Histochemistry and cytochemistry of endogenous animal lectins.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
K Kasai
Publications and source records attributed to K Kasai.
Decreased plasma cortisol level during alprazolam treatment of panic disorder: a case report.
1. Changes in the plasma cortisol level were reported in a male patient with panic disorder during the period of low-dose alprazolam treatment (mean 0.62 +/- 0.15 mg/day) compared with during the period of high-dose period (mean 1.08 +/- 0.28 mg/day). 2. The plasma cortisol level was significantly higher in the low-dose period (mean 13.90 +/- 3.35 micrograms/ml) than in the high-dose period (mean 9.06 +/- 2.75 micrograms/ml) although, paradoxically, the panic attack frequency was significantly lower in the low-dose period (mean 1.35 +/- 0.29/day) than in the high-dose period (mean 2.09 +/- 0.66/day). 3. Thus, the decreased plasma cortisol level during alprazolam treatment of panic disorder was suggested to be caused not by symptom alleviation due to alprazolam but by alprazolam administration itself.
Adult↗
Soft tissue adaptability to hard tissues in facial profiles.
The purpose of this study was to investigate soft tissue adaptability to hard tissue. A canonical correlation analysis was performed in an attempt to assess the relationships between hard tissue structure and soft tissue profile in the static state. For the dynamic study, multiple-regression analysis was performed to identify the changes of soft tissue profiles associated with the retraction of upper and lower incisors. The samples comprised lateral cephalograms from 297 Japanese women for the static canonical correlation analysis and 32 sets of lateral cephalograms of pre- and posttreatment adult orthodontic patients for the dynamic multiple-regression analysis. In the static state, the vertical dimension of lower facial height and the position of the lower incisors were associated with the thickness of the upper-lip vermilion and soft tissue B, and the horizontal relationships between upper- and lower-jaw positions were associated with the thickness of upper lips and of pogonion (soft tissue chin). In the dynamic state, the results indicated that the changes of stomion and lower lip could be predicted and strongly reflected the changes of the hard tissue. On the contrary, the change of the upper lip showed a weaker association with the hard tissue changes. Predictions of chin form described by the soft tissue B and soft tissue pogonion were less accurate than estimates of upper- and lower-lip form. Chin form was influenced by the hard tissue structures such as ANB angle and lower-facial height rather than by changes in lower- and upper-incisor retraction.
Adaptation, Physiological↗
Ongoing somatic mutations of the immunoglobulin gene in MALT lymphoma with widespread MLP-type polypoid lesions.
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Aged↗
Relationship between facial types and tooth and bone characteristics of the mandible obtained by CT scanning.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships between morphological characteristics of vertical sections of the mandibular body and facial type. Of the correlation coefficients between tooth and bone inclination and facial type parameters, facial height index (FHI) was negatively associated with second premolar (P2), first molar (M1), and second molar (M2) inclinations. The angle represented by Frankfort horizontal plane to mandibular plane (FMA) was negatively associated with bone inclination of the M2 section. The buccal cortical bone was thicker in short-faced individuals than in the average and long-faced groups, while lingual cortical bone thickness of the M1 and M2 sections was greater. The basal cortical bone thickness of the L1 section was greater in the short-faced group, and the inclinations of the P2, M1, and M2 axes were significantly smaller. Teeth in the short-faced group inclined more lingually than in the average- and long-faced groups. The results of this study provide evidence that a significant but complex relationship exists between structures of the mandibular body and facial types. The morphological features that relate to masticatory function and facial types are associated with cortical bone thickness of the mandibular body and the buccolingual inclination of the first and second molars.
Bite Force↗
Power and colour Doppler ultrasonography for the evaluation of the vasculature of the human corpus luteum.
We used power Doppler imaging to examine neovascularization in the corpus luteum (CL) in 12 healthy volunteers. We also investigated whether CL blood flow reflected luteal function. The ratio of the area of vessels in the CL to the area of a sectional plane at the maximum diameter of the CL observed by power Doppler (FA ratio) was used as a quantitative index of the vascularity of the CL. The pulsatility index (PI) was significantly lower in ovarian arteries with CL than without CL (P < 0.05). Changes in ovarian arterial and intra-luteal PI appeared to reflect physiological changes in the vasculature of the CL. There was no correlation between the volume of the CL or the FA ratio and the concentration of progesterone. The pattern of changes in the product of the FA ratio and the CL volume and in the progesterone concentration was similar. The progesterone concentration was positively correlated with this product (r = 0.74, P < 0.01). The product of the FA ratio and the CL volume plateaued during the mid- to late luteal phase, suggesting the presence of functional and structural luteolysis. These findings suggest that colour Doppler ultrasonography, including power Doppler imaging, can detect physiological changes in the blood flow of the ovary in the luteal phase, and may be a useful noninvasive tool for evaluating CL function.
Adult↗
Isoflurane and sevoflurane augment norepinephrine responses to surgical noxious stimulation in humans.
BACKGROUND: Suppression of hypertensive response to noxious stimulation by volatile anesthetics may be a result of suppression of the stimulation-induced norepinephrine response or that of the cardiovascular response to catecholamines, or both. The suppression of the cardiovascular response is established, but that of norepinephrine response has not been confirmed. The authors hypothesized that the suppression of cardiovascular response but not that of norepinephrine response plays a major role in suppressing the noxious stimulation-induced hypertensive response by volatile anesthetics. METHODS: Forty healthy donors for living-related liver transplantation were allocated to four groups: receiving 1.2% (end-tidal) isoflurane in oxygen and nitrogen, 2.0% isoflurane, 1.7% sevoflurane, or 2.8% sevoflurane. The intraoperative plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations, arterial blood pressure and pulse rate were measured for the first 15 min of surgery and were compared with the preoperative values. RESULTS: Norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations both increased intraoperatively in all four groups. The values of maximum increase and area under the concentration-versus-time curve of norepinephrine were greater in the high dose groups of both anesthetics. The intraoperative blood pressure did not differ by different doses of anesthetics, and the degree of increase of blood pressure was not proportional to the plasma catecholamine concentrations. CONCLUSION: The effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane on the surgical noxious stimulation-induced norepinephrine response were inversely proportional to the dose. The suppression of noxious stimulation-induced blood pressure response by anesthetics that were studied may be the result of suppression of the responses of vascular smooth muscle and myocardium to catecholamines.
Adult↗
Expression of carbohydrate antigens, p80NPM/ALK, cytotoxic cell-associated antigens, and Epstein-Barr virus gene products in anaplastic large cell lymphomas.
The expression of carbohydrate antigens, including sialyl Lewis X (SLEX) and BNH9 antigen, the nucleophosmin (NPM)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion protein (p80NPM/ALK), cytotoxic cell-associated antigens, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene products in CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) was investigated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods. The expression of SLEX and BNH9 antigen in ALCL was examined using CSLEX1 and BNH9, which specifically react with SLEX and oligosaccharides (H and Y haptens), respectively. SLEX was expressed in seven of 12 ALCL and BNH9 was positive for five of 12 ALCL. With respect to the relationship between SLEX and BNH9 expression in ALCL, some ALCL expressed both antigens, which suggests that they might have an increased or preserved activity of glycosyltransferase that is responsible for the synthesis of the type I or type II core sequences, although other ALCL expressed either SLEX or BNH9. To detect p80NPM/ALK in ALCL, the sections were immunostained with an anti-p80 antibody. Three of 12 ALCL expressed the NPM/ALK-encoded p80 protein. All three ALCL positive for p80NPM/ALK expressed SLEX and two of them were stained with BNH9, which raised the possibility that p80 overexpression may be involved in the aberrant expression of type I or type II chains with varying degrees of fucosylation or sialylation. While the expression of cytotoxic cell-associated antigens such as CD8, CD56 and T cell intercellular antigen 1 (TIA-1) in ALCL was immunohistochemically examined, none of the 12 ALCL expressed CD56 and only one case expressed CD8. TIA-1 was expressed in seven of 12 ALCL. Four of five BNH9-positive cases expressed TIA-1, suggesting that BNH9-positive cases tended to have TIA-1. In situ hybridization studies using an EBV-encoded RNA-1 (EBER-1) probe were performed on 12 ALCL to detect EBV in the lymphoma cells. EBER-1 signals were detected in the small lymphocytes but not in the lymphoma cells of two ALCL. However, latent membrane protein 1 immunoreactivity was found in one case. These results appear to indicate that there is no strong association between EBV and ALCL.
Adolescent↗
Antioxidative activities of 4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanones and their anti-cataract effect on spontaneous cataract rat (ICR/f).
We determined the anti-cataract effects and antioxidative activities of four 4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanones. These four furanones showed similar antioxidative activities in the ferric ion reduction model. 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF) and 2(or 5)-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (EHMF) exhibited a higher suppression effect on lipid peroxidation in human plasma than the other furanones did. The effects of hydroxy furanones on the onset of cataract in spontaneous cataract rat (ICR/f rat) were tested, and it was observed that HDMF and EHMF inhibited cataract formation. These results suggest that the antioxidative activity of HDMF and EHMF against superoxide radicals in lens tissue contributed to inhibiting the onset of spontaneous cataract.
Animals↗
Synthesis of 4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone acyl derivatives and their anti-cataract effect on spontaneous cataract rats (ICR/f).
4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF) and 2(or 5)-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone (EHMF) are known to inhibit cataract development in spontaneous cataract rats (ICR/f). Forty-five acylated hydroxyfuranone derivatives were designed and synthesized for an anti-cataract test, and their hydrophobic constants were also tested. Among these derivatives, 2,5-dimethyl-4-pivaloyloxy-3(2H)-furanone (HDMF pivalate) exerted a marked protective effect against the development of cataract in a galactose-induced model using cultured rat lens (in vitro). When tested on an ICR/f cataract model (in vivo), HDMF pivalate showed more significant inhibition of cataract development than parent compound HDMF. This derivative is more lipophilic than HDMF, so that HDMF pivalate can penetrate the cornea more easily than HDMF. The inhibition of cataract development by HDMF converted from HDMF pivalate is supported by the fact that HDMF was observed in the lens of ICR/f rats treated with HDMF pivalate.
Acylation↗
Missense mutation (C1263R) in the thyroglobulin gene causes congenital goiter with mild hypothyroidism by impaired intracellular transport.
Metabolic abnormalities in thyroid hormonogenesis cause congenital goiter. Here we studied a case of mild hypothyroidism caused by a novel missense mutation in the thyroglobulin (TG) gene. A female patient underwent thyroidectomy twice at the age of 27 and 43 years because of gradual enlargement of the thyroid. By RNase cleavage assay and PCR direct sequencing we identified a thymine to cytosine transition at nucleotide 3828 (from the transcription start site) which causes amino acid change from cysteine to arginine at codon 1263. A pedigree study suggested autosomal recessive inheritance due to consanguineous marriage of her parents. Immunohistochemical study suggested impaired intracellular transport of the mutant TG. Sensitivity to endoglycosidase H confirmed that the mutant TG failed to reach the Golgi compartment. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analyses showed that formation of monomers and homodimers was defective with abundant high molecular-weight aggregates which are normally formed transiently after translation. To examine if the mutant TG is functionally defective, we separated thyroid tissue extract on a Biogel A5m column and measured T4 and T3 released from proteins in each fraction by treatment with proteinase K. Although thyroid hormones released per mole of the mutant TG protein did not decrease, those released per mg of total protein decreased. In conclusion, the missense mutation in the TG gene caused congenital goiter with mild hypothyroidism due to an altered protein structure which resulted in defective intracellular processing and premature degradation by "quality control" mechanisms. Although the tissue TG content was greatly reduced, the hypothyroidism was mild with slow progression of the goiter, because the mutant TG was a relatively good substrate for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones.
Adult↗
Intracranial pressure monitoring using a newly developed transducer-tipped ventricular drainage catheter.
A transducer-tipped ventricular drainage catheter (TVDC) was developed to allow continuous measurement of intracranial pressure (i.c.p.) without interrupting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. The 8.5 Fr catheter with a double lumen has 16 side holes for CSF drainage and a small silicone strain-gauge transducer on the side of the catheter tip to measure the ICP directly. The transducer is composed of a 2 x 1 mm2 silicone plate. Calibration must be performed before insertion. The calibrated catheter is inserted into the ventricles, usually via the anterior horn of the lateral ventricles to the foramen of Monro. Recalibration is not necessary even if the patient's head is tilted. The TVDC was applied to patients in whom ICP was suspected to be high and in whom the ventricles were large enough for tapping. The ICP wave form and values measured by the TVDC and the manometer method were equivalent. The drift phenomenon did not occur throughout the entire measurement period. The TVDC is very useful for both controlling and monitoring ICP.
Catheterization↗
Morphological variation of the frontal sinus in Melanesian (Fiji) and Polynesian (Western Samoa) populations.
The aims of this study were to investigate gender differences in frontal sinus morphology and to estimate differences between Fijian and Western Samoan populations. Cephalograms of 118 Fijians (59 male, 59 female), 80 W. Samoans (33 male, 47 female) and 89 Japanese (60 male, 29 female) were used in this study. The thickness of the frontal sinus and the convexity of glabella in males were found to be larger than those of females in each population. The angle of Sg-N-G in the Fijians was larger than that of the Western Samoans and Japanese. In order to compare the frontal sinus morphology among populations, Mahalanobis' generalized distances were calculated on the basis of the five distance diameters. The results indicate that gender is separated by the first axis which indicates the overall size. Japanese samples were separated from South Pacific samples by the second axis which indicates the shape factor. In populational discrimination, there was a higher percentage of correct discriminations of the females of the males. In conclusion, gender difference was recognized in the size of the frontal sinus, and the populational differences were shown in the shape factor between Melanesian and Polynesian populations, and also between South Pacific and Japanese populations.
Adolescent↗
[The impact of low calcium dialysate (1.25 mmol/l; LCD) on bone metabolism in CAPD patients].
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of LCD on bone metabolism, and assess the indication of LCD. Fourteen patients on CAPD (m = 8, f = 6) were converted to LCD following over 1 year on standard calcium dialysate (1.75 mmol/l; SCD) treatment, and followed for 1 year. The biochemical measurements included plasma levels of Ca, P, ALP, and i-PTH. The bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Ca-carbonate and calcitriol were administered to maintain plasma Ca levels within the normal range. The patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the i-PTH levels just before the conversion to LCD. Group 1; n = 5, i-PTH < 65. Group 2; n = 5, 65 < or = i-PTH < 200. Group 3; n = 4, 200 < or = i-PTH (pg/ml). Mean BMD Z scores decreased significantly in group 3. Mean serum i-PTH significantly increased in all groups. These results suggest that LCD is effective for treating adynamic bone disease, which is seen in high frequency in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. However, these results also pointed to the disadvantage of worsening the secondary hyperparathyroidism. In conclusion, LCD should be used carefully in patients whose i-PTH levels are high, because of the possibility of bone mineral loss.
Adult↗
Distribution of phenol in a fatal poisoning case determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
A victim who was presumed to have ingested waste fluid containing phenol of DNA extraction was found dead in his laboratory. The skin was partially chemically burned, with blisters as maps. No mechanical injuries were observed. The pathological findings of the liver and kidney were typical of those of acute substantial poisoning. Phenol concentrations in the blood, urine, stomach contents and organs were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Phenol was distributed throughout the body. The concentration of free phenol in the blood was found to be 60 micrograms/mL, and in the urine it was 208 micrograms/mL. The phenol concentrations in the organs were found as follows: 106 micrograms/g in the brain; 116 micrograms/g in the lungs; 166 micrograms/g in the liver, and 874 micrograms/g in the kidney, respectively. Significantly high concentrations were observed in the kidney, urine, and liver. To the best of our knowledge, such an intoxication through this kind of ingestion has never been reported before. Distributions of phenol in fatal poisonings have been reported, but colorimetry was used as the analytical method and it cannot exclude the interference of other phenolic compounds.
Adult↗
[Galectins and apoptosis].
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Amino Acid Sequence↗
Glucocorticoid regulation of nitric oxide and tetrahydrobiopterin in a rat model of endotoxic shock.
Wistar rats injected intravenously with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) developed endotoxic shock with severe hypotension, significantly elevated concentrations of NOx (nitrate and nitrite) and biopterin in the plasma, and lung expression of high levels of the mRNAs for inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH). Pretreatment of the rats with dexamethasone (DEX) prevented the hypotension, attenuated the increase in plasma NOx and biopterin concentrations, and significantly inhibited the increase in lung biopterin content caused by LPS treatment. DEX also inhibited the induction of iNOS mRNA but not GTPCH mRNA. Adrenalectomized (ADX) rats developed a more severe form of circulatory shock in response to low-dose LPS accompanied by a substantial increase in circulating NOx as well as biopterin, which was prevented by pretreatment with DEX. Thus, glucocorticoids may protect against endotoxic shock by inhibiting the induction of NO synthesis, not only by attenuating iNOS protein induction but also by limiting biopterin availability. Although endogenous glucocorticoids may inhibit the production of NO as well as biopterin after LPS in rats, the mechanisms for these effects appear to be different.
Adrenalectomy↗
A general method to design dominant negatives to B-HLHZip proteins that abolish DNA binding.
We describe a method to design dominant-negative proteins (D-N) to the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (B-HLHZip) family of sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factors. The D-Ns specifically heterodimerize with the B-HLHZip dimerization domain of the transcription factors and abolish DNA binding in an equimolar competition. Thermal denaturation studies indicate that a heterodimer between a Myc B-HLHZip domain and a D-N consisting of a 12-amino acid sequence appended onto the Max dimerization domain (A-Max) is -6.3 kcal.mol-1 more stable than the Myc:Max heterodimer. One molar equivalent of A-Max can totally abolish the DNA binding activity of a Myc:Max heterodimer. This acidic extension also has been appended onto the dimerization domain of the B-HLHZip protein Mitf, a member of the transcription factor enhancer binding subfamily, to produce A-Mitf. The heterodimer between A-Mitf and the B-HLHZip domain of Mitf is -3.7 kcal.mol-1 more stable than the Mitf homodimer. Cell culture studies show that A-Mitf can inhibit Mitf-dependent transactivation both in acidic extension and in a dimerization-dependent manner. A-Max can inhibit Myc-dependent foci formation twice as well as the Max dimerization domain (HLHZip). This strategy of producing D-Ns may be applicable to other B-HLHZip or B-HLH proteins because it provides a method to inhibit the DNA binding of these transcription factors in a dimerization-specific manner.
Amino Acid Sequence↗