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Biomedical subjects

K Kikuchi

Publications and source records attributed to K Kikuchi.

At least 829 records · Page 46Linked to original sources

Effect of d-limonene on the amounts of ethanol and indomethacin penetrated from aqueous gel ointments to rat skin.

The amounts of d-limonene, ethanol and indomethacin (IMC) which were transferred from aqueous gel ointments to the skin were determined in rats. The concentration of IMC in the skin correlated well with the plasma concentration of IMC percutaneously absorbed from the gel ointment. The increase of d-limonene concentration in the gel ointments was directly proportional to the accumulation of ethanol in the skin. The amount of ethanol in the skin was closely associated with the percutaneous absorption of IMC. As a possible mechanism for enhancement action of d-limonene and ethanol, it was considered that, at first, d-limonene penetrates into the skin under coexistence with ethanol and may change the barrier structure of the stratum corneum. The transfer of ethanol to the skin is thereby enhanced under the coexistence of d-limonene in the skin. Thus, the permeation of IMC can be promoted due to its affinity with ethanol.

Absorption↗

[Partial purification of bone marrow cell-stimulating activity from the parenchymal liver cell supernatant].

Mouse bone marrow cell-stimulating activity has been found in the supernatants of mouse parenchymal liver cells. In order to clarify the character, we attempted to purify the activity by a four-step purification procedure involving concentration and chromatographies on DEAE-cellulose, Sephacryl S-300, and Superose 6. By DEAE-cellulose chromatography, the activity was found to be eluted stepwisely with 0.1 M (Peak 1) and 0.2 M (Peak 2) NaCl. Gel filtration revealed that the activities in Peak 1 and Peak 2 had molecular weights of 170,000 and 600,000, respectively. Both preparations of the activity finally obtained derived the cells which spread over the plastic dish from mouse bone marrow cells, but did not stimulate the proliferation of IL-3/GM-CSF dependent cell line, IC2. These results suggest the presence of the bone marrow cell-stimulating activities, which are different from GM-CSF and IL-3, in the parenchymal liver cell supernatants.

Animals↗

Effect of chronic hypoxia on skeletal muscle fiber type in adult male rats.

The effects of chronic hypoxia on muscle fiber distribution were investigated in 10-week-old male Wistar rats. Samples of the soleus and the plantaris muscles were extracted after the animals were exposed to normobaric hypoxia (10% O2) for 4 weeks. Histochemical myosin-based classification of skeletal muscle fibers was used. There was no evidence of transformation between different fiber types in either muscles. These results differ from those of previous studies. The rats used in those studies were younger, and it is difficult to distinguish the conversion of fiber types that occurs during normal development from other factors. These data suggest that chronic hypoxia does not affect muscle fiber type in adult rats.

Age Factors↗

Bartter's syndrome with gouty arthritis.

A 45-year-old woman with Bartter's syndrome complicated with gouty arthritis is reported. Bartter's syndrome was diagnosed from hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, high plasma renin activity, normal blood pressure and attenuated pressor response to exogenous angiotensin II infusion. Serum uric acid was 11.8 mg/dl, the renal clearance of uric acid was low (3.0 ml/min) and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) was 7.0%, being the lower limit of the normal range. Fractional excretion of phosphate was low (5.3%) and fractional free water clearance per fractional distal sodium delivery was 0.51. The mechanism of hyperuricemia in this case is discussed.

Arthritis, Gouty↗

Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy in a patient with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism.

An idiopathic hypoparathyroidism-induced cardiomyopathy patient had severe long-lasting hypocalcemia. The dramatic improvement of cardiac function with correction of only the serum calcium concentration could be quantitatively demonstrated on both echocardiogram and ventriculogram. The concentration of the extracellular calcium ion was considered to have a direct effect on the strength of the myocardial contraction through excitation-contraction coupling. Furthermore, elevated serum creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase levels which were thought to be delivered from skeletal muscle returned to the normal range concomitant with the correction of hypocalcemia. The serum calcium concentration and these enzyme level showed significant inverse correlations.

Cardiomyopathies↗

Effects of chronic administration of noradrenaline and glucagon on in vitro brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.

The in vitro brown adipose tissue (BAT) oxygen consumption stimulated by noradrenaline (NA) or glucagon (G) was significantly lower in chronically NA-treated rats and that of G-treated rats did not differ as compared with that of vehicle-treated control animals. In vitro thermogenic response of BAT in NA-treated rats was consistent with that induced by cold acclimation.

Acclimatization↗

Effect of immobilization stress on in vitro and in vivo thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue.

Repetitive intermittent stress such as immobilization has been shown to induce an improved cold tolerance through an enhanced capacity of nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), causing positive cross adaptation between nonthermal stress and cold. In the present study, effect of 3-h-daily immobilization stress for 4-5 weeks was investigated on in vitro and in vivo thermogenesis of interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT). In vitro thermogenesis was measured in the minced tissue blocks incubated in Krebs-Ringer phosphate buffer with glucose and albumin at 37 degrees C, using a Clark-type oxygen electrode. The stressed rats showed less body weight gain during the experiment. The BAT weight, its protein and DNA contents were significantly greater in the stressed rats. Basal, noradrenaline- and glucagon-stimulated oxygen consumptions were significantly greater in the stressed rats. In vivo thermogenesis was assessed by the changes of temperatures in colon (Tcol), BAT (TBAT), and tail skin (Tsk) induced by noradrenaline or glucagon infusion in the anesthetized rats. Noradrenaline and glucagon increased the TBAT and the extent of increase was greater in the stressed rats. These results indicate that cross adaptation between nonthermal stress and cold may be mediated through an enhanced thermogenic activity of BAT.

Acclimatization↗

Recurrent brain abscess associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber disease)--case report.

A 53-year-old mentally handicapped female with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia complicated by pulmonary arteriovenous fistula developed a recurrent brain abscess in the left frontal region. She responded well to surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy. Previously, she had two brain abscesses of the left parieto-occipital and right parietal regions removed on separate occasions at 38 and 40 years of age. Although pulmonary arteriovenous fistula was eventually confirmed by angiography at age 41 years, surgical removal of the pulmonary lesion was not indicated due to multiplicity and large vascular shunting. Early recognition of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is emphasized for diagnosis of brain abscess and prevention of recurrence.

Arteriovenous Fistula↗

Radiation therapy for juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma of the pituitary stalk. Case report.

A case of juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma of the pituitary stalk is reported. The patient presented with diabetes insipidus and growth retardation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was useful in diagnosing the lesion. Although the tumor could not be completely removed by surgery, radiotherapy was effective and the residual tumor disappeared 6 months after irradiation. The patient's condition has remained stable and no recurrence has been observed by MR imaging in the 4 years since radiation therapy.

Astrocytoma↗

Epidermal growth factor up-regulates intestinal Na+/H+ exchange activity.

The present studies were designed to examine the regulation of Na+/H+ exchange activity by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in an in vitro system. Na+/H+ exchange activity was determined in brush-border membranes isolated from rat jejunal enterocytes incubated with epidermal growth factor and a number of second messengers. EGF at physiological concentrations stimulated Na+/H+ exchange activity without affecting vesicle size. The stimulation of Na+/H+ activity was the result of increasing Vmax of Na+/H+ (6.0 +/- 0.4 compared with 3.3 +/- 0.27 nmol/mg protein/5 sec, P < 0.01). Km values of the Na+/H+ exchanger in brush-border membrane from cells stimulated with EGF and controls were similar (16.0 +/- 3.0 vs 13.0 +/- 3.0, respectively). Na+/H+ activity was inhibited by phorbol esters, calmodulin, and cyclic AMP. The effects of EGF, calmodulin, cyclic AMP, and phorbol esters were dependent on ATP, because depleting the cells from ATP masked the effects on Na+/H+ exchange activity. The results suggest that EGF stimulates Na+/H+ exchange activity in the enterocytes. This stimulation is most likely not via activation of the phosphatidylinositol pathway.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Daily energy expenditure in active and inactive persons with spinal cord injury.

Daily energy expenditure (DEE) was evaluated seventeen male subjects with spinal cord injury (SSCI), who had active (N = 9) and inactive (N = 8) lifestyles, and in seven normal males. DEE was estimated from the mean 24-hr heart rate and heart rate-energy expenditure relationship determined in an arm cranking exercise. The DEE of SSCI on active days did not differ from those of normal subjects. On inactive days, SSCI had significantly lower DEE than on active days and than normal subjects. In contrast, the mean 24-hr heart rates of SSCI on active days and inactive SSCI were significantly greater than those of normal subjects, suggesting that SSCI, particularly inactive SSCI, exhibited a slight degree of tachycardia when compared to normal subjects. On inactive days, the DEE was fairly independent of the level of spinal cord injury. However, on active days, there was a clear tendency for SSCI with a low lesion level to have a higher DEE. Even if a SSCI with a high lesion level engaged in active sports, his DEE was relatively small. This lower DEE was largely attributable to the smaller functional muscle mass due to the limitation of physical activity.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Problems in multidisciplinary treatment from the standpoint of clinical characteristics in human cancers].

We investigated the amplification and expression of oncogenes in human gastric and breast cancers. The biological malignancy of the cases with oncogene amplification/expression was higher than that of the cases without amplification/expression. Moreover, the case with amplification/expression of oncogene was found to be highly correlated with distant organ metastasis. In strongly suggests the necessity of postoperative adjuvant therapy. In addition, these data will have to be taken into consideration as deciding on the way of operation and therapy.

Breast Neoplasms↗

[Suprasellar arachnoid cyst associated with precocious puberty: report of an operated case and review of the literature].

The pathogenesis remains unknown in the majority of patients with precocious puberty, and yet infrequently such causative cerebral lesions as hypothalamic hamartomas are associated with sexual precocity. We reported a rare case of suprasellar arachnoid cyst in an infant presenting with precocious puberty, which eventually disappeared after a cyst-peritoneal shunt. It was believed that the mass effect of the arachnoid cyst upon the hypothalamus was, at least in part, responsible for development of precocious puberty. The role of surgical decompression of the cyst was also discussed. A one-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of genital bleeding which had persisted on and off for two months. The height, 80cm, and the weight, 12.4kg, exceeded by far the two standard deviations from the mean level of the normal population. In addition she had the development of breast tissue as classified Tanner's Stage II, and both pubic and axillary hair. The bone age by skeletal survey of the hand was rated as 3 years. Endocrinological examination showed that serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol had increased for her age, to levels equivalent to those for females at puberty. An LH-RH test revealed an excessive LH reaction. There were no definite neurological deficits. CT and MRI demonstrated the presence of a large arachnoid cyst involving the suprasellar region as well as the right middle and posterior fossa. After the patient underwent a cyst-peritoneal shunt, the cyst decreased in size and such symptoms as genital bleeding and breast growth disappeared. Serum levels of her LH and FSH also significantly decreased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arachnoid Cysts↗

[Effects of intravenously infused magnesium on renal calcium metabolism and plasma parathyroid hormone in patients with essential hypertension].

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of intravenously infused magnesium on renal calcium and sodium metabolism in patients with essential hypertension. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), urine volume (UV), endogenous creatinine clearance (Ccr), urinary excretion of calcium (UCaV) and sodium (UNaV), fractional excretion of calcium (FECa) and sodium (FENa), plasma ionized calcium (pCa2+) and parathyroid hormone(PTH) were measured before and after intravenous infusion of 10% magnesium sulfate (initial dose: Mg 13.5mg/m2.BSA/15 min.: maintenance dose: Mg 2.7mg/m2.BSA/105min) in 6 normotensive subjects (NT) and 13 mild-to-moderate essential hypertensives (EHT). After the magnesium infusion, significant increases of UV, UCaV, UNaV, FECa and FENa, and a significant decrease of PTH were observed in both NT and EHT while MAP and HR did not change in either group. PCa2+ significantly decreased and Ccr tended to increase only in EHT. Although no significant difference was found in the change in Ccr (delta Ccr) or PTH (delta PTH) between NT and EHT, the changes of UCaV (delta UCaV), UNaV (delta UNaV), FECa (delta FECa) and FENa (delta FENa) were greater in EHT than each in NT. A positive correlation was found between delta UCaV and delta FECa, as well as delta UCaV and delta Ccr, but the former was more remarkable in both groups. In addition, delta UCaV was positively correlated with delta FENa in EHT, but not in NT. No significant relationship was observed between delta UCaV and delta PTH in either group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calcium↗

[Post-antibiotic effect and clinical significance].

The postantibiotic effect (PAE) is the phenomenon of suppression of bacterial growth after brief antimicrobial exposure to microorganisms. The presence of PAE may be an important consideration in designing antibiotic dosage regimens. Antimicrobials with minimal or lesser PAEs may require serum concentration above MIC or entire dosing interval. Several antimicrobial actions are affected on the PAE phase, eg. "postantibiotic sub-MIC effect". Moreover, the PAE may contribute to the efficacy on host-parasite relationship. This phenomenon is discussed.

Animals↗

[Pharmacokinetic studies of continuous and bolus intraportal 5-fluorouracil infusion].

We studied the pharmacokinetics of continuous and bolus intraportal 5-FU infusion. In continuous intraportal infusion group, 20 mg/kg of 5-FU was infused into ileocecal vein for an hour and the same dose was infused bolusly in bolus intraportal infusion group. Blood samples were collected from portal vein continuously and liver specimens were obtained continuously. The rabbits were sacrificed at 180 minutes from the start of infusion of 5-FU and small intestine was obtained. The results were as follows: A significantly higher concentration of 5-FU in the portal vein was observed in the continuous intraportal infusion group compared with the one-shot infusion group. But the elimination rate of 5-FU was more rapid after cessation of infusion in the continuous infusion group. The rate of FdUMP elimination in the liver tended to be lower in bolus intraportal infusion. The FdUMP concentration in the small intestine was higher in the continuous intraportal infusion group than in the bolus infusion group. In the continuous intraportal infusion group, the FdUMP concentration in the liver was lower than in the small intestine. This depended on the effect of the 5-FU catabolic enzyme, dihydrouracil dehydrogenase, which is contained in the liver in large quantities. The results suggest that in order to increase the FdUMP concentration in the liver with continuous intraportal 5-FU infusion, suppression of the effect of this enzyme is necessary.

Animals↗

[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy using implantable reservoir for liver metastasis of the lung cancer--an effective case].

A 70-year-old man, who had undergone operation for primary lung adenocarcinoma one and a half year ago, was readmitted to our hospital for back pain. The CT scan revealed liver, vertebrae and lymph nodes metastases. Because of severe back pain, irradiation to the thoracic vertebrae was performed first. Next, a catheter was inserted into the hepatic artery and an implantable reservoir for intra-arterial chemotherapy was also left in the subcutaneous tissue to treat the liver metastasis. Mitomycin C was injected intermittently in the hepatic artery more than 10 times. The liver metastasis became necrotic and almost disappeared. The patient was free from the back pain and there was no evidence of regrowth of the liver metastasis at the time of this report, which was 14 months after the discovery of the liver metastasis.

Adenocarcinoma↗