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Biomedical subjects

K Higashi

Publications and source records attributed to K Higashi.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Syntheses of 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamine derivatives and their antiulcer activities.

A series of acyl derivatives of 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamine (4) were synthesized and evaluated for their effectiveness to prevent water-immersion stress-induced gastric ulceration when given intraperitoneally to rats. Among them N-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2-phenylaminoacetamide hydrochloride (15) had significant antiulcer activity. Further modification of the four parts of 15 revealed that only the introduction of a carbamoyl group into 2- or 3-position of the phenylamino part gave compounds (49-51, 54 and 55) which retained antiulcer activity comparable to the lead compound. However, the compounds (49-51 and 54) did not exert a prophylactic effect when administered orally except for the 3-substituted bezamide derivative 55. Alkyl substitution on the nitrogen of benzamide gave 3-[[[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]carbamoyl]methyl] amino-N-methylbenzamide (66, DQ-2511) and the related compounds (67, 70, 74 and 77) which all had potent antiulcer activities at oral doses of 50-400 mg/kg.

Animals↗

Zinc triflate-promoted glycosidation: synthesis of lipid A disaccharide intermediates.

Zinc triflate was found to be superior to the heavy metal salts as a promoter in the Koenigs-Knorr type glycosidation reaction in the synthesis of lipid A disaccharide intermediates. It readily promoted the reaction of a complex glycosyl bromide with a reducing sugar moiety and gave the disaccharide with beta-selectivity in good yield. This method would be suitable for the bulk preparation of lipid A disaccharide intermediates.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

A case of primary hyperparathyroidism due to an oxyphil cell adenoma.

A 59-year-old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism was found to have a parathyroid adenoma behind the left clavicle. Preoperatively, it appeared as a hypoechoic mass on ultrasonography, as a hot nodule on thallium scintigraphy, and as a high signal on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies of the surgically resected tumor revealed a parathyroid adenoma composed mainly of oxyphil cells with production of a parathyroid hormone. Moreover, a multilocular lesion of lymphangiectasia was contained. Hypercalcemia was alleviated postoperatively. These observations corroborated a functioning parathyroid oxyphil cell adenoma. This is the first case report of functioning oxyphil cell adenoma of the parathyroid gland with lymphangiectasia in Japan.

Adenoma↗

Aneurysm arising at the triplicate anterior communicating artery--case report.

A very rare case of triplicate anterior communicating artery associated with ruptured aneurysm in a 21-year-old female is reported. The triplicate configuration was not predicted by preoperative cerebral angiography, but found intraoperatively. The aneurysm was trapped successfully, and she recovered with no neurological deficit.

Adult↗

Expression and assembly of Torpedo californica (Na,K)ATPase alpha-subunit truncated at N-terminal end in Xenopus oocytes.

cDNAs for mutant alpha-subunits of Torpedo californica (Na,K)ATPase variously truncated at the N-terminal end were constructed and transcribed in vitro. Each of the mRNAs thus synthesized was co-injected into Xenopus oocytes together with mRNA for wild-type beta-subunit. Truncation of the alpha-subunit at trypsin accessible site T2(removal of the N-terminal 36 residues, alpha delta K37) led to a decrease in ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity and ouabain-binding capacity, leaving the amount of immunoprecipitable alpha-subunit unchanged. The Km values for Na+ and K+ of alpha delta K37 were about 10mM and 2mM, respectively, and fall in the same range for the wild-type ATPase. Truncation of the alpha-subunit leaving lysine-54(alpha delta K54) or alanine-79(alpha delta A79) resulted in the loss of the ATPase activity as well as a substantial decrease in the amount of immunoprecipitable alpha-subunit. Since the beta-subunit assembles with and thereby stabilizes the alpha-subunit, which is otherwise degraded rapidly, these results suggest that the segment of the alpha-subunit between lysine-37 and lysine-54 is involved in the assembly with the beta-subunit leading to the formation of the stable and active alpha beta complex.

Animals↗

[Clinical significance of the measurement of serum pepsinogen group I and II by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay].

We have developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for pepsinogen group I and II (PG I.II) in human serum, and clinical significance of serum pepsinogen measurement was evaluated. Serum PG I.II levels in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer were higher than those in normal healthy subjects. On the other hand, serum PG I levels in patients with pernicious anemia were significantly low levels. In both gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, serum PG I.II levels at active stage were higher than healing stage. These results suggested that the measurement of PG I.II levels was useful for screening or monitoring test for the injury of gastric and duodenal mucosa.

Adolescent↗

Aplasia of posterior semicircular canal in Waardenburg syndrome type II.

A case of Waardenburg syndrome type II is reported. The computed tomography (CT) revealed aplasia of the posterior semicircular canal and poor development of the vestible. Until now, including our case, only a few cases of Waardenburg syndrome with deafness were studied roentgenologically. Among them, at least 26% revealed aplasia of the posterior semicircular canal, which infers that it is a characteristic finding of Waardenburg syndrome.

Female↗

Ethanol and signal transduction in the liver.

The liver is a major target for both short- and long-term actions of ethanol. The mechanisms that mediate the response of cells and tissues to chronic intake of ethanol are unknown, but it is likely that both adaptive and deleterious responses are triggered by short-term interactions of the cell with ethanol. Cellular signaling processes are candidates to mediate the connection between short- and long-term actions of ethanol. Receptor-coupled signal transduction systems in the plasma membrane of many different cell types are affected by ethanol. In the liver, the signaling processes associated with phospholipases C and D are particularly responsive to ethanol. In this review, we investigate the direct and indirect short-term effects of ethanol on the signal transduction systems in liver and discuss the possible implications for the responses of the liver to chronic ethanol exposure.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

[Relationship between Ga-67 uptake and radiotherapeutic response of primary lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma)].

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between Ga-67 uptake and radiotherapeutic response to primary lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma), Ga-67 uptake of tumor was estimated on 16 patients with untreated primary lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). Ga-67 uptake was then compared with the response to radiation therapy (tumor reduction ratio). There was statistically significant inverse correlation between Ga-67 uptake and response to radiation therapy (r = -0.701, p less than 0.01). The fewer the Ga-67 accumulation in the tumor, the more effective radiotherapy in reducing tumor size. In conclusion, Ga-67 scintigraphy appears to be able to predict the response of primary lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) to radiation therapy.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

[A case of intractable hemoptysis due to malignant hemangioendothelioma].

A 65-year-old man who died of respiratory failure due to malignant hemangioendothelioma is reported. He was admitted to our hospital because of intractable hemoptysis. Chest roentgenogram revealed multiple patchy shadows in both lungs, but we could not make a diagnosis by usual clinical examinations including transbronchial lung biopsy. Since the patient's condition became critical, oxygen therapy, anticoagulants and antibiotics were started. In addition, corticosteroid therapy and double filtration plasmapheresis were performed since immunological disorder was suspected because of positive immunological examinations such as antinuclear antibodies and an increase in circulatory immune complexes. There was little response to the treatments and the patient finally died of respiratory failure. At autopsy, multiple tumor nodules were found throughout the lungs and the liver. Metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes was also discovered. These findings made it impossible to confirm the primary lesion. Microscopy showed proliferation of anastomosing capillaries encasing tumor cells of unknown origin. Silver staining demonstrated capillaries encompassing the atypical cells, suggesting a vascular origin of the tumor. Furthermore, factor VIII related-antigen in the tumor cells was confirmed by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method. The final diagnosis of malignant hemangioendothelioma was made from these histological findings. Malignant hemangioendothelioma is rare, but is an important cause of intractable hemoptysis.

Aged↗

[Effects of cadmium on the gene expression of retinoblastoma (Y79) cells in culture].

We examined the effects of cadmium on the mRNA levels of several genes in cultured retinoblastoma (Y79) cells. After Y79 cells were treated with 15 microM CdCl2, RNA was extracted at a given time. The levels of retinoblastoma gene (Rb) mRNA decreased after cadmium treatment, although it was unlikely that the Rb gene product is functional in this cell line. The N-myc gene (oncogene) is constitutively expressed in untreated Y79 cells but its mRNA levels also decreased following cadmium treatment. On the other hand, the mRNA levels of both heat-shock protein (hsp 70) and metallothionein gene, both having physiological protective effects, increased under these conditions. These results indicate that Y79 cells have physiological protective responses to such a heavy metal as cadmium and that both Rb and N-myc gene expressions are down-modulated in the presence of cadmium.

Cadmium↗

Cadmium causes increases of N-myc and multidrug-resistance gene mRNA in neuroblastoma cells.

Since cadmium exposure results in neuropathological alterations in central nervous system, we investigated the effects of cadmium on the gene expression of neuroblastoma (GOTO) cells. We observed an increase in mRNA levels of heat-shock protein (hsp) 70, hsp 90, hsp 32 and metallothionein after treatment of GOTO cells with cadmium, although the time courses of the changes of individual mRNA of the heat-shock proteins and metallothionein were somewhat different from each other. An accumulation of N-myc and multidrug-resistance gene (MDR1) mRNA was detected in the presence of cadmium. This is contrary to the previous report, in which an inverse correlation between the expression of MDR1 gene and N-myc oncogene in human neuroblastoma had been described. However, the increase of N-myc and MDR1 mRNA in the present study is not likely due to the loss of regulatory mechanism of these genes by cytotoxic effects of cadmium, because active protective mechanisms such as heat-shock proteins and metallothionein could be induced under these conditions.

Cadmium↗

Induction of glutathione-S-transferase and heat-shock proteins in rat liver after ethylene oxide exposure.

Defense mechanisms in rat liver against depletion of glutathione (GSH) and cellular injuries induced by ethylene oxide (EO) were studied. Rats were exposed to EO under either high dose (1300 ppm for 4 hr, once) or low dose (500 ppm for 6 hr, three times a week for 6 weeks) conditions. The hepatic content of GSH decreased dramatically after EO treatment, probably due to detoxication of EO. After the high dose treatment the hepatic GSH content fell by 90% of the control values but recovered within 10 to 15 hr. EO reacts directly with a variety of cellular macromolecules but all rats survived the exposure. Since the metabolites of EO are ethylene glycol and GSH-conjugates, the enzymatic activities of epoxide hydrolase and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were determined. Only GST activity was found to occur after low dose chronic exposure. The defense mechanism at mRNA level was investigated using probes for GST and several heat-shock proteins (hsps). Enhanced accumulation of GST mRNA was detectable during the recovery period of rats after both high and low dose exposure to EO. Interestingly, both hsp32 (less than 40-fold) and hsp90 (less than 3-fold) mRNA increased after high dose exposure but the mRNA level of one of the major heat-shock proteins, hsp70, did not change under these conditions. Diethylmaleate, which is known to be a GSH depleter in liver, induced hsp32 mRNA only in rat liver, while hsp70 and hsp90 mRNA levels did not change when GSH was depleted. These results suggest that individual heat-shock proteins are induced in different ways under unphysiological conditions such as EO exposure.

Animals↗

Ethanol causes desensitization of receptor-mediated phospholipase C activation in isolated hepatocytes.

The effect of ethanol on receptor-mediated phospholipase C-linked signal transduction processes was investigated in isolated rat hepatocytes. Pretreatment of the cells with ethanol (6-300 mM) markedly inhibited a subsequent stimulation of phospholipase C by vasopressin, angiotensin II, or epidermal growth factor. By contrast, the effects of the alpha 1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine and of glucagon were not affected by ethanol pretreatment. Ethanol inhibited the agonist-induced decrease in polyphosphoinositides, the formation of inositol phosphates, and the increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ levels, as detected with the intracellular Ca2+ indicator indo-1. The effects of ethanol were concentration dependent and were pronounced at low concentrations of agonists but were not significant at saturating levels. Pretreatment of the cells with the protein kinase C inhibitor H7 partly prevented the inhibition by ethanol of vasopressin-induced phospholipase C activation. By contrast, pretreatment of the cells with (Rp)-adenosine cyclic 3':5'-phosphorothioate [Rp)-cAMP-S), a competitive inhibitor of protein kinase A, potentiated the inhibitory effect of ethanol on the Ca2+ mobilization by vasopressin. (Rp)-cAMP-S similarly potentiated the inhibition of phospholipase C by the protein kinase C-activating phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The kinase A inhibitor also made the Ca2+ mobilization by phenylephrine sensitive to ethanol, indicating that the formation of cAMP in the cells played a role in suppressing the sensitivity to ethanol. Pretreatment of the cells with ethanol enhanced the inhibitory effects of TPA on the vasopressin-induced phospholipase C activation at all concentrations of the hormone; however, these synergistic effects were prevented when TPA was added prior to ethanol, a condition that prevents the activation of phospholipase C by ethanol. The data indicate that ethanol causes desensitization of the receptor-mediated phospholipase C secondary to the ethanol-induced activation of phospholipase C and activation of protein kinase C. Ethanol treatment also affects the sensitivity of the phospholipase C system to control by protein kinases A and C. The data indicate that ethanol can affect the control of intracellular signal transduction processes in liver cells under physiologically relevant conditions.

Angiotensin II↗

Rearrangement of 9p13 as the primary chromosomal aberration in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the respiratory tract.

Two adenoid cystic carcinomas, one of the nasal cavity, the other a bronchial tumor, were cytogenetically analyzed. The former had a t(6;9)(q21-22;p 13-21) as the sole karyotypic abnormality. The latter had two related abnormal clones, resulting in the mosaic karyotype 46,XY,t(9;17)(p13;p13)/46,Y,t(X;6)(p22;q23),t(9;17)(p13;p13). The karyotypic profiles of the two cases, the only respiratory tract adenoid cystic carcinomas that have been cytogenetically characterized, differ little from those of previously reported adenoid cystic carcinomas of the major salivary glands, underscoring the fundamental biologic similarity among these tumors even when they develop from different structures and in different anatomical sites and organs. Because in the second case the t(9;17) obviously must have preceded the t(X;6), we conclude that both tumors had rearrangement of 9p13 as the primary cytogenetic change. The data thus add to the evidence that 6q changes are frequent, albeit at least sometimes secondary, aberrations in malignant salivary gland tumors. A subset of adenoid cystic carcinomas instead have rearrangement of 9p as the primary, and presumably pathogenetically essential, abnormality.

Adult↗

Development, differentiation, and maturation of macrophages in the chorionic villi of mouse placenta with special reference to the origin of Hofbauer cells.

In blood vessels of the chorionic villi of mouse placenta, primitive macrophages first emerged at 10 days of gestation, then differentiated and matured into fetal macrophages. After emigration into the chorionic villous mesenchymal stroma, they ingested fluid-like stromal materials and transformed into Hofbauer cells. In our observation of their differentiation and maturation, no promonocytes or monocytes were detected. In the culture of cell suspensions from the placenta with LP3-conditioned medium, CFU-GM was confirmed, but in the culture with the mouse bone marrow stromal cell line (ST2) the primitive/fetal macrophage population occurred predominantly before the development of the monocyte/macrophage population. Proliferative potential of the primitive and fetal macrophages is slight. With the progress of gestation, the monocyte/macrophage population appeared in the chorionic villous stroma, forming a heterogeneous population of placental macrophages in the late fetal stage.

Animals↗