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Biomedical subjects

J Handa

Publications and source records attributed to J Handa.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Congenital dermoid cyst over the anterior fontanelle: case report].

We report a case of a 35-month-old Japanese boy harboring a dermoid cyst in the region of the anterior fontanelle, which is rarely reported among Japanese. A small soft subcutaneous mass was noticed in the mid-frontal region at the age of 6 months. On admission, a soft, nontender round mass (2.5cm in diameter) was located over the anterior fontanelle. Transillumination was negative. Neurological examination yielded normal findings. MRI showed a well-circumscribed mass, which was slightly hypointense on T1W1 and hyperintense on T2W1. Midsagittal MRI showed no intracranial extension. At operation, a well-encapsulated mass was found beneath the pericranium, which was easily dissected from the underlying dura mater and removed. The tumor contained caseous material and several hairs. Microscopically, the cyst wall consisted of connective tissues lined by stratified squamous epithelium. Sebaceous glands and hair follicles were found in the subepithelial layer. It is important to confirm preoperatively whether or not the extracranial mass extends into the intracranial cavity. For this purpose, midsagittal or coronal MRI seems to be most useful.

Child, Preschool↗

[Identification of viable myocardium using 99mTc-tetrofosmin scintigraphy--comparison with 201Tl redistribution-reinjection images].

The purpose of this study was to clarify the diagnostic value of identifying viable myocardium using 99mTc-Tetrofosmin scintigraphy. Twenty-one patients with chronic coronary artery disease were studied using 201Tl exercise myocardial scintigraphy with reinjection and 99mTc-Tetrofosmin exercise myocardial scintigraphy. All patients had a history of old myocardial infarction. For 99mTc-Tetrofosmin scintigraphy, 222 MBq of 99mTc-Tetrofosmin was injected during exercise, and exercise images were obtained 20 min thereafter. There hours later, 666 MBq of 99mTc-Tetrofosmin was injected at rest, and images were obtained 40 min and 220 min later. Myocardial viability in the 99mTc-Tetrofosmin scintigraphy was estimated as fill-in findings (FF) or over 50% of %RI uptake (%TF) in the rest image. Myocardial viability in the 201Tl scintigraphy was estimated as redistribution (RD), fill-in findings in the reinjection image (FR) or over 50% of %RI uptake in the reinjection image (% TL). Sixteen of the 21 patients (76%) who underwent 201Tl scintigraphy (RD 10, FR 3, %TL 3 cases) and 15 of the 21 patients (71%) who underwent 99mTc-Tetrofosmin scintigraphy (FF 11, %TF 4 cases) had viable myocardium in the infarcted area. A comparison between the 99mTc-Tetrofosmin rest images obtained 40 min after the injection and that of 220 min revealed no redistribution findings. The %RI uptake of the infarcted area in the resting 99mTc-Tetrofosmin image (47 +/- 16%) was slightly lower than that in the 201Tl reinjection image (52 +/- 16%). In conclusion, viable myocardium was as clearly identified by 99mTc-Tetrofosmin, as by 201Tl scintigraphy.

Aged↗

Acidic fibroblast growth factor-like immunoreactivity in rat brain following cerebral infarction.

Expression of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) was studied by immunocytochemistry in the rat brain with or without cerebral infarction. In a model of infarction produced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, aFGF-positive staining that was not seen in controls appeared in both neurons and macrophages. Positive neurons were distributed mainly in the periventricular region of the hypothalamus. The neuronal aFGF began to be detectable about 24 h after the occlusion. The staining intensity for such neuronal aFGF increased until about 14 days after the surgery, but decreased gradually and was undetectable after more than 30 days. Positive macrophages first appeared on the 3rd day after the occlusion and were persistently seen up to the 7th day, but were no longer visible after 14 days. The present results suggest that aFGF may be involved in the repair processes following brain infarction.

Animals↗

Proliferative effects of humoral factors derived from neuroblastoma cells on cultured astrocytes.

The proliferative effects of humoral factors released from N18-RE105 neuroblastoma (NRE) cells on cultured astrocytes were assessed in separate co-culture and conditioned medium studies. In both experimental conditions, the humoral factors derived from neuroblastoma cells had growth-promoting effects on C6 glioma cells of astroglial lineage, but not on primary cultured astrocytes from new-born rat cerebral cortex. It is assumed that neuron-derived humoral factors include astroglial growth factors and that differences in responsiveness between two kinds of cells are probably related to the stages of astroglial maturation processes.

Animals↗

Platelet-derived growth factor B-chain-like immunoreactivity in injured rat brain.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent mitogen for mesenchymal cells and glial cells. For a better understanding of the role of PDGF B-chain in the brain, the expression of PDGF B-chain was examined immunohistochemically in penetrating injury to the rat brain. Shrunken neurons were distributed with enhanced PDGF B-chain-related immunoreactivity (PBRI) in the vicinity of the lesion during a period from day 1 to day 4 post injury. Platelet-derived growth factor B-chain-related immunoreactivity was transiently observed also in the cytoplasm of the numerous brain macrophages in the lesion on day 3 and day 4. These distributions of PBRI in the lesion were closely related to the neovascularization and astrogliosis there. The close time and spatial correlation between the expression of PBRI and cellular responses to injury seen in this study suggests PDGF B-chain has an important role in the healing process of cerebral wound.

Animals↗

bcl-2 protein expression in tumors of the central nervous system.

bcl-2 protein (BCL-2) expression was immunohistochemically studied in 140 varied central nervous system tumors. The protein was most frequently expressed in neurinomas and ependymomas, and in normal ependymal cells and Schwann cells. Most pituitary adenomas could be classified into one of two subgroups, diffusely positive or diffusely negative tumors, while BCL-2 localized heterogeneously in normal pituitary glands. Although the protein was not detected in normal astrocytes, it was positive in reactive hypertrophic astrocytes observed in various pathological conditions. Similarly, astrocytic tumor cells often expressed BCL-2. Since low-grade astrocytomas more often exhibited the protein than malignant gliomas, the degree of BCL-2 expression appeared to be related to the degree of malignancy of the gliomas. On the other hand, 7 out of 17 recurrent gliomas and medulloblastomas showed an increase in the frequency of protein expression compared with specimens from initial treatments. One recurrent astrocytic tumor which demonstrated anaplastic change showed a decrease in the frequency of BCL-2-positive cells. It is concluded that the frequency of BCL-2 expression in CNS tumors is increased when the non-neoplastic counterparts of the tumors exhibit the protein. Although it has been reported that overexpression of BCL-2 protects cells from damage by radiation and/or chemotherapy, we could not find any significant relationship between the degree of BCL-2 expression and the length of survival of patients with glioblastomas or medulloblastomas.

Adenoma↗

Immunohistochemical localization of glycosaminoglycans in experimental rat glioma models.

Changes of glycosaminoglycan distribution in and around C6 glioma and ethylnitrosourea(ENU)-induced glioma in rats were investigated using monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize epitopes on chondroitin-0-sulfate proteoglycan (C-0-S), chondroitin-4-sulfate proteoglycan (C-4-S), dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (DS), chondroitin-6-sulfate proteoglycan (C-6-S) and keratan sulfate proteoglycan (KS) after chondroitinase ABC digestion. In the normal brain tissues, C-0-S was located on the surface of the neurons. In addition, extracellular staining in the cerebral cortex and axoplasmic staining in the brain stem and the reticular thalamic nucleus were seen. C-0-S was negative, however, both in the C6 and ENU-induced gliomas. C-4-S or DS was detected only in some of the neurons in the normal brain tissues. They were detected in the peripheral part of the ENU-induced gliomas, but not in the C6 gliomas. C-6-S was located on the surface of some neurons and in the white matter of the normal brain, but it was not detected in C6 gliomas. In all ENU-induced gliomas, C-6-S was identified in the adventitia of the vascular structures within the tumor. In some of them, C-6-S appeared in the peripheral part of the tumor. KS was immunostained in the glial cells in the hippocampus, corpus callosum, brain stem, and the floor of the third ventricle. It was also detected in the peritumoral brain tissues both in the C6 and ENU-induced rat gliomas. The significance of glycosaminoglycans in these glioma models was discussed.

Animals↗

Study on the detection of implantation site in rabbits.

In this study, an alkaline treatment was applied to the observation of implantation site in rabbits. Embryos in pregnant rabbits were stabbed to death on days 7, 8, 9, 10 and 18 of gestation. These animals were sacrificed on day 29. The uteri were removed, immersed in 2% sodium hydroxide and fixed with 10% buffered formalin. After the alkaline treatment, all of the implantation sites were clearly recognizable as white tissue since the other parts became fairly transparent. Even after the formalin fixation, all the implantation sites were similarly detectable. The mean area of implantation sites visibly increased after day 10. From all the results, the simple and accurate procedure including alkaline treatment was concluded to be useful for estimating implantation and pregnancy conditions in rabbits.

Animals↗

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in rat glioma model: comparison with bromodeoxyuridine labeling index.

The usefulness of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining for estimating the growth fraction in glial tumors was evaluated in ethylnitrosourea-induced rat gliomas. The PCNA labeling index was compared with the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index, using alternate serial sections fixed either in 10% formalin or in periodonate-lysine-paraformaldehyde (PLP). The PCNA labeling index was significantly correlated with the BrdU labeling index if cells with only faint PCNA staining were excluded. Differences in PCNA staining were noted between the two fixatives. The number of PCNA-positive cells in PLP-fixed material was greater than in 10% formalin-fixed material, but showed a poorer correlation with BrdU labeling index. Over-fixation in formalin reduced the number of positive cells. Although peritumoral tissue did not exhibit overexpression of PCNA, the ependymal lining was weakly stained even in areas distant from the tumor. PCNA labeling index is a useful method to estimate the growth fraction when the materials are processed in a controlled way. When clinical specimens with uncertain preparation are used, care is required in interpreting the results.

Animals↗

Lectin binding and bcl-2 protein expression in craniopharyngiomas.

The maturation process of basal cells in craniopharyngiomas was studied using a panel of lectins, and antibodies against cytokeratin 13 and bcl-2 protein, using oral mucosa for comparison. Seven lectins were employed: peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I (UEA-I), soybean agglutinin, Ricinus communis agglutinin-I, succinyl wheat germ agglutinin, and Pisum sativum agglutinin. DBA and cytokeratin 13 stainings of the suprabasal cells in craniopharyngiomas were comparable to those of the oral mucosa, but not to those of the skin. Staining patterns of the basal cells in the oral mucosa and craniopharyngiomas were generally similar, but UEA-I binding and bcl-2 protein expression in suprabasal cells differed. The difference appeared to be due to a disturbance in the differentiation of the basal cells, because only a small fraction of the basal cells followed a normal maturation process in craniopharyngiomas in comparison to the oral mucosa. The expression of bcl-2 protein may be involved in the pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas.

Binding Sites↗

[Suprasellar ectopic pituitary adenoma: report of a case].

An extremely rare case of an ectopic pituitary adenoma in the suprasellar region is reported. A 57-year-old man was referred to us in March, 1993, because of bitemporal hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) revealed a well-circumscribed enhancing mass in the suprasellar region. Sagittal tomography of the skull showed normal-sized sella turcica. Endocrinological tests were almost within normal range. The tumor was totally removed by combined right subfrontal and interhemispheric approach. At the time of the operation, we confirmed that the tumor did not continue to the pituitary gland and that the diaphragma sellae was intact. Histological diagnosis of the tumor specimen was pituitary adenoma. Post-operative MRI showed a normal pituitary gland, thus supporting the diagnosis of ectopic pituitary adenoma. To our knowledge, only ten cases of suprasellar ectopic pituitary adenoma have been reported, including our case. Pathogenesis of ectopic pituitary adenoma was briefly discussed.

Adenoma↗

[Transplantation of basal forebrain cells of fetal rats into the subarachnoid space: improvement of disturbance of passive avoidance memory due to injury of basal forebrain].

The memory disturbance of senile dementia of Alzheimer type has been thought to associate with marked degeneration and loss of cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain (nucleus basalis of Meynert, NBM). Electrical or chemical destruction of the NBM causes memory deficits in rats. After unilateral lesioning of the NBM in adult rats with excitotoxic amino acid, kainic acid, basal forebrain cells of fetal rats were transplanted through a microsyringe needle, the tip of which was transcortically inserted to the subarachnoid space. Eight weeks after the transplantation, passive avoidance response test was performed, and the response was compared with those of non-transplanted lesioned rats and of non-operated control rats. Although acquisition impairment did not improve, retention impairment was significantly ameliorated in the transplanted rats. Transplanted fetal neurons survived and grew very well over the cortical surface and exhibited facilitated neuritic elongation (acetylcholinesterase staining), but the neurites penetrating the intact pia mater were not verified. Choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive neurons were found along the needle tract as well as in the subarachnoidal graft. The innervated neurites from the needle tract were rare. The results indicate that the re-innervation from the graft to the host cortex is not necessarily indispensable for improvement of memory deficit due to injury of the NBM. We suppose that the diffusional supply of neurotransmitters and/or their synthetic enzymes and some kinds of neuronotrophic factors is more important. Moreover, we emphasize the participation of astroglias, which are simultaneously transplanted with neurons, in production of neuronotrophic factors.

Animals↗

Lectin histochemistry of normal and neoplastic peripheral nerve sheath. 1. Lectin binding pattern of normal peripheral nerve in man.

The binding patterns of lectins to normal peripheral nerves were examined. Twelve biotinylated lectins were used in this study; Canavalia ensiformis (Con A), Pisum sativum (PSA), Lens culinaris (LCA), Ricinus communis 1 (RCA-1), Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Glycine max (SBA), Sophora japonica (SJA), Bandeiraea simplicifolia 1 (BSL-1), Triticum vulgaris (WGA), succinylated WGA (s-WGA), Ulex europaeus 1 (UEA-1) and Helix pomatia (HPA). Cytoplasm of Schwann cells and perineurial cells was stained by Con A, PSA, LCA, s-WGA and WGA. PNA showed specific binding to perineurial cells, while after neuraminidase treatment stain with this lectin was demonstrated also in Schwann cells. Myelin sheaths were stained with fewer lectins. SBA and HPA with sialic acid removal rarely showed reactivity to the peripheral nerve structure in surgical specimens, in contrast to clear staining of Schwann cells, perineurial cells and myelin sheaths in autopsy specimens. The present study shows distinct lectin stainings of specific structures of the normal human peripheral nerves, and provides important basic information on the alterations of lectin binding patterns during pathological processes in the peripheral nerves.

Biotin↗

Lectin histochemistry of normal and neoplastic peripheral nerve sheath. 2. Lectin binding patterns of schwannoma and neurofibroma.

Lectin binding patterns of 31 schwannomas and 6 neurofibromas were examined using 12 lectins, and the results were compared with those of normal peripheral nerves. Tumors obtained from 10 cases of neurofibromatosis and 4 recurrent schwannomas were included. Changes of glycoconjugates were observed in association with a neoplastic transformation of Schwann cells; Arachis hypogaea (PNA) staining after neuraminidase treatment seen in normal Schwann cells was reduced in schwannoma of Antoni type A, and bindings with Glycine max (SBA) and Helix pomatia (HPA) after sialic acid removal, which were not seen in normal Schwann cells, appeared in schwannoma cells. Intensities of staining of tumor cells with each lectin were higher in Antoni type B than those in Antoni type A. No differences in lectin binding patterns were observed between schwannomas in patients with neurofibromatosis or recurrent schwannomas and ordinary, primary schwannomas in patients without stigmata of neurofibromatosis. Lectin binding patterns of Schwann cells and perineurial cells in neurofibroma were almost similar to those in normal peripheral nerves with an exception of faint stain of Schwann cells with HPA after neuraminidase pretreatment. This result suggests differences in extent of differentiation between schwannoma cells and neoplastic Schwann cells in neurofibroma. Specific PNA binding to perineurial cells in neurofibroma indicates the significance of this lectin as a marker of these cells.

Glycoconjugates↗

Poikilothermia in a female patient with a germinoma in the basal ganglia.

An unusual association of poikilothermia and a germinoma originating in the left basal ganglia is described in a 17-year-old female. The tumour was found extending into the hypothalamic structures. Following irradiation therapy, the patient gradually regained her regulation of body temperature.

Adolescent↗

Solitary intracranial chondroma of the convexity dura: case report.

We present a rare case of chondroma originated from the dura mater of the cerebral convexity in a 16-year-old girl. Radiologic findings are reported with emphasis on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans, and histogenesis is briefly discussed.

Adolescent↗

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy with dementia.

To provide new insights into metabolic changes in the brain of patients with dementia, we performed in vivo localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in nine patients with primary degenerative dementia and in three patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus. We compared the results with those in 26 healthy volunteers. Measurements of regional cerebral blood flow were performed in seven patients by means of single photon emission computed tomography with amphetamine I 123 as a tracer. The magnetic resonance spectra constantly showed three major peaks corresponding to N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine and phosphocreatine (Cr), and choline-containing compounds. There were no age-related changes in the mean area ratio of NAA to Cr in neurologically normal volunteers. The NAA/Cr ratio was significantly reduced in patients with primary degenerative dementia. The reduction of the NAA/Cr ratio was observed even in dementia patients with no significant brain atrophy or reduction in regional cerebral blood flow. No significant reduction of the NAA/Cr ratio was seen in patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus. The NAA/Cr ratio might reflect the number and/or activity of neuronal cells in the brain. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy may well provide a useful tool for early detection of, and further pathophysiological study of, primary degenerative dementia.

Adult↗