Origin of the second length scale above the magnetic-spiral phase of Tb.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
K Hirota
Publications and source records attributed to K Hirota.
Interplay of the Kondo effect and ferromagnetism in the CeNixGa4-x alloys.
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Journal Article↗
Aggressive osteoblastoma of the calcaneus.
Aggressive osteoblastoma of the left calcaneus in 29-year-old Japanese woman is reported. Her initial symptom was heel pain while walking. This was a primary calcaneal tumor, initially diagnosed as a benign osteoblastoma. After a 5-year follow-up (from the initial curettage), there was local recurrence. The histologic findings of aggressive osteoblastoma were confirmed after right lower leg amputation. The recurrent tumor was mildly aggressive to the talocalcanean joint and the retrocalcaneal area, without distant metastasis. The characteristics of the primary and recurrent tumors were examined by the radiologic, histologic, and electron microscopic procedures. Although there are questions about aggressive osteoblastoma, the authors believe that there are osteoblastic tumors of borderline malignancy between benign osteoblastoma and low-grade osteosarcoma. The current case was an example compatible with an aggressive osteoblastoma with the proposed name of Dorfman classification Group 4.
Adult↗
Expression of monocyte chemotactic and activating factor in rheumatoid arthritis. Regulation of its production in synovial cells by interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF) contributes to the accumulation of macrophages in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: MCAF was measured by radioimmunoassay. MCAF gene expression was determined by Northern blotting and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Recombinant human MCAF was injected into rabbit joints to evaluate the effect of MCAF on infiltration of macrophages. RESULTS: High levels of MCAF were detected in synovial fluid from patients with RA. Cells freshly isolated from synovial fluid expressed MCAF messenger RNA (mRNA). Fibroblast-like synoviocytes were found to express MCAF mRNA and to secrete MCAF in response to interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor in vitro. IL-1 also promoted MCAF gene expression in rabbit synovial tissue in vivo. MCAF caused marked infiltration of macrophages in rabbit synovial tissue. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that MCAF may contribute to the accumulation of macrophages in inflamed rheumatoid joints.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
Measurement of anti-thyroglobulin IgG in urine of patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases by sensitive enzyme immunoassay (immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay).
Anti-thyroglobulin IgG in urine of patients with Graves' disease and chronic thyroiditis and healthy subjects was measured by a sensitive enzyme immunoassay (immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay). Anti-thyroglobulin IgG in dialyzed urine was reacted simultaneously with 2,4-dinitrophenylated thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin-beta-D-galactosidase conjugate. The immune complex formed consisting of the three components was trapped onto polystyrene balls coated with (anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl group) IgG, eluted with epsilon N-2,4-dinitrophenyl-L-lysine, and transferred onto polystyrene balls coated with (anti-human IgG gamma-chain) IgG. beta-D-Galactosidase activity bound to the last polystyrene balls was assayed by fluorometry. Anti-thyroglobulin IgG was detected in most of the patients, but not in most of the healthy subjects; levels of anti-thyroglobulin IgG in urine of the patients were well correlated to those in serum of the same patients. The measurement of anti-thyroglobulin IgG in urine by the immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay was suggested to be useful as a diagnostic aid for autoimmune thyroid diseases. The conventional standard ELISA was not sufficiently sensitive for measuring anti-thyroglobulin IgG in urine.
Adolescent↗
Improved measurement of anti-thyroglobulin IgG in urine of patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases by sensitive enzyme immunoassay (immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay.
Previously, antithyroglobulin IgG was assayed in dialyzed urine from patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases by a sensitive enzyme immunoassay (immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay), and most of the assay results were useful as a diagnostic aid for autoimmune thyroid diseases. However, dialysis of urine was laborious and time-consuming, and some results were less reliable due to low levels of anti-thyroglobulin IgG in urine. This paper describes some improvements of the assay. Useful assay results could be obtained for most of urine samples without dialysis, although some interfering substance(s) was suggested to be present in some urine samples before dialysis. Accurate assay results with no interference could be obtained after gel filtration by only two min centrifugation in place of dialysis. More reliable assay results for urine samples containing low levels of antithyroglobulin IgG were obtained after concentration using a molecular sieve.
Animals↗
Detection of antibody IgG to HIV-1 in urine by sensitive enzyme immunoassay (immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay) using recombinant proteins as antigens for diagnosis of HIV-1 infection.
For diagnosis of HIV-1 infection, attempts were made to detect anti-HIV-1 IgG in urine by sensitive enzyme immunoassay (immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay) using recombinant reverse transcriptase (RT) and p17 as antigens. Anti-HIV-1 IgG in urine was reacted simultaneously with 2,4-dinitrophenyl-bovine serum albumin-recombinant protein conjugate and recombinant protein-enzyme conjugate. The enzymes used as labels were horseradish peroxidase for RT and Escherichia coli beta-D-galactosidase for p17. The complex formed, consisting of the three components, was trapped onto polystyrene balls coated with affinity-purified (anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl group) IgG, eluted with epsilon N-2,4-dinitrophenyl-L-lysine and transferred to polystyrene balls coated with affinity-purified (anti-human IgG gamma-chain) IgG. Finally, bound enzyme activity was assayed by fluorometry. Urine samples were collected from 100 seronegative subjects and 70 seropositive subjects. The sensitivity and specificity were both 100% with unconcentrated urine samples. The positivity was confirmed by preincubation of urine samples with excess of the antigens. The positivity and negativity with one of the two antigens could be confirmed with the other antigen. The positivity with low signals could be confirmed by concentration of urine samples. Detection of anti-HIV-1 IgG in urine by the immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay using different antigens would make diagnosis of HIV-1 infection possible.
Adolescent↗
Principle and applications of ultrasensitive enzyme immunoassay (immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay) for antibodies in body fluids.
The sensitivity and specificity of enzyme immunoassay for antibodies in body fluids have been improved considerably by transferring the complex of labelled antigen and antibody to be detected from one solid phase to another to eliminate interfering substance(s) in the samples (immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay). Usefulness of the new method has been tested for antibodies in serum as well as in urine. Anti-thyroglobulin IgG could be measured not only in serum of all patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases and almost all healthy subjects but also in the urine of most of the patients. Anti-HTLV-I IgG was unequivocally demonstrated in some of sera, which were indeterminate or negative by Western blotting, and diagnosis of HIV infection by detecting anti-HIV IgG in urine and saliva would be possible with higher reliability than by conventional methods.
Antibodies↗
First characterization in Italy of clinical isolates of mutans streptococci by using specific monoclonal antibodies.
The aim of this investigation was to gain further insight into the prevalence of different serotypes of mutans streptococci in the Italian population by using specific monoclonal antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay. Isolates from dental plaque samples, collected from an adult population living in Pisa (Italy), were identified as mutans streptococci on the basis of their morphological and biochemical properties, and were then serotyped. The results show that 77.5% of the strains isolated belonged to serotype c or f (i.e., S. mutans), 15.9% were serotype e (i.e., S. mutans) and only two strains (1.4%) belonged to serotype g (i.e., S. sobrinus). These data are partially in agreement with other studies in Europe and in the U.S.A. The distribution pattern of the various serotypes turned out to be substantially similar among the different groups of patients, subdivided on the basis of their caries status, indicating that none of the serotypes was particularly associated with dental caries.
Adolescent↗
Ovariectomy increases the level of estrogen receptor mRNA and estrogen receptor binding sites in female rat adipose tissue.
The roles of estrogen in the changes in estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA and ER binding sites in rat adipose tissue were studied in female rats. To elucidate the mechanism(s) behind ovariectomy (OVX)-induced obesity, the levels of ER mRNA and ER binding sites in adipose tissue were analyzed three weeks after OVX using Northern blot analysis of ER mRNA and the [3H]E2 binding assay, respectively. OVX induced an increase in body weight, and replacement of estradiol (E2) prevented that increase. Significant increases in the amounts of ER mRNA and in [3H]E2-specific binding were observed after OVX, and E2 replacement reduced both of those increases. These results suggest that E2 may regulate rat obesity directly through ER in adipose tissues.
Adipose Tissue↗
Intraventricular administration of histidyl-proline-diketopiperazine [Cyclo(His-Pro)] suppresses prolactin secretion and synthesis: a possible role of Cyclo(His-Pro) as dopamine uptake blocker in rat hypothalamus.
Histidyl-proline-diketopiperazine [Cyclo (His-Pro) (CHP)] was discovered to be one of the metabolites of TRH. To understand the specific role of CHP in rat hypothalamic dopamine neurons, we examined the in vivo effects of intraventricular (icv) infusion of CHP on the release and synthesis of PRL in the rat pituitary and the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC)/dopamine ratio in the rat hypothalamus. We also examined the in vitro effects of CHP on the release of [3H]dopamine from dispersed tuberoinfundibular dopamine neurons, [3H]dopamine reuptake in hypothalamic membrane fractions, and PRL release from rat pituitary cultured cells. Female rats were treated by icv infusion of 1 microM CHP daily for 1, 3, and 7 days, using Alzet osmotic pumps. After 1 day of treatment, the serum PRL concentration was significantly decreased. Northern blot analysis of the total RNA isolated from the pituitary glands of control animals using 32P-labeled PRL cDNA as a probe indicated the presence of PRL gene transcript, 1.0 kilobase in size, and its amount was decreased by CHP treatment. CHP did not affect [3H]dopamine release from dispersed tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons at any concentration up to 1 microM. CHP did not inhibit PRL release from cultured pituitary cells at low concentrations (1-100 nM), but it stimulated PRL release at high concentrations (1 and 10 microM). We also examined the concentrations of dopamine and DOPAC in the rat hypothalamus when CHP was administered icv for 1 or 7 days. There was a significant decrease in the DOPAC/dopamine ratio after CHP treatment for 1 day. Furthermore, CHP caused dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]dopamine uptake by the rat hypothalamus similar to other dopamine uptake blockers, such as benztropine and GBR12909. These data suggest that icv administration of CHP might decrease both PRL secretion and accumulation of PRL gene transcripts in the pituitary by decreasing the DOPAC/dopamine ratio and inhibiting dopamine reuptake in the rat hypothalamus.
3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
Pituitary folliculo-stellate-like cell line (TtT/GF) responds to novel hypophysiotropic peptide (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide), showing increased adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and interleukin-6 secretion and cell proliferation.
Several studies have shown that folliculo-stellate cells (FS cells) in the anterior pituitary gland exhibit paracrine functions. Recently, we established a pituitary FS-like cell line, TtT/GF, which was derived from an isologously transplantable pituitary thyrotropic tumor line induced by radiothyroidectomy. In studies to examine the function of FS cells, we found that two forms of a novel hypophysiotropic peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), were potent activators of TtT/GF cells. Both the 27- and 38-amino acid forms of PACAP (PACAP-27 and PACAP-38) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) increased the levels of cAMP in TtT/GF cells in a similar dose-dependent manner. PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 specifically stimulated the proliferation of TtT/GF cells dose dependently, whereas VIP was ineffective. The minimal effective concentration of the PACAPs inducing cell proliferation was between 10(-8)-10(-7) M. However, PACAP-27 was much less potent than PACAP-38 in stimulating cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. PACAP-38, PACAP-27, and VIP all stimulated the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) from TtT/GF cells. PACAP 38 (10(-8) M) stimulated IL-6 production effectively within 1 h of incubation, and the level attained at 8 h of cultivation (620 pg/ml) was nearly 10-fold that in the absence of PACAP-38 (60 pg/ml). PACAP-38 and VIP stimulated IL-6 secretion significantly at 10(-10)-10(-9) M in a bell-shaped manner; the maximum values were 10(-7) and 10(-8) M, respectively. On the other hand, IL-6 secretion stimulated by PACAP-27 became saturated at 10(-8) M, and the maximum value (320 pg/ml) was about 25% of that stimulated by PACAP-38 (1280 pg/ml). These findings obtained using TtT/GF cells as a model of FS cells suggest that PACAP acts as a hypophysiotropic factor, which targets FS cells and stimulates their proliferation, adenylate cyclase activation, and IL-6 secretion.
Animals↗
Prolactin stimulates [3H]dopamine release from dispersed rat tubero-infundibular dopaminergic neurons and dopamine decreases gonadotropin-releasing hormone release induced by calcium ionophore.
In order to investigate the involvement of prolactin-dopamine and dopamine-gonadotropin interactions in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis of hyperprolactinemia, in vitro studies were performed using primary cultures of dispersed rat hypothalamic heterogeneous cells containing tubero-infundibular dopaminergic neurons or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. We observed that prolactin caused dose-dependent stimulation of [3H]dopamine release after a 16-h incubation. Staurosporin (10 nmol/l), an inhibitor of protein kinase C, significantly reduced the [3H]dopamine release induced by prolactin (1 mg/l). Incubation of tubero-infundibular dopaminergic neurons with prolactin (1 mg/l) had no effect on intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation. Dopamine (1 mumol/l) significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the release of GnRH induced by 50 mumol/l calcium ionophore from dispersed hypothalamic cells from the preoptic area, while prolactin had no effect on GnRH release. These data support the hypothesis that the antigonadotropic effect of prolactin on the hypothalamus is mediated by an inhibitory effect of dopamine on GnRH release.
Animals↗
[Amylase-producing plasma cell dyscrasia. Genomic analysis in a case of intramuscular tumor formation and a review of the literature].
We describe a 53-year-old male patient with multiple myeloma (IgA, kappa) who showed massive intramuscular tumors and hyperamylasemia of the salivary (S) type 10 months after initial diagnosis. Suspension culture of the abnormal plasma cells in the pleural fluid showed the production of S-amylase, which was confirmed by the expression of S-amylase mRNA comigrating with salivary gland mRNA. Cytogenetic analysis of the cells showed common abnormalities 1p+q-and 8q+. They expressed IL-6 mRNA, but not c-myc mRNA. Neither structural abnormality nor amplification was detected in the alleles of S amylase, and c-myc using Southern blot analysis. All of the eight patients with plasma cell dyscrasia with hyperamylasemia reported so far (including the present one) are Japanese, and showed S-type hyperamylasemia and extramedullary tumor formation at initial diagnosis or during the course of the disease. All of the four patients in whom cytogenetic analysis was performed had structural abnormalities of chromosome 1, on which the S-amylase gene is known to be located, although the break point were variable.
Amylases↗
Pressure sintering of apatite-collagen composite.
Preparation of a composite consisting of apatite and collagen was attempted. Starting from an aqueous solution of collagen, phosphoric acid, and calcium hydroxide suspension, an apatite (90wt%)-collagen (10wt%) composite of 1.75 g/ml in apparent density, with 2 GPa in Young's modulus, and 6.5 MPa in compression strength was synthesized at 40 degrees C, 200 MPa, successfully. It was found that the presence of liquid water in the system was essential for the sintering of the composite under high pressures. Without liquid water, the specimen that was pressure treated and brought in atmospheric pressure, broke into small pieces due to residual strain. The prepared composite could be cut by a razor blade, and was stable against immersion in water. The mean size of the apatite crystals in the composite was 10 nm in width and 40 nm in length.
Apatites↗
Acyclic analogues of naplanocin A as a potential inhibitor of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase.
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Adenosine↗
Double-blind placebo-controlled ultrasonographic confirmation of constriction of the common bile duct by morphine.
Although the increase in the common bile duct pressure in response to morphine has been repeatedly reported in experimental animals and humans, this is the first double-blind non-invasive, ultrasonographic study designed to demonstrate constriction of the common bile duct caused by i.v. administration of morphine in surgical patients. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, 12 patients undergoing open cholecystectomy were enrolled. No opioids were allowed for 12 hours prior to the study. After premedication with midazolam and glycopyrrolate, anesthesia was induced by midazolam, 50 micrograms/kg-1 and thiopental, 3.0-5.0 mg/kg-1. Tracheal intubation was facilitated by succinylcholine, 1.0 mg/kg-1 and muscle relaxation was maintained with vecuronium. Anesthesia was maintained with enflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. After imaging the common bile duct by ultrasonography, placebo or morphine, 0.2 mg/kg-1 was injected intravenously. The diameter of the common bile duct was measured before and 4 and 8 minutes after the drug. Student t-test was utilized for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. No significant change in common bile duct diameter was observed after placebo administration. Morphine caused a significant reduction in the diameter of the common bile duct. Before morphine, the mean +/- SD diameter was 9.5 +/- 3.3 mm; after morphine at 4 and 8 minutes, 7.2 +/- 2.1 and 5.8 +/- 2.1 mm, respectively. It is concluded that ultrasonography in a double-blind placebo-controlled design has proven to be a valid method for the evaluation of the effect of drugs on the common bile duct.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
Double-blind comparison of butorphanol and nalbuphine on the common bile duct by ultrasonography in man.
Butorphanol and nalbuphine, narcotic agonist-antagonists were shown to cause no increase in biliary pressure in contrast to morphine in dogs or men. A non-invasive, ultrasonographic technique confirmed that morphine caused constriction of the common bile duct while placebo caused no effect. To prove the lack of constrictive effect of butorphanol and nalbuphine on the common bile duct, the changes in its diameter were measured following placebo or the two agonist-antagonists by ultrasonography. In a double-blind, randomized study, 17 patients undergoing open cholecystectomy were evaluated. No morphine or opioids were allowed for 12 hours prior to the study. After premedication with midazolam and glycopyrrolate, anesthesia was induced by midazolam, 50 micrograms.kg-1 and thiopental, 3.0-5.0 mg.kg-1. Tracheal intubation was facilitated by succinylcholine 1.0 mg.kg-1 and muscle relaxation was maintained with vecuronium. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane or enflurane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. After imaging the common bile duct by ultrasonography, placebo, nalbuphine 0.3 mg.kg-1 or butorphanol 40 micrograms.kg-1 were injected intravenously. The diameter of the common bile duct was measured before and at 4 and 8 minutes after drug administration. One-way analysis of variance and paired t-test were utilized for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. No significant changes in the common bile duct diameter was observed after placebo administration, nor was any change observed after either nalbuphine or butorphanol as compared to the baseline. The comparison of three groups of patients showed no statistically significant difference.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗