Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Saitoh

Publications and source records attributed to M Saitoh.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Intracerebral ring-enhancing lesions in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND Intracerebral cystic lesions can easily be identified by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cystic gliomas, brain abscesses, or metastatic carcinoma are the usual underlying causes for this neuroradiologic finding. CASE PRESENTATION We report here the case of a patient with multiple sclerosis who has two intracerebral cystic lesions. CONCLUSIONS Central nervous system (CNS) tissue destruction, necrosis, and cyst formation are very unusual in multiple sclerosis. Diagnostic difficulty therefore arises when patients suspected of having multiple sclerosis have radiologic evidence of cystic CNS lesions.

Adolescent↗

Lipopolysaccharide-associated elevation of serum and urinary nitrite/nitrate levels and hematological changes in rats.

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced elevation of nitric oxide (NO) levels and hematological changes. Twenty-four h following i.p. treatment of LPS (1 mg/kg body wt.), nitrite/nitrate (NO2-/NO3-) levels in the serum and urine of rats were, respectively, increased to 11 and 50 times those of control. Time-dependent decrease of white blood cells (80% of control), lymphocytes (40% of control), and platelets (35% of control) was also observed, while a significant increase of neutrophils (330% of control) and monocytes (650% of control) occurred during the 24-h post-treatment period. These results suggest that LPS-induced increase of NO2-/NO3- levels and coincident hematological changes may compromise immune functions.

Animals↗

Polarized Raman spectra of oriented fibers of A DNA and B DNA: anisotropic and isotropic local Raman tensors of base and backbone vibrations.

Polarized Raman spectra of oriented fibers of calf thymus DNA in the A and B conformations have been obtained by use of a Raman microscope operating in the 180 degrees back-scattering geometry. The following polarized Raman intensities in the spectral interval 200-1800 cm-1 were measured with both 514.5 and 488.0 nm laser excitations: (1) Icc, in which the incident and scattered light are polarized parallel to the DNA helical axis (c axis); (2) Ibb, in which the incident and scattered light are polarized perpendicular to c; and (3) Ibc and Icb, in which the incident and scattered light are polarized in mutually perpendicular directions. High degrees of structural homogeneity and unidirectional orientation were confirmed for both the A and B form fibers, as judged by comparison of the observed Raman markers and intensity anisotropies with measurements reported previously for oligonucleotide single crystals of known three-dimensional structures. The fiber Raman anisotropies have been combined with solution Raman depolarization ratios to evaluate the local tensors corresponding to key conformation-sensitive Raman bands of the DNA bases and sugar-phosphate backbone. The present study yields novel vibrational assignments for both A DNA and BDNA conformers and also confirms many previously proposed Raman vibrational assignments. Among the significant new findings are the demonstration of complex patterns of A form and B form indicator bands in the spectral intervals 750-900 and 1050-1100 cm-1, the identification of highly anisotropic tensors corresponding to vibrations of base, deoxyribose, and phosphate moieties, and the determination of relatively isotropic Raman tensors for the symmetrical stretching mode of phosphodioxy groups in A and B DNA. The present fiber results provide a basis for exploitation of polarized Raman spectroscopy to determine DNA helix orientation as well as to probe specific nucleotide residue orientations in nucleoproteins, viruses, and other complex biological assemblies.

Animals↗

Consumption of carbohydrate or medium- or long-chain triglycerides by unfed rats exerts different protein-sparing effects.

Consumption of nonprotein energy is reported to promote nitrogen retention (the protein-sparing effect). The present study was conducted to determine whether consumption of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), long-chain triglycerides (LCT) or carbohydrate by unfed rats would exert different protein-sparing effects over 48 h. The amounts of MCT, LCT and carbohydrate were adjusted to be isoenergetic. The control group received only water. The urinary excretion of urea in the groups fed carbohydrate or MCT was significantly lower than in the LCT and control groups within the first 24 h. Urinary excretion of urea in the group fed LCT was similar to that of the control group for the first 24 h but was significantly lower after 48 h. Liver serine dehydratase activities in the groups fed MCT or LCT were similar, although they were significantly lower than in the control group. Serine dehydratase activity in the carbohydrate-fed group was the lowest. Liver L-lysine-2-oxoglutarate reductase activity was significantly lower in the groups fed carbohydrate, MCT or LCT than in the control group. Rats fed MCT had the lowest plasma concentrations of lysine and branched-chain amino acids. However, the plasma concentration of glutamic acid in the rats fed MCT was the highest. These results indicate that rats fed MCT, LCT or carbohydrate exhibit different protein-sparing effects and that the difference between rats fed MCT and those fed LCT is not attributable to differences in amino acid-degrading enzymes. Consumption of MCT may conserve some amino acid-derived nitrogen as glutamic acid.

Amino Acids↗

Successful bone marrow transplantation for idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.

A 21-year-old man who had an increased number of eosinophils with morphological abnormalities, bone marrow fibrosis and multiple organ dysfunction failed to respond to methylprednisolone and hydroxyurea. He was diagnosed with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) probably due to myeloproliferative disorder, and underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) from an HLA-identical sibling. The engraftment was confirmed on day 21 after BMT, but the patient developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) with grade I veno-occlusive disease, and transient increase of eosinophils of the donor type followed by chronic GVHD of the extensive type. These complications were eventually controlled with cyclosporin A. The patient survived free of disease for more than a year after BMT. Allo-BMT seems to be a possible treatment of HES/MPD.

Adult↗

Effect of barnidipine on blood flow to major organs and renal function in anaesthetized dogs and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

1. The effects of barnidipine on blood flow to major organs and on renal function were investigated in anaesthetized dogs and conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and the results were compared with those for nicardipine, nitrendipine, nisoldipine, manidipine and amlodipine. 2. In anaesthetized dogs, barnidipine (0.3-3 mu g/kg i.v.) dose-dependently decreased blood pressure and increased or preserved blood flow in the vertebral, coronary, femoral and renal arteries. The effect of barnidipine on blood flow was the most potent of the compounds tested. In conscious SHR, barnidipine (0.3-3 mg/kg p.o.) produced a dose-dependent antihypertensive effect and decreased renal vascular resistance. Barnidipine also dose-dependently increased urinary volume. The antihypertensive and diuretic effects of barnidipine were the most potent of the drugs tested. 3. In summary, barnidipine was shown to preserve or increase blood flow to major organs and to produce diuretic activity with a decrease in blood pressure. These findings suggest that barnidipine maintains or promotes renal function at antihypertensive doses.

Anesthesia↗

Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale.

The reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (JY-BOCS) were determined by 20 raters for 12 Japanese patients with obsessive compulsive disorder at four institutions. Interrater reliability for the total JY-BOCS score was excellent, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was high (ICC = 0.960). Internal consistency was also excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.889). Concurrent and discriminant validity of the JY-BOCS was examined by comparing the scores on the JY-BOCS with those on the Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and scales for depression and anxiety. A slight correlation was found between scores on the JY-BOCS and MOCI, but no significant correlations were found between scores on the JY-BOCS and those on scales for depression or anxiety.

Adult↗

Detection of the urine jet phenomenon using Doppler color flow mapping.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonic Doppler color flow mapping was applied to detect urinary flow in this study. The purpose of the study was to provide fresh insight into urodynamic and functional studies of the kidney and ureter. METHODS: Ultrasonic Doppler color flow mapping was performed from the abdominal surface to detect the urine jet phenomenon from the ureteral orifice in 25 healthy men and four healthy boys. In the cases in which the jet phenomenon was observed, the maximum velocity, mean velocity, successive time and frequency were measured. In 23 of the 25 men, the measurement was performed under normal circumstances and during diuresis. RESULTS: In 23 (92%) of the 25 men and in three (75%) of the four boys, the urine jet phenomenon was clearly visualized under normal conditions. The measured maximum velocity, mean velocity, successive time and frequency on the left side under normal conditions for the men were 31.8 +/- 15.3 cm/sec, 20.0 +/- 10.2 cm/sec, 2.5 +/- 1.3 sec and 1.2 +/- 0.5/min, respectively. The magnitude of each of these parameters was smaller in the case of the boys. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of the jet phenomenon by Doppler color flow mapping is a promising new way of examining renal or ureteral function noninvasively.

Adult↗

Magnetic resonance angiography in prostatodynia.

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance venography (3D MRV) of the prostate and the pelvic cavity was demonstrated in 8 normal subjects and 12 patients with prostatodynia. In all normal subjects and patients, 3D MRV images were successfully obtained. The deep dorsal vein of the penis sends major branches into the anterior and lateral capsular veins as well as into the internal pudendal vein. In patients with prostatodynia, the anterior and lateral capsular veins were much thicker in diameter than those in normal subjects, suggesting venous congestion. This congestion was also remarkable in the venous plexuses behind the bladder or along the lateral side of the pelvis in patients with prostatodynia. Another characteristic sign of the disease was a narrowing or an interruption of the internal pudendal vein. Prostatodynia is postulated to be caused by intrapelvic venous congestion.

Adult↗

Studies on agents with vasodilator and beta-blocking activities. III. Synthesis and activity of optical isomers of TZC-1370.

Optical isomers of TZC-1370 (1) were prepared from (R)- and (S)-1-(2-chlorophenoxy)-2,3-epoxypropane. When given intravenously to anesthetized rats, the (S)-isomer was about 40 times more potent in terms of beta-blocking activity than the (R)-isomer, while their hypotensive activities were equipotent with that of the racemic compound, TZC-1370.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Studies on agents with vasodilator and beta-blocking activities. II.

A series of phenoxypropanolamines having a hydrazinopyridazinyl moiety was synthesized. Their hypotensive and beta-blocking activities were evaluated after intravenous administration of the compounds to anesthetized rats. Some of them exhibited both activities. In particular, compound 20k is a candidate for clinical use due to its hypotensive activity, equal to that of hydralazine, and its beta-blocking activity, 2.7-fold more potent than that of propranolol.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Studies on the factors affecting the recording of somatosensory evoked potentials induced by tibial nerve stimulation in dogs.

Since spinal cord abnormalities are often associated with lesion in the thoracic or lumber vertebrae, examination of Somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) induced by hind limb nerve stimulation will be useful. In the experiment, scalp recorded SEP in dogs by tibial nerve stimulation was studied on the distribution, the change of latency by body size and the influence of experimental compression to the spinal cord. Greatest response was got at Fz, and shorter latencies for SEP recorded on the ipsilateral stimulation side than from the contralateral side. The equation describing the regression line of the latency with the distance to the recording site from stimulating site was Y = 0.072X+13.23 and the regression was statistically significant. In the experimental study of compression to spinal cord, dorsal compression tended to be sensitive compared to the ventral compression. This study suggested that not only increase of latency but also reduction of amplitude could occur as a result of spinal cord disorders.

Animals↗

Detection of coronary artery disease using 12-lead electrocardiogram and simultaneous dual myocardial imaging with iodine-123-beta-methyl iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) and thallium-201 in patients with unstable angina.

We investigated the usefulness of 12-lead electrocardiogram and simultaneous single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with 123I-beta-methyl iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) and thallium-201 (201Tl) for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in 54 consecutive patients with unstable angina. Discordant BMIPP uptake was defined as less 123I-BMIPP uptake than 201Tl uptake in 123I-BMIPP/201Tl dual SPECT. In the detection of CAD, ischemic electrocardiographic change during anginal attack had high sensitivity and low specificity, while discordant BMIPP finding had low sensitivity and high specificity. In patients showing ST depression during anginal attack, discordant BMIPP uptake showed high sensitivity and high specificity for detecting CAD. In conclusion, both 12-lead electrocardiogram during anginal attack and discordant BMIPP uptake are useful in detecting CAD in patients with unstable angina.

Adult↗

Neurohumoral factor responses to mental (arithmetic) stress and dynamic exercise in normal subjects.

We examined the responses of plasma catecholamine and plasma renin activity (PRA) during mental (arithmetic) stress and dynamic exercise in 15 normal subjects. Compared to rest values, there was a significant increase in the plasma epinephrine concentration (E), but not in the plasma norepinephrine concentration (NE) or PRA during mental arithmetic. During dynamic exercise, there were significant increases in both NE and E and in PRA. The ratio of E to NE was significantly higher during mental arithmetic than during dynamic exercise. NE was significantly correlated with PRA at rest, during mental arithmetic and dynamic exercise. No significant correlations were observed between E and PRA. Dynamic exercise primarily induces a sympathetic nervous response, and mental (arithmetic) stress mainly induces an adrenal response. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system response may in part be regulated by sympathetic nervous activity during both mental (arithmetic) stress and dynamic exercise.

Adult↗

Isozyme analysis of the high serum adenosine deaminase activity in patients with myasthenia gravis.

The serum activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and its isozymes (ADA 1 and ADA 2) were measured in 31 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). As compared with 50 normal controls, in MG the total activity and ADA 1 were significantly high (p < 0.01, respectively), and ADA 2 tended to be high. The total activity and ADA 2 were higher in generalized MG than in ocular MG. ADA 2 was significantly higher in grade IIB patients as compared with grade I patients divided by Osserman's classification (p < 0.05). Patients with bulbar signs showed a significantly high total ADA (p < 0.05) with an increasing tendency for ADA 2. There was a significant elevation of the total activity and ADA 2 in patients with positive anti-acetylcholine-receptor antibody as compared to those of the negative antibody (p < 0.05). It was concluded that total ADA, reflecting the increase of both ADA 1 and ADA 2, is high in MG; and the measurement of ADA 2 is more important because ADA 2 was increased with advancing clinical MG grade.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Extramedullary megakaryoblastic tumors following an indolent phase of myelofibrosis.

A 59-year-old man developed multiple subcutaneous and bone tumors after 2 years' duration of indolent myelofibrosis. These tumors exhibited a diffuse proliferation of pleomorphic blast cells. The skeletal x-rays showed disseminated osteolysis and osteosclerosis. Blast cells obtained from the pleural effusion did not react with myeloperoxidase, sudan black B or non-specific esterase. Genotypic analysis of DNA samples at autopsy did not demonstrate rearrangements of T-cell receptor beta-chain or immunoglobulin heavy-chain genes. Frozen-section immunohistochemical studies revealed that the neoplastic cells were derived from megakaryocytic lineage. The present case represents a novel and unusual subtype of megakaryocytic neoplasm.

Bone Neoplasms↗