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Biomedical subjects

M Murakami

Publications and source records attributed to M Murakami.

At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources

Contribution of hydrophobicity of nonionic detergents to membrane lipid fluidity and disopyramide uptake by rat intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles.

The contribution of hydrophobicity of different types of detergents to disopyramide uptake by rat small intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles was studied in relation to their membrane lipid fluidity and the physicochemical parameters of the detergents, i.e., hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB). Span-, Tween-type detergents or glycerol esters at non-solubilizing concentrations (0.01-0.05% (w/v)) decreased the extent of maximum uptake of the drug in the presence of outward H(+)-gradient, but not in the absence of the gradient. The fluorescence anisotropy of the vesicles using diphenylhexatriene (DPH), as reflected by its incorporation into the membrane inner lipid layer, decreased with the addition of all detergents used. In contrast, that of the vesicles using trimethylammoniumphenyl phenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH), which reflected its incorporation into the membrane outer lipid layer, increased depending on the concentration of Tween-type detergents except for Tween 81 and Tween 85, glycerol esters (MO-500, MO-750, ML-500 and ML-750); it decreased with the addition of Span-type detergents, Tween 81 and glycerol ester (MO-310). Therefore, the membrane lipid fluidity change of the outer leaflet, rather than the inner lipophilic domain, of the membrane vesicles caused by the detergents was found to be dependent on the hydrophobicity, but not on the type of detergent. This seems to correlate with the inhibitory effects on the facilitated uptake of the drug by the membrane vesicles.

Animals↗

Effects of cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation on the left ventricular end-systolic pressure-volume relationship and plasma norepinephrine dynamics in dogs.

The effects of cardiac sympathetic nerve (CSN) stimulation on the left ventricular end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) and plasma norepinephrine (NE) concentration in arterial blood were studied in dogs. In 12 anesthetized and open-chest dogs, left ventricular pressure and volume were measured simultaneously with a microtip catheter and a conductance catheter, respectively. The ESPVR values were constructed from pressure-volume loops during a brief occlusion of the inferior vena cava before and after a 40-sec train of electrical CSN stimulation. The slope (Emax) of the ESPVR line was significantly greater after CSN stimulation than before CSN stimulation (p < 0.05) for both right and left CSN stimulation. The increased Emax values after right and left CSN stimulation were not significantly different from each other. In 5 dogs, time courses of Emax, left ventricular systolic pressure, heart rate, and plasma NE concentration after CSN stimulation were studied. Left ventricular systolic pressure and heart rate returned to the baseline more rapidly than Emax and arterial plasma NE concentration. There was a positive, linear correlation between Emax (y) and arterial plasma NE concentration (x), shown as y = 3.3 x 10(-3)x + 3.1 (n = 30, r = 0.86, p < 0.05). These results imply that cardiac contractile enhancement is reflected in arterial plasma NE concentration in conditions in which CSN is activated.

Animals↗

Polyploid-specific repetitive DNA sequences from triploid ginbuna (Japanese silver crucian carp, Carassius auratus langsdorfi).

Repetitive DNA sequences (Cal3nDr) in the genome of a triploid ginbuna (Carassius auratus langsdorfi) were isolated from the DraI digests of the genomic DNA. This AT-rich (61%) Cal3nDr monomer was 137 bp in length. The nucleotide similarity among the monomers from the same individual was considerably high (above 97%). Hybridization analyses revealed that the Cal3nDr sequences were organized into tandem arrays. These DNA sequences were present only in triploid and tetraploid ginbunas and were absent from diploid ginbuna, gengorobuna, goldfish, and other cyprinid fishes, and therefore appeared to be specific to polyploid ginbunas. In situ hybridization data showed their localization on one to four out of a total of 150 to 156 chromosomes, depending on the individuals or clonal lines, of the triploid ginbuna. The origin of the Cal3nDr sequences is also discussed on the basis of observation of the artificial triploid ginbuna produced by crossing a diploid female with a tetraploid male.

Animals↗

Laminin alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 4 and beta 1 chain mRNA expression in mouse embryonic, neonatal, and adult hearts.

We examined the relative expression of laminin alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 4 and beta 1 chain genes in the heart of embryonic, neonatal and adult BALb/c mice. The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA expression of these chains because of the relatively small amount of RNA extracted from rat embryonic hearts. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and beta-actin were used as internal controls. Among the hearts examined, a relatively high expression of laminin alpha 1 chain was observed in the embryonic hearts, while its expression was very weak in the neonatal and negligible in the adult hearts. Conversely, expression of laminin alpha 2 chain was virtually not observed in the embryonic hearts, but this chain was expressed weakly in the neonatal and substantially in the adult hearts. Similar to laminin alpha 1, laminin alpha 4 was expressed in the embryonic hearts, while its expression was relatively weak in the neonatal and adult hearts. Laminin beta 1 was expressed in the hearts of mice at all stages examined. These results demonstrate that the laminin chain gene expression changes in the different developmental stages of the hearts of BALb/c mice.

Animals↗

Regulatory functions of phospholipase A2.

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) plays crucial roles in diverse cellular responses, including phospholipid digestion and metabolism, host defense and signal transduction. PLA2 provides precursors for generation of eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins (PGa) and leukotrienes (LTs), when the cleaved fatty acid is arachidonic acid, platelet-activating factor (PAF) when the sn-1 position of the phosphatidylcholine contains an alkyl ether linkage and some bioactive lysophospholipids, such as lysophosphatidic acid (lysoPA). As overproduction of these lipid mediators causes inflammation and tissue disorders, it is extremely important to understand the mechanisms regulating the expression and functions of PLA2. Recent advances in molecular and cellular biology have enabled us to understand the molecular nature, possible function, and regulation of a variety of PLA2 isozymes. Mammalian tissues and cells generally contain more than one enzyme, each of which is regulated independently and exerts distinct functions. Here we classify mammalian PLA2s into there large groups, namely, secretory (sPLA2), cytosolic (cPLA2), and Ca(2+)-independent PLA2s, on the basis of their enzymatic properties and structures and focus on the general understanding of the possible regulatory functions of each PLA2 isozyme. In particular, the roles of type II sPLA2 and cPLA2 in lipid mediator generation are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Surgery of gastric cancer in patients over 80 years old.

A retrospective study on postoperative complications and factors affecting prognosis was performed on elderly patients with gastric cancer. We studied the correlation of age, pathological depth, preoperative laboratory data, physical status, duration of surgery, volume of blood loss, blood transfusion, curability, and extent of lymph node dissection to postoperative complications and prognosis in 47 patients with gastric cancer over 80 years old. Preoperative function of lung and liver frequently showed abnormal data. Postoperative complications were noted in 47% of patients, especially in the pulmonary system, liver and heart. Curability and extent of lymph node dissection were the significant factor affecting survival. Some mortalities caused by initial malignancy were recognized in the conservative lymph node dissection in the stage I. The incidence of postoperative complications was not significantly different according to extent of lymph node dissection. Blood transfusion was the only significant factor for the incidence of postoperative complication. The most frequent cause of death was the initial malignancy. We recommend that a low grade lymph node dissection should not be readily chosen for elderly patients in early cases.

Aged↗

A family of highly repetitive DNAs from "ginbuna" (Carassius auratus langsdorfi) genome common to Carassius auratus populations.

A family of highly repetitive DNAs (Hi-a) in the genome from a population of the crucian carp, tentatively identified as the ginbuna (Carassius auratus langsdorfi), was isolated from the HindIII digests and characterized. The Hi-a monomer (268 or 269 bp) was AT-rich (64.9%) with internal repetitive oligomers. The nucleotide similarity among monomers within the same individual was 88-98%, whose sequence alterations occurred mostly at restricted sites. Hybridization analyses revealed that the Hi-a family was organized into tandem array(s) representing satellite DNAs, and that its variants that share certain restriction sites of the repeat unit were dispersed into the tandem array(s) of Hi-a DNAs at varying periodicities. The lack of sequences homologous to the ginbuna Hi-a in the genomes from cyprinid fishes other than gengorobuna and goldfish suggests that Hi-a DNAs are specifically present in the species C. auratus. The genome of goldfish differed somewhat in the quantity or the genomic organization of Hi-a DNAs from that of the ginbuna.

Animals↗

Subcutaneous fat distribution of the abdomen and buttocks in Japanese women aged 20 to 58 years.

Subcutaneous fat is an essential element in shaping the body of human beings. In this research, skinfold thickness was measured specifically in 33 regions of the human body, including the abdomen and buttocks. Based on our measurements, the subcutaneous fat distribution was assessed for several age groups. The subjects were healthy Japanese women aged 20 to 58 years. Skinfold thickness was measured using the B-mode ultrasound methods, together with anthropometric measurement. A comparison was made between the following five age groups: early 20's, late 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's. The measured values for the early 20's group were used as the standard and the relationship between increase ratio of subcutaneous fat and age was studied. Through our research, we obtained data on the subcutaneous fat distribution in each age group. The largest change was observed between the ages of the early 20's and late 20's. The skinfold thickness measurements of the abdomen and buttocks was consistently around 10 mm for the early 20's, and increased up to 23.8 mm on the rear side section for the late 20's. This result indicates that the increase ratio varied depending on the part of body. Furthermore, the changes in skinfold thickness were different in specific parts of the abdomen and buttocks among different age groups. The difference in skinfold thickness between upper and lower sections of the abdomen also becomes more pronounced with age. Skinfold thickness increased significantly between the early 20's and late 20's. Among the body regions, measurements at the rear side showed the largest change with age; averaging 11.3 mm for the early 20's compared to 33.6 mm for the 50's. The subcutaneous fat distribution on the buttock also showed the differences with age, indicating changes in body shape. Using careful measurements of the abdomen and buttocks, subcutaneous fat distribution among each age group was determined as well as the variation in changes with the aging process.

Abdomen↗

Decremental oscillation curve fitting of heart rate response following face immersion into cold water.

Using 18 healthy volunteers, we attempted to fit the heart rate response to a decremental oscillation curve by the least-squares method following facial immersion into cold water. The decremental oscillation equation was as follows: HR = alpha.e(-betat) sin omegat + gamma, where HR is the instantaneous heart rate at t s, alpha the maximum amplitude of the decremental oscillation, beta the decremental rate, omega the angular velocity and gamma the basal heart rate. Each subject immersed his/her face fully in a basin filled with ice-cold water (4 degrees C) for 30 s. The heart rate response to facial immersion was significantly fitted to the decremental oscillation curve with a correlation coefficient > 0.75 in all the trials. Double trials with a 15-min intertrial interval did not show any significant change in the coefficients. Atropine sulfate decreased the value of coefficient omega and increased that of gamma but did not change alpha or beta, indicating that omega is determined mainly by parasympathetic tone. There were no differences for any coefficient between men and women. The coefficients beta and gamma increased in association with age. Given the significant fitting to the decremental oscillation curve of the heart rate response, we propose that the corresponding electrical circuit consists of a resistance and an inductor connected in series, with a condenser in a parallel circuit with a direct current impulse. This method of fitting with the corresponding electric circuit may be useful for analysis of the heart rate response to physiological stimulus.

Age Factors↗

Role of glial filaments in cells and tumors of glial origin: a review.

In the adult human brain, normal astrocytes constitute nearly 40% of the total central nervous system (CNS) cell population and may assume a star-shaped configuration resembling epithelial cells insofar as the astrocytes remain intimately associated, through their cytoplasmic extensions, with the basement membrane of the capillary endothelial cells and the basal lamina of the glial limitans externa. Although their exact function remains unknown, in the past, astrocytes were thought to subserve an important supportive role for neurons, providing a favorable ionic environment, modulating extracellular levels of neurotransmitters, and serving as spacers that organize neurons. In immunohistochemical preparations, normal, reactive, and neoplastic astrocytes may be positively identified and distinguished from other CNS cell types by the expression of the astrocyte-specific intermediate filament glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Glial fibrillary acidic protein is a 50-kD intracytoplasmic filamentous protein that constitutes a portion of, and is specific for, the cytoskeleton of the astrocyte. This protein has proved to be the most specific marker for cells of astrocytic origin under normal and pathological conditions. Interestingly, with increasing astrocytic malignancy, there is progressive loss of GFAP production. As the human gene for GFAP has now been cloned and sequenced, this review begins with a summary of the molecular biology of GFAP including the proven utility of the GFAP promoter in targeting genes of interest to the CNS in transgenic animals. Based on the data provided the authors argue cogently for an expanded role of GFAP in complex cellular events such as cytoskeletal reorganization, maintenance of myelination, cell adhesion, and signaling pathways. As such, GFAP may not represent a mere mechanical integrator of cellular space, as has been previously thought. Rather, GFAP may provide docking sites for important kinases that recognize key cellular substrates that enable GFAP to form a dynamic continuum with microfilaments, integrin receptors, and the extracellular matrix.

Animals↗

[Treatment results of brain metastasis from breast cancer: course of the disease and radiation therapy].

Thirty-nine patients with brain metastasis from breast cancer who were treated in our hospital between 1978 and 1992 and followed up until November 1995 were reviewed. The initial diagnosis of brain metastasis and follow-up were made by MRI and/or CT. Extracranial metastases were found in 90% of the patients and were the cause of death in 89%. Treatments included surgery alone in 2 patients (group S) surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy in 8 (group SR), radiotherapy alone in 28 (group R) and conservative therapy in 1 (group C). Radiotherapy of up to 40Gy to the whole brain was carried out, but was performed in only 75% of patients in group R. The overall median survival was 5.4 months with a 1-year survival rate of 23% and a two-year rate of 10%. In patients treated with over 40Gy, the survival time for radiotherapy alone was 5.1 months, with a 1-year survival rate of 9.5%; relief of specific neurologic symptoms was noted in 80%. The longest survival was noted in a patient with a single brain metastasis, who, to date, has survived for five years and two months following 60Gy of irradiation. Patients with the following clinical conditions should have a good prognosis: (1) no further metastases in other sites, or well controlled if existing, (2) no symptoms of NF (neurological function: RTOG) or slight, and improved NF by treatment, (3) surgical candidate, (4) good response to initial treatment on CT or MRI. Despite a bad prognosis in general, brain metastasis from breast cancer can be treated affirmatively, if these clinical conditions are fulfilled.

Adult↗

[Experience in treatment of patients with locally advanced or recurrent breast cancer: intraarterial infusion chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy].

For the purpose of local control and breast conservation, intraarterial infusion chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy has been indicated in patients with locally advanced breast cancer both in primary and recurrent cases. The present series, evaluated during the past 4 years, consisted of 15 patients 35-83 years of age, with invasive ductal carcinoma, including 10 with primary breast cancer (stage IIIb: 1; IV: 9) and 5 with postoperative recurrence (stage IIIb: 2, IV: 3). Intraarterial chemotherapy is started, basically infusing ADM 50 mg, MMC 10 mg and CDDP 50 mg into the internal thoracic and/or subclavian artery 1-3 times, followed by reduction surgery (quadrantectomy: 4, wide resection: 2) and radiotherapy to the breast, supraclavicular, parasternal and cervical regions according to tumor extent. Local response after arterial infusion was CR: 2, PR: 10, NC: 3 (response rate: 73%). The response rate of distant metastases after arterial infusion was 73%. Of 10 patients with primary breast cancer, recurrence was noted in 1. Breast conservation was successful in 8 of 10 patients. One of them, in stage IIIb, has survived for 4.5 years with no evidence of disease and with breast conservation. Five patients with postoperative recurrence showed CR with no recurrence after intraarterial chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Acute skin reaction occurred in 6 patients, and was especially frequent in patients with postoperative recurrence (4 of 5). According to these results, combined therapy affords breast conservation even in patients with locally advanced breast cancer, and improves patient's QOL in stage IV.

Adult↗

Efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation for bleeding esophageal varices in patients with tumor thrombus of the portal vein trunk (Vp3) associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.

We studied the efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in 16 patients with tumor thrombus of the portal vein trunk (Vp3) associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. The average (+/-SD) number of O rings used was 9.0 +/- 5.0 for the esophageal varices (n = 7) and 16.4 +/- 4.5 for the esophagogastric varices (n = 9). The variceal size was quickly reduced in 11 of the 13 cases whose therapeutic outcome was able to be assessed by endoscopy. The red color sign improved in 10 of the 13 cases, but the therapeutic end point (F0, RC-) was achieved in only two patients, who were also treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy. Emergency EVL achieved only short-term survival (17.14 +/- 6.64 days) and transient hemostasis. Elective EVL was associated with a survival duration of 90.0 +/- 64.25 days. The difference in the survival rate between emergency and elective cases was significant (P < .05). With regard to the timing of its application, EVL, being a less-invasive treatment, should be performed electively before variceal rebleeding for those patients with Vp3 hepatocellular carcinoma whose liver function is preserved.

Aged↗

Technetium-99m-ECD brain SPECT in misery perfusion.

UNLABELLED: Discordant findings of 99mTc-methyl cysteinate dimer (99mTc-ECD) brain distribution have been reported when brain tissue is supplied by excess blood flow. We evaluated changes in 99mTc-ECD brain activity in the opposing pathological state, in which cerebral blood flow (CBF) is more profoundly impaired than metabolism, and analyzed the relationship of 99mTc-ECD activity with CBF and metabolism to investigate the dominant regulating factor on 99mTc-ECD distribution. METHODS: Twelve patients with unilateral intracranial steno-occlusive diseases were evaluated using dynamic and static 99mTc-ECD SPECT. Relative 99mTc-ECD activities and the retention ratio of the affected and unaffected cortices were compared with CBF and oxygen metabolism obtained by PET. Change in the relationships until 1 hr after tracer injection were also analyzed. RESULTS: Relative 99mTc-ECD activity was significantly correlated with CBF, and the highest correlation was obtained for the first minute of imaging (r = 0.674, p < 0.0010. Fifteen minutes after injection, the correlation coefficient with CBF decreased, whereas higher correlation was observed with the parameter of oxygen metabolism (r = 0.758-0.815, p < 0.001). Changes in the retention ratio were dependent on changes in oxygen metabolism, and the retention ratio for the high oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) area was the same as that for the normal OEF area. CONCLUSION: In addition to CBF, brain distribution on 99mTc-ECD SPECT images is affected by brain metabolism, especially on delayed images after injection. The degree of discrepancy between CBF and metabolism should be considered when interpreting images of the misery perfusion state.

Blood-Brain Barrier↗

Regional cerebral blood flow measurement with iodine-123-IMP autoradiography: normal values, reproducibility and sensitivity to hypoperfusion.

UNLABELLED: We recently proposed a simplified technique for measuring regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) using the [123I]N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine (IMP) autoradiographic (ARG) method with SPECT (the IMP-ARG method). We examined normal values of rCBF and the reproducibility and sensitivity to hypoperfusion in stroke patients using this method. METHODS: By using a standard arterial input, a single static scan, a fixed distribution volume (Vd) and one-point arterial blood sampling, we measured rCBF in 39 normal volunteers (19 men and 20 women; mean ages 61 +/- 11 yr for the men and 60 +/- 12 yr for the women). Eighteen neurologically stable patients with prior stroke (mean age = 65 +/- 11 yr) were studied twice at a mean interval of 97 days. In 16 patients (7 men and 9 women, mean age = 63 +/- 5 yr) with subarachnoid hemorrhage, rCBF was measured 1-2 wk after onset. Cerebral vasospasm was evaluated by repeated angiography. The mean rCBF in the vasospastic area was compared with that in a nonvasospastic area. RESULTS: The mean rCBFs of the cerebral cortex and centrum semiovale in the volunteers were 33.0 +/- 5.1 ml/100 g/min and 25.0 +/- 4.5 ml/100 g/min, respectively. There was no age-dependent change in rCBF, but the women showed significantly higher cortical rCBF than the men (p < 0.05). In the stroke patients, the whole-brain CBF values showed high reproducibility, with high correlations between those obtained at the first and second studies (y = -3.5 + 1.03x; r = 0.90; p < 0.001). In the subarachnoid hemorrhage patients, the vasospastic area showed significantly lower rCBF than the normal cortical rCBF (p < 0.01) and the nonvasospastic area (p < 0.01). Brain regions with rCBF levels below 20 ml/100 g/min showed infarction on the follow-up CT scan. CONCLUSION: The IMP-ARG method is reproducible, sensitive to hypoperfusion and feasible for the quantitative evaluation of rCBF in routine clinical practice.

Aged↗

[A case of local advanced cervical esophageal cancer treated with concurrent radiochemotherapy followed by surgery].

A 61-year-old-male with local advanced inoperable cervical esophageal cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, T4N1M0 stage III) was treated by concurrent radiochemotherapy. A dose of 50.6 Gy/46 Fr/36 days and one course each of CDDP-5-FU and nedaplatin-5-FU were delivered safely. Radical surgery could be performed thereafter because of the good tumor response. Pathological CR was obtained in metastatic cervical lymph nodes and almost total necrosis in primary cancer. Concurrent radiochemotherapy produced a significant improvement in this case of advanced cervical esophageal cancer.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗