Biomedical subjects

K Nagata

Publications and source records attributed to K Nagata.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Molecular cloning of a novel ubiquitin-like protein, UBIN, that binds to ER targeting signal sequences.

To identify proteins that interact with HSP47, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident molecular chaperone, a yeast two-hybrid screening was performed using mouse full-length HSP47 including an N-terminal signal sequence as a bait. Analysis of several positive clones led to the identification and cloning of a novel gene, ubin, encoding a ubiquitin-like protein. Unlike other ubiquitin-like proteins, UBIN was shown to interact with signal sequences of various secretory and ER-luminal proteins, including HSP47, but not interact with signal sequences of mitochondrial targeting in two-hybrid system. The possible function of UBIN will be discussed with regards to novel characteristics of binding to signal sequences for ER targeting.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed2001

A novel hydrophobic diheme c-type cytochrome. Purification from Corynebacterium glutamicum and analysis of the QcrCBA operon encoding three subunit proteins of a putative cytochrome reductase complex.

Electrophoresis of a Corynebacterium glutamicum membrane preparation in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, followed by staining for peroxidase activity (heme staining), showed only one band at about 28 kDa. This 28 kDa protein was purified from C. glutamicum membranes by chromatography in the presence of decylglucoside using DEAE-Toyopearl and hydroxylapatite columns, as the sole c-type cytochrome in the bacterium. The cytochrome showed an alpha band at 551 nm, and its E(m, 7) was about 210 mV. A QcrCAB operon encoding the subunits of a putative quinol cytochrome c reductase was found 3'-downstream of ctaE encoding subunit III of cytochrome aa(3) in the C. glutamicum genome. The deduced amino acid sequence of qcrC, composed of 283 amino acid residues, contained two heme C-binding motifs and was in agreement with partial peptide sequences obtained from the 28 kDa protein after V8 protease digestion. We propose to name this protein cytochrome cc. The presence of cytochrome cc is a common feature of high G+C content Gram-positive bacteria, since we could confirm this protein by electrophoresis; homologous QcrCAB operons are also known in Mycobacterium and Streptomyces. QcrA and qcrB of C. glutamicum encode the Rieske Fe-S protein and cytochrome b, respectively, although these proteins were not co-purified with cytochrome cc. The phylogenetic tree of cytochromes b and b(6) show that C. glutamicum cytochrome b, along with those of other bacteria in the high G+C group, is rather different from the Bacillus counterparts, but highly similar to the Deinococci and Thermus cytochromes. This indicates that there is a fourth group of bacteria in addition to the three clades: proteobacterial cytochrome b, cyanobacterial b(6) and green sulfur-low G+C Gram-positive bacteria.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

2-Alkynyl-8-aryl-9-methyladenines as novel adenosine receptor antagonists: their synthesis and structure-activity relationships toward hepatic glucose production induced via agonism of the A(2B) receptor.

Novel adenosine antagonists, 2-alkynyl-8-aryl-9-methyladenine derivatives, were synthesized as candidate hypoglycemic agents. These analogues were evaluated for inhibitory activity on N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA)-induced glucose production in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. In general, aromatic moieties at the 8-position and alkynyl groups at the 2-position had significantly increased activity compared to unsubstituted compounds. The preferred substituents at the 8-position of adenine were the 2-furyl and 3-fluorophenyl groups. In modifying the alkynyl side chain, change of the ring size, cleavage of the ring, and removal of the hydroxyl group were well tolerated. The order of the stimulatory effects of adenosine agonists on rat hepatocytes was NECA > CPA > CGS21680, which is consistent with involvement of the A(2B) receptor. In Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with human A(2B) receptor cDNA, one of the compounds potent in hepatocytes, 15o (IC(50) = 0.42 microM), antagonized NECA-induced stimulation of cyclic AMP production (IC(50) = 0.063 microM). This inhibitory effect was much more potent than those of FK453, KF17837, and L249313 which have been reported to be respectively A(1), A(2A), and A(3) selective antagonists. These findings agree very well with the result that, compared to 15o, these selective antagonists for each receptor subtype showed only marginal effects in rat hepatocytes. These results suggest that adenosine agonist-induced glucose production in rat hepatocytes is mediated through the A(2B) receptor. Furthermore, 15o showed hypoglycemic activity in an animal model of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, the KK-A(y) mice. It is possible that inhibition of hepatic glucose production via the A(2B) receptor could be at least one of the mechanisms by which 15o exerts its in vivo effects. Further elaboration of this group of compounds may afford novel antidiabetic agents.

Adenine↗

PubMed2001

Prostaglandin D2 selectively induces chemotaxis in T helper type 2 cells, eosinophils, and basophils via seven-transmembrane receptor CRTH2.

Prostaglandin (PG)D2, which has long been implicated in allergic diseases, is currently considered to elicit its biological actions through the DP receptor (DP). Involvement of DP in the formation of allergic asthma was recently demonstrated with DP-deficient mice. However, proinflammatory functions of PGD2 cannot be explained by DP alone. We show here that a seven-transmembrane receptor, CRTH2, which is preferentially expressed in T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, eosinophils, and basophils in humans, serves as the novel receptor for PGD2. In response to PGD2, CRTH2 induces intracellular Ca2+mobilization and chemotaxis in Th2 cells in a Galphai-dependent manner. In addition, CRTH2, but not DP, mediates PGD2-dependent cell migration of blood eosinophils and basophils. Thus, PGD2 is likely involved in multiple aspects of allergic inflammation through its dual receptor systems, DP and CRTH2.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Efficacy of docetaxel 60 mg/m2 in patients with metastatic breast cancer according to the status of anthracycline resistance.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of docetaxel 60 mg/m2 in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) according to the status of anthracycline resistance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients with anthracycline-resistant MBC were treated with docetaxel 60 mg/m2 intravenously for a 90-minute period every 3 to 4 weeks. Anthracycline resistance was defined as primary and secondary resistance. Primary resistance was defined as progression during or within 6 months after completion of adjuvant anthracycline, and no MBC response to a first-line regimen that contained anthracycline. Secondary resistance was defined as progression after a documented clinical response to a first-line anthracycline treatment for MBC. Secondary resistance was further divided into three categories: (1) absolute resistance, or progression during treatment with anthracycline after a period of response; (2) relative resistance, or progression within 6 months after anthracycline administration ended; and (3) sensitive regrowth, or progression more than 6 months after the conclusion of anthracycline administration. RESULTS: The response rate in the 99 patients was 35.4% (95% confidence interval, 30.1% to 44.8%). The response rates according to the status of anthracycline resistance were as follows: primary resistance (n = 46), 19.6%; secondary resistance (n = 53), 49.1% (absolute resistance [n = 16], 56.3%); relative resistance (n = 17), 47.1%; and sensitive regrowth (n = 20), 45.0%. The median time to treatment failure in patients with primary resistance was 2.9 months, compared with 5.2 months in patients with secondary resistance (P = .0022). CONCLUSION: Docetaxel at a dose of 60 mg/m2 seemed to be effective in MBC with secondary resistance to anthracycline. The status of anthracycline resistance is important for the prediction of response to second-line treatment with docetaxel.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Immunohistochemical localization of phosphorylated glial fibrillary acidic protein in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus from patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Increasingly, abnormalities of glial cell function have been implicated in pathological studies of the major mental illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression). In a recent proteomic study, four isoforms of astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were decreased in one or more of these diseases. In the current study, we sought to determine the immunohistochemical localization of phosphorylated GFAP (pGFAP) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and to describe possible disease-related changes in the distribution of pGFAP containing astrocytes. In the prefrontal cortex, interlaminar astrocytes in layer I and stellate astrocytes in layers II and VI were labeled. Labeled cells were also present adjacent to blood vessels in the gyral white matter and in underlying white matter generally. In the hippocampus, labeled cells were present in the polymorphic layer of the dentate gyrus. In the prefrontal cortex, schizophrenia and major depression were characterized by decreased labeling of astrocytes adjacent to blood vessels. There were no significant differences between the diagnostic groups in the other prefrontal layers or in the hippocampus. These results suggest that reduced numbers or functional regulation of pGFAP containing astrocytes occurs in schizophrenia and major depression. The mechanism by which this deficit occurs is not known, but it may adversely effect the regulation of neuronal metabolism, communication, and response to injury.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Phosphodiesterase inhibitor-mediated potentiation of adenovirus delivery to myocardium.

Current gene therapy models are limited by inadequate vector delivery. Increases in microvascular permeability have been shown to improve adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to ex vivo and in vivo models. We explored the intracellular mechanism underlying the permeabilizing effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Using an ex vivo model of coronary perfusion in rabbits, we found a dose-response relationship between VEGF and the efficiency of adenoviral gene transfer. Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase prevented the VEGF effect, and analogues of nitric oxide and cGMP mimicked the effect. Co-administration of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and VEGF caused a synergistic increase in gene delivery. These results can be readily applied to existing models to further optimize vector delivery for gene therapy.

3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed2001

CD7+ near-tetraploid acute myeloblastic leukemia M2 with double t(8;21)(q22;q22) translocations and Aml1/ETO rearrangements detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis.

Near-tetraploidy is a rare cytogenetic abnormality observed in acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). It was recently suggested that near-tetraploid AML may be associated specifically with t(8;21)(q22;q22). We report here a new case of near-tetraploid AML with double t(8;21)(q22;q22) translocations. A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of high fever and pancytopenia. Her bone marrow was markedly hypercellular, with 72% giant and bizarre myeloblasts. These myeloblasts were positive for CD7, CD13, CD19, CD33, CD34, and HLA-DR but negative for CD2 and CD56. The patient's disease was diagnosed as the M2 subtype of AML (by French-American-British classification). Chromosome analysis revealed a karyotype of 45,X,-X, t(8;21) (q22;q22)[1]/90,XXX,-X,t(8;21)(q22;q22)x2,-9[7]/46,XX[12]. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with an AML1/ ETO probe detected 4 fusion signals on 2 der(8)t(8;21) and 2 der(21)t(8;21) in near-tetraploid cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the presence of the AML1/ETO fusion transcript. These findings suggested that near-tetraploidy may be a secondary genetic change originating from a diploid clone with t(8;21) and that 2 AML1/ETO fusion genes are generated on the der(8)t(8;21) in near-tetraploid clones. Consideration of the other reported cases suggests that the immunophenotypes of near-tetraploid AML with double t(8;21) are heterogenous, but it is possible that t(8;21)-AML with expression of CD2 or CD7 may be associated with a secondary clonal evolution to near-tetraploidy.

Antigens, CD7↗

PubMed2001

Primary involvement of the motor area in association with the nigrostriatal pathway in multiple system atrophy: neuropathological and morphometric evaluations.

To evaluate the changes that occur in the motor and supplementary motor cortices in cases of multiple system atrophy (MSA), we carried out morphological and morphometric studies in 7 cases of MSA and 11 age-matched controls. Neuropathological study revealed presence of glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) in the cortex and subcortical white matter of the motor and supplementary motor areas, loss of small to medium-sized pyramidal neurons, and astrocytosis in the motor cortex in all cases of MSA, showing a definite predilection in the cortical layers V and VI. The severity of neuronal loss in the motor cortex was highly correlated with the incidence of GCIs and the involvement of the nigrostriatal pathway. Morphometrically, significant reductions of both the thickness of motor cortical layers V and VI and the number of neurons were observed. In addition, a reduction in the number of neurons in the supplementary motor cortex was detected in three out of the seven MSA cases. The results of this study suggest that the motor area is a cardinal target in MSA, and that in association with the nigrostriatal pathway it forms a motor loop degeneration in this disease.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Pancreatic volume in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

We measured pancreatic volume (PV) using helical computed tomography (CT) in 26 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), 29 patients with type 2 DM, and 22 healthy individuals. We also evaluated the relationship between PV and the body surface area (BSA), established the pancreatic volume index (PVI) by dividing PV by BSA to correct PV for the body build, and examined its relationships with the duration of illness, serum C-peptide immunoreactivity level (CPR), and serum immunoreactive trypsin level (IRT). BSA and PV were correlated significantly (p<0.0001, r=0.645) in healthy individuals, and they were correlated also in the diabetic patients (p=0.0023, r=0.563 in type 1 DM; p=0.0346, r=0.392 in type 2 DM). PV was significantly smaller in the type 1 DM group than in the healthy group and type 2 DM group (p<0.001 for both). PVI was also significantly smaller in the type 1 DM group than in the healthy group and type 2 DM group (p<0.001 for both). PVI and IRT were significantly correlated in both DM groups (p<0.0001, r=0.732 in type 1 DM; p=0.0469, r=0.371 in type 2 DM). PVI was not correlated with the duration of illness or CPR. Helical CT was useful for the measurement of the pancreatic volume, and the pancreatic volume was reduced particularly in the patients with type 1 DM. A strong correlation was observed between PV and exocrine pancreatic function in type 1 DM, but the correlation between PV and exocrine pancreatic function was weak in type 2 DM.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Expression of very low density lipoprotein receptor mRNA in circulating human monocytes: its up-regulation by hypoxia.

Although very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor expression by macrophages has been shown in the vascular wall, it is not clear whether or not circulating monocytes express the VLDL receptor. We investigated the expression of VLDL receptor mRNA in human peripheral blood monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nucleotide sequencing after subcloning of PCR product. VLDL receptor mRNA was detected both in peripheral blood monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. Expression of VLDL receptor mRNA was upregulated by hypoxia in monocytes, whereas treatment with oxidized LDL, interleukin-1beta or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 did not affect the levels of VLDL receptor mRNA in monocytes and macrophages. The present study shows a novel response of VLDL receptor mRNA to hypoxia, suggesting a role for VLDL receptor in the metabolism of lipoproteins in the vascular wall and the development of atherosclerosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Heat shock protein (HSP) 47 and collagen are upregulated during neointimal formation in the balloon-injured rat carotid artery.

Heat shock protein (HSP) 47, a collagen-specific molecular chaperone, is thought to be essential for the proper processing and secretion of procollagen molecules. We investigated the time course and localization of HSP47 and collagen expression after balloon catheter angioplasty in the rat carotid artery, based on the premise that accumulation of extracellular matrix components is a main feature of intimal hyperplasia in humans and in laboratory animals. Low levels of HSP47 expression were evident in uninjured carotid arteries. Northern blot analysis revealed that HSP47 mRNA expression was markedly stimulated 1--3 days after the induced injury and a high level was maintained for 7 days, followed by a gradual decline for up to 21 days after the injury. These changes in HSP47 expression paralleled changes in alpha 1(I) collagen expression. Immunohistochemical staining revealed colocalization of HSP47 and collagen in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the media and intima. In situ hybridization analysis showed that activated SMCs, which proliferated and migrated into the intima, expressed high levels of HSP47. In cultured human aortic SMCs, similar upregulation of HSP47 and alpha1(I) collagen by TGF-beta was noted. These results show that SMCs activated after balloon injury express high levels of HSP47 and collagen during cell proliferation and migration, hence an overproduction of collagen and development of intimal thickening. Thus, HSP47 plays a role in the formation and progression of neointima after angioplasty.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Modulation of tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels by dihydropyrazole insecticide RH-3421 in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

The effects of the dihydropyrazole insecticide RH-3421 on the retrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) voltage-gated sodium channels in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were studied using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. RH-3421 at 10 nM to 1 microM completely blocked action potentials. The sodium currents were irreversibly suppressed by 1 microM RH-3421 in a time- and a dose-dependent manner and the IC50 value of RH-3421 was estimated to be 0.7 microM after 10 min of application. RH-3421 blocked the sodium currents to the same extent over the entire range of test potentials. The sodium conductance-voltage curve was not shifted along the voltage axis by 1 microM RH-3421 application In contrast, both fast and slow steady-state sodium channel inactivation curves were shifted in the hyperpolarizing direction in the presence of 1 microM RH-3421. It was concluded that RH-3421 bound to the resting and inactivated sodium channels to cause block with a higher affinity for the latter state.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2001

Deletion of 16q11 is a recurrent cytogenetic aberration in acute myeloblastic leukemia during disease progression.

Abnormalities of chromosome 16 other than inv(16)(p13q22), t(16;16)(p13;q22), and del(16)(q22) have not been fully characterized in acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We report here the first case of AML with del(16)(q11) as a sole abnormality. A 53-year-old woman was initially diagnosed as MDS, refractory anemia with excess of blasts in transformation with normal karyotype. After sixteen months, the disease progressed to overt AML-M1. Myeloblasts were positive for CD13, CD33, and CD34, but negative for HLA-DR. Chromosome analyses of the bone marrow cells showed 46,XX,del(16)(q11) in all metaphase spreads. Multicolor spectral karyotyping also confirmed that del(16)(q11) was not derived from a cryptic translocation, but a simple deletion. Our results, together with three previously reported cases, suggest that del(16)(q11) may be one of the recurrent aberrations in AML and that it could be associated with clonal evolution or disease progression.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Inhibition of nuclear export of ribonucleoprotein complexes of influenza virus by leptomycin B.

We have studied nuclear export of influenza virus components using an in vitro transport system with digitonin-treated infected cells. We first monitored the efficiency of export of the viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complex by analyzing viral components with western blotting. We used leptomycin B (LMB), an inhibitor of nuclear export signal (NES)-and its receptor, CRM1/Exportin1-mediated protein export. LMB efficiently inhibited vRNP export, while it did not affect the subcellular localization and export of matrix protein (M) 1 and nonstructural protein (NS) 2. Second, indirect immunofluorescence assays also revealed that vRNP export is sensitive to LMB. NS2 in NS2-transfected cells was not accumulated in nuclei in the presence of LMB, while NS2 in infected cells was found slightly accumulated in nuclei in the presence of LMB. Finally, we performed in vitro RNA synthesis assays using digitonin-treated infected cells and exported fractions. The exported vRNP was RNA synthesis-competent. Analyses using glycerol density gradients showed that a major fraction of M1 and NS2 was not complexed with the exported vRNP. These results suggest that nuclear export of RNA synthesis-competent vRNP is dependent on a LMB-sensitive pathway and that there would be two types of NS2, i.e. LMB-sensitive and -insensitive NS2. The involvement of viral late proteins in vRNP export during late stages of infection is discussed.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

PubMed2001

Phenotypic and functional analysis of T-cell recovery after anti-CD3 immunotoxin treatment for tolerance induction in rhesus macaques.

T-cell reduction utilizing specific antibody has been widely used in human transplantation, and is a cornerstone of several tolerance induction strategies in nonhuman primates. We have established a population of long-term tolerant rhesus macaques induced with an anti-CD3epsilon immunotoxin (IT). This treatment effects transient, specific and profound ablation of T cells in blood and lymphoid tissues. In most instances the IT was used in combination with the NF-kappaB inhibitor, 15-Deoxyspergualin. This 2-week long protocol produces a "window of opportunity" for tolerization in which the animal exhibits an enduring quiescent state of unresponsiveness to the allograft, all accomplished without maintenance immunosuppressive drugs. During this induction period, the treated immune system bears some resemblance to that of the neonate, in that T cell numbers are abnormally low and antigen presentation by dendritic cells is precluded by an arrest in their NF-kappaB dependant maturation. In addition, IL-4 production is prominent during and after the tolerance induction interval. For this study we focused on measuring the monkey's ability to repopulate T cells with particular emphasis on the memory T-cell phenotype. Three "memory" phenotypes were utilized; CD3(+)CD45RO(+), CD3(+)CRTH2(+), and CD3(+)CD4(+)CD8(+). All three phenotypes exhibited different patterns of recovery, all of which included transient bursts in their numbers during repopulation. We also estimated thymic activity after T-cell ablation with the use of a newly-described RTE or recent thymic émigré phenotype (a naïve CD8(+)CD103(+) T cell). This marker revealed production of RTE cells including supranormal levels at approximately 6 months post-transplant, implicating thymic function in the repopulation of T-cells. Finally, we measured antibody responses to a panel of antigens (vaccines, environmental antigen, and foreign proteins) that indicated there was no apparent loss of immunologic function during or after the tolerance induction period. Results of studies of T-cell receptor repertoire expression suggest preservation of the pretreatment repertoire, which is consistent with rapid recovery of immune competence to the test antigens. Taken together, these results suggest that while aggressive, this tolerance induction protocol does not appear to incur a prolonged immunologically-compromised state, if at all.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Oncostatin M suppresses generation of lymphoid progenitors in fetal liver by inhibiting the hepatic microenvironment.

OBJECTIVE: Interaction between hematopoietic cells and stromal cells is important for regulation of hematopoiesis. Numerous soluble and membrane-bound factors directly regulating hematopoiesis have been documented, but little is known about how stromal cell activity is controlled. We previously reported that fetal hepatic cells in primary culture create the hematopoietic microenvironment and support expansion of blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells. In this study, we focused on lymphopoiesis reconstituted in our culture system and analyzed how stroma-mediated lymphopoiesis is regulated during embryonic development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subconfluent cultures of murine fetal hepatic cells were cocultured with hematopoietic stem cells derived from fetal liver in the presence of various cytokines. After 10 days of incubation, hematopoietic cells floating over the stromal layer were analyzed by various assays, including cell proliferation and FACS analysis. RESULTS: We found that oncostatin M, an inducer of hepatic development, strongly inhibited generation of B220(+) lymphocytic cells and colony-forming unit-interleukin-7 (CFU-IL-7) from hematopoietic stem cells in our coculture system. In contrast, oncostatin M did not directly inhibit proliferation of B cells in response to IL-7 and SCF in semisolid cultures. Analysis of antigen expression in lymphoid cells revealed that oncostatin M apparently did not arrest cells at a particular stage of B-cell development. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that oncostatin M inhibits lymphopoiesis by suppressing stromal activity of fetal hepatic cells to stimulate generation of CFU-IL-7 from their progenitors rather than by acting directly on lymphocytic cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Spiral CT findings in septic pulmonary emboli.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of septic pulmonary emboli and their prevalence on spiral computed tomographic (CT) scans. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We evaluated 65 lesions on spiral CT scans in ten patients with septic pulmonary emboli. Spiral CT scans (10-mm collimation) were obtained at 10-mm intervals from the lung apex to the diaphragm and were compared with posteroanterior chest radiographs obtained within 24 h after CT scanning. RESULTS: Only 21 (32%) of the 65 lesions detected on CT scans were also detected on chest radiographs. Peripheral nodules (39 lesions (60%)) were seen in all ten patients, wedge-shaped peripheral lesions (15 lesions (23%)) in nine patients, and infiltrates (11 lesions (17%)) in four patients. Subpleural lesions (45 lesions (69%)) and feeding vessels (35 (54%)) were found in all patients, and cavitary lesions (seven lesions (11%)) were seen in four patients. Subpleural peripheral nodules and wedge-shaped peripheral lesions were seen in nine patients. Thirty-two lesions (49%) ranged in diameter from 10 to 19 mm, and 59 lesions (91%) were less than 30 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Spiral CT is useful in detecting septic pulmonary emboli. On spiral CT subpleural peripheral nodules and wedge-shaped peripheral lesions less than 30 mm in diameter are often found in patients with septic pulmonary emboli.

Adult↗