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Biomedical subjects

K Funatsu

Publications and source records attributed to K Funatsu.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Various types of thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptors in discrete brain regions and the pituitary of the rat.

Receptors for thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the rat brain and the pituitary are heterogenous. The receptors were classified into four types according to the dissociation constant (KD). High-affinity receptors (KD less than 3 nM) are present in the pituitary, hypothalamus, amygdala, and limbic forebrain which contains the nucleus accumbens and the septum. Intermediate-affinity receptors (KD, 5-16 nM) are evidently present in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, and the brainstem, but may also be present in other regions. Low-affinity TRH receptors (KD, 50-80 nM) are seen in the limbic forebrain, amygdala, and the hypothalamus. Very-low-affinity receptors (KD, 215 nM) exist in the pituitary. Experiments using DN-1417 (gamma-butyrolactone-gamma-carbonyl-histidyl-prolinamide citrate), a synthetic TRH analogue with a more potent central activity, indicated the presence of TRH receptors having a high affinity to DN-1417 at least in the limbic forebrain but not in the pituitary. This type of receptor is not labeled by [3H](3-methyl-histidine2)-TRH. Density of the TRH receptor is the highest in the pituitary and next highest in the amygdala.

Amygdala↗
PubMed1984

Immunohistochemical characterization of functional markers in human minor salivary gland tumors.

The distribution of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), secretory component (SC), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), J-chain, and lysozyme in tumors of minor salivary glands was investigated using an immunoperoxidase method. Although CEA was demonstrated in both benign and malignant tumors, its distribution was relatively more common and with increased staining intensity in malignant tissues. In pleomorphic adenomas, the distribution of SC was similar to that of IgA and J-chain, suggesting the presence of secretory IgA in the epithelial cells. However, some neoplastic epithelial cells contained SC but not IgA and J-chain. No IgM was detected in such cells. Lysozyme could be demonstrated only in pleomorphic adenomas. Mucoepidermoid tumors and adenoidcystic carcinomas were negative for lysozyme. These findings suggest that some neoplastic ductal epithelial cells of pleomorphic adenomas retain functional characteristics of normal epithelial cells.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗
PubMed1981

Effects of cytochalasin B on membrane-associated microfilaments in a cell-free system.

The mode of action of cytochalasin B was examined in vitro using bile canaliculus-enriched plasma membrane fractions isolated from rat liver. The pericanalicular microfilaments, which are mainly actin filaments and which are normally attached to the canalicular membranes, were dissociated from the membranes by cytochalasin B treatment. A microfilamentous network was found in the supernate of the cytochalasin B treatment. A microfilamentous network was found in the supernate of the cytochalasin-treated specimens and a number of polypeptides, of which a polypeptide corresponding in molecular weight to actin was a notable member. These results suggest that actin filaments become detached from the canaliculus membranes by cytochalasin B.

Actins↗
PubMed1980

Ten year survival rate of 131 patients with liver cirrhosis excluded the association of liver carcinoma at the establishment of diagnosis.

The present study reported 10 year suvival rate of 131 patients with liver cirrhosis excluded the association of liver carcinoma. Survival rate was calculated according to the life table method of Cutler and Ederer. One hundred thirty-one patients were diagnosed between 1965 and 1972. The overall 5 and 10 year survival rates of 131 patients were 58.3 +/- 4.7% and 36.5 +/- 6.2%, respectively. The 5 and 10 year survival rates of 56 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis were 32.9 +/- 6.9% and 19.0 +/- 6.9%. The 5 year survival rate of 28 patients with prominent ascites was 20.6 +/- 8.4% and that of 14 patients with the rupture of esophageal varices was 29.4 +/- 13.4%. The improved treatment of decompensated liver cirrhosis and the exclusion of the patients with the association of liver carcinoma might contribute to these improved survival rates.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

[Familial incidence in idiopathic scoliosis (author's transl)].

Fifty families with 101 of their members suffering from idiopathic scoliosis are presented. Twenty-one families were traced to 3rd degree relatives. Historical and clinical examinations were performed in all cases. In 36 patients from 18 families, HLA-A and B loci were measured, and equilibrium function was measured in 93 patients from 20 families. No significant differences were noted between the members of the 50 families studied and a previously studied control group of patients with idiopathic scoliosis with respect to age of the presentation, past history, somatic development, initial curvature and type, and response to treatment. The 21 families in whom 3rd degree relatives were traced did not show any features of a simple Mendelian inheritance. Within 39 families, however, each scoliotic member had the same type of the curve. The study of HLA-A and B loci and equilibrium dysfunction (11 cases in 93 studied, 11.8%) failed to demonstrate a familial pattern. It is concluded that the evidence presented supports the concept of a multifactorial inheritance in 50 families with 101 scoliotic members.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Dissolution of human cholesterol gallstones in vitro with bile salts. A scanning and stereoscanning electron microscopic study.

This report deals with the in vitro dissolution of cholesterol gallstones by bile salts, as observed with the scanning electron microscope. Scanning electron microscopic techniques permit excellent visualization of the substructure of these stones and hence allow insight into the structural basis of gallstone dissolution. The small faceted, mixed cholesterol gallstone was used since this is the most common type clinically. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the gallstone has four structurally different zones; an outer surface, a cortex of compactly layered cholesterol plates, an inner layer of cholesterol mixed with other components, and a center or nidus. The cortex is of particular importance in terms of gallstone dissolution with bile salts, since the interior of the stone remains unaffected until this zone is removed. The speed and completeness of dissolution of the stone depends mainly upon the thickness of the cortex and in part upon the content of noncholesterol components in the interior of the stone. Chenodeoxycholate and cholate behave similarly in terms of the dissolution process as observed by scanning electron microscopy. The solubilization process is very similar to that observed in vitro with solvents such as ether and ethanol. Stones treated with 400 mM cholate were completely solubilized in 3 weeks. The process described in this paper is probably similar to that which occurs in vivo in spontaneous gallstone dissolution in man and in patients treated with bile salts for gallstone dissolution.

Chenodeoxycholic Acid↗
PubMed1978

Different appearance of hepatic collagenase and lysosomal enzymes in recovery of experimental hepatic fibrosis.

1. Both activities of hepatic collagenase and lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase) have been observed in the recovery from experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride for 6 to 20 weeks, and compared with the disappearance of newly formed collagen fibers in the recovery process. 2. In the process of experimental hepatic fibrosis, collagenase activity reached maximum on sethe accumulation of collagen fibers in reversible hepatic fibrosis, but decreased to the same level as that of non-treated rat liver in cirrhotic stage. In the reocvery from reversible hepatic fibrosis, collagenase activity reached maximum on second day after the discontinuation of carbon tetrachloride, and decreased to the same extent of that of non-treated rat liver on seventh day. 3. Lysosomal enzyme activity was parallel to the activity of hepatic collagenase and to the accumulation of collagen fibers in the process of hepatic fibrosis. In the recovery stage, lysosomal enzyme activity in mesenchymal cells within the septa increased markedly on second day after the discontinuation of toxic agent but turned to the same level of that of non-treated rat liver seven days later, which was consistent with the appearance and disappearance of collagenase activity. On the other hand the appearance of lysosomal enzymes activities in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes was different from that of collagenase activity. That is lysosomal enzyme activity in Kupffer cells decreased in early days but increased five days later, and the enzyme activity in hepatocytes markedly decreased but gradually recovered to normal level seven days later. 4. The appearance of collagenase was observed at the beginning of the recovery stage. It indicates that mammalian collagenase initiates the collagen degradation and lysosomal enzymes might have a role in the subsequent degradation of collagen.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Evidence for microfilament involvement in norethandrolone-induced intrahepatic cholestasis.

An experimental study of norethandrolone (NED)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis was made. NED was infused via a portal vein catheter into rat liver in vivo, and measurements were made of bile flow. Liver specimens were taken at intervals for light microscopy and for transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Bile-canalicular-rich membrane fractions were prepared. The effects of NED were also examined in isolated hepatocytes in suspension culture. NED infusion induced total cholestasis by 3 hours. Canalicular alterations commonly associated with cholestasis were found in in vivo infused liver and in isolated hepatocytes. Pericanalicular microfilament changes were also noted in both, with loss of filament structure and replacement by a granular zone. In isolated canalicular membrane fractions prepared from NED-treated animals, the normal investment of pericanalicular filaments was no longer present. Loss of the bile canalicular ruthenium red surface coat was also noted. In view of the identical findings in isolated hepatocytes and in in vivo liver, obstruction and mechanical factors can be excluded as possible causes. The results raise the possibility that the mechanism of NED-induced cholestasis may be related to disaggregation and/or detachment of microfilaments from the canalicular membranes.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

D-galactosamine induced hepatic cirrhosis: its ultrastructural and biochemical studies in rat.

The morphological and biochemical studies were performed on the injured livers of female rats produced by chronic administration of D-galactosamine (GALN) (250 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 months. Light microscopically, cirrhotic changes were observed in most of the animals characterized by the proliferation of the connective tissues from portal triads into hepatic lobules. The electron microscopic study demonstrated mitochondrial proliferation and irregularities with crenated membranes, focal hypertrophy of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, decrease of the rough endoplasmic reticulum with partial detouchment of ribosomes, slight loss of compactness of nucleoli and no remarkable accumulation of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. The proliferation of collagen fibers was observed around the hepatocytes and acid mucopolysaccharides were seen in the space of Disse and partly in the sinusoids histochemically using electron microscope. Biochemically chronic GALN administration, which increased hepatic weight significantly, resulted in a significant decrease in microsomal protein concentration, whereas cytochrome P450 content significantly increased. There was no change in phospholipid contents. After GALN, plasma albumin concentration was significantly decreased and the value of zinc turbidity test was increased. However, there was no change in plasma GPT level and total cholesterol concentration.

Animals↗