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Biomedical subjects

H Takahashi

Publications and source records attributed to H Takahashi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Isotope-edited nuclear magnetic resonance study of Fv fragment of anti-dansyl mouse monoclonal antibody: recognition of the dansyl hapten.

An isotope-edited proton nuclear magnetic resonance study is reported of Fv, which is the smallest antigen recognition unit composed of VH and VL domains. Fv has been obtained by clostripain digestion of a short-chain anti-dansyl mouse IgG2a monoclonal antibody [Igarashi, T., Sato, M., Katsube, Y., Takio, K., Tanaka, T., Nakanishi, M., & Arata, Y. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 5727-5733]. A variety of stable-isotope-labeled anti-dansyl Fv analogues have been prepared. The aromatic proton resonances for all Tyr residues of the Fv fragment have been assigned in the absence and presence of epsilon-dansyl-L-lysine by means of isotope-edited homonuclear and heteronuclear two-dimensional NMR experiments. On the basis of the established assignments, it has been concluded that the dansyl ring is bound through Tyr-96H and Tyr-104H to both ends of H3, the third hypervariable region of the heavy chain. We also suggest that the antigen binding results in the formation of a hydrophobic core comprising the dansyl ring and the aromatic rings of Tyr-96H and Tyr-104H.

Animals

Establishment of the human BSMZ breast cancer cell line, which overexpresses the erbB-2 and c-myc genes.

A new cell line, designated BSMZ, was established from a malignant pleural effusion from a woman with breast cancer. This line has a doubling time of 27 h and has now been cultured for over 120 passages. The large, rounded BSMZ cells grow as both a monolayer and as aggregations in suspension. Intracytoplasmic lumen, a finding consistent with results from cells derived from mammary tissue, was detected on ultrastructural analysis. Injection of BSMZ cells into nude mice resulted in the growth of solid tumors 4 weeks after inoculation. The solid tumor was identical to the original BSMZ cells in microscopic and electron microscopic studies. These cells possess an average of 80 chromosomes. Expression of erbB-2 and c-myc genes was increased by 10-fold, while there was no detectable overexpression of the N-ras and c-myb genes. Southern analysis has revealed amplification of the erbB-2 and c-myc loci. The BSMZ cell line may therefore provide a useful model for the study of human breast cancer and overexpression of the erbB-2 gene.

Adult

Effects of poly(L-lysine) on the structural and thermotropic properties of dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol bilayers.

The effects of poly(L-lysine) on the structural and thermotropic properties of dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) bilayers were studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction and freeze-fracture electron microscopy. For thermal behavior, in the DPPG/poly(L-lysine) system the main transition temperature rises to 45.7 degrees C and the pretransition disappears in opposition to pure DPPG vesicles. An additional transition appears approximately at 36 degrees C for the DPPG/poly(L-lysine) system after incubation at 4 degrees C for two months. The incubated sample gives a X-ray diffraction pattern having several additional reflections in the range of 0.2-0.9 nm at 15 degrees C. These results suggest that even in the presence of poly(L-lysine) the DPPG bilayers form the subgel (Lc) phase after the long incubation at a low temperature. The X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that the structure of the Lc phase for DPPG/poly(L-lysine) system is different from that of pure DPPG bilayers. On the other hand, in the gel (L beta') phase, the wide-angle X-ray diffraction pattern suggests that the presence of poly(L-lysine) hardly affects the packing of hydrocarbon chains in the DPPG bilayers. The small-angle X-ray diffraction and freeze-fracture electron microscopy exhibit that the DPPG/poly(L-lysine) system forms a tightly packed multilamellar structure in which the poly(L-lysine) is intercalated between the subsequent DPPG bilayers.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning

Delimitation of cohesive ends site (cos) of Streptomyces temperate bacteriophage R4.

The cohesive ends site (cos) of actinophage R4 was delimitated by assaying the in vivo packaging activity of cosmid derivatives in Streptomyces lividans. A region of 66 bp from -30 to +36 from the center of cohesive ends was required for the basal level of packaging activity. Two additional regions outside the basal sequences from -39 to -31 and from +37 to +97 were necessary for the high level of activity, defined as the accessory sequences. Direct- or inverted-repeat sequences were found within the delimitated region, which might be involved in the recognition by the terminase of actinophage R4.

Bacteriophages

Histological study on ouabain immunoreactivities in the mammalian hypothalamus.

The endogenous digitalis-like factor (EDLF) which has recently been purified from human plasma and identified as 'ouabain', a cis-trans-cis steroid of plant origin, is thought to be similar to the hypothetical humoral factor, 'endogenous digitalis-like substance (EDLS)'. In order to examine the hypothesis that EDLS is produced in the hypothalamus, we prepared an ouabain-specific antibody, and applied it to rat and macaque brains. Ouabain immunoreactivities were observed in the hypothalamus of both species. The immunopositive neurons were distributed in paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, and some other hypothalamic regions. Their nerve fibers were seen abundantly in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial regions. These results strongly support the possibility of existence of cis-trans-cis steroid including EDLF in mammalian brain.

Animals

Distribution of the endogenous digitalis-like substance (EDLS)-containing neurons labeled by digoxin antibody in hypothalamus and three circumventricular organs of dog and macaque.

Endogenous digitalis-like substance (EDLS) is a newly discovered humoral agent which causes sodium-diuresis. EDLS is well known to have inhibitory activity to Na+,K(+)-ATPase and cross-immunoreactivity to digoxin antibody; however, its precise chemical structure has not yet been determined. We had previously developed a histochemical technique for EDLS, i.e., digoxin-immunohistochemistry, and demonstrated that EDLS was produced in the hypothalamic neurons. In the present study, the distribution of EDLS-containing neurons in the hypothalamus of dog and macaque was investigated using this technique, because anti-EDLS antibody cannot be obtained yet. In both species, EDLS neuronal somata were mainly localized in the paraventricular nucleus and the supraoptic nucleus and its accessory nuclei. A number of somata were also scattered in the other hypothalamic areas. The processes of these neurons ran from the area where the somata were located, through the lateral and basal area of the hypothalamus, to the infundibulum. These nerve fibers with varicosities were associated with the primary capillaries of hypophysial portal veins. A few immunopositive nerve fibers were also seen in the pituitary posterior lobe of both species. Intensive immunoreactivities were observed in the subfornical organ and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis. There were no differences between dog and macaque.

Animals

In vivo cellular tropism of human T cell leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II).

To investigate the in vivo cellular tropism of human T cell leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II), subpopulations of fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells from infected individuals were isolated and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of provirus. In eight of nine patients, HTLV-II was detected exclusively in the CD8+ T lymphocyte population. In the remaining patient, provirus was also detected in CD4+ T lymphocytes. Provirus was not detected in B lymphocytes or monocytes of any patient. These results suggest that in vivo HTLV-II has a preferential, and perhaps in some cases, an exclusive tropism for CD8+ T lymphocytes. The findings contrast sharply with those on HTLV-I where there is a preferential tropism for CD4+ T lymphocytes. Although HTLV-II infection has not been consistently associated with any lymphoproliferative disorders, the results suggest that if these occur, they may be different from those known to be associated with HTLV-I.

Adult

Reversible stepwise mechanism involving a carbanion intermediate in the elimination of ammonia from L-histidine catalyzed by histidine ammonia-lyase.

L-Histidine labeled with deuterium at the C-5' position of the imidazole ring, L-[5'-2H]histidine (His-5'-D), was used as a probe for investigating a stepwise reversible mechanism via a carbanion intermediate in the elimination of ammonia catalyzed by histidine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.3). The labeled L-histidine (His-5'-D) (2.45 mM) was incubated with histidine ammonia-lyase (200 units) from Pseudomonas fluorescens at pH 7.0 or 9.0 at 25.0 degrees C for 24 h. The time course of the reaction was examined to determine the rates of enzyme-catalyzed hydrogen exchange at C-5' of L-histidine and urocanic acid. The finding of the enzyme-catalyzed hydrogen exchange at C-5' of both L-histidine and urocanic acid in the presence of L-histidine provided a rational explanation for a stepwise reversible mechanism via a carbanion intermediate in the elimination reaction. The rate of increase in the concentration of urocanic acid exchanged with hydrogen (UA-5'-H) did not depend on the formation rate of urocanic acid and UA-5'-H was continuously formed at a constant rate (25.6 microM/h) even after the completion of urocanic acid formation. These observations suggested the presence of the reversible reaction of urocanic acid and a carbanion intermediate. Since there was only a minor contribution for the formation of UA-5'-H from L-histidine exchanged with solvent hydrogen (His-5'-H), the main pathway in the enzymatic reaction of His-5'-D must be the formation of UA-5'-D via a carbanion intermediate (carbanion-D). Regeneration of the carbanion-D from UA-5'-D by its reverse reaction and subsequent hydrogen incorporation at C-5' would contribute to a large extent for the formation of UA-5'-H. The stability of carbanion was also demonstrated to be approximately three times higher at pH 7.0 than at pH 9.0.

Ammonia

Pulmonary surfactant protein A in pleural effusions.

Pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) is known to be a major phospholipid-associated glycoprotein in pulmonary surfactant, which is specific to the lung. Immunohistochemically, expression of SP-A in tumor tissues is found in approximately 50% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma but not in the other histologic types of lung cancer of metastatic lung tumors. In this study, the SP-A content of pleural effusions was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These results showed that approximately 40% of patients with lung adenocarcinomas (27 of 67) had high levels of SP-A (greater than 500 ng/ml) in their pleural effusions. By contrast, patients with other histologic types of lung cancers, adenocarcinomas of different primary sites, and tuberculosis had low levels of SP-A in their pleural effusions. The determination of SP-A in malignant effusions will contribute to distinguishing primary lung adenocarcinoma from adenocarcinomas of miscellaneous origin.

Adenocarcinoma

Antiproliferative and depigmenting effects of the histamine (H2) agonist dimaprit and its derivatives on human melanoma cells.

Human melanoma cells were treated in culture with the histamine (H2) agonist S-(3-(N-N-dimethylamino)propyl)isothiourea (dimaprit), a partial agonist, S-(2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl)-isothiourea (nordimaprit), and two analogues of nordimaprit, S-(2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl)isothiourea (DENOR) and S-(2-(N,N-diisopropylamino)ethyl)isothiourea (DINOR), to investigate the effects on toxicity and tyrosinase activity. Cell survival studies showed highest toxicity in the constitutively pigmented human melanoma cell line MM418, DINOR being the most effective agent. Toxicity was not blocked by the H2 antagonist cimetidine. Dimaprit and its derivatives decreased tyrosinase activity in the amelanotic human melanoma cell line MM96E and inhibited expression of a melanosomal antigen. Loss of tyrosinase activity could be prevented by cimetidine and ranitidine, an H2 antagonist. Although the tyrosinase activity in MM418 cells was much more resistant to inhibition by these agents compared with that in MM96E cells, prolonged growth in the presence of non-toxic levels of DINOR caused a decrease in tyrosinase activity and subsequent depigmentation. Ultrastructural examination of the depigmented cells showed a decrease in the number of melanized melanosomes and the appearance of premelanosomes. These results indicate that bulky substituents on the tertiary amine group in nordimaprit significantly enhance potency for depigmentation and cell killing but only the former effect is mediated by the H2 receptor.

Cell Division

Immunocytochemical localization of synaptic vesicle-specific protein in Lewy body-containing neurons in Parkinson's disease.

We carried out an immunocytochemical examination of the brainstem and sympathetic ganglia of 5 autopsied patients with Parkinson's disease, using monoclonal antibodies against microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and synaptic vesicle-specific 38 kDa protein (SVP38). Lewy bodies (LBs) in the nerve cell somata were often immunoreactive for MAP2. Immunoreactivity of SVP38 in the somata of nerve cells was rarely demonstrated in the peripheral portion of the LBs. On the other hand, SVP38-immunoreactive (IR) LB-containing nerve cell processes were frequently found in the brainstem and sympathetic ganglia, considerably outnumbering MAP2-IR LB-containing nerve cell processes. These findings suggested that SVP38 is stored in LB-containing nerve cell processes and indicate that the majority of these processes are axons.

Aged

Dynamical structure of the antibody combining site as studied by 1H-15N shift correlation NMR spectroscopy.

The Fv fragment, which is a smallest antigen-binding unit of immunoglobulin, has been used for a 1H-15N shift correlation NMR study of the dynamical structure of the antibody combining site. Fv has been prepared by clostripain digestion of a mouse anti-dansyl IgG2a monoclonal antibody that lacks the entire CH1 domain. We have previously reported that of the six hypervariable regions, three each from the heavy chain (H1, H2, and H3) and the light chain (L1, L2, and L3), H3 is primarily responsible for the antigen binding in the anti-dansyl Fv fragment. The backbone amide nitrogens of all non-proline amino acid residues in H3 have been multiply labeled with 15N. [15N]T2 relaxation times and hydrogen-deuterium exchange rates of the amide groups of the main chain were measured in the absence and presence of epsilon-dansyl-L-lysine (DNS-Lys). It has been shown that (1) in the absence of DNS-Lys H3 displays a significant degree of internal motion and (2) antigen binding induces a significant change in the dynamical structure of H3.

Amino Acid Sequence

Metabotropic responses to acetylcholine and serotonin of Xenopus oocytes injected with rat brain mRNA are transduced by different G-protein subtypes.

To assign the GTP-binding protein (G-protein) subtype involved in the signal transduction from exogenous receptors to phospholipase C in the Xenopus oocyte translation system, antisense DNA complementary to rat G-protein alpha-subunit mRNA was designed and injected together with rat brain poly(A)+ RNA. Current response of mRNA-injected oocytes to acetylcholine (ACh) was suppressed dose-dependently by a co-injection of Gil alpha-antisense DNA, but response of the same oocytes to serotonin (5-HT) was not inhibited. In the oocytes co-injected with Go alpha-antisense DNA, the 5-HT response was more effectively suppressed than the ACh response. These results suggest that Go alpha but not Gil alpha intermediates brain 5-HT1C receptor function, and in contrast, muscarinic receptors derived from rat brain utilize Gil alpha rather than Go alpha to activate phospholipase C.

Acetylcholine

Remote astrocytic response of prefrontal cortex is caused by the lesions in the nucleus basalis of Meynert, but not in the ventral tegmental area.

The nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM) was lesioned by injection of ibotenic acid, in 200 g male Wistar rats. The rats were killed 1, 3, 7 or 21 days after surgery, the brains were removed and the prefrontal cortices were subjected to immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis for the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In some rats, vehicle was injected into the nbM and in others 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was injected into the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Quantitative Western blot analysis revealed significantly greater immunoreactivity for GFAP in the prefrontal cortex of nbM-lesioned rats. Immunohistochemical examination revealed fibrous and hypertrophic GFAP-positive astrocytes even one day after surgery, and this reaction was stronger at 3 days after surgery. After this peak, GFAP-immunoreactivity of the astrocytes decreased from 7 days to 21 days. In contrast, GFAP-positive astrocytes were not observed in the brains of vehicle-injected or VTA-lesioned rats, even 21 days after surgery. The present results indicate that cortical astrocytes respond to cholinergic deafferentation. In addition, our findings provide new insights into the abnormalities of cortical glial cells after cholinergic deafferentation in Alzheimer's disease.

Acetylcholine

The role of hormones in the acquisition of sperm motility in salmonid fish.

In salmonid fish, spermatozoa taken from the testes are immotile, but acquire motility during their passage through the sperm duct. Using male masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou), we found that gonadotropin-induced testicular production of 17 alpha, 20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17 alpha, 20 beta-DP), the oocyte maturation-inducing hormone of salmonid fish, is responsible for the acquisition of sperm motility. However, neither testosterone (T) nor 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), the two major androgens in teleost fish, were effective. We also present evidence that 17 alpha, 20 beta-DP action is mediated through an increase in sperm duct pH, which in turn increases the cAMP content of sperm allowing the acquisition of motility.

Animals