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Biomedical subjects

M Iizuka

Publications and source records attributed to M Iizuka.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Induction of HLA-DR antigen expression on human colonic epithelium by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on HLA-DR expression on human normal colonic epithelium, using an organ culture technique. METHODS: Biopsy specimens from normal colonic mucosa were cultured for 24 h with various concentrations of TNF-alpha and/or IFN-gamma. Epithelial HLA-DR antigens were identified by an indirect immunoperoxidase staining method. RESULTS: No expression of epithelial HLA-DR antigens was observed in specimens cultured with medium alone. Concentrations of 10(3) U/ml or higher of TNF-alpha and 10(2) U/ml or higher of IFN-gamma induced expression of HLA-DR antigens in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of HLA-DR was increased in specimens cultured with both TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma compared with those cultured with either cytokine alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that both TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma play important roles in regulating the expression of HLA-DR on colonic epithelium in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Aged↗

Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) on the cardiovascular system.

The effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) on the cardiovascular system were examined. When PACAP-38 (270 or 420 pmol/kg body weight) was administered intravenously to the anesthetized dogs, both mean arterial pressure and left ventricular systolic pressure increased within 2 min after a temporal depression. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure increased promptly. These hemodynamic values and heart rates (HR) 5 min after injection were significantly higher than the corresponding values in physiological saline injected dogs, and some effects were still sustained over 15 min. Cardiac output and stroke volume also increased and the values at 5 min were significantly higher than those in controls. The high dose of PACAP-38 (420 pmol/kg) evoked greater responses than those induced by the low dose (270 pmol/kg). Plasma adrenaline, but neither noradrenaline nor dopamine concentration significantly increased 15 min after injection of 420 pmol/kg PACAP-38. Moreover, PACAP-38 clearly stimulated cyclic AMP production in rat cardiac myocytes with EC50 of 1.5 x 10(-9) M and plasma cAMP levels significantly and dose-dependently increased in dogs 5 min after administration. These results first demonstrated that PACAP has inotropic and chronotropic actions on the heart possibly by a direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase in cardiac myocytes and also that the cardiovascular functions may be possibly modified by an evoked adrenaline secretion in vivo.

Animals↗

Depressed sliding velocity of isolated cardiac myosin from cardiomyopathic hamsters: evidence for an alteration in mechanical interaction of actomyosin.

We measured the relative sliding velocity of cardiomyopathic hamster cardiac myosin on actin cables by using an in vitro motility assay system. We also investigated the relationship between the velocity and both myosin isozyme content and ATPase activity. Cardiac myosin was obtained from cardiomyopathic hamsters (BIO 14.6; B) aged 3, 6, 9, and 18 months and age-matched controls (F1B; F). Long well-organized actin cables of an alga, Nitellopsis, were used for the motility assay. Small latex beads (2 microns in diameter) were coated with purified cardiac myosin. When myosin-coated beads were introduced into an algal cell in the presence of Mg-ATP, myosin interacted with actin and dragged the beads. Active movement of the beads along the actin cables was observed under a photomicroscope and the velocity was measured. The velocity was significantly lower in B than in F for each age group (0.47 vs. 0.71 microns/s at the age of 3 months, p < 0.05; 0.44 vs. 0.88 microns/s at 6 months, p < 0.01; 0.44 vs. 0.67 microns/s at 9 months, p < 0.01; 0.35 vs. 0.52 microns/s at 18 months, p < 0.05). Both Ca(2+)-activated ATPase activity and the percentage of alpha-myosin heavy chain were also lower in B than in F for each age group. When examined for individual specimens, there was a positive correlation between the velocity and both myosin Ca(2+)-activated ATPase activity (r = 0.84) and percentage of alpha-myosin heavy chain (r = 0.83). These data points of both control and cardiomyopathic hamsters were distributed near the regression line obtained from control and thyroxine-treated rabbits reported previously. The present results indicate that the difference in mechanical properties between control and cardiomyopathic cardiac myosin is attributed to isozyme redistribution and not to a qualitative change in each myosin molecule.

Actomyosin↗

Mediastinal abscess caused by a pyriform sinus fistula: report of a case.

A 13-year-old boy who originally presented with a left neck abscess rapidly developed a mediastinal abscess and empyema. Repetitive esophagography for the persistent mediastinal abscess revealed the existence of a pyriform sinus fistula. It was thought that infection of the pyriform sinus fistula precipitated a retropharyngeal abscess which continuously extended to the mediastinum. To our knowledge, no other such case has ever been reported and we present this unusual case herein, followed by a short review of the related literature.

Abscess↗

A successful case of intraarterial prednisolone injection therapy in severe ulcerative colitis unresponsive to an intensive intravenous regimen.

A successful case of intraarterial prednisolone injection therapy in severe ulcerative colitis unresponsive to conventional therapy, including an intensive intravenous regimen, is presented. After the direct administration of prednisolone into the mesenteric arteries, the patient's conditions markedly improved, and he succeeded in overcoming the acute stage and entered remission. Accordingly, he safely underwent elective surgery which was finally required because of the inability to withdraw prednisolone therapy. It is well worthwhile to consider this therapy in the last resort of medical therapy for ulcerative colitis.

Adult↗

Estimation of left ventricular elastance without altering preload or afterload in the conscious dog.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine the slope (EES) of the left ventricular end systolic pressure-volume line (ESPVL) without altering preload or afterload in conscious dogs. METHODS: Dogs (n = 10) were instrumented to determine left ventricular volume from ultrasonic left ventricular internal dimensions, and to measure left ventricular pressure using a micromanometer. Studies were performed one to two weeks after instrumentation while the animals were conscious. ESPVL was determined from variably loaded left ventricular pressure-volume (P-V) loops generated by the vena caval occlusion. Contractile state was increased by intravenous dobutamine (8 micrograms.kg-1 x min-1) and decreased by intravenous verapamil (10 mg) given after autonomic blockade. From a single normally ejecting beat, we calculated EES-single beat (mm Hg.ml-1) as peak isovolumetric pressure (Pmax) minus end systolic pressure divided by stroke volume. Sunagawa's technique was used to estimate Pmax by fitting the pressure during the isovolumetric contraction and relaxation as: P(t) = 1/2 X Piso[1-cos(omega t+c)]+LVEDP, where Piso = peak isovolumetric developed pressure, LVEDP = left ventricular end diastolic pressure, c = constant accounting for variations in phase angle, and omega = 2 pi/T in which T is duration of contraction. RESULTS: After dobutamine, EES increased, from 8.9(SEM 0.8) to 12.5(1.0) mm Hg.ml-1 (p < 0.05), and EES-single beat increased from 9.1(0.9) to 12.0(1.4) mm Hg.ml-1 (p < 0.05). Conversely, after verapamil, EES decreased, from 11.1(1.2) to 6.3(1.1) mm Hg.ml-1, (p < 0.05), and EES-single beat also decreased, from 9.6(1.0) to 7.3(1.2) mm Hg.ml-1, (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EES calculated from one beat is similar to EES determined from variably loaded left ventricular loops and responds appropriately to inotropic stimulation. This technique provides a reasonable method to calculate EES from left ventricular pressure and stroke volume without altering preload or afterload.

Animals↗

Analysis of cardiac assistance by latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty with a time varying elastance model.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical use of skeletal muscle cardiomyoplasty is limited because of its inadequate haemodynamic benefits. To facilitate experimental and clinical efforts to improve the efficacy of this technique, a mathematical model was proposed and its validity was tested in acute experiments. METHODS: The model was based on the assumption that the skeletal muscle wrapped around the heart behaves as a time varying elastance that is connected in series with another time varying elastance representing the native heart. From this model two predictions were made: (1) Skeletal muscle augments the contractility of the heart by increasing the slope (Ees) of the end systolic pressure-volume relation; (2) time varying elastance of the skeletal muscle chamber (Es(t)) can be estimated from that of the assisted heart. These predictions were examined in experiments. In nine anaesthetised, open chest dogs, preconditioned latissimus dorsi muscle was transposed to wrap the heart. Left ventricular pressure (catheter tipped micromanometer), and volume (conductance catheter) were measured while reducing the preload by vena caval occlusion to evaluate Ees with 1:2 (stimulation:heart beat ratio) stimulation of the skeletal muscle. RESULTS: With the stimulation of latissimus muscle, the end systolic pressure-volume relation was linear and Ees increased from 8.6(SEM 2.4) to 11.9(SEM 3.4) mm Hg.ml-1. Estimated Es(t) reflected the stimulation pattern and could account for the mechanism of the cardiac assistance. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal muscle cardiomyoplasty improved the haemodynamic variable (Ees) as predicted by a mathematical model.

Animals↗

A population genetic study of the evolution of SINEs. I. Polymorphism with regard to the presence or absence of an element.

SINEs are short interspersed repeated DNA elements which are considered to spread throughout genomes via RNA intermediates. Polymorphisms with regard to the presence or absence of SINE are occasionally observed in a specific location of a genome. We modeled the evolution of SINEs with regard to this type of polymorphism. Because SINEs are rarely deleted, multiplication of elements is confined to a certain period, and a few master copies are considered to be responsible for their multiplication, the usual population genetic models of transposable elements assuming the equilibrium state are not applicable to describe the evolution of SINEs. Taking into account these properties and assuming selective neutrality, we computed conditional probabilities of finding a SINE at a specific site given that this site is first found because it is occupied by a SINE in an original sample. Using these probabilities, we investigated ways to estimate the multiplication period and infer relationships among populations. The latter inference procedures are shown to be strongly dependent on the multiplication period.

Animals↗

Purification of the bovine nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha-subunit expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells.

The bovine skeletal muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha-subunit was produced in insect, Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9), cells by infection with a recombinant baculovirus. The expressed alpha-subunit protein could not be solubilized efficiently with Triton X-100 or sodium cholate, but could be solubilized efficiently with Zwittergent 3-14, sodium dodecyl sulfate or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane dodecylsulfate. After solubilization of the alpha-subunit protein with Zwittergent 3-14 from the Triton X-100-insoluble fraction, the alpha-subunit protein was purified by concanavalin A-Sepharose chromatography and DEAE ion-exchange chromatography. A milligram quantity of the alpha-subunit protein could be purified from 8 g (wet weight) of Sf9 cells infected with the recombinant baculovirus. Chromatographic analyses including hydroxyapatite chromatography, DEAE ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography and chromatofocusing and sucrose density gradient centrifugation analysis suggest that the purified alpha-subunit protein is homogeneous. The purified alpha-subunit protein had a high affinity for 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin and was glycosylated with a high mannose-type N-linked oligosaccharide side chain. These results indicate that purification of ion channel proteins produced by the baculovirus expression system is a promising approach to structural analysis of ion channel proteins, which are extremely rare membrane proteins in native tissues.

Animals↗

Molecular characterization of human rotavirus VP4 genes by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay.

A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay was developed to examine the genetic variability and similarity of the VP4 genes of human rotaviruses. The VP4 genes of 14 human rotavirus strains, including VP4 serotype P1A strains (Wa, P, VA70), serotype P1B strain (DS-1), serotype P2 strains (M37, 1076, McN, ST3) and serotype P3 strains (AU-1, AU228, K8, PA151, PCP5, MZ58), and those of 2 feline strains (FRV-1 and Cat2) were reverse-transcribed and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified VP4 cDNAs were then digested with a panel of restriction endonucleases (HindIII, NruI, HaeIII, and EcoRI), resulting in the identification of at least one enzyme with which digestion produced an RFLP profile specific for a particular P serotype. Of interest was the presence of two distinct RFLP patterns within the serotype P3 VP4 genes: one corresponding to the VP4 gene carried by the members of the AU-1 genogroup and the other corresponding to the VP4 genes carried by naturally-occurring reassortants between members of the AU-1 and other genogroups.

Animals↗

Sclerosing peritonitis associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, pleurisy, and secretory otitis media.

A male case of sclerosing peritonitis of unknown cause, associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, pleurisy, and secretory otitis media, is presented. These unusual complications are very similar to the adverse reactions to the beta-adrenergic blocking agent, practolol, which is known to cause sclerosing peritonitis. This similarity suggests an etiological association between the sclerosing peritonitis of this case and that caused by practolol. The sclerosing peritonitis of this case may be considered to occur as part of some systemic disorder, and thus casts doubt on the hitherto accepted hypothesis that sclerosing peritonitis results from infectious peritonitis.

Humans↗

[Therapeutic strategy of acute and chronic heart failure].

The immediate goal of management of heart failure is to improve cardiac function and eliminate symptoms. On the other hand, the final goal is to improve the quality of life and survival. In this chapter, general approaches to fulfill these goals are discussed. First, precise evaluation of the patient is necessary and the underlying cause of heart failure must be diagnosed. If possible, the underlying cause should be rectified. Precipitating factors, such as infection, should also be removed. Appropriate therapeutic measures are then selected according to the type and severity of heart failure. In pharmacotherapy, digoxin, diuretics and vasodilators are usually used in combination. In refractory heart failure, inotropic drugs, including sympatomimetic amines, are usually effective. Special measures including dialysis and assisted circulation, may also be considered in acute or refractory heart failure. Finally, management of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with heart failure is still controversial.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Immunoreactive thymosin alpha 1 in human thymus and thymoma.

Thymosin alpha 1-like immunoreactivity was assessed in human thymus and thymoma tissue extracts by means of a new radioimmunoassay that included an anti-thymosin alpha 1 mouse monoclonal antibody. Thymosin alpha 1-like immunoreactivity levels decreased with age in normal thymuses but not in thymomas. The average thymosin alpha 1-like immunoreactivity level was 45.0 +/- 52.1 ng/mg protein in normal thymuses and 273.9 +/- 205.0 ng/mg protein in thymomas. The average thymosin alpha 1-immunoreactivity level in thymomas was higher than that in normal thymuses. Thymosin alpha 1-like immunoreactivity levels in thymomas appeared to have no relationship to the clinical stage of the thymoma or associated diseases. When viewed according to histologic characteristics, the average thymosin alpha 1-like immunoreactivity level in polygonal cell thymomas (382.5 +/- 192.6 ng/mg protein) was significantly higher than that in the spindle cell thymoma (101.8 +/- 81.2 ng/mg protein). When viewed according to the degree of lymphocyte infiltration, thymomas could be classified according to four grades: absent, scant, moderate, and predominant. In predominant or moderate thymomas, the average thymosin alpha 1-like immunoreactivity level was higher than that in scant or absent thymomas. Also, thymosin alpha 1-like immunoreactivity levels in thymuses of patients with myasthenia gravis were relatively higher than those in patients with normal thymuses.

Adult↗