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Biomedical subjects

K Kikuchi

Publications and source records attributed to K Kikuchi.

At least 1,045 records · Page 58Linked to original sources

[An autopsy case revealing the simultaneous coexistence of adenocarcinoma, malignant lymphoma and silicotuberculosis in the same lung].

A case of 70-year old male manifesting a simultaneous adenocarcinoma, malignant lymphoma and silicotuberculosis in the same lung has been reported. The patient, who had worked as a miner for 24 years and had been treated for silicosis 11 years previously, was found to have a new, abnormal shadow during a routine chest X-ray. Later, sputum cytology revealed the adenocarcinoma. He was treated with chemotherapy, but died 24 months later, his death attributed to lung cancer, complicated with respiratory insufficiency and weakness. An autopsy confirmed the presence of an adenocarcinoma and silicotuberculosis, and a histological examination revealed the coexistence of malignant lymphoma in the same lung.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Determination of the distribution of constituent disaccharide units within the chain near the linkage region of shark-cartilage chondroitin sulfate C.

A method for analyzing the distribution of constituent disaccharide units within the chain near the linkage region of chondroitin sulfate has been developed. The method consists of (a) chemical modification of the reducing terminal residue in the polysaccharide by a 2-(2,4-dinitrophenylamino)ethylamino (DNP-AEA) group, (b) controlled fragmentation of the DNP-AEA-labeled polysaccharide with chondroitinase AC-I, followed by separation of the digestion products into the DNP-AEA-labeled fragments and unlabeled fragments on octyl-Sepharose CL-4B gel, (c) fractionation of the DNP-AEA-labeled fragments into fractions having different chain-lengths on Sephadex G-100 (superfine), and (d) determination of the disaccharide unit composition of the de-dinitropheylated products (AEA-labeled fragments) by the method combining chondroitinase AC-II treatment with HPLC analysis. A preparation of shark cartilage chondroitin sulfate C, which had been characterized well with regard to molecular species (Mr 48,000; average number of repeating disaccharide units (dpav) 93-94; consisting of chondroitin 6-sulfated 66.8%, 4-sulfated 22.5%, disulfated (D type) 10.3%, and nonsulfated units 0.4%), was analyzed by the above method. On the basis of the data obtained, distribution features of the disaccharide units within the chain near the linkage region of the polysaccharide (dpav 27) were estimated. It was, however, difficult to propose a final primary sequence of the polysaccharide chain, although there was a definite trend towards an enrichment of 4-sulfated and nonsulfated disaccharide residues in the area close to the linkage region (dpav 3-9 or 11). This was apparent together with an enrichment of 6-sulfated and disulfated disaccharide residues in the area distant from the linkage region (dpav 11 or 13-27).

Animals↗

Differences between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis in secretion of human lysozyme.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae secreted human lysozyme in the medium as an active form when the signal peptides of chicken lysozyme and a chicken lysozyme-Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase hybrid were used, whereas it did not synthesize any human lysozyme protein by using the signal peptide of A. awamori glucoamylase. The secreted lysozyme was easily purified and crystallized. On the other hand, Bacillus subtilis secreted an inactive human lysozyme, which seemed to have incorrect disulfide bonds, with the signal peptide of amylase and its mutants. The free energy changes for the membrane translocation of the signal peptides are related to the secretion of human lysozyme in S. cerevisiae, but not in B. subtilis. These results indicate that differences exist between S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis in the secretion of human lysozyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of tumor rejection antigen molecules of chemically induced murine colon tumor C-C26.

The molecular nature of a tumor-specific transplantation antigen (TSTA) of a chemically induced BALB/c mouse colon tumor C-C26 was investigated. The antigen was noncytolytically extracted by 2.5% n-butanol treatment of the cells. Crude butanol extract from C-C26, but not from colon tumor C-C51 and fibrosarcoma Meth-A of BALB/c mice could provide protection against the challenged C-C26 tumor in the transplantation experiment. Crude butanol extract from another syngeneic colon tumor C-C36 also induced a cross-protection against the challenged C-C26 tumor. C-C26 crude butanol extract was characterized by biochemical procedures including the Sephadex G200 column, lens culinaris affinity column, and anion-exchange Mono Q fast protein liquid chromatography column, and by the enzyme digestion study of the antigens and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The data indicated that C-C26 TSTA was eluted into fractions containing molecules of approximately Mr 200,000 on Sephadex G200 column chromatography. This antigen was also found in unbound fractions on a lens culinaris affinity column. The antigen was further separated into the fraction that was eluted with 0.4 M NaCl in an ionic strength on Mono Q fast protein liquid chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of this fraction showed the molecule with a molecular weight of 30,000. The enzyme digestion study indicated that the immunogenicity of the antigen was inactivated by papain but probably not by neuraminidase treatment. These data suggest that the immunogenic moiety of C-C26 TSTA molecules is located in the peptide portions rather than in sialic acid residues or carbohydrate portions. Furthermore, there are several similarities of the molecular characteristics between C-C26 TSTA and previously reported C-C36 TSTA, such as the amenability to n-butanol extraction. Lens culinaris lectin inaffinity, and ionic strength.

Animals↗

Effects of sialagogues on the syntheses of polyamines and DNA in murine parotid gland.

When rat parotid explants were cultured on siliconized lens paper floating on chemically defined 199 medium, all of sialagogues tested increased ornithine decarboxylase activity, which was roughly proportional to the amylase released into the culture medium. S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and DNA synthesis were also induced by isoproterenol, methoxamine, carbachol and pilocarpine, but not by serotonin or substance P. The increases of the two decarboxylase activities and DNA synthesis were observed in vivo in mouse parotid gland after repeated injections of carbachol or pilocarpine. These results indicate that both adrenergic and cholinergic sialagogues stimulate the syntheses of polyamines and DNA in murine parotid gland.

Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase↗

Phosphate transport by rat intestinal basolateral-membrane vesicles.

The characteristics of phosphate transport across intestinal basolateral membranes of the rat were determined by using enriched preparations in which uphill Na+-dependent D-glucose transport could not be demonstrated, but ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport was present. Phosphate transport was saturable, Na+-dependent and exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Vmax. was 51.1 +/- 4.2 pmol/10 s per mg of protein and Km was 14 +/- 3.9 microM. The transport process was electroneutral. Tracer-exchange experiments and counter-transport studies confirmed the presence of a Na+-Pi carrier at the basolateral membrane. The presence of inside-positive membrane potential did not enhance phosphate uptake, indicating that the Na+ effect is secondary to the presence of the Na+-Pi carrier rather than an induction of positive membrane potential. The stoichiometry of this carrier at pH 7.4 was 2 Na+:1 phosphate, as shown by direct studies utilizing the static-head method. These studies are the first to determine the presence of a phosphate carrier at the basolateral membrane.

Animals↗

ATP-Mn2+ stimulates the generation of a putative mediator of insulin action.

Substantial evidence suggests that insulin receptor-associated protein kinase may play a pivotal role in the expression of the intracellular effects of insulin. This study was undertaken to determine whether insulin receptor kinase contributes to the generation of putative insulin mediators. The effect of ATP and divalent cation addition on the production of insulin mediators from liver plasma membranes was investigated. ATP (1 mM) added to liver plasma membranes in the absence of divalent cations enhanced insulin-stimulated release/generation of mediator slightly (approximately 3-fold). ATP in the presence of Mn2+ further increased release/generation of mediator markedly (approximately 100-fold). In contrast, ATP in the presence of Mg2+ had no stimulatory effect. Mn2+ and Mg2+ alone were ineffective. Addition of EDTA completely diminished the stimulatory effects of insulin, ATP, and Mn2+. The stimulation was ATP-specific since other nucleotides and nonhydrolyzable analogues of ATP had no or very weak activity. ATP-Mn2+ stimulated insulin-dependent mediator release/generation in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that insulin mediator release/generation is markedly stimulated by an ATP-Mn2+-dependent phosphorylation reaction, similar to insulin-stimulated receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Immunosuppressive acidic protein in patients with brain tumours: a preliminary report.

The present investigation was conducted to document the serum concentrations of immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) in patients with intracranial tumours utilizing the single radial immunodiffusion method. Among 46 pre-operative patients, elevated serum levels of IAP were found in nine of 16 patients with gliomas, six of nine patients with metastasis, and two of 21 patients with non-glial, histologically benign intracranial tumours. The mean value of serum IAP in glial or metastatic tumours was found significantly higher than that of either non-glial or normal individuals. It was postulated that serum IAP levels could correlate with a grade of anaplasia and malignancy of the tumour. And it was also of note that serum IAP levels appeared to have a tendency to decrease in response to the treatment. In addition, serum IAP levels were found correlated with the clinical condition and course of disease as evaluated by performance status and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Therefore, it was suggested that measurement of serum IAP could be, at least in part, useful in validating the histologic analysis of brain tumours, in following responses to treatment when used as a tumour indicator, and in monitoring the progress of the disease in patients in terms of performance status.

Adolescent↗

Phosphate transport by basolateral plasma membranes of human small intestine.

The characteristics of phosphate transport across the human intestinal basolateral membrane were determined using an enriched preparation in which uphill Na1+-dependent D-glucose transport could not be demonstrated but adenosine triphosphate-dependent calcium transport was present. The human basolateral membrane vesicles were oriented as follows: 64% inside-out vesicles and 36% rightside-out vesicles or sheets, or both. Phosphate transport showed a 3.4-fold transient "overshoot" phenomena in the presence of an inwardly directed sodium gradient. Computerized Michaelis-Menten kinetics for the net active transport component indicated a Vmax of 65 +/- 5 pmol/mg protein per 8 s and a Km of 93 +/- 15 microM. The transport process was electroneutral. Gramicidin D and transstimulation studies confirmed the presence of a Na+-phosphate carrier at the basolateral membrane. Adenosine triphosphate enhanced phosphate uptake, indicating an adenosine triphosphate-dependent phosphate transport process. These studies are the first to determine the presence of a phosphate carrier in human intestinal basolateral membrane.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Relationship between plasma atrial natriuretic polypeptide concentration and hemodynamic measurements in children with congenital heart diseases.

The plasma alpha-atrial natriuretic polypeptide (alpha-ANP) concentration in the peripheral veins of children with congenital heart diseases was measured by radioimmunoassay and compared with cardiac catheterization data. Every patient with heart failure had a higher alpha-ANP concentration (132.1 to 858.7 pg/mL) than the upper limit of the normal range (11.7 to 98.7 pg/mL), whereas more than half of the patients without heart failure had a normal alpha-ANP concentration. Although none of the 13 children with atrial septal defect had heart failure, their mean (+/- SD) plasma alpha-ANP concentration (99.4 +/- 40.7 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in control children (44.6 +/- 22.3 pg/mL). The plasma alpha-ANP concentration was significantly correlated with the pulmonary blood flow/systemic blood flow (Qp/Qs) ratio in the children with atrial septal defect. In the 34 children with ventricular septal defect the plasma alpha-ANP concentration increased in relation to increasing size of the defect. The plasma alpha-ANP concentration was significantly correlated with the Qp/Qs ratio, pulmonary artery pressure, and left atrial pressure, estimated from mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure, in the children with ventricular septal defect. In the children with tetralogy of Fallot, the mean plasma alpha-ANP concentration was normal, and mean right and left atrial pressures were not increased. The elevated alpha-ANP concentration in the three patients with heart failure decreased after their conditions improved with various treatments. Thus the measurement of alpha-ANP concentration may be valuable in evaluating the presence or absence of heart failure and the response to treatment in children with congenital heart diseases. Distention of the right and left atrial might induce the release of alpha-ANP in patients with atrial and ventricular septal defects, respectively.

Atrial Natriuretic Factor↗

Activation of rat liver and rabbit skeletal muscle glycogen synthases by rat liver cytosolic protein phosphatases.

To gain more insight into the nature of the substrate specificity of protein phosphatases, four forms of glycogen synthase D were used as substrates for previously characterized protein phosphatases, IA, IB, and II, from rat liver cytosol. The phosphatase activity was measured as the conversion of glycogen synthase D to synthase I. While glycogen synthase isolated from rat liver as the D-form was activated mainly by phosphatase IA, rabbit skeletal muscle glycogen synthase previously phosphorylated in vitro by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase or phosphorylase kinase was activated efficiently by phosphatases IA, IB, and II. Glycogen synthase isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle as the D-form, however, was a poor substrate for all three phosphatases. These results suggest that the phosphorylation state as well as the primary structure of synthase D markedly affects the rate of its activation by individual protein phosphatases. A protein phosphatase released from rat liver particulate glycogen, on the other hand, activated all forms of synthase D used here readily and at about the same rate.

Animals↗

Characterization of rat T cell subset antigen by monoclonal antibody.

6B2-B8 T cell hybridoma cells were used to immunize mice, and immune spleen cells were fused with NS/1 myeloma cells. One clone, designated RTH-7, reacted with 89.5% of rat thymocytes, 30.2% of rat spleen cells, and 42.3% of rat lymph node cells. The RTH-7 reacted with a subset of rat T cells but not with B cells. Double staining analysis demonstrated that RTH-7 stained a rat T cell subset distinct from R1-10B5-positive cells that were known to be equivalent to mouse Lyt-2. It was revealed that RTH-7 and W3/25 recognize different antigenic epitopes on the same molecule. The RTH-7 as well as W3/25 substantially inhibited the production of interleukin 2 by cells in mixed lymphocyte reaction and the lymphocyte proliferation induced by mixed lymphocyte reaction. The RTH-7 inhibited the lymphocyte proliferation induced by Con A whereas W3/25 failed to do so. The RTH-7 defined antigen has a molecular weight of 53,000 under reducing condition and 47,000 under nonreducing condition. The RTH-7 defined antigen showed a wide range of heterogeneity in pI (6.2-8.8). The associated molecule of approximate molecular weight of 27,000 was occasionally detected with the RTH-7 defined antigen in 6B2-B8 T cell hybridoma cells as well as peripheral T cells but not in thymocytes. Thus, RTH-7 detects a cell surface antigen of a functional T cell subset of rat origin.

Animals↗

Transection of the pituitary stalk: development of an ectopic posterior lobe assessed with MR imaging.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed in ten patients with pituitary stalk transection who had idiopathic pituitary dwarfism. Contiguous sagittal T1-weighted images were obtained in all cases, and, in some, axial or coronal images were taken for further evaluation. On MR images, normal anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland can be clearly differentiated because the posterior lobe has a characteristic high intensity on T1-weighted images. In the ten patients, the high-intensity posterior lobe was not seen, but a similar high signal intensity was observed at the proximal stump in seven patients. This high-intensity area is the newly formed ectopic posterior lobe, which secretes antidiuretic hormone just as the posterior lobe would. When the ectopic lobe completely compensates for the impaired posterior lobe, endocrinologic data indicate normal posterior lobe function. However, MR imaging can reveal the transection of the pituitary stalk and formation of the ectopic lobe.

Adolescent↗

Diagnostic reliability of simultaneous measurements of beta human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein in serum of patients with trophoblastic disease.

Serum levels for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) and pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1) in patients with trophoblastic disease were measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The beta-hCG:SP1 ratios were below 1.0 in all 22 cases of complete hydatidiform mole and in 8 of 9 cases of partial hydatidiform mole. Two (10.5%) of 19 cases of invasive mole involving metastasis had ratios that rose above 1.0 during chemotherapy. Ratios ranged from 1.6 to 29 in 11 of 15 cases of choriocarcinoma before chemotherapy. The remaining 4 cases, diagnosed within 3 months of antecedent pregnancy, had ratios below 0.99. Thus, the difference between choriocarcinoma and nonchoriocarcinoma beta-hCG:SP1 ratios may be due to trophoblastic differentiation based on the developmental stage and with trophoblast age, or due to the mass and potential activity of trophoblastic cells.

Choriocarcinoma↗