Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Okuda

Publications and source records attributed to M Okuda.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

Effect of lipophilic extract of Chlorella vulgaris on alimentary hyperlipidemia in cholesterol-fed rats.

The effect of glycolipid (GL) and phospholipid (PL) fractions obtained from Chlorella on serum lipid level and fecal excretion of steroids were examined in cholesterol-fed rats. The increase of the level of serum lipids were inhibited by the feeding of GL, PL and Chlorella powder almost the same degree. Fecal excretion of steroids (mostly of cholesterol, deoxycholic and lithocholic acid) were increased by feeding of GL and PL fractions. It is concluded that the feeding of each fraction inhibits the absorption of exogenous steroids and promotes turnover of bile acids in liver to suppress the increase of serum cholesterol level caused by administration of high cholesterol diet.

Animals↗

Injurious effect of eosinophil extract on the human nasal mucosa.

Eosinophils are frequently associated with the manifestation of nasal allergy in the nasal mucosa and nasal secretion. The role of eosinophils in hypersensitivity diseases, however, is still obscure, whether it protects or damages tissues and activates mast cells. The effects of two kinds of human eosinophil extract (biological and physical extracts) on human nasal mucosa by applying them in nasal provocation test and cilia beating test, and also in tracheal ring incubation and skin test in the guinea-pig were measured. The results of the study suggest that eosinophil major protein and other protein components may produce damage to the function of human nasal mucosa and tracheal mucosa of the guinea-pig.

Animals↗

[Phase II study of carboplatin in head and neck cancer].

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of carboplatin for head and neck cancer, a phase II study was conducted in 21 institutions. Eighty-eight patients were entered into this trial, of which 70 were evaluable. Carboplatin was administered intravenously over 0.5-1 hr at the dose of 400 mg/m2 in good risk cases and 300 mg/m2 in poor risk cases. One patient achieved complete response(CR) and 13 achieved partial response(PR) with an overall response rate of 20%. In terms of response by histology, the response rate was 22% in cases of squamous cell carcinoma. The response rate was 26% in previously untreated patients and 16% in previously treated patients. One CR and 2 PR were achieved in 14 patients with prior cisplatin treatment. Toxicity was observed in 47% of the 70 evaluable patients. Nausea and vomiting were the most common toxicity observed (36%) followed by anorexia in 27%. Concerning hematologic toxicity, thrombocytopenia was noted in 32% and leukopenia in 29%. Elevation of BUN and creatinine was observed in only 2 cases and 1 case, respectively. It was concluded that carboplatin suggested activity similar to cisplatin, and also could be safely used at the outpatient level.

Adult↗

The role of leukotriene D4 in allergic rhinitis.

We investigated the clinical significance of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) in nasal symptoms of allergy and compared this with antigen and histamine. Nasal provocations were carried out in patients with allergic rhinitis using serially increasing doses of LTD4, histamine, or antigen. The nasal responses induced were evaluated by counting the number of sneezes, the quantity of nasal secretion, and of nasal airway resistance. When the effects of topical provoking agents were compared at the threshold concentration, LTD4 produced no sneezing--unlike antigen and histamine--increased nasal secretion to a lesser degree than antigen and histamine (P less than .001), and increased nasal airway resistance similar to histamine but less than antigen (P less than .1) and longer than histamine, and similar to antigen in duration. LTD4 was approximately 5,000 times stronger than histamine in threshold concentration for nasal response. In conclusion, LTD4 plays an important role in nasal allergy presumably through long lasting and strong nasal blockage effects.

Antigens↗

Effects of methamphetamine administration on brain neurotensin-like immunoreactivity in rats.

The effects of methamphetamine (MAP) administration on neurotensin-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) were investigated in the rat brain. A single administration of MAP induced dose-dependent and reversible increases in NTLI in the caudate-putamen, limbic forebrain and midbrain. NTLI in the caudate-putamen, limbic forebrain and midbrain was also enhanced after repeated administration of MAP. It was assumed that MAP enhanced NTLI in the caudate-putamem, limbic forebrain and midbrain through its action upon the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine systems.

Animals↗

Quantitative defect of CD4+2H4+ cells in systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome.

Surface antigens of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 19 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 14 patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and 14 healthy control subjects were studied by 2-color analysis. The proportion of CD4+2H4+ cells, which correspond to a suppressor/inducer subset, was decreased significantly in both SLE and SS. In contrast, the percentage of CD4+4B4+ cells, which define a helper/inducer subset, showed no significant difference among the patient groups. These data suggest that quantitative defect of suppressor/inducer cells may play an important role in the immunoregulatory disturbance in SLE and SS.

Antigens, Surface↗

[A case report of triple cancer (lung, stomach & liver cancer)--with special reference to operable cases reported in the literature].

A case of a triple cancer in the lung, stomach, and liver has been experienced and a subsequent operation was performed. It has been noted that the occurrence of triple cancers have increased by about four times during the last decade, no doubt due to progress in more accurate diagnoses and from therapeutic effects. However, operations involving triple cancer still are rare and such cases in the literatures are discussed.

Adenocarcinoma↗

In vivo 31P-NMR studies on energy metabolism in and catecholamine effect on rat liver during hypovolemic shock.

In vivo 31P-NMR spectroscopy (31P-MRS) was used to study the metabolism of phosphate compounds in rat liver under various conditions. The changes in hepatic concentrations of ATP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) or intracellular pH (pHi) were monitored during hypovolemic shock with or without the infusion of catecholamines. Rapid decreases in the ATP level and pHi with a concomitant increase of Pi were observed upon induction of the hypovolemic shock. Dopamine infusion markedly improved the liver ATP concentration and intracellular acidosis, but epinephrine or norepinephrine were without effects. The present results suggest that dopamine increases abdominal blood flow and improves the energy metabolism in the liver during hypovolemic shock.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Changes in serum glucose and serum growth hormone levels during pituitary surgery.

During transsphenoidal surgery, serum growth hormone (GH) and serum glucose levels were measured in five acromegalic patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance, three acromegalic patients without diabetes or glucose intolerance, and six patients with prolactinoma. Preoperative steroid administration produced a significant increase in serum glucose level in acromegalic patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance, whereas in the other two groups no significant change in serum glucose level was found. After surgery started, there was a statistically significant increase in serum glucose level above baseline levels in all three groups. Serum GH levels decreased after commencement of surgery in acromegalic patients, and tumor manipulation did not produce a statistically significant increase in serum GH levels. Simultaneous increases in serum glucose and serum GH levels upon tumor manipulation did not occur in any group. We conclude that preoperative steroid administration in patients with high serum levels of GH in association with diabetes or glucose intolerance increases serum glucose levels, and that, after commencement of surgery, GH has only a minor role in the changes of serum glucose levels.

Acromegaly↗

Kinetics of 3H-serotonin uptake by platelets in infantile autism and developmental language disorder (including five pairs of twins).

The kinetics of 5-HT uptake by platelets was studied in cases of infantile autism and developmental language disorder (DLD) and normal subjects. Two patients of the autism group were twins, and the seven patients of the DLD group were members of four pairs of twins. The Vmax values (means +/- SD) for autism and DLD were 6.46 +/- .90 pmol 5-HT/10(7) cells/min and 4.85 +/- 1.50 pmol 5-HT/10(7) cells/min, respectively. These values were both significantly higher than that of 2.25 +/- .97 pmole 5-HT/10(7) cells/min for normal children. The Km values of the three groups were not significantly different. Data on the five pairs of twins examined suggested that the elevated Vmax of 5-HT uptake by platelets was determined genetically.

Autistic Disorder↗

The effects of autonomotropic drugs on allergic nasal mucosa.

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the effects of different kinds of autonomotropic drugs on the nasal mucosa as well as on the nasal reaction to specific allergens in patients with nasal allergy. First, phenylephrine (alpha-agonist), phentolamine (alpha-antagonist), isoproterenol (beta-agonist), propranolol (beta-antagonist), methacholine (choline agonist), or ipratropium (choline antagonist) was applied to the nasal mucosa with an atomizer using saline as control. Definitive effects appeared at the spray of alpha-agonist or choline agonist. Phenylephrine reduced nasal airway resistance, and methacholine increased nasal secretion. Secondly, after treatment with the drugs, nasal provocations were performed. The statistically significant effects were noted as follows: phenylephrine spray inhibited the increase of nasal airway resistance, while phentolamine or isoproterenol enhanced it. Methacholine enhanced nasal secretion, while ipratropium inhibited it. None of the drugs, however, affected the number of sneezes. The present results suggest that adrenergic receptors are mainly distributed on the walls of vessels and cholinergic receptors mainly on the secretory glands. Pharmacological conditions of the local autonomic nervous system would affect the nasal response in allergy in different ways according to different conditions.

Airway Resistance↗