Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Ohtani

Publications and source records attributed to H Ohtani.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

Immunoelectron microscopic localization of transforming growth factor beta 1 and latent transforming growth factor beta 1 binding protein in human gastrointestinal carcinomas: qualitative difference between cancer cells and stromal cells.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is secreted as an inactive complex associated with latent TGF-beta 1 binding protein (LTBP). Tissue localization of these proteins has not been fully understood in human pathological conditions. We examined the immunohistochemical localization of TGF-beta 1 precursor (proTGF-beta 1) and LTBP in carcinomas and granulation tissue in the human gastrointestinal tract at the light and electron microscopic levels. In normal tissue, endothelial cells and granulocytes sporadically showed immunoreactivity for proTGF-beta 1, while epithelial cells were all negative. In cancer tissue, both cancer cells and stromal cells (fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells) were positive for proTGF-beta 1, more frequently in diffuse-type gastric carcinomas than in differentiated-type adenocarcinomas. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that proTGF-beta 1 was localized in rough endoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear cisternae in fibroblasts, macrophages, and endothelial cells in cancer stroma and in fibrous granulation tissue. In contrast, the intracellular localization of proTGF-beta 1 in carcinoma cells was predominantly observed in the cytosol (cytoplasmic matrix). This finding suggests disarranged or blocked intracellular transportation of proTGF-beta 1 in cancer cells. The immunoreactivity for LTBP was not observed in the normal epithelial cells. It was localized in cancer stroma, not in cancer cells. Ultrastructurally, LTBP was located in the extracellular matrix around fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. The intracellular immunoreactivity for LTBP was observed in rough endoplasmic reticulum of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, the same as in granulation tissue. These results suggest that gastrointestinal carcinoma cells produce no or a small amount of LTBP in vivo. Our investigation suggests that extensive fibrosis in both cancer stroma and granulation tissues may be promoted by TGF-beta 1 mainly secreted from stromal cells.

Carrier Proteins↗

An isoform of protein disulfide isomerase is expressed in the developing acrosome of spermatids during rat spermiogenesis and is transported into the nucleus of mature spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa.

We have purified an isoform of protein disulfide isomerase (EC 5.3.4.1) from rat liver, and raised a specific antibody against the purified protein in rabbit. Immunohistochemical studies using this antibody on rat testis sections, at both light and electron microscopic levels, showed a specific localization of the isoform of protein disulfide isomerase in the developing acrosome of the spermatids. The protein was transferred to the acrosomic vesicle from the Golgi apparatus at late Golgi phase, and remained present in the acrosome of spermatids during cap phase, acrosome phase, and maturation phase. In addition to the acrosome, the protein appeared in the nucleus of spermatids during maturation phase, and was localized in the nucleus of epididymal spermatozoa. By immunoblot analysis, almost all of the isoform of protein disulfide isomerase in the testis was found to be extractable by an isotonic buffer. On the contrary, detergent extraction was required for complete solubilization of the protein in the epididymis. These results suggest that the isoform of protein disulfide isomerase is a new intra-acrosomal soluble protein, and that the protein begins to enter the nucleus of mature spermatids in the testis and tightly binds to the nuclear components in epididymal spermatozoa.

Acrosome↗

Mechanism of chromosome elimination in the hybridogenetic spermatogenesis of allotriploid males between Japanese and European water frogs.

Of 21 allotriploid males that possessed two genomes of Rana nigromaculata and one genome of Rana lessonae 10 produced a large number of spermatozoa in their testes. When 4 of these males were backcrossed with a female of R. nigromaculata, all of the resulting froglets were diploid in chromosome number and were completely R. nigromaculata type in appearance. These allotriploid males proved to have produced spermatozoa with one R. nigromaculata genome hybridogenetically. Therefore, their germ line cells were investigated for the mechanism of elimination of their R. lessonae chromosomes. In histological sections of testes, the great majority of spermatogonia (approximately 10(4) cells) between mitotic prometaphase and anaphase appeared normal in chromosome behavior, whereas 17 spermatogonia showed several chromosomes whose behavior deviated from the normal course during the same period. These deviant chromosomes concentrated together near the equatorial plate and remained stationary at anaphase. In metaphase chromosome preparations made from spermatogonia, 67 and 185 of the 477 chromosome spreads were diploid and triploid, respectively. The rest were aneuploid. Notably, 8 triploid spreads consisted of 26 or more normal chromosomes and 13 or fewer degenerate chromosomes. From these results it is concluded that a set of R. lessonae chromosomes is eliminated from some, but not all spermatogonia by becoming degenerate during the mitotic period.

Animals↗

Prediction of the therapeutic dose for beta-stimulants based on preclinical data: application of oral dosage forms and aerosols to asthmatic patients.

The therapeutic doses of beta-stimulants in the treatment of bronchial asthma show wide variation among the drugs. In the present study, we tried to construct a system for prediction of the optimum clinical dose of beta-stimulants as oral dosage forms and aerosols using the data from preclinical pharmacological studies and pharmacokinetic data in humans. Values of EC50 (drug concentration that gives the half-maximum bronchodilator effect) in the in vitro studies based on isolated trachea of guinea pigs were collected from the literature. The ratios of the EC50 value of each drug to that of isoproterenol were used as the indicator of in vitro pharmacological activity. There were significant correlations between the EC50 ratios and the oral dose or the maximum plasma concentration after single oral administration, but the correlation coefficients were relatively small (r < .9). On the other hand, a linear log-log relationship was observed between the EC50 ratio and the maximum plasma unbound concentration (Cu(max)) (slope = 0.907, r = .955, p < 0.001). In the case of aerosols, a good correlation was observed between the EC50 ratio and the dose (slope = 0.770, r = .900, p < 0.01). The predicted concentration of beta-stimulants in the lung after aerosol administration tended to be higher than the Cu(max) after oral administration, suggesting the contribution of nonspecific binding in the lung tissue. These findings indicate the possibility of predicting the appropriate dose of beta-stimulants based on the preclinical pharmacological data and the pharmacokinetic data in humans.

Administration, Oral↗

Effect of dietary hydrogenated corn oil (trans-octadecenoate rich oil) on plasma and hepatic cholesterol metabolism in the hamster.

The effect of dietary hydrogenated corn oil (trans-octadecenoate-rich oil) on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations was compared with dietary palmitic acid in hamsters given a cholesterol-rich diet. The addition of dietary palmitic acid and hydrogenated corn oil accelerated the increase in plasma VLDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels and plasma triglyceride level induced by dietary cholesterol loading. Dietary cholesterol, palmitic acid and hydrogenated corn oil showed no effect on plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration. A decrease in hepatic LDL receptor activity was seen in animals fed a diet supplemented with cholesterol in combination with palmitic acid or hydrogenated corn oil in comparison with animals fed a diet supplemented with cholesterol alone. Hydrogenated corn oil (trans-octadecenoate-rich oil) appears to potentiate the effect of dietary cholesterol in elevating the plasma VLDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels through the suppression of hepatic LDL receptor activity. trans-Octadecenoate in dietary hydrogenated corn oil may be as atherogenic as dietary palmitic acid due to a suppression of hepatic LDL receptors in the presence of dietary cholesterol loading.

Animals↗

Identification of a functional receptor differing from the LDL receptor that catabolizes chylomicron remnant in Hep G2 cells.

We investigated types of lipoprotein receptors on Hep G2 cells using a monoclonal antibody against the LDL receptor. IgG-C7 inhibited the binding and internalization of 125I-labeled low density lipoprotein (LDL) in Hep G2 cells with upregulated and downregulated LDL receptors by 90% of control values. Binding and internalization of 125I-labeled chylomicron remnant in Hep G2 cells with upregulated and downregulated LDL receptors was 50% and 85%, respectively, of control values after exposure to IgG-C7. Excess unlabeled chylomicron remnant inhibited binding and internalization of 125I-labeled chylomicron remnant in Hep G2 cells with downregulated LDL receptors completely. Pronase treatment abolished binding and internalization of 125I-labeled LDL and 125I-labeled chylomicron remnant in Hep G2 cells. When solubilized fractions of Hep G2 cells were immunoprecipitated with IgG-C7, the binding activity of 125I-labeled chylomicron remnant to reconstituted vesicles was unchanged. 45Ca blotting analysis showed the presence of 45Ca binding protein (approximately 600 kDa) in Hep G2 cells. The amount of 45Ca binding protein was not affected by cholesterol and was abolished by pronase treatment. These results suggest the existence of a functional receptor other than the LDL receptor that catabolizes chylomicron remnant in Hep G2 cells and that this receptor may correspond to LDL receptor-related protein.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Kinetic analysis of molecular interconversion of immunosuppressant FK506 by high-performance liquid chromatography.

High-performance liquid chromatography of FK506, a macrolide immunosuppressant, was performed on a reversed-phase column. The peak was broad with the column kept at room temperature, which was accounted for by slow interconversion between the two forms of FK506. With the use of a heated column, a sharp peak was observed because of the rapid interconversion at high temperature. When the column was cooled to 0 degree C, two sharp peaks were observed because essentially no interconversion occurred at 0 degree C during elution. Analysis of the chromatograms obtained at various eluant flow rates indicated that the conversion of the two forms follows first-order kinetics, and the apparent activation energies for the conversions were calculated. The interconvertibility between the two molecular forms may be related to the immunosuppressive activity.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Thrombin may contribute to the pathophysiology of central nervous system injury.

Thrombin has multiple functions, including its function as a key enzyme during blood coagulation and other physiologic activities. We studied brain tissue reactions to thrombin that might be present in the central nervous system (CNS) following injury. Thrombin and three different types of controls--buffer, albumin, and plasmin--were individually infused into the rat caudate nucleus by a continuous osmotic mini-pump. Brains were examined by conventional histologic and immunohistologic techniques. Antibodies for bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, and laminin were employed to assess the infiltration of inflammatory cells, proliferation activity of cells, and reaction of astrocytes and mesenchymal cells, respectively. The number of inflammatory cells, number of BrdU-positive cells, area and number of vimentin-positive astrocytes, and the area of GFAP-positive astrocytes were quantitatively analyzed. Thrombin caused infiltration of inflammatory cells, proliferation of mesenchymal cells, induction of angiogenesis, and an increase in vimentin-positive reactive astrocytes. These histologic changes caused by thrombin infusion resembled the inflammation, scar formation, and reactive gliosis in the CNS following injury. These results suggest that thrombin may play an important role in inflammatory responses to CNS injury since thrombin is one of the blood borne factors that may interact with brain tissue after CNS injury. The data further suggest that the therapeutic application of antithrombin agents for CNS injury suppresses inflammation and the excessive gliosis and scar formation, which are barriers to neuronal regeneration.

Animals↗

Sialyl LewisX expression on human Langerhans cells.

Recently, it has been demonstrated that the skin-infiltrating T cells express cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen, which is the ligand of E-selectin or endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule, suggesting that cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen functions as the homing receptor of the skin infiltrating T cells. In contrast, the mechanism for the migration of Langerhans cells from the bone marrow to the skin has not been clarified. Sialyl LewisX acts as a ligand for endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule and granule membrane protein 140. We examined the expression of sialyl LewisX in epidermal dendritic cells in human skin. Two-color immunofluorescence study on an epidermal sheet revealed that human leukocyte antigen DR+ or CD1a+ epidermal dendritic cells were partially sialyl LewisX+, although all of the sialyl LewisX+ dendritic cells were human leukocyte antigen DR+ and CD1a+. Further analysis of these dendritic cells by flow cytometry demonstrated that most of the human leukocyte antigen DR+ and CD1a+ epidermal cells expressed sialyl LewisX, although the magnitude of its expression was more variable than that of CD1a expression, and that some of human leukocyte antigen DR+ cells were clearly sialyl LewisX-. Immunoperoxidase study of normal skin showed the presence of sialyl LewisX+ dendritic cells not only in the epidermis but also in the upper dermis. These data demonstrating the heterogeneity of the expression of sialyl LewisX by epidermal Langerhans cells suggest their possible relationship to the stage of maturation as well as to the migration of Langerhans cells from the bone marrow to the skin.

Flow Cytometry↗

Effect of humidity on solid-state isomerization of various kinds of lactose during grinding.

The effect of humidity on isomerization during grinding of alpha-monohydrate, alpha-anhydrate and beta-anhydrate of lactose was investigated. Samples were ground in an agate centrifugal ball mill at 270 rev min-1 at room temperature (21 degrees C) and at 5 and 60% relative humidity. Crystallinity of the ground lactose was measured by Hermans' method from the powder X-ray diffraction profiles. The alpha- and beta-lactose content of the ground lactose was measured by using angular rotation spectrophotometry. The crystalline lactose samples were transformed into noncrystalline solids by mechanical stress during grinding. After grinding, the adsorbed water content of all ground lactose samples increased, and the isomerized amount increased with increase of the water content during grinding at 5 and 60% relative humidity. The results suggest that the isomerization rate of alpha-monohydrate during grinding may depend on the crystallinity, but those of alpha- and beta-anhydrate depend on the content of adsorbed water.

Crystallization↗

Colocalization of corticotropin-releasing factor and vasopressin in the paraventricular nucleus of the human hypothalamus.

The anatomical relationship between corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-containing cells and arginine vasopressin (AVP)-containing cells in the human hypothalamus was investigated by immunocytochemistry. In the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH), CRF-like immunoreactivity (CRF-LI) was present exclusively in parvocellular cells, while AVP-like immunoreactivity (AVP-LI) was present in both parvocellular and magnocellular cells. No CRF-immunoreactive neurons were observed in the supraoptic nucleus. All CRF-immunoreactive parvocellular cells in the PVH were also AVP immunoreactive. We confirmed the presence of AVP in the CRF-immunoreactive cells by using two kinds of anti-AVP antisera, one of which recognized the side chain of AVP while the other recognized the ring structure of AVP. Colocalization of CRF-LI and AVP-LI was observed not only in the same perikarya but also in the same nerve fibers of parvocellular cells. The present results raise the possibility that AVP and CRF may be secreted together into the human portal circulation.

Adolescent↗

Immunohistochemical localization of gonadotropin-associated peptide (GAP) in the human hypothalamus.

GAP was immunohistochemically localized for the first time in the human hypothalamus. GAP-immunoreactivity was present in the cytoplasm of neuronal cells in the arcuate nucleus. GAP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were also present in the primary plexus around capillaries in the infundibular region. No GAP-immunoreactive neurons were detected in the paraventricular nuclei or supraoptic nuclei.

Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus↗

Partial cloning of cDNA for hamster liver cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase.

A partial cDNA clone encoding cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (pHA 7 alpha-3) was isolated from a hamster liver cDNA library using rat P-450 ch7 cDNA (p 7 alpha-11) as a probe. In comparison with the complete base sequence of p 7 alpha-11, pHA 7 alpha-3 lacked about 500 base pairs at the 5' end. Circadian rhythms of mRNA for hamster liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase were investigated with cDNA clones encoding 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (pRed-227) and pHA 7 alpha-3. Typical circadian rhythms of mRNA for both enzymes and a time lag between the two circadian rhythms were observed. The circadian rhythm of activity for each enzyme corresponded to that of each mRNA.

Animals↗

Amino acid transport system of the guinea pig small intestine is injured by hydroxyl radicals.

The mechanism for the damage to the alanine-preferring amino acid transport system (A system) of guinea pig intestinal brush border membrane vesicles induced by active oxygen species was studied in vitro. The transport activity of L-proline, which is a model amino acid for the A system, and the tryptophan fluorescence intensity of intestinal brush border membrane vesicles were decreased, and lipid peroxidation of these membrane vesicles was induced by ultraviolet irradiation, which generated active oxygen species. Thiourea (hydroxyl radical scavenger) protected L-proline transport activity and tryptophan fluorescence intensity of intestinal brush border membrane vesicles and also inhibited lipid peroxidation in these membrane vesicles in the presence of active oxygen radicals. alpha-Tocopherol (singlet oxygen radical scavenger) inhibited lipid peroxidation of intestinal brush border membrane vesicles but protected neither L-proline transport activity nor tryptophan fluorescence intensity in these membrane vesicles in the presence of active oxygen radicals. Catalase and superoxide dismutase showed no protective effect on L-proline transport activity, tryptophan fluorescence intensity, or lipid peroxide formation in intestinal brush border membrane vesicles in the presence of active oxygen radicals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acids↗

In situ expression of the cell adhesion molecules in inflammatory bowel disease. Evidence of immunologic activation of vascular endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: The cell adhesion between vascular endothelial cells and leukocytes is an important process for the immuno-inflammatory changes. To clarify the basic features of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), studies of in situ localization of the cell adhesion molecules are required. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We analyzed the immunohistochemical localization of the adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, LFA-1, Mac-1, VCAM-1, VLA-4, P- and E-selectins) in IBD, stressing phenotypical changes of endothelial cells. RESULTS: In the normal mucosa, ICAM-1 was expressed in capillaries and venules, LFA-1 in some lymphocytes and VLA-4 in most lymphocytes. VCAM-1 was expressed sporadically in venules and constantly in follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in lymphoid follicles. Both E- and P-selectins were sporadically expressed in venules. In actively inflamed mucosa in IBD, a marked increase of all these antigens was observed; ICAM-1+ inflammatory infiltrates (lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages) and ICAM-1+ venules increased paralleled to the degree of inflammation. LFA-1+ and VLA-4+ mononuclear cells and Mac-1+ granulocytes increased in number. However, expression of VCAM-1 in venules or capillaries was not increased. FDC constantly expressed VCAM-1. E- and P-selectins+ venules increased in actively inflamed tissue particularly at the base of ulcers. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed expression of these antigens along the plasma membranes (functional localization) and in rough endoplasmic reticulum or in perinuclear spaces (localization during the intracellular synthesis). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that increased expression of the adhesion molecules in IBD promotes the recruitment of granulocytes and lymphocytes through blood vessels and the cell interaction between lymphocytes-antigen presenting cells or among lymphocytes, thereby sustaining the immuno-inflammatory process in IBD. The present study emphasizes the importance of microenvironmental changes including the endothelial activation in the immuno-inflammatory changes.

Adult↗

Detection of cardiac rejection in mice by radioimmune scintigraphy using 123iodine-labeled anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is induced on allograft cells in association with acute rejection and plays important roles in the rejection process. Mice with abdominal heart transplants were studied to determine whether an increase in ICAM-1 expression in rejecting cardiac allografts could be detected by radioimmunoscintigraphy. Allografts from BALB/c donors were transplanted into C3H/He recipients (n = 7). Two of the allografted mice were treated with FK506 (2 mg/kg/day) and four isografted C3H/He mice served as controls. One to eight days after transplantation each mouse was injected intravenously with 50 microCi of 123I-labeled anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody (YN1/1.7). After imaging the mice were killed for tissue counting and histopathology. Graft to native heart radiotracer uptake ratio in the mice with rejecting cardiac allograft (2.12 +/- 0.22, n = 5) was significantly greater than that in the mice with non-rejecting graft (1.23 +/- 0.14, n = 6, p < 0.001). In contrast to non-rejecting grafts, a rejecting allograft with lymphocyte infiltration but without myocyte necrosis and other allografts with relatively advanced rejection could be identified by the scintigraphy. We conclude that 123I-labeled anti-ICAM-1 antibody imaging is a noninvasive method for detecting cardiac allograft rejection.

Abdomen↗

[Quantitative assessment of improvement in perfusion after coronary bypass grafting: assessed by thallium-201 bull's eye subtraction polar map method].

To assess redistribution (RD) and improvement in regional perfusion after coronary bypass grafting (CABG) on thallium-201 SPECT images quantitatively, the Bull's eye subtraction polar (BS) map was created. BS map was created after subtraction of a normalized bull's eye polar map from another normalized polar map. The quantitative assessment on this map was compared to the visual qualitative analysis in 23 patients (115 segments) who received CABG. All of the improved segments after CABG showed > or = 15% on the BS map. On the other hand, 60% of the non improved segments showed < 10% on the BS map. Furthermore, 67% of the RD segments showing > or = 15% on the BS map before CABG improved in perfusion by > or = 15% on the BS map after CABG. On the BS map, an excellent correlation was observed between the extent of redistribution before CABG and the extent of improvement after CABG. Thus, BS map permits quantitative assessment of improvement in perfusion on T1 SPECT imaging, and this technique seems to be valuable for predicting improvement in perfusion after CABG.

Adult↗