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Biomedical subjects

M Kitagawa

Publications and source records attributed to M Kitagawa.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Rapid detection of chromosome aneuploidies by prenatal interphase FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) and its clinical utility in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy, informative rate, detection rate, and clinical utility of prenatal interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of amniotic fluid samples from Japanese women. METHODS: Amniotic fluid specimens from 2,639 Japanese women were received for prenatal interphase FISH and chromosome analysis. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate FISH clinical utility by collaboration sites. RESULTS: Based on 2,319 tested samples, the accuracy (100%), informative (94%), and detection (87.6%) rates were all high. The accuracy (100%), informative (90.2%), and detection (90.0%) rates were also remarkable in third-trimester pregnancies. We perceive significant advantages from this test regarding medical management and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This novel report shows that in Japan prenatal interphase FISH testing is highly informative and accurate, not only in second-trimester pregnancies but also in third-trimester pregnancies. This test provides advantages to both physicians and patients, provided that its capabilities and limitations are understood.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Maternal transmission of Helicobacter pylori in the perinatal period.

OBJECTIVES: Studies indicate that Helicobacterpylori (HP) infection is closely related to gastric mucosa lesions and well-differentiated gastric cancer. In Japan, the HP-positive rate in childhood is 5-6%, which is similar to other developed countries, and in regard to the infection route, oral infection is considered important. To our knowledge there have been no reports on mother-to-child transmission and in this study we investigated maternal HP infection status to determine the potential of mother-to-child transmission in the perinatal period. METHODS: After obtaining informed consent from 1,588 pregnant women, mother's blood and cord blood were collected at delivery to measure HP antibody (Helico-G). Gastric contents from the neonates were cultured to isolate H. pylori (Skirrow medium). Vaginal discharge (73 women) and dental plaque scraping swabs (48 women) were collected before delivery, and milk (66 women) was collected after delivery from 212 HP antibody-positive pregnant women to detect H. pylori by PCR. RESULTS: The HP antibody-positive rate for the pregnant women was 29.2%. H. pylori was not detected in the vaginal discharge from HP antibody-positive pregnant women, but dental plaque scraping swabs from 4 women and milk from 4 women was positive. CONCLUSION: We considered that vertical infection during pregnancy or at delivery is unlikely as a route of mother-to-child HP antibody infection. However, horizontal infection through breast-feeding may occur.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Successful thrombus removal using 6Fr hydrolyser thrombectomy catheter in acute myocardial infarction via radial artery.

The 6Fr Hydrolyser thrombectomy catheter for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) successfully removed a massive thrombus in the coronary artery in three patients. The 6Fr Hydrolyser catheter could be advanced into the right coronary artery with bare-wire methods via a 6Fr sheath at the radial artery. This approach suggests that the device can be an alternative method for thrombolysis in selected AMI patients with massive thrombus in the coronary artery.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A human protein with sequence similarity to Drosophila mastermind coordinates the nuclear form of notch and a CSL protein to build a transcriptional activator complex on target promoters.

Mastermind (Mam) has been implicated as an important positive regulator of the Notch signaling pathway by genetic studies using Drosophila melanogaster. Here we describe a biochemical mechanism of action of Mam within the Notch signaling pathway. Expression of a human sequence related to Drosophila Mam (hMam-1) in mammalian cells augments induction of Hairy Enhancer of split (HES) promoters by Notch signaling. hMam-1 stabilizes and participates in the DNA binding complex of the intracellular domain of human Notch1 and a CSL protein. Truncated versions of hMam-1 that can maintain an association with the complex behave in a dominant negative fashion and depress transactivation. Furthermore, Drosophila Mam forms a similar complex with the intracellular domain of Drosophila Notch and Drosophila CSL protein during activation of Enhancer of split, the Drosophila counterpart of HES. These results indicate that Mam is an essential component of the transcriptional apparatus of Notch signaling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Reversible brain dysfunction in MELAS: MEG, and (1)H MRS analysis.

This case report describes a follow up investigation of a patient with impaired word discrimination due to mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like syndrome (MELAS) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) and auditory evoked magnetic fields (AEFs). The initial (1)H MRS showed no N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and marked accumulation of lactate (Lac) in the stroke-like lesion of MELAS, which was silent in neural activity according to AEFs. The follow up investigations, however, demonstrated that NAA reappeared, that the formerly increased Lac signal was significantly reduced, and that the magnitude of AEFs of the lesion was markedly increased. Metabolic and functional changes in (1)H MRS and AEFs reflected the neurological recovery very well. The stroke-like lesion was shown, using AEFs and (1)H MRS, to be able to function properly, although brain tissue of the lesion initially had severe damage due to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Role of cholecystokinin in the intestinal phase of pancreatic circulation in dogs.

The regulatory mechanisms of postprandial pancreatic hyperemia are not well characterized. The aim of this study is to clarify the role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the intestinal phase of pancreatic circulation. Pancreatic, gastric, and intestinal blood flows were measured by ultrasound transit-time blood flowmeters in five conscious dogs. Pancreatic and gastric secretion and blood pressure were also monitored. Synthetic CCK octapeptide (CCK-8) or gastrin heptadecapeptide (gastrin-17) was infused intravenously, and milk was infused into the duodenum with or without loxiglumide, a specific CCK-A receptor antagonist. CCK-8 induced dose-related increases of pancreatic, but not gastric or intestinal, blood flow and protein secretion without affecting systemic blood pressure. Gastrin-17 did not affect pancreatic blood flow. An intraduodenal infusion of milk increased pancreatic and intestinal blood flows and pancreatic protein secretion. Loxiglumide completely inhibited pancreatic blood flow and protein responses to CCK-8 and milk but not the intestinal blood flow response. CCK is a potent and specific pancreatic vasodilator, with its effect mediated by CCK-A receptors. CCK plays an important role in the regulation of the intestinal phase of the pancreatic circulation in dogs.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

5-hydroxytryptamine strongly inhibits fluid secretion in guinea pig pancreatic duct cells.

We studied the distribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine- (5-HT-) containing cells in the guinea pig pancreas and examined the effects of 5-HT on fluid secretion by interlobular pancreatic ducts. The 5-HT-immunoreactive cells with morphological characteristics of enterochromaffin (EC) cells were scattered throughout the duct system and were enriched in islets of Langerhans. The fluid secretory rate in the isolated interlobular ducts was measured by videomicroscopy. Basolateral applications of 5-HT strongly but reversibly reduced HCO(3)-dependent, as well as secretin- and acetylcholine- (ACh-) stimulated, fluid secretion, whereas 5-HT applied into the lumen had no such effects. Secretin-stimulated fluid secretion could be inhibited by a 5-HT(3) receptor agonist, but not by agonists of the 5-HT(1), 5-HT(2), or 5-HT(4) receptors. Under the stimulation with secretin, 5-HT decreased the intracellular pH (pH(i)) and reduced the rate of pH(i) recovery after acid loading with NH(4)(+), suggesting that 5-HT inhibits the intracellular accumulation of HCO3(-). The elevation of intraductal pressure in vivo reduced secretin-stimulated fluid secretion, an effect that could be attenuated by a 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist. Thus, 5-HT, acting through basolateral 5-HT(3) receptors, strongly inhibits spontaneous, secretin-, and ACh-stimulated fluid secretion by guinea pig pancreatic ducts. 5-HT released from pancreatic ductal EC cells on elevation of the intraductal pressure may regulate fluid secretion of neighboring duct cells in a paracrine fashion.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2001

Cellular localization of group IIA phospholipase A2 in rats.

It has been known that group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) mRNA and protein are present in the homogenates of the spleen, lung, liver, and kidney in normal rats, but the cellular origin of this enzyme has not been yet identified. At present, five subtypes of group II PLA2 have been identified in mammals. Antibodies or mRNA probes previously used for detecting group II PLA2 need to be evaluated to identify the subtypes of group II PLA2. In this study we tried to identify group IIA PLA2-producing cells in normal rat tissues by in situ hybridization (ISH) using an almost full-length RNA probe for rat group IIA enzyme. Group IIA PLA2 mRNA was detected in megakaryocytes in the spleen and Paneth cells in the intestine by ISH. These cells were also immunopositive for an antibody raised against group IIA PLA(2) isolated from rat platelets. Group IIA PLA2 mRNA-positive cells were not detected in lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas. Under normal conditions, group IIA PLA2-producing cells are splenic megakaryocytes and intestinal Paneth cells in rats.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Influence of sugar chain on fibrin affinity of recombinant t-PA.

The role of the sugar chain on the fibrin affinity property of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) was investigated using two variants of wild type t-PA (WT t-PA I and WT t-PA II) and mutant type t-PA (mt-PA ; Gln117 t-PA I and Gln117 t-PA II), whose sugar chains have different structures. In terms of fibrin affinity, Gln117 t-PA was higher than WT t-PA ; moreover, Type II was higher than Type I. Bindings mediated via finger domain (F mode) and kringle 2 domain (K2 mode) were distinguished using epsilon-amino caproic acid (EACA). Consequently, F mode and K2 mode bindings were inhibited by the sugar chains at Asn117 and 184, respectively. These results were assumed to be due to the steric hindrance of the sugar chains.

Aminocaproic Acid↗
PubMed2001

Insulinoma with subsequent association of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

We report a patient with insulinoma associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. A 67-year-old woman was first admitted to our hospital for an abdominal mass. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a large pancreatic tumor, which was then diagnosed as an unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. At the age of 71, she presented symptoms of hypoglycemia. Fasting blood glucose was 21 mg/dl and plasma immunoreactive insulin level was 846 microU/ ml. Plasma gastrin, glucagon, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and somatostatin levels were all normal. At the age of 73, hypoglycemic attacks occurred more frequently and she was admitted to our hospital. Abdominal CT scan showed multiple liver metastases. Chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin was performed. Three months later, she had an emergency laparotomy because of a perforated duodenal ulcer. Plasma gastrin level was 1,960 pg/ml at that time. Gastric hypersecretion was well controlled with a proton pump inhibitor (lansoprazole) but she died of widespread cancer dissemination 8 years after her first admission. On autopsy, histologic examination revealed a mixed acinar-endocrine carcinoma of the pancreas. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for insulin, gastrin, and alpha1-antitrypsin.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in identical twin brothers.

We report two identical male twins who suffered from superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome. A 28-year-old man was admitted for investigation of postprandial nausea and vomiting. Upper gastrointestinal examination revealed a dilated proximal duodenum with an abrupt vertical cutoff of barium flow in the third portion of the duodenum, establishing the diagnosis of SMA syndrome. One year later, his twin brother also presented similar symptoms and was radiologically diagnosed as SMA syndrome. The twin brothers did not respond adequately to conservative therapy and underwent duodenojejunostomy. This is the first report of SMA syndrome in identical twins.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Usefulness of routine ophthalmologic examination for cytomegalovirus retinitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of routine ophthalmologic examinations for cytomegalovirus retinitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. METHODS: Clinical symptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS who had circulating CD4+ T lymphocytes 50/microliter or less and received monthly ophthalmological examinations (examined group) were compared with those of the patients detected by non-routine ophthalmological examinations (unexamined group). RESULTS: The patients in whom early CMV retinitis was detected by monthly ophthalmological examinations had no subjective symptoms or iritis. The size of CMV retinitis was smaller than 2 disc diameters and it did not extend to the papillomacular area in a majority of the patients. On the other hand, the size of CMV retinitis in the unexamined group was larger than 10 disc diameters and it extended to the papillomacular area in most cases. The visual prognosis of the examined group was better than that of the unexamined group. CONCLUSIONS: To protect visual acuity, it is important to conduct monthly ophthalmological examinations in patients with AIDS whose serum CD4+ T lymphocyte counts are 50 cells/microliter or less.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2001

[Minimally invasive stereotactic functional surgery using an intravenous anesthetic propofol and applying Image Fusion and AtlasPlan].

Image-guided stereotactic surgery of the ventralis intermedius nucleus of the thalamus, globus pallidus, and subthalamic nucleus is a prevailing modality as a treatment of movement disorders. This technical note describes a method of minimally-invasive stereotactic functional surgery for patients with parkinsonian symptom or various tremors. Patients were administered propofol, an intravenous anesthetic, during placement of a burr hole and a stereotactic frame, but not the period when the patients were necessary to be awake. The intravenous anesthesia was very beneficial to relieve local pain and mental stress of the patients. Radionics ImageFusion and AtlasPlan were used for defining the target localization without an intraoperative ventriculography. ImageFusion efficiently fused high-resolution MR images on CT images. AtlasPlan accurately corrected the localization of the tentative target point after measurements from the midpoint of the anterior commissure-posterior commissure line on the modified MRI, and enabled us to reduce the degree of an intraoperative correction to fix a final target. Stereotactic functional surgery has been thought to be less-invasive, however further modifications of surgical procedure and intraoperative medication can make this type of surgery much more less-invasive.

Anesthesia, Intravenous↗
PubMed2001

Interferon-gamma enhances interleukin 12 production in rheumatoid synovial cells via CD40-CD154 dependent and independent pathways.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in CD40-CD154 dependent production of interleukin 12 (IL-12) by synovial cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We examined the effects of IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on CD40 expression on CD68+ synovial macrophage-lineage cells (SMC). The effects of IFN-gamma and soluble CD154 (sCD154) on IL-12 production by RA synovial cells were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: CD68+ SMC expressed substantial levels of CD40. IFN-gamma, but not TNF-alpha or GM-CSF, markedly upregulated CD40 expression on CD68+ SMC. IFN-gamma also dose dependently increased IL-12 production by synovial cells. The effects of IFN-gamma on CD40 expression (EC50 = 127.4 U/ml) were observed at a concentration 19 times lower than the effects on IL-12 production (EC50 = 6.8 U/ml). Treatment with IFN-gamma at a concentration low enough to augment CD40 expression but not IL-12 production enhanced spontaneous IL-12 production synergy with sCD 154. The synergistic enhancement of spontaneous IL-12 production was abrogated by CD40-Fc. In contrast, IL-12 production induced by high concentration of IFN-gamma was not neutralized by CD40-Fc. CONCLUSION: IFN-gamma enhanced IL-12 production via both CD40-CD154 dependent and independent pathways in RA synovium. IFN-gamma may play a crucial role in the development of RA synovitis through regulation of IL-12 production.

Antigens, CD↗