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Biomedical subjects

K Kitajima

Publications and source records attributed to K Kitajima.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

A prospective, randomized controlled study on the treatment of stage C and stage D prostatic cancer with estracyt in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of various combinations of chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of prostatic cancer in a group refractory to antiandrogenic therapy (Group 1) and in a previous untreated group (Group 2). Therapeutic combinations of Estracyt (E) + Peplomycin (P) + Doxorubicin (Do) and P + Do + 5 FU (F) in Group 1 and E + P, Honvan (Ds) + P and E in Group 2 were carried out. The main objectives of this study were estimations of the efficacy of E and P in relation to the refractory cases of Group 1 and the efficacy of the combination E + P, in Group 2. This is the first such prospective, randomized, controlled study to be carried out in Japan in relation to prostatic cancer. The results obtained in the present study indicated that chemotherapeutic regimens including E provide some enhanced efficacy, but that the efficacy with regard to refractory cases is poor (23.1-27.3%), as has been reported of studies conducted in the USA and Europe. With regard to previously untreated cases, the E + P regimen achieved a relatively higher response rate than the other treatments (72.7 vs 44.5 or 50.0%). In the comparison of survival times and survival curves, there were no statistically significant differences among the various treatment subgroups. A comparison of survival curves revealed the interesting finding that the PAP-related response showed a clear correlation to the survival curves of Group 2 patients.

Aged↗

[Studies on an appropriate intra thoracic administration of cisplatin and sodium thiosulfate in malignant pleural effusion].

Twenty-eight patients with malignant pleural effusion received instillation of cisplatin (CDDP) into the pleural cavity to examine the pharmacokinetics and side effects of CDDP Thirteen patients received high-dose CDDP (120 mg/m2-160 mg/m2) in combination with sodium thiosulfate (STS), while 15 others received CDDP alone (80 mg/m2). Total Pt and non-protein-bound Pt (free Pt) concentrations in the pleural effusion and plasma were determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. In one patient, Pt concentrations of intact CDDP and STS-bound CDDP were determined using high performance liquid chromatography and flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. Instillation of CDDP at 160 mg/m2 into the pleural cavity was achieved by concurrent use of STS in the large dose (STS 20 g/m2 1 hr later, totalling 625-fold molar ratio to CDDP). When CDDP was combined with STS, there was alleviation in hematological, renal and auditory toxicity but not in nausea, vomiting or anorexia. When CDDP was instillated into the pleural cavity at 150 mg/m2 (in combination with STS equivalent to 200-fold molar ratio to CDDP), a high Pt concentration of intact CDDP could be maintained in the pleural effusion over a prolonged period of time, recording 8.80 micrograms/ml even as late as 12 hr after instillation. On the other hand nearly all of the free Pt concentration for the first 2 hr was considered to be due to intact CDDP. Once systemically administered, STS quickly moved into the pleural effusion, binding with CDDP in the pleural cavity and thus probably reducing its anti-tumor effect. STS did not greatly affect the plasma concentration of total Pt when it was administered at a 100-fold molar ratio to CDDP, yielding only p poor effect. Our findings suggest that malignant pleural effusion could be effectively treated by the instillation of CDDP 80 mg/m2 into the pleural cavity.

Aged↗

Immunocytochemical localization of calspectin (a non-erythroid spectrin-like protein) in thyroid glands of normal and TSH-treated rats.

The localization of calspectin (fodrin, a non-erythroid spectrin-like protein), which is known to bind calmodulin and F-actin, was detected in the thyroid gland of normal and TSH-treated rats by means of light-microscopic immunocytochemistry. Calspectin was demonstrated in the cytoplasm of the follicle epithelial cells especially along the baso-lateral plasma membrane in normal rats. In TSH-treated animals, in addition to the baso-lateral plasma membrane region, the apical plasma membrane region of the follicle epithelial cells also showed positive reaction to the immunostaining. These results suggest that calspectin, in conjugation with calmodulin and actin, play a role in the secretory activities including reabsorption activity of colloid of the follicle epithelial cell.

Animals↗

Localization of polysialoglycoprotein as a major glycoprotein component in cortical alveoli of the unfertilized eggs of Salmo gairdneri.

Polysialoglycoprotein (PSGP, 200 kDa), first isolated by S. Inoue and M. Iwasaki in 1978 (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 83, 1018-1023) from unfertilized eggs of rainbow trout, has been shown to comprise a unique class of glycoproteins associated with the exocytosis of cortical alveoli. In 1986, 200-kDa PSGP was shown to undergo proteolytic depolymerization to 9-kDa PSGP on egg fertilization (activation) and there was an indication that 200-kDa PSGP may possibly be a component of cortical alveoli (J. Biol. Chem. 261, 5256-5261). In this paper we present evidence demonstrating that PSGP is actually a component of cortical alveolus. First, a cortical alveolus-rich fraction (CA fraction) was obtained by low-speed centrifugation of the homogenate of unfertilized eggs of rainbow trout. The 200-kDa PSGP was found to be a major component extractable with buffered saline from the CA fraction by chemical analysis of isolated materials. Treatment of the eggs to induce parthenogenetic activation resulted in all cases in the loss of both cortical alveoli and PSGP in the CA fraction. Second, perivitelline space fluid was isolated from the activated eggs of rainbow trout and analyzed, and 9-kDa PSGP was confirmed to be present as a major proteinaceous component. Third, following incubation of the eggs in water for activation, the time course of the appearance of 9-kDa PSGP and the breakdown of 200-kDa PSGP was observed. The formation of 9-kDa PSGP was detected in the eggs after 1 min of incubation and its level rose rapidly, attaining a maximum at 7 min after incubation. During this period, there was a concomitant fall in the level of 200-kDa PSGP. This formation and rapid increase in 9-kDa PSGP correspond directly to the time course of cortical alveolus exocytosis in activated chum salmon eggs recently studied by scanning electron microscopy.

Animals↗

Incidence and some characteristics of fimbriae FY and 31A of Escherichia coli isolates from calves with diarrhea in Japan.

Escherichia coli isolates from calves with diarrhea (1 day to 8 weeks old, 140 individuals) were surveyed for the three immunologically distinct fimbrial adhesins FY, 31A, and K99. Of a total of 1,370 strains isolated, 96 (7.0%), 34 (2.5%), 75 (5.5%), and 13 (0.9%) were identified as FY+, 31A+, FY+.31A+, and K99+, respectively. The K99+ strains also manifested heat-stable enterotoxin production (ST+), while FY+, 31A+, and FY+.31A+ strains were ST-. Expression of FY and 31A was repressed at lower temperatures or poor aeration. The FY+ and 31A+ E. coli showed mannose-resistant hemagglutinating activity with bovine erythrocytes. Electron microscopy revealed that FY is a gently curled fimbria with a mean diameter of 4.2 nm, and 31A is a fimbria with a mean diameter of 5.1 nm. The molecular mass of protein subunits was found to be approximately 20 kilodaltons (Kd) and 19 Kd for FY and 31A, respectively. Lethal diarrhea of neonatal calves was induced by challenge with the combination of a K99+.ST+ E. coli strain and either a 31A+ E. coli strain or a 31A+ E. coli strain plus an FY+ E. coli strain under the experimental conditions in which lethal diarrhea was not induced by challenge with a K99+.ST+ E. coli strain alone.

Adhesins, Escherichia coli↗

Fine structural aspects of follicle-like cavity formation from dispersed porcine thyroid cells cultured in a collagen substrate.

The mechanism of follicle-like cavity formation from a monolayer of porcine thyroid cells grown in a collagen sandwich was studied. When porcine thyroid cells cultured in a monolayer on the type I collagen gel are overlaid with a second layer of collagen, changes occur in the polarity and arrangement of the cells. After 1 day of culture in the collagen sandwich, some cells in the monolayer proliferate, migrate and form two cell layers. The cell surfaces in contact with the upper or lower collagen gels always show basal characteristics. The primitive follicle lumen sealed by the zonula occludens first appears between two adjacent cells in a monolayer, or between the cells of the upper layer and those of the lower layer. Within 2 days of incubation, the cultured thyroid cells form rather flattened follicle-like cavities, even in the absence of TSH. Proliferation of the cells surrounding the lumen and luminal fusion would contribute to the development of such cavities. Bundles of numerous filaments are located along the apical and basal plasma membranes, and microtubules are markedly developed in the cytoplasm. The formation of the follicle-like cavities is inhibited by colchicine, suggesting the involvement of microtubules in the lumen-forming process. Immunohistochemistry shows that thyroid cells cultured in the collagen gel preserve the ability for thyroglobulin synthesis and basal lamina formation.

Animals↗

Transformation of human leukocytes by co-cultivation with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy patients' leukocytes.

Sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy (HAM) were analyzed by Western blotting, and normal human leukocytes were transformed by co-cultivation with HAM patients' leukocytes. The sera and CSF from all HAM patients formed specific bands with HTLV-1 viral proteins, including p19, p24, p28, p32, p40 and p53. After 2-3 weeks of co-cultivation, scattered foci of cell aggregates were noted on macrophage sheets. Surface markers of the transformed cells were OKT3(+), OKT4(+), OKT8(-), IL-2 receptor(+) and EBNA(-). Chromosome analysis showed a normal karyotype. HTLV-1 viral genome was integrated into DNA isolated from transformed cell lines. Electron microscopy revealed type C virus particles in transformed T-cell lines. These results indicate that peripheral leukocytes from HAM patients can transform HTLV-1-negative leukocytes and HAM patients have the potential to acquire adult T-cell leukemia in the future.

Adult↗

A unique T-cell line derived from an HTLV-1-negative adult T-cell leukemia patient.

A unique T-cell line, designated ATL-5T, was established from lymphoma cells in pericardial effusion of an adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patient not carrying HTLV-1 provirus. The cell line is OKT4 and/or Leu3a+ and OKT8 and/or Leu2a+, but interleukin 2 receptor (IL2R)- and HTLV-1 provirus genome negative, and has cytogenetically abnormal karyotypes. The cell line contains rearranged T-cell receptor beta-chain gene, which was identical in rearrangement pattern to the T-cell receptor beta-chain gene in primary cells. These results suggest that factors other than HTLV-1 may sometimes be associated with HTLV-1-negative ATL. The ATL-5T cell line we describe here is unique, and should contribute to further elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HTLV-1-negative ATL and HTLV-1-positive ATL.

DNA, Viral↗

[Studies on the appropriate administration of cisplatin based on pharmacokinetics and toxicity].

Ninety-six patients with non-small cell lung cancer were treated with cisplatin (80-150 mg/m2). The pharmacokinetics of cisplatin were studied in 27 of these patients. Cisplatin was administered intravenously for 30-120 min. Plasma concentrations of total platinum and ultrafilterable (non-protein-bound) platinum were monitored by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Maximum total platinum levels in plasma were attained at the end of infusion, and thereafter decayed in a biphasic fashion, with an initial phase half-life (t1/2 alpha) of 10.2 to 14.6 min and a secondary phase half-life (t1/2 beta) of 41.7 to 81.3 h. The half-life was prolonged as the dosage was increased. Non-protein-bound platinum was rapidly cleared to below the measurable level within 4 hours at 80 mg/m2 and 120 mg/m2 of cisplatin, but declined in a biphasic manner, with t1/2 alpha of 31.2 min and t1/2 beta of 20.1 h at 150 mg/m2 of cisplatin. Toxicities were increased according to dosage, and decreased with a 50 mg/m2 X 3 days regime. Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity were the dose-limiting factors in the single-dose escalation scheme used. In conclusion, the optimal dosage of cisplatin appeared to be 120 mg/m2 considering its toxicity.

Adult↗

Can tinnitus be masked by band erased filtered masker? Masking tinnitus with sounds not covering the tinnitus frequency.

In this study, the effectiveness of masking sound not covering the tinnitus frequency was tested against that of conventional masking sound in 117 subjects. Successful masking was observed in 72% of the former and 70% of the latter. There was no remarkable difference between the two maskers regarding the acceptability and intensity. The duration of residual inhibition, however, was smaller in the masker not covering the tinnitus frequency. The masking sound tested could be useful as an alternative when the conventional one is not accepted.

Adolescent↗

Endolymphatic sac surgery for Menière's disease: eighteen years' experience with the Kitahara sac operation.

From 1968 to 1983, 162 cases of Meniere's disease were treated surgically with our intramastoid drainage technique. One hundred forty of these cases could be followed up for two years or more. Treatment results were calculated according to the 1972 AAOO criteria and the 1985 AAO-HNS criteria. Using our technique, definitive vertigo spells could be controlled completely in 78% of cases and substantially controlled in 94%. Hearing worsened in only 15% of all cases. Therefore, prevention of worsening of hearing, especially in bilateral cases, and control of vertigo spells in patients with frequent attacks were considered absolute indications for our technique. In this study critical observations were made based on the number of cases hitherto reported by surgeons (the average number of patients undergoing surgery in our clinic was fourteen per year). The need for careful selection of patients for surgery is emphasized.

Adult↗

Induction of experimental endolymphatic hydrops by immunologic techniques.

Immunologic techniques have been used by many investigators to produce experimental endolymphatic hydrops models. These techniques, however, have achieved little success in producing models simulating the idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops of Meniere's disease, in which no inflammatory changes occur in the perilymphatic spaces. In this study, the antigen horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into the endolymphatic sacs of ninety guinea pigs that had been systematically sensitized to this antigen. Endolymphatic hydrops was induced in sixty-seven of the subjects, sixty-four of which showed no inflammatory changes in the perilymphatic spaces. The endolymphatic sacs of the affected guinea pigs were packed with soft granulation tissue induced by immunologic mechanisms; it is felt that the hydrops was caused by disturbances in endolymph absorption resulting from these tissue formations. Our results suggest that the introduction of antigens into the endolymphatic sac may prove useful in producing endolymphatic hydrops with characteristics similar to those occurring in Meniere's disease.

Animals↗

A naturally occurring deaminated neuraminic acid, 3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-nonulosonic acid (KDN). Its unique occurrence at the nonreducing ends of oligosialyl chains in polysialoglycoprotein of rainbow trout eggs.

An unknown deaminated sialic acid has been isolated from Salmo gairdneri (rainbow trout) egg polysialoglycoprotein. A combination of structural methods including gas-liquid chromatography, chemical and enzymatic analyses, mass spectrometry, and 400-MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the structure as 2-keto-3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-nononic acid (= 3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-nonulosonic acid; KDN). This structure has been confirmed by comparison with a chemically synthesized authentic sample of KDN. The natural occurrence of deaminated sialic acid in biological material has not been previously reported. A series of KDN-containing oligosialic acids were isolated from the polysialoglycoprotein after pH 4.7-catalyzed hydrolysis. Structural studies including methylation analysis, mass spectrometry, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and chemical reactivity were also used to confirm the structures of the sialyloligosaccharides as KDN alpha 2[8NeuGc alpha 2-]n (n = 1-7). The exclusive location of KDN at the nonreducing termini in polysialoglycoproteins protects oligo(poly)sialyl chains from exosialidases. Terminal capping of these chains may be important in egg activation in salmonid fishes.

Animals↗

Polysialoglycoproteins of Salmonidae fish eggs. Complete structure of 200-kDa polysialoglycoprotein from the unfertilized eggs of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).

Polysialoglycoproteins (PSGP) we first isolated from the unfertilized eggs of rainbow trout (Salmo gairderi) and now found to be a ubiquitous component of Salmonidae fish eggs are a novel type of glycoprotein. PSGP from rainbow trout has a molecular weight of 200 X 10(3), a low protein content (about 15% w/w), and a high sialic acid (N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc] content (about 60%, w/w). In any evaluation of the biological functions of PSGP, information about the complete structure of this unique macromolecular component is relevant. We have now completed the determination of the overall structural organization of the 200-kDa PSGP, and this is the first report of the complete structural analysis of this novel class of glycoprotein: (Asp)0-2-Ala-Thr*-Ser*-Glu-(Ala-Ala-Thr*-Gly-Pro-Ser-Gly-Asp-Asp-Ala-Thr *-Ser*- Glu)n-Ala-Ala-Thr*-Gly-Pro-Ser-Gly where * indicates the amino acid residues to which oligo- and/or polysialylglycan units are attached and n = 25. Thus the most outstanding structural features of PSGP isolated from the unfertilized eggs of rainbow trout are now the occurrence of (a) tandem repeats of a tridecapeptide and (b) an alpha-2----8-linked oligo(poly)sialyl group on each of the core oligosaccharide chains, i.e. GalNAc- beta 1----4(NeuGc alpha 2----3)GalNAc beta 1----3Gal beta 1----4Gal beta 1----3[----8NeuGc alpha 2)n----6)GalNAc alpha 1----Ser (or Thr), Fuc alpha 1----3GalNAc beta 1----3Gal beta 1----4Gal beta 1----3[----8NeuGc alpha 2)n ----6)GalNAc alpha 1----Ser (or Thr), GalNAc beta 1----3Gal beta 1----4Gal beta 1----3[----8NeuGc alpha 2)n----6)GalNAc alpha 1----Ser (or Thr), Gal beta 1----4Gal beta 1----3[----8NeuGc alpha 2)n----6)GalNAc alpha 1----Ser (or Thr), and Gal beta 1----3[----8NeuGc alpha 2)n----6) GalNAc alpha 1----Ser (or Thr).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Immunohistochemical localization of keratin in human prostate.

The localization of keratin was investigated in normal human prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatic adenocarcinoma using immunohistochemical technique on frozen tissue sections. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in the distribution patterns of keratin due to malignancy. In normal and benign tissue specimens, keratin was detected in the cytoplasm of basal cells and glandular epithelial cells. In the glandular epithelial cells keratin was found as a deposit of fine granules. In the basal cells, the positive staining for keratin had a uniform distribution in the scanty cytoplasm. In specimens of prostatic adenocarcinoma, the basal cells retained a strong positive reaction for keratin. The shapes and the distributions of basal cells were markedly different in malignant specimens. Basal cells formed a discontinuous layer and surrounded the population of neoplastic cells in tissue sections containing the cribriform patterns. The cells expressed characteristic protrusions into extracellular spaces between the cancer cells. Keratin-positive granules were demonstrated in the adenocarcinoma cells as well. These granules had slightly smaller sizes and were distributed randomly. The study demonstrates that the immunohistochemical localization of keratin provides a refinement for the characterization of cells in tissue sections of prostate.

Adenocarcinoma↗