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Biomedical subjects

K Akimoto

Publications and source records attributed to K Akimoto.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Effect of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate on bronchial responsiveness in patients with asthma.

We investigated the effect of 300 micrograms of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) daily on bronchial responsiveness to methacholine and pulmonary function of 22 subjects with asthma in a single-blind, crossover study. The severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness lessened significantly during treatment with BDP (P < .01). No significant changes occurred in FEV1 or in the control value of airway conductance. We conclude that a 300-micrograms total daily dose of BDP is an efficacious treatment for patients with asthma. Because suppression of adrenal function and systemic adverse effects can occur in asthmatic patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids, especially children, long-term treatment with inhaled steroids should employ minimal daily doses necessary.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1993

Predominant expression of nPKC eta, a Ca(2+)-independent isoform of protein kinase C in epithelial tissues, in association with epithelial differentiation.

Of the nine known members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family, we found that novel (n-) PKC eta, a newly isolated Ca(2+)-independent isoform, was expressed at the highest level in the epidermis of mouse skin and epithelia of the digestive and respiratory tracts including the tongue, esophagus, forestomach, glandular stomach, intestine, colon, trachea, and bronchus. Expression of nPKC eta mRNA in these epithelial tissues was 3-10 times that in the brain and was especially high in squamous epithelium. Two other PKC isoforms, conventional (c-) PKC alpha and nPKC delta, were also expressed in these epithelial tissues, but no cPKC gamma was detected. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated the localization of nPKC eta in suprabasal layers of the skin, tongue, esophagus, and forestomach. In the intestine, it was expressed in the epithelial cells of villi, but not of crypts. In the lung, only bronchial epithelium expressed nPKC eta. The localization of nPKC eta in differentiating or differentiated epithelial cells, rather than in proliferating basal cells, suggests the involvement of nPKC eta in epithelial differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

[Linkage analysis in a Japanese long QT syndrome family].

Romano-Ward syndrome is an autosomal dominant trait disease, which is characterized by QT prolongation and normal hearings and shows predisposal to sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia. Recently, Keating et al. reported that Harvey ras-1 locus (H-ras-1) was closely linked to long QT syndrome (LQTS), being located on the short arm of chromosome 11. In this study we have examined a three-generation Japanese family whose members had recurrent fainting with prolongation of the QT interval on electrocardiogram. Using the H-ras-1 probe as DNA marker, we could not determine that the H-ras-1 gene was linked to LQTS. LQTS seems to be a genetically heterogeneous disease. Further study is needed to clarify the chromosomal location of the LQTS.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Plasma endothelin concentration: relation with vascular resistance and comparison before and after balloon dilatation procedures.

Endothelin (ET) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide with an as yet uncertain physiological role in cardiovascular disease. We measured blood plasma ET concentrations using a recently developed radioimmunoassay and analysed the relations between ET concentration, systemic arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. In addition, ET levels before and after percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty and angioplasty were measured. Fifty-one patients were studied: (1) 13 patients with small left-to-right shunting or Kawasaki heart disease (age ranged from 4 to 144 months); (2) 10 patients who had undergone balloon valvuloplasty or angioplasty (age ranged from 1 to 233 months) and (3) 28 healthy infants and children (age ranged from 3 to 152 months). Systemic vascular resistance was calculated by the formula (mean aortic pressure--mean right atrial pressure) X 80/cardiac output (dyne.sec.cm-5). Plasma ET concentrations in healthy children less than 2 years were significantly higher than those over 2 years (2.48 +/- 0.62 vs 1.31 +/- 0.53 pg/ml). In eight patients in groups 1 and 2, plasma ET concentration in the pulmonary artery (2.00 +/- 0.43 pg/ml) was significantly lower than that in the femoral vein (2.39 +/- 0.69 pg/ml) and aorta (2.23 +/- 0.59 pg/ml), suggesting ET secretion derived from endothelial cells in peripheral pulmonary vessels. There was a significant positive correlation between ET concentrations in the femoral vein and systemic vascular resistance (r = 0.55, p less than 0.05). After balloon dilatation ET concentration rose from 2.15 +/- 0.82 pg/ml to 2.61 +/- 1.38 pg/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Inhibitory effect of curcumin on fatty acid desaturation in Mortierella alpina 1S-4 and rat liver microsomes.

An extract of rhizomes of Curcuma longta L. (turmeric) inhibited the desaturation of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) in the arachidonic acid (AA) producing fungus Mortierella alpina 1S-4. The factor responsible for this phenomenon was isolated and identified as curcumin (diferuloyl methane). Mycelial DGLA levels increased about two-fold (22.3 mg/g dry weight) with a concomitant decrease in AA levels when the fungus was cultivated with curcumin. The 50% inhibitory concentration against delta 5 desaturase was 27.2 microM. Curcumin also inhibited rat liver microsomal delta 5 and delta 6 desaturases.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗
PubMed1992

The coexistence of psoriasis vulgaris, Sjögren's syndrome, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

A 52-year-old woman presented with psoriasis vulgaris, Sjögren's syndrome, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis with a 5-year history. She had a number of immunological abnormalities and typical psoriatic plaques over her entire body. The relationship between psoriasis, Sjögren's syndrome, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis is discussed from the viewpoint of immunology, and similar cases in the literature are reviewed. This is the first report of a coexistence of psoriasis vulgaris, Sjögren's syndrome, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Female↗
PubMed1992

Photo-stability of the new antiplatelet agent, KBT-3022 (ethyl 2-[4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazole-2-yl]pyrrol-1-ylacetate) in aqueous solutions containing acetonitrile.

The photo-stability of ethyl 2-[4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazole-2-yl]pyrrol-1-ylacetate, KBT-3022 in aqueous solutions containing acetonitrile was investigated under the light of a high pressure mercury lamp. Its main photo-degradation product was assumed to be ethyl 5-hydroxy-5-[4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazole-2-yl]-2-oxo-3-pyrrolin+ ++-1-ylacetate. KBT-3022 was also found to undergo ester hydrolysis by heat in both acidic and basic aqueous solutions, but its hydrolysis was confirmed to be negligible in the range of pH 3-9 at room temperature (25 degrees C). Further, its photo-stability with exposure to the high pressure mercury lamp was comparable to that with exposure to a fluorescent lamp. Therefore, it is considered feasible to simulate the photo-stability of KBT-3022 in aqueous solutions containing acetonitrile by exposure to all other light sources including diffuse daylight, if the cumulative number of photons of the light can be determined by actinometry.

Acetonitriles↗
PubMed1992

Intermediate-term results of balloon valvuloplasty for isolated and complicated pulmonary valve stenosis.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study is to report our experience regarding the acute and intermediate-term results of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) in various types of congenital pulmonary valve stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with a median age of 6.6 years (ranging from 1 month to 24 years old) underwent BPV between January 1988 and September 1991. These patients were divided into 2 groups; Group 1 consisting of 13 patients with isolated pulmonary valve stenosis, and Group 2 consisting of 11 patients with complicated pulmonary valve stenosis (supravalvular, subvalvular, valved conduit and post-right ventricular outflow reconstruction). Mean peak systolic pressure gradients from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery were as follows: In group 1, 48 +/- 21 (mean +/- SD) mmHg before BPV, 18 +/- 8 mmHg immediately after BPV and 13 +/- 5 mmHg at the longest follow-up based on catheterization or Doppler echocardiographic studies. The gradients in group 2 were 65 +/- 28 mmHg before BPV, 46 +/- 25 mmHg immediately after BPV and 47 +/- 21 mmHg at the longest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: BPV provides both acute and intermediate-term gradient relief in patients with isolated pulmonary valve stenosis. In complicated pulmonary valve stenosis, on the other hand, the effect of BPV was unsatisfactory and appears to depend on the mechanism of associated obstruction. Therefore accurate evaluation of the anatomy of associated obstruction in the pulmonary valve region is needed to determine that BPV is indicated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[A case of partial absence of the left pericardium].

A rare case of partial absence of the left pericardium was reported. The patient was a seventy-nine year old male and the cause of death was a gastric cancer. The pericardial absence was oval in shape, in egg-size with smooth margin and was located between the superior portion of the left pericardium and the pleural cavity. The pulmonary artery, left auricle and superior part of the left ventricle were visible through the absence. The left phrenic nerve descended along the anterior free margin of the absence.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Clinical significance of IgG4 antibody determination in children against egg white, milk, soybean and Dermatophagoides farinae].

The measurement of IgE and IgG4 antibodies against egg white, milk, soybean and Dermatophagoides farinae was performed by FAST (fluorescence allergosorbent test) using 21 serum samples obtained from non-allergic children and 160 serum samples from atopic children with bronchial asthma and/or atopic dermatitis. Their antibody levels were evaluated for any association with disease severity and for clinical significance in establishing diagnosis. It was found that children with bronchial asthma showed lower levels of IgE antibodies against egg white, milk and soybean and higher levels of IgE antibodies against Dermatophagoides farinae compared with those of children with atopic dermatitis, while both groups showed higher levels of egg white and milk-specific IgG4 antibodies compared with non-allergic children. These IgE and IgG4 antibody levels revealed a tendency to correlate with disease severity in patients with atopic dermatitis, while this was not observed in patients with bronchial asthma. The contribution percentages of IgG4 antibody determination, together with IgE antibody determination, in retrieving causal allergens were 71% for egg white, 70% for milk and 48% for soybean allergy, implying their diagnostic value in establishing clinical diagnosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis: inhibition by sodium bicarbonate.

We present a case of wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis, in which pretreatment with sodium bicarbonate inhibited reappearance of anaphylactic symptoms following wheat and exercise provocation. Decrease in blood pH relative to elevation in plasma histamine levels was also inhibited. These results suggest possible efficacy of pretreatment with sodium bicarbonate as a preventive measure in patients with exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Study of liver function in babies with atopic dermatitis by using 13C-methacetin breath test].

We measured serum GOT levels in babies with atopic dermatitis and food allergy. Two hundred and fourteen babies (133 male, 18 female, under 2 years of age) who first visited the Department of Allergy in the National Children's Hospital were examined. Their serum GOT levels were higher than normal; the younger they were, the higher the serum GOT levels were. We carried out the 13-methacetin breath test (MBT) on 11 babies with atopic dermatitis and high serum GOT levels as well as 5 normal babies to estimate their hepatic microsomal function. 13C-methacetin was administered (0.5 mg/kg) orally, and breath was collected at 30 minutes before and immediately before administration. After administration it was collected at 15 minute intervals for the first hour and 45 minute intervals for 90 consecutive minutes afterwards. The level of 13CO2 in their breath was determined with a mass spectrometer. The peak level of 13CO2 excretion (%dose/hr) in the atopic babies with high serum GOT levels was lower and the time required for 13CO2 excretion to reach its maximum level was longer than in normal babies. Also their 13CO2 clearance rate (%/hr) was lower. These results suggested that there was some relationship between atopic dermatitis and liver dysfunction in babies.

Acetamides↗
PubMed1992

[The effect of sustained-release theophylline granules in the inhibition of exercise-induced asthma].

We studied the protective effect of sustained-release theophylline granules on early or late response in exercise-induced asthma (EIA) in 16 patients ranging in age from 7 to 18 years. A standardized exercise test was examined 2 hours after administration of theophylline granules on one day and after no medication on another day. On both days, the lung functions and the serum theophylline and cortisol concentrations of the patients were examined before exercise and over a period of 8 hours after exercise. On days without medication, early response was seen in 16 patients and late response in 6. On days with medication, the theophylline granules inhibited early response in 13 of the 16 patients and late response in 5 of the 6 patients. This suggests that theophylline preparation is a useful drug for inhibiting the dual responses of EIA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Separate perfusion of upper and lower body for ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm--a case report].

A case of ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm was presented. The patient had emergent replacement of thoracoabdominal aorta with an aid of separate perfusion of upper and lower body. The postoperative course was uneventful. It was suggested that separate perfusion of upper and lower body was useful in the patients who require extensive aortic replacement and who are at substantial risk for spinal cord injury.

Aorta, Abdominal↗
PubMed1991

Co-administration of either a selective D1 or D2 dopamine antagonist with methamphetamine prevents methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization and neurochemical change, studied by in vivo intracerebral dialysis.

Repeated administration of amphetamine or methamphetamine (MAP) causes behavioral sensitization in animals. Recently, several studies have revealed that in vivo release of dopamine from presynaptic nerve terminals of mesotelencephalic dopamine neurons is enhanced when sensitized animals are rechallenged with a psychostimulant. The present study investigated the effect of co-administration of SCH 23390 (a selective D1 dopamine receptor antagonist) or YM-09151-2 (a selective D2 dopamine receptor antagonist) prior to each MAP injection for 14 days on dopamine efflux in the striatal perfusates using in vivo dialysis. After 3 months drug abstinence, MAP challenge alone produced augmented stereotypy in the MAP group, but not in the control, the SCH 23390 + MAP or the YM-09151-2 + MAP group. In parallel with this behavioral observation, the degree to which dopamine efflux increased following the MAP challenge was significantly greater in the MAP group than that in the control, SCH 23390 + MAP group and the YM-09151-2 + MAP groups. While dopamine efflux after MAP challenge did not differ between the control and the YM-09151-2 + MAP group, it was greater in the SCH 23390 + MAP group than the control group. These results indicate that both D1 and D2 dopamine receptors play a role in the formation of behavioral sensitization, but with different mechanisms.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗