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Biomedical subjects

K Taguchi

Publications and source records attributed to K Taguchi.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Effects of cAMP and cGMP on L-type calcium channel currents in rat mesenteric artery cells.

L-type Ca2+ channel currents in cultured rat mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells were recorded by the cell-attached patch-clamp technique. Depolarizing voltage steps from a holding potential of -40 mV elicited voltage-dependent inward Ba2+ currents. The inward currents were inhibited by nifedipine (10 microM) but enhanced by Bay K 8644 (5 microM), which suggests that the inward currents are carried almost exclusively by L-type Ca2+ channels. Application of dibutyryl cAMP (0.1-1 microM) and forskolin (0.01-1 microM) enhanced the activity of these Ca2+ channels. The dibutyryl cAMP induced enhancement of Ca2+ channels was antagonized by the serine/threonine kinase inhibitor H-8 (1 microM). Application of 8-bromo-cGMP (0.01-1 microM) and the cGMP inducer nitroglycerin (0.01-1 microM) inhibited the activity of these Ca2+ channels, and the inhibition of channel activity induced by 8-bromo-cGMP was antagonized by the serine/threonine kinase inhibitor H-8 (1 microM). These results suggest that in rat mesenteric artery cells, the L-type Ca2+ channel current is enhanced by a rise in intracellular cAMP levels and suppressed by a rise in intracellular cGMP levels. Furthermore, cGMP-induced Ca2+ channel inhibition may play a role in the expression of the nitric oxide-mediated vasodilating action of drugs such as nitroglycerin and atrial natriuretic peptide.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

A clinical analysis of malignant schwannoma.

In this study, we reviewed the clinical features of 11 patients with malignant schwannoma who were treated in our institute. Five patients had coexistent von Recklinghausen's disease and one of them showed multifocal occurrence. Patients with the centrally located tumors had a poorer prognosis than those with the others. The overall 3-year survival rate was 36%; 40% in patients with von Recklinghausen's disease and 33% in the others. At the time of the last follow-up, 9 patients had died of the tumor, one continued to be tumor free, and one was alive with tumor. Postoperative local recurrence developed in 5 patients (45%); 4 out of 6 patients (67%) who underwent a marginal excision and one out of 3 (33%) who underwent primary amputation. There was no local recurrence in patients after a wide excision with at least 3 cm of normal tissue removed surrounding the tumor in all directions. Nine patients (82%) developed pulmonary metastasis. The effect of adjuvant chemotherapy was not clear in this study. The high risk of pulmonary metastasis in this disease indicates the necessity of more effective adjuvant chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗

Effects of tamsulosin metabolites at alpha-1 adrenoceptor subtypes.

We have investigated the affinity and selectivity of tamsulosin and its metabolites, M1, M2, M3, M4 and AM1, at the tissue and the cloned alpha-1 adrenoceptor subtypes in the radioligand binding and the functional studies. In the radioligand binding studies, the compounds competed for [3H]prazosin binding to the rat liver and kidney alpha-1 adrenoceptors, with the rank order of potency tamsulosin approximately M4 > M1 > M2 approximately M3 > > AM1 with the latter having a negligible affinity. All compounds differentiated cloned alpha-1 adrenoceptor subtypes with the rank order of potency of alpha-1A > or = alpha-1D > alpha-1B, except for M4 which had the highest affinity for the alpha-1D adrenoceptor. The compounds also concentration-dependently antagonized phenylephrine-induced contractions in the rabbit aorta and prostate. The resulting apparent pA2 values were very similar to those at the cloned rat alpha-1A adrenoceptor. We conclude that most tamsulosin metabolites are high potency antagonists at the alpha-1 adrenoceptors and retain the alpha-1A over the alpha-1B adrenoceptor selectivity of tamsulosin.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Vestibulo-ocular reflex and visual vestibulo-ocular reflex during sinusoidal rotation in children.

To clarify the relationship between vestibular and visual (optokinetic) stimuli in normal children, we investigated the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and visual VOR (VVOR). The subjects were 20 healthy children aged 3-6 years and 24 healthy adults aged 21-29 years. The VOR gains and phase were measured under two visual conditions: with eyes open in complete darkness and with eyes open in a lighted optokinetic drum. In both visual conditions, phase did not significantly differ between children and adults. In the dark, children presented a significantly larger gain than that of adults. In the optokinetic drum, however, the gain values of the children were almost the same as in adults. We suggest that the large VOR gain values of children may be due to immaturity of the inhibitory regulation system of the VOR.

Adult↗

Clinical significance of the subjective vertical in patients with unilateral vestibular disorders.

The subjective vertical was estimated by using a concentrically movable spotlight-line on a specially devised dome-shaped screen and a controller in patients with unilateral vestibular disorders. The test was performed in a dark room to measure the deviation of the subjective vertical from the true vertical to the earth gravity. The result showed characteristic deviation of the subjective vertical to the affected ear side in most subjects. The relationship between the subjective deviation and body sway was investigated to estimate the clinical significance of the subjective vertical. The locus pattern, area, locus length and the trajectory of head movements while measuring the subjective vertical were recorded. The patterns were centripetal or right-left types, the values of the head movement seemed to be proportional to the magnitude of the subjective vertical. The time course of the subjective vertical depended on the stage of the disorder. Some cases with active vestibular disorders showed directional changes of the subjective vertical deviation depending on the extent of the lesion. The most interesting results were obtained in the relationship between the caloric response and the subjective vertical, suggesting the clinical significance of the subjective vertical in vestibular function.

Adult↗

[Current status and problems of home parenteral nutrition for terminal cancer patients from the viewpoint of indication].

Since June 1993, we have been performing home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for end-stage cancer patients. We studied how many patients could be treated with HPN, why they were not able to be treated with HPN in the terminal stage cancer patients, 158 cases, who admitted and died in our ward from June 1993 to April 1997. Eighty-six patients (54.4%) were considered to not be indicated for HPN, due to general weakness (28 cases), dyspnea (17 cases), need for medical care other than HPN (34 cases), and inability to understand this treatment (1 case). Fifty-six patients (35.4%) were considered to have been able to be treated with HPN and could have had returned home. Fifteen patients (26.8%) were given HPN. Four cases wanted to stay in the hospital after they knew the truth and the prognosis of their disease. Another four patients became weak while preparing for HPN and could not go home. Eighty percent of patients could not to be treated with HPN because of the factors of their family. Eight patients had no family to cared for them. Twelve patients were refused to the truth of their disease. The families of 13 cases refused to accept and care for them in their home. We may conclude that co-operation among patients, their family and the medical staff is the most important factor in providing HPN for end-stage cancer patients.

Adult↗

Cloning of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa gene encoding CDP-diglyceride synthetase.

The CDP-diglyceride synthetase (CDS)-encoding gene (cds) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was cloned and sequenced. The gene possessed an open reading frame of 813 bp capable of encoding a putative polypeptide of 271 amino acids (aa) (28 699 Da). The deduced aa sequence of CDS revealed a 67% similarity (45% identity) to Escherichia coli CDS.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Central nicotinic receptor blockade inhibits emotionally conditioned pressor responses in rats.

A conditioned stimulus previously paired with electric footshock produced an increase in blood pressure in conscious, freely moving rats. The conditioned pressor response was reproducible. Intracerebroventricular injection of the nicotinic receptor antagonists hexamethonium (1-10 micrograms) or pentolinium (10 micrograms) but not the muscarinic receptor antagonist methylatropine (3 micrograms) produced an inhibition of the conditioned pressor response, whereas intraarterial injection of hexamethonium (10 micrograms) did not affect the response. Intraventricular injection of the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine (3-10 micrograms) produced an enhancement of the conditioned pressor response. These results are consistent with the possibility that central nicotinic receptors play a role in the expression of the emotionally conditioned pressor response in rats.

Animals↗

Sequence variation of the gC gene among pseudorabies virus strains.

We have determined the nucleotide sequences of the major glycoprotein C (gC) gene of 3 pseudorabies virus (PRV) strains isolated in Japan, the USA, and Northern Ireland after gene amplification mediated by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence homologies among the strains were > 98% and > 97%, respectively. The restriction patterns of the amplified DNA fragments generated by restriction endonucleases SalI and SmaI revealed three genomic variations among the 15 PRV strains. The Japanese PRV isolates have identical restriction fragment patterns and differ from those of the non-Japanese isolates examined. Among 3 PRV strains with distinctive genotype each other, there is no significant difference in pathogenicity for the ddY mouse.

Animals↗

Evaluation of wound healing of the teat with and without low level laser therapy in dairy cattle by laser Doppler flowmetry in comparison with histopathology, tensiometry and hydroxyproline analysis.

Perforated teat wounds in eight lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were closed by four suture patterns with or without low level laser therapy (LLLT). Wound healing was evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), tensiometry and hydroxyproline analysis, and compared with histopathological examination. The three-layer pattern provided the best healing of the entire teat. Mucosal hyperplasia was observed in Gambee and continuous two-layer pattern while eversion of the skin, presence of suture tracts and a greater amount of granulation tissue were observed with the continuous and interrupted two-layer patterns. The epidermis in LLLT groups more closely resembled the normal epidermis, and collagen fibres were denser, thicker and better arranged in LLLT than in non-LLLT groups. LDF, tensiometry and hydroxyproline analysis correlated well with histopathological examination. The results suggest that LDF, a more rapid, less invasive and painless procedure, can replace tensile strength measurement or hydroxyproline analysis to assess the progress of teat wound healing.

Animals↗

Effects of electrical stimulation and morphine microinjection into periaqueductal gray on 5-hydroxyindole oxidation current in spinal cord of cats.

1. The effects of electrical stimulation and microinjection of morphine into the periaqueductal gray (PAG) on the 5-hydroxyindole oxidation current (280-300 mV) in laminae I-VI (800-2500 microns) of the spinal cord were examined using in vivo voltammetry in anesthetized cats. 2. Electrical stimulation of the PAG (PAG-S) both enhanced and attenuated the current. PAG-S increased the signal by 13.3 +/- 3.7% (laminae I-II: 800-1200 microns) or 19.0 +/- 3.6% (laminae V-VI: 1700-2500 microns) in comparison to control values. Attenuation by PAG-S decreased the signal by 15.3 +/- 2.6% (laminae I-II) or 13.3 +/- 2.0% (laminae V-VI) of control values. Naloxone antagonized signal enhancement by PAG-S. 3. Morphine (10 micrograms/microliter) microinjected into the PAG significantly increased the height of the signal (laminae I-II: 15.0 +/- 3.4%, laminae V-VI: 12.2 +/- 1.5%). Enhancement by microinjected morphine was antagonized by naloxone. In contrast, microinjected morphine also significantly decreased the signal by 10.4 +/- 2.7% (laminae I-II) and by 10.3 +/- 1.3% (laminae V-VI) of control values. 4. Microinjection of morphine and electrical stimulation of the PAG was observed both to enhance and attenuate the oxidation current of 5-hydroxyindole in the superficial and deeper dorsal horn. PAG may function to regulate the RVM-spinal serotonergic pathway, which modulates the transmission of nociceptive messages at the spinal cord.

Animals↗

Histopathological effect of low-level laser therapy on sutured wounds of the teat in dairy cattle.

Perforating wounds were made on the cranial surface of 32 teats in eight dairy cattle. The teats were distributed into eight groups with four kinds of suture patterns. The used suture patterns were Gambee in Groups A and E, continuous 2-layer (Cushing for submucosal layer, continuous horizontal mattress for intermediate layer and skin) in Groups B and F, separated 2-layer (simple continuous for mucosal layer, vertical mattress for intermediate layer and skin) in Groups C and G, and 3-layer (simple continuous for mucosal and intermediate layers, simple interrupted for skin) in Groups D and H. The wounds of Groups E, F, G and H were subjected to 3.64 J/cm2 dose of low-level laser, using a helium-neon system with an output of 8.5 mW, continuous wave at 632.8 nm. Histopathologically, healing was different between various suture patterns and between low level laser therapy (LLLT) and non-LLLT-groups. The results suggest that the 3-layer pattern was the best and LLLT could accelerate healing of perforating wounds of the teat in dairy cattle.

Animals↗

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium associated with alpha-fetoprotein production.

A 66-year-old woman was hospitalized with a 2-month history of vaginal bleeding. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging on admission showed a uterine tumor. The serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 16,170 ng/ml (normal < 20). A total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and regional lymphadenectomy were performed. A grayish-white tumor with focal necrotic areas was located in the posterior wall of the corpus uteri with smaller nodules in the lateral wall of the cervix. The tumor had two histologic patterns: one was a well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma and the other consisted of nests of cells resembling hepatocytes. In the hepatoid areas, giant cells and mitotic figures were frequent. Tumor cells in both the hepatoid areas and the glandular areas were immunoreactive for AFP. The tumor was diagnosed as a hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the uterus, the first described in this site, although 23 cases of hepatoid adenocarcinoma arising in the stomach, lung, kidney, ovary, duodenum, and urinary bladder have been reported.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Antimetastatic effect of a novel indolocarbazole (NB-506) on IMC-HM murine tumor cells metastasized to the liver.

IMC-HM cells were isolated from spontaneously induced ascitic IMC carcinoma cells that had been maintained intraperitoneally in CDF1 mice. Metastasis to the liver of subcutaneously implanted IMC-HM cells was detected 10 days after implantation into the flanks of mice (day 10), but metastasis to other organs was limited. Thereafter, however, tumor cells spread rapidly to lymph nodes, lung, spleen, ovary and other organs, and the mice died on day 13 to 18. We report here, together with the properties of IMC-HM cells, the effects of adriamycin, cisplatin, etoposide and a new indolocarbazole antitumor compound (NB-506) on this model of metastasis. Although these anticancer agents all inhibited the growth of the subcutaneous tumors, their effects on the life span of the tumor-bearing mice varied. Treatment with NB-506, started on day 1, more than doubled the survival period at doses 30 mg/m2 to 900 mg/m2. Further, treatment with NB-506, started on day 4 after resection of the primary tumor, inhibited growth of the metastasized tumor in the liver and other organs. Etoposide also increased the life span at a limited range of doses. However, the life-prolonging effects of adriamycin and cisplatin were marginal. These results demonstrate that IMC-HM carcinoma is a good model for spontaneous metastasis to the liver followed by lethal spread to many organs. Moreover, NB-506 was found to be highly effective against the growth not only of subcutaneous tumors, but also of tumors metastasized to the liver.

Animals↗

Drugs for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: affinity comparison at cloned alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes and in human prostate.

1. We have previously shown that among alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists used or investigated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, tamsulosin discriminates alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes in rat tissues whereas alfuzosin and naftopidil do not. We now expand these studies to additional drugs (doxazosin, terazosin) being used and/or investigated for this purpose, and have evaluated all of these drugs at cloned subtypes and in human prostate. 2. Competition binding studies were performed with [3H]-prazosin in membrane samples from rat spleen, kidney and cerebral cortex and human prostate and with cloned alpha 1-adrenoceptors expressed in COS cells. Doxazosin and terazosin did not discriminate alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes in rat kidney and cerebral cortex. In contrast, the subtypes present in the tissues were well discriminated by the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor-selective reference drug WB 4101. 3. Alfuzosin, doxazosin, naftopidil and terazosin did not discriminate cloned alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes transiently expressed in COS cells whereas tamsulosin and WB 4101 did. 4. In human prostate, alfuzosin, doxazosin, naftopidil and terazosin did not discriminate the alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes present in this tissue whereas tamsulosin and the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor-selective reference drugs WB 4101, phentolamine and 5-methylurapidil did. Based on data with the alpha 1A-adrenoceptor-selective drugs, human prostate contains alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-adrenoceptors in an approximate 70:30% ratio. 5. We conclude that tamsulosin, in common with WB 4101, but in contrast to alfuzosin, doxazosin, naftopidil, and terazosin is selective for alpha 1A-adrenoceptors which appear to dominate in the human prostate; the therapeutic relevance of this selectivity remains to be assessed in clinical studies.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Comparison of guinea-pig, bovine and rat alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes.

1. To elucidate a possible role of species differences in the classification of alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes, we have characterized the alpha 1-adrenoceptors in guinea-pig spleen, kidney and cerebral cortex and in bovine cerebral cortex using concentration-dependent alkylation by chloroethylclonidine and competitive binding with 5-methlurapidil, methoxamine, (+)-niguldipine, noradrenaline, oxymetazoline, phentolamine, SDZ NVI-085, tamsulosin and (+)-tamsulosin. Rat liver alpha 1B-adrenoceptors were studied for comparison. Chloroethylclonidine-sensitivity and (+)-niguldipine affinity were also compared at cloned rat and bovine alpha 1a-adrenoceptors. 2. Chloroethylclonidine concentration-dependently inactivated alpha 1-adrenoceptors in all five tissues. While chloroethylclonidine inactivated almost all alpha 1-adrenoceptors in rat liver and guinea-pig kidney and brain, 20-30% of alpha 1-adrenoceptors in guinea-pig spleen and bovine brain were resistant to alkylation by 10 microM chloroethylclonidine. With regard to concentration-dependency guinea-pig kidney and brain were approximately 10 fold less sensitive than guinea-pig spleen or rat liver. 3. In rat liver, all drugs tested competed for [3H]-prazosin binding with steep and monophasic curves. Drug affinities were relatively low and resembled most closely those of cloned rat alpha 1b-adrenoceptors. 4. In guinea-pig spleen, all drugs tested competed for [3H]-prazosin binding with steep and monophasic curves. Drug affinities were relatively low and resembled most closely those of cloned rat alpha 1b-adrenoceptors. 5. In guinea-pig kidney most drugs tested competed for [3H]-prazosin binding with steep and monophasic curves and had relatively low drug affinities close to those of cloned rat alpha 1b- and alpha 1d-adrenoceptors. However, noradrenaline and tamsulosin had consistently biphasic competition curves recognizing 36-39% high and 61-64% low affinity sites. 6. In guinea-pig cerebral cortex, all drugs tested competed for [3H]-prazosin binding with shallow and biphasic curves. While most drugs recognized approximately 25% high affinity sites, tamsulosin and noradrenaline recognized approximately 50% high affinity sites. Drug affinities at the high and low affinity sites except those for tamsulosin and noradrenaline resembled those at cloned alpha 1a- and alpha 1b-adrenoceptors, respectively. 7. In bovine cerebral cortex all drugs tested except for noradrenaline competed for [3H]-prazosin binding with shallow and biphasic curves. All drugs recognized approximately 70% high affinity sites. Drug affinities at the high and low affinity sites resembled those at cloned alpha 1a- and alpha 1b-adrenoceptors, respectively. Noradrenaline competition curves in bovine cerebral cortex were steep and monophasic. 8. When cloned rat and bovine alpha 1a-adrenoceptors transiently expressed in COS cells were studied in a direct side-by-side comparison, both species homologues had similar chloroethylclonidine-sensitivity and (+)-niguldipine affinity. 9. We conclude that properties of bovine alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-adrenoceptors are very similar to those of other species such as rat. alpha 1-Adrenoceptor subtypes in guinea-pigs resemble alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-adrenoceptors in other species but chloroethylclonidine sensitivity and competition binding profiles of noradrenaline and tamsulosin are not compatible with previously established alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtype classification.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Optimal oxygen tension conditions for functioning cultured hepatocytes in vitro.

With a view toward furthering the development of artificial liver systems, we have been culturing hepatocytes in vitro. The object of this research was to investigate the ideal conditions of oxygen tension for the efficient functioning of hepatocytes. Viable hepatocytes isolated from rat livers were cultured under five different oxygen tensions: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 90% O2. DNA contents, gluconeogenesis, urea synthesis, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and lipid peroxidation of hepatocytes were evaluated. Under the 5% oxygen conditions, the function of hepatocytes was very inferior and was accompanied by a low ATP level. However, hepatocytes cultured under 90% oxygen tension functioned less effectively than the control (20% O2) with elevated lipid peroxidation. The data in this study suggest that the optimum oxygen condition for cultured hepatocytes is 10 approximately 50%, and that especially under conditions of 20% oxygen tension, i.e., that of the ordinary atmosphere, hepatocytes can function most effectively.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Development of a bioartificial liver with sandwiched-cultured hepatocytes between two collagen gel layers.

We have been developing a multiplate type of bioartificial liver (BAL) using primary cultured hepatocyte monolayers since 1987. This BAL has been shown to prolong the survival time of anhepatic dogs and rabbits. Initially, hepatocytes were cultivated on collagen-coated plates. To increase the multiplated BAL function, a sandwich cultivation method was employed in which rat hepatocytes were cultured between two collagen gel layers and were then evaluated in both stationary and perfusion cultures. In the stationary culture, the sandwich method showed a higher activity in urea synthesis than in the other culture methods (culture on a collagen coating, culture on a collagen gel, and culture between a collagen coating and a collagen gel) for 14 days. In the perfusion culture, a BAL housing cultured hepatocytes (6.5 x 10(7) cells) in the sandwich system showed urea synthesis activity ranging from 17.5 to 22.6 micrograms/2 x 10(6) cells/90 min. This activity was maintained for 5 days in the perfusion culture. The sandwich type of cultivation is applicable to the multiplated BAL.

Ammonia↗