Circulating immune complex of hepatitis virus C in patients with acute and chronic hepatitis C.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Acute Disease↗
Biomedical subjects
K Fujiwara
Publications and source records attributed to K Fujiwara.
Large-scale DNA typing for human platelet alloantigens by PCR-PHFA (preferential homoduplex formation assay).
Alloimmunization against human platelet alloantigens (HPA) is known to be involved in disorders such as neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, posttransfusion purpura, and refractoriness to platelet transfusion therapy. HPA typing is essential in diagnosis and management of patients. Therefore a reliable and speedy method is necessary for HPA typing. We have successfully applied a new DNA typing method, PCR-preferential homoduplex formation assay (PHFA) method, to typing for the HPA-1, -2, -3, -4, -5 and -6 systems. This method is based on DNA strand competition during hybridization under a precisely controlled temperature gradient between a double-labelled amplicon (standard DNA), prepared from biotin- and DNP-labelled primers, and an unlabelled amplicon (sample DNA). The results obtained by PCR-PHFA typing were in good agreement with the allotypes determined by serological typing and by other DNA typing methods. The PCR-PHFA method can be easily automated, is suitable for typing both small and large numbers of samples, and thus is applicable to routine HPA typing.
Antigens, Human Platelet↗
Liver regeneration in fulminant hepatitis as evaluated by serum transforming growth factor alpha levels.
Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) is supposed to act as a mitogen for hepatocytes in an autocrine manner in vitro and in vivo. Retarded liver regeneration is a possible reason for poor prognosis of fulminant hepatitis (FH). We analyzed serum TGF alpha levels in patients with FH and patients with acute nonfulminant hepatitis (AH). Also, the relation of those levels to serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels and their changes after glucagon-insulin (G-I) therapy were studied. Maximal serum TGF alpha levels achieved in each case after admission until recovery from disease or death were correlated positively with maximal serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and total bilirubin levels in patients with AH, but negatively with maximal total bilirubin levels in patients with FH. Maximal serum TGF alpha levels in patients with FH were significantly higher in survivors than in nonsurvivors. Maximal serum HGF levels were positively correlated with maximal serum TGF alpha levels in patients with AH, but not in patients with FH. Multiple regression analysis indicated that G-I therapy was related to the increment of serum TGF alpha levels in patients with FH. These results suggest that serum TGF alpha levels are increased in accordance with liver regeneration after necrosis in patients with AH, but such liver regeneration may be retarded, depending on the extent of liver damage in patients with FH. G-I therapy seems to stimulate liver regeneration after liver damage. The possible contribution of TGF alpha and HGF to liver regeneration merits consideration for recovery from AH.
Drug Therapy, Combination↗
Role of adhesion molecules in the development of massive hepatic necrosis in rats.
Massive hepatic necrosis develops after endotoxin administration in rats pretreated with heat-killed Propionibacterium acnes as a result of microcirculatory disturbance caused by endothelial cell destruction by activated macrophages in the hepatic sinusoids. Immunohistochemical hepatic expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 alpha (LFA-1 alpha) and the effect of monoclonal antibodies against both adhesion molecules on liver necrosis provoked after endotoxin administration was studied in these rats. There were increased stains of ICAM-1 in endothelial cells and LFA-1 alpha in macrophages in the hepatic sinusoids in Propionibacterium acnes-pretreated rats compared with normal rats. Such stains were further increased soon after endotoxin administration, followed by development of hepatic necrosis. Monoclonal antibodies against both adhesion molecules significantly attenuated the extent of liver injury compared with controls, without affecting the infiltration and activation of hepatic macrophages. Polyclonal antibodies against polymorphonuclear leukocytes eradicated circulating neutrophils, but did not change such liver injury, although gum arabic, which suppressed macrophage activation, attenuated the extent of liver injury. Thus, adhesion between endothelial cells and activated macrophages in the hepatic sinusoids via ICAM-1 and LFA-1 alpha is essential for the initiation of massive hepatic necrosis of this type. Contribution of neutrophils seems less likely.
Animals↗
Prognosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma (less than 3 cm) after percutaneous acetic acid injection: study of 91 cases.
To assess the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous acetic acid (in concentrations of 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) injection for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) for long-term prognosis, percutaneous acetic acid injection using 15% to 50% acetic acid was performed in 91 patients with one to four HCCs smaller than 3 cm during the past 6.5 years. During the series of treatment sessions for each patient, the same concentration of acetic acid was used. All tumors could be treated successfully with percutaneous acetic acid injection despite the differences in acetic acid concentration used. The number of treatment sessions to treat similar size of tumor was less when the higher concentration of acetic acid was used. No serious complications occurred as a direct sequela to percutaneous acetic acid injection. None of the tumor treated regrew. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival rates for 91 patients were 95%, 87%, 80%, 63%, and 49%, respectively. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year cancer-free survival rates of these patients were 83%, 54%, 50%, 37%, and 29%, respectively. Both liver function and size of tumor affected both survival rate and cancer-free survival rate significantly, but the number of tumors did not. The concentration of acetic acid did not affect the survival rate. Percutaneous acetic acid using 15% to 50% acetic acid will be effective therapy for small HCCs for long-term prognosis.
Acetates↗
Treatment of nodular hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 3 cm with ultrasound-guided percutaneous acetic acid injection.
To assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous acetic acid (15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% in concentration) injection for a large nodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), percutaneous acetic acid injection was performed using 15% to 50% acetic acid in 28 patients who had one single nodular HCC larger than 3 cm or one main tumor with fewer than two HCCs smaller than 3 cm during the past 7.5 years; the main tumor was slightly hypervascular in nine patients and was highly hypervascular, showing viable cancer cells despite transcatheter arterial embolization in 19 patients. During the series of treatment sessions for each patient, the same concentration of acetic acid was used. Eight (89%) of nine slightly hypervascular main tumors, 18 (95%) of 19 highly hypervascular main tumors, and all 14 small tumors were treated successfully. No serious complications occurred as a direct sequela to acetic acid injection. The 1-, 2- and 3-year recurrence rate from the original main tumor was 0%, 20%, and 20%, respectively, in patients treated with percutaneous acetic acid injection alone and 12%, 24%, and 24% in patients treated with percutaneous acetic acid injection after transcatheter arterial embolization (P = NS). The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival rates were 100%, 80%, 80%, 80%, and 0%, respectively, in the former and 90%, 81%, 81%, 61%, and 61% in the latter (P = NS). Percutaneous acetic acid injection (15% to 50%) may be an effective therapy for slightly hypervascular nodular HCCs larger than 3 cm and highly hypervascular nodular HCCs larger than 3 cm that remain partly viable after transcatheter arterial embolization.
Acetic Acid↗
Oral mucosal lesions in experimental graft-versus-host disease: morphological and immunohistochemical characterization of infiltrating cells.
To facilitate recognition of the oral mucosal lesion that develops in rats with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) induced by injecting spleen cells of parental strain rats (Brown Norway) into non-irradiated (Brown Norway x Lewis) F1 hybrid rats, we followed the development of the tongue lesion histologically and immunohistochemically. This assessment revealed an increase in the number of MHC class II+ cells with dendritic shape in the lamina propria to be the earliest stage of the tongue lesions in GVHD rats. The subsequent mononuclear cell infiltration with epithelial cell destruction, characteristic of GVHD, consisted of CD8+ cells and macrophages. Our findings seem to indicate that MHC class II+ cells with dendritic shape may provide antigen presentation in the induction of local immunological responses, including tissue destruction, by CD8+ cells and macrophages in the tongue of GVHD rats.
Animals↗
Experimental graft versus host disease in the (BN x LEW) F1 rat hybrid: an immunohistochemical study of early disease in oral mucosa.
OBJECTIVE: To study the initial cellular events in oral mucosa (tongue) of experimental hyperplastic GVHD, in order to increase our understanding of the possible pathogenic mechanisms that may be shared with eg mercury (and other drug)-induced immunological reactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GVHD was induced by one i.v. injection of 0.5-1 x 10(8) BN spleen cells into (BNxLEW)F1 hybrid rats. The pre-onset stages of the developing semiallogeneic GVHD were investigated in tongue mucosa by immunohistochemistry and monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: No detectable tissue infiltrates were found 24 h post induction. The pioneer cells appeared at day 3 and were RTIB+/CD2+ and RTIB1-/CD45 (240 kD)-/ EDI-/CD45RC-. At day 3, there was also a visible increase in spleen and lymph node size. Between day 3 and 7, there was a statistically significant increase of CD2+, RTIB+, TCR-alpha beta+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells, but no increase of NKR-PI+ cells. At day 10 there were focal accumulations of CD8+ and NKR-PI+ cells in subepithelial c.t. and in the basal parts of the adjacent epithelium. Animals not sacrificed earlier, showed signs of disease onset at day 11-14. CONCLUSIONS: The early inflammatory infiltrate in this GVHD model consists of activated T cells of donor origin. We suggest, that these originally 'naive' cells migrate initially into lymphoid tissue and following an activation (day 3) enter host's peripheral tissue. Here, (allo-) antigen in constitutively RTIB1 (and EDI) expressing connective tissue dendritic cells may be immune targets of the primed T cells. Such interaction may lead to focal inflammation (increase of CD2+, RTIB+, TCR-alpha beta+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells) and to secondary epithelial damage executed by CD8+ and NKR-PI+ lymphocytes.
Analysis of Variance↗
Blood hepatocyte growth factor levels in chronic renal failure patients.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor↗
Macromolecular composition of stress fiber-plasma membrane attachment sites in endothelial cells in situ.
Stress fibers (SFs) are present along the apical (apical SF) and the basal (basal SF) portions of cultured cells. We have recently shown that apical SFs are anchored to the apical plasma membrane (PM) in a manner similar to how basal SFs are attached to focal adhesion sites. We propose calling such apical SF-membrane attachment sites "apical plaques." To study the macromolecular composition of the apical plaque and the focal adhesion in endothelial cells (ECs) in situ, we examined by confocal laser scanning and fluorescence microscopy guinea pig aortae stained with various antibodies against focal adhesion-associated proteins. Basal SFs oriented parallel to the blood flow direction were mainly located in the upstream half of the cell. Thin apical SFs were also observed. Spotty staining patterns were observed in the basal and the apical portions of cells stained with anti-vinculin, anti-talin, anti-paxillin, or anti-fibronectin receptor, indicating the presence of focal adhesions and apical plaques in ECs in situ. Although fibronectin receptors were present in the apical plaque, fibronectin was not detected on the apical cell surface. Our data suggest that the molecules responsible for the SF-PM association are the same between in vitro and in situ cells. Our results appear to support a hypothesis that the SF system is involved in sensing and/or signal transduction of fluid mechanical forces.
Animals↗
Mutually exclusive distribution of the focal adhesion associated proteins and the erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins in the human fibroblast plasma membrane undercoat.
The ends of stress fibers in the basal portion of cells (basal stress fibers) are anchored to focal adhesions, and stress fibers in the apical part of cells (apical stress fibers) are attached to the apical membrane, forming a structure (the apical plaque; KATOH, K. et al. (1995). Cell Motil. Cytoskel., 31: 177-195) resembling the focal adhesion. In addition to these two sites, stress fibers also make lateral contact with the plasma membrane but little is known about the molecular composition of this type of stress fiber-membrane interaction sites. Several actin-membrane association types are known, each employing a different set of proteins, and the focal adhesion and the erythrocyte membrane skeleton are the best characterized systems. We investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy if there is any morphological basis for the involvement of the erythrocyte membrane proteins in the stress fiber-plasma membrane association sites in cultured human fibroblasts. Our results indicated that fodrin (nonerythrocyte type spectrin) and ankyrin were generally associated with the plasma membrane, but that they were clearly excluded from the focal adhesion, the apical plaque and the stress fiber. Thus, it appears that the spectrin and the integrin based actin-membrane association systems are mutually excluded in the fibroblast membrane undercoat. Protein localization at the lateral stress fiber-membrane association site was also studied. Our data indicated that, while talin, vinculin, paxillin, fibronectin receptor and integrin beta 1 were present at the three stress fiber-membrane association sites, vitronectin receptor and integrin alpha v were absent from the apical plaque and the lateral association site. While the plasma membrane at the focal adhesion adheres tightly to a solid substrate, the cell surface of the apical plaque is free. Although the lateral association site faces the substrate, the molecular composition of this site is similar to that of the apical plaque.
Actin Cytoskeleton↗
Specificities of five kinds of antisera produced against crude drugs, pinella tuber, hoelen, glycyrrhizae radix, trichosanthes root and panax ginseng.
Five kinds of rabbit antisera produced against five kinds of crude drugs, Pinella Tuber, Glycyrrhizae Radix (GR), Trichosanthes Root, Hoelen, and Panax Ginseng, and five kinds of extracts of the same crude drugs were prepared. Specificity of each antiserum was demonstrated by two immunological methods for analyses, the selected antibody enzyme immunoassay (SAEIA) and western blotting, and five crude drug extracts as specimens. Each crude drug extract contained characteristic antigen specific to the corresponding antiserum. Characteristic antigens were suggested as protein components. Characteristic antigen of the crude drug GR was separated from GR extract by three chromatographic procedures and a protein component was separated. The separated protein was successfully applied to develop a SAEIA method applicable for specific assays of both the separated protein and GR extract.
Animals↗
A new method for the detection and quantitative measurement of the contents of trichosanthes root component composing Chinese traditional medicines.
A new method was developed to estimate the content of Trichosanthes root (TR) component in two Chinese traditional medicines. Characteristic antigens of TR were separated from TR extract using rabbit antiserum specific for TR, a dried root tuber of Trichosanthes kirilowii. Two selected antibody enzyme immunoassay (SAEIA) methods, the SAEIA A for assay of TR extract and the SAEIA B for assay of karasurin A were used as detection methods for the separation of TR antigens. Using several column chromatographies, two kinds of TR antigens, a protein component and a glycan component, were separated from TR extract. A SAEIA C method for assay of TR glycan component was developed using biotinylated second antibody and peroxidase-labeled avidin as the detection method. The SAEIA C was also found applicable for specific assay of TR extract as well as for the contents of TR component present in two Chinese traditional medicines, prescriptions of which contained TR. Content of trichosantin, an abortifacient protein component of T. kirilowii, in both the medicines were also measured by applying the SAEIA B for assay of karasurin A. Little trichosantin was found in either medicine and the reason for this was determined.
Antibodies↗
Amino acids and peptides. XXVII. Solid phase synthesis of fibrinogen-related peptides with disulfide bond formed on solid support.
Fibrinogen-related peptides, monomeric cyclic peptides through a disulfide bond [cyclo(H-Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe-Cys-NH2), cyclo(H-Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe-Cys-Gly-NH2), cyclo(H-Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Cys-NH2) and cyclo(H-Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Cys-Gly-NH2)], were prepared by the solid phase method with disulfide bond formation on the solid support. The acetamidomethyl group was used for protection of the thiol group of Cys and synthetic peptide-resins were treated with iodine to give the disulfide bond. Monomeric cyclic peptides were obtained as main products. Purified S-acetamidomethylated peptides were also oxidized with iodine, but the desired materials could not be isolated by HPLC. The disulfide formation from S-acetamidomethylcysteine-containing peptide resin by iodine treatment on the solid support was more effective than that from S-acetamidomethylcysteine-containing peptide. The inhibitory effect of the cyclic peptides on platelet aggregation were much more potent than that of H-Arg-Gly-Asp-NH2.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
A canine case of profound granulomatosis due to Paecillomyces fungus.
A 5-year-old dog showed remarkable edematous swelling of the left hock with lameness and local cellulitis, and paecillomyces fungus was isolated from ulcerative lesion of the hock joint and mediastinum. At autopsy severe effusive pleuritis was shown and numerous necrotizing and granulomatous lesions with fungal elements were seen in the liver, pancreas, kidney and mediastinal lymph nodes.
Animals↗
Effects of magnetic flux density and direction of the magnetic field on growth and CO2 exchange rate of potato plantlets in vitro.
Potato plantlets (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Benimaru) were cultured in vitro for 20 days on a 10 ml MS agar medium under a magnetic flux density of 0 (control: Cont), 2, 4 or 6 mT (T=Wb m-2) in both upward and downward directions of magnetic field. Air temperature in the head space of the test tubes and photosynthetic flux density on the culture shelf were 25 +/- 1 degrees C and 38 micromoles m-2 s-1 respectively. The results showed that a magnetic flux density of around 4 mT had beneficial effects, regardless of the direction of magnetic field, on the growth promotion and enhancement of CO2 uptake of potato plantlets in vitro The direction of magnetic field at the magnetic flux densities tested had no effects on the growth and CO2 exchange rate.
Biomass↗
Efferents from the optic tectum to the brain stem in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Anterogradely biocytin method.
Efferents from the optic tectum to the brain stem in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were studied with the anterogradely biocytin method. After injection of biocytin into the ipsilateral optic tectum, labeled terminals were seen in the rotund nucleus (Rt), neuropil part of the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (GLnv), principal part of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, lateral part of the dorsolateral thalamic nucleus, triangular nucleus (T), superficial parvocellular nucleus (SPC), pretectal nucleus, pretectal area (PA), subpretectal nucleus, central gray matter (GC), isthimo optic nucleus (ION), magnocellular and parvocellular parts of the isthimo nuclei (Imc and Ipc), semilunar nucleus (SLu), lateral and medial pontine nuclei and reticular formation (FRM) of the medulla, ipsilaterally. Labeled fibers were seen in the septomesencephalic tract nucleus, FRM, interstitio-paraetecto-subpraetectal nucleus, and the dorsal and ventral tectoreticular tracts (TRd and TRv). In the contralateral brain stem, labeled terminals were seen in the Rt, T. FRM, PA and paramedian nucleus. The contralateral terminals were remarkably fewer than those of the ipsilateral side. The present findings of the labeled terminals of the SPC and the GC at the level of the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminal nerve (MnT), and the topographic projection from optic tectum to the Rt in the thalamus, were original observations in the avian. The labeled terminals in the GLnv, Ipc, Imc and ION showed topographical projections from the optic tectum. Pathways to the contralateral brain stem were via the commissure posterior, ventral supraoptic decussation, and the predorsal bundle. The present results suggest that tectofugal impulses in the quail relate to various functions with special relation to the function of the GC at the level of the MnT as well as a visual function.
Animals↗
Experimental graft versus host disease in the (BN x LEW) F1 rat hybrid as a model for autoimmune disease. Study of early adenitis in lacrimal and salivary glands.
We analysed inflammatory changes at selected time intervals, of salivary and lacrimal glands in the developing immunostimulatory [BN-->(BN x LEW)F1] model of graft-versus-host (GVH) reaction. A focal mononuclear adenitis in lacrimal and salivary glands developed at day 7 and increased clearly in "onset"-rats. Inflammatory responses in submandibular and parotid glands were less consistent and weaker than in lacrimal glands. There was no significant focus score difference between males and females. The lacrimal infiltrates were characterised immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies. Our findings indicate that CD4+ cells of donor origin dominated infiltrates, whereas a moderate number of B cells appeared only in large (late) foci. At stages corresponding to the onset of GVH disease (GVHD) in skin/labial mucosa, numerous CD8+ lymphocytes and NK cells were found in lacrimal glands, adjacent to ductal/ vascular plexa, sometimes forming small foci and with evidence of epithelial damage. We conclude that GVHD-associated T cell migration into rat exocrine glands occurs as a result of the semi-alloantigen-activated phenotype properties of the T cells. This activation occurs initially in lymphoid tissue and migration into glands is secondary to this and unrelated to antigen specificity. We also found evidence of amplification and tissue damage, interpreted as due to local reactivation of the T cells.
Animals↗