Biomedical subjects

M Noya

Publications and source records attributed to M Noya.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Identification of a channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), leukocyte-specific leucine zipper protein.

Five clones isolated from a channel catfish cDNA library were each reactive with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) C3-1 and 51A only. The size of the cDNA inserts from C3-1 and 51A positive clones was 2.5 Kb and identical based on sequence analysis. Monoclonal antibodies C3-1 and 51A specifically reacted with the expressed product of the 2.5 Kb cDNA clone. The complete DNA sequence indicated that the 2.5 Kb cDNA encoded an approximately 50 Kd protein molecule consisting of 445 amino acids. Sequence analysis showed that this putative protein was a potential leucine-zipper DNA binding protein. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence demonstrated homology (14.6 to 19.5%) throughout the sequence of the catfish protein with a group of cytoplasmic-leucine zipper containing proteins of humans; paraneoplastic cellebellar degeneration related (cdr) antigen 2 and 3 with 39.8 to 56.3% homology in the leucine-zipper motif (amino acids 52 through 175 in the catfish protein). This protein was detected in nuclear extracts. cytoplasmic membrane preparations and cytosolic extracts of neutrophils and lymphocytes when reacted with mAbs C3-1 and 51A in an ELISA. However, the intensity of the reactions was dependent upon the cell type and cellular component. The putative cdr protein was not detected with any appreciable intensity in preparations from other cell types. This finding strongly suggests that this protein is expressed in a leukocyte-specific manner and is unique among the cdr group in that it is being expressed in a site that is not immune privileged.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Identification of a beta 2 (CD18) molecule in a teleost species, Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque.

Beta 2, in combination with the alpha subunit, is responsible for tight adhesion of leukocytes, especially neutrophils and macrophages, in areas of inflammation. Although identified in mammalian and avian species; the beta 2 or CD18 molecule has yet to be identified in fish. The present investigation has identified a full-length channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, cDNA beta 2 molecule composed of 2.8 kb and a deduced amino acid sequence of 772 amino acids. The catfish molecule has an amino acid homology ranging from 54 to 63% with mouse, bovine, rabbit, human and chicken. The channel catfish molecule retains several characteristics of mammalian beta 2 molecules, such as cysteine-rich repeat regions, N-linked glycosylation sites, and several proposed signal sequences. Expression of the beta 2 molecule on the catfish neutrophil cytoplasmic membranes is increased upon phorbol dibutyrate stimulation of the cells. Based on Western blotting and the immunoprecipitation test, the channel catfish beta 2 molecule has a molecular mass of approximately 95 kD, essentially the same as that for mammalian species. However, two additional molecules, perhaps alpha chains, of unexpected molecular mass appear to co-precipitate in the SPIT with the 95 kD CD18 molecule. These results confirm the existence and expression of a beta 2 gene in channel catfish, a species phylogenetically distant from mammalian species.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Aggravation of acute ischemic stroke by hyperthermia is related to an excitotoxic mechanism.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether hyperthermia aggravates cerebral injury in acute ischemia by an excitotoxic mechanism, we studied the relationship between body temperature on admission and CSF concentrations of neuroexcitatory amino acids in 128 patients with acute ischemic stroke of less than 24 h duration. METHODS: Stroke worsening was defined as the percent change between the Canadian Stroke Scale (CSS) at 48 h and the CSS on admission. Infarct volume was measured on days 4-7 on cranial computed tomography. Excitatory amino acids were analyzed using HPLC. RESULTS: Glutamate concentration [median (min.-max.)] was 11 (2-19) micromol/l in hyperthermic patients (body temperature >37.5 degreesC) and 5 (2-22) micromol/l in normothermic patients (p < 0.0001). Glycine concentration in hyperthermic and normothermic patients was 16 (3-21) micromol/l and 9 (3-50) micromol/l, respectively (p < 0.0001). Glutamate was significantly higher in patients with hyperthermia only during the first 12 h after the onset of symptoms. The CSF concentrations of glutamate (r = 0.52; p < 0.0001) and glycine (r = 0.62; p < 0.0001) correlated with body temperature. Body temperature was significantly related to stroke worsening and infarct size, but this effect was dependent on the glutamate effect. CONCLUSION: Glutamate and glycine release during the acute phase of cerebral ischemia could be responsible for the increased brain damage in hyperthermia.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The tropicamide test in patients with dementia of Alzheimer type and frontotemporal dementia.

The tropicamide test was applied to 30 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (pAD), 12 with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and 46 healthy subjects. One drop of 0.01% tropicamide was instilled in one eye and one drop of saline solution in the other. The pupil diameter was measured with a Goldmann pupillometer in its basal condition and 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45 and 55 minutes afterwards. The results do not show differences between pupil dilation observed in pAD and in FTD; in both groups, from the beginning of the test, the pupil dilated more than in healthy people. A high interindividual variability was observed. The best cutoff point is 38% of interpupillary difference at minute 25 (sensitivity = 63%, specificity = 80%). If we consider the prevalence of AD in a population over 40 years old to be 1.4%, the adjusted positive predictive value of the test would be 4.2%. According to these results, the test is not a true diagnostic marker of AD.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Pentoxifylline: is it useful in multiple sclerosis?].

INTRODUCTION: Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor which has been found in studies in vitro to inhibit the production of Th-1 cytokines. It has been postulated that it might be used as a possible coadjuvant treatment for interferon in patients with multiple sclerosis. This would also reduce the potential side effects of interferon. OBJECTIVE. To show the efficacy of PTX in reducing the side effects of interferon, and in the functional improvement of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 18 patients with remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis over a period of 18 months; nine patients were given PTX and interferon 800 mg/day simultaneously, and nine patients were treated with interferon alone. The clinical condition was evaluated every three months using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Neurological Score (NRS) scales. RESULTS: We found no statistical improvement in the clinical course of EDSS and NRS in either group of patients after treatment for 18 months. The patients treated with PTX have fewer secondary effects due to interferon (fever and myalgia) during the first three months, but these differences between the groups subsequently disappear. In two patients PTX caused transient gastralgias and nauseas. CONCLUSIONS: PTX may be useful as a coadjuvant drug with interferon during the first three months of treatment since some of the side effects of interferon may thus be reduced. However, there seems no justification for using PTX for a longer period since there is no functional improvement.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Adenine nucleotides in migraine].

Several studies have shown that migraine is associated with an abnormal platelet activation state, characterized by increased plasma levels of platelet BTG and PF4 proteins. Adenine nucleotides are contained in platelets as a part of the dense granules released during platelet activation. In the present study we evaluated the plasma levels of the adenine nucleotides AMP, ADP and ATP during asymptomatic and painful episodes in a group of 50 patients with migraine (common and classical) and a control group. During the painful phases we found a significant reduction in AMP plasma levels, and we did not find significant differences between the control group and the migraine patients in ADP and ATP levels, nor between asymptomatic and painful phases. Our results support the hypothesis that in migraine a hyposecretion of platelet dense granules is present.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Cervicodorsal diastematomyelia in an adult].

A 44-year-old male had paraparesis which had began at age 20 years; a cleft spinal cord (diastematomyelia) was discovered at cervicodorsal level. The patient had nevus and hypertrichosis in the skin overlying the dysraphic spinal cord malformation. Both computer-assisted myelography and magnetic resonance scan showed the spinal cord segmentation and other associated disorders: bone spicula projecting between the 2 cordal halves, vertebral fusion defect and syringomyelic cavity. We emphasize the rarity of this abnormality in a so high spinal cord level and the onset of symptoms at adult age.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied