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Biomedical subjects

K Katoh

Publications and source records attributed to K Katoh.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

TCV-116, a newly developed angiotensin II receptor antagonist, induces regression of cardiac hypertrophy through suppression of the tissue renin-angiotensin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Previously, we reported that an orally active angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist Losartan induces regression of left ventricular hypertrophy with reduction in the tissue Ang II contents in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). To further address the role of the cardiac renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy, we examined the effects of TCV-116, a newly developed, highly specific nonpeptide Ang II receptor antagonist, on cardiac hypertrophy and the tissue angiotensin I (Ang I) and Ang II, as well as plasma renin activity (PRA) and Ang II, were determined. Treatment with TCV-116 (1 mg/kg per day) lowered blood pressure markedly. TCV-116 reduced significantly the left ventricular weight by about 11% compared with control animals. The left ventricular Ang I and Ang II contents were lowered by TCV-116 (12.9 +/- 1.4 vs. 30.4 +/- 2.5 pg/tissue, control, p < 0.01, for Ang I; 15.1 +/- 0.6 vs. 18.7 +/- 0.4 pg/tissue, control, p < 0.01, for Ang II), whereas PRA and plasma Ang II concentration were increased by the treatment. With the control and TCV-116-treated animals, there was a significant positive correlation between the left ventricular weight and the tissue Ang II content (r = 0.681, p < 0.01). These results not only further support the view that cardiac Ang II, rather than circulating Ang II, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of left ventricular hypertrophy of this animal model of human hypertension, but imply also that TCV-116 induces regression of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy through suppression of the tissue renin-angiotensin system.

Angiotensin I↗

Postprandial increase in the duodenal pH and the effect of intravenous secretin injection on ionic compositions of duodenal fluid and plasma in sheep.

Testing five castrated male sheep with a pH-electrode inserted into the duodenal digesta through a T-shaped cannula, we found that the pH of the duodenal digesta was significantly increased from 3.11 +/- 0.11 to 3.47 +/- 0.09 after a meal. Secretin (2.5 CHR U/kg) was intravenously injected to mimic the duodenal pH increase. The administration significantly increased the duodenal digesta pH from 3.32 +/- 0.18 to 4.85 +/- 0.61, which was accompanied by an increase in sodium concentration, but by a decrease in potassium and chloride concentrations. It also significantly decreased the arterial blood pH from 7.543 +/- 0.002 to 7.515 +/- 0.008, which was accompanied by a reduced plasma HCO3- concentration. From these results, we conclude that in sheep, feeding increases the duodenal digesta pH, and the postprandial pH increase in the duodenal fluid would be due to the raised HCO3- secretion from the gastrointestinal tract.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Radical scavenger effect of Boschniakia rossica.

To elucidate the mechanism of the invigorating and antisenile action of the dried herb of Boschniakia rossica (Boschniakiae Herba), the free radical scavenging activity of its 50% ethanol extract (BR) was examined using an electron spin resonance spectrometer. The scavenging activity of plasma from Fisher-334 rats with continuous administration of BR was also examined. The concentrations showing 50% inhibition of the free radical of BR on the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical, superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical were 0.003%, 0.06% and 9.67%, respectively. Plasma from the rats with BR administered clearly showed higher free radical scavenging activity compared with that of normal control rats. These findings suggest that Boschniakia rossica has strong free radical scavenging activity and consequently it has inhibitory effects on the disorders caused by free radical production in living tissue.

Administration, Oral↗

Reinforcement effects of Boschniakia rossica on discrimination learning in cholinergic lesions of rats.

The dried herb or stem of Boschniakia rossica (Boschniakiae Herba) has been used as an antisenile agent in the Jilin Province of China. To elucidate the effects of Boschniakiae Herba on decreased learning ability and memory weakness, a 50% ethanol extract of Boschniakiae Herba was administered to rats whose nucleus basalis of Meynert had been destroyed by the injection of ibotenic acid. This administration showed a significant improvement in the decrease of the ratio of correct responses caused by destruction of the nucleus basalis of Meynert. These results suggest that B. rossica would be therapeutic in senility.

Animals↗

Effects in vitro of new growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP-1) on growth hormone secretion from ovine pituitary cells in primary culture.

Continuous perifusion of pituitary cells was used to study the effects of a newly synthesized GHRP (GHRP-1 or KP 101) on growth hormone (GH) secretion from ovine pituitary cells and these have been compared to effects of growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) and the original growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP-6). GH was continuously released at a constant rate during perifusion and secretion was increased by KP 101, GHRP-6 and GRF in a dose-dependent manner. The half-maximal effective dose of KP 101 and GHRP-6 was 10(-7) M, an order of magnitude higher than that for GRF. The maximal effects of KP 101 and GHRP-6 were similar but significantly less than the maximal effect of GRF. Blockade of calcium channels with Cd2+ (2 mM) totally and reversibly abolished the releasing effects of all three peptides. Like GHRP-6, the GH release induced by KP 101 was not affected by a GRF antagonist ([Ac-Tyr1, D-Arg2]-GRF 1-29, 1 microM) which significantly reduced the effect of GRF on GH release. For each peptide, the response to a second application (1 h after the first application) was lower than the first response. When GRF (or KP 101, GHRP-6) was applied first and then KP 101 or GHRP-6 (or GRF) given 1 h later, the second response was not attenuated. Only a small additive effect on the release of GH by GRF was obtained by the co-administration of either KP 101 or GHRP-6. This result was achieved with maximal doses of the peptides, but not with half-maximal doses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CONTROL OF CELLULAR CONTRACTION BY CALCIUM IN VORTICELLA

1. Vorticella extracted with Triton X-100 contracted (i.e. the cell body shrank and the stalk coiled) when the external Ca2+ concentration was raised. The degree of contraction increased with increasing Ca2+ concentration. 2. The threshold Ca2+ concentration for shrinkage of the cell body was identical with that for coiling of the stalk in Vorticella extracted with Triton X-100. 3. Living Vorticella showed a graded shrinkage of the cell body when Ca2+ buffer was injected into the cell body, while the stalk showed coiling of an all-or-nothing type. The degree of shrinkage of the cell body increased with increasing free Ca2+ concentration of the buffer. 4. Living Vorticella showed a sustained contraction in response to external application or intracellular injection of caffeine. The effect of caffeine was inhibited by intracellular injection of procaine or Ruthenium Red. 5. Vorticella injected with Ruthenium Red showed graded shrinkage of the cell body as well as graded coiling of the stalk when Ca2+ buffer was injected into the cell body. 6. Caffeine, procaine and Ruthenium Red had no measurable effect on Ca2+-activated contraction in Vorticella extracted with Triton X-100. 7. It is assumed that regenerative liberation of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum and/or membranous tubules in the contractile system (Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release) is responsible for evoking contraction of an all-or-nothing type following stimulation in living Vorticella.

Journal Article↗

The effect of GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2 or KP 102) on GH secretion from primary cultured ovine pituitary cells can be abolished by a specific GH-releasing factor (GRF) receptor antagonist.

A newly synthesised GH-releasing peptide, KP 102 (also named GHRP-2), was studied in an in vitro perifusion system of primary cultured ovine anterior pituitary cells. Application of KP 102 to the perifusion medium caused a dose-dependent increase in GH secretion. Dose-response relationships indicated that KP 102 had similar potency to GRF and was 10-fold more potent than earlier generations of GH-releasing peptide (GHRP-6 and GHRP-1) tested in same system. The response to a second application of KP 102 given within 1 h of initial application was significantly lower than the response to the first application. When KP 102 (or GRF) was applied first and then GRF (or KP 102) given 1 h later, the second response was not attenuated. When GRF and KP 102 were coadministered, an additive effect on release of GH was obtained. The effect of maximal dose of KP 102 (100 nM) on GH release was totally abolished by [Ac-Tyr1,D-Arg2] GRF 1-29 (1 microM) which is believed to be a specific antagonist for the GRF receptor. Blockade of Ca2+ channels by Cd2+ (2 mM) diminished the basal GH secretion and abolished the increase in GH release in response to KP 102 (100 nM). These data suggest that the action of KP 102 is blocked by a GRF receptor antagonist and therefore acts through a different receptor to that employed by earlier generations of GH-releasing peptides. GH release in response to KP 102 involves an increase in Ca2+ influx and there is no cross-desensitization between KP 102 and GRF responses.

Animals↗

[DNA ploidy and proliferating cell nuclear antigen positivity rate as predictive indication of effectiveness of preoperative radiation].

We compared histological effects following radiotherapy in relation to the DNA ploidy pattern and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positivity rate in 37 patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative radiation therapy. Twelve of 23 cases in which the PCNA positivity rate before irradiation was more than 25% showed the effectiveness of radiotherapy (52.2%), against 2 of 6 cases with a rate of less than 25%. Cases in which the rate was more than 25% tended to show more effectiveness. Seventeen of 23 cases in which the PCNA positivity rate was more than 25% showed a decrease in PCNA positivity rate (73.9%). The rate in 6 cases showed no change, and no cases had an increase. In particular, in 12 cases in which the PCNA positivity rate was more than 55%, half showed effectiveness, and the PCNA rate decreased 20% on average. The PCNA positivity rate tended to decrease as a result of irradiation, and especially in diploid cases there were significant differences in the rate before and after irradiation. We suggest that cases in which the PCNA positivity rate is more than 55% with diploid DNA pattern would show most effect. The effects of irradiation could be predicted with biopsy materials and by measuring the DNA ploidy pattern and the PCNA positivity rate.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Antitumor effect of UFT against differentiated thyroid cancer].

We have determined the levels of 5-FU, tegafur and uracil in the thyroid cancer and normal thyroid tissue in the patients with differentiated carcinoma who were administered UFT 600 mg/day p.o. preoperatively for six days. 5-FU and uracil levels in the thyroid cancer tissue were significantly higher than in normal thyroid tissue. However, tegafur level did not show significant differences in any tissues. Two cases with differentiated carcinoma, which resulted in PR after prolonged administration of UFT were presented. These findings suggest that oral administration of UFT for a long term is a useful treatment for advanced differentiated thyroid cancer.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

[Intravenous pirenzepine reduces salivary secretion rapidly].

We evaluated the effects of pirenzepine on salivary secretion and heart rate, comparing them with those after atropine. Forty-two patients for gynecological operations were divided into three groups. P, A and C groups received pirenzepine 10 mg, atropine 0.5 mg and saline 1 ml intravenously 4 min before induction. Salivary secretion was aspirated at 30, 60 and 120 min after induction. Heart rate was recorded at 1, 30, 60 and 120 min after injection. In P and A groups, salivary secretion decreased significantly, but there was no significant difference between them. In A group, heart rate increased at 1, 30 and 60 min after injection, but at 120 min there was no difference among three groups. We conclude that intravenous pirenzepine as well as atropine reduces salivary secretion, but it does not increase heart rate as atropine.

Adult↗

[Study on odor control using wood vinegars (II). Application of wood vinegars to piggery wastes].

The effectiveness of wood vinegars was studied for controlling offensive odors from piggery wastes. Odorant chemicals and the sense of odors from piggery farm, covered with polyvinylchloride film to prevent the volatilization to ambient air, were measured in both laboratory and in situ in order to evaluate the degree of deodorization. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The odorant chemicals from piggery wastes were identified as ammonia, methyl sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, butyric acid and valeric acid. Among them, the major chemicals being responsible for the sense of odor were butyric acid and valeric acid. 2. In a laboratory experiment using an air tight vessel, the amount of wood vinegars needed for deodorization of piggery wastes was 6.6%; The removal efficiency of the odorant chemicals volatilized from the wastes was from 70 to 90% of control levels. 3. In situ test at a piggery farm showed that removal efficiency of odorant chemicals was similar to that of the laboratory experiment. In sensory tests, authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency of Japan, minimal offensive odors were observed with the addition of 6.6% wood vinegars. Furthermore, flies were rarely observed, indicating that wood vinegars may play an important role as a repellent.

Acetates↗

[Percutaneous transhepatic gastrostomy with CT guidance in patients with partial gastrectomy].

Percutaneous transhepatic gastrostomy was performed in two patients, one with partial gastrectomy and Billroth I anastomosis and one with esophageal reconstruction with subtotal stomach, in whom oral feeding was precluded. In both patients, percutaneous gastrostomy with fluoroscopic guidance was impossible since the gastric remnants were small, had a high subcostal position, and were overlain by the transverse colon, lung and left lobe of the liver. The only route available to avoid the overlying bowel and lung was the transhepatic approach. The gastric remnants were punctured with a 22-gauge PTC needle through the left lobe of the liver with CT guidance, and an 8 Fr. Cope-type catheter was fluoroscopically placed in the gastric remnant or the duodenum after tract dilatation over the guide wire. No complications occurred during or after the procedures, and the condition of both patients was greatly improved. Although gastrostomy in patients with partial gastrectomy is thought to be very difficult, percutaneous transhepatic gastrostomy with CT guidance is easy and may be safe since adhesion between the liver and gastric remnant can prevent massive hemorrhage or displacement of the catheters.

Aged↗

FK506 therapy of experimental autoimmune myocarditis after onset of the disease.

Preventive effects of FK506 on autoimmune myocarditis have been demonstrated, but the therapeutic efficacy of the agent in established myocarditis yet remains to be assessed. In this study, effects of FK506 on experimental autoimmune myocarditis were investigated by the use of the agent after the onset of the disease. Lewis rats were immunized with either cardiac myosin or bovine serum albumin (BSA) in complete Freund's adjuvant. The onset of the disease was ascertained by examining randomly chosen cardiac myosin-immunized rats. Animals were divided into four groups: the BSA-immunized saline-treated group (group A, n = 6); the BSA-immunized FK506-treated group (group B, n = 6); the myosin-immunized saline-treated group (group C, n = 6); and the myosin-immunized FK506-treated group (group D, n = 11). Saline or 1.0 mg/kg/day of FK506 were intramuscularly injected from day 16 to day 27. All the rats were put to death on day 28. Rats of group C became severely ill by the third week, while in contrast, rats of group D remained active, as did rats of groups A and B. The heart weight/body weight ratio was significantly lower in group D than in group C rats. Group mean values were 3.48 +/- 0.10 gm/kg for group A, 3.48 +/- 0.16 gm/kg for group B, 4.94 +/- 0.66 gm/kg for group C, and 3.88 +/- 0.43 gm/kg for group D. Rats of group C showed severe myocarditis with mononuclear cell infiltration, myocardial necrosis, and interstitial edema.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Odor stimulation causes disappearance of R4B12 epitope on axonal surface molecule of olfactory sensory neurons.

Monoclonal antibodies R4B12 and R1D1 label the same subsets of rabbit primary olfactory axons. In the present study, we characterized the R4B12 antigens using immunohistochemical, immunoelectron-microscopic, and biochemical techniques. The R4B12 antigens are expressed on the surface membrane of a subset of primary olfactory axons. Western blot analysis revealed the existence of two forms (115,000 and 90,000 mol.wt) of the R4B12 antigens with different membrane-anchoring structures. Of the two forms, the smaller antigen (90,000 mol. wt) is anchored to the plasma membrane via a phosphatidylinositol linkage and expressed exclusively by the olfactory system. When the rabbit olfactory epithelium was stimulated by odors for 2-8 h in situ, the R4B12 immunoreactivity disappeared from the primary olfactory axons in the glomeruli of the olfactory bulb. These results suggest that the cell surface antigens R4B12 expressed by subsets of primary olfactory axons undergo stimulus-dependent changes by odor stimulation and may be involved in plasticity of olfactory sensory neurons.

Animals↗

R2D5 antigen: a calcium-binding phosphoprotein predominantly expressed in olfactory receptor neurons.

R2D5 is a mouse monoclonal antibody that labels rabbit olfactory receptor neurons. Immunoblot analysis showed that mAb R2D5 recognizes a 22-kD protein with apparent pI of 4.8, which is abundantly contained in the olfactory epithelium and the olfactory bulb. We isolated cDNA for R2D5 antigen and confirmed by Northern analysis and neuronal depletion technique that R2D5 antigen is expressed predominantly, but not exclusively, in olfactory receptor neurons. Analysis of the deduced primary structure revealed that R2D5 antigen consists of 189 amino acids with calculated M(r) of 20,864 and pI of 4.74, has three calcium-binding EF hands, and has possible phosphorylation sites for Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A kinase). Using the bacterially expressed protein, we directly examined the biochemical properties of R2D5 antigen. R2D5 antigen binds Ca2+ and undergoes a conformational change in a manner similar to calmodulin. R2D5 antigen is phosphorylated in vitro by CaM kinase II and A kinase at different sites, and 1.81 and 0.80 mol of Pi were maximally incorporated per mol of R2D5 antigen by CaM kinase II and A kinase, respectively. Detailed immunohistochemical study showed that R2D5 antigen is also expressed in a variety of ependymal cells in the rabbit central nervous system. Aside from ubiquitous calmodulin, R2D5 antigen is the first identified calcium-binding protein in olfactory receptor neurons that may modulate olfactory signal transduction. Furthermore our results indicate that olfactory receptor neurons and ependymal cells have certain signal transduction components in common, suggesting a novel physiological process in ependymal cells.

Animals↗