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H Sato

Publications and source records attributed to H Sato.

At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources

Gelatinase A and membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase mRNA: expressed in adrenocortical cancers but not in adenomas.

In an attempt to understand the mechanism behind the invasion and metastasis in adrenocortical cancer we performed mRNA in situ hybridization on 30 tumors for three matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs): gelatinase A, membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), and collagenase-3. All are known to participate in the invasion and metastasis of other tumor forms by degrading the extracellular matrix. Thirteen of sixteen cancers, but only one of fourteen benign lesions showed expression of gelatinase A, which was localized in stromal cells. MT1-MMP is thought to assist in tumor invasion and metastasis by activating the zymogen gelatinase A. Of 14 malignant tumors analyzed, 12 showed MT1-MMP mRNA expression, which in 7 cases was detected in both neoplastic and stromal cells. The benign tumors showed MT1-MMP expression in only 3 of 11 cases, and it was restricted to tumor cells. Fourteen tumors (11 cancers, 3 adenomas) were also analyzed for collagenase-3 mRNA, but no expression was detected. In conclusion, our data show that gelatinase A mRNA is expressed in most malignant adrenocortical tumors but not in the benign tumors. Gelatinase A mRNA expression is restricted to stromal cells, whereas its activator, MT1-MMP, is expressed in both stromal and neoplastic cells. Inhibition of gelatinase A and other proteinases may in the future become important as a form of cancer treatment.

Adenoma↗

Cortical influences on the vestibular nuclei of the cat.

Our goal was to study potential substrates for cortical modulation of vestibular reflexes in the cat. In initial experiments, injections of wheat-germ-agglutinate-horseradish-peroxidase into Deiters' nucleus and the rostral descending nucleus revealed bilateral colonies of retrogradely filled neurons in cortical areas 6, 2, and 3a (about 60 cells per colony). In cats anesthetized with chloralose-urethane, we stimulated areas 2 and 3a with trains of pulses while recording from ipsilateral vestibular-nucleus neurons, which were characterized by their responses to sinusoidal tilts and tested for the presence of antidromic responses to stimulation of the upper cervical cord. A majority of the neurons was affected by cortical stimulation, showing either facilitation, inhibition, or a mixture of the two. Stimulation in area 2 was more effective than stimulation in area 3a. Despite the anatomic presence of direct cortico-vestibular projections, properties of facilitation and inhibition suggest that both were evoked by polysynaptic pathways. Cortical effects were broadly distributed to vestibular neurons without regard to responses of these neurons to sinusoidal tilts. There was no significant difference between effects on lateral and medial vestibulospinal tract neurons, but, as a group, vestibulospinal neurons were much more likely to be affected by cortical stimulation than neurons not antidromically activated from the C2 segment. We conclude that, by their influence on vestibulospinal neurons, neurons in cortical areas 2 and 3a should be able to modulate, in behaving animals, vestibular reflexes acting on the neck and limbs.

Animals↗

Saccular and utricular inputs to sternocleidomastoid motoneurons of decerebrate cats.

Connections from the otolithic organs to sternocleidomastoid (SCM) motoneurons were studied in 20 decerebrate cats. The electrical stimulation was selective for the saccular or the utricular nerves. Postsynaptic potentials were recorded from antidromically identified SCM motoneurons; these muscles participate mainly in neck rotation and flexion. Partial transections of the brainstem at the level of the obex were performed to identify the possible pathway from the otolithic organs to the SCM motoneurons. Saccular or utricular nerve stimulation mainly evoked inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in the ipsilateral SCM motoneurons. Some of the sacculus-induced IPSPs were preceded by small-amplitude excitatory PSPs (EPSPs). The latencies of the PSPs ranged from 1.8 to 3.1 ms after saccular nerve stimulation and from 1.7 to 2.8 ms after utricular nerve stimulation, indicating that most of the ipsilateral connections were disynaptic. In the contralateral SCM motoneurons, saccular nerve stimulation had no or faint effects, whereas utricular nerve stimulation evoked EPSPs in about two-thirds of neurons, and no visible PSPs in about one-third of neurons. The latencies of the EPSPs ranged from 1.5 to 2.0 ms, indicating the disynaptic connection. Thus, the results suggest a difference between the two otolithic innervating patterns of SCM motoneurons. After transection of the medial vestibulospinal tract (MVST), saccular nerve stimulation did not evoke IPSPs at all in ipsilateral SCM motoneurons, but some (11/40) neurons showed small-amplitude EPSPs. Most (24/33) of the utricular-activated IPSPs disappeared after transection, whereas the other 9 neurons still indicated IPSPs. In the contralateral SCM motoneurons, no utricular-activated EPSPs were recorded after transection. These MVST transection results suggest that most of the otolith-SCM pathways are located in the MVST at the obex level. However, the results also suggest the possibility that other otolith-SCM pathways exist at the obex level.

Afferent Pathways↗

Cephaloceles and abnormal venous drainage.

Seven cases of parietal cephalocele and three cases of occipital cephalocele associated with abnormal venous drainage were evaluated, and the mechanism of the development for venous system was discussed from the embryological viewpoint. In parietal cephaloceles the abnormally draining vein, which corresponds to the straight sinus, ascended along the interhemisphere apart from the tentorium and emptied into the superior sagittal sinus below the cephalocele. The superior sagittal sinus formed the confluence, which was positioned high up. Intraoperative findings revealed that cephalocele penetrated the superior sagittal sinus at the midline. In the case of occipital cephalocele, the straight sinus followed a postero-superior course, to drain into the confluence just above the neck of cephalocele. The results of our study suggest that the causation of abnormal venous drainage in the great vein of Galen, the straight sinus and the superior sagittal sinus may be secondary, through interaction with a developmentally pre-existing cephalocele.

Brain↗

Effect of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol ester and incisional wounding on neuropsin mRNA and its protein expression in murine skin.

The expression of neuropsin mRNA in vivo in mouse skin was examined by in situ hybridization and Northern blotting under stimulated conditions. Two kinds of epidermal stimuli, a topical application of a chemical tumor promoter and incisional wounding, were used. A single topical application of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate induced epidermal hyperplasia and simultaneously induced an extensive increase in neuropsin mRNA in the suprabasal cells. A full-thickness skin incision also induced a profound increase in neuropsin mRNA in the suprabasal cells surrounding the wound but not in actively proliferating basal cells. The increases in neuropsin mRNA occurred rather late and were limited to the site of drug application or around the incision. Interestingly, neuropsin mRNA was not expressed in the epithelial tongue migrating toward the wound during re-epithelialization. Thus, neuropsin might participate in accelerated epidermal differentiation rather than in the proliferation or migration of keratinocytes in the wound.

Animals↗

Analysis of subclonal expansion of colorectal carcinomas by flow cytometry.

DNA heterogeneity of colorectal carcinomas has been investigated by flow cytometry, most studies have focused on the clinical usefulness of DNA ploidy analysis. Since cancers consist of predominant subclones with proliferative advantage due to clonal expansion, we attempted to analyse the clonal expansion of colorectal carcinomas within a tumour by measuring DNA ploidy. The DNA ploidy and heterogeneity of multiple fresh samples obtained from 164 colorectal adenocarcinomas were analysed by flow cytometry. Each tumour was divided into an average of six specimens, which were analysed separately. For 146 of the tumours (89%) at least one DNA aneuploid population was found within the cancer tissue examined. DNA multiploidy was detected in 26 cases (17.8%) among the cancers with aneuploidy. Based on the DNA index (DI), hypertriploid aneuploidy (1.7<DI<1.8) was found most frequently in the aneuploid colorectal cancers examined. DNA ploidy heterogeneity was seen in 75 (51.4%) of the DNA aneuploid tumours. There were only 3 cases with more than three subclones including a diploid line. The present results indicate that colorectal carcinomas consist of a few dominant subclones and have a DNA content (hypertriploid aneuploid) that confers a proliferative advantage.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Confocal microscopy of dentinal tubules in human tooth stained with alizarin red.

The present study was designed to analyze the structures of dentinal tubules by confocal microscopy. Undecalcified ground sections of human teeth were stained with alizarin red in 0.1% KOH aqueous solution, and examined by confocal microscopy. Alizarin red stained dentinal tubules, interglobular dentine, granular layer of Tomes, and the surface of dentine. Interglobular dentine was seen between the outer and middle layers of coronal dentine. At the outer layer of coronal dentine, the dentinal tubules were thin and showed numerous branches. At the middle layer of coronal dentine, dentinal tubules displayed two types. The type I tubules are the dentinal tubules that do not show any nodular structures and the type II tubules are the dentinal tubules that appear bamboo-like with many nodules. In the cross section through the type II tubules, the nodules appeared as fine circular tubules surrounding the dentinal tubules. The circular tubules of nodules adhered to one side of the dentinal tubules. When the fluorescence images were compared with the images taken by transmission light mode, the fluorescence of dentinal tubules was seen at the inner surface of dentinal tubules, and the fluorescence of nodules was seen at interface between peritubular and intertubular dentine. Most of the dentinal tubules were of the type II tubules in the teeth from older individuals, whereas the type II tubules were scarce in the teeth from younger individuals. At the inner layer of coronal dentine, the dentinal tubules have no nodules and branches were scarce. The dentinal tubules of radicular dentine were different from those of coronal dentine. Most of the dentinal tubules were the type I tubules. Numerous fine branches were seen at the outer and middle layers of radicular dentine. No interglobular dentine was seen in the root except at the cervical part, and the granular layer of Tomes was also positive with alizarin red. At the cervical part of the root, interglobular dentine was present and the dentinal tubules displayed types I and II.

Adult↗

A case of anorexia nervosa with hyperbilirubinaemia in a patient homozygous for a mutation in the bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase gene.

UNLABELLED: Gilbert syndrome was diagnosed in a girl with anorexia nervosa and unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. Since the patient was starved and hyperbilirubinaemic, the loading test was not used for the diagnosis but analysis of the bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase gene (UGT1A1) instead. The patient was homozygous for a missense mutation that replaced guanine with adenine at nucleotide number 211 (211G-->A: G71R). The unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia was apparently induced by the fasting state. Homozygous missense mutations of the gene have been generally recognized as responsible for Crigler-Najjar syndrome type II; the results obtained here, however, confirm that Gilbert syndrome may also be caused by a homozygous missense mutation of UGT1A1. CONCLUSION: Since anorexia nervosa patients are in a fasting state, they may show moderate unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia if they have Gilbert syndrome. Gene analysis of such cases will rule out hepatic damage. Homozygous missense mutations of the bilirubin-UDP-glucuronosyltransferase gene cause not only Crigler-Najjar syndrome type II but also Gilbert syndrome.

Anorexia Nervosa↗

Cloning and expression of yellowtail ascites virus segment A.

cDNA of yellowtail ascites virus (YAV) segment A encoding a polyprotein of VP2, NS, and VP3 has been cloned. Comparison of the nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequences showed very high homology between YAV and other aquatic birnaviruses. The two small open reading frames (VP5) besides the 5' terminus of the VP2 gene were found on segment A of YAV. Proteins encoded by cDNAs from segment A and the serotype-specific epitope region on VP2 were expressed using a baculovirus vector. Western blot analysis confirmed that a polyprotein was expressed and processed into VP2 and VP3 in insect cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus containing the complete polyprotein coding region. In the case of expression in silkworm larvae, only VP3 was detected in hemocytes and fat body of silkworm larvae infected with the recombinant virus. The recombinant fusion protein consisting of VP2 epitope region and polyhedrin was expressed in insect cells and cross-reacted with a mouse monoclonal antibody against VP2 which had a neutralizing activity to YAV.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression and tissue localization of membrane-type 1, 2, and 3 matrix metalloproteinases in human astrocytic tumors.

Three different membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT1-, MT2-, and MT3-MMPs) are known to activate in vitro the zymogen of MMP-2 (pro-MMP-2, progelatinase A), which is one of the key MMPs in invasion and metastasis of various cancers. In the present study, we have examined production and activation of pro-MMP-2, expression of MT1-, MT2-, and MT3-MMPs and their correlation with pro-MMP-2 activation, and localization of MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and MT2-MMP in human astrocytic tumors. The sandwich enzyme immunoassay demonstrates that the production levels of pro-MMP-2 in the anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas are significantly higher than that in the low-grade astrocytomas (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), metastatic brain tumors (P<0.05), or normal brains (P<0.01). Gelatin zymography indicates that the pro-MMP-2 activation ratio is significantly higher in the glioblastomas than in other astrocytic tumors (P<0.01), metastatic brain tumors (P<0.01), and normal brains (P<0.01). The quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrate that MT1-MMP and MT2-MMP are expressed predominantly in glioblastoma tissues (17/17 and 12/17 cases, respectively), and their expression levels increase significantly as tumor grade increases. MT3-MMP is detectable in both astrocytic tumor and normal brain tissues, but the mean expression level is approximately 50-fold lower compared with that of MT1-MMP and MT2-MMP in the glioblastomas. The activation ratio of pro-MMP-2 correlates directly with the expression levels of MT1-MMP and MT2-MMP but not MT3-MMP. In situ hybridization indicates that neoplastic astrocytes express MT1-MMP and MT2-MMP in the glioblastoma tissues (5/5 cases and 5/5 cases, respectively). Immunohistochemically, MT1-MMP and MT2-MMP are localized to the neoplastic astrocytes in glioblastoma samples (17/17 cases and 12/17 cases, respectively), which are also positive for MMP-2. In situ zymography shows gelatinolytic activity in the glioblastoma tissues but not in the normal brain tissues. These results suggest that both MT1-MMP and MT2-MMP play a key role in the activation of pro-MMP-2 in the human malignant astrocytic tumors and that the gelatinolytic activity is involved in the astrocytic tumor invasion.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Expression of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor and its potential role in up-regulation of angiogenesis in scarred kidneys secondary to urinary tract diseases.

The mechanism of neovascularization secondary to renal interstitial fibrosis is not well understood. Platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) is known to promote angiogenesis. We examined the expression of PD-ECGF immunohistochemically in 9 normal kidneys and 26 scarred kidneys secondary to urinary tract diseases. To estimate up-regulation of angiogenesis, microvessels were counted by immunostaining endothelial cells for CD34. Immunostaining of PD-ECGF was observed in most Bowman's capsules, occasional tubules, and some interstitial mononuclear cells in normal kidneys. A remarkable increase of immunostained PD-ECGF was found in the tubules and interstitial mononuclear infiltrates in the scarred kidneys. The predominant cell type in the infiltrate was T cells (CD3(+)). The microvessel count and mean numbers of PD-ECGF(+) tubular and interstitial mononuclear cells increased with increasing interstitial fibrosis. A significant correlation was noted between microvessel count and the number of PD-ECGF(+) tubular cells (P = 0.0002) or PD-ECGF(+) interstitial mononuclear cells (P < 0.0001). Immunostaining of endogrin, a marker of endothelial proliferation, increased in the microvessels located in the fibrotic interstitial spaces. These results suggest that angiogenesis may play a critical role in the progression of tubulointerstitial injuries and that up-regulation of PD-ECGF may contribute to neovascularization.

Adolescent↗

A new instrument for endoscopic gluing for bronchopleural fistulae.

Fibrin glue was developed as a biologic adhesive and is frequently used in thoracic surgery, but no endoscopic instrument is available to spray fibrin glue. We developed an instrument, a new tube system, to aerosolize fibrin glue endoscopically to treat bronchopleural fistulae. This instrument was made of polypropylene, 2 mm diameter, and consisted of three microtubes, 0.3 mm diameter. Fibrinogen and thrombin glue were applied at the same time and aerosolized by burst pressure. The use of this instrument during bronchoscopy was found to increase the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment for bronchopleural fistulae.

Aerosols↗

Heme oxygenase-carbon monoxide signalling pathway in atherosclerosis: anti-atherogenic actions of bilirubin and carbon monoxide?

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, and genetic disorders of lipoprotein metabolism are recognized risk factors in atherogenesis. The gaseous monoxides nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), generated within the blood vessel wall, have been identified as important cellular messengers involved in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone. Microsomal heme oxygenases degrade heme to biliverdin and CO, and the cytosolic enzyme biliverdin reductase then catalyzes reduction of biliverdin to bilirubin, both powerful chain-breaking antioxidants. Two principal isozymes of heme oxygenase have been identified, a constitutive isoform HO-2 (M(r) approximately 34,000) and an inducible isoform HO-1 (M(r) approximately 32,000), which is expressed at a low basal level in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and is induced by heavy metals, oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators and oxidized low density lipoproteins. Although NO and CO modulate intracellular cGMP levels, platelet aggregation and smooth muscle relaxation, CO has a much lower affinity for soluble guanylyl cyclase than NO. Decreased production or sensitivity to NO in atherosclerosis may be compensated for by an induction of HO-1, with bilirubin acting as a cellular antioxidant and CO as a vasodilator. This review examines the evidence that oxidized low density lipoproteins (LDL), hypoxia and pro-inflammatory cytokines induce HO-1 expression and activity in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and evaluates the anti-atherogenic potential of the heme oxygenase signalling pathway.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Pancreatoscopy for the next generation: development of the peroral electronic pancreatoscope system.

BACKGROUND: To improve visualization of the pancreatic duct with a pancreatoscope, we have developed the smallest known electronic endoscope, that is, the peroral electronic pancreatoscope. METHODS: This instrument (2.1 mm, external diameter) was developed with a 50k-pixel interline charge coupled device. A peroral fiberoptic pancreatoscope was used as control, connected to a video converter. The visibility of both systems was studied with a test chart. The model pancreatic duct, the oral mucosa, and the pancreatic ducts of a healthy control subject and patients with chronic pancreatitis were examined with both systems. RESULTS: The smallest visible interval (with a 5 mm distance between the object and the distal end of the endoscope) was 0.07 mm with the peroral electronic pancreatoscope and 0.2 mm with the peroral fiberoptic pancreatoscope. The electronic instrument produced better images of the model pancreatic duct than the fiberoptic endoscope. A clear image of the small vessels of the oral mucosa was obtained with the electronic but not with the fiberoptic instrument. The fine vessel network of the pancreatic duct was visualized only with the electronic instrument; pancreatic duct stones and rough-surfaced pancreatic duct were shown more precisely with the electronic endoscope. CONCLUSIONS: The peroral electronic pancreatoscope provides images of the fine detail of the pancreatic duct and will contribute to the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases.

Calculi↗

Possible role of high susceptibility of high-density lipoprotein to lipid peroxidative modification and oxidized high-density lipoprotein in genesis of coronary artery spasm.

Recent study demonstrated high susceptibility of plasma LDL to lipid peroxidative modification in patients with variant angina. Oxidized stress state, especially oxidized LDL, may induce coronary artery spasm by its impairing effect of endothelium-dependent arterial relaxation, but precise mechanisms remain unclear. Study subjects included 93 patients who underwent coronary angiographic examination: 12 patients with coronary artery spasm provoked by ergonovine without organic stenosis (group I), 11 patients who did not demonstrate coronary artery spasm or organic stenosis (group II) and 70 patients with organic coronary artery stenosis (group III). Levels of plasma HDL-cholesterol and apoA-I in group I were similar to those in III but were significantly lower than those in II, although the other plasma lipid parameters were not different among the three groups. The levels of TBARS in plasma and HDL were significantly higher in group I than in II or III (2.94+/-1.56 vs. 1.91+/-0.35 or 2.23+/-0.89 nmol MDA/ml and 1.23+/-1.00 vs. 0.54+/-0.37 or 0.70+/-0.63 nmol MDA/mg protein; P < 0.05), although the levels of TBARS in LDL were not significantly different. In the monitoring curve of diene production during copper-induced lipid peroxidation of HDL, its propagation slope was steeper and levels of maximum diene absorbance was higher in group I as compared with that in II or III, but not found in those of LDL. These results suggested that high susceptibility of HDL to lipid peroxidative modification in group I may contribute to the genesis of coronary artery spasm, and oxidized HDL rather than oxidized LDL is more likely to be related to coronary artery spasm.

Copper↗

Sustained QT prolongation induced by tacrolimus in guinea pigs.

Recently, clinical cases have been reported of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes associated with the use of tacrolimus (FK506). We examined the relationship between QTc prolongation and the pharmacokinetics of FK506 in guinea pigs in order to evaluate the arrhythmogenicity of FK506 in comparison with quinidine (QND). FK506 (0.1 or 0.01 mg/hr/kg) or QND (30 mg/hr/kg) was intravenously infused to guinea pigs and time profiles of drug concentration in blood and QTc interval were examined during and after infusion. Both FK506 and QND evoked a significant QTc prolongation, and the dose-response relationship showed an anti-clockwise hysteresis, FK506-induced QTc prolongation persisted throughout the duration of the experiment despite a decline in the plasma FK506 concentration, whilst QND-induced QTc prolongation disappeared as plasma concentrations decreased. FK506 induced a sustained QTc prolongation in guinea pigs at drug concentrations in blood that correspond to its therapeutic range in human, suggesting that it might be of clinical significance to monitor the electrocardiogram, especially when patients have congenital or acquired QT-prolonging risk factors.

Animals↗