroblasts and stromal cell lines. This appears to be correlated with the hematopoietic-supportive ability of the stromal cell lines.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1996

Acute form of pyoderma gangrenosum induced by traumatic injury.

A 45-year-old man with the acute form of pyoderma gangrenosum is reported. He developed characteristic ulcers that rapidly followed violaceous erythema at sites of traumatic injury. The skin lesions repeatedly appeared six times within 7 years. Each time, the skin lesions were localized to sites of trauma, and no systemic symptoms nor abnormal laboratory findings were associated. Histological findings were acute superficial inflammation with neutrophilic infiltration into the dermis. Sweet's syndrome-like skin lesions were once associated, indicating that pyoderma gangrenosum and Sweet's syndrome have a close relationship. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, potassium iodide, and minocycline were not effective. He was successfully treated with oral administration of corticosteroid. The pathergy of this patient must have been caused not only by the trauma itself but by additional factors such as epidermal components or contaminating micro-organisms, since traumatic injury did not always cause the skin lesions.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Systemic immune response to Streptococcal and Staphylococcal lipoteichoic acids in children with recurrent tonsillitis.

The antibodies to LTA of Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) and of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in sera from 110 children with or without recurrent tonsillitis were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The antibody of IgA class was not detected in any sera. There was a significant positive correlation between IgG and IgM antibody levels to LTA of S. pyogenes and those to LTA of S. aureus. There was no significant correlation between anti-LTA IgM antibody and age or episodes of tonsillitis. However, serum anti-LTA IgG levels in younger patients ( < or = 7 y.o.) were significantly lower than those in their elders (>7 y.o.) (anti-S. pyogenes; p = 0.0007, anti-S. aureus; p = 0.007). Serum anti-LTA IgG antibody levels correlated inversely with episodes of tonsillitis in younger patients ( < 7 y.o.) (S. pyogenes: r = -0.362, p = 0.0082, S. aureus: r = -0.276, p = 0.047). These findings suggest that systemic hyposensitivity to LTA of S. pyogenes and S. aureus may be a possible cause of habitualness of tonsillitis in young children.

Child↗
PubMed1996

Adenoid lymphocyte responses to outer membrane protein P6 of nontypable Haemophilus influenzae in children with and without otitis media.

The cellular immune responses to nontypable Haemophilus influenzae in adenoids were determined in children by measuring lymphocyte blast transformation and antibody secretion in response to the P6 outer membrane protein. In the lymphocyte transformation assay, stimulation index of adenoid lymphocytes stimulated by P6 in otitis children (2.34 +/- 0.25) was significantly lower than that in non-otitis children (3.91 +/- 0.64, p <0.05). The number of IgM as well as IgA secreting cells after 8 days' culture with P6 were significantly smaller in otitis children (IgM: 7,534 +/- 2,843/10(6) lymphocyte; IgA: 1,573 +/- 620/10(6) lymphocyte) than those in non-otitis children (IgM: 12,994 +/- 2,533, p <0.05; IgA: 2,828 +/- 528, p <0.05). These data suggest that P6 protein is a target for the cellular immune response of the adenoid, and failure of adenoid lymphocytes to recognize it as a specific immunogen may be one of the causes of recurrent otitis media.

Adenoids↗
PubMed1995

Identification of two isoforms of mouse neuropeptide Y-Y1 receptor generated by alternative splicing. Isolation, genomic structure, and functional expression of the receptors.

Two cDNA clones homologous with human neuropeptide (NP) Y-Y1 receptor have been isolated from a mouse bone marrow cDNA library. One was thought to be the cognate of the human NPY-Y1 receptor, termed Y1 alpha receptor, and the other form, termed Y1 beta receptor, differed from the Y1 alpha receptor in the seventh transmembrane domain and C-terminal tail. Analysis of the mouse genomic DNA showed that both receptors originated from a single gene. The different peptide sequences of the Y1 beta receptor were encoded by separate exons, hence, these receptors were generated by differential RNA splicing. High affinity binding of [125I]NPY to each receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and sequestration of [125I]NPY after binding to each receptor were observed. In the CHO cells expressing the Y1 alpha receptor, intracellular Ca2+ increase, inhibition of forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation were observed by stimulation of NPY, and these responses were abolished by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. Since wortmannin completely inhibited NPY-elicited MAPK activation, we speculate that wortmannin-sensitive signaling molecule(s) such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase may lie between pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein and MAPK. In contrast, these intracellular signals were not detected in CHO cells expressing the Y1 beta receptor. Northern blots and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses indicated that the Y1 alpha receptor was highly expressed in the brain, heart, kidney, spleen, skeletal muscle, and lung, whereas the Y1 beta receptor mRNA was not detected in these tissues. However, the Y1 beta receptor was expressed in mouse embryonic developmental stage (7 and 11 days), bone marrow cells and several hematopoietic cell lines. These results suggest that the Y1 beta receptor is an embryonic and a bone marrow form of the NPY-Y1 receptor, which decreases in the expression during development and differentiation.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1995

A radioreceptor binding assay for platelet-activating factor (PAF) using membranes from CHO cells expressing human PAF receptor.

A simple and reproducible radioreceptor assay (RRA) has been developed using membranes from CHO cells which can stably express human platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor. The CHO cells expressing the PAF receptor, termed CHO.1F8, showed a significant intracellular Ca2+ response to PAF, and the same binding properties to [3H]WEB 2086, a PAF antagonist, as reported (Kd, 13.6 +/- 1.9 nM; Bmax, 2.5 +/- 0.4 pmol/mg protein (n = 6)). A competitive binding assay was done using the CHO.1F8 cell membranes and [3H]WEB 2086. The minimum detectable dose of PAF was 0.3 nM (approximately 30 pg per well) and the assay was highly specific for PAF. This method makes it possible to handle large numbers of samples rapidly and simultaneously, since the receptor membrane is prepared in advance and the binding assay can be completed within 3 h. Using this method, we have determined the production and cell association of PAF in human neutrophils.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Enzymic transfer of 6-modified D-galactosyl residues: synthesis of biantennary penta- and hepta-saccharides having two 6-deoxy-D-galactose residues at the nonreducing end and evaluation of 6-deoxy-D-galactosyl transfer to glycoprotein using bovine beta-(1-->4)-galactosyltransferase and UDP-6-deoxy-D-galactose.

UDP-6-Deoxy-D-galactose and UDP-6-deoxy-6-fluoro-D-galactose were synthesized and their transfer to 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) by beta-(1-->4)-galactosyltransferase was examined. The transfer rates of 6-deoxy-D-galactose and 6-deoxy-6-fluoro-D-galactose were 1.3 and 0.2% of that of D-galactosyl transfer, respectively. The 2-acetamido-4-O-(6-deoxy-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose (6'-deoxy-N-acetyllactosamine) and methyl 2-acetamido-4-O-(6-deoxy-6-fluoro-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-2-deoxy-D- glucopyranoside (6'-deoxy-6'-fluoro-N-acetyllactosamine) were synthesized enzymatically in 30 and 59% yields, respectively. Further, 6-deoxy-D-galactose could be completely transferred to N-linked type biantennary oligosaccharides having two N-acetyl-D-glucosaminyl residues at the nonreducing end to give the corresponding penta- and hepta-saccharides in 55 and 57% yields, respectively. An assay of 6-deoxy-D-galactosyl transfer using asialo agalacto alpha 1-acid glycoprotein as an acceptor suggested that 6-deoxy-D-galactose was transferred to about 30% of the N-acetyl-D-glucosaminyl residues in the N-linked oligosaccharides of the glycoprotein.

Acetylglucosamine↗
PubMed1995

Failure of copper incorporation into ceruloplasmin in the Golgi apparatus of LEC rat hepatocytes.

Copper incorporation into ceruloplasmin during ceruloplasmin synthesis was studied by comparing LEC and control rats. Major 132 and 136 kDa ceruloplasmins were found in microsomes and the Golgi apparatus, respectively, isolated from liver homogenates of LEC and control rats. Copper analysis showed that no copper was detected in the ceruloplasmin in the microsomes of either rat. Copper was present in ceruloplasmin in the Golgi apparatus and serum of controls, while it was not detected in ceruloplasmin in the Golgi apparatus and serum of the LEC rat. These results indicate that copper is incorporated into ceruloplasmin in the Golgi apparatus of normal hepatocytes. LEC rats fail to incorporate copper into ceruloplasmin in the Golgi apparatus.

Animals↗