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Biomedical subjects

K Hirota

Publications and source records attributed to K Hirota.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

Synthesis and anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) activity of 3-substituted derivatives of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), and inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase by their 5'-triphosphates.

Various 3-substituted 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine analogs (2a-i) were prepared by the reaction of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (1), AZT with N,N-dimethylformamide dialkylacetal or alkyl bromide in the presence of base and their activities against human-immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) were evaluated. The corresponding 5'-triphosphate analogs (9) were also synthesized in order to examine inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity. Beyond expectation, some N3-derivatives of AZT were found to reserve the anti-HIV-1 activity to some extent. Among the compounds (2a-i) obtained, 3-allyl-AZT (2e) was the most active against HIV-1 replication in MT-4 cells in vitro with an EC50 value of 0.9 microM. 3-Allyl-AZT 5'-triphosphate (9e), however, exhibited no inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity.

Antiviral Agents↗

Relationship between halftime for sulfobromophthalein clearance and post-surgical prognosis in cows with abomasal displacement.

In 47 dairy cows with abomasal displacement, 34 (72%) cows were confirmed to have the lipid infiltration in liver by biopsy examinations. The pathological degree of the lipid infiltration was significantly higher in the cows with left abomasal displacement than in those with right one. The halftime for sulfobromophthalein clearance (BSP-T1/2) was markedly increased in nonrecovered cows with left abomasal displacement. In left abomasal displacement cases, cows with the T1/2 less than 11 min recovered regardless of the degree of liver lipid infiltration, but those with the T1/2 longer than 11 min showed a significantly lower recovery rate (44%). Therefore, it was concluded that the BSP-T1/2 was one of valuable parameters for predicting the prognosis of this disease.

Abomasum↗

Vasoactive intestinal peptide enhances dopamine accumulation in primary cell culture of rat hypothalamus.

The effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and PHI-27 on dopamine accumulation in cultured rat hypothalamic cells was investigated. VIP enhanced [3H]dopamine accumulation dose dependently. This effect was significant at 10(-8)-10(-5) M VIP with a concomitant increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), and reached its plateau level at 10(-6) M VIP. VIP increased [3H]dopamine accumulation significantly within 15 min. PHI-27 and dibutyryl cAMP ((Bu)2-cAMP) also enhanced [3H]dopamine accumulation. These results suggest that VIP enhances dopamine accumulation in hypothalamic cells by increasing intracellular cAMP.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical evidence that rat FSH cells contain beta II-subspecies of protein kinase C.

Immunocytochemical double-staining analysis revealed that in the rat anterior pituitary 86% of cells containing the beta II-subspecies of protein kinase C also contained follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and that 22% of these FSH cells expressed the beta II-subspecies. These findings suggest a close relationship between the beta II-subspecies of protein kinase C and FSH regulation.

Animals↗

Intraventricular administration of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) suppresses prolactin secretion and synthesis: a possible involvement of dopamine release by TRH from rat hypothalamus.

The administration of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) causes a variety of dopamine-related biological events. To understand the specific role of TRH on rat hypothalamic dopamine neurones, we examined the in-vivo effects of intraventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of TRH on the release and synthesis of prolactin in the rat pituitary gland and on the changes in binding of [3H]MeTRH and dopamine turnover rates in rat hypothalamus. We have also examined the in-vitro effects of TRH on the release of [3H]dopamine from dispersed tuberoinfundibular dopamine neurones. Female rats were treated with i.c.v. infusions of 1 mumol TRH/1 daily for 1, 3 and 7 days using Alzet osmotic pumps. Following 7 days of treatment the serum prolactin concentrations were significantly decreased. A reduction in hypothalamic TRH-binding sites (Bmax) was also apparent but the dissociation constant (Kd) was unaffected. Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from the pituitary glands of control animals using 32P-labelled prolactin cDNA as a probe indicated the presence of three species of prolactin gene transcripts of approximately 3.7, 2.0 and 1.0 kb in size, and these were decreased by TRH treatment. We examined the turnover rate of dopamine in the rat hypothalamus when TRH was administered i.c.v. for 7 days. There was a significant increase in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid/dopamine ratio with TRH treatment. Moreover, exposure to TRH stimulated [3H]dopamine release from rat tuberoinfundibular neurones in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Dopamine receptor antagonists such as SCH23390 and (-)sulpiride, and other neuropeptides such as vasoactive intestinal peptide and oxytocin did not affect TRH-stimulated [3H]dopamine release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Facile reductive cleavage of purine nucleosides to acyclonucleosides using diisobutylaluminium hydride (DIBAL): a new synthetic method for the preparation of 9-ribitylpurine derivatives.

Reaction of purine nucleosides, such as 2',3'-isopropylideneinosine (1a) and 2',3'-isopropylideneadenosine (1c), with diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL) in dry tetrahydrofurane resulted in the formation of the corresponding 9-(2',3'-isopropylideneribity)purines (2) in good yields. Oxidation of the ribityl derivatives (2) with NalO4 and subsequent reduction with NaBH4 gave the corresponding 9-(2',3',4'-trihydroxybutyl)-purine derivatives (4) in high yields. Deprotection of compounds 2 and 4 in 80% acetic acid gave the corresponding 9-(2',3',4'-trihydroxybutyl)purines (5) and 9-ribitylpurines (6), respectively.

Indicators and Reagents↗

[Clinical study on total intravenous anesthesia with droperidol, fentanyl and ketamine. 14. Effect on epidural pressure].

We studied effect of total intravenous anesthesia using ketamine, fentanyl and droperidol (DFK) on epidural pressure as an index for cerebrospinal fluid pressure in six surgical patients who underwent gastrectomy. The epidural catheter was inserted on the previous day. The epidural puncture was made at Th7-12 and the tip of the catheter was located 5 cm cephalad. The epidural pressure was measured before, just after and 30 minutes after the induction. The induction dose of fentanyl was 5 micrograms.kg-1 and that of ketamine was 1 mg.kg-1. The epidural pressure at the induction decreased in significantly by 19% as compared with that before the induction. The result suggested that DFK would not increase cerebrospinal fluid pressure when the doses of ketamine and fentanyl were changed.

Adult↗

Protective effects of (2E)-3-[5-(2,3-dimethoxy-6-methyl-1,4- benzoquinoyl)]-2-nonyl-2-propenoic acid on endotoxin-mediated hepatitis in mice.

E3330 [(2E)-3-[5-(2,3-dimethoxy-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinoyl)]-2-nonyl-2- propenoic acid] is a newly synthesized hepatoprotective quinone derivative. We examined the protective effects and possible mechanism of action of E3330 in three different endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide)-induced murine hepatitis models, in which tumor necrosis factor is suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis. One of these models was induced by i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide in combination with D-galactosamine to mice. Oral pretreatment with E3330 improved the survival rate and attenuated the increase in plasma aminotransferase activities of the survivors. The other two models were induced by i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide or a mixture of D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide in Propionibacterium acnes-primed mice. In both of these models, tumor necrosis factor was detected in the plasma within 3 hr of the injection. Oral pretreatment with E3330 attenuated the elevation of plasma tumor necrosis factor activity and protected mice from liver injury. Furthermore, E3330 inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor from cultured Propionibacterium acnes-elicited murine peritoneal macrophages on stimulation with lipopolysaccharide in vitro. These findings suggest that the inhibition by E3330 of tumor necrosis factor production is the major mechanism of the protective effect of E3330 in these endotoxin-mediated hepatitis models in mice.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Importance of transforming growth factor alpha/epidermal growth factor receptor autocrine growth mechanism in an ovarian cancer cell line in vivo.

We have elucidated the importance of a transforming growth factor (TGF) alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor autocrine mechanism on the growth of a human ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma-derived cell line (SHIN-3) in vitro. In this study, we studied the biological significance of this autocrine mechanism in vivo using female athymic nude (nu/nu) mice. We measured the mouse plasma epidermal growth factor and TGF alpha levels by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Plasma epidermal growth factor concentrations were remarkably decreased by sialoadenectomy (Sx): 410 +/- 65 (SE) pg/ml (n = 10) in intact animals; and undetectable in Sx mice (n = 5). Plasma TGF alpha levels were 90 and 40 pg/ml in intact and in Sx animals, respectively. Ten million SHIN-3 cells inoculated into nu/nu mice formed tumors in 100% of mice, and tumors grew progressively. Implantabilities and tumor growth rates of inoculated cells were not affected by Sx and even by Sx and anti-mouse epidermal growth factor antibody treatment. However, anti-TGF alpha monoclonal antibody (mAb) administered to SHIN-3 cell-inoculated Sx animals drastically reduced the tumor growth. Although 10(7) SHIN-3 cells formed tumors in this group, tumor growth was significantly inhibited by 10 micrograms of anti-TGF alpha mAb given 3 times a week, and growth inhibitions were more by 20 micrograms of anti-TGF alpha mAb. Moreover, as aggressive tumor growth as that in Sx animals was resumed by the cessation of anti-TGF alpha mAb treatments. All these data suggested the biological importance of a TGF alpha/epidermal growth factor receptor autocrine mechanism on the growth of this cell line in vivo.

Animals↗

8-Methyladenosine-substituted analogues of 2-5A: synthesis and their biological activities.

8-Methyladenosine-substituted analogues of 2-5A, p5'A2'p5'A2'p5'(me8A), p5'A2'p5'(me8A)2'p5'(me8A), p5'(me8A)2'p5'(me8A)2'p5'(me8A), and p5'(me8A) 2'p5'A2'p5'A, were prepared via a modification of a lead ion-catalyzed ligation reaction. These 2-5A monophosphates were converted into the corresponding 5'-triphosphates. Substitution of an 8-methyladenosine residue at the third position (2'-terminus) of the oligonucleotides increased the stability to snake venom phosphodiesterase digestion. Both binding and activation of mouse liver 2-5A dependent ribonuclease (RNase L) by the various 8-methyladenosine-substituted 2-5A analogues were examined. Among the 8-methyladenosine-substituted trimer analogues, the analogues with 8-methyladenosine residing in the 2'-terminal position showed the strongest binding affinity and were several times more effective than 2-5A itself as an inhibitor of translation.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Neutralizing antibody response to cytomegalovirus in seropositive pregnant women.

The neutralizing (NT) antibody response to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in seropositive pregnant women was evaluated to establish the role of protective humoral immunity in HCMV infections (reactivation) during pregnancy. Complement fixation (CF) antibody titers increased significantly in 54 (0.62%) of 8,663 seropositive cases tested during gestation. However, titers of NT antibody, when tested in the presence of complement (C'), increased as gestation progressed and exceeded 1:500 in most of the cases in whom the CF antibody titer had shown earlier an insignificant increase. When NT antibodies were tested in the absence of C', insignificant increase in titers were found. The results suggest that the presence of high titer of NT antibody may play an important role in protective humoral immunity against reactivation of HCMV in pregnant women, and may also be effective in preventing intrauterine infection and modulating the severity of perinatal infection in offspring borne of HCMV carrier mothers.

Antibodies, Viral↗

The effects of temperature on the setting of glass ionomer (polyalkenoate) cements.

Glass ionomer (polyalkenoate) cements have proved to be superior to zinc phosphate cements as orthodontic luting agents. Setting behaviours at different temperatures were recorded by an oscillating rheometer under controlled conditions. The working time of these cements can be increased by mixing on a chilled glass slab with setting time at mouth temperatures remaining rapid. Where more than one orthodontic band is cemented per mix, the authors recommend refrigeration of the glass slab for at least one hour prior to mixing the cement.

Dental Bonding↗

If the fetus can vocalize, how can we detect it?

In this paper, a method to detect the vocal activities of the fetus is reported. An estimation of the intensity and frequency of the voice was made on the assumption that the fetus can vocalize. Based upon these results, experiments to detect the voice were made. From the analysis of the results, it was made clear that the voice seemed to be buried in the noise and difficult to detect.

Female↗

Pheochromocytoma with electrocardiographic change mimicking angina pectoris, and cyclic change in direct arterial pressure--a case report.

A forty-two-year-old man was admitted because of chest pain. Electrocardiograms at admission showed horizontal ST depression in leads, II, III, aVF, V4, V5, and V6. Direct blood pressure monitoring revealed cyclic change between 160/100 mmHg and 70/50 mmHg and heart rate between 80/sec and 120/sec at fifteen minute intervals. The plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations were elevated during the episodes of hypertension. Pheochromocytoma was found in the right adrenal gland. These cyclic changes in blood pressure and heart rate are an aid for diagnosis.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulates prolactin release from anterior pituitary cells: a possible involvement of intracellular calcium mobilization.

We investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), a cytokine produced as one aspect of inflammatory reactions, on the intracellular free calcium concentration in single pituitary cells using a calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye, indo-1, and a digital imaging fluorescence microscopic system. TNF alpha induced an increase in intracellular free calcium immediately after administration, reaching a peak after 30 sec and then returning to nearly the basal level after 120 sec in the pituitary cells. The cells responding to TNF alpha constitute about 15% of the pituitary cell population, and these cells never responded to the hypothalamic releasing hormones TRH, GnRH, GH-releasing hormone, or CRH. To define the role of calcium in TNF alpha-induced PRL release, dispersed pituitary cells were exposed to agents that modify TNF alpha-induced calcium mobilization. Such calcium channel blockers as cobalt and verapamil decreased basal and TNF alpha-induced PRL release. A low calcium medium also decreased TNF alpha-induced PRL release. These data suggest that intracellular calcium mobilization may be involved in the process of TNF alpha-induced PRL release.

Animals↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha increases release of arachidonate and prolactin from rat anterior pituitary cells.

We investigated the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), a product of activated macrophages, on the release of arachidonate from dispersed anterior pituitary cells. Primary cultures of anterior pituitary cells from rats were preincubated with [3H]arachidonate to label their phospholipid-containing components. The cells were then washed and incubated with vehicle or test agents, and PRL release into the medium and [3H]arachidonate cleaved from phospholipid were measured. TNF alpha significantly increased the release of both PRL and [3H] arachidonate release in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Other cytokines, such as interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and gamma-interferon, had no effect on [3H]arachidonate release. To define the role of calcium in TNF alpha-induced arachidonate release, dispersed pituitary cells were incubated with low calcium medium, which decreased arachidonate release in response to TNF alpha. TNF alpha potentiated the release of [3H]arachidonate and PRL promoted by phospholipase-A2 and melittin, and markedly shifted the dose-response curve to the left. Inhibitors of phospholipase-A2, such as p-bromophenacyl bromide and quinacrine, had no effect on TNF alpha-induced [3H]arachidonate and PRL release. BW755C, an inhibitor of the conversion of arachidonate to its metabolites, decreased TNF alpha-induced PRL release, while indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, had no effect on TNF alpha-induced PRL release. These data indicate that arachidonate metabolites may be involved in the process of TNF alpha-induced PRL release.

4,5-Dihydro-1-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-pyraz↗

Assessment of superior vena caval blood flow velocity in ischemic heart disease.

In order to evaluate the right atrial function in patients with ischemic heart-disease, we studied the superior vena caval blood flow velocity using pulsed Doppler echocardiography. The subjects included 31 patients with anteroseptal infarction (ANT), 23 with inferior or inferoposterior infarction (INF + POS), 27 with effort angina pectoris (EAP) and 15 with vasospastic angina pectoris (VAP). The systolic peak flow velocity (PFVs) was significantly reduced only in INF + POS compared with those in ANT, EAP and VAP (36.8 +/- 1.8 cm/sec vs 46.9 +/- 2.1 cm/sec, 46.4 +/- 2.1 cm/sec and 42.6 +/- 1.9 cm/sec, p less than 0.05, respectively). No significant difference in diastolic peak flow velocity (PFVd) was found between the 4 groups. PFVs/PFVd was significantly reduced only in INF + POS compared with those in ANT, EAP, and VAP (1.39 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.75 +/- 0.08, 1.76 +/- 0.09, and 1.62 +/- 0.09, p less than 0.05, respectively). These results suggested that INF + POS caused impairment of the right atrial reservoir function.

Analysis of Variance↗

[Effects of rapid weight reduction diet on protein metabolism and physical performance].

The purpose of this study was to provide information on the requirement of nutrition, especially of the protein during rapid weight reduction immediately before a competition of a weight-classification system sport, boxing. Weight reduction period was 9 days. Subjects were divided into three groups of free diet group (group A: n = 5), high protein diet group (group B: n = 5) and ordinary protein diet group (group C: n = 4). Group A had taken food ad libitum. Group B had taken 2.0 g/kg/day of protein in the first half and 1.5 g/kg/day of protein in the second half of weight reduction period, and Group C had taken 1.0 g/kg/day of protein throughout weight reduction period. Groups B and C had taken 2,000 kcal/day in the first half and 1,200 kcal/day in the second half of weight reduction period. Anthropometry and nutritional investigation were performed, and urine components were analyzed. The main results obtained were as follows: 1) Calorie and protein intake in Group A averaged 883 kcal/day and 0.9 g/kg/day in the second half of weight reduction period. 2) 3-methylhistidine and urea nitrogen in urine and 3-Me/Cr increased significantly at the end of weight reduction period in Group A, but decreased significantly in groups B and C. Nitrogen balance changed to a negative value only in group A. Differences in each of urine components were statistically significant between group A and the other two groups at the end of period. 3) Heart rate and oxygen intake at the same submaximal work load increased significantly in group A at the end of weight reduction period, but in groups B and C no noticeable changes were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗