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Biomedical subjects

M Katsuki

Publications and source records attributed to M Katsuki.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Neutrophil chemotactic activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid recovered from patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis.

The present study was aimed at elucidating the role of inflammatory cells in the pathogenesis of the chronic inflammatory changes in the bronchioles of patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) and at determining the mechanism for the clinical efficacy of erythromycin (EM) therapy for these patients. For this purpose, neutrophil percentages, neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA), IL-8 and TNF-alpha in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured in 9 patients with DPB. Significantly higher neutrophil percentages, NCA and IL-8 concentrations were demonstrated in the BALF from DPB patients than from chronic bronchitis (CB) patients or healthy control subjects. The levels of these indicators of chronic inflammation in the BALF from DPB patients were significantly decreased after EM therapy. TNF-alpha was elevated in the BALF from both DPB- and CB-patients and was not decreased by treatment of the DPB patients with EM. From the above results, it can be concluded that IL-8, not TNF-alpha, is the major chemoattractant for neutrophils and that the inhibition of IL-8 production by EM induces the subsequent depression of neutrophil accumulation in the peripheral airways, and consequently, prevents the peripheral airway tissue damage due to accumulated and activated neutrophils.

Adolescent↗

Establishment of immortal hepatocytes from a CYP3A7-transgenic/p53-knockout mouse.

Immortal hepatocytes were established from a CYP3A7-transgenic/p53-knockout mouse. The cells could be maintained with shorter doubling time after culture for 1 month. Detectable amounts of CYP3A7 mRNA and the activity of 7-propoxycoumarin O-depropylase, one of the representative CYP3A activities, were present in the immortal hepatocytes. Albumin mRNA, which is specifically expressed in the liver, remained in these cells.

7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase↗

Cloning and characterization of pentylenetetrazol-related cDNA, PTZ-17.

cDNAs related to pentylenetetrazol-induced bursting activity in neurons were screened by a differential hybridization method using normal and pentylenetetrazol-treated primary cultured neurons from the cerebral cortex of mice. Twenty clones of candidate cDNA with expression increased or decreased by treatment with pentylenetetrazol were obtained. One of them, PTZ-17, was sequenced. Injection of PTZ-17 derived RNA into Xenopus oocytes showed a large calcium inward current with extracellular application of pentylenetetrazol.

Animals↗

Increased tyrosine-phosphorylation of 55KDa proteins in beta-actin/Tec transgenic mice.

Protein-tyrosine kinases are considered to play important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation. Tec is a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase expressed in liver and hematopoietic tissues. To better understand Tec function in vivo, we generated transgenic mice expressing tec driven by the cytomegarovirus enhancer and beta-actin promoter. Among six transgenic lines generated, a particular line, named 2-11, expressed tec transgene product more widely and abundantly than the other lines. In the tissues of 2-11, the kinase activity of Tec was enhanced in accordance with the high expression of tec transgene product. Interestingly, tyrosine-phosphorylation of approximately 55KDa proteins in the tissues was induced. These results suggest that cellular proteins of 55KDa might be potential substrates of Tec in vivo.

Actins↗

Histamine release from Weibel-Palade bodies of toad aortas induced by endothelin-1 and sarafotoxin-S6b.

BACKGROUND: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and sarafotoxin-S6b (STX) induce a remarkable degranulation of Weibel-Palade (WP) bodies prior to the vasocontraction of toad aortas. As WP bodies play the role of a reservoir site of the histamine in the endothelial cells, there is the possibility that ET-1 and STX evoke the release of histamine from WP bodies of this vessel. METHODS: Histamine concentrations were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from the perfusate after being perfused with a solution containing ET-1 and STX. Each vessel was fixed and embedded for conventional electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy using antihistamine sera. RESULTS: The appreciable concentrations of histamine were assayed by HPLC from the perfusate after the toad aortas were perfused with a solution containing ET-1 and STX. The immunoelectron microscopy revealed that histamine immunoreactive gold particles in the WP bodies remarkably decreased in number in the treated samples when compared to the control ones. Our immunoelectron micrographs indicated that the release of histamine from the endothelial cells occurred in association with the degranulation and the exocytosis of the WP bodies after treatment with ET-1 and STX. CONCLUSIONS: The present study clearly shows that ET-1 and STX induce the histamine release from WP bodies of the toad aortas by means of HPLC and immunoelectron microscopy. Histamine discharged from the WP bodies may be involved in the vasocontraction evoked by ET-1 and STX.

Animals↗

Cloning and expression of SEZ-6, a brain-specific and seizure-related cDNA.

To clarify the molecular mechanism of neuronal bursting activity of seizures, we have constructed a cDNA library from mouse cerebrum cortex-derived cells treated with pentylentetrazole (PTZ), one of the convulsant drugs. Using a differential screening technique, several cDNA clones whose expressions change with PTZ-treatment were obtained. Among these clones, SEZ-6 was characterized by increased expression with PTZ. Detailed northern analysis showed that expression of SEZ-6 was limited to the brain and increased by the administration of PTZ not only in in vitro cultured cells but also in vivo. Analysis of SEZ-6 cDNA revealed multiple motifs, including typical signal sequence, threonine-rich domain, five copies of short consensus repeats (SCRs) or sushi domain (complement C3b/C4b binding site), two repeated sequences which were partially similar to the CUB domain or complement C1r/s-like repeat, one transmembrane domain and a short cytoplasmic segment in the C-terminal region. Although many proteins with multiple SCRs or CUB domains other than complement-related proteins have been found, this is the first report about a brain-specific cDNA which encodes membrane protein with both SCRs and CUB domain-like segments. Based on these findings, it is evident that SEZ-6 encodes a novel type of protein which may be related to seizure.

Animals↗

Expression of CYP3A7, a human fetus-specific cytochrome P450, in cultured cells and in the hepatocytes of p53-knockout mice.

CYP3A7 is a major form of cytochrome P450 in human fetal livers. To elucidate toxicological significance of CYP3A7 in fetal livers, CYP3A7 cDNA was introduced into Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells. Transformants carrying the CYP3A7 gene were more sensitive to mycotoxins than parental CHL cells. In additional studies, we established a hepatocyte cell line from CYP3A7-transgenic/p53-knockout mice. In hepatocyte cells from CYP3A7-transgenic/p53-knockout mice, CYP3A7 mRNA was expressed and the catalytic activity of CYP3A7 protein was detected. The cells are expected to show cytotoxicity to mycotoxins and teratogens. These cell lines provide a valuable panel for studying the fetal toxicities of chemicals in humans.

Animals↗

Inhibition of diet-induced atheroma formation in transgenic mice expressing apolipoprotein E in the arterial wall.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a crucial role in lipoprotein metabolism both in plasma and in peripheral tissues. To test whether apoE in the vascular wall has a direct and local effect on atherogenesis, we established transgenic mice expressing human apoE under control of H2 Ld promoter. Studies on mRNA levels and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that this line was characterized by high expression of human apoE in the arterial wall while its expression was relatively low in other tissues as compared with the respective endogenous expression of mouse apoE. They showed no difference in plasma cholesterol levels and lipoprotein profile from controls when fed both normal and atherogenic diets. However, after 24 wk of an atherogenic diet, the formation of fatty streak lesions in proximal aorta was markedly inhibited in transgenic mice as compared with controls. Both lesion area and esterified cholesterol content were < 30% of those in controls. In a tissue cholesterol labeling study with 3H-cholesterol, the specific activity of aorta cholesterol was much less in transgenic mice, suggesting that apoE enhances cholesterol efflux from the aortic wall into plasma. Thus, apoE has anti-atherogenic action which is mediated via enhancing reverse cholesterol transport from arterial wall.

Animals↗

The creation of mouse models for human diseases associated with reproductive disturbances by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

The induction of ovulation by hormone treatment, preparation of fertilized eggs by in vitro fertilization and recovery of offspring by embryo transfer were studied in five strains of mutant mice: C57BL/6-dy/dy progressive muscular dystrophy model, C57BL/6-ob/ob obesity model, and BALB/c-rl/rl, BALB/c- shi/shi and C57BL/6-mld/mld motor ataxia models. The homozygotes of these mutant mice are all affected with the disease about 2 weeks after birth, followed by reproductive disturbances. Ovulation could be induced by injection with PMSG-hCG in the females. Sperm was obtained from the cauda epididymis of males and used for in vitro fertilization. The success rate of the in vitro fertilization was as low as 71.6% in C57BL/6-dy/dy mice, but was over 85% in the other strains. When 2-cell embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization were transferred to the oviducts of pseudopregnant recipients, offspring were obtained from 39.2-57.7% of the transferred embryos. These offspring developed the expected diseases about 2 weeks after birth, and it was confirmed that the disease characters were reliably reproduced. These results demonstrate that the experimental system of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer enables production of the offspring homozygous for a mutant gene and use of them for experiments before the onset of the disease which has been impossible.

Animals↗

Conversion of the genetic background of transgenic mice by in vitro fertilization.

We attempted to convert the genetic background of transgenic (Tg) mice in a short period of time by applying in vitro fertilization techniques. Tg mice were obtained by injecting human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) gene into the fertilized eggs of the C57BL/6N strain. These Tg mice were back-crossed 8 times to the inbred C3H/HeN strain using the hIL-2 gene as the genetic selection marker. In order to shorten the length of the back-crossing time, in vitro fertilization was performed with eggs collected from immature Tg females and spermatozoa from mature C3H/HeN males, and successfully fertilized eggs (2-cell stage) were transferred to pseudopregnant recipients to obtain the offspring of next generation. When no offspring were obtained through the procedures using immature Tg females, in vitro fertilization was performed with mature Tg males and mature C3H/HeN females to continue successive back-crosses. With this method, it was possible to perform 8 successive back-crosses in 18 months.

Animals↗

Opaque eyes developed in transgenic mice with T-cell receptor delta gene.

PURPOSE: During the generation of transgenic mice (TGs) introduced with mouse T-cell receptor delta (TCR delta) gene, the authors found a TG line with corneal opacity that coincided with the presence of the transgene. The authors investigated the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of this corneal opacity in this line. METHODS: The pathologic features and pathogenesis of the corneal opacity in TGs were examined histologically using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, as well as light microscopy. DNA and RNA blot analyses were performed to examine the copy number and the expression of the transgenes, respectively. RESULTS: Histologically, edema of the corneal epithelium and adhesion of the iris to the cornea were observed in adult TGs. In the developmental analysis, the authors first observed relative hypoplasia of the ciliary body on day 18 of gestation and dysgenesis of the anterior chamber angle from postnatal day 2. Corneal opacity was observed from postnatal day 8, coinciding with the histologic vesicular change of the epithelium. No inflammation was observed through its life. In the sublines that have different copy numbers of the transgene, the occurrence of the opacity depended on the copy number of the transgene. Expression of the transgene in the thymus was consistent with the number of the introduced transgene. CONCLUSION: In a TCR delta TG line, the overexpression of transgenes coincided with abnormal development of the ocular anterior segment and the corneal opacity. Pathogenesis is described, and possible molecular mechanisms are discussed.

Animals↗

Hepatic tumors induced by carbon tetrachloride in transgenic mice carrying a human c-H-ras proto-oncogene without mutations.

Hepatic tumors were generated in mice by repeated administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Eight transgenic (Tg) mice carrying a human c-H-ras proto-oncogene (rasH2 line) and 9 non-Tg mice were killed at 20 weeks. Tg mice developed more tumors than did non-Tg littermates. Most tumors were neoplastic nodules, but 1 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was found in a Tg mouse at 20 weeks. Three Tg and 2 non-Tg mice were kept without further administration of CCl4. Two Tg mice died at 30 weeks of HCC with intra-abdominal bleeding, and 1 Tg mouse developed HCC with a mesenteric metastasis at 32 weeks. No HCC was found in 2 non-Tg mice at 32 weeks. Although mutations at codon 12, 13, and 61 of the H-ras gene are often found in murine hepatocarcinogenesis, neither the tumors, including one HCC, nor the normal cells revealed any such mutations. These results showed that the unmutated human c-H-ras gene facilitates malignant transformation of hepatocytes when continuous liver-cell death and regeneration is caused by repeated administration of CCl4.

Animals↗

Origin of a T cell clone with a mismatched combination of MHC restriction and coreceptor expression.

Although the existence of a large number of CD8+ class II MHC-specific CTLs had long been noticed, the origin of such T cells with a discordant combination of specificity and phenotype has been a mystery in the positive selection model. Recent reports suggesting the independency of the positive selection of T cells from coreceptor-mediated signals raised a possibility that they might be the progeny of putative transitional, mismatched, single-positive cells appearing before positive selection as proposed in the stochastic/selective model. By developing transgenic mice carrying TCR alpha and beta chain genes of a CD8+ class II MHC Ag-specific allogeneic CTL clone QM11, the origin of such T cells with mismatched TCR specificity and coreceptor expression was studied. The results indicate that QM11 belongs to a conventional CD8+ T cell population whose maturation is dependent on a class I (or class I-like) MHC product. Consequently, the reactivity of QM11 to I-Ak can be considered to be an accidental cross-reaction.

Animals↗

Transpedicular fixation with Zielke instrumentation in the treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-five patients who underwent transpedicular fixation for thoracolumbar and lumbar injuries were studied for type of injury, the severity of paralysis, the degree of postoperative correction, and instrumentation failures. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the surgical approaches and the selection of instrumentation to determine indications for using the transpedicular fixation procedure. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Various transpedicular fixation devices have been used for different type of injuries, and satisfactory postoperative results were not obtained in some studies. METHODS: Forty patients had burst fractures, 19 had fracture dislocations, and six had chance-type fractures. An anterior decompression procedure was used for most cases of burst fracture and some cases of fracture dislocation where anterior compression factors were present. The Zielke or modified Zielke system was used as an internal fixator for posterior segmental fixation. RESULTS: No patient had neurologic deterioration after surgery. Twenty of 28 patients with incomplete lesions improved postoperatively according to Frankel grades. The instrumentation failed in only one patient, in whom a nonunion developed. CONCLUSION: With transpedicular fixation, it is possible to provide solid internal fixation that is circumscribed to the injured vertebral segments. The elasticity of the Zielke rod makes it an excellent transpedicular fixation device because it is easily attached and reduction is easily performed. Anterior decompression with fusion needs to be used with transpedicular fixation in the treatment of injuries (especially burst fractures).

Adult↗

High incidence of spontaneous autoimmune encephalomyelitis in immunodeficient anti-myelin basic protein T cell receptor transgenic mice.

We have generated TCR transgenic mice (T/R+) specific for myelin basic protein (MBP) and crossed them to RAG-1-deficient mice to obtain mice (T/R-) that have T cells expressing the transgenic TCR but no other lymphocytes. Both T/R+ and T/R- mice carry, in the lymph nodes and spleen, large numbers of the potentially encephalitogenic CD4+ anti-MBP T cells. These cells respond to MBP in vitro but show no signs of activation in vivo. Nevertheless, approximately 14% of H-2u T/R+ and 100% of H-2u T/R- mice developed spontaneous experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) within 12 months. These data indicate that EAE can be mediated by CD4+ anti-MBP T cells in the absence of any other lymphocytes and that nontransgenic lymphocytes that are present in T/R+ but absent in T/R- mice have a protective effect. The data also suggest that spontaneous EAE may be triggered by an in situ activation of CD4+ anti-MBP cells in the nervous system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Gene replacement of the p53 gene with the lacZ gene in mouse embryonic stem cells and mice by using two steps of homologous recombination.

Two steps of gene targeting were used to replace the p53 gene with the E. coli beta-galactosidase (lacZ) gene in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. The first targeting vector consisted of neo and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) genes as a neo-tk cassette in the middle of the targeting vector. At the first targeting, the homologous recombinants became G418 resistant and ganciclovir (GANC) sensitive and were selected by G418 alone. At the second targeting, homologous recombination reciprocally exchanged the neo-tk casette in the ES cell chromosome with the lacZ fragment in the second targeting vector and thus made the ES cells GANC resistant. We obtained two ES cell clones, in which the p53 gene for both had been replaced with a totally non-homologous sequence of the lacZ gene. The germ-line transmission of the manipulated ES cells also demonstrated that the entire procedure had no detrimental effects on ES cells at all.

Animals↗