[Nitroglycerin stress echocardiography].
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K Ohmori.
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We have identified neutral proteolytic activities that convert big endothelin-1 (big ET-1) to ET-1 in guinea-pig lung membrane fraction. The active proteins have been solubilized and two distinct enzymes have been purified by combinations of sequential column chromatographies. One purified enzyme was a metalloenzyme based upon its sensitivity to chelating agent with a molecular mass of 108 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Another enzyme was also a metalloenzyme with a molecular mass of 162 kDa. Further investigations revealed that the 108 kDa enzyme was inhibited by phosphoramidon and also by thiorphan, and produced ET-1 with the Km value of 5.7 microM for big ET-1. The 162 kDa enzyme was also inhibited by phosphoramidon, but neither by thiorphan nor by captopril, and quantitatively produced ET-1 from big ET-1 with a Km value of 2.1 microM. These results indicate that the 108 kDa enzyme probably seems to be a neutral-endopeptidase (EC 3. 4. 24. 11.) or similar one, but the 162 kDa enzyme is a unique metalloprotease that converts big ET-1 to ET-1.
A 45-year-old man visited our hospital for further examinations because an abnormal echogram of the bladder had been noted at a medical checkup. Transrectal echography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a cystic mass in the bladder neck. Endoscopically it was situated in the anterior aspect of the vesical neck at about the position of 12 o'clock on the dial of a clock. Transurethral resection of the cyst wall was performed under the diagnosis of prostatic cyst. Histopathologically the cyst wall was lined by flattened epithelium and this case was supposed to be classified as retention cysts. This was thought to be the 23rd case of prostatic cysts in the Japanese literature. The characteristics, diagnostic problems and treatments of prostatic cysts are discussed.
Transcripts of alpha-(1,3)-fucosyltransferases in human epithelial cancer and leukemia cell lines were analyzed by Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase mediated-polymerase chain reaction using specific probes and primers which can discriminate between the transcripts derived from the four alpha-(1,3)-fucosyltransferase genes Fuc-TIII, IV, V, and VI. Flow cytometric analysis of the sialyl Le(x) and sialyl Le(a) antigens was also performed on the same cell lines. The sialyl Le(x) antigen was expressed on 14 of 15 epithelial cancer cell lines, and the sialyl Le(a) antigen was detected on 8 of them. The message of Fuc-TIII was detected in most of the epithelial cancer cell lines (14 of 15), which correlated with the surface expression of these carbohydrate determinants. In addition, the messages of Fuc-TIV and Fuc-TVI were detected in most epithelial cancer cell lines, while the message of Fuc-TV was undetectable in most of them. On the other hand, all leukemia cell lines were positively stained for sialyl Le(x), but none of them was stained for sialyl Le(a) in flow cytometry. The messages of Fuc-TIV++ were detected in all leukemia cell lines tested. Small quantities of Fuc-TIII, V, and/or VI messages were also detected in some leukemia cell lines in reverse transcriptase mediated-polymerase chain reaction analysis. These studies indicate that alpha-(1,3)-fucosyltransferase activities in epithelial cancer and leukemia cell lines are mixtures of multiple molecular species of alpha-(1,3)-fucosyltransferases. It is natural that epithelial cancer cells contain a significant amount of Fuc-TIII mRNA and leukemia cell lines contain Fuc-TIV mRNA, since their normal counterparts, normal epithelial cells and leukocytes, respectively, are known to contain these fucosyltransferases. The unexpectedly frequent occurrence of Fuc-TIV mRNA in epithelial cancer cell lines may be related to their retro-differentiation associated with tumorigenesis. Another unexpected finding was a weak but significant expression of the alpha-(1,3)-fucosyltransferases Fuc-TIII, V, and/or VI in leukemia cell lines detected by reverse transcriptase mediated-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Since these enzymes are known to be capable of synthesizing the sialyl Le(x) determinant, this finding implies a possibility that some of them may be involved in the synthesis of sialyl Le(x) in leukemia cells.
A subset of human helper memory T cells is known to adhere to E-selectin expressed on cytokine-activated endothelial cells. However, sialyl Lex antigen, the carbohydrate ligand for E-selectin, has been hardly detectable on these cells, at least when typical anti-sialyl Lex antibodies were used for detection. One of the MoAbs (2F3, IgM), which we raised against a chemically synthesized sialyl Lex glycolipid preparation, is found to react selectively to CD4+ CD45RObright+ CD45RA- helper memory T cells among peripheral lymphocytes in healthy individuals. The specificity of the antibody is in clear contrast to that of the hitherto reported typical anti-sialyl Lex antibodies FH-6 and SNH-3. These classical anti-sialyl Lex antibodies were known to react to a subset of natural killer (NK) cells, but were not reactive with any particular subset of resting peripheral T or B cells of healthy individuals if the cells were not activated. On the other hand, the newly generated 2F3 antibody specifically reacted to helper memory T cells, and did not react to NK cells, B cells, or any T cells other than helper memory T cells. When tested against the sialyl Lex-active glycolipid antigen, the reactivity of 2F3 was not significantly different from that of the classical anti-sialyl Lex antibodies. But when tested against oligosaccharides prepared from cellular glycoproteins, 2F3 detected a distinct set of O-linked oligosaccharides, which were not reactive to the classical anti-sialyl Lex antibodies. Our results suggest that various molecular species of sialyl Lex antigens are present on carbohydrate side chains of cellular glycoproteins, and that helper memory T cells express a distinct type of sialyl Lex antigen that is defined by 2F3 but is not efficiently detected by other typical anti-sialyl Lex antibodies. Among cultured lymphocytic leukemia cells, the adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cells preferentially expressed the 2F3-defined antigen, and acute lymphocytic leukemia cells rarely expressed the antigen. The cultured ATL cells expressing the 2F3-defined antigen showed a clear E-selectin-dependent adhesion to cytokin-activated endothelial cells, and the 2F3-defined sialyl Lex antigen served as a ligand for E-selectin as ascertained by the clear inhibition of adhesion with the 2F3 antibody.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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The carbohydrate antigen, sialyl Lex, is known to be a ligand for the cell adhesion molecule called ELAM-1 (E-selectin, endothelial cell leukocyte adhesion molecule-1), which is present on cytokine-activated human endothelial cells. Recently, we reported that another carbohydrate antigen, sialyl Lea, can also serve as a ligand for ELAM-1 (A. Takada, K. Ohmori, N. Takahashi, K. Tsuyuoka, K. Yago, K. Zenita, A. Hasegawa, and R. Kannagi, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 179: 713-719, 1991). Both sialyl Lex and sialyl Lea are expressed in many human malignant cells. In order to assess the contribution of these carbohydrate antigens to the adhesion of human malignant cells to vascular endothelium, we selected a panel of 12 cultured human epithelial cancer cell lines and a panel of 12 human leukemia cell lines which express sialyl Lex and/or sialyl Lea antigens. All 12 epithelial cancer cell lines exhibited a clearly ELAM-1-dependent adhesion to cytokine-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells, while only 3 of the 12 leukemia cell lines exhibited significant participation of ELAM-1 in the adhesion. With regard to epithelial cancer cells, the adhesion of 6 cancer cell lines, mostly of colon and pancreas origin, was dependent almost exclusively on sialyl Lea. A significant contribution of the sialyl Lex antigen was noted in the adhesion of the other 6 cell lines, including cancers of lung and liver origin. These results imply that the sialyl Lea/ELAM-1 adhesion system, as well as the sialyl Lex/ELAM-1 adhesion system, plays an important role in the adhesion of human cancer cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. With regard to leukemia cells, on the other hand, adhesion of the 3 leukemia cell lines that showed ELAM-1-dependent adhesion was mediated by the sialyl Lex antigen, and none of these leukemia cell lines expressed sialyl Lea or exhibited sialyl Lea-dependent adhesion.
Expression of two developmentally regulated carbohydrate antigens, the sialyl stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA-1) and I-antigens, in human lymphocytes and lymphocytic leukemia cells was investigated using specific monoclonal antibodies. Sialyl SSEA-1 was expressed only on natural killer (NK) cells, and was essentially absent on resting mature T and B cells among normal peripheral lymphocytes. On the other hand, the I-antigen was strongly expressed on virtually all mature B cells, moderately expressed on most mature T cells, but not expressed on NK cells in normal donors. Expression of the two antigens on normal T and B cells was reversible; in vitro stimulation of normal lymphocytes with concanavalin A (Con A) resulted in the loss of I-antigen and appearance of sialyl SSEA-1 on CD3+ T blasts, whereas stimulation with pokeweed mitogen led to loss of I-antigen expression and appearance of sialyl SSEA-1 antigen on CD19+ B blasts. Among lymphocytic leukemia cells, sialyl SSEA-1 was detected primarily on leukemia cells having immature properties such as most common acute lymphocytic leukemia (cALL) blasts, while the I-antigen was frequently expressed on malignant cells having relatively mature properties, such as those found in adult T-cell leukemia or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and only occasionally on cALL blasts. Among normal peripheral lymphocytes, the sialyl SSEA-1+I-antigen- NK cells selectively underwent E-selectin (ELAM-1, endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1)-dependent adhesion to endothelial cells, while the I-antigen+sialyl SSEA-1- mature T and B cells did not, in line with the recent finding that sialyl SSEA-1 serves as a specific ligand for E-selectin. Con A blasts, which are sialyl SSEA-1+I-antigen-, also exhibited significant E-selectin-dependent adhesion to endothelial cells. These results indicate that expression of the sialyl SSEA-1 and I-antigens varies alternately depending on the differentiation/activation status of the lymphocytes, and that this at least partly regulates the behavior of lymphocytes at the vessel wall.
Reports on the use of osteocutaneous free scapular flap transfers have focused primarily on mandible reconstruction. Yet the scapula is a nearly straight bone, and it is also useful in the reconstruction of long bones. We would like to report on 23 patients undergoing osteocutaneous free scapular flap transfers to the lower extremities in whom we obtained extremely satisfactory results. These 23 surgical patients included 10 with pseudoarthrosis with osteomyelitis, 3 with pseudoarthrosis due to trauma, and 5 with osteomyelitis of the lower extremities, as well as 5 with other miscellaneous problems. Surgery was successful in all patients. There was a recurrence of osteomyelitis in 2 patients. In 1 patient, the problem was minor and was treated on an outpatient basis. In the other patient, an infection arose in surgical dead space, and a second operation was required. The level of weight bearing achieved with the osteocutaneous free scapular flap is the same as obtained with a vascularized free fibular graft used for the treatment of pseudoarthrosis. We therefore believe that the osteocutaneous free scapular flap is extremely effective in the treatment of chronic and severe lower leg problems.
Short-tailed spermatozoa were found in 3 men attending our subfertility clinic. Light microscopy revealed basically normal sperm heads, but a short tail was found in 90% or more of the spermatozoa. Scanning and transmission electron-microscopic examinations of the ejaculate revealed several types of short-tailed spermatozoa. In one case, the majority of the spermatozoa had a short, thick tail. In another case, all the spermatozoa were short-tailed, although two different types could be distinguished. As in the first case some spermatozoa were short- and thick-tailed, whereas others possessed an incomplete neck and middle piece, and a short, thick principal piece. In the third case, an elongated middle piece and short principal piece were found in almost all the short-tailed spermatozoa. Our electron-microscopic study revealed that the type of short-tailed spermatozoa was different in each patient.
Although many reports concerning the effects of shock waves on the human body have been published, their effects on the male reproductive system are not well known. This report examines the effects of shock waves on human spermatozoa and rat testes. Semen samples were placed in water at 37 degrees C and 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 shock waves were applied. In proportion to an increasing number of shock waves, sperm motility and the percentage of viable sperm decreased, while the percentage of short-tailed sperm increased. In a second study 500 or 1,000 shock waves were applied to the testes of infant and adult male Wistar rats. Hematomas were observed macroscopically in the testes immediately after shock wave treatment. Light microscopy showed rupture of the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules and outflow of spermatogenic cells. After 5 weeks, the treated testes appeared atrophic, with the absence of spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules, except for Sertoli cells. Our data indicate that spermatozoa and the testis appear to be structurally damaged by shock waves.
We studied the modality of reconstruction in the depressive patients whose premorbid personality presents 'immodithymia'. The patients try to pursue the reconstruction limitlessly in obsessive ways. That is, there is no discharge from their reconstruction, and the limitless succession of reconstruction supports the patients' existence. The hindrance of working for limitless succession provides the soil from which depression arises. The limitless reconstruction reflects an aspect of the deterioration of the depressive existence that is the loss of temporality or the dehistoricalization. On the other hand, when we consider the basic structure of manic-depressive psychosis under the concept of the excessive identification of the inner attitude, we can position the deterioration of our patients' existence between that of melancholics and that of manics.
Radiographs were examined in 35 patients who had had posterior decompression without fusion of the lumbar spine. Spondylolysis was found in 10 patients. Segmental range of motion, degree of vertebral slippage and width of decompression were analyzed by radiography. There was greater vertebral slippage after surgery in patients with postoperative spondylolysis than in those without spondylolysis. We conclude that excessive bony decompression may cause postoperative spondylolysis.
We reviewed our experience in the application of a urethral spiral stent under metal bougie guidance for 10 patients from March 1992 to May 1992. Five cases had urinary retention that required indwelling catheters and 5 cases had an obstructive symptom. The patients ranged from 52 to 89 (mean 80.2) years old. Urethral stents were used since the patients were either unfit for or refused operations for benign prostatic hyperplasia, inoperable advanced prostatic cancer with urinary retention or neurogenic bladder. The urethral stent in these cases was a spiral coil type, made of gold-plated stainless steel. Under local anesthesia, it could be easily and safely inserted using a 9 Fr. metal bougie (Dittel type). The urethral stent was placed under fluoroscopic guidance. In all cases, the urethral stent was inserted and successfully moved into place. Eight patients could void by themselves immediately after insertion and their quality of life seemed to be significantly improved. We concluded that the insertion of a spiral coil intraurethral stent under a metal bougie guidance is a new, easy and non-invasive treatment for elderly patients with lower urinary tract obstruction.
We reported two patients showed similar clinical course after blood transfusion. Case 1 was 74-year-old female, received transfusion of 200 ml of whole blood from her son, because of hemorrhagic shock for fematemesis from gastric ulcer. After transfusion, she died of liver dysfunction and severe aplastic anemia. Case 2 was a 73-year-old male, received transfusion of three unites of concentrated red blood cells for anemia following the orthopaedic treatment. High fever and erythema was appeared suddenly after transfusion. He died of liver dysfunction and the autopsy was performed. In case 1 the diagnosis was transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and in case 2 drug-induced-aplastic anemia (DIAA) was suspected. Differentiating the diagnosis between GVHD and DIAA is clinically difficult.
In order to investigate the reactivity of uracilyl-5-yl radical in fixed DNA structure, photoreaction of 5-halouracil-containing oligonucleotides was investigated. It was found that photoirradiation of BrU-containing duplex DNA provided C1' oxidation product selectively at adenine residue of ABrU sequence. In contrast, photoirradiation of IU-containing DNA gave C1' and C2' oxidation products with almost no sequence preference. Sequence specific electron transfer in duplex DNA is proposed in the photoreaction of ABrU.
Flow cytometric analysis of blood cells is an important technique for the evaluation of the immunological functions of patients with various disorders, and also for the differential diagnosis of leukemias. In the lymphocyte subset analysis, special attention should be paid to the optimal gating of lymphocytes. We recommend the use of CD13 and CD33 to ascertain more accurate gating of lymphocytes and more efficient monitoring of the contamination of non-lymphoid cells, especially in patients with PNH, in addition to CD45 and CD14, which are already utilized routinely. We also feel that 2-color and 3-color analyses should be applied more frequently for the routine laboratory tests for lymphocyte subsets. With regard to the analysis of leukemia cells, the combined use of nuclear DNA content or TdT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase) with other routine cellular markers is quite useful for the analysis of a small number of leukemia cells, and enables the differentiation of leukemia cells from the contaminating non-malignant cells, particularly in the analysis of the minimal residual diseases. Among the cellular markers defined by specific monoclonal antibodies, we stress the physiological significance of recently developed cell adhesion molecules, such as selectins and their carbohydrate ligands, which are closely involved in the recruitment of leukocytes in inflammatory responses, as well as in the infiltration processes of leukemia cells.
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