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Biomedical subjects

M Fujii

Publications and source records attributed to M Fujii.

At least 613 records · Page 34Linked to original sources

[Identification and characterization of effector lymphocytes lysing autologous tumor cells].

Effector lymphocytes cytotoxic to autologous tumor cells consist of heterogeneous populations. In this communication, we have presented the results of experiments, in which these heterogeneous effector cells were classified based on their surface markers and modes of differentiation depending upon culture conditions. NK cells with a typical phenotype of CD2+ 3-16+ were one of major populations, which could respond to IL-2 and be differentiated into lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells. LAK cells were also induced from a CD3+4-8- T cell subset by IL-2 stimulation. Effector cells with a phenotype of CD2+ 3-4-8-16-, which may belong to the T cells at early stages of differentiation, could also be induced by stimulation of immunoadjuvants. Finally, it was shown that the effector cells with a typical phenotype of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD3+4-8+16-, and a non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity were induced by IL-2 in the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

[The usefulness of Chlamydia testpack for the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in genito-urinary tract].

A comparative study between Chlamydia Testpack and Chlamydiazyme for the detection of chlamydial antigen was performed. In 61 cases suspected of being chlamydial infection, Chlamydia Testpack had a specificity of 92% and a sensitivity of 88% when compared with Chlamydiazyme. On the result of study using Chlamydia trachomatis serotype B, the sensitivity of Chlamydia Testpack which had a lower limit of 6 x 10(4)/ml of EB was less than that of Chlamydiazyme which had a lower limit of 0.7 x 10(4). However, the large number of EB presented in almost all positive specimen, indicated that Chlamydia Testpack could be used to screen the clinical materials.

Adolescent↗

[Clinical application of dynamic CT].

10 patients with primary pulmonary cancer were performed using of dynamic CT scanning with dynamic curve and obtained radiograms were analyzed with computer. Blood is supplied usually via a bronchial artery to primary pulmonary cancer. But we could be analyzed four types on blood supplying to the primary pulmonary cancer which are via aorta, pulmonary artery, aorta and pulmonary artery and non classified type. This technique be able to suggest of effectiveness of radiotherapy with analyzing of exist of center necrosis of the tumor. Therefore we radiotherapist and radiation oncologist be able to avoid radiation-induced pulmonary pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis especially high aged patients. We are recommended to take a this technique as preirradiative examination for patient with pulmonary cancer because of avoiding of no available radiotherapy.

Aged↗

[A comparative study of CT and plain X-ray film in the diagnosis of interstitial pulmonary disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

In order to detect the interstitial pulmonary disease of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we studied 91 patients with RA and compared the appearances of high resolution CT with those of plain chest X-ray film. We found 43 cases of interstitial pneumonitis on CT. We classified the CT and X-ray appearances as 4 groups (0-3) based on the degrees of pulmonary lesions. The both classifications accorded only in 46 cases (51%). In 46 cases who were not detected any changes by plain X-ray film, 17 were detected interstitial changes by CT. As to the early interstitial changes, the detectability of CT was superior to that of plain X-ray film.

Adult↗

[Multidisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer].

UNLABELLED: This presentation deals with multidisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer, especially focusing on maxillary sinus carcinoma (MSC) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Since 1982, a new multidisciplinary treatment incorporating neo-adjuvant chemotherapy has been introduced in the treatment of MSC. The Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy includes cisplatin (CDDP) + peplomycin (PEP), adriamycin (ADR) analogs + CDDP + PEP, and CDDP +5-FU. Two courses of chemotherapy were given intraarterially with the interval of 2 weeks. Routinely, radiotherapy of 40 Gy by Linac was given to the primary tumor site, concomitantly combined with 5-FU intraarterial injections only during the first 10 days, 2 weeks after the end of chemotherapy. Additional treatment was performed according to the extent of the residual tumors. The 5-year survival rate for the 28 patients treated with this therapy was 55%. The 5-year survival rate by T classification was 100% for T2, 76% for T3 and 0% for T4 cases. The preservation rate of maxillo-facial structures and functions was 82%. Concerning NPC, neo-adjuvant chemotherapy included CDDP + PEP, ADR + CDDP + PEP and ADR + cyclophosphamide + PEP. Two courses of chemotherapy were performed, followed by radiotherapy of 60 Gy by Linac. Then intracavitary 60Co therapy was performed, followed by adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. The 5-year survival rate for 21 patients treated with this therapy was 44%. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The 5-year survival rate was better for patients with MSC who were treated with multidisciplinary treatment incorporating intraarterial neo-adjuvant chemotherapy than that for patients who received other treatment so far. Furthermore, the highest preservation rate of maxillo-facial structures and functions was achieved in the neo-adjuvant chemotherapy group. However, survival rates for T4 cases were very poor, so another approach should be taken. (2) The 5-year survival rate was also better for patients with NPC who were given multidisciplinary treatment than for patients who received other treatment to date. However, there was no decrease of distant metastases, which we aimed initially, despite the introduction of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

Adult↗

[Report of a case of lung cancer with metastasis to the myocardium which showed electrocardiographic findings similar to acute myocardial infarction and intramyocardial mass on echocardiography].

A 61-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with complaints of cough and left back and chest pain. He had suffered from left tuberculous pleurisy at the age of 20 years. Chest X-ray film and CT revealed atelectasis of the left lung, a left hilar mass and an irregular left atrial wall. Depressed P-Ta segment in the inferior limb and anterior chest leads and an abnormal P wave were found on ECG. Transbronchial lung biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma. After radiation therapy, the patient complained of chest oppression. ECG revealed a normalized P-Ta segment deviation, markedly elevated ST segment in the inferior limb and lateral chest leads and a depressed ST segment in the anterior chest leads. These findings persisted until his death. An obscure appearance of the pericardium and an echogenic intramyocardial mass in the posteroinferior and lateral wall were evident by echocardiography. The patient died due to heart failure. Postmortem needle biopsy showed scattered intramyocardial tumor cell nests with keratinization. CPK, GOT and LDH were within normal limits throughout the course, but CPK-MB was slightly increased. Cardiac metastasis with an ECG appearance similar to that of acute myocardial infarction has been rarely reported. Our present case showed peculiar feature including 1) ECG findings similar to atrial and ventricular myocardial infarction, and 2) an echogenic intramyocardial mass and an ill-defined pericardium on echocardiography. These findings suggested direct invasion of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung to the ventricular myocardium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

[Decreased plasma alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor activity in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome].

We measured plasma alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1-PI) levels in patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), chance proteinuria and/or hematuria, and normal controls to examine the roles of proteinase inhibitors in the pathogenesis of renal diseases. Plasma alpha 1-PI concentrations were significantly decreased in patients with INS at relapses and remissions of INS. The alpha 1-PI activities, anti-trypsin and anti-elastase activities, were also decreased in relapses of INS. However, the values revealed no statistically significant difference in remissions of INS. Significant correlations between the PI activities and alpha 2-macroglobulin levels were revealed, which suggested a possible contribution of alpha 2-macroglobulin to the plasma PI activities in INS. From these results we conclude that the decrease in plasma alpha 1-PI activities may be responsible for the reduction of glomerular negative charge, possibly caused by some unknown proteinase(s), and the resultant development of proteinuria.

Adolescent↗

Recurrence of myocardial infarction related to different vessels in a patient with diffuse coronary artery spasm without underlying severe organic stenosis.

A 59-year-old man had a first myocardial infarction in the right coronary artery, followed by an another infarction in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Coronary thrombolysis for both occasions of acute myocardial infarction was successfully performed without severe residual stenosis. In the chronic phase after the second myocardial infarction, ergonovine test showed diffuse coronary artery spasm. The etiology of myocardial infarction is briefly discussed.

Coronary Vasospasm↗

Phorbol esters can persistently replace interleukin-2 (IL-2) for the growth of a human IL-2-dependent T-cell line.

A selected clone from an IL-2-dependent human T-cell line was persistently propagated in the presence of phorbol esters with the ability to activate protein kinase C (PKC), such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or phorbol-12,13-dibutylate (PDBu). Thus, a TPA(PDBu)-dependent T-cell line, designated TPA-Mat, was established from IL-2-dependent T cells. The TPA-dependency of TPA-Mat was not lost during cultivation for more than a year in the presence of TPA, and TPA-Mat cells still showed IL-2-dependent growth. However, the TPA (PDBu)-dependent growth of TPA-Mat did not seem to be mediated by an autocrine mechanism of IL-2 or by any other growth factor production, because these factors were not detected in TPA-Mat cell supernatants. Therefore, the phorbol esters substituted for IL-2 and may be directly involved in transduction of growth signals in TPA-Mat cells. Although activity of PKC was down-regulated, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of the PKC beta-gene was detected in TPA-Mat cells cultured with PDBu. Furthermore, the growth of TPA-Mat cells was stimulated not only by phorbol esters but also by nonphorbol ester tumor promoters with the ability to activate PKC. These observations suggest that the sustained activation of PKC by the phorbol esters could induce continuous growth of the IL-2-dependent TPA-Mat cells.

Cell Line↗

Cytokines produced by blood mononuclear cells stimulated with the streptococcal preparation OK-432: effect on production by supplementing the medium with xenogeneic serum.

Human blood MNC were stimulated for 7 days with a streptococcal preparation, OK-432, in a medium supplemented with either 10% autologous serum (autoserum) or 10% FCS. Cytokines, including IL-2, IL-1, IFN, and TNF in the supernatants, and antitumor cytotoxicity of MNC were analyzed. None of the IL-2 was detectable during the culture in medium with autoserum, although significant enhancement of cytotoxicity was observed at day 1. On the other hand, production of IL-2 and higher cytotoxicity were induced in the medium with FCS. Even a control culture of MNC unstimulated with OK-432 in the medium with FCS, showed a slight but significant amount of IL-2 and considerable cytotoxicity. However, such a culture in the medium with autoserum showed no such IL-2 production or cytotoxicity. The cytotoxicity induced in the medium with FCS was significantly inhibited by the addition of anti-IL-2 antibody to the culture as well as by the addition of anti-IFN gamma antibody, whereas the cytotoxicity in the medium with autoserum was not inhibited at all by anti-IL-2 antibody. Therefore, the cytotoxicity induced in the medium with FCS included IL-2-induced killer activity, i.e., LAK activity. Similarly, the levels of IL-1, IFN, and TNF production in the supernatants were variable depending on the serum used to supplement the medium. The nonspecific production of IL-2 and the unexpected induction of cytotoxicity were consistently provoked in the medium using several different lots of FCS, but not in the medium with human allogeneic sera or pooled AB serum nor in that with autoserum. It was revealed that the source of sera used to supplement the medium is an important factor affecting the results of analysis of cytokine production and cytotoxicity of MNC induced by certain stimulants.

Adult↗

Small cell carcinoma of the esophagus: report of a case treated with chemotherapy.

A 54-year-old man with small cell carcinoma of the esophagus and extensive metastases to the liver and bone is presented herein. Ectopic hormone production and a high level of serum NSE (neuron specific enolase), as revealed by biochemical and radioimmunoassay, suggested that this tumor was derived from the cells of the APUD (amine precursor and dehydroxylation) series. He was treated with a combination chemotherapy, resulting in a prompt remission with significant palliation lasting five months. Small cell carcinoma of the esophagus is as responsive to chemotherapy as small cell carcinoma of the lung. Although this is an uncommon tumor, recognition is important because of its responsiveness to chemotherapy and the potential for significant palliation of symptoms without surgical intervention.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Pancreatic endocrine function in cirrhotic rats.

Pancreatic endocrine function in liver cirrhosis was examined in rats both in vivo and in vitro. Experimental liver cirrhosis was induced by subcutaneous injections of 50% carbon tetrachloride in a dose of 2 mL/kg body weight twice a week for 16 weeks. Control rats received a similar dose of olive oil during the same period. In cirrhotic rats, immunoreactive insulin contents in the pancreas were significantly lower, whereas immunoreactive glucagon contents were about threefold higher than those of control rats. In the first part of this study, insulin and glucagon concentrations in both jugular and portal venous blood at basal conditions and after oral glucose loading were simultaneously determined in vivo. Peripheral insulin levels, both before and after glucose loading, were higher, whereas portal insulin concentrations were lower in cirrhotic rats than in the control rats. In contrast, glucagon levels in both the peripheral and portal veins were significantly higher in cirrhotic rats than in control rats. In the second part, isolated perfused pancreata were prepared from cirrhotic and control rats to further characterize the endocrine function of cirrhotic rat pancreas. Insulin secretion in response to 16.7 mmol/L glucose and 100 pmol/L cholecystokinin-octapeptide both were 40% lower in cirrhotic rats than in controls. In contrast, there was no significant difference in arginine-stimulated insulin release between the two groups. However, glucagon secretion in response to 20 mmol/L arginine was 40% higher in cirrhotic rats. If sensitivity is defined as the hormone release proportional to the pancreatic contents, then A and B cells in the cirrhotic rats had normal sensitivity to both glucose and cholecystokinin-octapeptide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ammonia↗

Heterotopically transplanted embryonic olfactory bulb projection neurons form selective and appropriate axonal projections over considerable distances in adult host brains.

Embryonic olfactory primordia were transplanted into the region of the septum, the adjacent lateral ventricle (LV) and olfactory tubercle (Tu) in adult host rats. After a minimum of 7 weeks, wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate (WGA-HRP) were injected into the host anterior olfactory nucleus (AO). The injection retrogradely labeled the neural cell bodies in the large neuron area (the mitral and tufted cells) of the olfactory bulb (OB) transplant. In addition, the anterogradely labeled fibers projected from the host AO to the transplant. These results indicated that the transplanted mitral and tufted neurons were able to grow axons selectively to an appropriate host terminal region (the AO) and receive fibers from the AO, even when the transplant itself was in an inappropriate host site, at a considerable distance from the host AO.

Animals↗

Running-wheel avoidance learning in rats (Rattus norvegicus): effects of contingencies and comparisons of different strains.

In Experiment 1, we showed that active- and passive-avoidance responding in a running wheel was learned because of the avoidance contingency. In Experiment 2, strain differences among four commercially bred rats were assessed in an active-avoidance paradigm. Wistar, Donryu, and Fischer rats learned faster than Sprague-Dawleys. In Experiment 3, learning in a multiple active/passive avoidance schedule was examined, and both components of this task were learned. This multiple schedule was used to investigate strain differences in selectively bred rats in Experiments 4 and 5. Tsukuba low-emotional (TLE) rats responded more than Tsukuba high-emotional (THE) rats in both components. However, discrimination of passive components was better in THE than in TLE rats. Syracuse high-avoidance rats were superior in the active component, whereas Syracuse low-avoidance rats showed superior performance in the passive component.

Animals↗

c-fos promoter trans-activation by the tax1 protein of human T-cell leukemia virus type I.

To understand the mechanisms of oncogenesis by human T-cell leukemia virus type I, we have investigated the ability of the tax1, protein to modulate transcription of protooncogenes. By using a transient cotransfection assay, we report that the protooncogene fos promoter is transactivated by tax1 in a variety of cell types. Two regions containing upstream sequences between positions -362/-324 and -323/-276 of the c-fos promoter responded to this activation and also conferred tax1 responsiveness to the heterologous herpesvirus thymidine kinase promoter. These two sequences include elements mediating the induction by v-sis-conditioned medium and serum, phorbol ester, or epidermal growth factor, respectively. Furthermore, expression of the endogenous c-fos gene was activated by tax1 in human T-cell leukemia virus type I-infected cell lines. In contrast, no trans-activation of the c-myc or c-Ha-ras promoter was observed.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Effects of hydrocortisone on glucose- and cholecystokinin-induced insulin release from the isolated perfused rat pancreas.

The acute and chronic effects of hydrocortisone on insulin secretion were examined in the isolated perfused rat pancreas. In the first part of this study, the chronic effects of hydrocortisone on insulin release were examined using isolated perfused pancreas prepared from rats that had been given subcutaneous injections of hydrocortisone at doses of 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg body weight once daily for 7 days. Hydrocortisone treatment led to a dose-dependent increase in insulin secretion in response to 8.3 mM glucose. The insulin response to 100 pM cholecystokinin (CCK-8) was also significantly higher in the hydrocortisone-treated rats than in the control group. However, the increment of insulin level over the value before CCK-8 addition in rats treated with hydrocortisone was not significantly different from that in the control rats. In the second part, the acute effects of hydrocortisone on insulin release were studied. Hydrocortisone (17-hydroxycorticosterone) at a concentration of 100 microM caused significant inhibition of the stimulatory effect of CCK-8 on insulin secretion. The inhibition started within 1 min of the beginning of hydrocortisone administration and ceased immediately after the termination of its infusion. We have demonstrated in this study a dual effect of hydrocortisone on insulin release: first, the potentiation of the insulin secretion stimulated by glucose but not by CCK-8 and, second, the inhibition of CCK-8-stimulated insulin secretion.

Animals↗