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Biomedical subjects

K Shindo

Publications and source records attributed to K Shindo.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

[Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma with spontaneous remission, diagnosed in MRI on superacute stage].

We report a case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma with spontaneous remission diagnosed by MRI on superacute stage. A 52-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of severe shoulder-neck-back pain of acute onset. One hour after onset he had left hemiparesis and gradually became tetraparesis. He had no history of trauma, anticoagulant therapy, or a tendency to bleed. There was no abnormality in the laboratory data. CT scan of the head revealed no abnormality, but the scan of cervical region showed an abnormal high-density area in the left posterior region of spinal cord at C4-C7. MRI demonstrated an epidural mass lesion in the left posterior region of spinal cord at C3-Th3 compressing the left side of spinal cord posteriorly was iso-intensity on the T1-weighted image and high-intensity on the T2-weighted image. However, his motor function recovered almost completely without a slight motor weakness of left upper limb about two hours after onset spontaneously. He was initially treated with a corticosteroid agent, and he could walk next day after onset. After about 2 weeks of onset, MRI revealed a vanished epidural hematoma and no abnormal enhancement. After about 2 months of onset, spinal angiograms revealed no vascular anomaly. The mechanism of spontaneous recovery from tetraparesis is assumed that the spreading of hematoma in epidural space up- and downwards to the rostro-caudal direction results in decompression. MRI is useful to detect spinal epidural hematoma safely and accurately for its diagnosis. MRI is also proved to be an accurate and efficacious method for evaluation of its size, location, and extent in the spinal canal.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

PAF-induced eosinophil chemotaxis increases during an asthmatic attack and is inhibited by prednisolone in vivo and in vitro.

We investigated platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced migration in eosinophils obtained from asthmatic patients who were treated with or without intravenous prednisolone. The migration of asthmatic eosinophils in remission and during an attack was significantly greater than that in healthy volunteers. The migration of asthmatic eosinophils exposed to prednisolone in vivo and in vitro was significantly inhibited, compared to asthmatic eosinophils not exposed to prednisolone. These findings suggest that an intracellular factor causes asthmatic eosinophils to migrate, and that prednisolone inhibits PAF-induced eosinophil migration.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Functional localization of pain perception in the human brain studied by PET.

To elucidate the functional localization and somatotopic organization of pain perception in the human cerebral cortex, we studied the regional cerebral blood flow using positron emission tomography during selective painful stimulation in six normal subjects. Response to a painful stimulus was elicited using a special CO2 laser, which selectively activates nociceptive receptors, to the hand and foot. Multiple brain areas, including bilateral secondary somatosensory cortices (SII) and insula, and the frontal lobe and thalamus contralateral to the stimulus side, were found to be involved in the response to painful stimulation. While our data indicate that the bilateral SII play an important role in pain perception, they also indicate that there is no pain-related somatotopic organization in the human SII or insula.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Plasma levels of leukotriene E4 during clinical course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

We investigated the relationship between circulating leukotriene E4 (LTE4) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by measuring plasma levels of leukotriene E4 in patients with COPD and 10 normal controls. We also investigated the relationship between LTE4 levels and FEV1 and PaO2. Leukotriene E4 was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radioimmunoassay. The mean leukotriene E4 level in patients with COPD during remission, during acute exacerbation before and after prednisolone treatment were 16.8[4.02], 41.7[21.9], and 19.5[3.78] pg/ml (mean[SD]), respectively. In contrast, the mean leukotriene E4 level of 10 normal controls was 11.8[4.49] pg/ml. Thus, the mean LTE4 level during an acute exacerbation of COPD was significantly lower in patients after prednisolone treatment than in patients before prednisolone treatment. The mean LTE4 level in patients after prednisolone treatment did not significantly differ from that in patients during remission and in normal controls (Scheffe F-test, P < 0.05) (Fig. 1). Mean FEV1 (% predict) values were 51.4[9.02] (mean[SD]), 38.0[4.82], and 44.2[4.48] on the three occasions, respectively; corresponding mean PaO2 values (mmHg) were 84.0[5.01] (mean[SD]), 61.3[1.66], and 80.6[5.30], respectively. Leukotriene E4 levels were significantly correlated with PaO2 and relatively with FEV1 in the patients during acute exacerbation before prednisolone treatment. Thus, we suggest that leukotriene E4 levels in arterial blood reflect the severity of COPD lung and oral prednisolone reduces the plasma levels of leukotriene E4 in patients with COPD.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Inhibitory effect of azelastine hydrochloride on synthesis and release of platelet activating factor from human alveolar macrophages.

The effect of azelastine hydrochloride (azelastine) on synthesis and release of platelet activating factor (PAF) in alveolar macrophages obtained from asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects was examined. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) were preincubated with or without azelastine and stimulated with f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP, 10 microM) for 15 min. PAF activity was detected by aggregation of washed guinea pig platelets. PAF activity released from alveolar macrophages (AMs) from asthmatics without preincubation of azelastine was 15.97 [2.17] (mean [SD], ng/10(7) cells) in supernatants and 42.52 [10.16] in cell pellets. After preincubation with 10(-8), 10(-6), and 10(-4) M of azelastine, PAF activity reduced to 10.71 [2.73] (mean [SD], ng/10(7) cells), 7.86 [0.94], and 3.52 [0.31] in the supernatants, and 35.58 [7.37], 21.57 [4.36], and 14.77 [0.99] (n = 15) in the cell pellets, respectively. PAF activity in non-asthmatic subjects without preincubation of azelastine was 8.55 [1.16] (mean [SD], ng/10(7) cells) in supernatants and 32.64 [3.37] in cell pellets. After preincubation with 10(-8), 10(-6), and 10(-4) M of azelastine, PAF activity reduced to 6.68 [0.78] (mean [SD], ng/10(7) cells), 4.47 [0.51], and 2.97 [0.36] in the supernatants, and 29.53 [3.75], 14.78 [1.95], and 6.16 [0.55] (n = 20) in the cell pellets, respectively. Our results showed that preincubation with azelastine caused a dose-dependent inhibition of intra- and extracellular PAF activity from asthmatic and non-asthmatic macrophages in the same manner.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Effect of azelastine hydrochloride on release and production of platelet activating factor in human neutrophils.

Effect of azelastine hydrochloride (azelastine) on release and production of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in neutrophils obtained from asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients was investigated. Neutrophils were preincubated with or without azelastine and stimulated with f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP, 10 microM) for 15 min. PAF-like activity was detected by aggregation of washed guinea pig platelets. PAF-like activity released from asthmatic neutrophils without preincubation of azelastine was 5.67[0.89] (mean[SD], ng/10(7) cells) in supernatants and 21.8[0.76] in cell pellets. After preincubation with 10(-8), 10(-6), and 10(-4) M of azelastine, PAF-like activity reduced to 5.96[0.97] (mean[SD], ng/10(7) cells), 3.49[0.63], and 1.89[0.09] (n = 15) in the supernatants, and 20.7[0.97], 13.9[0.29], and 8.91 [0.99] (n = 15) in the cell pellets, respectively. PAF-like activity in non-asthmatic neutrophils without preincubation of azelastine was 4.67[0.19] (mean[SD], ng/10(7) cells) in supernatants and 18.5[0.34] in cell pellets. After preincubation with 10(-8), 10(-6), and 10(-4) M of azelastine, PAF-like activity reduced to 4.39[0.51] (mean[SD], ng/10(7) cells), 2.77[0.22], and 1.75[0.07] (n = 15) in the supernatants, and 17.9[0.54], 10.8[0.25], and 5.97 [0.59] (n = 15) in the cell pellets, respectively. Our results showed that preincubation with azelastine caused a dose-dependent inhibition of intra and extracellular PAF-like activity from asthmatic and non-asthmatic neutrophils in the same manner.

Asthma↗
PubMed1997

The physiological effect of anti-GM1 antibodies on saltatory conduction and transmembrane currents in single motor axons.

Anti-ganglioside (anti-GM1) antibodies have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barré syndrome, multifocal motor neuropathy and motor neuron diseases. It has been held that they may interfere with saltatory conduction by blocking sodium channels. We tested this hypothesis by analysing action potentials from 140 single nerve fibres in 22 rat ventral roots using external longitudinal current measurement. High-titre anti-GM1 sera from Guillain-Barré syndrome or multifocal motor neuropathy patients, or anti-GM1 rabbit sera were applied to the rat ventral root, where saltatory conduction in single motor fibres was serially observed for 4-12 h (mean 8.2 h). For control experiments, we also tested anti-galactocerebroside (anti-GalC) sera, which causes acute demyelinative conduction block, and tetrodotoxin (TTX), a sodium channel blocker. Conduction block was found in 82% of the fibres treated with anti-GalC sera and 100% treated with TTX, but only in 2% (one out of 44) treated with the patients' sera and 5% (two out of 38) treated with rabbit anti-GM1 sera. All the nodes blocked by anti-GM1 sera revealed intense passive outward membrane current, in the internode just beyond the last active node. This pattern of current flow was similar to that in fibres blocked by demyelination with anti-GalC sera, and quite different from that seen in fibres blocked by reducing sodium currents with TTX. Our findings suggest that anti-GM1 sera neither mediate conduction block nor block sodium channels on their own. We conclude that physiological action of the antibody alone is insufficient to explain clinically observed conduction block in human diseases.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1997

Decreased sympathetic outflow to muscles in patients with cervical spondylosis.

To clarify the pathogenesis of neurologic symptoms of a vascular nature that may accompany cervical spondylosis (CS), we measured the sympathetic outflow to muscles (muscle sympathetic nerve activity: MSNA) in 8 ambulatory patients with CS and 10 healthy volunteers (controls). The burst rate and incidence of MSNA at rest were significantly lower in patients with CS than in controls (P < 0.01). There were no differences between the 2 groups in either resting heart rate or blood pressure. During a head-up tilting, the changes in MSNA were slightly greater in CS patients than controls due to reduced baseline levels of MSNA in CS patients. The burst incidence of MSNA in CS was significantly negatively correlated with the severity of pyramidal tract symptoms (P < 0.05). The decreased MSNA at rest in CS patients may be due to a spinal cord compression resulting from posterior spondylotic changes in the cervical spine.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Enhancement of leukotriene B4 release in stimulated asthmatic neutrophils by platelet activating factor.

BACKGROUND: The role of platelet activating factor (PAF) in asthma remains controversial. The priming effect of PAF on leukotriene B4 (LTB4) release, 5-lipoxygenase activity, and intracellular calcium levels in asthmatic neutrophils was examined. METHODS: LTB4 and other lipoxygenase metabolites in neutrophils obtained from 17 asthmatic patients and 15 control subjects were measured by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Intracellular calcium levels were monitored using the fluorescent probe fura-2. RESULTS: The mean (SD) basal LTB4, release from neutrophils was not significantly different between the two groups (0.05 (0.01) vs 0.03 (0.02) ng/10(6) cells); however, when stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 (2.5 microM), neutrophils from asthma patients released more LTB4 than cells from control subjects (15.7 (1.2) vs 9.9 (1.6) ng/10(6) cells). Although PAF alone did not alter LTB4 release, it enhanced the response to subsequent A23187 stimulation. This effect was observed following treatment for five minutes with PAF at concentrations > 1.0 microM. The maximal effect was seen with 5.0 microM PAF + 2.5 microM A23187 (62.7 (2.2) vs 18.6 (2.3) ng/10(6) cells). Pretreatment with PAF also increased 5-lipoxygenase activity and intracellular calcium levels in neutrophils from asthmatic patients to a greater extent than in those from non-asthmatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that, in neutrophils from asthmatic patients, PAF enhances LTB4 release and increases 5-lipoxygenase activity and intracellular calcium to a greater extent than in neutrophils from non-asthmatic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Antiseptic effect of povidone-iodine solution on abdominal skin during surgery and on thyroid-gland-related substances.

No definite guidelines have been published concerning the suitable exposure time and frequency of skin antisepsis of the operative field. In the present study, the antiseptic effect of a single use (single-application group) of 10% povidoneiodine solution for skin antisepsis was compared with its triple use (triple-application group). The exposure time was 2 min for both groups. Moreover, the effects on blood levels of total iodine and thyroid-gland-related substances were evaluated. High antiseptic efficacy was obtained in both groups, indicating that our antiseptic method to disinfect the operative field is effective. Slightly better results were obtained from the triple-application group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Blood levels of total iodine and thyroid-gland-related substances remained within the normal range in all cases. However, in cases receiving a large amount of 10% povidone-iodine solution a transient elevation in blood total iodine was observed. Thus, the 10% povidone-iodine solution is considered to be safe and effective for skin antisepsis of the operative field when applied repeatedly in a small amount per dose with an exposure time of about 2 min.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1997

Production of nigerose, nigerosyl glucose, and nigerosyl maltose by Acremonium sp. S4G13.

A strain of Acremonium sp. S4G13, which produced an enzyme producing nigerose, nigerosyl glucose, and nigerosyl maltose from maltooligosaccharides in high yield, was isolated from soil. From these observations, the enzyme was strongly supposed to be a novel enzyme that hydrolyzed maltooligosaccharides and released glucose, but also transferred the glucosyl moiety into the C-3 or C-4 position of the acceptor molecule by alpha-form in significant amounts.

Acremonium↗
PubMed1997

Does lateral lymph node dissection improve survival in rectal carcinoma? Examination of node metastases by the clearing method.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of rectal carcinoma by lateral lymph node dissection has risks and benefits. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of lateral lymph node dissection. STUDY DESIGN: We studied 198 patients with rectal carcinoma who underwent lateral lymph node dissection. Metastases to the lymph nodes were examined by the clearing method. The incidence of urinary and male sexual dysfunction was determined by measuring the residual urine volume and individual interview 1 year after operation. RESULTS: The rate of metastasis to lateral lymph nodes was 11.1 percent, and metastasis to the lateral lymph nodes occurred more frequently with lower rectal carcinoma classified as pT3 or pT4 in the TNM system. The rate of local recurrence was 12.5 percent and the 5-year survival rate after curative resection was 70.1 percent. The 5-year survival rate in patients with metastasis to the lateral lymph nodes was 25.1 percent, and this rate was significantly lower than the 5-year survival rate of 74.3 percent in patients without metastasis to the lateral lymph nodes. Urinary dysfunction was observed in 67.5 percent of patients, and male sexual dysfunction was found in 97.4 percent of men younger than 60 years of age with prior sexual ability. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for patients with metastasis to the lateral lymph nodes is poor, and the improvement in survival rate from lateral lymph node dissection is minimal.

Female↗
PubMed1997

[Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis associated with Horner's syndrome. A case report].

A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for recurrence of visual disturbance and double vision experienced 1 year previously. He was alert and oriented. Bilateral light perception in a vision test, the third to the sixth cranial nerve palsies on the left side, and neck stiffness were observed. The patient exhibited left blepharoptosis, anisocoria and a left miotic pupil. After a pupillary drug test, a diagnosis of Horner's syndrome was made. Laboratory tests revealed hypoalbuminemia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive rheumatoid factor, and elevated p-ANCA. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid showed increased initial pressure and pleocytosis, but its bacterial and fungal cultures were negative. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging after intravenous administration of gadolinium revealed mild brain edema and marked hypertrophy of the left tentorium cerebelli, bilateral frontal dura and falx. Marked hypertrophy of the dura accompanied by cellular infiltration was observed in biopsied dura specimens. The patient was given a diagnosis as idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis (IHCP). His ocular symptoms gradually improved with methylprednisolone pulse therapy and oral prednisolone. This is the first reported case of IHCP associated with Horner's syndrome. Previous anatomical findings of the cavernous sinus suggest that Horner syndrome in this patient might be due to a mechanism other than constrictive compression of the cranial nerves by the hypertrophic dura mater.

Anisocoria↗
PubMed1997

[Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and soluble tumor necrosis factor-receptor I in asthmatic patients and patients with chronic respiratory tract infection].

In order to investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in bronchial asthma or chronic respiratory infection, we measured serum levels of TNF-alpha and serum soluble tumor necrosis factor-receptor I (sTNF-RI) in asthmatic patients (n = 11) and patients (n = 10) with chronic respiratory infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also measured serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in the asthmatic patients. The serum levels of TNF-alpha in the asthmatic patients, patients with chronic respiratory tract infection and control group were 2.864 +/- 0.719 g/ml, 2.564-1.384 pg/ml and 0.681 +/- 0.453 pg/ml respectively. The levels of the former two groups were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The serum levels of sTNF-RI in the asthmatic patients, the patients with chronic respiratory tract infection, and the control group was 758 +/- 268 pg/ml, 999 +/- 242 pg/ml and 909 +/- 268 pg/ml respectively. The levels of the former two groups did not differ significantly from those of the control group. There were significant correlations between TNF-alpha and sTNF-RI in the control group and in the patients with chronic respiratory tract infection, but there was no significant correlation in the asthmatic patients. In the asthmatic patients. TNF-alpha/s TNF-RI correlated with %best of PEF (r = 0.691, n = 9, p 0.0373). The serum levels of ECP correlated significantly with TNF-alpha, but not with sTNF-RI in the asthmatic patients. It is suggested that TNF-alpha plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma and chronic respiratory tract infection as a factor causing inflammation and that the increase of TNF-alpha/sTNF-RI reflects the activation of eosinophil functions in an asthmatic attack.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Conformational change of DNA on the formation of DNA-anti-DNA antibody immune complex.

Monoclonal antibodies were purified from the culture medium of hybridoma from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-prone MRL/Mp-Ipr-Ipr mice with affinity chromatography. Binding activity of the antibodies to double-stranded DNA from salmon milt was actually shown in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of DNA solution (150 mM NaCl, 20 mM Na2HPO4, pH 7.4) which showed B-type conformation, changed significantly by addition of the anti-DNA antibodies. These results indicate that conformational change of DNA occurred by binding of anti-DNA antibodies, forming DNA-anti-DNA antibody immune complex.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Efficacy and safety of intramuscular imipenem/cilastatin (IPM/CS) for complicated urinary tract infections].

An intramuscular preparation of imipenem/cilastatin (IPM/CS, 500 mg/500 mg) was administered to 59 patients with complicated urinary tract infections (UTI; cystitis and pyelonephritis) to evaluate its efficacy and safety. The obtained results are summarized as follows: In patients with cystitis, evaluations based on daily frequencies of administration were also performed. 1) According to the treating doctors, the drug showed an overall efficacy rate of 80% (45/56 patients). The efficacy rate was 89% in patients with cystitis treated by a u.i.d. regimen. Among patients treated by a b.i.d. regimen, the efficacy rate was 67% for cystitis cases and 84% for pyelonephritis cases. 2) When clinical efficacy was assessed according to the criteria for UTI drug efficacy evaluation, the drug was 'markedly effective' in 14 patients, 'effective' in 23, and ineffective in 11 patients, for an efficacy rate of 77% (37/48 patients). 3) The microbiological eradication rate was 88% (59/67 strains). The rate was 95% (20/21 strains) for Gram-positive bacteria and 85% (39/46 strains) for Gram-negative bacteria. The efficacy for Enterobacter faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 100% and 73%, respectively. 4) As side effects, pain at the injection site was reported by one patient and abnormal laboratory test values were observed in 2 patients. All of these reactions were mild and resolved shortly after the completion of treatment. Based on these findings, it is concluded that this intramuscular preparation of IPM/CS is effective for treating complicated urinary tract infections.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

In vivo effect of prednisolone on release of leukotriene B4 from neutrophils from asthmatic patients.

We examined the release of leukotriene B4 from calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated neutrophils from asthmatic patients treated with or without intravenous prednisolone during an asthmatic attack. The mean level of LTB4 in the supernatant of stimulated neutrophils from patients treated with intravenous prednisolone was significantly lower than that in the supernatant of stimulated neutrophils from those without prednisolone treatment. Preincubation with prednisolone caused a dose-dependent inhibition of LTB4 release from calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated neutrophils. These findings suggest that intravenous prednisolone inhibits the release of LTB4 from neutrophils in vivo.

Adult↗