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Biomedical subjects

M Kodama

Publications and source records attributed to M Kodama.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Proliferative response and cytokine production of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells induced by the superantigens staphylococcal enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1.

The potential of staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), B (SEB), C(SEC) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) to act as superantigens by inducing polyclonal T-cell mitogenesis and cytokine production was tested on bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). These four toxins were capable of inducing strong proliferative response of PBMC from calves over a broad dosage range (1 pg/ml to 1 microgram/ml) in vitro. The toxin-activated blast cells consisted of both CD4+ T-cells and CD8+ T-cells, but the T-cell proliferation depended upon the presence of monocytes. Treatment of monocytes with monoclonal antibody to major histocompatibility complex class II antigens substantially inhibited the toxin-induced T-cell proliferative response, but paraformaldehyde-fixation did not abrogate the accessory function. SEA, SEB, SEC and TSST-1, all induced the in vitro release of interleukin-2, interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha in a dose dependent manner. The results indicate that SEA, SEB, SEC and TSST-1 are capable of acting as superantigens by stimulating bovine T-cells as shown in the human and murine systems. The possible implications of these toxins in the immunopathogenesis of bovine mastitis caused by the infection with Staphylococcus aureus are discussed.

Animals↗

Recurrent Cushing's disease associated with nephrotic syndrome.

A case of recurrent Cushing's disease with nephrotic syndrome due to membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is presented. Functional pituitary adenoma recurred 6 years after transsphenoidal pituitary adenomectomy. Due to infiltration into the surrounding tissues, transcranial surgery was performed. However, this failed to induce a remission and thus gamma knife therapy was applied. Histopathological evaluation revealed that the glomerular lesions had progressed to a rather advanced stage of MPGN. Although this association could be coincidental, the recurrence of pituitary macroadenoma might be induced by the cessation of steroid treatment for the nephrotic syndrome.

Adult↗

Smoldering adult T-cell leukemia with B-cell lymphoma and early gastric cancer.

We report a case of smoldering adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) with B-cell lymphoma and early gastric cancer. A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of proteinuria and hypergammaglobulinemia. Systemic lymphadenopathy, "flower cells" in peripheral white blood cells, and hypergammaglobulinemia with monoclonal gammopathy (IgA, lambda type) were found. As Southern blot analysis revealed monoclonal integration of human T-lymphotrophic virus type I proviral DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, he was diagnosed as having smoldering ATL. The tissue specimen of an inguinal lymph node showed proliferation of abnormal lymphocytes which were stained with anti-lambda antibody, indicating B-cell lymphoma. A polypoid lesion in the stomach was histologically diagnosed as early gastric cancer.

HTLV-I Infections↗

Localization of porcine cardiac myosin epitopes that induce experimental autoimmune myocarditis.

Porcine cardiac myosin induced severe myocarditis in Lewis rats, similar to that seen after immunization with human or rat cardiac myosin. We investigated the localization of pathogenic epitopes by using porcine cardiac myosin. Subfragment-1 (S-1) and the rod were obtained by alpha-chymotryptic digestion. The rod was further fragmented by using cyanogen bromide cleavage. Three subfragments of S-1 were prepared by tryptic digestion. All Lewis rats immunized with the rod exhibited severe myocarditis, and the immunization of the cyanogen bromide-cleaved peptide equivalent to human beta-cardiac myosin heavy chain RDCB9 (residues 1070 to 1165) induced moderate myocarditis. Although none of the rats immunized with the whole S-1 exhibited any myocardial lesions, moderate inflammatory cardiac lesions were detectable in rats immunized with the tryptic digests of S-1. Our results indicate that the myocardiogenic epitopes in Lewis rats are located in the RDCB9 (residues 1070 to 1165) of the cardiac myosin rod and that a cryptic minor epitope may reside in S-1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Endotoxin eliminating therapy in patients with severe sepsis--direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B immobilized fiber column].

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: PMX is a blood purifier containing chemically immobilized polymyxin B fiber (PMX-F). To evaluate its effectiveness on the severe septic human, direct hemoperfusion (DHP) using a PMX-F was performed for 2 hours. The changes in various circulatory parameters, symptoms of septic shock, and blood endotoxin concentration and the survival rate, were evaluated. RESULTS: DHP was performed 61 times in 42 patients, of whom 38 had septic MOF, 25 with gram-negative bacterial infection. At the initiation of this treatment, 33 patients were receiving vasoactive agents, and 36 were under artificial ventilation via endotracheal intubation. The mean septic severity score (SSS) in all patients was about 46.6. Twenty-two of the 42 survived. The endotoxin concentration (mean +/- S.E.; pg/ml) was 85.0 +/- 27.2 immediately before treatment but significantly decreased to 57.5 +/- 28.4 after treatment (n = 50) and to 28.2 +/- 4.4 on the next day (n = 23) (p < 0.01). The endotoxin concentrations at the inlet and outlet of the PMX also significantly decreased 30 minutes after the initiation of DHP. Circulatory parameters, BP, CI, SVR and Vo2I demonstrated significant improvement. Body temperature also showed the same results. The removal of endotoxin in the blood using PMX was effective for severe sepsis or septic MOF. Various symptoms due to endotoxin was alleviated after this treatment.

Adolescent↗

[Analysis of p53 expression and DNA ploidy pattern in esophageal cancer].

DNA ploidy pattern analyzed by cytofluorometry and p53 protein expression using immunohistochemical method were studied in 35 cases of esophageal cancer. p53 protein were positive in 19 cases (54%), and DNA aneuploidy pattern were detected in 26 cases (74%). There was no relationship between DNA ploidy pattern or p53 expression and clinico-pathological factors. DNA aneuploidy or p53 positive cases were significantly poor prognoses in five-year survival rate. DNA aneuploidy and p53 positive cases were worst in four groups. It is effective for evaluation of biological malignancy and detection of post operative schedules to study not only clinico-pathological factors but also DNA ploidy pattern and p53 expression in esophageal cancer.

DNA, Neoplasm↗

Overexpression and localization of cyclin D1 mRNA and antigen in esophageal cancer.

We examined the expression of cyclin D1 mRNA in two human carcinoma cell lines (A431 and TT) and 17 specimens of esophageal cancer with in situ hybridization. Cyclin D1 mRNA was overexpressed in the cytoplasm of cancer cells that showed cyclin D1 gene amplification by Southern blot hybridization. Cyclin D1 antigen was overexpressed in the nucleus of these cancer cells. The distribution of cyclin D1 mRNA-positive cells was similar to that of cyclin D1 antigen-positive cells in the cancer tissues. We then attempted to correlate overexpression of cyclin D1 antigen and prognosis, by using 55 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of esophageal cancer. The overall 5-year survival of patients with strongly staining tumors was significantly lower than that of patients with weakly or nonstaining tumors (7 versus 59%; P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between cyclin D1 expression and other clinicopathological factors. These results suggest that cyclin D1 may play an important role in carcinogenesis and that cyclin D1 overexpression may be a useful prognostic factor in esophageal cancer.

Base Sequence↗

[A study of effective administration of recombinant interferon-gamma in renal cell carcinoma regarding immunological influence on peripheral blood lymphocytes].

Immunological effect of recombinant interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) was studied in 18 cases of renal cell carcinoma. Sixteen of them were administered IFN-gamma as post-operative adjuvant therapy. Two of them were administered IFN-gamma for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. All of them were followed for at least 1 year. We divided the patients into two groups. One group subcutaneously received IFN-gamma every other day for 16 days, then 4 weeks later every week for one year (group A), and the other group, received alternate subcutaneous IFN-gamma every other day for 16 days and every week for 4 weeks (group B). For immunological testing, peripheral blood lymphocytes were obtained before treatment on day 1, 2 weeks later, 6 months later and 12 months later. The cells were tested for natural killer activity (NK), antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), positive lymphocytes of CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD11b. Both ADCC and NK activity were increased after therapy, especially in group B. CD3, CD4 and CD8 positive lymphocytes were increased by means of IFN-gamma. On the other hand, CD11b-positive lymphocytes could not be elicited in group B. Tumor regression was observed in 2 cases of metastatic renal cell carcinomas. When clinical responses were observed, both ADCC and NK were elicited as compared with the pretreatment values. Our findings indicated that ADCC and NK could be elicited in group B.

Adult↗

[Retroperitoneal myxoid leiomyoma: report of a case].

We report a case of retroperitoneal myxoid leiomyoma in a 36-year-old woman complaining of urinary retention. An ultrasonogram revealed a mass in the pelvic space, while CT and MRI demonstrated a retroperitoneal tumor. Open resection of the tumor was performed. The resected tumor weighed 600 g and measured 16 x 11 x 9 cm. Histological examination disclosed a tumor mainly composed of smooth muscle with myxomatous change and only rare mitoses. The pathologic diagnosis was retroperitoneal myxoid leiomyoma. Twenty-seven cases of this type of lesion previously reported in the Japanese literature were reviewed.

Adult↗

A novel peridinin-chlorophyll a protein (PCP) from the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium cohorticula: a high pigment content and plural spectral forms of peridinin and chlorophyll a.

A new type of peridinin-chlorophyll a protein (PCP) was isolated from the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium cohorticula. Unlike previous studies. PCP was obtained as a single component in the presence of a protease inhibitor. The monomer had a molecular mass of 37 kDa with 12 peridinin molecules associated with 2 chl a molecules. This pigment content was much higher than that reported previously. We observed a partial amino acid sequence of the N-terminus that is novel among photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes. Magnetic circular dichroism clearly indicated that chl a in PCP had monomeric features. Multiple spectral components were suggested for both chl a and peridinin. Based on the high pigment content, the optical properties were compared with those for a reported PCP containing 4 chl a and 1 peridinin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Myosin phosphorylation and Ca2+ sensitization in porcine coronary arterial smooth muscle stimulated with endothelin-1.

We examined the mechanism of endothelin-1-induced contraction in the porcine coronary artery by assessing the changes in myosin light chain phosphorylation and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) determined by fura-2 and front-surface fluorometry. Endothelin-1 induced a rapid phosphorylation of myosin both in the presence and in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. During the later phase of contraction (5-30 min), the tension and [Ca2+]i were maintained, while the phosphorylated myosin decreased in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. At a similar extent of [Ca2+]i elevation, endothelin-1 induced a greater tension development than did 118 mM K(+)-depolarization and this was not attributed to a greater degree of phosphorylation of myosin. In the Ca(2+)-depleted strips, endothelin-1 induced a slow and transient contraction without an increase in either [Ca2+]i or myosin phosphorylation. Therefore, in addition to the activation of mechanisms of [Ca2+]i-myosin phosphorylation, endothelin-1 may activate additional calcium regulatory mechanisms which may thus increase the Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile elements while also enhance and prolong the contractions in the porcine coronary artery.

Animals↗

Cell growth on poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel membranes containing biguanido groups.

A cationic, high-water-content hydrogel membrane composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ally-biguanido-co-allylamine) hydrochloride (PAB) with positively charged biguanido groups that resemble arginine residues was developed. The PAB was prepared by reacting poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAA) with guanyl-O-methyl isourea. PAB/PVA hydrogel membranes were prepared by repeated freezing and thawing. For comparison, hydrogel membranes composed of PAA and PVA were also prepared. The interaction between these hydrogel membranes and mouse fibroblast (L929) was studied by a cell culture method. The PAB hydrogel blend had a relatively low percentage of initial cell attachment. The cell growth on the PAB hydrogel membranes showed a maximum at 5 mol % PAB content that was as high as commercially available plastic films. However, cells on hydrogel membranes with 50 mol % PAB content and 0 mol % PAB content (only PVA) did not seem to grow; neither did the 5/95 PAA/PVA membranes. Water contact angles of hydrogel membranes did not vary with the PAB content. Morphology of the cell attachment was observed by SEM. On the PAB blend hydrogel surfaces, cells were not spindle-shaped and monolayers, but rather cells aggregated in spherical clusters.

Allylamine↗

Treatment of sepsis by extracorporeal elimination of endotoxin using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber.

Despite the use of potent antibiotics and intensive supportive care, mortality remains high among septic shock patients, especially those with endotoxemia. To remove endotoxin directly from the blood, a material consisting of polymyxin B that is immobilized on fibers (PMX-F) and that can selectively detoxify endotoxin was developed. In a preliminary clinical study, 16 patients with septic multiple organ failure were treated with direct hemoperfusion using a PMX-F column. This therapy significantly decreased the endotoxin level from 76 pg/mL to 21 pg/mL after 2 hours of direct hemoperfusion. The hyperdynamic state of the cardiac index, which is a characteristic of endotoxic shock, returned to normal levels after treatment. In septic shock patients with a systolic pressure of less than 100 mm Hg, the systolic arterial pressure increased significantly from the pretreatment level. The alleviation of fever caused by this therapy continued until the day after treatment. Of the 16 patients who underwent this therapy, 9 were alive 2 weeks after this therapy and 7 patients were discharged from the hospital alive. Hemoperfusion with PMX may be an effective treatment for sepsis and septic shock.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Detection of bovine interleukin 1 alpha and interleukin 1 beta gene expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is a cytokine that mediates a variety of immunoregulatory and inflammatory activities. Its role in proliferation of helper T cells is particularly important in the initiation of immune responses. Bovine interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Poly (A) + RNAs isolated from PBMCs by guanidium thiocyanate/oligo (dT)-cellulose chromatography extraction, were reverse-transcribed and the complementary DNAs amplified in a polymerase chain reaction primed with bovine IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta sequence-specific primers. RT-PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. As a result of the amplification of specific cDNAs by 35 cycles of PCR, the IL-1 alpha mRNA was detected from 0.01 ng of poly (A) + RNA, and IL-1 beta mRNA was detected from 0.1 pg of poly (A) + RNA isolated from PBMCs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 4 h. Using 5 ng of poly (A) + RNA isolated from fresh bovine PBMCs unstimulated with any mitogen as template for RT-PCR, both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta mRNAs were detected at a low level.

Animals↗