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Biomedical subjects

K Ukai

Publications and source records attributed to K Ukai.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Protein-losing gastroenteropathy detected by technetium-99m-labeled human serum albumin.

Gastric and fecal clearance of alpha 1-antitrypsin were measured in three cases of protein-losing gastroenteropathy and in two control cases. Abdominal scintigraphy using 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin was performed in all five subjects. All three cases of protein-losing gastroenteropathy showed 99mTc activity in the gastrointestinal tract. In the patient with hypertrophic gastropathy, the activity was seen initially in the stomach and duodenum. In the patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia, the activities were initially in the small bowel. We conclude that 99mTc scintigraphy was useful, not only in diagnosing protein-losing enteropathy, but, also, in detecting the responsible region of the gastrointestinal tract.

Feces↗
PubMed1991

[Analysis of factors affecting hepatic dysfunction during group health checks for local inhabitants].

During health checks within the framework of the Geriatric Health Law, hepatic dysfunction was detected at a high incidence in inhabitants of K town. The factors affecting hepatic dysfunction in these cases were explored. The number of inhabitants who received health checks in 1989 in this town was 4,491 (78.5% of all inhabitants aged over 35 years). A diagnosis of hepatic dysfunction was made if GOT was equal to or higher than 41 IU/l or GPT was equal to or higher than 39 IU/l. On this basis, hepatic dysfunction was detected in 418 inhabitants (9.8%). The incidence of hepatic dysfunction was higher in males than in females. Inhabitants younger than 50 years had a higher incidence than those 50 years or older. The percentage of inhabitants with either a history of alcohol consumption or of receiving blood transfusion was significantly higher for inhabitants with hepatic dysfunction (29% and 10%, respectively) than for healthy inhabitants (10% and 3%, respectively). HBs antigen and anti HCV antibody positive rates for inhabitants with hepatic dysfunction were 3.3% and 36.1% respectively. These results suggest that the relatively high rate of hepatic dysfunction in this town is related to alcohol consumption, blood transfusion and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Of these three factors, the influence of HCV infection seemed to be the most influential. The study additionally disclosed variations in the incidence of hepatic dysfunction among the different regions of the town probably related to regional differences in the anti-HCV antibody positive rate.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Enhancement of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic potential evoked in rat medial-amygdala neuron following olfactory bulbectomy.

Synaptic potentials evoked in the medial amygdala (m-AMG) neurons were studied in in vitro slice preparations obtained from normal and olfactory bulbectomized rats. Local stimulation induced a sequence of responses: a fast EPSP, a fast IPSP and a slow EPSP. The fast EPSP was suppressed by kynurenic acid (KYN) at a concentration of 1 mM but not by 3-[(+-)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl-]-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) at concentrations up to 20 microM. The slow EPSP was reversibly blocked by both KYN (1 mM) and CPP (5-10 microM). Addition of bicuculline methiodide (50 microM) to the bath suppressed the fast IPSP and augmented both the fast and slow IPSPs leading to burst discharges. In a small population of m-AMG neurons, the slow EPSP was followed by a slow IPSP. The slow IPSP was suppressed by phaclofen (500 microM) but not by bicuculline methiodide (up to 100 microM). In slice preparations obtained from olfactory bulbectomized rats, local stimulation evoked burst discharges, which were similar to those observed when bicuculline methiodide was applied to slice preparations obtained from normal rats. These results suggest that GABAA receptor mediating fast IPSP and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediating slow EPSP regulate activities of m-AMG neurons and that the enhancement of NMDA receptor mediating slow EPSP is responsible for the hyperexcitability of m-AMG neurons following olfactory bulbectomy.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1990

Proliferation kinetics of rat Kupffer cells after partial hepatectomy. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis.

In an effort to settle the conflicting views on the proliferation kinetics of Kupffer cells (Kc), we performed 2/3 partial hepatectomy on rats injected with Pelikan ink. Using an anti-rat macrophage monoclonal antibody, ED 2, we evaluated the numerical changes in total, carbon-positive ED 2+ cells and carbon-negative ED 2+ cells in the portal and central area. We also analyzed the ultrastructure and peroxidase cytochemistry of various types of cells observed during regeneration. The total numbers of ED 2+ cells in the remaining liver increased rapidly from day 2 to 5, and the number of dividing ED 2+ cells reached a maximum on day 2. Thus, the numerical increase in ED 2+ cells corresponded to the division phase. In contrast, the carbon-labeling experiment showed a continuous increase of carbon-negative ED 2+ cells from day 2 to 7. In the central area where division was less frequent, the proportion of carbon-positive cells decreased markedly to 50% on day 7, as against 97% in control rats. These findings suggest the possibility of an influx of carbon-negative Kc in addition to cell division. Ultrastructurally, the presence of carbon-negative "small Kc" and "immature Kc" with morphological features different from those of carbon-positive Kc was demonstrated. Such carbon-negative Kc with a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and rather few phagosomes, were not observed in control rats. Furthermore, we demonstrated two types of possible precursor cell, i.e. "transitional" forms between monocytes and Kc, and "immature macrophages". The former showed peroxidase activity in some lysosomes as well as in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope. Our result indicated that the proliferation kinetics of Kc depend upon both local proliferation and influx.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Changes in waveform of congenital nystagmus associated with biofeedback treatment.

A study was made of parameters of congenital nystagmus which responded to auditory biofeedback treatment. The parameters studied included foveation time, amplitude, and frequency. The patient's right retina was observed with an infrared television fundus camera, and the fundus image was recorded on video tape. The position of the eye during nystagmus, observed via the fundus camera and recorded on video, was analysed at every 1/60 second intervals. The displacement in degrees between the fixation target, projected on to the retina, and the foveola was measured for each interval. Using biofeedback, the subjects could voluntarily suppress nystagmus and prolong foveation time. A damping of the nystagmus amplitude, intensity, and frequency was observed. On the average the intensity decreased by about 40%, and the foveation time was prolonged by about 190%. After completion of the training all the patients reported a subjective improvement in their vision when suppressing their nystagmus. Possibly biofeedback training acts to reduce the nystagmus and extend foveation time, thereby improving the ability to fixate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[A study of microdensitometric evaluation of opacity of maxillary sinuses in patients with nasal allergy].

The opacity of the maxillary sinuses on X-ray film in Waters' view in patients with nasal allergy was evaluated by a microdensitometer. The patients with nasal allergy were diagnosed with the positive results of the following; 1) eosinophilia in nasal secretion, 2) nasal provocation test, 3) intradermal skin test or radioallergosorbent test (RAST). The ratio of density of the maxillary sinuses and orbits was determined by a microdensitometer, and the ratio of the average degree of the opacity of the maxillary sinus to that of the ipsilateral orbit was designated as the M/O ratio. The normal range of the M/O ratio was set over the mean value -2 standard deviations in the normal group. The results are followings. 1) The abnormal shadows in the maxillary sinuses were found out to be 36.9% in patients with nasal allergy. 2) Patients under 15 years old had significantly higher incidence of abnormal shadows, especially in the bilateral sinuses compared with patients over 15 years old. 3) Polyps in the maxillary sinus were recognized in 5.0% of all the sinuses. 4) There were no significant differences for the incidence of abnormal shadow among the patients with nasal allergy caused by different antigens.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1990

[Effect of mucociliary dysfunction on nasal viral infection].

The effects of Newcastle disease virus infection on the nasal mucociliary dysfunction after the mechanical stimulation, dehydration and cocaine application were investigated in the nonanesthetized in vivo chicken. Mucociliary transport rate and mucociliary wave frequency were measured simultaneously using the video monitor systems and electrophotometer connecting to the otomicroscope by the direct vision through the palatine cleft of the chicken which were placed in a specially designed plastic holder with mouth opener. Mucociliary transport rate was accelerated on the postnasal fossa adjacent to the mechanically stimulated side of the palatine cleft. The dehydration for 96 hours produced progressive decelerations of mucociliary transport rate, but not mucociliary wave frequency. Topical application of 20% cocaine to the postnasal fossa caused the ciliary paralysis within 5 minutes for more than one hour. The topical inoculation of Newcastle disease virus into the postnasal fossa induced the deceleration of mucociliary transport rate after 4 days and mucociliary wave frequency after 3 and 6 days significantly. We studied the effect of mucociliary transport rate and mucociliary wave frequency on the topical Newcastle disease virus inoculation after the mechanical stimulation, dehydration, and the application of 20% cocaine. Mucociliary transport rate in dehydration and cocaine groups were decelerated significantly 4, 7, 10, 13 days after inoculation, but not in the mechanical stimulation group. Mucociliary wave frequency in the dehydration group were decelerated significantly 3, 6, 12 days after inoculation, but not in the cocaine and mechanical stimulation groups. Therefore, the results suggest that the mucociliary dysfunction may increase and prolong the severity of viral infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Effect of specific desensitization therapy in combination with an immunopotentiator, Neurotropin, on perennial nasal allergy--with special reference to mite specific IgG and IgG4 antibody levels].

We treated perennial nasal allergy with specific desensitization in combination with or without Neurotropin injections (NSP) from March 1983 to September 1984, and analyzed blood anti-mite IgG and IgG4 levels in relation to therapeutic efficacy. Desensitization and NSP were given once a week and seventy subjects (33 from the desensitization group and 37 from the desensitization + NSP group) were evaluated at 24, 36 and 48 weeks. 1) In total cases clinical usefulness showed no significant difference between the desensitization group and combined group at 24 weeks, while in "useful or more" cases significantly better results were attained in the latter at 24 weeks and 48 weeks (p less than 0.05, respectively). 2) Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D.p.) specific IgG antibody showed no significant difference between both groups as well as in each group during the overall examination period. 3) In total cases both D.p. specific and D. farinae (D.f.) specific IgG4 were significantly higher in the combined group at 24 and 36 weeks (D.p.: p less than 0.01 and D.f.: p less than 0.05, respectively), whereas in "useful or more" cases only D.p. specific IgG4 showed a significant elevation in the combined group at 24 weeks (p less than 0.05). These results suggest that specific desensitization in combination with NSP can promote early production of mite specific IgG4, which tend to rise in correlation with clinical efficacy.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1990

[Effect of amlexanox on experimental allergic rhinitis in actively sensitized guinea pigs].

The effect of amlexanox given orally for 3 weeks was studied on the IgE-mediated experimental allergic rhinitis in the actively sensitized guinea pigs. The intranasal instillation of antigen (egg albumin) induced the increase of nasal vascular permeability (dye leakage), histamine content in nasal perfusate and nasal resistance in sensitized guinea pig. Amlexanox, 20 and 60 mg/kg/day given orally for 3 weeks significantly inhibited the increase of dye leakage into the nasal cavity, histamine content and nasal resistance in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that amlexanox given orally may be useful therapeutic agent for human allergic rhinitis.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMed1990

[Two cases of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis; the utility of CT scan].

Two cases of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis were examined with computed tomography. Prior to the operation the CT appearances of the disease were, as follows: focal thickening of the bowel wall, gas and fluid collection in the dilated bowel, mesenteric leaf, a little ascites and dilated superior mesenteric vein with central filling defect. We conclude that CT scan is very useful for an early diagnosis of the superior mesenteric vein thrombosis.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Anaplastic small cell carcinoma of the larynx.

Anaplastic small cell carcinoma of the larynx is an uncommon neuroendocrine tumor. We report a case of this neoplasm of a 53-year-old male. The patient showed persistent hyponatremia accompanied with continuous loss of sodium in the urine, which resulted from inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It is postulated that hyponatremia in this case was due to production of ADH by the tumor cells.

Carcinoma, Small Cell↗
PubMed1989

Accommodative fluctuations in Adie's syndrome.

Recent reports suggest that the higher frequency components (around 2 Hz) of accommodative fluctuations may arise from the accommodative 'plant' and may have no role in the control of the accommodation system. The dynamic responses of accommodation in two cases with Adie's syndrome were recorded. The results showed that the velocity of accommodative responses was reduced, and the accommodative fluctuations in the higher frequency components were completely diminished. It can be concluded that the origin of fast fluctuations is not located at a more peripheral site than the lesion of tonic accommodation. Since the possible lesion exists at the ciliary ganglion, the origin of the fast oscillation may not be the accommodative 'plant', but the neural one.

Accommodation, Ocular↗
PubMed1989

[Electron microscopic study of glycoconjugate in nasal mucosa of nasal allergy by lectin histochemistry].

Glycoconjugates in glandular and goblet cells of nasal mucosa were compared between normal and nasal allergy by using various horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated lectins; WGA, PNA, UEA-I and RCA-I. Specific sugar residues of glycoconjugates could be identified under electron microscope. Golgi's complex of the serous secretory cells in nasal allergic mucosa had positive staining in UEA-I. Goblet cells of nasal allergic mucosa were stained strongly in PNA, compared to normal mucosa, however, they were stained weakly in WGA. In conclusion, glycoconjugates in glandular and goblet cells seem to be changed in nasal allergy.

Glycoconjugates↗
PubMed1989

[Electron microscopic study of intercellular junction in nasal mucosa of nasal allergy by lectin histochemistry].

To explain of the mechanism of the enhanced nasal epithelial permeability to HRP in patients with nasal allergy, the inferior turbinate mucosa was removed from 6 normal adults and 7 adults with nasal allergy. Difference of the fine structure of the intercellular junction was compared between normal mucosa and mucosa of nasal allergy by electron microscope. Staining pattern of four kinds of HRP-conjugated lectin (HRP-WGA, PNA, UEA-I and RCA-I) was also studied by electron microscope. There was no significant difference in the intercellular space of the mucosa between the normal mucosa and mucosa of nasal allergy. In the epithelial cell membrane, pattern of HRP-lectin staining was almost similar in both groups. In normal nasal epithelium, the intercellular junction consisted of junctional complex; adherent junction, desmosome and gap junction. The intercellular space was approximately 150-250 A in width. The tight junction was located beneath the luminal surface of the epithelium, and belt-like continuation connecting the adjacent cells. It was concluded that enhanced permeability to HRP in nasal allergy was not morphologic changes of the intercellular junction and component and distribution of the glycoconjugates in epithelial cellular membrane, but this may be based on functional changes.

Glycoconjugates↗
PubMed1989

Ultrastructural localization of Cu, Zn-SOD in hepatocytes of patients with various liver diseases.

The ultrastructural localization of copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) in the liver of patients with acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and alcoholic fatty liver was studied by means of the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. In hepatocytes Cu, Zn-SOD was found to be localized in perinuclear cisternae, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), vesicles and Golgi apparatus. The Cu, Zn-SOD was also detected around the lipid droplets in hepatocytes as well as on the cytoplasmic membrane in cases of liver cirrhosis. These findings suggest that Cu, Zn-SOD is produced in the rER in hepatocytes and protects the cells from cellular injury caused by superoxide anion radical in various disorders of the liver.

Endoplasmic Reticulum↗
PubMed1989

[Analysis of vergence functions by step stimulus].

Step responses of fusional vergence i.e. convergence and divergence were elicited by a computer-controlled phase-different haploscopic device. Eye movements of convergence and divergence were recorded by a limbus tracker. Elicited responses were analyzed using the repetitive linearization method of nonlinear curve fitting to exponential approximation. The results showed that the time constant of the exponential curve was identical between convergence and divergence. The destination of curves, i.e., the bias term of the exponential equation, always coincided with the stimulus position. These results were different from the behavior of accommodative step response which has been reported previously.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

A quasistatic study of pupil and accommodation after-effects following near vision.

The study examines the effect of a near task on immediate post-task measures of pupil size and accommodative state. The method of quasistatic measurement of accommodation was used and pupillary changes elicited by the accommodative stimulus were simultaneously recorded using an infrared video-pupillometer. This method requires a short (typically 2 minutes) but strong (up to 10 D in most subjects) near-vision effort, with the accommodative and pupillary responses being recorded before, during, and after the task. The results show pupil after-effects to be more pronounced than tonic accommodative after-effects. Inter-individual difference in after-effects is large. The pupil after-effect was dissociated from the tonic accommodation after-effect and lasted in some cases for more than 15 minutes. The pupil after-effect was not masked by darkness. It is proposed that monitoring the changes of pupil is valuable when assessing the after-effects of sustained near vision.

Accommodation, Ocular↗