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Biomedical subjects

I Sasagawa

Publications and source records attributed to I Sasagawa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Morphometric analysis of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia with and without bladder outlet obstruction.

To investigate the histological features of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with and without bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), 32 patients with symptomatic BPH, 22 with BOO and ten without BOO, were studied. The area density of smooth muscle, fibrous tissue, glandular epithelium, and glandular lumen in BPH adenoma resected by transurethral surgery was estimated using morphometric analysis. No differences were found in the area density of stromal and glandular components between the two groups. In the glandular component, neither the epithelium nor lumen differed between the two groups. However, the area density of smooth muscle in the obstructed group showed a decrease compared to that in the unobstructed group (P < 0.01). We conclude that a decreased proportion of smooth muscle in BPH adenoma may play an important role in BOO.

Aged↗

Relatively poor oocyte quality is an indication for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation between the insemination method used and the quality of oocytes and embryos. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Assisted reproductive centers at Yamagata University Hospital and Kuramoto Women's Clinic in Yamagata, Japan. PATIENT(S): Forty patients undergoing IVF and 40 patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). INTERVENTION(S): To estimate oocyte quality, the granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte were fixed and stained with a commercial dye in both groups of patients. One thousand granulosa cells were examined under a fluorescence microscope. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The incidence of apoptotic granulosa cells surrounding each oocyte. RESULT(S): The incidence of apoptosis in the granulosa cells enclosing the oocytes that were fertilized by IVF was significantly lower than that in the oocytes that were fertilized by ICSI. Moreover, the incidence of apoptosis in the granulosa cells enclosing the oocytes that grew into good-quality or fair-quality embryos was significantly lower after conventional IVF than after ICSI. With ICSI, the incidence of apoptosis was not significantly different among the granulosa cells surrounding the oocytes that were inseminated, were fertilized, or developed into good-quality or fair-quality embryos. With IVF, the incidence of apoptosis was highest in the granulosa cells surrounding the oocytes that were inseminated and lowest in the granulosa cells surrounding the oocytes that developed into good-quality and fair-quality embryos. CONCLUSION(S): A good-quality oocyte is necessary for the development of a good-quality embryo with IVF but not with ICSI. Thus, relatively poor oocyte quality is a good indication for the use of ICSI.

Apoptosis↗

Genetic evidence for a novel gene(s) involved in urogenital development on 10q26.

BACKGROUND: Although the frequent association between distal 10q monosomy and urogenital anomalies suggests the presence of a gene(s) for urogenital development on distal 10q, molecular deletion mapping has not been performed for the putative gene(s). In this study, we examined genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with distal 10q monosomy. METHODS: This study consisted of six karyotypic males (cases 1 through 6) and four karyotypic females (cases 7 through 10) with 10q26 monosomy. Cases 3 through 5 and 7 through 10 had urinary anomalies such as vesicoureteral reflux and hypoplastic kidney, and cases 1 through 6, 8, and 9 exhibited genital anomalies such as micropenis, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and hypoplastic labia majora. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for 10q telomere, whole chromosome 10 painting, and microsatellite analysis for 35 loci on distal 10q were performed in cases 1 through 8. RESULTS: FISH and whole chromosome painting confirmed distal 10q monosomy in cases 1 through 8. Microsatellite analysis revealed that hemizygosity for the region distal to D10S186 was shared by cases with urinary anomalies and that for the region distal to D10S1248 was common to cases with genital anomalies. Furthermore, it was indicated that PAX2, GFRA1, and EMX2 on distal 10q, in which the deletions could affect urinary and/or genital development, were present in two copies in cases 1 through 8. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a novel gene(s) for urinary development and that for genital development reside in the approximately 20 cM region distal to D10S186 and in the approximately 10 cM region distal to D10S1248, respectively, although it remains to be determined whether the two types of genes are identical or different.

Adolescent↗

Indication of cystoscopy in patients with asymptomatic microscopic haematuria.

To establish the appropriate indication of cystoscopy in patients with asymptomatic microscopic haematuria, we reviewed 263 cases with positive reaction for urinary dipstick test on annual health screening examination. On initial examination, 18 highly significant lesions, 52 moderately significant lesions and 38 insignificant lesions were detected. No underlying lesion could be found in 96 patients and no microscopic haematuria in 59 patients. However, bladder cancers were detected in only 8 (3.0%) cases. All patients with bladder cancer were older than 40 years. These facts suggest that cystoscopy is not necessary for patients with a single microscopic haematuria and those younger than 40 years.

Adolescent↗

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial adrenalectomy using ultrasonic scalpel for aldosterone-producing adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy has become a standard procedure, but removal of the entire gland is not necessary in all cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed 10 posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial adrenalectomies for aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) using an ultrasonic scalpel to divide the normal adrenal gland and the adenoma. RESULTS: The mean operation time and blood loss were 154 (110-231) minutes and 11 (5-32) mL, respectively. The mean weight of removed tissue was 5.7 g (2.3-10.2 g). Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in three patients, but there were no serious operative complications. CONCLUSION: Posterior retroperitoneoscopic partial adrenalectomy using the ultrasonic scalpel may be a valuable treatment for typical solitary APA.

Adenoma↗

Apoptosis of testicular germ cells induced by exogenous glucocorticoid in rats.

The influence of exogenous glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (Dex), on testicular germ cell apoptosis was investigated in rats. The percentages of apoptotic tubules and apoptotic germ cells in the Dex-treated group of rats were about seven-fold and 10-fold higher respectively than in either the control group, or in rats treated with glucocorticoid receptor agonist (GR-A), or in rats treated with both Dex and GR-A. These results suggest that, in rats, apoptosis of testicular germ cells is mediated by glucocorticoid receptors.

Animals↗

CAG repeat length of the androgen receptor gene in Japanese males with cryptorchidism.

We have analysed the CAG repeat length in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene in 48 Japanese males with cryptorchidism and 100 fertile Japanese males. The CAG repeat length was 23.4 +/- 0.48 (mean +/- SE) (range 16-32, median 23) in cryptorchid patients and 23.5 +/- 0.29 (range 15-32, median 23) in normal males. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The expansion of the CAG repeats in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene is unlikely to constitute a major cause of cryptorchidism.

Adolescent↗

Dermoid cyst in the adrenal gland.

The first case of a dermoid cyst arising from the unilateral adrenal gland is reported with special reference to its embryonal development and imaging analysis.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Fine structure of dental epithelial cells and the enameloid during the enameloid formation stages in an elasmobranch, Heterodontus japonicus.

The structural features of the dental epithelial cells and the enameloid in tooth germs of the Japanese Port Jackson shark, Heterodontus japonicus, in the stages of enameloid formation, were investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy. At the enameloid matrix-formation stage, tall columnar inner dental epithelial cells contained large numbers of glycogen particles. At the enameloid mineralization stage, when many sharply outlined crystals appeared throughout the enameloid, the inner dental epithelial cells exhibited well-developed Golgi apparatuses and many mitochondria in the proximal cytoplasm, and abundant vesicles and vacuoles in the distal cytoplasm. Marked interdigitations of the lateral membrane were visible in the inner dental epithelial cells. The outer dental epithelial cells contained many mitochondria, lysosomal bodies, vesicles and microtubules, and the capillaries usually approached the outer dental epithelial cells. At the enameloid maturation stage, large numbers of crystals occupied the enameloid, and most of the organic matrix had disappeared from the enameloid area after demineralization. The organelles in the inner and outer dental epithelial cells decreased in number, but there were still widely distributed Golgi apparatuses, abundant intermediate filaments and granules containing an electron-dense substance in the inner dental epithelial cells. It is probable that the dental epithelial cells are involved in the removal of organic matrix from the enameloid and in the process of mineralization at the later stages of enameloid formation, i.e., the mineralization and the maturation stages.

Animals↗

Microdeletion of the DAZ (deleted in azoospermia) gene or the YRRM (Y chromosome ribonucleic acid recognition motif) gene does not occur in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome with and without spermatogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of microdeletions of the Y chromosome involving the DAZ and YRRM genes in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome with and without spermatogenesis. DESIGN: Controlled clinical study. SETTING: Yamagata University Hospital, Yamagata, Japan. PATIENT(S): Patients with Klinefelter's syndrome with spermatogenesis (n = 1) and without spermatogenesis (n = 20) and a control group of men of proven fertility (n = 10). INTERVENTION(S): Blood and semen sampling and testicular biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Semen analysis, polymerase chain reaction amplification of 32 DNA loci on the long arm of the Y chromosome involving the DAZ (deleted in azoospermia) and YRRM (Y chromosome ribonucleic acid recognition motif) genes, and measurement of plasma FSH, LH, and testosterone levels. RESULT(S): No microdeletions of 32 loci were found in any of the patients with Klinefelter's syndrome, either with or without spermatogenesis. Plasma LH and FSH levels were abnormally high and testosterone levels were reduced in all the patients with Klinefelter's syndrome. American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) CONCLUSION(S): Severe impairment of spermatogenesis in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome is not caused by microdeletions of the Y chromosome involving the DAZ and YRRM genes.

DNA↗

Effects of estrogen and progesterone on urinary bladder in female rabbit: evaluation by quantitative morphometric analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible effects of estrogen and/or progesterone on the histologic characteristics of female rabbit urinary bladders, we carried out quantitative morphometric analysis of the rabbit bladders. METHODS: Mature female rabbits were treated by ovariectomy with and without successive estrogen and/or progesterone administration. Area densities of the connective tissue (CT) and smooth muscle (SM) cells, the area of single SM cells, and the thickness of the bladder wall were determined by computer-assisted quantitative morphometric analysis. RESULTS: Six weeks after each treatment, ovariectomy alone resulted in a decrease in CT density of the bladder. Successive estrogen treatment increased the bladder wet weight and SM cell density within the bladder wall. Progesterone treatment reduced CT degradation in ovariectomized rabbits. Sex steroids did not significantly influence the area of each SM cell. There was no significant difference in histologic characteristics between the rabbits treated by estrogen alone and those treated by combination (estrogen and progesterone) therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Ovariectomy and successive hormonal replacement therapy resulted in morphologic changes within the rabbit urinary bladder. Cotreatment with progesterone did not significantly change the morphologic findings produced by estrogen treatment alone.

Animals↗

Relation between urethral elasticity and bladder outlet obstruction and histologic composition of the prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: In benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), bladder outlet obstruction is caused by mechanical blockage resulting from an enlarged prostate, and by the increased tone of prostatic smooth muscle. In patients with obstructive BPH, the prostatic urethra urodynamically corresponds to the flow-controlling zone (FCZ). We sought to investigate the relation between the obstruction and elastic properties of the FCZ and the histologic composition of the prostate in symptomatic patients with BPH. METHODS: The grade of infravesical obstruction was classified according to preoperative pressure-flow data from 30 men with symptomatic BPH, and the elastic properties of the FCZ were evaluated as the mean elastance, which was calculated using the three-parameter model. The area densities of smooth muscle, fibrous tissue, epithelium, and lumen were determined by quantitative morphometry, using BPH tissue obtained by transurethral resection. RESULTS: The area density of smooth muscle had a negative correlation with mean elastance (p = -0.50, P <0.01), the linear passive urethral resistance relation (p = -0.43, P <0.05), and the group-specific urethral resistance factor (p = -0.39, P <0.05). No other histologic element was correlated with these variables. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that urethral elasticity and bladder outlet obstruction grade are influenced by the relative content of smooth muscle within the prostate in patients with BPH.

Aged↗

Relationship between clear cell/compact cell ratio and computed tomographic attenuation number in adrenocortical adenoma.

Clear cell/compact cell ratio in histologic sections from 21 resected adrenocortical adenomas was assessed. Seven patients had Cushing's syndrome another 7 had primary aldosteronism caused by adrenal adenomas and 7 had non-hyperfunctioning adenomas. The results were correlated with the corresponding unenhanced CT attenuation numbers. There was a negative correlation between clear cell/compact cell ratios and unenhanced CT attenuation numbers. However, CT attenuation numbers did not show significant differences between cortisol-producing, aldosterone-producing and nonfunctioning adenomas. These facts suggest that clear cell/compact cell ratio in adrenocortical adenomas accounts for their attenuation number on unenhanced CT scans. However, it is difficult with the use of unenhanced CT attenuation numbers to differentiate cortisol-producing adenomas from aldosterone-producing and nonhyperfunctioning adenomas.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗

Adrenal adenoma with foci of oncocytes in a patient with pre-Cushing's syndrome.

A case of unilateral adrenal adenoma with foci of oncocytes in a 64-year-old woman is reported. The tumour manifested clinically pre-Cushing's syndrome with autonomous steroidogenesis which was insufficient to cause typical features of Cushing's syndrome. Whether the pathogenesis of oncocytes and adenoma cells, which were thought to have some metabolic deficiency in the present tumour, are linked remains to be determined.

Adenoma↗

In vitro effect of amezinium on the rabbit urinary bladder: muscle strip and whole bladder evaluation.

Dose-response studies for norepinephrine and amezinium were obtained for isolated muscle strips and in vitro whole bladder preparations to investigate the effect of amezinium on the bladder. Specimens (strips from the bladder base and body, and the whole bladder) were obtained from mature female rabbits. By the muscle strip study, amezinium showed a weak contractile effect (up to 40% of spontaneous contraction) on strips from the bladder base. Muscle strips from the bladder body presented no response to amezinium. In the whole bladder preparation, administration of norepinephrine showed an increase in intravesical pressure in 4 out of 7 rabbits, whereas administration of amezinium had negligible effect on intravesical pressure. Administration of amezinium showed no influence on strips from the bladder body and the whole bladder preparation. Direct contractile response in muscle strips from the bladder base by amezinium appeared to be a favourable effect considering urinary storage.

Animals↗