Primary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis.
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Adenocarcinoma↗
Biomedical subjects
H Okada
Publications and source records attributed to H Okada.
Platelet ionized magnesium, cyclic AMP, and cyclic GMP levels in migraine and tension-type headache.
Decreased serum and intracellular levels of magnesium have been reported in patients with migraine. It has been suggested that magnesium may play an important role in the attacks and pathogenesis of headaches. We measured ionized magnesium, cyclic AMP (adenosine monophosphate), and cyclic GMP (guanosine monophosphate) in platelets of patients with migraine, in patients with tension-type headache, and in healthy controls. The platelet level of ionized magnesium from patients with tension-type headache was significantly lower than the levels from the other two groups. The platelet level of cyclic AMP from patients with migraine was higher than those from the other groups. We found no significant differences in the platelet cyclic GMP levels among the three groups. It is suggested that reduced platelet ionized magnesium in patients with tension-type headache is related to abnormal platelet function, and that increased platelet cyclic AMP in patients with migraine is related to alteration of neurotransmitters in the platelet.
Adolescent↗
An experience of the therapeutic use of an endotoxin adsorption column for microangiopathic haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
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Adsorption↗
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and PAF acetylhydrolase activity in rat uterus and placenta during the late stages of pregnancy.
We evaluated the roles of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity in late pregnancy. Uterine and placental concentrations of PAF were determined by the washed rabbit platelet aggregation bioassay. Uterine, placental, and plasma PAF-AH activities were also assayed. PAF concentration in the uterus increased 4-fold between Days 15 and 21 of pregnancy. PAF was also determined in the placenta on Days 15 and 21. In contrast to findings in the uterus, the concentration in the placenta was decreased by 75%. Platelet aggregation caused by uterine and placental PAF was inhibited by the PAF receptor antagonists CV-3988 and TCV-309. Plasma and uterine PAF-AH activities decreased significantly between Days 15 and 21. In contrast, the placental PAF-AH activity significantly increased during this same time period. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that the PAF concentration in the uterus and placenta may be regulated by intracellular PAF-AH and/or plasma PAF-AH activities. Increased PAF activity in the pregnant rat uterus may be related to the initiation of labor due to its known effect on myometrial contraction. Decreased PAF concentration in the placenta may contribute to the fetoplacental circulation due to its known hypotensive activity and the increase in vascular permeability.
1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗
Unique expression of HRF20 (CD59) in human nervous tissue.
Damage to autologous tissue by complement is limited by several widely distributed membrane-associated glycoproteins which restrict the action of the complement in homologous species. These include decay accelerating factor (DAF), membrane cofactor protein (MCP) and 20 kDa homologous restriction factor (HRF20,CD59). Using immunohistochemical techniques, we examined the localization of these proteins in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) using non-neurological human nervous tissue since some complement components have been demonstrated to be synthesized in the CNS. There was no evidence of parenchymal staining by anti-DAF or anti-MCP antibodies in either type of tissue except for the staining of the endothelium in capillaries. On the other hand, anti-HRF20 antibody clearly stained myelinated axons in the CNS as well as Schwann cells in the PNS. In addition, we detected positive staining by anti-DAF antibody in the PNS of a Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patient who is genetically deficient in HRF20.
2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗
Presence of IgM antibodies which sensitize HIV-1-infected cells to cytolysis by homologous complement in long-term survivors of HIV infection.
Although human cells are resistant to homologous human complement due to the presence of species-specific membrane inhibitors, a naturally occurring IgM antibody which recognizes an asialo-oligosaccharide can sensitize HIV-1-infected cells for complement-mediated cytolysis. Therefore, we investigated whether long-term survivors of HIV-1 infection harbor such antibodies in their sera. Thirty of 31 sera from HIV-1 seropositive hemophilia patients who have survived HIV-1 infection 10 years or more showed appreciable cytolytic activity, while only 2 sera of 10 seropositive patients presumed to have been infected with HIV-1 (due to sexual contact) more recently showed cytolytic activity. On the other hand, only 7 out of 43 sera from seronegative hemophilia patients showed cytolytic activity. Immunofluorescence staining for IgM on HIV-1-infected cells essentially correlated with the cytolytic capacity of the sera. Therefore, naturally occurring IgM antibodies and/or generated IgM antibodies reactive with the HIV-1-infected cells in patients might have been responsible for long-term survival due to complement-mediated immune cytolysis which may, in conjunction with cytotoxic T lymphocytes, synergistically suppress the infected cells in vivo. Therefore, the transfusion of such IgM antibodies could be effective for the treatment of HIV-1-infected individuals.
Adolescent↗
cDNA cloning and characterization of rat C5a anaphylatoxin receptor.
Activation of the complement cascade plays an essential role in the early stages of inflammation. C5a and its receptor are particularly active in anaphylaxis. To determine the pathological roles played by C5a and C5a receptor (C5aR) in rats, we cloned C5aR cDNA and analyzed distribution of its mRNA in various organs including lung from an LPS-stimulated rat. Furthermore, we generated a polyclonal antiserum which specifically recognizes rat C5aR, as confirmed by its specific interaction with cells transfected with rat C5aR cDNA.
Animals↗
Stability of C3 convertase in the rat classical complement pathway.
It has been reported that rat serum complement causes efficient hemolysis of antibody-sensitized sheep erythrocytes (EA) at 20 C but not at 37 C. In connection with this, we demonstrated that C3 convertase of rat complement was significantly unstable at 37 C using purified components of rat complement.
Animals↗
Percutaneous treatment of transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.
BACKGROUND: We evaluated the long-term effect of percutaneous resection in 2 Japanese patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis, and reviewed the medical literature on similar patients, to determine the appropriate indications for percutaneous treatment of transitional cell carcinoma in the upper urinary tract. RESULTS: Indications for endoscopic resection in the 2 patients were renal insufficiency and unsuitability for major open surgery. The patients had no recurrence during follow-up. Seven previous reports described percutaneous resection of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma in 82 patients. Although 72.6% of the patients were successfully treated by percutaneous resection, half of the patients with grade 3 carcinoma developed recurrence. CONCLUSION: These results, together with those of the 7 published reports, suggest that percutaneous resection should be limited to selected patients with low-grade transitional cell carcinoma.
Aged↗
Y chromosome (Yq11) microdeletions in idiopathic azoospermia.
BACKGROUND: Cytogenetic anomalies and molecular deletions of the Y chromosome in idiopathically sterile men suggest that genetic factor(s) controlling spermatogenesis are located in the distal portion of Yq11. We studied Y chromosome microdeletions in the Yq11.23 region in idiopathic azoospermia. METHODS: We studied 25 azoospermic male patients with a cytogenetically normal 46XY karyotype; 13 exhibited Sertoli-cell-only syndrome and 12 exhibited maturation arrest. Microdeletions in the Yq11 region were examined using the PCR technique with 4 pairs of primers from DNA loci in Yq11.23. RESULTS: Microdeletions in Yq11.23 were detected in 4 of the 25 azoospermic men. The most common deletion was of the Y6HP52pr sequence, which was detected in 3 of 13 men with Sertoli-cell-only syndrome but in only 1 of 12 with maturation arrest. CONCLUSION: Detection of microdeletions within the Yq11 sequence is an important clue to the genetic factor(s) underlying azoospermia.
Adult↗
Treatment of crush syndrome patients following the great Hanshin earthquake.
Five of 8 patients with rhabdomyolysis treated at our hospital following the Great Hanshin Earthquake were diagnosed with crush syndrome. One patient with crush syndrome and 3 patients with rhabdomyolysis and no renal dysfunction recovered with conservative therapy, while 1 crush syndrome patient recovered with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Of the 3 patients who died, 2 had undergone continuous arterio-venous hemofiltration (CAVH). We examined the laboratory data to identify any factors that may be prognostic for crush syndrome. The serum amylase levels were significantly higher and the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) tended to be higher from the patients who died. Examination of the serum amylase, AST and LDH levels may be useful for assessing the prognosis in patients with crush syndrome.
Aged↗
The behavior of endometrial hyperplasia: a prospective study. Endometrial Hyperplasia Study Group.
OBJECTIVE: To clarify the behavior of endometrial hyperplasia in a prospective study. METHOD: Fifty-one patients with endometrial hyperplasia were followed up for 6 months. Samples of endometrial tissues were taken by uterine endometrial biopsy every 4 weeks during the first 3 months and at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: In 69% (35/51) of the patients histological picture of the endometrium became normal during the observation period. The lesions persisted in 17% (6/35) of the patients with simple hyperplasia, in 25% (1/4) of those with complex hyperplasia, in 14% (1/7) of those with simple atypical hyperplasia, and in 80% (4/5) of the patients with complex atypical hyperplasia. In the remaining 3 patients with simple hyperplasia, the lesions progressed to complex atypical hyperplasia by the end of follow-up, after showing a normal endometrium. CONCLUSION: Most cases of endometrial hyperplasia, except for complex atypical hyperplasia, disappeared spontaneously within a short period of time.
Adult↗
CD44 isoform expression in periodontal tissues: cell-type specific regulation of alternative splicing.
CD44 functions as a receptor for various extracellular matrices and plays crucial roles in homotypic and heterotypic cell-cell interactions. Recently, the molecular structure of CD44 has been extensively analyzed and multiple isoforms produced by alternative splicing of messenger RNA have been identified. In this study, we examined the expression of CD44 isoforms on different cell types isolated from periodontal tissue. In order to examine tissue differences in CD44 isoform expression, we established in vitro cell culture of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), human periodontal ligament cells (HPDL) and human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC). These cells all expressed CD44 protein and messenger RNA. However, immunoprecipitation and Northern blot analysis revealed that HGEC expressed larger CD44 isoforms than HGF and HPDL. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with primers flanking the insertion site of alternatively spliced exons was used to study details of the heterogeneity. All cells examined expressed a major band in the absence of alternatively spliced exons and additional larger bands. In particular, HGEC contained more abundant high molecular mass species. In vitro stimulation by IL-1 beta, TNF alpha or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced an increase in total CD44 messenger RNA in HGF but not change in overall patterns of CD44 isoform expression. However, the isoform expression of HGEC was sensitive to cell density. The amount of larger isoform was decreased by culturing cells beyond confluence. These findings suggest that CD44 isoform expression is cell type-specifically regulated in periodontium and altered according to growth phase of HGEC.
Alternative Splicing↗
Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on human periodontal ligament cells.
In order to clarify the regulatory mechanisms of periodontal regeneration by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), effects of bFGF on proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, calcified nodule formation and extracellular matrix synthesis of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells were examined in this study. bFGF enhanced the proliferative responses of PDL cells in a dose-dependent manner. The maximum mitogenic effect of bFGF on PDL cells was observed at the concentration of 10 ng/ml. In contrast, bFGF inhibited the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity and the mineralized nodule formation by PDL cells. Moreover, employing the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, we observed that the levels of laminin mRNA of human PDL cells was specifically upregulated by bFGF stimulation, but that of type I collagen mRNA was downregulated. On the other hand, the expression of type III collagen and fibronectin mRNA were not altered even when the cells were activated by bFGF. These results suggest that suppressing cytodifferentiation of PDL cells into mineralized tissue forming cells, bFGF may play a role in wound healing by inducing growth of immature PDL cells and that in turn accelerates periodontal regeneration.
Alkaline Phosphatase↗
Immunoregulatory roles of adhesive interactions between lymphocytes and gingival fibroblasts.
Chronic adult periodontitis is usually characterized by inflammatory cell accumulation in the extravascular periodontal connective tissue. In order to reveal how the lymphocyte migration and retention in periodontal lesions is regulated, we have focused on the molecular basis for the adhesive interactions between lymphocytes and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). In this study, we investigated the involvement of cell adhesion molecules in adhesive interactions between lymphocytes and HGF. We found that activated lymphocytes bound strongly to HGF and VLA integrins, extracellular matrix receptors, play crucial roles in the binding. Interestingly, we first revealed that CD44 molecules (hyaluronate receptor) on lymphocytes also participated in lymphocyte-HGF interactions and that hyaluronate anchored on the surface of HGF functioned as the ligand for CD44. In addition, when HGF were stimulated with inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, TNF alpha and IFN gamma, the binding avidity between lymphocytes and HGF was significantly increased and the adhesion was mainly mediated by LFA-1/ICAM-1 pathway. We then examined the possibility whether lymphocyte-HGF interaction may cause activation of HGF. When HGF directly interacted with lymphocytes for 3 h, IL-1 beta mRNA expression was clearly increased in HGF. These findings suggested that the adhesive interactions between lymphocytes and HGF was mediated at least by VLA integrins, LFA-1/ICAM-1 and CD44/hyaluronate and that the heterotypic cell-cell interactions could mutually cause intracellular signal transduction.
Cell Adhesion↗
Comparative study of clinical effects between plasma adsorption and double filtration plasmapheresis in patients with myasthenia gravis.
Plasma exchange (PE) has been one of the most powerful treatments for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) since Pinching et al. reported its clinical usefulness in 1976, despite the need for supplemental human plasma. However, new apheresis techniques, e.g., plasma adsorption (PA) and double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), which do not need human plasma, were developed and have been introduced for clinical use in MG. We compared the effects of these plasma purification therapies in patients with MG and found that DFPP improved such subjective symptoms as chest compression and general fatigue better than PA while both of them could decrease the serum level of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies and relieve objective muscle weakness to a similar degree. It may be that DFPP can remove some circulating pathogenic factors other than AChR antibodies more efficiently than PA.
Adult↗
Early role of Fsp1 in epithelial-mesenchymal transformation.
A seamless plasticity exists among cells shifting between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes during early development and again later, in adult tissues, following wound repair or organ remodeling in response to injury. Fsp1, a gene encoding a fibroblast-specific protein associated with mesenchymal cell morphology and motility, is expressed during epithelial-mesenchymal transformations (EMT) in vivo. In the current study, we identified several cytokines that induce Fsp1 in cultured epithelial cells. A combination of these factors, however, was most efficacious at completing the process of EMT. The optimal combination identified were two of the cytokines classically associated with fibrosis, i.e., transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). To confirm that it was the induction of Fsp1 by these cytokines mediating EMT, we used antisense oligomers to block Fsp1 production and subsequently measured cell motility and markers of EMT phenotype. The antisense oligomers suppressed Fsp1 expresison and epithelial transformation; therefore, we conclude that the appearance of Fsp1 is an important early event in the pathway toward EMT.
3T3 Cells↗
Assessment of UDP-galactosyl-transferase activity in gastric mucosa of patients with chronic liver disease using an enzyme-linked peanut agglutinin binding assay.
Gastric mucin plays an important role in protecting mucosa from irritants such as acids and pepsin, and UDP-galactosyltransferase is a key enzyme in mucin synthesis. In order to study the synthesis of gastric mucin in patients with chronic liver disease, we developed a new assay using a peanut agglutinin lectin to measure this enzyme in human gastric mucosa obtained by endoscopic biopsy. Enzyme activity correlated well with that determined with a previous method using radiolabeled galactose. The enzyme activity in gastric mucosa of cirrhotic patients was significantly lower than in patients with chronic hepatitis or in normal controls and correlated with the amount of mucin in surface epithelial cells. Our findings suggest that the synthesis of gastric mucin is impaired in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Adult↗