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Biomedical subjects

K Sakai

Publications and source records attributed to K Sakai.

At least 937 records · Page 52Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

[Nemaline myopathy of severe infantile type: a case report of a 9-year-old girl].

A girl with severe infantile type of nemaline myopathy was reported, who is still alive at the age of 9 years and 3 months. Myopathy was so severe that antigravity movement has been seen only at fingers and toes since early infancy. Skeletal muscles of extremities and lumbogluteal regions were found to be replaced by fat on CT examination. Her daily activity has been improved by speech therapy and introduction of an electric wheel chair controlled with her chin. Cor pulmonale has gradually progressed by 8 years of age, although myopathic symptoms were apparently nonprogressive. Most patients of nemaline myopathy of this type were reported to have died of respiratory insufficiency by two years of age. Our present case was probably the oldest recorded in the literature, surviving up to the age of 9 years.

Child↗
PubMed1990

Abnormal chromosome 9 in a neonate program. Report of three cases.

We describe three cases with abnormal chromosome 9. Patient 1 shows translocation in a homologous chromosome, with a karyotype of 46,XX,t(9;9)(9pter----cen----9pter; 9qter----cen::9q13----9qter), 1qh+. This case has a variety of anomalies, including brain anomalies. Patient 2 shows a partial trisomy 9p with a karyotype of 47,XY,+del(9)(pter----q11:). The patient has the typical clinical features of 9p trisomy syndrome. Patient 3 is unique because of partial 9p tetrasomy mosaicism without phenotypic abnormalities; the karyotype is mos 46,XY/47,XY,+dic(9)(pter----cen----q21::q21----cen----pter).

Chromosome Aberrations↗
PubMed1990

[Blood glutathione in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome of childhood].

We studied blood glutathione in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Plasma glutathione concentrations were significantly (p less than 0.02) lower in INS patients at relapses (0.37 +/- 0.29 microgram/ml, n = 21) than those in controls (0.62 +/- 0.36 microgram/ml, n = 22). As compared with patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (316.4 +/- 128.3, n = 8), the INS patients had lower blood glutathione concentrations (208.3 +/- 46.1 micrograms/ml, n = 6), although the difference was not statistically significant (p less than 0.10). The glutathione, mixed in the solutions containing plasma proteins or bovine serum albumin, showed sequential reductions of the concentration with time. There was no significant difference between the blood glutathione concentrations in the rats given glutathione containing water for 7 days and in those given distilled water. An inverse correlation was noted between blood glutathione and plasma cholesterol levels in the rats. From these results it may be concluded that INS patients have a decreased blood glutathione level, although the cause is unknown.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Clinical evaluation of Fuji computed radiography (FCR) by physicians including non-radiologists].

In Niigata university hospital, most of conventional radiography were changed to FCR from July 1988. To evaluate its clinical utility, questionnaires relating to FCR image were distributed to all physicians including non-radiologists in the hospital after three months. The ratio of the physicians evaluated FCR image to be better than conventional image was 75% in chest radiography, 64% in abdominal radiography. FCR tomography of bone, joint, cranium and chest was also evaluated to be better than conventional by most of the physicians. Reduced size of the film and difficulty in detecting interstitial shadows of the lung were mentioned to be the fault of FCR.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1990

[Improvement in the mechanical properties of artificial blood vessel suitable for the extracranial cerebral artery].

Saphenous vein interposition grafts have been commonly used for the reconstruction of occlusive lesions in the extracranial cerebral vessels, such as carotid or vertebral arteries. In contrast, cerebral revascularization using an artificial blood vessel has not been so common. This is due to the fact that conventional artificial blood vessels have been too firm or too rigid for use in the neurosurgery. Another reason is that the long term patency rate of small caliber artificial blood vessels has usually been inferior to that found in autologous vein grafts. The purpose of this study was to develop a soft and compliant artificial blood vessel suitable for cerebrovascular surgery. This new artificial blood vessel is made of polyurethane, porous in structure (porous polyurethane). Thus, multiple small-sized pores exist both in the inner and outer surfaces, and in the wall of the porous polyurethane graft. To test its mechanical properties, we evaluated stress-strain curves and compliance. In comparison to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft (Goretex), which has been one of the most commonly used artificial blood vessels in the cardiovascular surgery, the mechanical properties of the porous polyurethane graft more closely resembled those of the common carotid artery in dogs. Thus, porous polyurethane graft was shown to be a soft and compliant new artificial blood vessel. This means not only that it can be maneuvered with technical ease for anastomosis but also that there is a reduction of compliance-mismatch between the host vessel and the artificial vessel. Compliance mismatch has been documented as a major factor in the inducement of intimal hyperplasia, which causes a delayed occlusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Phospholipids differently modulate the activity of cytosolic protein-tyrosine kinase from porcine spleen.

Effect of membrane phospholipids on the activity of cytosolic protein-tyrosine kinase from porcine spleen (CPTK-40) has been studied. Using poly(Glu Na, Tyr)4:1 as a substrate, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine had stimulatory effects on that phosphorylation activity, however phosphatidic acid had inhibitory and phosphatidylinositol had no effects. Similar results were obtained using[Val5]angiotensin II as a substrate. On the other hand using basic protein (H2B histone and myelin basic protein) as substrates, phosphatidic acid stimulated the activity of CPTK-40, while phosphatidylinositol inhibited the activity. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine caused different effect on the activity of CPTK-40 depending on the substrate employed. However using acidic protein (tubulin and casein) as substrates, the activity of CPTK-40 was neither stimulated nor inhibited by any phospholipids. These results suggest that phospholipids may modulate the activity of CPTK-40.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Cells of origin of histaminergic afferents to the cat median eminence.

The exact origin of histaminergic neuronal perikarya sending axons to the median eminence and posterior pituitary was investigated in the cat by using two colour double-immunostaining methods: unconjugated wheat germ agglutinin or cholera toxin as retrograde tracers combined with histamine (HA) immunohistochemistry. HA immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of HA-immunoreactive terminal-like fibers both in the external layer of the median eminence and neural lobe of the pituitary. The double-labeling studies further demonstrated the histaminergic innervation of the median eminence and neural lobe by a few HA-immunoreactive neuronal perikarya located in the posterior hypothalamus.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Calcium-induced localization of calcium-activated neutral proteinase on plasma membranes.

The location of calcium-activated neutral proteinase (CANP) was determined in human erythrocytes by crosslinking CANP to co-localizing proteins using a photolabeling bifunctional reagent, 4,4'-dithiobisphenylazide (DTBPA). The crosslinked products were selectively isolated by immunoprecipitation with a polyclonal anti-CANP antibody and analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after cleavage of the crosslinkage. In the calcium-free incubation medium the main proteins crosslinked with CANP were cytosolic proteins such as hemoglobin. In the presence of calcium ions, on the other hand, membrane skeletal proteins such as spectrin, band 4.1, 4.2 and 6 proteins as well as band 3 were crosslinked with CANP. Addition of calcium ionophore further increased the amount of crosslinked membrane proteins. These results suggest that in the absence of calcium ions CANP exists diffusely in the cytoplasm and is crosslinked with cytoplasmic hemoglobin nonspecifically while in the presence of calcium ions CANP associated with membrane where it is crosslinked specifically with the lining proteins. Thus it is demonstrated biochemically that the localization of CANP is dynamic depending on the presence of calcium ions.

Calcimycin↗
PubMed1989

In vivo experiments for the evaluation of alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonistic effects of SGB-1534 on canine urethra.

The alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking effects of SGB-1534 on the urethral smooth muscle were compared in in vivo lower urinary tract preparations of anesthetized dogs, with the effects of other alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists, prazosin and bunazosin. Hypogastric nerve stimulation and selective administration of phenylephrine to the urethra and bladder through the cannulated right external iliac artery (i.a.) elicited reproducible frequency- and dose-dependent increases in intra-urethral pressure. Intra-bladder pressure was increased by the nerve stimulation but not by i.a. phenylephrine. SGB-1534, prazosin or bunazosin (0.1-10 micrograms/kg i.v.) dose dependently suppressed the urethral contraction evoked by the nerve stimulation and i.a. phenylephrine but did not influence the bladder contraction elicited by nerve stimulation. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking potency of SGB-1534 was approximately 2.3 and 8.1 times greater than that of prazosin and bunazosin, respectively. The results indicate that alpha 1-adrenoceptors may mediate mainly the urethral contraction induced by hypogastric nerve stimulation and i.a. phenylephrine, and that SGB-1534 was more potent alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking activity than prazosin and bunazosin in the canine urethra.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed1989

Lymphocytes generated by in vivo priming and in vitro sensitization demonstrate therapeutic efficacy against a murine tumor that lacks apparent immunogenicity.

The adoptive transfer of sensitized lymphocytes is an effective means to mediate the regression of established tumors. However, successful therapy can only be demonstrated in animal models where tumors are intrinsically immunogenic, capable of eliciting systemic immunity. To explore the potential of this therapeutic approach to tumors of less immunogenicity, we have selected and used a murine tumor, MCA 102, for the current study because all attempts to immunize syngeneic mice failed. We report here that inoculation of mice with a mixture of tumor cells and a bacterial adjuvant, Corynebacterium parvum led to the production of sensitized, but not fully functional, lymphocytes in the draining lymph nodes (LN). These cells, termed pre-effector cells, could nevertheless further differentiate to acquire full immunologic function by an established in vitro sensitization culture method. In adoptive immunotherapy experiments, transfer of as few as 1.5 X 10(7) in vitro sensitized cells not only reduced established pulmonary MCA 102 metastases but also prolonged survival and cured tumors in a majority of the treated animals. In order to elicit pre-effector cells in vivo, inoculation with both tumor cells and C. parvum was essential. Although a broad range of numbers of MCA 102 tumor cells appeared to be effective, generation of pre-effector cells was dependent on the dose of C. parvum. We have found that a C. parvum dose of 25 micrograms was optimal, whereas higher doses of the adjuvant had suppressive effects. Analysis of the kinetics of their appearance revealed that the generation of pre-effector cells was transient. They were detectable 7 days after in vivo priming followed by a rapid decline. Furthermore, pre-effector cells were detected only in the regional draining LN. No reactivity was demonstrable in the spleen, mesenteric LN, PBL, or bone marrow. Taken together, these results expand the scope of immunotherapy by demonstrating the feasibility of manipulating a limited and obscure immune response to the MCA 102 tumor for therapeutic efficacy.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Interleukin 7 production and function in stromal cell-dependent B cell development.

The role of IL-7 in the stromal cell-dependent B cell development was investigated using two stromal cell clones, ST2 and PA6; the former supports B lymphopoiesis while the latter can not. We demonstrate here that: (a) the ability of the stromal cell clone to produce IL-7 correlates well with the stromal cell activity to support B lymphopoiesis; (b) IL-7 production by ST2 is inducible rather than constitutive; (c) the IL-7-dependent B cell itself is a potent inducer of IL-7 production by ST2; (d) addition of rIL-7 to the PA6 layer renders this in vitro environment B lymphopoietic; and (e) the differentiation from early B progenitor to pre-B cell requires both IL-7 and other stromal cell molecule(s) yet to be identified.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Reference line for delineation of the intraparotid facial nerve on MRI].

Exact identification of intraparotid facial nerve is important in surgical management of parotid tumors. To delineate the intraparotid facial nerve on MRI, we proposed a new reference line, which was drawn between the inferior margin of the bone marrow of the atlas and superior margin of the bone marrow of the mandible on midsagittal section. This reference line crossed with orbito-meatal line at the mean angle of 37 +/- 3 degrees. By scanning parallel to this line, intraparotid facial nerve was clearly identified in 19 (79%) of 24 normal parotid glands.

Facial Nerve↗
PubMed1989

Nicorandil: animal pharmacology.

Nicorandil, a nicotinamide derivative, is a recently developed, orally active antianginal drug with a cardioprotective activity, and its pharmacologic properties differ from those of conventional antianginal drugs. Nicorandil has the capacity to increase myocardial oxygen supply without increasing oxygen demand by reduction in preload and afterload. In isolated blood-perfused canine heart preparations, when injected into the sinus node, the atrioventricular node or the anterior septal arteries, nicorandil at dose levels doubling blood flow through the respective arteries has virtually no effect on sinus rate, atrioventricular conduction time or contractile force of ventricular muscle. This may indicate that nicorandil possesses a selective effect on the coronary vasculature rather than on the myocardium. Furthermore, the vasospasmolytic activity of nicorandil has been evidenced in in vivo and in vitro experiments. The precise mechanism by which nicorandil develops coronary vasodilating and vasospasmolytic effects remains to be elucidated, but it may be partly inferred by an increase in the potassium conductance in the membrane, a relation with cyclic guanosine monophosphate formation, or inhibition of intracellular calcium ion mobilization in the cell of coronary vascular smooth muscle. Nicorandil possesses a nitrate moiety in its chemical structure. However, it is noted that nicorandil unlike nitrates does not develop tolerance or cross tolerance to other conventional nitrates in terms of blood-pressure lowering effects and coronary vasodilating effects. Thus, nicorandil is likely to have highly beneficial properties in the treatment of angina pectoris.

Angina Pectoris↗
PubMed1989

Monoaminergic, peptidergic, and cholinergic afferents to the cat facial nucleus as evidenced by a double immunostaining method with unconjugated cholera toxin as a retrograde tracer.

Using a sensitive double immunostaining technique with unconjugated cholera-toxin B subunit as a retrograde tracer, the authors determined the nuclei of origin of monoaminergic, peptidergic, and cholinergic afferent projections to the cat facial nucleus (FN). The FN as a whole receives substantial afferent projections, with relative subnuclear differences, from the following areas: 1) the perioculomotor areas, the contralateral paralemniscal region, and the mesencephalic reticular formation dorsal to the red nucleus; 2) the ipsilateral parabrachial region and the nucleus reticularis pontis, pars ventralis; and 3) the nuclei reticularis parvicellularis, magnocellularis, ventralis, and dorsalis of the medulla. In addition, the present study demonstrated that the lateral portion of the FN receives specific projections from the contralateral medial and olivary pretectal nuclei and the ipsilateral reticular formation of the pons. It was also found that the FN receives: 1) serotoninergic inputs mainly from the nuclei raphe obscurus, pallidus, magnus, and the caudal ventrolateral bulbar reticular formation; 2) catecholaminergic afferent projections from the A7 noradrenaline cell group located in the Kölliker-Fuse, parabrachialis lateralis, and locus subcoeruleus nuclei; 3) methionin-enkephalin-like inputs originating in the pretectal complex, the nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis and the caudal raphe nuclei; 4) substance P-like afferent projections mainly from the Edinger-Westphal complex and the caudal raphe nuclei; and 5) cholinergic afferents from an area located ventral to the nucleus of the solitary tract at the level of the obex. In the light of these anatomical data, the present report discusses the physiological significance of FN inputs relevant to tonic and phasic events occurring at the level of the facial musculature during the period of paradoxical sleep in the cat.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Continuous measurement of shear-induced platelet aggregation.

A mechanical device for continuous recording of shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) has been developed using a turbidometric technique. The device consists of three components: light source, a thermostated cone-plate streaming chamber and optical detection unit. There was a good correlation between platelet count and transmitted light intensity under the conditions in which no activation of platelets occurred. When platelets were exposed to shear stress at 37 degrees C, transmitted light intensity increased with time. Scanning electronmicroscopic examinations revealed that more prominent platelet aggregation was demonstrated when light intensity increased. Reproducible recording of SIPA was obtained when experiments were repeated using the same sample. No change in light intensity was observed when formalin-fixed platelets were sheared. Both PGE1, and anti-GPIIb/IIIa mouse monoclonal antibody, AP2, showed complete inhibition of SIPA. It is indicated that our device for continuous measurement of SIPA is an important new tool to study one aspect of platelet functions.

Formaldehyde↗
PubMed1989

Delta-sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) stimulates the release of immunoreactive Met-enkephalin from rat lower brainstem slices in vitro.

We studied whether delta-sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) acted on opioid receptor directly or indirectly. DSIP did not have binding activity to any subtype of opioid receptors. DSIP at doses of 1 pM-1 nM significantly stimulated the release of immunoreactive Met-enkephalin (iME) from superfused slices of the rat lower brainstem. The DSIP-induced release of iME was calcium-dependent. These results show that DSIP acts on opioid receptor indirectly by stimulating the release of iME in producing antinociceptive effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Effect of poly-basic amino acids on the phosphorylation of various substrate proteins by cytosolic protein-tyrosine kinase from porcine spleen.

Cytosolic protein-tyrosine kinase from porcine spleen (CPTK-40) is strongly activated by poly-L-lysine using bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, phosphorylase b, calmodulin and H1 histone as substrate proteins. However, this polyamine inhibited the enzyme activities when myelin basic protein, tubulin and H2B histone were used as substrate proteins. These stimulatory and inhibitory effects on CPTK-40 are not specific for polylysine, but polyarginine and polyornithine have similar effects on this phosphorylation reaction. Effect of poly-basic amino acids on CPTK-40 seems to be mainly on the substrate proteins, rather than on the enzyme itself.

Animals↗