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Biomedical subjects

K Kawaguchi

Publications and source records attributed to K Kawaguchi.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Ultrastructural study of cultured smooth muscle cells from uterine leiomyoma and myometrium under the influence of sex steroids.

Upon the hypothesis that the differentiation or development of smooth muscle cells in both myometrium and leiomyomas may be under the regulation of sex steroids, myometrial and myoma cells were cultured in the presence of sex steroids and their morphological changes were studied ultrastructurally. The cells from the explants of both leiomyoma and myometrium at the 14th day in either control or E (10(-8) M 17-beta-estradiol)-added medium showed extremely well-developed cytoplasmic organelles with few filaments located at the marginal portion of the cytoplasm. These ultrastructural features resembled those of a dedifferentiated stage of smooth muscle cells in vitro. At the 21st day, these cells showed a moderate number of cytoplasmic filaments with dense bodies. These ultrastructural features resembled those of a redifferentiated stage of smooth muscle cells in vitro. In both E- and P (10(-7) M progesterone)-added medium, the cultured smooth muscle cells from both leiomyoma and myometrium showed an increased number of myofilaments with dense bodies even at the 14th day to the 21st day of culture in comparison to the cells either in control or estrogen-added medium. Therefore, the cultured smooth muscle cells in the medium with E and P lacked their dedifferentiated phase in vitro and/or the differentiation or maintenance of their filaments might be under the influence of both estrogen and progesterone. On the observation that the cultured smooth muscle cells from both leiomyoma and myometrium showed very similar ultrastructural changes under the influence of sex steroids, it was suggested that leiomyoma may have the same progenitor cells as myometrium.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Acidic glycolipids from dolphin kidney.

The composition and contents of acidic glycolipids in the kidney of a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba, the order Cetacea, whales) were determined. The following eight acidic glycolipids were isolated and characterized: SM4s (124.2 nmol/g tissue), SM3 (8.7), GM3 (NeuAc) (12.3), GM3 (NeuGc) (31.6), GD3 (NeuAc-NeuAc) (14.7), GD3 (NeuAc-NeuGc) (II3 alpha(NeuAc alpha 2-8NeuGc)-LacCer) (9.8), GD3 (NeuGc-NeuAc) (II3 alpha(NeuGc alpha 2-8NeuAc)-LacCer) (5.3), and GD3 (NeuGc-NeuGc) (15.8). The assignment of the four types of GD3 was further confirmed as described below. Evidence indicating 2-8 linkages of the disialosyl residues of GD3 was obtained on methylation analysis of sialic acid. GD3 (NeuAc-NeuAc) and GD3 (NeuGc-NeuAc) were degraded to GM3 (NeuAc), and GD3 (NeuAc-NeuGc) and GD3 (NeuGc-NeuGc) yielded GM3 (NeuGc) on mild acid hydrolysis. Fragment ions characteristic of the carbohydrate and lipophilic moieties of the permethylated GD3 were observed in direct inlet-electron impact-mass spectra. The presence of these four types of GD3 in a tissue has not been reported previously. GD3 contained non-hydroxy (69-84%) and hydroxy fatty acids (16-31%) with 16-24 carbons. The long chain base of all GD3, except GD3 (NeuGc-NeuAc) (not analyzed), consisted of 4-sphingenine (d18:1) and 4-hydroxysphinganine (t18:0) in almost equal amounts. The total amount of renal lipid-bound acidic groups (sulfate and sialic acid) of the dolphin (190 mumol/animal) is considerably higher than that of a terrestrial mammal (88 mumol/animal) with a body weight comparable to that of the dolphin. This deviation suggests that the amount of renal acidic amphiphiles required to maintain the osmotic balance of body fluids in marine mammals might be higher than that in terrestrial ones.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Kabuki make-up syndrome (Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome) associated with congenital heart disease.

Kabuki make-up syndrome has been reported mainly among Japanese, so far occurring in more than 20 cases. Among these, however, only one case associated with congenital heart defect has been reported. We have treated three patients with this syndrome and of these two had congenital heart disease. We suggest the possibility that the association of congenital heart disease with Kabuki make-up syndrome may not be fortuitous.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1985

[Denervation supersensitivity of the detrusor muscle due to bladder overdistension, with special reference to the relationship between supersensitivity, and changes in the connective tissue].

To investigate denervation supersensitivity of the detrusor muscle due to prolonged bladder overdistension, overdistended bladders were produced in female mongrel dogs by bladder neck obstruction for 48 hours and the dogs were sacrified 1, 2 and 4 weeks after overdistension. The sensitivity of the detrusor muscle to acetylcholine was measured using the isometric in vitro technique. The bladder wall tissues were examined with Masson's trichrome staining. The blood flow of the bladder wall was determined by the hydrogen gas clearance method. Sensitivity reached a maximum 2 weeks after overdistension, thereafter decreasing to a lower level 4 weeks after overdistension than that of the untreated detrusor muscle. A decrease of blood supply to the bladder wall, the rate being 63% immediately after overdistension, may result in a degeneration of the axon which is more fragile to ischemic changes. Subsequently axonal degeneration may be followed by denervation supersensitivity of the detrusor muscle. Remarkable fibrotic changes of the bladder wall 4 weeks after overdistension suggested a decrease of the detrusor muscle contraction to acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1985

[A randomized controlled study to compare 1-hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil (HCFU) and 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (Tegafur) for the prevention of post-operative recurrence of bladder cancer].

To evaluate the effect of 1-hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil (HCFU), a derivative of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), in preventing postoperative recurrence of bladder cancer, a randomized controlled study with 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (Tegafur) as the reference standard was performed. HCFU was given orally 600 mg a day and Tegafur was given orally, 800 mg a day. The following results were obtained: Of 103 patients, 51 were given HCFU and 52 Tegafur, the non-recurrence rate in the group treated with HCFU was 70.8% after 1 year and 54.9% after 2 years of follow up, and that of the group treated with Tegafur was 56.5% and 46.2% respectively. The rate of non-recurrence in the HCFU group was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) than that of the Tegafur group during the period of follow up between 450 and 539 days. Of the 87 patients, who took the drugs for more than 90 days, the rate of non-recurrence in 43 patients receiving HCFU was 79.2% after 1 year and 60.4% after 2 years, compared to 62.5% and 50.0% respectively for 44 patients receiving Tegafur. The non-recurrence rate of the HCFU group was also significantly higher than that of the Tegafur group in the period between 450 and 539 days after operation (p less than 0.05). The incidence of side effects was 35.6% and 51.7% in HCFU and Tegafur patients, respectively. No significant difference of side effects was found between HCFU and Tegafur.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1985

[Fetal maturation and amniotic fluid levels of catecholamines and their metabolites].

Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), a phospholipid closely associated with fetal lung maturity, appears in the amniotic fluid (AF) of complicated pregnant women much earlier than it usually increases during uneventful pregnancy. In this study, AF PG levels, measured by an enzymatic method, were correlated with AF concentrations of catecholamines (CAT) and the deaminated metabolites of dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid; DOPAC) and norepinephrine (3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol; DOPEG), all of which were determined by radioenzymatic assay. AF concentrations of CAT increased with the advance of gestation especially after 36 weeks of gestation, when clinically apparent fetal distress was not present. Three to four fold higher levels of DOPAC and DOPEG over their parent CAT were found in AF. Even prior to 37 weeks of gestation, high concentrations of CAT were found in the pregnancies complicated with fetal distress, and significant correlation was noted for PG versus dopamine (p less than 0.005), norepinephrine (p less than 0.05) epinephrine (p less than 0.02) and DOPEG (p less than 0.05), but not DOPAC. Such a correlation was not observed after 37 weeks of gestation. These findings suggest that fetal CAT plays a primary role in developing fetal lung maturation and that AF PG and CAT increase as a response to chronic distress, only before 37 weeks of gestation.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1984

Structure of pestalotan, a highly branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucan elaborated by Pestalotia sp. 815, and the enhancement of its antitumor activity by polyol modification of the side chains.

Pestalotia sp. 815, a newly isolated fungus, produces extracellularly a highly (1----6)-branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucan in high yield when grown in a D-glucose-containing medium. This extracellular glucan, designated "Pestalotan", has [alpha]25D-0.1 degree (c 0.5, M NaOH) and a molecular weight greater than 2 X 10(6). Chemical and enzymic studies indicated that pestalotan has a very highly branched structure containing a back-bone chain of beta-D-(1----3)-linked D-glucosyl residues, and three out of five D-glucosyl residues are substituted at O-6, mostly with single D-glucosyl groups, and a very few with short beta-(1----6)-linked oligosaccharide units. This D-glucan becomes water-insoluble after isolation from the culture filtrate followed by dehydration, and shows moderate growth-inhibitory activities against mouse-implanted tumors. However, when the D-glucosyl groups of the side chains were modified by periodate oxidation and borohydride reduction, the resulting, still water-insoluble, D-glucan polyol exhibited potent antitumor activities, confirming that the attachment of many polyhydroxy groups to the beta-D-(1----3)-linked D-glucan back-bone gives a remarkable enhancement effect on the antitumor activity of the branched D-glucan. Prolonged treatment of the D-glucan polyol by ultrasonic irradiation afforded a low-molecular-weight D-glucan polyol (SD-pestalotan polyol), without alteration of its chemical structure. The water-soluble, SD-pestalotan polyol, having a molecular weight of 4.7 X 10(5), exhibited remarkable antitumor activities against both allogeneic and syngeneic, mouse-implanted tumors, at small dosages (1-5 mg/kg for 10 days) by intraperitoneal administration. A comparison of values of the molecular weight of SD-pestalotan polyol, estimated by 3-MPa l.c. for the aqueous solution and the dimethyl sulfoxide solution, strongly suggested that the D-glucan polyol must form a triple-chain conformation in aqueous solution.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the liver, spreading through the hepatic veins.

A case of malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the liver mimicking veno-occlusive disease is reported. The histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical features of the present case indicate striking similarities to epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) of the soft parts described by Weiss and Enzinger. Tumour metastasis to the lung gave a picture closely resembling intravascular bronchiolo-alveolar tumour (IVBAT) of the lung. EHE of the liver is considered to be a unique type of hepatic endothelial neoplasm behaving as a low grade malignant tumour with a veno-occlusive process which has rarely been described, and had previously been classified as other diseases or neoplasms.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis using liver function assays.

Sex, age and 21 routine liver function assays were analyzed by stepwise selection and the best-of-all-possible-combinations method to identify a small group of assays valuable in establishing which liver cirrhosis (LC) patients have a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), when alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is not elevated. Data was obtained from 115 HCC and 122 LC patients on admission. Tumor size correlated with AFP (0.73), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, 0.47), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP, 0.42), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH, 0.42), and the glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT)/glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) ratio (GOT/GPT, 0.41). The mean of the correct diagnosis rates (CDR) of HCC and LC utilizing AFP as the sole parameter (89%) was markedly higher than those of the other parameters. The best-of-all-possible-combinations method presented a more powerful combination than stepwise selection. The best combination of 7 parameters (LAP, GOT/GPT, choline esterase, one-hour erythrocyte sedimentation rate, age, albumin/globulin ratio, and total bilirubin) presented a mean CDR of 80%, HCC CDR of 77%, and false positive rate of 18%. LC patients statistically diagnosed as having HCC by these 7 parameters are proposed as high risk patients. Fourteen (78%) of 18 HCC patients who were AFP-negative were statistically diagnosed. This analysis can be applied to LC patients to distinguish those that should be followed closely by imaging diagnostic techniques.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Scanning electron microscopic analysis of Kupffer cell proliferation after zymosan administration.

Rat Kupffer cells were observed and counted under a scanning electron microscope after a single dose of zymosan. The cell number increased after 24 h and reached 2 times the control after 72 h. The percentage of cells presenting numerous microvilli increased from 24% to 86% over the same period. Carbon clearance, a measure of phagocytic activity, decreased temporarily, regained control values after 12 h, and attained a 4-fold elevation at 72 h. Phagocytic activity paralleled Kupffer cell number, but increased more relatively. This result probably reflected activation of resident Kupffer cells as noted by numerous thick microvilli.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Scanning electron microscopy of Ito's fat-storing cells in the rat liver.

The whole body including extended processes of Ito's fat-storing cells was observed by scanning electron microscopy in rat liver injured with lithocholic acid (LCA). Necrotic foci developed in the midlobular zone 48 h after LCA administration. Demonstration of Ito cell bodies around the foci was probably facilitated by easy detachment of hepatocytes from Ito cells. The body and the processes were located mainly between the sinusoidal endothelium and hepatocytes; sometimes they were between hepatocytes. Ito cells often were proximate to collagen fiber bundles and sometimes were attached to them. The cell body was flatly round or elliptic, 7 to 12 micron in diameter. Its surface was finely undulated with microvillous projections about 0.1 micron in length. Branching patterns of the processes resembled a fern-leaf mantling the sinusoidal endothelium. The trunks of the processes were about 2 micron in diameter and 20-30 micron in length. These processes tapered, branching into thinner processes, with the most peripheral being 0.1 micron in diameter. Ito cells and their branching processes likely strengthen sinusoidal walls and control blood flow in the sinusoids.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Plasmids of Streptomyces kasugaensis MB273: their pock formation, their dispensable endonuclease cleavage sites for pock formation, and transformation of S. kasugaensis MB273 by them.

Plasmid-free strains of Streptomyces kasugaensis MB273 were isolated. In mating experiments S. kasugaensis MB273 was found to cause a lethal zygosis (pock) phenotype in a plasmid-free host. The pock-forming plasmids were identified as either pSK1* or pSK2* on the basis of their endonuclease cleavage-sites. The strain carrying pSK1* was found to induce pocks on the strain bearing pSK2*, and vice versa. The endonuclease cleavage-sites in pSK1* and pSK2* that were nonessential for pock formation were determined in deletion or insertion derivatives. The single sites for Bcl I and Sal I in pSK1* and for Bgl II in pSK2*, respectively, could be useful for DNA cloning without destroying pock-forming ability. Protoplasts of S. kasugaensis MB273-derivatives prepared in stationary phase of mycelial growth were competent for transformation, however, regeneration frequencies decreased during this phase.

Endonucleases↗
PubMed1984

[A hyperthermic perfusion therapy using peplomycin and ethanol for bladder cancer].

Distilled water containing 40 micrograms/ml peplomycin and 2% ethanol was used as a perfusate in 8 patients with superficial bladder tumors and 2 with deep bladder tumors for 2 hours at 43 degrees C. In addition, immediately before the perfusion treatment, 5 mg of peplomycin was injected intramuscularly. Prior to treatment, the nature and extent of the tumors were determined by ultrasonography, cystoscopy and cystography. The therapeutic effect of the hyperthermic perfusion was evaluated by the same manner as used previously. Partial tumor regression was obtained in 6 of the 8 patients with superficial bladder tumors. The 2 patients with deep bladder tumors showed no tumor regression. Most of the patients had bladder discomfort such as irritation, pollakisuria and so on, during and/or after perfusion. No patient developed acute pyelonephritis.

Aged↗