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Biomedical subjects

M Koyama

Publications and source records attributed to M Koyama.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Differential mRNA expression of three distinct classes of Fc gamma receptor at the feto-maternal interface.

Heterogeneous expression of three classes of Fc gamma receptor (Fc gamma RI, IIa, IIb, and III) in the human placenta and decidua was examined by Northern blot hybridization and cDNA amplification analysis by polymerase chain reaction. Messenger RNA of Fc gamma RI, IIa and III genes were consistently expressed in the human placenta in all trimesters of gestation. The transcripts of the Fc gamma RIIb gene, on the other hand, dramatically increased in placentae at the second and third trimesters. This characteristic expression of Fc gamma RIIb after 20 gestational weeks was confirmed by sequential cDNA amplification analysis. Fc gamma RI, IIa and III mRNAs, but not Fc gamma RIIb, were also detected in the human decidua. Interestingly, while Fc gamma R mRNA could be induced in uterine endometrium by pseudopregnancy therapy using estrogen and progesterone, there was no detectable mRNA in hormone-unprimed normal endometrium. These findings suggest that Fc gamma Rs expressed at the feto-maternal interface can be transcriptionally regulated by sex steroid hormones as multifunctional molecules. In addition, the Fc gamma RIIb molecule is predominantly produced by placental tissues after the mid-trimester of gestation and possibly plays an important role in the transport of IgG molecules from mother to fetus.

Antigens, CD↗

Probabilistic assessment of the HLA sharing of recurrent spontaneous abortion couples in the Japanese population.

In spite of a number of investigations, the concept of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sharing in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) couples remains controversial. We introduced the basal antigen sharing rate (BSR) by the original mathematical approach using the gene frequency of all HLA specificities derived from our regional control population and applied this parameter for the comparison with RSA couples. RSA couples were classified into three subgroups; primary (3 or more consecutive abortions), secondary (3 or more consecutive abortions after 1 live birth), and potential (2 consecutive abortions) aborters. No significant differences between the HLA class I sharing rates (one or more antigens shared on a single locus) of the all RSA subgroups and the calculated BSRs were observed. In the HLA-DR and DQ loci, on the other hand, the antigen sharing rates of primary aborters were significantly higher than BSRs (p less than 0.01/DR, p less than 0.05/DQ). While potential aborters showed a result similar to that of the primary aborters, no significant antigen sharing of HLA class II was observed in secondary aborters. Our data suggest that BSR is a useful parameter for detection of significant HLA sharing in regional populations and the consecutive abortions that occurred primarily are certainly relevant to HLA class II sharing.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Urate oxidase activity and copper content in the liver of macular mutant mouse, a model animal for human congenital copper deficiency, Menkes' kinky hair disease.

The macular mouse is an X-linked recessive inherited mutant and is considered to be a model for human congenital copper deficiency, Menkes' kinky hair disease. The activity of urate oxidase, which has been believed to be a copper enzyme, and copper content in the liver of the mutant mouse were determined. The oxidase activity was maintained at normal level even though there was very low level of copper present in the liver through days 7 to 14. Copper administration increased the copper content in the liver to the normal level, but did not affect the oxidase activity.

Animals↗

Pyrrolomycin group antibiotics inhibit substance P-induced release of myeloperoxidase from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

In order to search for microbial modulators of the activity of neuropeptide, we established a screen based on substance P (SP)-induced myeloperoxidase (MPO) release from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). SP induced MPO release in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations ranging from 1 approximately 10 x 10(-4) M. In comparison at 1 x 10(-4) M, induction was also observed with SP derivatives but not with other neuropeptides such as neurokinin and enkephalin. Based on this, we searched for microbial inhibitors against SP-induced MPO release. An actinomycete metabolite designated HS3, which turned out to be identical with dioxapyrrolomycin or A1-R2081, and structurally related pyrrolomycins were found to inhibit SP-induced MPO release. In addition, these compounds inhibited the f-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP)-induced MPO release from PMN. Pyrrolomycin derivatives with an N-methylated pyrrole ring showed, however, a selective inhibition of the SP-induced MPO release. This was in contrast to results with aseanostatin P5 which selectively inhibited FMLP-induced MPO release.

Actinomycetales↗

[Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and its regulation in platelet activation].

It has been generally accepted that platelets play etiological roles for the development of atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis. Platelet activation may be dependent upon the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and regulated by PGI2 and endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) released by vascular endothelium. We have studied here the effect of endothelial cells (EC) on platelet activation and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Effluent of non-stimulated EC column inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. An addition of this effluent to platelet suspension leaded to increase in intraplatelet cyclic AMP (cAMP) which was inhibited by the treatment of indomethacin to EC, suggesting that this effect was involved in PGI2 released by EC. On the other hand, effluent of thimerosal-stimulated EC column inhibited platelet aggregation and increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated with thrombin, and leaded to increase in intraplatelet cyclic GMP (cGMP). But the treatment of indomethacin to EC had no effect of this inhibition. The effect of thimerosal-stimulated EC was inhibited by the addition of 1-NG-monomethylarginine (NMA), EDRF/NO inhibitor, suggesting that EDRF released by thimerosal-stimulated EC produced an increase in cGMP and inhibited platelet activation. Although forskolin-induced in cAMP caused a marked prevention of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) production stimulated with thrombin, 8-bromo cGMP and EDRF-induced increase in cGMP had no effect of IP3 production. An increase in cAMP and cGMP was considered to inhibit intracellular Ca2+ mobilization by different mechanisms in platelets.

Blood Platelets↗

[MR imaging of mucocutaneous malignant melanoma in the head and neck].

MR imaging was performed in three patients with mucocutaneous malignant melanoma of the head and neck, and surgical specimens were investigated in MR-pathological correlation. Two of 3 cases were revealed to be melanotic melanoma; one arose in the maxillary sinus, and another in the bulbar conjunctiva. The remaining case was amelanotic melanoma originating in the nasal cavity. Two cases of melanotic melanoma showed different intensity on T1WI according to the melanin concentration; the more the melanin-producing process existed, the higher intensity in the tumor was shown. On T2WI there were also some differences in signal intensity; the case having more concentration of melanin changed lower partially in the areas where very high intensity was noted on T1WI, while another case remained unchanged. These findings are based on the inherent paramagnetic effect mostly compatible with the previous reports. On the other hand, the amelanotic melanoma was demonstrated as an intermediate intensity both on T1- and T2WI. Because of the higher incidence of hemorrhage in/around the tumor, it is an important diagnostic clue to this tumor, as in our case of amelanotic type. On reviewing the three cases, we consider that MR imaging offers a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma.

Aged↗

[MR imaging of compressive cervical myelopathy after surgery--high signal intensity of the spinal cord on T2 weighted images].

We reviewed the MR images of 32 patients with cervical myelopathy, showing lesions of high signal intensity in the spinal cord on the sagittal T2 weighted images (T2WI) after surgery: 16 with OPLL; 9 with spondylosis; 4 with disc herniation and 3 with trauma. All images were obtained on a superconducting 1.5 Tesla system. The lesions were classified into five groups, according to the shape and grade of signal intensity on the sagittal T2WI: (I) oval-shaped lesion of signal intensity less brighter than CSF with blurred margin, (II) longitudinal linear-shaped lesion of signal intensity similar to CSF, (III) spindle-shaped lesion of signal intensity similar to CSF, (IV) round-shaped lesion of signal intensity similar to CSF and (V) mixed-types lesions which consisted of group I and II. The present study was summarized as follows: 1) Oval-shaped lesions were seen in the cases of disc herniation and spondylosis with relatively short duration of the symptom, presumptively with relatively short duration of the symptom, presumptively indicative of edema. 2) Most cases of OPLL and spondylosis showed linear-shaped lesions, suggesting necrosis and/or cavitations of the central gray matter. 3) One case of spondylosis developed a spindle-shaped lesion, implicating syringomyelia. 4) Round-shaped lesions were seen in the cases of spinal trauma, suggesting posttraumatic cyst. 5) In a case of mixed-typed lesion examined pre- and postoperatively, only an oval-shaped lesion decreased in size after surgery.

Adult↗

Expression of new members of the prolactin growth hormone gene family in bovine placenta. Isolation and characterization of two prolactin-like cDNA clones.

Two prolactin-like proteins (bPLP-I and bPLP-II) were deduced from the nucleotide sequence analyses of the cDNA clones derived from a bovine (Bos taurus) term placenta. These proteins resembled bovine prolactin but were different from the reported bovine placental lactogens or prolactin-related proteins. The predicted amino acid sequences of these clones showed 45-51% identity with bovine prolactin and 23-24% with bovine growth hormone. The two new clones show 62 and 39% overall homology with each other at the levels of nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively. bPLP-I, bPLP-II, placental lactogens, prolactins (PRLs), and other prolactin-like proteins isolated from cow, mouse, and rat share 7 common amino acid residues. Five of the 7 residues are conserved by other members of the family such as growth hormones, suggesting that they may be essential for the common structural features of the gene family. The other 2 residues are uniquely conserved in bovine, mouse, and rat placental lactogens, PRLs, and PRL-like proteins, predicting their indispensable roles in binding to the specific receptors. bPLP-I and bPLP-II, as well as bPLP-III, are shown to be expressed stage specifically and predominantly in full-term bovine placentas.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Studies on the pathogenesis of choriocarcinoma by analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

The association of complete hydatidiform mole with choriocarcinoma has long been recognized, but it is unknown whether the pathogenesis of the two are identical. We investigated the pathogenesis of these trophoblastic tumors by analyzing restriction fragment length polymorphisms using a minisatellite DNA probe to choriocarcinoma, the complete mole, and normal trophoblasts as well as the parental cells. The polymorphic fragments of the complete mole were all transmitted from the paternal DNA, but some polymorphic fragments of the paternal DNA were not recognized in the complete mole. This confirms at a molecular level the androgenetic origin of the complete mole. In some cases of choriocarcinoma, the pattern of inheritance of restriction fragment length polymorphisms was the same as that in the complete mole, whereas in others all the polymorphic fragments in tumor tissues were identical to those in the host DNA. These results suggest that the pathogenesis of choriocarcinoma varies, being completely different from that of the complete hydatidiform mole in some cases.

Choriocarcinoma↗

The effect of human thrombomodulin on the inactivation of thrombin by human antithrombin III.

The effect of human thrombomodulin (TM) on the inactivation of thrombin by human antithrombin III (ATIII) was evaluated in comparison with that produced from rabbits. Human TM did not accelerate the thrombin inhibition by ATIII but rabbit TM enhanced the activity of ATIII. Also inclusion of human TM at increasing concentration suppressed the thrombin inhibitory activity of ATIII. The intensity of ATIII activity in the presence of heparin (0.01U/ml) was also diminished by the human TM. However, this ATIII- heparin cofactor activity recovered with the addition of a 10-fold amount of heparin (0.1U/ml). In SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting analysis, we found a complex formation of ATIII with both human and rabbit TM (and further confirmed their presence with isoelectrofocusing electrophoresis- data not shown). These results indicate that human TM is substantially different from rabbit TM. Our results suggest that human TM show the crucial role on protein C activation system via thrombin.

Animals↗

A silicon diode in a thimble-type mount for measurement of diagnostic x-ray spectra.

A silicon detector which can be used like a thimble chamber has been constructed. The silicon diode chip used here is very small (1.7 x 1.7 x 0.1 mm3), and the construction materials of the detector mount are thin and have low atomic numbers. Thus, the characteristic x-rays from the mount give no distortion on the obtained spectra, and the photons incident on the back surface of the silicon chip can be measured. Furthermore, the perturbation of the x-ray field is small. The energy resolution of the detector is 2.0 keV (full width at half maximum) for 59.5 keV photons at room temperature. Bremsstrahlung spectra (60-100 kV, 1-2 mA) have been measured without using a pinhole collimator; the obtained spectra are in good agreement with those obtained with a Ge detector. The spectrum of the radiation in a water phantom irradiated with 90 kV x-rays has also been measured by inserting the detector in the phantom; the obtained scattered spectrum has been corrected for the angular dependence of detector efficiency. The increase in total photon number due to this correction has been found to be below 2%.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

Gene expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and its receptor in human placenta and decidua.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) induces proliferation of monocyte/macrophage progenitor cells and can also activate some functions of mature cells including fetally derived placental cells. To study the role of M-CSF in the pregnant female reproductive tract, the expression of M-CSF mRNA and its receptor, c-fms proto-oncogene, in human placenta and decidua was identified. M-CSF and c-fms mRNAs, 4.7Kb and 3.9Kb respectively, were detected by Northern blotting in the early stage placenta and subsequently increased during pregnancy. These mRNAs were not detected in the nonpregnant endometrium but were strongly induced in maternal decidua with the same mRNA size as in the placenta. Northern blot hybridization on the endometrium of a pseudopregnant uterus revealed that the expression of endometrial M-CSF and c-fms mRNAs is regulated by synergistic action of female sex steroid hormones. These findings indicate that, in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner, M-CSF is deeply involved in the local proliferation and differentiation of cells at the materno-fetal interface, and support the placental immunotrophism hypothesis.

Blotting, Northern↗

Acute retinal necrosis as a novel complication of chickenpox in adults.

Three patients in their 20s suffered from chickenpox while in an immunocompromised state: one in pregnancy, one during a long course of corticosteroid for severe nephrotic syndrome, and the third with repeated upper airway infection due to bronchiectasis. They developed acute retinal necrosis about three weeks after the onset of chickenpox. Since acute retinal necrosis threatens sight, this unusual complication of chickenpox in adults needs serious consideration.

Acute Disease↗

Synthesis of fluorine analogues of protoporphyrin potentially useful for diagnosis and therapy of tumors.

With the aim of obtaining a porphyrin derivative useful for diagnosis and therapy of cancer, fluorine analogues of protoporphyrin, in which the vinyl group(s) were replaced by difluorovinyl group(s), were synthesized by the reaction of the formylporphyrins with sodium chlorodifluoroacetate in the presence of triphenylphosphine. Some improvements in the reported procedures for the synthesis of formylporphyrins are also described. Preliminary results of biological tests of the products showed that 8(2),8(2)-difluoroprotoporphyrin accumulates to gastric cancer more selectively than other fluorine analogues and that 3(2),3(2),8(2),8(2)-tetrafluoroprotoporphyrin is taken up by rat hepatoma cells more readily than the others.

Animals↗

[Establishment and characterization of NMSG10 cells from malignant fibrous histiocytoma in human bones].

A cell line (NMSG10) was established from malignant fibrous histiocytoma in human tibial bone. The cells revealed polymorphism at the primary culture stage, but they gradually became monotonous fibroblastic cells during transfer. On light microscopic examination, the features of these transformed cells were shown to be positive for alcian blue, oil red 0 and acid phosphatase stain. In an immunohistochemical test, the cells were shown to be positive for anti-proteoglycans, S-100, alpha 1-antitrypsin, vimentin and actin. An electron microscopic examination, revealed multiple irregular long microvilli extending from the cell surface. Also noted were microvesicles and lipid vacuoles in the cytoplasm. There was also a collagenous microfilament in the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, we found a lot of mucous substance which was able to be stained with alcian blue and to be digested by hyaluronidase in the cultured medium. This mucous substance was identified through two dimensional electrophoresis as being mainly hyaluronic acid with a macromolecular weight, a small amount of heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Additionally, chromosomal analysis was performed at the 7th passage, revealing aneuploidy with a modal number of 46. The primary cells and NMSG10 cells were not transferable to nude mice.

Animals↗

Site-specific mutagenesis of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)-beta subunit: influence of mutation on hCG production.

The heterodimeric glycoprotein hormones, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), LH, TSH and FSH, consist of two non-covalently linked subunits, the alpha and beta subunits. The beta subunit is specific for each hormone and is responsible for the biological specificity, but the beta subunits of different hormones show some degree of structural homology. The CAGY (cysteine-alanine-glycine-tyrosine) region is one of the amino acid sequences that is homologous in different beta subunits and is highly conserved between species. In the present study, site-specific in-vitro mutagenesis was used to change three individual nucleotides in the centre of the CAGY region of the hCG-beta subunit, and the effects of these mutations on hCG production was determined by in-vitro transcription and then translation in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The results indicate that the CAGY region, particularly the glycine residue at position 36 in the beta subunit, is essential for the production of hCG. This finding is consistent with previous studies showing that this region is necessary for the biological activity of human TSH.

Amino Acid Sequence↗