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Biomedical subjects

H Ohtani

Publications and source records attributed to H Ohtani.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

[Molecular biological characterization of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and their receptors].

The gastrointestinal epithelial layer hosts a large population of lymphoid cells called intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIELs), and locates adjacent to the intestinal lumen and mucosal barrier. These lymphocytes are continuously exposed to orally encountered antigens via intestinal epithelial cells (iECs), and have unique phenotypical and functional features compared with T cells from other lymphoid compartments. CD3-positive T cells are major populations of iIELs and gamma delta TCR- and CD8-positive sub-populations are dominant. A close functional relationship between iIELs and iECs has been shown, and they play an important role in the immune surveillance of epithelial compartments and regulation of mucosal immune defenses to exogenous and endogenous antigens in the intestine. It is interesting that gamma delta TCR-positive iIELs regulate the generation and differentiation of iECs. The immunoregulatory functions of iIELs in the mucosal immune systems are also implicated in the oral tolerance. Basic research for the clinical trials of the oral tolerance to the treatment of autoimmune and allergic diseases recently has gegun.

Administration, Oral↗

Expression of E- and P-selectins by vascular endothelial cells in human tonsils.

Selectins play an important role in the adhesion between vascular endothelial cells and leukocytes in immuno-inflammatory events. We investigated the immunohistochemical localization of E- and P-selectins in the human palatine tonsils at light and electron microscopic levels. E-selectin was expressed by high endothelial venules (HEV) in a linear pattern in heavily inflamed tonsils with focal infection and extensive neutrophilic infiltration, and much less in hypertrophic tonsils without focal infection. P-selectin expression was found on HEV to the same extent in both disease states in a dot pattern in the cytoplasm. Immunoelectron microscopically, E- and P-selectins were localized along the luminal plasma membrane and in the perinuclear space in HEV endothelial cells. The present study suggests that increased expression of E- and P-selectin in vascular endothelial cells is a significant feature of inflamed tonsils induced by focal infection. E- and P-selectins may participate in different roles in the inflammatory process of the tonsils.

Cell Adhesion Molecules↗

Opposite effects on cholesterol metabolism and their mechanisms induced by dietary oleic acid and palmitic acid in hamsters.

The effects of dietary oleic acid on cholesterol metabolism were investigated and compared with those of palmitic acid in hamsters. Addition of 5% oleic acid to a 0.1% cholesterol-supplemented diet decreased plasma total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increased hepatic LDL receptor activity, and decreased plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity in comparison with 0.1% cholesterol alone. In contrast, addition of 5% palmitic acid to a 0.1% cholesterol-supplemented diet increased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, increased plasma CETP activity, and suppressed hepatic LDL receptor activity to a greater extent than 0.1% cholesterol alone. Neither oleic acid nor palmitic acid altered hepatic microsomal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity, but oleic acid increased hepatic microsomal cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity. These results suggest that dietary oleic acid inhibits the increases in total, VLDL-, and LDL-cholesterol induced by dietary cholesterol by preventing both LDL receptor suppression and increased CETP activity, whereas dietary palmitic acid augments the cholesterol-induced increases in total and LDL-cholesterol by both further suppression of LDL receptor activity and further stimulation of CETP activity.

Animals↗

Expression of urokinase receptor in various stromal-cell populations in human colon cancer: immunoelectron microscopical analysis.

The host reaction is an important factor in the biological behavior of cancers. In human colon adenocarcinoma, stromal cells and some cancer cells express the urokinase receptor (uPAR), a molecule involved in the regulation of extracellular proteolysis. The present study reveals the identity of uPAR-expressing cell types and the subcellular localization of this molecule by immunoelectron microscopy in colon cancer. uPAR-positive cells were most abundant at the invasive margin of colon cancer and were identified as macrophages, fibroblasts, neutrophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes, endothelial cells and cancer cells. Of these, the most numerous were macrophages with uPAR detected along the plasma membrane, in accordance with its function in plasminogen activation on the cell surface. Fibroblasts were labeled in the lumen of rough endoplasmic reticulum, indicating its intracellular synthesis. Some granulocytes and endothelial cells expressed immunoreactivity along the plasma membrane. uPAR-positive cancer cells were stained along the plasma membrane and in rough endoplasmic reticulum. These findings suggested that a variety of non-malignant host cells play an important role in the plasmin-mediated breakdown of the extracellular matrix at the invasive margin.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Mammalian 60-kDa stress protein (chaperonin homolog). Identification, biochemical properties, and localization.

Mammalian chaperonin homolog (HSP60) was purified from porcine livers cytosol using a tandem ATP-Sepharose column and Mono Q column chromatography. A partial amino acid sequence (96 amino acid residues) of this protein was determined and coincided with those of human HSP60 with 96.9% homology, which was deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA. The sequence of the NH2 termini of the purified protein (5 amino acid residues) coincided with the signal sequence of HSP60. These facts led to the identification of the 60-kDa liver protein with the chaperonin homolog. Dihydrofolate reductase was able to form a stable complex with the liver chaperonin homolog. The liver chaperonin homolog was detected by at least five spots around pI = 5.6 on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Immunoblotting studies using an antibody against chaperonin homolog showed that the chaperonin homolog was localized in the cytosol, mitochondrial, and nuclear fractions of porcine liver. The chaperonin homolog was localized both in the mitochondria and cytoplasm of rat kidneys at the electron microscopic level. The chaperonin homolog in the cytosol, but not in the other subcellular fractions, was cross-reacted with an antibody against the synthetic peptide corresponding to the signal peptide of HSP60 as well as the purified chaperonin homolog on immunoblotting. These results suggested that the functional chaperonin homolog in the cytosol may be transported into the mitochondria and the protein may be processed to mitochondrial HSP60 in the organella.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Microsatellite instability in prostate cancer.

Assessment of the genetic instability of a microsatellite has indicated a new mechanism in human carcinogenesis. Examination was made to determine whether microsatellite instability is associated with the onset of prostate cancer. Twenty-nine DNA samples from 24 primary prostate cancer, two metastatic lymph-node and three benign prostatic hypertrophy patients were used. Differences in unrelated microsatellites for tumor and normal DNA were detected in nine of 24 (37.5%) cases. Seven of 11 (63.6%) with poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and seven of 15 (46.7%) stage D metastatic patients showed somatic instability in a number of microsatellites. Statistically significant differences in well to moderately differentiated tumors and poorly differentiated cancer (P = 0.015, Chi-square test), were detected but not for stages A-C and D (P = 0.2311). Genetic alterations would thus appear to be rare in low grade and/or early prostate cancers but more common in high grade and/or advanced prostate cancers.

DNA Replication↗

Fluorescence spectra of bacteriorhodopsin and the intermediates O and Q at room temperature.

An unequivocal answer is given to the question of why the reported fluorescence spectra of bacteriorhodopsin (bR568) have been different from one another. The inconsistency is shown to arise from the accumulation of the fluorescent intermediates O and Q (KN) by cw excitation light. Their fractions in the photo-stationary states depend on the excitation power and the suspension pH. We report the intermediate-free fluorescence spectrum of bR568 obtained with a weak excitation source (632.8 nm, 5.3 x 10(15)-1.9 x 10(16) photons cm-2.s-1) and a near-IR sensitive intensified photodiode array system. The fluorescence maxima of the spectra, F(lambda) and f(nu), are located at 755 +/- 10 nm and 12700 +/- 200 cm-1, respectively. The spectrum of O is identical to that of the deionized purple membrane bR605 (Fmax = 750 +/- 5 nm, fmax = 13,000 +/- 100 cm-1). Q (KN) exhibits a blue-shifted spectrum more than that of bR568 (Fmax < 720 nm, fmax > 13,400 cm-1).

Bacteriorhodopsins↗

Antibronchospasmic, tachycardiac, and hypokalaemic effects of L-isoproterenol in guinea-pigs.

The relationship between antibronchospasmic, tachycardiac, or hypokalaemic effects and plasma concentration of L-isoproterenol (ISP) hydrochloride was investigated in guinea-pigs in vivo. ISP was infused at the rate of 10, 30, 50, 100, and 300 ng kg-1 min-1. The antibronchospasmic effect was expressed as the attenuation of methacholine-induced bronchospasm. The EC50 values of ISP for antibronchospasmic and tachycardiac effects were 5.12 nM and 3.95 nM, respectively. Although they were comparable to the values reported in vitro (7.23-0.358 nM, 1.77 nM), the concentration response relationship of ISP for antibronchospasmic effect was quite steep with a slope factor of more than six. Moreover, a decrease in plasma potassium level was not clearly detected. The experimental procedure in our present study was useful for evaluating antibronchospasmic and tachycardiac effects of beta-agonists.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Localization of transforming growth factor-beta type I and type II receptors in mouse development.

We have investigated the localization pattern of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptors type I (T beta R-I) and type II (T beta R-II) during mouse organogenesis by immunohistochemical analysis. Staining of both receptors was found in many developing organs, e.g., bone, teeth, Meckel's cartilage, and neural tissues, where the expression of their ligands has been previously reported. During the investigated stages, expression of T beta R-I was more ubiquitous than that of T beta R-II. T beta R-II preferentially localized in the undifferentiated mesenchymal cells which subsequently differentiated into bone. There was no staining of T beta R-II in the central nervous system, while intense T beta R-I staining was found specifically in nervous tissues. Expression of T beta R-I and T beta R-II was mostly coincident with that of their ligands, suggesting that TGF-beta s act as multiple mediators during organogenesis. In addition, colocalization of both receptors in the epithelia of the tooth bud and submandibular gland, which were actively invaginating into the mesenchyme, leads us to speculate that both receptors may be necessary for dynamic epithelial morphogenesis.

Activin Receptors, Type I↗

Localization of transforming growth factor beta 1 and its latent binding protein in human chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is thought to be the mediator of fibrosis in liver, glomerular, and pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated the expression of TGF-beta 1 precursor (beta 1 latency-associated peptide), latent TGF-beta 1-binding protein (LTBP), and TGF-beta 1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: Beta 1 latency-associated peptide and LTBP expression were studied by immunohistochemistry, and TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression was studied by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis in normal pancreatic parenchyma and in tissues from patients with chronic pancreatitis of different etiologies. RESULTS: In normal specimens, TGF-beta 1 precursor was present in islet cells and in a few ductal and acinar cells but not in periductal connective tissue. No immunoreactivity for LTBP was detected. In chronic pancreatitis, TGF-beta 1 precursor was detected mainly in mononuclear cells located in the fibrotic areas and also in ducts damaged by fibrosis, more frequently in calcifying chronic pancreatitis. LTBP was present predominantly in mononuclear cells and in the extracellular matrix around them. TGF-beta 1 mRNA was either not expressed or was faintly expressed in normal tissue, whereas intense signals were detected in chronic pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the involvement of TGF-beta 1 in the development of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis and the important role of inflammatory cells.

Adult↗

A combination of livedo racemosa, occlusion of cerebral blood vessels, and nephropathy: kidney involvement in Sneddon's syndrome.

A 59-year-old woman with retinal vein thrombosis and livedo racemosa had hematuria (4+) and proteinuria (1.7 g/day). Skin biopsy showed swollen blood vessel walls with infiltration of mononuclear cells, which were compatible with livedo racemosa (vasculitis). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated multiple lacunar infarctions in the basal ganglia and white matter. Renal biopsy showed that small round cells had infiltrated into the interstitium, and a reticular structure was observed in the glomerular hilus. An amorphous substance composed of a single cell was present in the glomerular capillary lumen. Immunofluorescent study demonstrated the deposition of only IgA, in a segmental pattern differing from the diffuse global mesangial pattern seen in IgA nephropathy. After combined therapy including 40 mg/day prednisolone, 50 mg/day cyclophosphamide, antiplatelet drug, and anticoagulant was started, proteinuria and hematuria improved to 0.5 g/day and 2+, respectively, at the time of discharge. Sneddon's syndrome is a rare entity characterized by livedo racemosa and cerebrovascular lesions. In our patient with livedo racemosa, occlusion of cerebral blood vessels, and nephropathy with segmental immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposition, no antiphospholipid antibodies were detected on routine examination. Dermatologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and nephrologists should be aware of the existence of Sneddon's syndrome with nephropathy (LI-O-N).

Antibodies, Antiphospholipid↗

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 induction: a sensitive and quantitative marker for cardiac allograft rejection.

OBJECTIVES: Rats with abdominal heterotopic heart transplants were studied to determine whether cardiac allograft rejection could be assessed by immunoscintigraphy targeting intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which was induced on allografted organ cells in association with rejection. BACKGROUND: It is important to detect early rejection before development of myocyte necrosis. Although a variety of methods for the detection of cardiac rejection have been investigated, histologic inspection of biopsied samples is still used routinely for clinical diagnosis of rejection. METHODS: DA rat (RT-1a) hearts were transplanted into PVG rats (RT-1c). Immunohistologic examination of the allografts demonstrated that ICAM-1 induction on vascular endothelial cells was observed as early as 4 days after transplantation in this combination. Thirty-nine allografted rats and seven isografted rats were studied. One day after injection of 100 microCi of 111Inlabeled anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody (1A29), planar images were obtained. RESULTS: Rejecting allografts showed increased radiotracer uptake and could be identified on the images as early as 5 days after transplantation. In contrast, nonrejecting cardiac allografts and isografts did not show specific uptake. Mildly rejecting allografts, with mononuclear cell infiltration but without significant myocyte necrosis, could be scintigraphically identified, and the level of radiotracer uptake reflected the histologic severity of rejection. Accumulation of 111In-labeled monoclonal antibody of isotype-matched irrelevant specificity was not detected in the rejecting allografts. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that ICAM-1 induction can be assessed quantitatively by radioimmunoscintigraphy. Radioimmunoscitigraphy is a sensitive method for early detection and assessment of cardiac allograft rejection.

Abdomen↗

Cell adhesion molecule expression by vascular endothelial cells as an immune/inflammatory reaction in human colon carcinoma.

The cell adhesion of inflammatory cells to vascular endothelial cells is an important process in the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the site. In cancer tissue, infiltration of inflammatory cells has been suggested to be a mechanism of host resistance. To clarify this infiltration mechanism, we investigated cell adhesion molecule expression (E-selectin, P-selectin, and ICAM-1) in vascular endothelial cells by immunohistochemistry in colon carcinoma. Venules distributed along the invasive margin expressed E- and P-selectins and ICAM-1. These phenotypical features are identical to those of endothelial cells observed in active inflammatory lesions, and the vessels can, therefore, be designated as immunologically activated vessels. Nevertheless, the majority of blood vessels within the tumor lacked immunoreactivity for all these adhesion molecules and, therefore, could be designated as immunologically inactive vessels. Granulocytes, lymphocytes and macrophages, bearing the counter-receptors of these adhesion molecules, were more densely distributed along the invasive margin. In contrast, few inflammatory cells were present within the tumor. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated the phenotypical heterogeneity of tumor vessels; those for inflammatory cell infiltration to the tumor and those for the nutrient supply to the tumor.

Cell Adhesion↗

Immunoelectron microscopic localization of gelatinase A in human gastrointestinal and skin carcinomas: difference between cancer cells and fibroblasts.

Previous reports revealed a discrepancy in gelatinase A localization in human cancers; i.e., protein localization in cancer cells and mRNA localization in stromal fibroblastic cells. To clarify this, we conducted immunoelectron microscopic study of gelatinase A in cancer and stromal cells in human gastrointestinal and skin carcinomas. Although both carcinoma cells and fibroblasts were positive for gelatinase A, the subcellular localizations were different. On immunoelectron microscopy, fibroblasts showed immunoreactivity in the lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) or in the cytosol on the surface of rER, demonstrating synthesis of the protein. Carcinoma cells showed diffuse deposition of gelatinase A in the cytosol, suggesting the accumulation of the antigen both in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Immunoreactivity along the cell membrane was demonstrated in one case of skin carcinoma. Macrophages showed also diffuse deposition of gelatinase A in the cytosol. In conclusion, we found a qualitative difference of gelatinase A localization between carcinoma cells and fibroblasts, and concluded that carcinoma cells may not be important in the secretion of gelatinase A.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Similarities of in situ mRNA expression between gelatinase A (MMP-2) and type I procollagen in human gastrointestinal carcinoma: comparison with granulation tissue reaction.

The mRNA localizations of gelatinase A(MMP-2) and type I carcinoma and non-neoplastic fibrous granulation tissue were compared. By in situ hybridization, gelatinase A was shown to be expressed in fibroblasts not only in cancer stroma but also in the "reactive fibrosis zone," which surrounds the invasive margin of cancer. In most cases, no accentuation of gelatinase A expression was observed in the invasive margin. This localization pattern of gelatinase A was essentially the same as that of type I procollagen. In gastric cancer associated with deep ulceration, gelatinase A was more abundantly expressed in fibroblastic cells in granulation tissue of the ulcer base than in cancer stroma. The same situation was found in non-neoplastic fibrous granulation tissue, in which fibroblasts abundantly expressed mRNAs for both gelatinase A and type I collagen. Scar tissue (old fibrotic lesion) showed diminished expression of mRNAs for both gelatinase A and type I procollagen. The localization patterns suggest another function of gelatinase A in cancer tissue as a turnover enzyme of the extracellular matrix.

Colonic Neoplasms↗

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression by macrophages in human gastrointestinal carcinoma: possible roles as host immune/inflammatory reaction.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are one of the factors which modulate the carcinoma progression. The present study described immunohistochemical expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in stromal cells in human gastrointestinal carcinoma identifying the cell types by immunoelectron microscopy. In colon and gastric carcinomas, ICAM-1-positive cells were mostly stromal cells, and major cell types were identified as macrophages and fibroblasts by immunoelectron microscopy. Macrophages were characterized by their ovoid shape, cytoplasmic projections, abundant vacuoles, phagocytosis, and paucity of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Fibroblasts contained stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Macrophages were major cells among ICAM-1-positive cells along the invasive margin, while fibroblasts were predominant in the stroma within carcinoma in colon and intestinal-type gastric carcinomas. Lymphocytes positive for lymphocyte function associated antigen (LFA-1), a counter-receptor of ICAM-1, were densely distributed along the invasive margin, and sparsely in the stroma within carcinoma. In diffuse-type gastric carcinoma, most macrophages were dendritic-shaped and negative for ICAM-1. Our study suggests that the invasive margin is an area similar to active inflammation, where the antigen presenting cells (macrophages) and lymphocytes may interact via the ICAM-1/LFA-1 adhesion.

Carcinoma↗