Biomedical subjects

K Uchida

Publications and source records attributed to K Uchida.

At least 559 records · Page 31Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Glomus tumor in a dog.

A mass of glomus tumor was found on the skin of the right foreleg of a ten-year old male mongrel dog. Histologically the mass contained some vasculatures and sheet-like proliferation of epithelioid tumor cells. Some blood vessels were rimmed by the tumor cells, which had a round to ovoid nucleus and plump eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, smooth muscle actin and vimentin were demonstrated in the tumor cells. By electron microscopic examination, actin-like filaments with dense bodies were observed in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. This is the first case report of a canine glomus tumor.

Actins↗

PubMed1997

Potentiating effects of calcium chelators on basal and stimulated aldosterone production by bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in vitro.

We previously reported the potentiation of basal aldosterone production by the addition of the calcium chelator ethyleneglycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to an extracellular solution of bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in vitro. To assess whether the addition of the calcium chelators ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and EGTA can potentiate basal and stimulated aldosterone production, we compared the effect of EDTA with that of EGTA on basal and the agonist (potassium; 8 mM, angiotensin II; 10 nM, ACTH; 10 nM)-stimulated aldosterone production by the cells in vitro. These two chelators lowered the extracellular ionized calcium ([Ca2+]o) concentration in a similar manner. The levels of basal and the agonist-stimulated aldosterone production in the presence of EDTA (1 mM) and EGTA (1 mM) were significantly (P < 0.01 or less) increased when compared with those in the absence of EDTA and EGTA, respectively. These results show that the addition of EDTA and EGTA to an extracellular solution potentiates basal and the agonist-stimulated aldosterone production in vitro. Although an increase in basal aldosterone production in the presence of EDTA (1 mM) and EGTA (1 mM) was completely inhibited by the voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonist nifedipine (1 microM) or the calmodulin antagonist pimozide (1 microM), the potentiation of the agonist-stimulated aldosterone production does not seem to be induced by CA2+/calmodulin-dependent nor cAMP-dependent systems. These findings suggest that calcium chelators such as EDTA and EGTA may possess activating effect on basal and stimulated aldosterone production in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1997

Regulated expression of endothelin converting enzymes in glomerular endothelial cells.

Endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) constitutes a potential regulatory site for the production of active mature endothelins. Two cDNAs (ECE-1 and -2) encoding ECE have recently been cloned, but the regulation of the expression of these ECE has not been clarified. In the study presented here, an attempt was made to determine whether or not glomerular endothelial cells (GEN) express ECE-1 and -2, and to learn how the expression of ECE-1 and -2 is regulated by kinase-mediated signaling systems. Ribonuclease protection assay revealed the expression of ECE-1 and -2 in cultured GEN, and the expression was increased approximately 2.5- and approximately 1.8-fold, respectively, by treatment with 10(-7) M 12-O-tetradecanocyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) for 4 hours. These increases in ECE-1 and -2 expression with TPA were inhibited by cotreatment with calphostin C (10(-7) M). In contrast, 24-h treatment with 10(-7) M TPA significantly decreased the expression of ECE-1 and -2, indicating that the expression was tightly regulated by protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent mechanism(s). Actinomycin D (1 microgram/mL) abolished the TPA-induced increase of ECE-1 and -2 mRNA, whereas TPA treatment did not affect the mRNA stability of ECE-1 and -2, thus suggesting that TPA-induced increases of ECE-1 and -2 mRNA resulted from the transcriptional activation of ECE-1 and -2, gene, rather than from the increase of mRNA stability. In addition to the regulation by PKC, the effects of protein kinase A and G on ECE-1 and -2 expression were also examined. Treatment with chlorophenyl-thio cyclic AMP (200 microM) for 24 h decreased ECE-1 and -2 expression to approximately 50% and approximately 40% of the control value, respectively. 8-bromo-3', 5'-cyclic GMP also decreased ECE-1 and -2 expression to approximately 80% and approximately 25% of the control value, respectively. These results demonstrate that the expression of ECE-1 and -2 is regulated by kinase-mediated signaling systems, with the most prominent regulatory effect shown by protein kinase C.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Heart rate, blood lactate responses and ratings of perceived exertion to 1,000 punches and 1,000 kicks in collegiate karate practitioners.

The purpose of this study was: 1) to investigate the responses of heart rate (HR), blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) to 1,000 punches and 1,000 kicks in collegiate highly skilled (BB Group) and novice (WB Group) karate practitioners; and, 2) to compare RPE obtained from the subjects to RPE expected by their coaches. The mean values of HR, percent of maximal HR (% HRmax), percent of maximal HR reserve (% MHRR), blood lactate and RPE in 1,000 punches for the BB Group were 102.5 +/- 14.8 beats. min-1, 53.1 +/- 8.5%, 27.1 +/- 12.7%, 0.8 +/- 0.2 mmol.1-1 and 12.2 +/- 1.2 respectively, and for the WB Group were 116.1 +/- 17.9 beats. min-1, 58.1 +/- 7.7%, 35.2 +/- 13.3%, 1.2 +/- 0.6 mmol.1-1 and 12.8 +/- 1.2, respectively. Likewise, the mean values in 1,000 kicks for the BB Group were 127.4 +/- 12.4 beats. min-1, 66.0 +/- 8.0%, 47.0 +/- 12.5%, 1.3 +/- 0.4 mmol.1-1 and 14.2 +/- 1.2, respectively, and for the WB Group were 137.0 +/- 14.4 beats.min-1, 70.1 +/- 7.4%, 52.0 +/- 12.8%, 2.4 +/- 0.8 mmol. 1-1 and 16.3 +/- 1.5, respectively. These responses to 1,000 punches and 1,000 kicks were moderate, and the RPE for 1,000 punches in both BB and WB Groups and for 1,000 kicks in the BB Group were significantly lower than the RPE expected by their coaches.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis concomitant with diabetic nephropathy.

We describe a rare case of a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) superimposed on diabetic nephropathy. A 68-year-old woman with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) complicated with diabetic triopathy demonstrated a rapid deterioration of renal function. Her urinary sediment contained many red blood cell (RBC) cells and casts, suggesting an additional renal disease accompanying diabetic nephropathy. Renal biopsy revealed crescent formation in many glomeruli characteristic of the pauci-immune type of RPGN. Steroid pulse therapy transiently halted the deterioration in renal function, but the patient died of pneumonia complicated with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. The unusual findings in diabetic nephropathy indicated the coexistence of primary glomerulonephritis and diabetic glomerulosclerosis in this case.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Transient fluctuation of serum melatonin rhythm is suppressed centrally by vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 has been reported to improve sleep-wake rhythm disorders. Although the mechanism is still unclear, a change in the sensitivity of the circadian clock system to photic input is thought to be a possible mechanism of the effect. In this study, the effect of the vitamin B12 on the circadian aspect of the electroretinogram (ERG) and serum melatonin level was analyzed in rats. Vitamin B12, alpha-(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolyl)-co-methyl-cobamide was daily administrated subcutaneously for 8 weeks to adult male Wister rats in the experimental group, and saline was given to the control group. The ERGs were recorded under dark adaptation during the night and day, and under light adaptation (0.1 lux) during the night. Blood was drawn before and after ERG recording. The amplitudes of the a-wave, b-wave, and trough-to-peak of both waves and latencies of ERG were analyzed following various exposures to stimuli of light intensity. These parameters in the group treated with vitamin B12 showed similar characteristics to the control group, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups. The melatonin levels of both groups before the measurement of ERG were similar under each measurement condition. The elevated serum melatonin concentration in the control group under dark adaptation at night was suppressed after the series of 10-msec light stimuli used for measurement of ERG. However, this suppressing effect of light pulses on melatonin level was significantly inhibited in the group treated with vitamin B12. Under light adaptation during the night and under dark adaptation during the day, melatonin levels after the measurement of ERG were not different between the groups. From these results, it is suggested that vitamin B12 if effective in suppressing melatonin rhythm disturbances introduced by transient light stimulation, and it affects the site more central than the retinal level.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1997

[Postprostatectomy dysuria: restored voiding function by perineal hot water spray in an old male with a contractile bladder].

The hot water spray on perineum restored voiding function in a 77-year-old male patient with the poorly contractile bladder. He noticed the gradual decrease of bladder sensation and voiding stream, and needed clean intermittent catheterization to empty bladder even after TUR-P. Neurological examination revealed only weakened anal and bulbocavernosus reflex and impaired skin sensation of foot plate and perineum. Simple cystometry showed impaired perception of bladder filling and underactive bladder. Electromyography of the pelvic floor displayed decreased responses to bladder filling and voluntary sphincter contraction. Spine-X-ray examination and computed tomography of brain and spinal cord did not reveal any neurological lesions except for the silent small infarction of subcortex. Trial of drug therapy with Distigmine bromide, Cernilton and Prazosin did not restore voiding function. By accident, however, patient himself found spontaneous voiding could be induced by hot water spray on perineum and/or scrotum during bidet using. Since then, he has been continuing this stimulation daily for 4 years, with which almost complete voiding is possible without catheterization, though bladder sensation remains impaired. The pathophysiology and affecting factors on micturition reflex in this case were discussed.

Aerosols↗

PubMed1997

[The relationship between the estimated tumor growth speed and indices of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in superficial bladder cancer].

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that the average tumor growth speed estimated from clinical findings may be useful as a prognostic factor to determine the stage progression in superficial bladder cancer. Here, we examined the relationship between the dynamic estimation based on the average tumor growth speed and the static estimation based on the biological proliferative activity determined from bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) indices in superficial bladder cancer. METHODS: The subjects were 11 patients with recurrent superficial bladder cancer. The tumor growth speed was calculated by dividing all tumor volume at a certain recurrence episode by the duration until the recurrence. And then, the average tumor growth speed was determined individually by calculating mean tumor growth speed for all recurrence episodes. BrdU and PCNA indices were investigated by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the average tumor growth speed and indices of PCNA and BrdU were statistically (Spearmen's rank correlation test; between the growth speed and PCNA index: p = 0.85, p < 0.01; between the average tumor growth speed and BrdU index: p = 0.71, p < 0.05; between BrdU index and PCNA index: p = 0.77, p < 0.05). The average tumor growth speed which was calculated based on clinical findings reflected the biological proliferative activities such as BrdU and PCNA indices. Furthermore, the values of all indices were higher in the invasive than in the non-invasive cases. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the average tumor growth speed as the dynamic estimation is an important prognostic factor to determine stage progression in superficial bladder cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Effects of melatonin on muscle contractility and neuromuscular blockade produced by muscle relaxants].

Effects of melatonin on muscle contractility and on the blocking properties of succinylcholine and vecuronium were investigated in vitro using phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations of rats. Melatonin (26-520 microM) alone had almost no effect on the contractility. Melatonin (260 microM) markedly potentiated the block produced by succinylcholine, but melatonin had no effect on the block produced by vecuronium. Because the property of the block produced by succinylcholine is nicotinic receptor desensitization, we consider that melatonin potentiates succinylcholine-induced block with facilitation of the desensitization. These results suggest that melatonin has calcium channel blocking effect.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Spontaneous haemothorax caused by costal exostosis.

We report a case of spontaneous haemothorax in a 19 year old boy with an exostosis of the left second rib. It may have been caused by nontraumatic rupture of markedly dilated pleural vessels, as a result of long-standing friction between the exostosis and the pleura. This is the first report of spontaneous haemothorax, without penetrative injury to the pleura or the diaphragm, in a patient with hereditary multiple exostosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Evaluation of tetrahydropyranyladriamycin as an immunosuppressant in concordant xenotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Tetrahydropyranyladriamycin (THP), a derivative of anthracycline, exhibits a stronger antiproliferative activity and a lower cardiotoxicity than the other anthracyclines. The value of THP as an immunosuppressant has not been examined yet, whereas cyclophosphamide, which is another antiproliferative drug, has shown promise as an immunosuppressant in concordant xenotransplantation. METHODS: The effect of THP on the marginal zone in the spleen and anti-species antibody production was evaluated and was compared with that of cyclophosphamide in a concordant xenogeneic splenocyte injection model (hamster-to-rat). Next, THP was used as monotherapy for hamster-to-rat heart transplantation to substantiate the potency of its immunosuppressive activity in concordant xenotransplantation. Finally, combination therapy with THP plus FK506 was tried. RESULTS: THP (5 mg/kg) suppressed the expansion of the marginal zone more than did cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg) and inhibited the production of antispecies antibody as much as did cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg) in the splenocyte injection model. THP monotherapy could prolong the survival of hamster-to-rat heart grafts up to 14.5 +/- 3.2 days (n = 21). The rejected grafts in the THP-treated animals did not show any histologic evidence of vascular endothelial damage but did exhibit a mononuclear cell infiltration. Combination therapy with THP plus FK506 provided excellent graft survival. CONCLUSIONS: THP can prevent early phase humoral rejection in concordant xenotransplantation.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

[In vitro antifungal activity of rilopirox, a new hydroxypyridone antimycotic agent].

In vitro antifungal activities of rilopirox (RIL), a new topical hydroxypyridone antifungal agent, were studied against 7 species (31 strains) of yeast-like fungi and 15 species (17 strains) of mycerial fungi from stock cultures of a wide range of medically important fungi. Tests were carried out by the liquid dilution method using Neopeptone dextrose broth with ciclopirox olamine (CPO) and oxiconazole nitrate (OCZ) as reference drugs. RIL exhibited a broad spectrum of antifungal activities; the MIC of RIL against yeasts were about 1 microgram/ml, those against other fungi were 0.5-4 micrograms/ml. Antifungal activities were similar to CPO, and compare to OCZ, RIL showed characteristically little differences in its activities against different species or strains of target organisms.

Antifungal Agents↗

PubMed1997

New sandwich ELISA for human urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase isoenzyme B as a useful clinical test.

We have developed a new ELISA for quantifying N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) isoenzyme B in human urine after raising monoclonal antibodies against the isoenzyme from human placenta. Though the obtained antibodies reacted not only to isoenzyme B but also to A, we could detect isoenzyme B selectively by a two-step sandwich ELISA with a pair of selected antibodies at low pH in the first reaction. The detected limit was 0.5 microgram/L for a sample volume of 25 microL. Within-run CVs ranged from 2.5% to 5.4% and between-run CVs ranged from 6.2% to 9.1%. Recoveries of NAG isoenzyme B added to each of three urine samples ranged from 91% to 114%. The dilution curves of urine samples showed good linearity. The cross-reactivity of NAG isoenzyme A was practically negligible (2-3%). The mean value for NAG isoenzyme B in spot urines from healthy adults was 2.9 micrograms/g creatinine. This ELISA method is rapid and precise enough for routine determination of NAG isoenzyme B in human urine.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

PubMed1997

A case report of midgut nonrotation treated by laparoscopic Ladd procedure.

We performed laparoscopic survey and treatment on a 17-year-old girl who was diagnosed as having complete midgut nonrotation. The Ladd procedure was successfully performed laparoscopically. The patient was discharged 6 days after the operation. Laparoscopic operation is a useful tool for the correct diagnosis and treatment of intestinal malrotation disease in the adult patient.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy for advanced thoracic esophageal cancer.

We performed transhiatal subtotal esophagectomy under laparoscopic guidance to reduce the invasiveness of subtotal esophagectomy while preserving dissectional accuracy. In six cases of advanced thoracic esophageal cancer with distant metastasis, we used a special type of handpiece of ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) for laparoscopic surgery to dissect the esophagus from surrounding tissues and to isolate vessels entering it while viewing with the video monitor. Hemostasis of isolated vessels was effected by clips or electrocoagulation. There was no massive bleeding from the mediastinum during the operation, nor was there postoperative bleeding or infection. All patients regained normal swallowing ability and were discharged. Transhiatal esophagectomy under laparoscopic guidance is considered a safe, less invasive operative treatment for patients who are suffering from advanced thoracic esophageal cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Quantitative immunohistochemical determination of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine by a monoclonal antibody N45.1: its application to ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced renal carcinogenesis model.

The DNA base-modified product 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is one of the most commonly used markers for the evaluation of oxidative DNA damage. A monoclonal antibody specific for 8-OHdG (N45.1) was characterized and applied in quantitative immunohistochemistry. N45.1 recognized both the modified base and deoxyribose structure of 8-OHdG and required a concentration two orders higher of 8-hydroxyguanosine as a competitor in the ELISA. In addition, N45.1 did not cross-react with the original four deoxyribonucleosides, other DNA base-modified products such as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyadenosine and O6-methyl-2'-deoxyguanosine, or urine components such as uric acid, creatine, and creatinine. A ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced rat renal carcinogenesis model was used for the evaluation of quantitative immunohistochemistry. The 8-OHdG index of quantitative immunohistochemistry, as analyzed by NIH image freeware, correlated reasonably well with the 8-OHdG amount determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector-except for a difference in peak time, which could be attributed to the selection of target location. The present method has advantages over the high-performance liquid chromatography/electrochemical detector, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and 32P-postlabeling methods in that it allows localization of 8-OHdG to be specified without the risk of artifactual production of 8-OHdG during the DNA extraction and hydrolytic processes.

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine↗

PubMed1997

[Long-term follow-up study of bone mineral density in a patient with adult idiopathic Fanconi syndrome].

A 64-year-old woman complaining of severe lumbar pain was admitted to our hospital because of the finding of pre-existing mitral valve regurgitation on examination. Laboratory data revealed the proximal type of renal tubular acidosis, renal glucosuria, phosphaturia, generalized aminoaciduria and low-molecular-weight proteinuria. She did not have any cause of these tubular dysfunctions, and was diagnosed as adult idiopathic Fanconi syndrome. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) revealed a reduction of bone mineral density in the lumbar spine to about 65% of the age-and gender-matched control value. Alkali agents (sodium citrate and potassium citrate), calcium lactate and 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 were administered. Bone mineral density estimated with DEXA improved with a reduction of serum alkali phosphate and disappearance of lumbar pain, and was restored to 82% of the age-and gender-matched control value after about 30 months of treatment. DEXA is useful for the long-term follow-up study of bone mineral density in a patient with Fanconi syndrome.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1997

[Correlation of semiquantitative analysis of the distribution of pulmonary perfusion with pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

We carried out ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy and pulmonary function tests in 56 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 19 healthy volunteers. We used 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin for the perfusion scintigraphy and 33Xe gas for the ventilation scintigraphy. The lung volume image was created by computerized summation of the radioactivity in the rebreathing phase. Regions of interest (ROIs) were set automatically on lung volume image, which included each whole lung, and on perfusion image, including areas with relatively high radioactivity, with cut-off levels of 50%, 70%, and 90%. The number of pixels in each RO1 was used as an index of lung volume (L) or perfusion (P). Perfusion per unit of lung volume (P/L) was also used as an index of perfusion. P70 and P70/L showed the better correlations than the other parameters, including significant correlations with vital capacity, FEV1.0, peak flow rate, RV/ TLC, diffusing capacity and arterial oxygen partial pressure. The significant difference in P70 and P70/L between patients with hypoxemia and those without hypoxemia suggested that P70 and P70/L are useful indicators of the severity of COPD. We conclude that semiquantified values of pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy are significantly correlated with pulmonary function and the severity of COPD.

Aged↗