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Biomedical subjects

M Okuyama

Publications and source records attributed to M Okuyama.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Involvement of protein phosphatase-1 in cytoskeletal organization of cultured endothelial cells.

The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins regulate the shape of eukaryotic cells. To elucidate the role of serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PP) in this process, we studied the effects of calyculin A (CLA), a potent and specific inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 (PP-1) and 2A (PP-2A) on the cytoskeletal structure of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The addition of CLA (5 min) caused marked alterations in cell morphology, such as cell constriction and bleb formation. Microtubules and F-actin were reorganized, becoming markedly condensed around the nucleus. Although the fluorescence intensity of phosphoamino acids was not significantly different according to immunocytochemistry between cells with and without CLA, polypeptides of 135, 140, 158, and 175 kDa were specifically phosphorylated on serine and/or threonine residues. There was no significant effect on tyrosine residues. The effects of CLA on cytoskeletal changes and protein phosphorylation were almost completely inhibited by the non-selective kinase inhibitor, K-252a. The effect of CLA on cell morphology was at least 100 times more potent than that of okadaic acid, consistent with the inhibitory potency against PP-1. The catalytic subunit of PP-1 was also identified in HUVECs by Western blotting with its monoclonal antibody antibody. These results suggest that PP-1 is closely involved in sustaining the normal structure of the cytoskeleton.

Actins↗
PubMed1995

PGI2 analogue, sodium beraprost, suppresses superoxide generation in human neutrophils by inhibiting p47phox phosphorylation.

Sodium beraprost, a newly synthesized PGI2 analogue inhibited in a dose-dependent manner formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) induced superoxide generation of human neutrophils, but it had no effect on the superoxide synthesis by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or A23187. Sodium beraprost inhibited Ca2+ influx in fMLP stimulated neutrophils employing fluorometry and confocal microscopy. These findings suggested that the inhibitory effect of sodium beraprost on fMLP induced superoxide generation was due to suppression of Ca2+ influx. To examine the relationship between the effect of sodium beraprost and phosphorylation of p47phox (the 47kDa cytosolic phagocyte oxidase factor), immuno-precipitation of p47phox and western blotting for phospho-amino acids were performed. Phosphorylation of serine residues of p47phox induced by fMLP was reduced in the presence of sodium beraprost in a dose-dependent manner. The reduction in phosphorylation was accompanied by a reduction in p47phox and p67phox translocation to the plasma membrane and superoxide generation. These findings suggested that p47phox phosphorylation was necessary for translocation and superoxide generation in fMLP activated neutrophils, and that p47phox phosphorylation was regulated by a Ca2+ dependent mechanism. These observations suggested that sodium beraprost inhibited fMLP induced superoxide generation of human neutrophils by the inhibition of p47phox phosphorylation and translocation by a Ca2+ dependent mechanism.

Calcimycin↗
PubMed1995

Treating early mental health and post-traumatic symptoms of children in the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake.

In this article we report on the support facilities for child mental health after the earthquake in Kobe. We believe that the most important function is the ability to cope with the confused situation on-the-spot as there were no means of transport and facilities for medical treatment had been paralyzed. Establishing contact with people outside the stricken area is of great help immediately following a disaster. After the earthquake many children were psychologically confused and people were therefore concerned with mental health care, especially for their children. However, there were only a few cases of patients seeing their doctors in medical centers. They needed information booklets or case reports to refer to. Five months after the disaster symptoms such as acute uneasiness or terror seem to be few and severely ill patients have started to recover. There are few case reports on children who have had difficulties in adapting to educational organization such as day nurseries and elementary schools. However, recently there has been an increase in the number of bone fractures possibly due to decline in resistance. Means of dealing with child mental health are now being examined because some children are still suffering post-traumatic symptoms. In this report we analyze the rapid recognition of children's mental health problems at home, in the school and in society and examine the importance of close mother-child, family and relative relationships.

Child↗
PubMed1995

Study of the de novo synthesis of cholesterol in the rat liver: a newly developed radiotracer technique, "TLC-autoradioluminography".

A possible evaluation technique was devised for examing timely cholesterol synthetic activity in the rat liver. The principle of the technique is to measure the incorporation rate of 14C atoms into a few target metabolites excreted in bile with time after an intraportal injection of [1,2-14C] acetate to the conscious rats. The measuring technique, TLC-autoradioluminography (TLC-ARLG), was devised for much more accurate, quantitative, simple and quick ultramicroanalysis of radioactive metabolites than ever before. Practically, a few microliters of the bile samples were analyzed by TLC before recording of a 2-dimensional radioactive image on the TLC plate. The incorporation ratio of 14C into cholesterol to succinic acid (C/S ratio) varied such that the value found in a 24-h fasting group was less than one-tenth of that in a sufficiently fed control group. For use as an antihyperglycemic drug, the bile C/S ratio in the nicotinic-acid-dosed group was approximately one-fifth of that in the control group.

Acetates↗
PubMed1995

Familial macrothrombocytopenia with unusually elongated mitochondria.

We report a familial case of macrothrombocytopenia without inclusion bodies in polymorphonuclear cells or any congenital abnormalities. The results of the hemostatic and platelet function tests were all normal except for the platelet retention rate. The number of megakaryocytes increased slightly and some were relatively small. Electron microscopic studies revealed a unique morphological abnormality of the platelets' mitochondria.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Finding appropriate tube position by the cuff palpation method in children].

The present study was designed to examine whether palpation of the endotracheal tube cuff indicates appropriate positioning in the children. In 59 children, we used a cuffed endotracheal tube (3.5-5 mm ID) to measure the distance from the carina to the distal tip of the endotracheal tube, when we can palpate the endotracheal tube cuff between the cricoid cartilage and the suprasternal notch. Following slow induction of anesthesia and muscle relaxation, each patient was intubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube of size suitable for age. The cuff was inflated with 0.5-1 ml of air, and palpated between the cricoid cartilage and the suprasternal notch. The distance between the carina and the tube tip measured by a fiberscope was more than 1.0 cm, which is thought to be safe to prevent bronchial intubation. The cuff was deflated after measurement. There were no complications attributable to use of cuffed endotracheal tubes. We concluded that the cuff palpation method was a rapid, reliable and simple technique to ensure the proper tube position in children.

Child↗
PubMed1995

[Comparative study on frequency-doubled Nd: YAG laser, krypton laser and diode laser photocoagulation for diabetic maculopathy].

Twenty six eyes of thirteen patients with diabetic maculopathy (Fukuda's classification AI, AII, BI) were treated with frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (6 eyes) or krypton laser (7 eyes) in one eye and diode laser (13 eyes) in the other eye. Group A was treated with frequency-doubled Nd: YAG laser and diode laser, and group B was treated with krypton laser and diode laser. The visual acuity, visual field (Octopus program 31) and fundus were examined at one month, 3 months, and 6 months after photocoagulation. Visual acuity was stable in all eyes. The central 30 degree visual sensitivity decreased more after diode laser treatment than after that of the other lasers. Krypton laser photocoagulation maintained the better visual function and was easy to use followed by frequency-doubled Nd: YAG laser. Because the appearance immediately after diode laser lesion was weaker than one hour after coagulation, it was difficult to get the proper power setting.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Subdural catheterization uncovered by severe hypotension during epidural plus general anesthesia].

We experienced three cases of accidental subdural catheterization during epidural combined with general anesthesia. In each case, epidural catheterization was performed before induction of general anesthesia. Aspiration through the catheter and a response to a test dose were negative. Then anesthesia was induced with thiamylal IV and the trachea was intubated with vecuronium IV. Hypotension, which was not easily treated by vasopressors and volume load, occurred after administration of 3 to 8 ml mepivacaine with 1: 200,000 epinephrine through the catheter. We examined position of the catheter by injecting iohexol 240 and confirmed subdural catheterization after surgery. It is often difficult to identify subdural placement of an epidural catheter under general anesthesia since signs of massive sensory blockade are masked by general anesthesia. In each case, we suspected malpositioning of the catheter by severe hypotension due to sympatholysis which was difficult to treat. Subdural catheterization is a complication of epidural anesthesia that probably occurs more frequently than previously recognized and is usually unpredictable during general anesthesia.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗
PubMed1994

[An epidemiological study of group A, B, C, and G hemolytic streptococci isolated from elementary school children in the recent 12 years. Part I. Isolation trends. Streptococcal Diseases Study Group].

During a 12-years period between September, 1980 and November, 1992, hemolytic streptococci (group A, B, C, & G) in throats of healthy school children in Osaka were examined every other month. The results were summarized as follows. 1. 5,023 strains of hemolytic streptococci were detected from 11,647 specimens, 43.1%. Among them, 2,395 strains (20.6%) belonged to group A, 1,647 (14.4%) to group B, 767 (6.6%) to group G and 187 (1.6%) to group C. 2. In the first half of the research, group A streptococci were detected predominantly and the last half, group B generally. Both this lower rate of group A to the total strains (47.7%) and this higher rate of group B (33.3%) were due to the small number of lower school grade children from whom group A streptococci are often detected and also due to application of the selective enrichment medium. 3. Group A streptococci were classified T-type. The most common serotype was T-1, and 638 strains (26.6%) were detected, followed by T-12, 377 (15.7%), T-6, 210 (8.8%) and T-13, 203 (8.5%). The dominant serotype was exchanged annually, but only T-1 was the most common serotype for 4 years (1983-1986). 4. In group B, the most common serotype was Ia, and 524 strains (31.3%) were detected, followed by III, 417 (24.9%), Ib, 164 (9.8%), III/R, 130 (7.8%) and Ia/c 122 (7.3%). Annual changes of serotype were as follows; Ia was dominant from 1980 to 1988, III from 1989 to 1990 and NT6 in 1991-1992 generally.

Child↗
PubMed1994

[An epidemiological study of group A, B, C and G hemolytic streptococci isolated from elementary school children in the recent 12 years. Part II. Susceptibility to antibiotics. Streptococcal Diseases Study Group].

During a 12-years period between 1980 and 1992, 5,023 strains of hemolytic streptococci were detected from throats of school children, and described in part I. Among them, the following strains their susceptibility were tested to 14 kinds of antibiotics; 1,511 strains of group A, 1,038 of group B, 125 of group C, 553 of group G. 1. No resistant strains against both penicillins (PCG, AMPC, ABPC, ACPC) and cephems (CER, CET, CCL, CEX) could be found. Strains of group B were less susceptible than the others to penicillins and cephems. 2. Some resistant strains were found against macrolides (EM, OL & JM), 5.9-8.6%. These resistant strains belonged many to group A and a few to group B & G. Since 1983, the gradual decrease of the resistant strains was noted though few were found after 1986. 3. To TC a number of resistant strains were detected in group A, B, C & G through this study, (12.5-48.4%). 4. To CP some resistant strains were found from 1980 to 1985 among group A, B & G, 3.0-5.1%. Since 1986, the sharp decrease of the resistant strains was noted. 5. Multiresistant strains to TC, CP and macrolides were found since 1980 to 1982. They were found in many of group A and a few of group B and G, but after 1986 decreased sharply. 6. Most of the multiresistant strains of group A belonged to serotype T-12 and group B to serotype Ia. Ia/c, III and III/R. 7. Among the strains of group A type T-13, there were many resistant strains to TC. The rate of resistant occupied over 60% from 1980 to 1986, but decreased slightly thereafter.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1994

Autoradioluminography, a novel quantitative method of TLC-autoradiography.

In pharmacokinetic studies, ordinary methods of identifying or quantitatively measuring metabolites have been complicated and become difficult to handle. Here, a novel TLC-autoradioluminography (TLC-ARLG) is reported. This technique is especially suited for quantitatively measuring a minute amount, below-1 ng, of many radioactive metabolites in plasma, tissues or organs, thus eliminating cumbersome extraction procedures. The method has an extremely wide dynamic range and could offer a powerful analytical technique for studying a radioactive compound and its metabolites in a biological specimen. Autoradioluminography is a new quantitative technology developed by combining autoradiography with radioluminography. Radioluminography is a kind of radiography in which a specially designed radio-sensor plate, called an "Imaging plate (IP)," developed by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., is used. The radio-sensor is made of fine crystals of BaF:Eu2+, and the technology is based on photo-luminescence phenomena.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Fiberscopic intubation under general anesthesia for children with Goldenhar syndrome].

Goldenhar syndrome is characterised by an eye abnormality such as epibulbar dermoid and lipoma, associated with ear, mandibular, and/or vertebral anomalies. It is well documented that difficult intubation in patient with this syndrome may be expected because of mandibular hypoplasia and limitation of neck movement resulting from vertebral anomalies. We report anesthetic management of two children with Goldenhar syndrome, 9 and 14-year-old. By preoperative examination, two children were expected to be difficult in intubating trachea. We used our newly developed mask adapter which enabled us to perform fiberoptic bronchoscopy-aided tracheal intubation under general anesthesia under controlled ventilation. By using this adapter, under sevoflurane/nitrous oxide anesthesia with vecuronium, we could successfully intubate with a 6 mm spiral tube through the nostril without any major problems. Anesthesia and surgery went uneventfully, and no postoperative complications were noted. We confirmed that our newly developed mask adapter for fiberoptic bronchoscopy is as useful for children with difficult intubation as for adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Anesthetic management for urological surgery of patients with chronic spinal cord injury].

We evaluated retrospectively the anesthetic management and perioperative complications of 47 patients with chronic spinal cord injury for genitourinary procedures. Of the 69 cases, 38 were performed under general anesthesia, 21 cases under spinal anesthesia, one case under epidural anesthesia, four cases under axillary block, and five cases under either sedation or standby. In preoperative laboratory findings, anemia was observed in 41%, hypoproteinemia in 38%, renal insufficiency in 23%, and restrictive pulmonary dysfunction in 69%. Hypotension and bradycardia were seen in 25% and 16% of patients, respectively. Autonomic hyperreflexia was seen in four cases with cervical cord injury: two under spinal anesthesia and two under either sedation or standby. Patients with chronic spinal cord injury have disorders of various organ systems. Careful preoperative evaluation and anesthetic management are required for prevention and prompt treatment of perioperative complications related to the disorders. Autonomic hyperreflexia can be successfully prevented by either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. The increased anesthesia safety can be obtained by the successful management of the cardiovascular instability during surgery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[A long-survival case of unresectable liver metastasis of colon cancer by hepatic arterial intermittent multidrug infusion chemotherapy].

We experienced a long-survival case with unresectable liver metastasis of sigmoid cancer by hepatic arterial intermittent multidrug infusion chemotherapy. The patient was a 65-year-old man. A movable tumor was palpable at the left lower abdomen. The serum CEA value was 15.6 ng/ml. Abdominal CT scan showed a 3 cm-sized low-density area near the root of the right and middle hepatic vein in segment 4. He had undergone sigmoidectomy, cholecystectomy and cannulation into the proper hepatic artery. Chemotherapy was performed by using 5-FU (250 mg), Adriacin (5 mg) and mitomycin C (4 mg) every second week from 4 months after surgery as an outpatient. In the CT scan image, the low-density area completely disappeared at 10 months after treatment, and the CR interval was 14 months. The patient has been alive for 5 years after surgery.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

[Two cases of metastatic lung tumor from leiomyosarcoma of the uterus].

Three pulmonary resections were performed for two cases of metastatic lung tumor from uterine leiomyosarcoma. Case 1 was diagnosed as myoma uteri. Preoperative chest X-ray examination showed an abnormal shadow in the left upper lobe. Postoperative diagnosis was leiomyosarcoma. During radiotherapy for the pelvic lesion, the lung tumor was growing very rapidly and micrometastases were detected bilaterally without distant metastasis. Bilateral pulmonary resections were performed. Three months and 15 days later, second left pulmonary and thoracic wall resections were performed because of lung and pleural recurrence. Seven months after the first pulmonary operation, she died of systemic metastases. Case 2 was admitted to the hospital because of genital bleeding and diagnosed leiomyosarcoma of the uterus. The patient had a metastatic lung tumor in the left lower lobe preoperatively. Eighteen days after hysterectomy, left lower lobectomy was performed because progressive hemoptysis occurred for rapidly enlarged metastatic lesion. She died of intrapelvic bleeding three months after the operation without respiratory symptom. The prognosis of synchronously found out lung metastasis from uterine leiomyosarcoma is very poor. Neither chemotherapy nor radiotherapy is effective. Although it's difficult and controversial to decide the surgical indication, we need to operate on as soon as possible when there is no other distant metastasis. Even if the timing of operation is late, we can find the surgical significance of pulmonary resection for reduction of respiratory symptoms and probability of longer survival.

Female↗
PubMed1993

The effect of acarbose on blood glucose profiles of type 2 diabetic patients receiving insulin therapy.

Nine patients with Type 2 diabetes receiving insulin therapy were treated with acarbose 100 mg thrice daily for 1 week to investigate the effect of acarbose on blood glucose control. Daily blood glucose profiles contained fewer excursions during acarbose administration and low levels were maintained. The M-value, an indicator of blood glucose fluctuation, decreased significantly from a run-in period value of 37.6 +/- 8.7 (SEM) to 16.7 +/- 4.0 during the acarbose period (p < 0.05) and rose again to 28.9 +/- 6.7 (p > or = 0.05) in the follow-up period. The 24-h urinary glucose excretion similarly decreased during acarbose administration. As expected, no decrease in HbA1C was observed due to the short treatment period. The 24-h urinary C-peptide excretions and serum lipids were not influenced by acarbose therapy. Frequent episodes of clinical hypoglycaemia were experienced while on acarbose therapy, indicating a decrease in insulin requirements. Adverse events such as flatulence and abdominal distention were observed in six out of nine cases. Symptoms were generally mild and well tolerated, only one patient dropped out because of diarrhoea and abdominal pain. We conclude that acarbose could usefully be administered to Type 2 diabetic patients treated with insulin to improve blood glucose control and reduce insulin requirement if the appropriate selection criteria were met.

Acarbose↗