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Biomedical subjects

M Maeda

Publications and source records attributed to M Maeda.

At least 865 records · Page 48Linked to original sources

Expression of cDNA for batroxobin, a thrombin-like snake venom enzyme.

The cloned cDNA for batroxobin has been expressed in E. coli. Batroxobin could only be obtained as intracellular aggregates of fusion proteins, fused with a small peptide. To obtain the mature batroxobin, the recognition sequence for thrombin was inserted between the peptide and the mature batroxobin. This fusion protein accumulated in an insoluble form and could easily be purified. After site-specific cleavage of the fusion protein with thrombin, recombinant batroxobin was isolated by preparative electrophoresis. Batroxobin with enzymatic activity was obtained by the refolding of recombinant batroxobin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Epidural analgesia in Eaton-Lambert myasthenic syndrome. Effects on respiratory function.

The anaesthetic management of a patient with Eaton-Lambert myasthenic syndrome undergoing thoracotomy is described. Epidural anaesthesia, in combination with a light level of general anaesthesia, provided good operating conditions and postoperative analgesia. Pulmonary function and ventilatory responses to carbon dioxide and hypoxia were measured before operation. These tests were repeated after the epidural administration of 8 ml 2% lignocaine before surgery and after 2 mg morphine sulphate in 10 ml saline postoperatively. Minor reductions in some of the ventilatory parameters were observed. The epidural technique appears to be a useful and safe method by which to manage patients with Eaton-Lambert syndrome undergoing thoracotomy.

Analgesia, Epidural↗

Genetic differences shown by HLA typing among Japanese patients with euthyroid Graves' ophthalmopathy, Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis: genetic characteristics of euthyroid Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Euthyroid Graves' ophthalmopathy (EO) is an ophthalmic disorder without persistent hyperthyroidism. To elucidate genetic differences among EO, Graves' disease (Gr) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (H), we analysed HLA-A, B, C, DR, DQ, D and DP types in 23 Japanese EO patients, 88 Gr patients, 46 H patients and 186 control subjects utilizing assays of lymphocyte cytotoxicity and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). When compared with the control subjects, EO patients showed significant associations with HLA B40 (w61), DR9, DQw3, and Dw15 (P less than 0.01) and with HLA B12 and Cw1 (P less than 0.05). When allowance was made for the number of antigens tested, only DQw3 was significant. Significant differences were found between EO and Gr (DPw2), and between EO and H (Cw1) even after correction of P values. Comparisons between EO and related subgroups of Gr confirmed the heterogeneity of EO again. It is concluded from these results that EO is associated with different HLA types from Gr and H.

Adult↗

Epidermoid cyst derived from an accessory spleen in the pancreas. A case report with literature survey.

A rare case of splenic epidermoid cyst (SEC) of the pancreas discovered in a 32-year-old Japanese female is reported. The lesion, 5 x 6 cm in size including caseous material and serous fluid in the lumen, was discovered by ultrasonography and computed tomography at the tail of the pancreas and was easily removed. Histopathologically, the cystic wall consisted of three components: the inside was lined by mature squamous epithelium with keratinization, the middle layer consisted of splenic pulp with a sinus structure, and the peripheral layer was dense fibrous connective tissue in which some involutional pancreatic ducts and islets were recognized. The literature about SEC of the pancreas is discussed in comparison with other types of epidermoid cyst including lymphoepithelial cyst and dermoid cyst in the pancreas.

Adult↗

The opioid activity and receptor selectivity of fluorinated Leu5 enkephalin analogues in vitro and in vivo.

The opioid activity and the selectivity for opioid receptor (subtypes) of newly synthesized fluorinated enkephalin (Enk) analogues, [2R, 4R], [2R, 4S], [2S, 4S] and [2S, 4R] trifluoro-Leu5-Enk (KKF-31, 32, 33 and 34) were investigated. The inhibitory effect of KKF-compounds on the electrically induced contractions of guinea-pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) were dose-dependent but relatively lower than that of L-Leu5-Enk, except that KKF-34 was rather slightly more potent than L-Leu5-Enk in MVD preparations. In GPI preparations, the pA2 values of naloxone for these compounds were higher than those of naltrindole while the values of naltrindole for KKF-compound were higher than those of naloxone in MVD preparations. Intracerebroventricular KKF-31 and KKF-32 at doses of 20 and 10 nmol/mouse, respectively, produced analgesia comparable to 0.1 nmol Tyr-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2 and 100 nmol Tyr-D-Thr-Gly-Phe-Leu-Thr; however, neither KKF-33 nor 34 produced analgesia up to the doses of 100 nmol/mouse. Both naloxone, 1 mg/kg, i.p., and naltrindole, 10 mg/kg, i.p., antagonized KKF-31- and KKF-32-induced analgesia. The results suggest that the introduction of trifluoromethyl group in Leu5 results in the alternation of the opioid activity and receptor selectivity. Although KKF-33 and KKF-34 possessed a more potent in vitro inhibitory effect than KKF-31 and KKF-32, mediated through mu- and delta-opioid receptors in both preparations, they did not show any appreciable analgesic effect. KKF-31 and KKF-32 produce naloxone- and naltrindole-reversible analgesia irrespective of in vitro mu- and delta-opioid activity.

Analgesics↗

Fluoromethylated and hydroxymethylated derivatives of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine.

Derivatives with fluoromethyl and hydroxymethyl groups on the cyclohexyl ring of 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (TCP), a noncompetitive antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, were tested in a radioligand binding assay to evaluate their ability to inhibit [3H]TCP binding by rat brain homogenates. The potencies of these compounds as antagonists of NMDA and L-glutamate responses were also compared using a rat cortical slice preparation. One of the analogs, cis-2-hydroxymethyl-r-1-(N-piperidyl)-1-(2-thienyl) cyclohexane (5) was found to show a high affinity (IC50 = 16 nM) for the phencyclidine (PCP) binding sites, very close to that of TCP, and to be 38-fold more potent in binding than its trans isomer. Fluoromethyl and hydroxymethyl substitutions at C4 position of the cyclohexyl ring of TCP clearly reduced the affinity by at least one order of magnitude relative to TCP.

Animals↗

New fluorine-substituted analogue of eticlopride with high affinity toward dopamine D2 receptors.

Aiming at the development of positron-emitting ligands with specific and high affinity toward dopamine D2 receptors in the central nervous system, we synthesized a new fluorinated eticlopride derivative. A fluorine atom was introduced at the C-4 position of the pyrrolidine ring of eticlopride, a dopamine D2 antagonist of the benzamide series. The in vitro binding affinity of this ligand toward the D2 receptor was found to be as potent as eticlopride, suggesting that the corresponding 18F-labelled compound may be useful as an in vivo radioligand for positron emission tomography.

Animals↗

[Pharmacological action of SN-408, a novel long-acting selective beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist].

The bronchodilating effect and other related pharmacological properties of SN-408 were studied in comparison with those of isoproterenol, salbutamol and procaterol. SN-408 caused concentration-dependent relaxation of isolated guinea pig trachea via the beta 2-adrenoceptor. The order of relaxation potency was: procaterol greater than SN-408 greater than or equal to isoproterenol greater than salbutamol, but the duration of the action of SN-408 was far longer than those of other beta-agonists. Positive chronotropic and inotropic actions of SN-408 in isolated guinea pig right atria and left atria were less potent than those of other beta-agonists. In isolated guinea pig lung tissues, SN-408 increased cyclic AMP contents. Also in vivo, SN-408 showed dose-dependent bronchodilating action by i.v. administration in anesthetized guinea pigs and by inhalation in conscious guinea pigs. Bronchodilating actions of SN-408 were less potent than those of procaterol and isoproterenol, but the duration of action of SN-408 was far longer than those of other beta-agonists. SN-408 showed no evidence of the development of tolerance to the bronchodilating action. SN-408 caused small tachycardia in guinea pigs by i.v. and inhalation. SN-408 given i.v. suppressed vascular permeability in mice. These results indicate that SN-408 is a long-acting and selective beta 2-stimulant bronchodilator.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Influence of perinatal factors and sampling methods on TSH and thyroid hormone levels in cord blood.

To evaluate the effect of perinatal factors and sampling methods on thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels in cord blood, serum TSH, free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) concentrations were measured in 124 healthy term neonates. Eighty-eight infants were born in normal vaginal deliveries, 25 were delivered by vacuum extractor and 11 by Cesarean section. There was no significant difference among the three infant groups in the mean TSH levels. Birth weight, the infant's sex, duration of labor and uterotonic agents had no effect on cord serum TSH and free thyroid hormone levels in the neonates born by normal vaginal delivery. To assess the adequacy of specimen collection, mixed cord blood samples, obtained by a direct application of cord on a filter paper, and venous blood withdrawn with a plastic syringe were collected in another 200 infants. There was a significant linear correlation in the TSH concentration in mixed cord blood and cord venous serum from the same individuals, while a poor correlation was found in T4 values from two specimens. Our results suggest that the TSH value in cord blood is less influenced by perinatal factors, including the sampling method, and the mixed cord blood collected by this technique might be a feasible alternative specimen for a TSH screening program with cord blood which is useful in countries where neonatal blood is not available.

Blood Specimen Collection↗

AVDO2 and EEG as indicators for treatment of post-traumatic brain swelling--experimental study.

A cat model of compression ischemia using epidural balloon inflation investigated: 1) the relationship between postischemic cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolism and brain swelling, 2) the use of arteriovenous oxygen difference (AVDO2) and electroencephalographic (EEG) frequency band analysis for monitoring CBF and cerebral metabolism, and 3) indications for selecting the therapy. Global ischemia was induced by brain compression, followed by rapid decompression, and AVDO2, CBF, cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen, and EEG were monitored. The animals were divided into delayed brain swelling and no swelling groups. The severity of compression ischemia influenced the recovery of CBF and cerebral metabolism. The AVDO2 and EEG reflected the CBF and cerebral metabolism. These parameters are useful in selecting the therapy for focal brain injury.

Animals↗

Intradural-extramedullary spinal cavernous angioma--case report.

An extremely rare case of intradural-extramedullary spinal cavernous angioma in a 65-year-old male is reported. The clinical presentation was recurrent episodes of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Magnetic resonance images disclosed the tumor at the 1st thoracic vertebra, without gadolinium enhancement. The tumor was tightly adhered to the cord surface and successfully removed microsurgically. The previous two reports of this unusual tumor also showed repeated SAH and the tumor attachment to the spinal cord or nerve roots. Intradural-extramedullary cavernous angioma possibly originates in the surface of the spinal cord or nerve root and then extends extraphytically.

Aged↗

Ciliated epithelial cell cluster in Rathke's cleft cyst--report of two cases.

The authors report two cases of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst. Cytological examination of the cyst contents identified clusters of ciliated epithelial cells. Rathke's cleft cyst is normally defined by mucoid fluid in the cyst cavity and cyst wall biopsy. However, intraoperative cytology was found useful in diagnosis and deciding operative strategy.

Adult↗

Basic studies on visible light-curing resin for denture base. Part 8. The hardening depth of denture relining material after penetration of light through the denture base resin.

A study was performed to examine how the duration of irradiation at the time of relining with visible light-curing material influences the depth of hardening of the relining material, in relation to the thickness of the denture base placed between the denture and the relining material. It was found that for a range of denture base thickness of 1-2.5 mm, a desirable degree of hardening could be obtained using an irradiation time of 20 s for relining material with a thickness of up to 4 mm used for the basal surface.

Dental Materials↗

Muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine encapsulated in liposomes stimulates monocyte production of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 in vitro.

Muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (MTP-PE), a synthetic lipophilic analogue of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), can be incorporated into the lipid membrane of liposomes. Liposomes containing MTP-PE (L-MTP-PE) stimulated monocytes to selectively kill tumors, but not normal cells in vitro. Furthermore, the activation of monocyte tumoricidal function was demonstrated following the i.v. infusion of L-MTP-PE in a phase I trial with cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which L-MTP-PE activates monocytes. Monocyte tumoricidal function is linked to both interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Therefore, normal human monocytes were incubated for various times with L-MTP-PE, empty liposomes, or medium in the presence or absence of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). The supernatants were removed and assayed for TNF and IL-1 using the L929 and D10.G4.1 assays, respectively. TNF was detected after a 4 hr incubation with L-MTP-PE but not with empty liposomes or medium. TNF secretion peaked at 8 hr and was sustained for up to 72 hr. A 4-fold increase in TNF mRNA levels was demonstrated after 8 hr. An increased level of IL-1 beta mRNA was detected after a 4 hr incubation, but only low level IL-1 secretion was detected in monocytes incubated with L-MTP-PE. Adherent monocytes were frozen and thawed to release intracellular IL-1. Intracellular IL-1 was significantly increased in monocytes incubated with L-MTP-PE. Intracellular IL-1 levels peaked by 8 hr and decreased by 72 hr. Activators were then assayed in the presence or absence of IFN-gamma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

[The changes in cell population and chemical mediators in BALF following local allergen challenge].

In eight subjects who showed dual asthmatic response (DAR) in bronchial provocation tests (BPT) with specific allergens, local allergen challenge (LAC) was conducted using a flexible bronchofiberscope. We examined the concentrations of histamine, leukotriene B4 and C4 (LTB4 and LTC4) and cell populations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collected before LAC (control), during the immediate response phase (IR), and the late response phase (LR). Control BALF was collected from the left lingula (B4 or B5), and BALF in the IR or LR phase from the right middle lobe (B4 or B5). Each BAL was conducted with 50 ml of saline at 37 degrees C and repeated three times in succession. It was noted that histamine increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in IR-BALF from the control level. In addition, the concentrations of LTC4 and the numbers of eosinophils increased in IR-BALF. In LR-BALF, the numbers of eosinophils (p less than 0.01), and the concentrations of histamine (p less than 0.05), LTC4 (p less than 0.05) and LTB4 increased. From these results, it was suggested that infiltration of eosinophils and various chemical mediators in the bronchial mucosa play important roles in the development of late asthmatic response.

Adolescent↗