Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Horie

Publications and source records attributed to K Horie.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Further histological observations on popliteal lymph nodes after interruption of the afferent lymphatic vessels.

Lymphatic vessels afferent to the popliteal nodes in young adult rats and guinea pigs were interrupted at the lowest edge of the popliteal fossa, and regressive changes in the nodes occurring 4 to 16 or 18 weeks after surgery were re-examined histologically. In the rat, some popliteal nodes were drained by lymphatic channel(s) from the tail. After surgery, the popliteal nodes without lymphatic channel(s) from the tail underwent regression of all their constituent deep cortical units and also the peripheral cortex comprising lymph follicles, until at 18 weeks, the lymphoid organization of the node reached a minimal level. On the other hand, in popliteal nodes having a lymphatic channel from the tail, some deep cortical units and the overlying peripheral cortex underwent hypotrophy, leaving the remaining units and their overlying peripheral cortex little affected. In the guinea pig, the treated nodes underwent progressive atrophy and ultimately became rudimentary, or even vanished, after 16 weeks. Treated rudimentary nodes were composed largely of stromal cells only, and these were replaced to a various extent by fat. The present results are discussed in relation to complete and incomplete inhibition of the afferent lymph flowing into the surgically treated nodes.

Animals↗

Identification of alpha 1C-adrenergic receptor mRNA in bovine retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE: To examine the localization of a novel alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtype of alpha 1C receptor in the eye, we compared the amount of alpha 1C receptor transcripts in bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and in neural retina by employing reverse transcription of mRNA and the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. METHODS: RT-PCR assay with specific primers for the alpha 1C-adrenergic receptor and for beta-actin showed linear relationships between input quantity of RNA and the amount of amplified PCR products for the alpha 1C-adrenergic receptor and also for beta-actin, when PCR was conducted for 24 and 15 cycles, respectively. RESULTS: The RT-PCR assay demonstrated that the spontaneous expression level of the alpha 1C-adrenergic receptor mRNA was much higher in bovine RPE than in neural retina; the alpha 1C-adrenergic receptor/beta-actin ratio from RPE was 0.33 +/- 0.15 (n = 4), whereas that from neural retina was virtually zero. CONCLUSIONS: The RT-PCR assay is a sensitive semiquantitative method for a low abundance mRNA in a limited number of cells. Using the alpha 1C receptor as a model, we demonstrated the usefulness of this assay by showing the uneven distribution of the alpha 1C receptor transcripts in bovine RPE cells and neural retina.

Actins↗

[Changes of the diabetic retinopathy score].

Changes of the retinopathy score with the progression of diabetic retinopathy were investigated in 87 eyes of 44 diabetic patients. The previously reported retinopathy scoring system of Yamashita et al., utilizing fluorescein angiography, was used. Factors relevant to an increase of the retinopathy score were determined using quantification analysis (a type of multivariate analysis). The factors assessed were microaneurysms, the extent of retinal nonperfusion, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities, the grade of fluorescein dye leakage from retinal vessels, neovascularization, the grade of macular edema, the HbA1c level and the duration of retinopathy. The retinopathy score increased in 50 eyes (57%) after a mean follow-up period of 24.9 months. The probability of the score increasing in the eyes with advanced background retinopathy was 78%. The probability in eyes with preproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy was 52% or 11%, respectively. The mean increase of the score in one year was 3.0 for all subjects. The increase in the eyes with advanced background, preproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy was 6.1, 2.8 or 0.1, respectively. Our results suggest that this scoring system can effectively detect changes of background and preproliferative retinopathy. According to quantification analysis, the factor most relevant to the increase of the score was retinal nonperfusion. Dye leakage and neovascularization were also relevant, in descending order.

Diabetic Retinopathy↗

[A case of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis].

The patient was a 42-year-old man. When he was a third grade pupil of elementary school, he was diagnosed as having miliary tuberculosis. He was absent from school for 2 years for the treatment of the disease. However, miliary tuberculosis did not improve in spite of 2 years of treatment. At that time he was diagnosed as having pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. He did not receive any treatment for the following 30 years. Recently, he visited our department because of occasional chest pain. The following tests were performed; chest CT, tomography, respiratory function test, RI test (99mTc bone scintigram and 67Ga scintigram) and bronchoscopy. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed of B5b, and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) of left B5b, B8b, B9b and B10b to make the accurate diagnosis of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. This case of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis with a protracted course of 30 years (in which chest X-ray films taken 27 years ago were available) is reported together with a discussion of the literature.

Adult↗

Molecular cloning of cDNAs for human fibroblast nucleotide pyrophosphatase.

Nucleotide pyrophosphatase (NPPase) activity is markedly elevated in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients of Lowe's syndrome. cDNA clones encoding the NPPase were isolated using synthetic oligonucleotide probes designed on the basis of partial amino acid sequence of the enzyme purified from human placenta. The complete sequences of these clones yielded a merged sequence of 3508 bases. The polypeptide chain of the enzyme was deduced to comprise 873 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 99,703 and had the characteristics of a class II transmembrane protein. Ten potential N-glycosylation sites were detected in the protein. RNA blot analysis showed that human fibroblasts contain two minor mRNAs of 7.0 and 8.2 kb, respectively, in addition to a major 3.6-kb species that coincides with the merged cDNA in size. A computer search of a nucleotide sequence data-base revealed that plasma cell membrane glycoprotein PC-1, whose function was unknown at the time, is identical with the NPPase. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of the NPPase with the active site sequence of bovine 5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase allowed the assignment of a putative active site domain to the central region of the COOH-terminal extracellular domain of the NPPase. The gene for human NPPase was localized to chromosome 6 at q22-q23 by in situ hybridization with a fragment of the NPPase cDNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of water-soluble photoinitiator on the adhesion between composite and tooth substrate.

The effectiveness of a water-soluble photoinitiator in a dentin primer was examined by measuring the tensile bond strength between the composite and tooth substrate treated with the primer. The water-soluble photoinitiator, 2-hydroxy-3-(3,4 dimethyl-9-oxo-9H-thioxanthen-2-yloxy)-N,N,N-trimethyl-1- propanaminium chloride (QTX) was dissolved into an aqueous solution of methoxy-nonaethyleneglycol monomethacrylate (M9G) or poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone (PNVP), and these aqueous solutions were used as primers. The combination of 0.5 M EDTA pretreatment and 1% QTX -35% PNVP aqueous solution priming produced the highest bond strength. A mixture of dentin fractures and interfacial failure between the dentin and the resin was observed in the test specimen. This dentin priming combination was also effective in improving the bond strength to enamel pretreated with EDTA.

Analysis of Variance↗

The influence of surface conditions and silane agents on the bond of resin to dental porcelain.

The influence of porcelain surface condition and the application of silane agents on the adhesion between resin and dental porcelain were investigated. The experimental variables included three porcelain surface preparations, as polished, etched with phosphoric acid, or etched with hydrofluoric acid and three kinds of commercially available silane coupling agents. The shear bond strength between the light-cured composite and the dental porcelain was measured after one-day immersion in 37 degrees C water. Samples without the silane agent application were also tested as controls. Without the silane agent, hydrofluoric acid-etched specimens had a higher bond strength than polished or phosphoric acid-etched specimens. The combination of hydrofluoric acid-etching and an application of Cosmotech Porcelain Primer increased the bond strengths more than that of phosphoric acid-etching. With the application of Laminabond Porcelain Primer or Optec Silane Coupling Agent, high bond strengths were obtained regardless of the porcelain surface condition. Therefore, it seems the chemical reactions between the porcelain surface and silane agents were responsible for the high shear bond strengths.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

Immunohistochemical localization of androgen receptor in the human endometrium, decidua, placenta and pathological conditions of the endometrium.

The immunohistochemical localization of the androgen receptor in the human endometrium at various stages of the menstrual cycle and post-menopausal period, in decidua and placenta of early pregnancy, and in several pathological conditions of the endometrium has been investigated. At any phase of the menstrual cycle, both endometrial glandular cells and endometrial stromal cells showed positive nuclear staining. Endometrial stromal cells of the functional layer showed stronger staining than those of the basal layer, but endometrial glandular cells of both layers showed the same staining intensity. There was little staining in myometrium. Even after menopause, endometrial glandular and stromal cells showed the same staining pattern as the basal layer of pre-menopausal endometrium and the staining intensity of endometrial stromal cells was weak. In decidua and placenta of early pregnancy, decidual and trophoblastic cells showed positive staining and there was no staining in the stromal cells of placenta. The expression of the androgen receptor was also detected in adenomyosis, endometriosis and endometrial carcinoma. Although the proliferation and differentiation of endometrium are mediated mainly by oestrogen and progesterone receptors, the androgen receptor may play some role in modulating these changes. These results suggest that it may be involved in both physiological and pathological changes of the endometrium.

Adult↗

Immunohistochemical localization of androgen receptor in the human ovary throughout the menstrual cycle in relation to oestrogen and progesterone receptor expression.

In order to elucidate the role of androgen receptors (AR) in human ovaries, we examined their immunohistochemical localization, in comparison with oestrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), at various stages of the menstrual cycle and follicular development. Primordial and primary follicles did not express AR. In granulosa and thecal cells of secondary follicles there was weak nuclear staining for AR. Granulosa cells of dominant follicles showed moderate nuclear staining for AR, which was stronger than that in thecal cells. In the luteal phase, the staining intensity for AR was strongest in the early luteal phase just after ovulation and declined gradually thereafter. Thecal cells of atretic follicles showed moderate nuclear staining for AR, which was a little stronger than that in dominant follicles. There was weak nuclear staining for AR in stromal cells surrounding follicles. Though there was variation in the staining intensity, AR were present at almost all stages of the menstrual cycle. There is a possibility that androgens, mediated by AR, may play an essential role in follicular growth and maturation, atresia and luteinization as autocrine or paracrine agents.

Adult↗

Expression of c-kit protein during placental development.

The c-kit proto-oncogene encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor and is shown to be allelic with the white-spotting locus (W) of the mouse. In order to elucidate the role of c-kit protein during placental development, we have examined the expression of c-kit protein in the uterus and placenta of mice at pre- and post-implantation stages by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase (ABC) method using rat anti-mouse c-kit monoclonal antibody. At Days 3 and 5 of pregnancy and pseudo-pregnancy, c-kit protein was detected in the glandular epithelium, but little expression was observed in the luminal epithelium. At Day 7 of pregnancy, expression was detected in the stromal cells around the uterine crypts of the mesometrial portion, but not in the vigorously proliferating decidual cells around the developing embryo. At Days 9 and 10 of pregnancy, the decidua basalis facing invading trophoblasts gradually expressed c-kit protein. In the mature placenta, c-kit protein was detected in the labyrinthine and decidual layers, but in neither the giant trophoblastic nor the spongiotrophoblastic layer. By Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), c-kit mRNA was detected at the stages of periimplantation and placental development. These results suggested that the c-kit protein might be involved in the proliferation and differentiation of placenta.

Animals↗

Intra- and extracellular localization of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan constituents (chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate, and protein core) in articular cartilage of rabbit tibia.

To demonstrate the intra- and extracellular localization of hyaluronic acid (HA) in articular cartilage of the rabbit tibia, biotinylated HA binding region, which specifically binds to the HA molecule, was applied to the tissue. In comparison with the localization of HA, that of chondroitin sulfate (CS), keratan sulfate (KS), and the protein core (PC) of the proteoglycan was examined by immunohistochemistry. Strong positive staining for HA was detected in chondrocytes located in the transition between the superficial and middle zones of the tissue. Pre-treatment with chondroitinase ABC, keratanase II, or trypsin enhanced the stainability for HA in peri- and intercellular matrices. Immunohistochemistry with or without enzymatic pre-treatment demonstrated that immunoreactivity for CS, KS, and PC was distinctly discerned in chondrocytes and in the extracellular matrix located in the middle and deep zones. In particular, the immunoreactivity for KS and PC was augmented by pre-treatment with chondroitinase ABC not only in chondrocytes but in the extracellular matrix located in the middle and deep zones. Microbiochemical analysis corresponded well with histochemical and immunohistochemical results. These results suggest that HA is abundantly synthesized and secreted in chondrocytes located in the transition between the superficial and middle zones.

Aggrecans↗

Differential expression of aminopeptidase-N on human ovarian granulosa and theca cells.

The expression of aminopeptidase-N and neutral endopeptidase in human ovarian tissue was examined using specific monoclonal antibodies for each of these peptidases and histochemical staining for enzyme activity. Aminopeptidase-N is a membrane-bound metalloprotease catalyzing the removal of N-terminal amino acids from peptides and was detected by immunofluorescence staining on theca interna cells in secondary follicles and on luteinized thecal cells in preovulatory follicles and corpora lutea. However, aminopeptidase-N was not detected on granulosa cells. Peptidase activity was also detected by histochemical staining on theca interna cells and luteinized thecal cells. Luteinized granulosa cells showed peptidase activity, despite the lack of aminopeptidase-N. Neutral endopeptidase was not detected in ovarian granulosa and thecal cells. These observations indicate that aminopeptidase-N can be a useful surface marker for thecal cells.

Adult↗

Lymph follicles and germinal centers in popliteal lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues of germ-free and conventional rats.

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of natural exogenous antigen stimulation on the development of lymph follicles in the peripheral lymphoid organs of the rat. The number of lymph follicles and germinal centers per popliteal node as well as the morphological features of popliteal nodes, mesenteric nodes and Peyer's patches were compared between 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats reared in germ-free, specific pathogen-free (SPF) and conventional environments. In mesenteric nodes and Peyer's patches from conventional and SPF rats, almost every follicle contained a germinal center. In the mesenteric nodes from germ-free rats, only 9 of 195 lymph follicles examined contained a germinal center, but interestingly, in Peyer's patches all the lymph follicles examined showed a fairly well developed germinal center. The popliteal nodes from germ-free rats had no germinal centers and each node contained about 80 lymph follicles. In six conventional rats and two of five SPF rats used, the number of lymph follicles per popliteal node usually ranged from 100 to 130, and some lymph follicles contained a germinal center. However, in the other three SPF rats the popliteal node on both sides showed no germinal center, and each contained almost the same number of lymph follicles as the popliteal nodes of other SPF and conventional rats. The present results are consistent with the view that even in the absence of exogenous antigen stimulation, a regional lymph node of the germ-free rat develops a substantial number of primary lymph follicles by way of a non-immunological cellular activity, and that natural exogenous antigens may influence the development of lymph follicles by stimulating the cellular activity rather than evoking the humoral immune responses.

Animals↗

Adhesion between the resin shell and composite resin.

Adhesiveness between the resin shell and composite resin was examined. As the resin shell, SR-PE-ISOCETTE, made from thermosetting crown and bridge resin, was used. The shear bond strengths between the resin shell and photocurable composite resin bonded by various methods were measured after 1-day of immersion in water at 37 degrees C. Super-bond C & B treatment to the resin shell effectively improved the adhesiveness, giving a bond strength of about 14 MPa. Clearfil new bond, Clearfil porcelain bond, Unifast and MMA/TBBO treatment gave almost the same bond strengths of about 7-9 MPa. Silane coupling agents were not effective for improving the bond strength. It was revealed that 4-META was necessary for obtaining good adhesion between SR-PE-ISOCETTE and composite resin.

Boron Compounds↗

[A case of peripheral corneal ulcer accompanied by progressive systemic sclerosis].

A 61-year-old woman with progressive systemic sclerosis developed bilateral peripheral corneal ulcer. The corneal lesions were resistant to daily systemic treatment with 15 mg steroid and 50 mg cyclophosphamide. Corneal perforation occurred in her right eye 11 months after the onset of Raynaud's phenomenon and 3 months after the scleritis. Lamellar keratoplasty accompanied with Brown's operation was performed on both eyes. Graft melt and cicatricial corneal opacity developed postoperatively. Removed conjunctival tissue was examined immunohistochemically. HLA-DR protein positive monocytes infiltrated subepithelial tissue, demonstrating that the inflammation of the lesions was in the active stage. Not only perforin but also suppressor/cytotoxic T cell positive reactions were observed, which revealed an involvement of the T cell immune system in the present case.

Corneal Ulcer↗

[Retinopathy score: assessment of fluorescein angiography findings in diabetic retinopathy].

Scoring of the pathological changes shown by fluorescein angiography in patients with diabetic retinopathy was performed to assess the severity of retinopathy and the effectiveness of treatment. A total of 480 fluorescein angiography sessions were performed in 142 eyes of 71 patients. Eleven items of 7 signs were assessed (microaneurysms, extent of non-perfused area (NP), intraretinal microvascular abnormalities, neovascularization from the optic disc or from retinal vessels, leakage from retinal vessels and macular edema). First, the gradings for the 11 items were analysed by the quantification analysis method III and classified into 6 clusters. These 6 clusters corresponded to the grades of retinopathy. The relative severity of each grade of retinopathy was calculated by this analysis. Second, in order to determine the relative contribution of each item to the grading of retinopathy, the quantification analysis method I was used with the above 6 grades of retinopathy, which were adopted as outside criteria. The regression coefficient of the extent of NP was found to be greatest. Scores were defined as the summation of the category numbers (weights) of the main 7 items.

Diabetic Retinopathy↗

Light-induced retinal damage in mice. Hydrogen peroxide production and superoxide dismutase activity in retina.

The oxidative mechanism in retinal damage due to exposure to intense light was investigated histochemically and biochemically. SMA mice (albino mice) of 2 to 3 months of age were exposed to intense light (1000-1400 lux). In the cyclic light-reared group (without dark adaptation), the outer and inner segments of the photoreceptor cells were damaged after 3 days of exposure, and severe outer nuclear layer damage was observed after 5 to 7 days of exposure. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in the outer nuclear layer increased with the progress of retinal damage. In the dark-reared group (dark adaptation of 16-18 hours), outer and inner segment damage was noted after 4 hours of light exposure, and severe outer nuclear layer damage was noted after 12 hours of light exposure. H2O2 production increased in the outer nuclear layer with retinal damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity did not change before the occurrence of retinal damage, and decreased by 25% after 3 days of exposure to light in the cyclic light-reared group. The decrease in total SOD activity corresponded to that of manganese-SOD (Mn-SOD). In the dark-reared group, SOD activity did not change, even after 1 day of exposure. There appears to be some relationship between retinal light damage and H2O2 production in the outer nuclear layer. Superoxide dismutase activity failed to provide protection against retinal oxidative damage due to intense light exposure.

Animals↗