Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Sakamoto

Publications and source records attributed to K Sakamoto.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Effects of pudendal nerve injury in the female rat.

To test a neurogenic hypothesis for external urethral sphincter (EUS) dysfunction associated with urinary incontinence, the proximal pudendal nerve was crushed in anesthetized retired breeder female rats (n = 5) and compared with a sham lesion group (n = 4). Outcome measures included concentric needle electromyograms (EMGs) from the target EUS, voiding patterns during a 2-hour dark period, and micturition data over a 24-hour period. Fast Blue (FB) was introduced to the crush site at the time of injury and Diamidino Yellow (DY) to the EUS at the time the rats were killed (3 months post-operative), when histological analysis of the nerve and urethra was also performed. EMG records indicated the EUS motor units undergo typical denervation changes followed by regeneration and recovery. Voiding patterns from the crush group show a significant increase of small urine marks in the front third of the cage. At 1-2 weeks post-op, the frequency of voids was significantly increased in the crush group compared to pre-op and late post-op time periods. The mean volume voided in the light phase at the early post-op time was significantly increased in the sham group. Light and electron microscopic patterns seen in nerve and muscle suggest the regenerating motor units maintain a structural integrity. Motoneurons in the lower lumbar cord were labeled with either DY (14. 5 +/- 6.8), FB (31.7 +/- 23.7), or both (35.0 +/- 17.5) tracers, indicating approximately 54% of the crushed pudendal neurons regenerated to the EUS. In conclusion, several measures suggest this reversible crush lesion induces mild urinary incontinence. This animal model is promising for further development of hypotheses regarding neural injury, the pathogenesis of incontinence, and strategies aimed at prevention and treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 19:53-69, 2000.

Animals↗

Neuroregeneration and voiding behavior patterns after pudendal nerve crush in female rats.

Since the pudendal nerve innervates the external urethral sphincter, pudendal nerve injury and resultant neuroregeneration should affect voiding behavior. In this study, neuroregenerative activity of pudendal nerve was correlated to the changes in urinary behavior in female rats. Eighteen female rats underwent bilateral pudendal nerve crush, and 17 to 21 age-matched rats were used as unoperated controls. Urinary volume and frequency were recorded 6 and 13 days post-operatively (dpo). Initiation of pudendal nerve regeneration was indicated by an upregulation of beta(II) tubulin mRNA in the dorsolateral motoneurons (DLM), as measured at 7 and 14 dpo by in situ hybridization with radio-labeled beta(II) tubulin cDNA. At 6 dpo, mean volume voided by the crush group was significantly decreased compared to the control group during the light cycle (P < 0.05). At 7 dpo, the DLM mRNA level was significantly increased in the nerve crush group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). At 13 dpo, there were no differences in volume or frequency between the two groups, suggesting a return to normal voiding behavior. At 14 dpo, there was no significant difference in DLM mRNA levels between crush and control groups. Initiation of nerve regeneration occurs before normalization of voiding behavior after pudendal nerve crush. This data suggest that treatments to accelerate nerve regeneration would improve functional recovery of neurologically based incontinence.

Animals↗

Low-dose dobutamine radionuclide ventriculography for prediction of myocardial viability: quantitative analysis of regional left ventricular function.

BACKGROUND: It is important to distinguish viable myocardium from necrotic tissue in order to decide upon therapy in patients with ischemic heart disease. HYPOTHESIS: We verified the hypothesis that quantitative analysis of regional left ventricular function using low-dose dobutamine radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) can sensitively predict myocardial viability and compared its usefulness with thallium-201 (201Tl) single-photon emission computed tomography (201Tl-SPECT). METHODS: Radionuclide ventriculography at rest and during low-dose dobutamine infusion (5 micrograms/kg/min), 201Tl-SPECT, and coronary angiography were performed in 51 subjects with severe ischemia-related stenosis of coronary arteries and 3 subjects without coronary artery disease. 201Tl uptake was assessed as normal (control), low perfusion (LP), or defect. We compared the response of regional function to dobutamine with the regional 201Tl uptake. The accuracy of both methods for identifying viable myocardium was investigated in 17 patients who underwent successful coronary revascularization, with a resulting improvement in wall motion. RESULTS: The increase in regional ejection fraction (delta r-EF) in response to dobutamine was significantly greater in the control (12 +/- 6%) and LP (16 +/- 11%) regions than in the defect (5 +/- 10%) regions. The increase in one-third regional ejection fraction (delta r-1/3EF) was also significantly higher in the control (14 +/- 7%) and LP (10 +/- 8%) regions than in the defect regions (5 +/- 6%). We defined myocardial viability as a delta r-EF > 5% or a delta r-1/3EF > 2%. The sensitivity and specificity of the delta r-EF for identification of myocardial viability were 91.4 and 55.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the delta r-1/3EF were 91.4 and 66.6%, respectively; the corresponding values for 201Tl SPECT were 74.2 and 77.8%. CONCLUSION: Low-dose dobutamine RNV with quantitative analysis of regional left ventricular function was more sensitive for identification of viable myocardium than 201Tl-SPECT.

Aged↗

Quantitative study of changes in intestinal morphology and mucus gel on total parenteral nutrition in rats.

Quantification of changes in gastrointestinal morphology and mucus gel has been difficult to study. In the present study, we investigated changes in rat intestine under total parenteral nutrition (TPN) using fluoresceinated lectin staining and image analysis. Wistar rats (n = 34) were divided into two groups: one group received TPN for 2 weeks, and a control group received standard rat chow and water ad libitum for the same period. A 1-cm segment of distal ileum was removed and cut into cross sections. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and to stain the mucus, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB), and fluoresceinated lectin, that is, FITC-labeled Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (FITC-UEA-I), were used. Light microscope images were stored in a personal computer and analyzed using image analysis. We measured perimeter length, mucosal thickness, villus area, villus surface area index, mucus stain-positive area, mucosal area ratio, and mucosal surface area ratio. Perimeter length, mucosal thickness, villus area, and villus surface area index in the TPN group were significantly less than those in the control group (P < 0.001 for each parameter). In all mucus stainings, the stain-positive area in the TPN group was significantly less than that in the control group. However, there were no significant differences in mucosal area or mucosal surface area ratios between the two groups. The FITC-UEA-I-positive area was significantly greater than the PAS- or and AB-positive area. There were significant positive correlations between the FITC-UEA-I-positive area and both the PAS-positive and AB-positive areas. TPN for 2 weeks promoted intestinal atrophy and decreased absolute quantity of mucus gel. We successfully introduced the FITC-UEA-I staining method to evaluate changes in mucus gel.

Alcian Blue↗

Extended operation for non-small-cell lung cancer invading into the liver.

Direct invasion of a lung cancer into the liver is rare. Here we report a case with a non-small-cell lung cancer invading through the diaphragm into the liver. A 77-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of right chest pain. Chest X-ray showed a 10-cm shadow in the right lower lung field. Chest CT demonstrated a large heterogeneous tumor located in the right lower lobe of the lung. Chest MRI revealed the tumor directly invading through the diaphragm into the liver. Bronchoscopic biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Surgical resection was performed to prevent intrapulmonary rupture of the necrotic contents. A right lower lobectomy was performed with partial resection of the diaphragm, liver and chest wall. Marlex mesh was used to reconstruct the diaphragm and chest wall. The patient was discharged on the 23rd postoperative day without complications, but died 4 months later from bilateral pulmonary metastases. Invasion to the diaphragm and liver may increase the risk for hematological spread. Although there are limited reports on treatment options, combined resection of the liver should be considered in the case of non-small-cell lung cancer invading the liver, particularly in c-N0M0 case.

Aged↗

The adaptive response of transforming growth factor-beta 2 and -beta RII in the overloaded, regenerating and denervated muscles of rats.

Using a muscle cell line and satellite cell cultures, it has been shown that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has a powerful inhibitory effect on myoblast replication and differentiation. However, little work has been done on the possible role of TGF-beta in adult muscle in vivo. Using Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses, we investigated normal distribution of TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta RII proteins between slow and fast-type muscles, and the adaptive response of these proteins in the mechanically overloaded muscles, in the regenerating muscles following bupivacaine injection and in the denervated muscle after section of sciatic nerve. Slight TGF-beta 2 immunoreactivity was detected both in slow- and fast-type muscles of mature rat. The amount of TGF-beta RII protein was markedly greater in fast-type muscles. In the overloaded muscle, immunohistochemical analysis showed a marked increase in TGF-beta 2 immunoreactivity in the mononuclear cells (probably endothelial and perithelial or smooth muscle cells of endomysial capillaries) of the extracellular space at 3 and 6 days post surgery. Rapid increase of TGF-beta 2 protein and concomitant decrease of the receptor (TGF-beta RII) were observed in the mechanically overloaded and regenerating muscles. On the other hand, denervation of slow- and fast-type muscles showed a rapid increase in TGF-beta 2 protein, but did not elicit a concomitant decrease of TGF-beta RII. These results indicate that TGF-beta RII is preferentially distributed in fast-type muscles. Furthermore, TGF-beta 2 may play an important role in muscle hypertrophy and regeneration by the usage of TGF-beta RII.

Animals↗

Prognostic value of Doppler transmittal flow patterns and cardiac natriuretic peptides in patients with chronic congestive heart failure admitted for episodes of acute decompensation.

This study was designed to determine whether the restrictive filling transmitral flow velocity pattern is associated with increased plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). It was also designed to evaluate the prognostic value of these parameters from patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) admitted for episodes of acute decompensation. We performed Doppler echocardiography, measured plasma levels of ANP and BNP in 33 patients at the time of admission, and assessed the subsequent cardiac mortality for 3 months. Eleven patients (33%) had a restrictive filling pattern of deceleration time (DcT) < 120ms. Plasma ANP and BNP levels were markedly increased in all patients to 189 +/- 145 pg/ml and 865 +/- 559 pg/ml, respectively. Seventeen patients (52%) showed more than 700 pg/ml of plasma levels of BNP. There was a significant correlation of DcT with the plasma ANP level (r = -0.41, P = 0.017), and a better correlation of DcT with the plasma BNP level (r =-0.50, P = 0.003). The combined index of both shorter DcT (< 120 ms) and higher plasma BNP levels (>700 pg/ml) was the best predictor of cardiac mortality by Cox univariate analysis (chi2 = 5.87, P = 0.015). Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity of this index for the detection of cardiac mortality were 80% and 86%, respectively. In conclusion, the combined analysis of the Doppler transmitral flow velocity pattern and measurement of the plasma BNP level is noteworthy since it is noninvasive and convenient. Moreover, it is extremely useful in predicting the prognosis for patients with chronic CHF admitted for episodes of acute decompensation.

Acute Disease↗

Possible metabolic interaction between hexane and other solvents co-exposed at sub-occupational exposure limit levels.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether metabolic interactions exist between hexane (HEX) and other solvents when co-exposed at the levels below occupational exposure limits. METHODS: Workers, 219 men in ten workshops in total, volunteered to participate in the study. They were occupationally exposed to mixtures of HEX and one or more of toluene (TOL), ethyl acetate (EA) and acetone (ACE). Time-weighted average intensity of vapor exposures was monitored by diffusive personal sampling. 'Free'- and 'total'-2,5-hexanedione (HD) levels in the end-of-shift urine samples were determined by gas chromatography (GC) before and after acid hydrolysis of urine, respectively, and expressed as observed (HDob) or after correction for creatinine concentration (HDcr) or urine specific gravity (HDsg). Possible interaction was examined by multiple regression analysis (MRA), taking either free- or total-HD as a dependent variable, and the four solvent concentrations as independent variables. RESULTS: In most cases, exposure intensity did not exceed the current occupational exposure limits even when additiveness was assumed. In addition that HEX was the most influential independent variable in all cases as expected, the MRA showed that, in cases of free-HD, ACE was also influential to HDob although weakly, but not to HDcr or HDsg. With regard to total-HD, ACE was weakly influential to HDob and HDsg, and EA also weakly to HDcr. The effect of ACE on free- or total-HD was not detected, however, when 22 men exposed only to HEX and ACE were subjected to the same analysis. Similarly, the effect of EA on total-HD was not observed among the remaining 197 men exposed to HEX, TOL and EA only. CONCLUSIONS: When the exposures were below occupational exposure limits, the free-HD levels in urine after HEX exposure will not be modified by co-exposures to TOL, EA or ACE.

Acetates↗

Metastatic gastrinoma to the liver 20 years after primary resection.

Gastrinoma is a rare endocrine tumor that is frequently associated with liver metastasis. The liver metastasis is usually seen simultaneously or soon after a primary operation. A 47-year-old woman who had had a total gastrectomy 20 years earlier developed liver metastasis. An interval of this length between surgery and metastasis is extremely rare. The total gastrectomy prevented the patient from developing the usual symptoms of hypergastrinemia that would have enabled early diagnosis of the metastasis. Laboratory examinations on admission revealed a high serum gastrin concentration (1500 pg/ml). Computed tomography showed an irregularly enhanced mass lesion with an uneven, low-density central area in the right anterior inferior segment of the liver. An extended right hepatectomy was performed. Intraoperative ultrasonography showed no abnormalities in the remnant pancreas. Examination of the cut surface of the specimen revealed a yellow, firm, elastic tumor, 55 mm in diameter. The interior of the tumor appeared necrotic. Histopathologically, the tumor was composed of cells with hyperchromatic, dysplastic nuclei arranged in a trabecular pattern with nest formation. Gastrin staining was positive. A histologic diagnosis of metastatic gastrinoma was made. The patient's gastrin concentration returned to normal and she was well at 2-year follow-up.

Female↗

Ileal duplication presenting as perforation: report of a case.

We describe herein the case of a 10-year-old boy in whom generalized peritonitis was caused by perforation of a tubular communicating ileal duplication cyst. Alimentary tract duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations, found primarily in children under the age of 15 years. The perforation was caused by heterotopic gastric mucosa within the duplication, giving rise to peptic ulceration in the adjacent intestinal mucosa. The presence of heterotopic gastric tissue is a primary cause of perforation that has been reported in as many as one third of patients with small intestine duplications; however, the detection of such ectopic tissue is time-consuming, and there is no readily available method of diagnosing tubular duplications. Although very few patients present with peritonitis as the initial manifestation, the possibility should be borne in mind when diagnosing and planning therapy for such emergencies, particularly in children.

Child↗

Membranous glomerulonephritis associated with diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma: report of a case.

Membranous glomerulonephritis is associated with a variety of malignant neoplasms. However, an association between membranous glomerulonephritis and pleural mesothelioma is very rare. We report herein a case of pleural mesothelioma associated with membranous glomerulonephritis. A 52-year-old man with severe proteinuria was diagnosed to have diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma. A left extrapleural pneumonectomy was thus performed. The proteinuria resolved postoperatively. However, 6 months postoperatively, the proteinuria recurred. A renal biopsy revealed membranous glomerulonephritis. Simultaneously, a recurrence of the mesothelioma in the left pleural cavity was confirmed. Although rare, membranous glomerulonephritis appears to be one type of paraneoplastic syndrome associated with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Glomerulonephritis, Membranous↗

Molecular pharmacological characterization of two multidrug transporters in Lactococcus lactis.

The active extrusion of cytotoxic compounds from the cell by multidrug transporters is one of the major causes of failure of chemotherapeutic treatment of tumor cells and of infections by pathogenic microorganisms. A multidrug transporter in Lactococcus lactis, LmrA, is a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily and a bacterial homolog of the human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein. Another multidrug transporter in Lactococcus lactis, LmrP, belongs to the major facilitator superfamily, and is one example of a rapidly expanding group of secondary multidrug transporters in microorganisms. Thus, LmrA and LmrP are transport proteins with very different protein structures, which use different mechanisms of energy coupling to transport drugs out of the cell. Surprisingly, both proteins have overlapping specificities for drugs, are inhibited by the same set of modulators, and transport drugs via a similar transport mechanism. The structure-function relationships that dictate drug recognition and transport by LmrP and LmrA represent an intriguing area of research.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Genetic diversity of RNA segments 5, 7 and 9 of the Palyam serogroup orbiviruses from Japan, Australia and Zimbabwe.

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods, based on the sequences of RNA segments 5, 7 and 9 of Chuzan virus, were established for specific detection and molecular characterization of the Palyam serogroup orbiviruses. Nucleotide sequences obtained from the amplified cDNA fragments of these three genes of 24 isolates were analyzed and compared individually to determine the intra-serogroup phylogenetic relationship of Japanese, Australian and Zimbabwean isolates. It seems that Chuzan virus isolates in Japan are genetically stable. Interestingly, mutations have occurred almost simultaneously on these three genes of Chuzan virus. In all cases, isolates from the same geographical area were closely related to each other at the molecular level, irrespective of serotype. The data suggested that the Palyam serogroup viruses can be differentiated into geographically distinct groups and that the viruses evolve independently in the different gene pools. A strain KY-115 was considered to be produced by reassortment of genome segments between different groups. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of these PCR products is useful for rapid discrimination of isolates and for detection of genetic mutations.

Animals↗

Acute glomerulonephritis after human parvovirus B19 infection.

We evaluated clinical and histological characteristics of four adult patients who presented with acute glomerulonephritic syndrome with serological confirmation of recent HPB19 infection. All patients had generalized edema with urinary abnormalities. Body weight gain ranged from 3 to 10 kg. Three of the patients had contact with erythema infectiosum simultaneously with or within 10 days before development of flu-like symptoms. Two patients had an erythematous rash, and one patient had lower-extremity purpura. Joint pain was present in three of the patients. All patients had proteinuria and hematuria. Renal functions were normal except in one patient who had a serum creatinine of 3.2 mg/dL. Three of the patients had hypocomplementemia. All renal biopsy specimens were characterized by glomerular leukocyte infiltration and endothelial cell swelling. Mesangiolysis was seen in three of the patients. C3 was deposited in a coarse granular pattern along the capillary walls in all cases. Electron microscopic examination showed marked expansion of the subendothelial space of glomerular capillaries in all patients. Subendothelial electron-dense deposits were present in all patients. Immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal anti-HPB19 antibody showed that one of the four patients had positive staining in the glomeruli. DNA extracted from renal biopsy specimens contained HPB19 DNA, as shown by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in all patients. PCR amplification of the renal DNA generated a 104-bp product, which hybridized to an HPB19-specific probe. No control group subjects contained HPB19 DNA as determined by PCR. This circumstantial evidence indicates that HPB19 infection may be one of the causes of acute glomerulonephritis in normal individuals.

Acute Disease↗