Biomedical subjects

K Ukai

Publications and source records attributed to K Ukai.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor produced by pancreatic carcinoma.

CONCLUSION: A rare case of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) produced by carcinoma of the pancreas has been reported. BACKGROUND: This is the first case showing high G-CSF concentration in the aspirated tumor fluid (mucin) at its early stage without leukocytosis. METHODS: The tumor, detected incidentally in a 64-yr-old male, was removed by a distal pancreatectomy. The mass was 7.0 x 6.5 x 4.5 cm, and was histologically diagnosed as cystadenocarcinoma with prominent sarcomatous transformation. It was classified as anaplastic carcinoma. RESULTS: After 4 wk of resection, progressive leukocytosis was observed. Seven weeks after the operations, the peripheral leukocyte count increased to 126,000/mL. After 8 wk of resection, the patient died of recurrence. The serum G-CSF concentration was elevated after recurrence. The preserved mucin contained in the cystic components of the resected specimen had a G-CSF concentration higher than 2400 pg/mL. G-CSF is a known cytokine and an etiologic agent in paraneoplastic syndromes. An early diagnosis can, therefore, be made prior to the manifestation of clinical symptoms by the evaluation of the aspirated tumor fluid. This can lead to the prevention of the paraneoplastic syndrome with inhibitory cytokines in future.

Cystadenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1996

Effects of the synthesized growth hormone releasing peptide, KP-102, on growth hormone release in sodium glutamate monohydrate-treated low growth rats.

KP-102 (D-Ala-D-beta-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2), a new second generation hexapeptide, has a potent growth hormone (GH)-releasing action in vivo and in vitro. Here, we evaluated the GH-releasing action of KP-102 under pentobarbital (PB) anesthesia in neonatally sodium-glutamate-monohydrate-treated low growth (NMSG-LG) rats. The plasma GH level in NMSG-LG rats after i.v. administration of KP-102 at 100 micrograms/kg was 1/6.7 (95% C.L. 1/14.7 - 1/3.0) of that in normal rats given the same dose (p < 0.01). However, the increase was significant compared with that in normal rats after saline administration (p < 0.01). The plasma GH releasing action of KP-102 at 100 micrograms/kg i.v. in rats with lesions in the bilateral hypothalamic arcuate nuclei (ARC), was about 1/6.3 (95% C.L. 1/12.4 - 1/3.2) of that in normal rats under PB anesthesia (p < 0.01). When KP-102 was injected into the ARC at doses of 0.0002, 0.02 and 2 micrograms/rat, GH release was dose-related (p < 0.01) under PB anesthesia. KP-102 at 2 micrograms i.c.v. also increased the plasma GH levels (p < 0.01) to about 1/8.3 (95% C.L. 1/22.7 - 1/3.1) of that by systematic administration, at the same potency as the ARC injection (1/13.7 and 95% C.L. 1/37.2 - 1/5.0). These findings suggest that KP-102 potently stimulates the GH release by a direct or indirect antagonism of somatostatin (SRIF) and growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) release in the hypothalamus and by a direct action on the pituitary. Furthermore, the GH-releasing action of KP-102 was similar and additive upon both regions in vivo at the maximum effective dose. Moreover, since the GH-release in response to KP-102 administration differed between NMSG-LG and normal rats, and since KP-102 increased the GH release even in NMSG-LG rats, it should be evaluated in the hypophysial GH secretion tests, and may be used to treat the hypophysial GH secretion insufficiency.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Changes in oculomotor functions before and after loading of a 3-D visually-guided task by using a head-mounted display.

Changes in visual and oculomotor functions were tested in eight young volunteer subjects after performing a 3-D visually-guided task for 25 min. The visual stimuli were given by using a head-mounted display. No significant change was detected in the AC/A ratio and the stereo acuity. Changes were found in refraction and ocular convergence. Slight but significant hyperopic changes were detected in refraction after the task. The mean amplitude of convergence eye movement elicited by test stimuli after the task was significantly changed in the pooled data. They were significantly reduced when the subjects were tested by the disparity step of 0.7 degrees, but significantly increased when tested by the step of 6 degrees. The mean amplitudes were not significantly changed after the task when the subjects were tested by the intermediate disparity steps of 1.5 and 3 degrees. In data obtained for each subject, the amplitude of ocular convergence evoked by test stimuli after the task was reduced significantly in most subjects. In the majority of subjects, however, the results were not consistently significant when they were tested by step stimuli with different disparities. In only a few subjects, the changes were consistently significant except when the largest disparity was tested. On the other hand, the mean peak velocities of ocular convergence after the task were not significantly changed in the pooled data. In individual subjects, the changes of velocities of ocular convergence evoked by test stimuli after the task were more variable: they increased in some subjects but decreased in other subjects. Consequently, in only one subject, both amplitudes and peak velocities of ocular convergence tested by the disparity steps of 0.7, 1.5 and 3 degrees were consistently reduced after the task. The changes in refraction or ocular convergence found in this study were relatively small, and were not in the pathological range. The significance of these data are discussed. The results of the present study provide the basis for the more detailed analyses of the human factor in the head-mounted display.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Quantitative cytology of nasal secretions and scrapings in Japanese cedar pollinosis patients.

To explore the dynamics of the cellular response to natural allergen exposure, the authors of this study performed quantitative cytology in both the nasal secretions and nasal scrapings of 16 normal control subjects and 23 Japanese cedar pollinosis patients before and during the pollen season. In nasal scrapings, the number of metachromatic cells increased significantly during the pollen season, although there was no significant difference between the normal subjects and the preseason pollinosis patients. The cell differential count in the patients with pollinosis showed that lymphocytes were predominant in scrapings; however, the majority of inflammatory cells in the nasal secretions were neutrophils before the season and eosinophils during the season. The study findings suggest that the appearance of metachromatic cells in nasal scrapings is specific to the pollen exposure and that the cytology in nasal secretions is significantly different from that in nasal scrapings.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[A case of hepatocellular carcinoma responding to oral administration of UFT].

A 77-year-old male with liver cirrhosis was admitted to our hospital for further examination and treatment of liver tumor. A tumor, which was in the S5 of liver and 7.2 cm in diameter, was revealed by ultrasonography, CT scan and MRI. The titers of serum AFP and PIVKA-II were 600 ng/ml and 3.5 AU/ml, respectively. According to the findings of imaging diagnosis and laboratory data, the patient was diagnosed as having hepatocellular carcinoma. He was treated by the oral administration of UFT (300 mg/day). Ultrasonically guided aspiration biopsy of the tumor and CT scan, which were performed ten and fourteen months after the beginning of administration of UFT, respectively, revealed the necrosis of the tumor. Twelve months later, the tumor size reduced to 1.4 cm in diameter, and the titer of PIVKA-II was reduced to the normal range. This case shows the clinical effectiveness of oral administration of UFT.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1996

Increased expression of histamine H1 receptor mRNA in allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Histamine plays an important role in producing nasal symptoms via histamine H1 receptor (H1R) in allergic rhinitis. It is reported that the minimum histamine concentration that induces sneezing is lower in allergic patients than in normal control subjects. Previous studies by binding assay on H1R gave divided results on whether the number of H1Rs is increased in allergic rhinitis or not. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine if H1R mRNA expression is increased in patients with allergic rhinitis compared with normal healthy volunteers. METHODS: We extracted RNA from scrapings of inferior turbinate mucosa of 10 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and 10 control subjects. As the H1R gene lacks introns, we treated RNA pellets by DNase to distinguish RNA from contaminating genomic DNA. Since amplification of H1R and beta-actin mRNA remained in an exponential phase at 35 cycles, H1R and beta-actin mRNAs were amplified for 35 cycles by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The PCR products were hybridized with internal probes and band intensities were quantitated by a densitometer. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD of H1R/beta-actin ratio was 0.88 +/- 0.62 for the patients with allergic rhinitis and 0.29 +/- 0.17 for the normal subjects; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that expression of H1R mRNA is increased in the nasal mucosa of the patients with allergic rhinitis.

Actins↗

PubMed1996

[Effects of topical application of isopropyl unoprostone on refraction and accommodation].

The effect of topical application of prostaglandin-related compound isopropyl unoprostone on refraction and accommodation were examined. Topical application of isopropyl unoprostone obviously reduced the intraocular pressure, but no significant change in refraction was observed. Amplitude of accommodation, i.e., near point and far point of accommodation, were kept unchanged, although isopropyl unoprostone produced a slight hyperopic shift in dark focus of accommodation. These findings suggest that the reduction of intraocular pressure needs to be explained by a mechanism other than the relaxation of ciliary muscles.

Accommodation, Ocular↗

PubMed1996

[Effects on visual functions following several hours' usage of a head mounted display].

We investigated the effects of viewing video movies with a head-mounted display (HMD) for 4 to 6 hours on visual functions such as refraction, visual acuity, and accommodation-vergence system. Two or three video movies were watched without any breaks by 13 normal volunteers (age: 22 approximately 40). Measurements were made of (1) objective and subjective refraction, (2) corrected visual acuity, (3) tonic level and step response of accommodation with a computer-assisted infrared optometer, and (4) near and far phorias and AC/A ratio. Significant transient myopia was found following 4 hours' viewing, but not following 6 hours' viewing. Scrutinizing individual data, myopia was consistently found in some subjects, and hyperopia in others. We presumed that many subjects might have been influenced by initial instrumental myopia when they adjusted the focus by using the mechanism built in the HMD. No significant change was observed in any other examination. However, there was a tendency for the AC/A ratio to change after a short time, and then to recover to its original value. Based on the results in this study, it appears that some changes in accommodation and vergence systems are caused by viewing video movies with the HMD. Although the amount of changes was within normal physiological variation in this study, the possibility still remains that usage for a longer time may lead to other changes in visual function. Care is also necessary when using the HMD in subjects with subclinical problems.

Accommodation, Ocular↗

PubMed1996

[The pollen count of Cryptomeria japonica and nasal symptom of Cryptomeria japonica pollinosis patients in recent three years in Mie Prefecture].

Airborne scattering of Cryptomeria japonica pollen depends on climate. Total pollen count and scattering pattern varies from one year to another. We counted Cryptomeria japonica pollen in February and March from 1993 to 1995 at several points in Mie Prefecture. One-third to two-thirds of all the patients who visited our clinic for the first time in the pollen period were occupied by allergic patients. The pollen count in 1995 amounted to 17943/cm2 at Tsu and 99512/cm2 in the whole prefecture, which is the largest in the past 12 years. The number of days in which patients severely suffered was correlated to the pollen count for the past three years. It was shown that nasal symptoms developed after certain amount of pollen had scattered, but the severity of symptoms thereafter largely depended on the total pollen count. At Tsu in 1995, we scarcely had pollen scattering in February but had tremendous amount of pollen count in March. Percentage of development of nasal symptoms among thirty patients was well correlated to the logarithm of accumulated pollen count. When accumulated pollen count reached to 100/cm2, half the patients developed symptoms. Most of the patients developed symptoms when it reached to 1000/cm2. Since there is a great interindivisual difference in when and how much patients have nasal symptoms, the choice of therapy should be based not only on the pollen count but also on the symptom and condition of each patient.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Effect of oxatomide nasal spray on experimental allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs and rats.

We investigated the effect of topically applied oxatomide, an antiallergic agent, on the assault of allergic rhinitis in actively sensitized guinea pigs. Topical application of oxatomide nasal spray (0.025%) reduced the severity of allergic rhinitis which was assessed by determining dye leakage and histamine released to the nasal cavity of guinea pigs. Furthermore, oxatomide nasal spray treatment significantly prevented the increase in dye leakage induced by histamine administration in guinea pigs and rats. These results indicate that the topical application of oxatomide inhibits both the release and the action of histamine. Therefore, oxatomide nasal spray may be beneficial for treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMed1995

Effect of histamine on nasal epithelial permeability to horseradish peroxidase in allergic guinea pigs.

The effect of histamine and antigen on the permeability of nasal mucosa to macromolecules in allergic guinea pigs was investigated with a histochemical technique using horseradish peroxidase (HRP). We found that the ratio of intercellular spaces penetrated by HRP to the total number of intercellular spaces of the nasal epithelium in nonallergic groups was increased by histamine challenge dose-dependently. The HRP reaction products in the intercellular spaces in allergic groups were significantly increased by challenge with histamine at 5.4 x 10(-4) mol/L and 5.4 x 10(-2) mol/L, in contrast to nonallergic groups. We conclude that histamine increases nasal mucosal permeability, and this effect is most likely mediated by a functional change in the epithelial tight junctions.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Ability of histamine to increase nasal mucosal permeability to macromolecules in guinea pigs.

The effect of histamine on nasal mucosal permeability against an antigen was investigated by using modified passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reactions in normal and actively sensitized guinea pigs. The administration of a dinitrophenyl-coupled Ascaris (DNP-Ascaris) solution as an antigen into the nasal cavity caused PCA reactions in the dorsal skin of normal guinea pigs. The administration of histamine into the nasal cavity before the antigen treatment significantly enhanced the anaphylactic responses. The PCA reactions did not occur when ovalbumin (OA) was administered intranasally in normal guinea pigs. In guinea pigs sensitized against DNP-Ascaris, however, PCA reactions to anti-OA antiserum were elicited by the intranasal administration of OA. The intranasal administration of histamine before the antigen treatment also enhanced anaphylactic responses in sensitized guinea pigs. These results indicate that histamine increases nasal mucosal permeability and that this may be one of the causes of nasal hypersensitivity in nasal allergy.

Allergens↗

PubMed1995

The effect of KW-4679, an antiallergic drug, on experimental allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs: effects on nasal blockage.

We investigated the effect of KW-4679 (Z-11-(dimethylaminopropyliden)-6,11-dihydrodibenzoxepin-2-a cetic acid hydrochloride), an antiallergic agent, on the nasal blockage induced by antigen challenge into the nostrils of actively sensitized guinea pigs. The change of the nasal cavity volume caused by nasal mucosal swelling after antigen challenge was measured by acoustic rhinometry. Oral administration of KW-4679 (0.01-10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the decrease in the nasal cavity volume at 10 min, 30 min and 6 hr after antigen challenge. Ketotifen (1-10 mg/kg, p.o.) also inhibited the decrease in the nasal cavity volume after antigen challenge. These results indicate that KW-4679 may be useful for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Hepatocellular carcinoma cases with five-year survival and prognostic factors affecting the survival time.

Between 1980 and 1994, 178 patients were confirmed to have hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in our hospital. The 5-year survival rates in patients with HCC of stage I, II and IVA were 38.1%, 31.8% and 3.9%, respectively. No patient in stage III or IVB survived for more than four years. The 5-year survival rates of the patients treated by hepatic resection, ultrasonically guided percutaneous ethanol injection and transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization were 53.7%, 38.7% and 13.5%, respectively. The logrank test showed a significant difference in cumulative survival rates obtained in patients with HCC according to the tumor stage (p < 0.001) or principal treatment procedure (p < 0.001). Twelve patients survived for more than five years. We employed a Cox's proportional hazards model to estimate the factors significantly affecting the survival time. Variables with statistical significance were the clinical stage (p < 0.001), tumor size (maximal tumor diameter) (p < 0.001) and patient's age (p < 0.05). Conclusively, patients in the early stage of HCC associated with mild liver cirrhosis have a significantly better chance for long survival.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Visual function analysis of diabetic retinopathy using a contrast sensitivity analyser and usefulness of nicardipine hydrochloride].

Contrast sensitivity was measured in patients with mild diabetic retinopathy using a contrast sensitivity analyser on a personal computer to evaluate visual function. The effect of nicardipine hydrochloride for visual function in mild diabetic retinopathy was also evaluated. Suppression of contrast sensitivity in a comprehensive band of spatial frequency was seen in the patients with normal visual acuity. Apparent improvement of contrast sensitivity was seen in the patients after 3 months of nicardipine hydrochloride treatment. It became clear that even if patients with mild diabetic retinopathy have normal visual acuity, measurement of contrast sensitivity is very important to evaluate the visual function. We also found that nicardipine hydrochloride is effective in treating the impairment of visual function in patients with mild diabetic retinopathy.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Outcomes of 116 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

We studied the outcomes of 116 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed in our hospital between January 1980 and August 1992. The patients were divided into groups according to the principal treatment procedure. The 3-year survival rates in the patients treated by percutaneous ultrasonically guided ethanol injection (PEI), operation (hepatic resection), and transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization (TAE) were 90.9%, 53.6%, and 29.0%, respectively. None of the patients treated by one-shot injection of an anticancer agent into the hepatic artery and chemotherapy survived for more than 2 years. The outcomes of the patients treated by PEI and hepatic resection were significantly better than those of the patients treated by the other procedures. There was no significant difference when the patients were stratified according to the year of detection. The 3-year survival rate was 57.3% for 19 patients in whom HCCs were detected during clinical follow-up for chronic liver disease and 17.3% for the other 97 patients. We concluded that hepatic resection in patients with good liver function and PEI for early HCC yielded significantly better survival rates than the other procedures. Moreover, for early detection and treatment of HCC, we recommend clinical follow-up of patients with chronic liver disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Treatment of symptomatic hepatic cysts by percutaneous instillation of minocycline hydrochloride.

Nine patients with 16 symptomatic nonneoplastic congenital hepatic cysts were treated prospectively by ultrasonically guided percutaneous minocycline hydrochloride injection, and the usefulness of this treatment was evaluated. Seven of the patients had multiple hepatic cysts, and two solitary cysts. All the patients were women, ranging in age from 36 to 81 years. After cystic fluid had been aspirated with a 21-gauge PTC needle, minocycline hydrochloride was injected into all the cysts. The minocycline hydrochloride was dissolved in saline at a concentration of 200 mg in 9 ml, and mixed with 1 ml of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride. The total quantity of minocycline hydrochloride injected varied from 100 mg to 1200 mg per hepatic cyst, depending on its size. Total or subtotal regression of the cysts was observed in all patients during follow-up periods ranging from 15 to 35 months. Seven patients became symptom-free, one showed symptom reduction, and one showed no change in symptoms. Minor side effects, eg, transient abdominal pain, slight right shoulder pain, and temperature elevation, were noted in three patients respectively. On the basis of these results, we conclude that ultrasonically guided percutaneous minocycline hydrochloride injection is useful for the treatment of symptomatic hepatic cysts.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Antigen (DNP-As)-induced allergic rhinitis model in guinea pigs.

In guinea pigs, an IgE antibody was produced by intraperitoneal injection of antigen (DNP-As) containing Al(OH)3 and booster inhalation of the antigen into the nasal cavity. Experimental allergic rhinitis was induced by the perfusion of antigen solution into the nasal cavities of actively sensitized guinea pigs. Severity of allergic rhinitis was assessed by determining release of histamine and leakage of dye into the nasal cavity. The antigen-induced release of histamine was significantly increased at 0 to 15 minutes following antigen administration but then decreased with time. The antigen-induced leakage of dye was sustained for 60 minutes after administration of the antigen. These results suggest that the DNP-As-induced allergic rhinitis model in guinea pigs is instrumental in evaluating the effect of various factors on allergic rhinitis.

Animals↗