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Biomedical subjects

M Minami

Publications and source records attributed to M Minami.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

[Production of medicinal plants by soilless culture system. I. Studies of morphological characteristics and saikosaponins content in Bupleurum falcatum cultivated by Ebb & Flood system].

We studied that the morphological and histological characteristics, and the content (%DW) of saikosaponins on the root of Bupleurum falcatum cultivated in an Ebb & Flood system (E & F), a kind of soilless culture system, by both the direct sowing and the transplanting methods, and that effects of pinching on the root growth and the content (%DW) of saikosaponins in each part of root. Yield of root and content (%DW) of saikosaponins in each part of root, 8-months-old, cultivated in E & F by both methods were at the same level as that cultivated for the same period in soil condition by generally standard procedures. Morphological characteristics of the root cultivated by the direct sowing method were the same appearance as that by soil condition, but by the transplanting method main root branched off in all direction and the lateral root were more developed than by the direct sowing method. By pinching lignification in xylem on the main root were inhibited, but the dried weight of total root part and content (%DW) of saikosaponins in each part of the root were not shown to be significantly changed.

Botany↗
PubMed1995

Convenient desktop-scale production of the extracellular domain of the human growth hormone receptor by an insect-baculovirus secretion system using a protein-free culture.

Expression of a gene encoding the extracellular domain of the human growth hormone receptor (hGHR-ED) inserted into the genome of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus was done using a desktop-scale spinner culture. Spodoptera frugiperda 9 (Sf9) cells infected with the recombinant virus secreted a protein with hGH-binding activity into the medium. Oxygen supplementation was required for high level secretion of the product. The highest cell production capability was estimated at more than 15 mg hGHR-ED/liter of culture. A protein-free medium supported the production similar to that obtained in traditional serum-containing media. This spinner culture system is simple to operate, and does not require expert knowledge of culture techniques.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Effects of diaphragmatic plication on respiratory mechanics in dogs with unilateral and bilateral phrenic nerve paralyses.

To examine the effects of diaphragmatic plication on respiratory mechanics during spontaneous breathing, we grouped 28 dogs into left phrenicotomy and plication (group L, n = 11), bilateral phrenicotomy and plication (group B, n = 9), and sham operations (group C, n = 8). In groups L and B, phrenicotomy caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in tidal volume (VT), transdiaphragmatic pressure (delta Pdi), the ratio of gastric to esophageal pressure (delta Pga/delta Pes) and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), and significant (p < 0.05) increases in esophageal pressure (delta Pes), and the work of breathing (WOB) per liter of ventilation. In group L, plication resulted in significant (p < 0.05) increases in VT, delta Pdi, delta Pga/delta Pes, and Cdyn, and a significant reduction of WOB compared with phrenicotomy condition, indicating an improvement in the respiratory mechanics. However, in group B, no significant changes were observed after plication except for increased VT. In eight left-phrenicotomized open-chest dogs, transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) and fractional shortening (FS) of right hemidiaphragm by right phrenic nerve stimulation increased significantly (p < 0.05) after plication, compared with the phrenicotomy condition, suggesting more effective kinetics of the right hemidiaphragm after plication of the left hemidiaphragm. Our results showed that diaphragmatic plication for unilateral paralysis is more effective than for bilateral paralysis, indicating that an improvement in kinetics of the intact hemidiaphragm plays an important role in functional recovery.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Hepatobiliary cysts in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: prevalence and CT findings.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatobiliary (intrahepatic and peribiliary) cysts have been described for patients with autosomal dominant polycystic disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of these cysts and to describe the wide variation in their appearance on CT scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied CT scans for 64 patients (31 men and 33 women) who either had known autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease or had renal cysts and a family member with polycystic kidney disease. Contrast enhancement was used for 31 patients. CT scans were retrospectively evaluated by consensus by two experienced radiologists. The presence, number, and size of hepatobiliary cysts and the presence and appearance of the two variations, peribiliary and intrahepatic cysts, were analyzed. Peribiliary cysts were determined to be present when many small (< or = 10-mm) cysts were seen adjacent to the larger (up to the third order) portal triad. Cysts present in the hepatic parenchyma but not in contact with the larger portal triad were regarded as intrahepatic cysts. RESULTS: CT showed hepatobiliary cysts in 56 of the 64 patients (24 men and 32 women; 88%). Intrahepatic cysts were noted in all 56 patients; peribiliary cysts were definitely seen on CT scans for 22 patients and were probably seen (fewer than five cysts and/or cysts located only on one side of the portal vein) on CT scans for 19 patients (73% of all patients with hepatobiliary cysts). Peribiliary cysts appeared as discrete cysts in 31 patients, as a string of cysts in six patients, and as a tubular structure in four patients. Intrahepatic cysts generally were round but occasionally were polygonal. They were variable in number, size, and location. CONCLUSION: Hepatobiliary cysts were noted in 56 of 64 patients (intrahepatic cysts in all cases and peribiliary cysts in 73% of positive cases). Intrahepatic cysts varied widely in number, size, and location, whereas peribiliary cysts were small and appeared as discrete cysts, a string of cysts, or a tubular structure adjacent to the larger portal triad. It is important to be aware of the wide variety of findings for hepatobiliary cysts so that they are not confused with other abnormalities.

Bile Duct Diseases↗
PubMed1995

[Effects of glucose ingestion on urinary excretion of electrolytes: comparison between patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and diabetes mellitus].

We investigated the effects of ingesting 75g of glucose on urinary excretion of electrolytes in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) over a 4-hour period. Creatinine clearance did not change in patients with either disease following glucose ingestion. Fractional excretion of sodium (Na), chloride (Cl) and potassium (K) decreased significantly, while that of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) increased significantly in both groups. The change in fractional excretion of phosphorus (P) differed between patients with CGN and DM. Fractional excretion of P increased initially, then decreased significantly in patients with CGN, while it decreased steadily in patients with DM. In diabetic patients, significant positive relationships were observed between cumulative filtered glucose and cumulative urinary excretion of Ca (r = 0.47, p < 0.05) and P (r = 0.54, p < 0.05). In addition, cumulative plasma IRI concentration was correlated inversely with cumulative urinary excretion of K (r = -0.54, p < 0.05) in diabetic patients. In nephritic patients. however, no significant relationship was observed among these variables. In conclusion, renal tubular reabsorption of Na, K and Cl was enhanced, while that of Ca and Mg was inhibited after glucose ingestion in both CGN and DM patients. Moreover, filtered glucose may be involved partially in the inhibitory effect on tubular reabsorption of Ca and P in diabetic patients.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

[The role of thoracotomy for malignant mediastinal tumors (MMT)-- survey of consecutive 223 patients].

To elucidate the role of surgery for MMT, 214 patients during past 34 years were historically divided into the early (1960-1971, n = 80), intermediate (1972-1981, n = 79) and late series (1982-1993, n = 64). The thoracotomy rate for MMT, the rate of thoracotomy after preoperative diagnosis was done, and the number of postoperative survivors were significantly higher in the late series, compared with the early series. The intermediate series located between the early and late series. Nine patients in the late series undergoing chemo-radiation therapies obtained a good result after complete resection of the residual tissue. We conclude that surgical treatment of MMT should be based on accurate preoperative diagnosis and a distinct role for multidisciplinary treatment, especially regarding malignant thymoma, malignant lymphoma and malignant germ cell tumor.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Chemical modulation of 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors affects the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from the ferret and rat intestine.

In species which vomit, elevated intestinal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) may stimulate abdominal vagal afferent fibers, which in turn evoke the vomiting reflex. The release of 5-HT from intestinal enterochromaffin (EC) cells is regulated by polymodal mechanisms. The object of this study was to evaluate the involvement of 5-HT autoreceptors in the regulation of 5-HT release from the small intestine. Functional studies were carried out using 5-HT3 receptor agonist and antagonists, and 5-HT4 receptor agonist. Ferret and rat ileal tissue were isolated and 5-HT released into the bathing solution was determined using HPLC with an electrochemical detector (ECD). We previously reported that cisplatin produced a significant increase in cumulative 5-HT release and that ondansetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, did not alter the 5-HT release from the ferret ileum. In this study, a selective 5-HT3 agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT, induced a dose-dependent increase of 5-HT from the rat ileum. This release of 5-HT was significantly reduced by granisetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Furthermore, a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist, 5-methoxytryptamine induced a concentration-dependent increase of 5-HT in the rat ileum. These results suggest that both 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors may be involved in intestinal 5-HT release.

5-Methoxytryptamine↗
PubMed1995

[A long-term clinical analysis of the rheumatoid patients treated by a combination of GST and CCA].

It has been well known that DMARDs are very effective for rheumatoid arthritis but lose their effect after long term administration. The authors would expect that Lobenzarit disodium (CCA) could slow the reduction of effectiveness of the DMARDs. The aim of this paper is to clarify the effects of Lobenzarit disodium (CCA) for the rheumatoid patients maintained by sodium aurothiomalate and D-penicillamine. The classical and definite rheumatoid patients were divided into two groups. One (group-A) was the rheumatoid patients who were treated in combination with CCA (79 patients). Another (group-B) was rheumatoid patients who were treated by sodium aurothiomalate or D-penicillamine (78 patients). All of them were followed for four years. In group-A, Lansbury index didn't improve in comparison with group-B. However, in the parameters of Lansbury index, improvement of the swelling joints was clearly higher in group-A than in group-B. Furthermore, this effect started in three months after administration of CCA and continued until the end of this study. On the other hand, according to roentogenographic examination utilizing MD's method, density of the metacarpal bones decreased more in group-B than in group-A. The sid-effects were few. They were five cases of gastrointestinal disorders and three cases of renal dysfunction. However, the renal dysfunction seems unlikely to be causally related to CCA. The authors could confirm the certain and expected results of combination therapy with CCA and sodium aurothiomalate and D-penicillamine for the rheumatoid patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Biological effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on tissues and cells isolated from respiratory tracts of guinea pigs.

Diesel engine-powered vehicles emit some 30 to 100 times more particles than do gasoline engine cars. We previously reported that diesel exhaust particles (DEP) instilled intratracheally into mouse caused lung edema accompanying endothelial cell damage. In order to clarify further the biological effects of DEP on the respiratory system, the primary target of DEP instillation, we examined the direct action of DEP on isolated tissues and the cytotoxicity of DEP on cultured cells of respiratory tracts in guinea pigs. DEP were collected on glass fiber filters from a light-duty (2730 cc), four cylinder diesel engine. DEP induced a dose-dependent relaxation in tracheal smooth muscle and lung parenchymal preparations from guinea pigs. Neither propranolol nor ranitidine inhibited the relaxing effect of DEP on tracheal preparations. DEP also exhibited concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity on cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells and lung fibroblasts from guinea pigs, as assessed by specific [51Cr] release. These cytotoxicities induced by DEP were significantly inhibited by catalase, deferoxamine and MK-447, whereas SOD and mannitol had little effect. These inhibitory effects were blunted by the higher concentration of DEP. These results suggest that the cytotoxicity of DEP may cause dysfunction of respiratory tissues, which are mediated via oxygen radicals, probably hydroxyl radicals or hydrogen peroxides.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Promotion of nitric oxide formation by heparin in cultured aortic endothelial cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats.

1. The present study examined the effect of heparin on nitric oxide (NO) formation and cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cGMP) levels in cultured aortic endothelial cells (EC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. 2. Bradykinin (BK), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (Io) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) stimulated the production of NO and cGMP. No significant difference was observed in both NO and cGMP production in EC between WKY and SHR. 3. Heparin enhanced BK-, ADP-, Io- and ET-3-stimulated NO and cGMP production. These enhancements by heparin in EC were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. 4. Both NO formation and cGMP production stimulated by the agonists and/or heparin were blocked in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (LNMMA, 10(-5) mol/L). 5. Increased sulphur level was observed on heparin-treated SHR EC surface compared with that on control SHR EC or on heparin-treated WKY EC surface. 6. These results suggest that heparin promotes agonist-induced NO-cGMP response in cultured EC from SHR.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Hepatitis B and C viruses in hepatitis B surface antigen negative hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been recognized for a long time as a major etiological factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in endemic regions. HCCs occurring in Europe, an area with a low prevalence of HBV infections, are in fact also linked to chronic HBV infection, as revealed by the detection of the viral genome and HBV X gene transcripts in the tumor. There is also a significant association with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and a complex interplay may occur between HBV, HCV, and other environmental factors such as alcohol, as well as genetic factors. Preliminary evidence exists for a role of HCV in liver carcinogenesis even without the pre-existing cirrhosis.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed1995

Promotion of nitric oxide formation by heparin in cultured aortic endothelial cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats.

1. The present study examined the effect of heparin on nitric oxide (NO) formation and cyclic guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cGMP) levels in cultured aortic endothelial cells (EC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. 2. Bradykinin (BK), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (Io) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) stimulated the production of NO and cGMP. No significant difference was observed in both NO and cGMP production in EC between WKY and SHR. 3. Heparin enhanced BK-, ADP-, Io- and ET-3-stimulated NO and cGMP production. These enhancements by heparin in EC were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. 4. Both NO formation and cGMP production stimulated by the agonists and/or heparin were blocked in the presence of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (LNMMA, 10(-5) mol/L). 5. Increased sulphur level was observed on heparin-treated SHR EC surface compared with that on control SHR EC or on heparin-treated WKY EC surface. 6. These results suggest that heparin promotes agonist-induced NO-cGMP response in cultured EC from SHR.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-alpha are elevated in the brain from parkinsonian patients.

Interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) were measured for the first time in the brain (caudate nucleus, putamen and cerebral cortex) from control and parkinsonian patients by highly sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassays. The concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-6, EGF, and TGF-alpha in the dopaminergic, striatal regions were significantly higher in parkinsonian patients than those in controls, whereas those in the cerebral cortex did not show significant differences between parkinsonian and control subjects. Since these cytokines and growth factors may play important roles as neurotrophic factors in the brain, the present results suggest that they may be produced as compensatory responses in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic regions in Parkinson's disease, and may be related, at least in part, to the process of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Intrathecal neuromedin C enhances mechanical nociception: possible involvement of NMDA receptors.

Intrathecal administration of neuromedin C (3, 10 nmol/rat) significantly decreased the nociceptive threshold of rats in the paw-pressure test. This effect was abolished by co-administration of [Leu13 psi(CH2NH)-Leu14]bombesin (10 nmol/rat), a bombesin receptor antagonist. Co-administration of 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) at a dose (10 nmol/rat) which did not affect the nociceptive threshold by itself significantly inhibited the effect of neuromedin C. 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) (10 nmol/rat) did not significantly inhibit the neuromedin C-induced hyperalgesia. These results indicate that neuromedin C could modulate mechanical nociception through bombesin receptors at the spinal level, where glutamate is involved through NMDA receptors.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗
PubMed1994

[Serial CT during arterial portography and arteriography of the liver with a triple-lumen balloon catheter].

Serial computed tomography during arterial portography (CTP) and CT during arteriography (CTA) of the liver could be performed on nine of ten patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, using triple-lumen balloon catheters (3-B-C). The 3-B-C was inserted into the common hepatic artery, and the balloon was inflated. We have injected contrast medium into the splenic artery through the side hole of the 3-B-C to perform CTP, and then into the common hepatic artery through the tip hole to perform CTA.

Adult↗