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Biomedical subjects

M Saitoh

Publications and source records attributed to M Saitoh.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Cardiovascular and antiarrhythmic effects of the azulene-1-carboxamidine derivative N1,N1-dimethyl-N2-(2-pyridylmethyl)-5-isopropyl-3, 8-dimethylazulene-1-carboxamidine.

The azulene-1-carboxamidine derivative N1,N1-Dimethyl-N2-(2- pyridylmethyl)-5-isopropyl-3,8-dimethyl-azulene-1-carboxamidine (CAS 186086-10-2, HNS-32) is a newly synthesized compound. In the present study, direct cardiovascular effects of HNS-32 were assessed using the canine isolated, blood-perfused sinoatrial node, papillary muscle and atrioventricular node preparations, while the antiarrhythmic action was examined using the canine two-stage coronary ligation-induced arrhythmia model. Intracoronary administration of HNS-32 (1-300 micrograms) suppressed the sinus nodal automaticity and ventricular contractile force, while it increased the atrio-His and His-ventricular conduction time as well as the coronary blood flow. Intravenous administration of HNS-32 (5 mg/kg) suppressed the ventricular arrhythmia for approximately 30 min. Since HNS-32 possesses multiple cardiac direct effects which are unique compared with well-established antiarrhythmic drugs, it may become a leading compound in the search for novel antiarrhythmic agents.

Animals↗

[The necessity of mediastinal lymph node dissection for yolk sac tumor of the anterior mediastinum].

Combined treatment with preoperative chemotherapy and surgical resection is the universally accepted effective treatment of mediastinal yolk sac tumors. However, a problem on the need and efficacy of lymph node dissection in mediastinal yolk sac tumors has been not enough discussed in the past. We reported a case of mediastinal yolk sac tumor with nodal metastasis. As described in this paper, the resection of the primary lesion including the regional lymph nodes en bloc should be recommended for mediastinal yolk sac tumors.

Adolescent↗

[A case of AIDS with disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection in which Mycobacterium, avium complex was also detected from his sputum repeatedly].

A 43 year-old Japanese male was admitted to our hospital because of productive cough and fever. He was diagnosed as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1994. Laboratory findings were as follows: WBC was 3200/microliter, CD4+ T lymphocyte count was 22/microliter. His chest X-ray film taken on admission showed infiltration with small cavity lesion in middle left lung field. Tuberculin skin reaction was negative. He was treated with isoniazid 0.4 g, rifampicin 0.45 g, and ethambutol 0.75 g each daily. Sputum smear was positive for acid fast bacilli. The cultured isolates were identified as Mycobacterium kansasii (M. kansasii) and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Urine smear was also positive for acid fast bacilli. The cultured isolates were identified as M. kansasii. He was diagnosed as disseminated M. kansasii infection and suspected MAC infection. About one hundred days later, his chest X-ray film showed reticular shadow. His clinical symptoms improved and the sputum smear and culture converted to negative for acid fast bacilli. Based on these findings, his MAC discharge was considered not as MAC infection, but MAC colonization. He returned to the former hospital for AIDS treatment, and he died in August 1996.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

[Diagnosis for dural arteriovenous fistulas based upon MR angiography].

Diagnosis of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) has been traditionally based on cerebral angiography, which is still an invasive process. Recent advances of MR angiography have started to bring us into a new area of diagnosis for stroke patients. While using MRA at the out-patient clinic for screening patients with cerebrovascular disease, we have had a chance to diagnose DAVFs. We discussed MRA findings concerning DAVFs, comparing them with the findings of conventional angiography. We also stressed the need to set the slab so as to include the entire posterior fossa in order to disclose any vascular anomaly around the lateral and sigmoid sinus.

Carotid Arteries↗

P21waf-1/cip-1/sdi-1 is expressed at G1 phase in primary culture of hepatocytes from old rats, presumably preventing the cells from entering the S phase of the cell cycle.

To elucidate whether p21waf-1/cip-1/sdi-1 expression is associated with loss of growth potential of hepatocytes of old rats, we determined p21waf-1/cip-1/sdi-1 expression of hepatocytes from old (30 months) rats during the cell cycle in primary culture. A high level of expression of p21waf-1/cip-1/sdi-1 was detected at the G1 phase in old-rat hepatocytes, but after the S phase in young-rat hepatocytes. Consistently, the incidence of the cells positive for p21waf-1/cip-1/sdi-1 in nuclei before entering the S phase was significantly higher in old-rat hepatocytes than in young-rat hepatocytes. These results account for the loss of growth potential of old-rat hepatocytes in vitro and the marked retardation of regeneration of liver in old rats in vivo.

Animals↗

Characterization of the interaction of FKBP12 with the transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor in vivo.

The type I transforming growth factor-beta receptor (TbetaR-I) is the efferent component of the receptor complex, which presumably phosphorylates intracellular targets. FKBP12, a binding protein for FK506 and rapamycin, is shown to associate with the cytoplasmic region of TbetaR-I in vitro. In this report, we investigated the interaction of FKBP12 with TbetaR-I in vivo. FKBP12 interacts with TbetaR-I in mammalian cells as well as in yeast. Ligand addition does not affect the interaction, and both constitutively active and kinase-negative mutants of TbetaR-I bind FKBP12. FKBP12 dissociates from TbetaR-I in the presence of a high concentration of FK506. The juxtamembrane region of TbetaR-I, containing the major phosphorylation sites by the type II receptor, is required for the interaction. One of the deletion mutants in this region, which was shown to mediate transcriptional response, does not bind FKBP12, suggesting that FKBP12 is not directly involved in TGF-beta signaling. Furthermore TbetaR-I does not phosphorylate FKBP12 in vitro. FKBP12 may not be a direct substrate of TbetaR-I but possibly modulates the TbetaR-I function through its interaction with the regulatory domain of the kinase.

Activin Receptors, Type I↗

Identification of important regions in the cytoplasmic juxtamembrane domain of type I receptor that separate signaling pathways of transforming growth factor-beta.

Proteins in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily exert their effects by forming heteromeric complexes of their type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors. The type I and type II receptors form distinct subgroups in the serine/threonine kinase receptor family based on the sequences of the kinase domains and the presence of a highly conserved region called the GS domain (or type I box) located just N-terminal to the kinase domain in the type I receptors. Recent studies have revealed that upon TGF-beta binding several serine and threonine residues in the GS domain of TGF-beta type I receptor (T beta R-I) are phosphorylated by TGF-beta type II receptor (T beta R-II) and that the phosphorylation of GS domain is essential for TGF-beta signaling. Here we investigated the role of cytoplasmic juxtamembrane region located between the transmembrane domain and the GS domain of T beta R-I by mutational analyses using mutant mink lung epithelial cells, which lack endogenous T beta R-I. Upon transfection, wild-type T beta R-I restored the TGF-beta signals for growth inhibition and production of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibronectin. A deletion mutant, T beta R-I/JD1(delta 150-181), which lacks the juxtamembrane region preceding the GS domain, bound TGF-beta in concert with T beta R-II and transduced a signal leading to production of PAI-I but not growth inhibition. Recombinant receptors with mutations that change serine 172 to alanine (S172A) or threonine 176 to valine (T176V) were similar to wild-type T beta R-I in their abilities to bind TGF-beta, formed complexes with T beta R-II, and transduced a signal for PAI-1 and fibronectin. Similar to T beta R-I/JD1 (delta 150-181), however, these missence mutant receptors were impaired to mediate a growth inhibitory signal. These observations indicate that serine 172 and threonine 176 of T beta R-I are dispensable for extracellular matrix protein production but essential to the growth inhibition by TGF-beta.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Localization of 7H6 tight junction-associated antigen along the cell border of vascular endothelial cells correlates with paracellular barrier function against ions, large molecules, and cancer cells.

To study the regulation of the endothelial barrier, we examined the relationship between the paracellular barrier function and the expression of 7H6 antigen localized at tight junctions of endothelial cells by using transendothelial electrical resistance (TER), fluxes of albumin and dextran, transmigration of rat mammary cancer (SST-2) cells across rat lung endothelial (RLE) cells, and immunocytochemical expression of 7H6 antigen as parameters. RLE cells cultured at a confluent cell density did not express immunohistochemically demonstrable 7H6 antigen and had low paracellular barrier functions. However, treatment of the endothelial cells with 0.5 mM dibutyryl-cAMP or 10(-6) M all-trans-retinoic acid for 4 days induced 7H6 antigen preferentially at the cell border and simultaneously enhanced the barrier function twofold, in terms of TER and fluxes of albumin and dextran. Furthermore, RA-treated RLE cell monolayers with the enhanced barrier function significantly inhibited the transmigration of SST-2 cells. These results together with those of our previous study indicate that 7H6 antigen has a crucial role in the regulation of paracellular barrier function not only in epithelial cells but also in vascular endothelial cells. The present study also suggests that tight junctions of vascular endothelium in vivo function as a barrier between blood and tissues against metastatic cancer cells.

Animals↗

Centrifugal pump-assisted venous bypass between the superior mesenteric vein and the umbilical vein during portal vein resection.

We describe herein our method of performing centrifugal pump-assisted venous bypass between the superior mesenteric vein and the umbilical vein, developed with the aim of preventing congestion of the small intestine and promoting strong and constant hepatic blood flow during portal vein resection. By using this bypass method, portal vein resection and reconstruction was able to be carried out with ease and safety in six patients undergoing surgery for a pancreatic mass or cancer. No coagulation abnormalities, thrombocytopenia, leukocytopenia, severe liver dysfunction, or portal vein thrombosis developed in any of the patients postoperatively. Thus, we highly recommend this simple and reliable method of bypass when portal vein resection is being performed.

Carcinoma, Acinar Cell↗

Translocation (3;14)(q27;q11): a new variant translocation in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of B-cell type with BCL6 rearrangement.

We report a 65-year-old woman with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) carrying a t(3;14)(q27;q11) and BCL6 rearrangement in the affected cells. She had generalized lymphadenopathy and the bone marrow was infiltrated by lymphoma cells at presentation. Histological diagnosis was "malignant lymphoma, diffuse, large cell" type according to an International Working Formulation. Chromosome analysis revealed a t(3;14)(q27;q11), which is a new variant translocation of t(3;14) (q27;q32). Southern blot analysis showed rearrangement of BCL6, JH, and TCR beta but not of TCR delta. Cosmid probe of BCL6 hybridized to 14q11 and 3q27 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Although the band 14q11 is a locus of T-cell receptor alpha- and delta-chains (TCR alpha/delta), lymphoma cells expressed B-cell, IgGk phenotype. The findings suggest that a novel proto-oncogene in the vicinity of TCR alpha/delta is involved in this translocation.

Aged↗

Identification and characterization of the 5-HT4 receptor in the intestinal tract and striatum of the guinea pig.

Receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) of the 5-HT4 type were investigated in the intestinal tract and the striatum in guinea-pig, in binding studies using the 5-HT4 radioligand, [3H]GR113808. In the intestinal tract, specific binding was observed in preparations of the longitudinal muscle with the myenteric plexus (LMMPs) but not in the whole tissue. Saturable binding of [3H]GR113808 was demonstrated (striatum: Kd = 0.054 +/- 0.002 nM, Bmax = 90.25 +/- 10.44 fmol/mg protein, LMMPs of ileum: Kd = 0.077 +/- 0.016 nM, Bmax = 11.95 +/- 3.24 fmol/mg protein). Selective 5-HT4 receptor agonists and antagonists inhibited binding of [3H]GR113808 with high affinities in LMMPs of the ilcum and which correlated well with their actions on the striatum (r = 0.98), as indicated by the rank order of displacement potencies: SDZ205-557 > LY297524 > cisapride = BIMU8 > 5-HT > mosapride > renzapride > 5-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine(5-HMT) > (+/-) zacopride > alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (alpha-M-5-HT) > 5-methyltryptamine(5-MT) > 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT). The number of binding sites of [3H]GR113808 in the intestine was significantly smaller than that in the brain. In the intestine, a larger number of binding sites was noted in the upper part of the intestine, the rank order being duodenum > jcjunum > ilcum > > colon > rectum. Such data are relevant regarding the potential use of the 5-HT4 receptor ligand to modify motility and secretion in the intestine.

Animals↗

Prostaglandin E2 production by endogenous secretion of interleukin-1 in decidual cells obtained before and after the labor.

Previous reports revealed that interleukin-1 (IL-1) was involved in the process of premature labor in the cases with intrauterine infection. However, the roles of the cytokine in normal spontaneous labor remain uncertain. The present studies aimed at determining the involvement of the cytokine in prostaglandin (PG)E2 production during labor by the third trimester decidual cells. The cells were obtained at the time of normal spontaneous delivery (NVD) and elective cesarean section (ECS). The NVD cells produced significantly more amount of PGE2 than the ECS cells and the both cells responded to the addition of IL-1 beta to increase PGE2 production. A specific inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), NS398, decreased basal PGE2 production and inhibited the stimulatory effect of IL-1 beta in a dose dependent manner in NVD cells. The NVD cells secreted more amount of IL-1 beta than the ECS cells and contained more amount of preprocessed 31kD IL-1 beta inside the cells. The addition of recombinant soluble human IL-1 receptor (type I) not only blocked the effect of IL-1 beta on PG secretion, but significantly reduced the basal production of PGE2 by NVD cells. These results indicate that decidual PG production depends upon COX-2 after the onset of labor. Besides it seems likely that endogenously produced IL-1 beta may be involved in autocrine or paracrine fashion in inducing COX-2 after the onset of labor.

Blotting, Western↗

Immunohistochemical evaluation of transglutaminase C in tumours of salivary glands.

Transglutaminase C (TGase C), a family of Ca(2+)-dependent enzymes and an essential component in the cross-linking of peptide bonds, has been found to be a marker of epithelial differentiation with a possible role in cellular apoptosis, extracellular matrix stabilisation and Ca2+ binding, thereby having a potential role in tumour growth, differentiation and invasive behaviour. The expression of TGase C was evaluated in normal human salivary glands and their neoplastic lesions which included pleomorphic adenoma (n = 30), Warthin's tumour (n = 5), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 10), acinic cell carcinoma (n = 5), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 5) and control tissue specimens of normal oral mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma, using polyclonal antibody, the specificity of which was determined by Western blotting, generated by immunising rabbits with purified transglutaminase. The TGase C was observed in the epithelial cells in the control tissue specimens examined. Pleiomorphic adenoma revealed reaction products in luminal tumour cells, the non-luminal or modified myoepithelial cells and their plasmacytoid variants, squamous metaplastic cells and chondroid cells. Adenoid cystic carcinomas had tumour cells in the luminal cells of tubular and cribriform structures and the acinic cell carcinoma had from low to moderate immunoreactivity in the tumour cell component and a diffuse immunoreactivity in the stroma for TGase C. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma showed no reaction products in the mucous-producing cells, while intermediate and epidermoid cells had immunoreactivity in the cell cytoplasm. As the presence of TGase C in salivary gland tumours was confined to those tumour cells which form the predominant histomorphology in each tumour subtype, it may be suggested that these enzymes may have a potential role in the regulation of cellular function in neoplastic salivary tissues affecting tumour growth, differentiation and neoplastic behaviour.

Adenolymphoma↗

Details of retropositional genome dynamics that provide a rationale for a generic division: the distinct branching of all the pacific salmon and trout (Oncorhynchus) from the Atlantic salmon and trout (Salmo).

Salmonid species contain numerous short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs), known collectively as the HpaI family, in their genomes. Amplification and successive integration of individual SINEs into the genomes have occurred during the evolution of salmonids. We reported previously a strategy for determining the phylogenetic relationships among the Pacific salmonids in which these SINEs were used as temporal landmarks of evolution. Here, we provide evidence for extensive genomic rearrangements that involved retropositions and deletions in a common ancestor of all the Pacific salmon and trout. Our results provide genetic support for the recent phylogenetic reassignment of steelhead and related species from the genus Salmo to the genus Oncorhynchus. Several other informative loci identified by insertions of HpaI SINEs have been isolated, and previously proposed branching orders of the Oncorhynchus species have been confirmed. The authenticity of our phylogenetic tree is supported both by the isolation of more than two informative loci per branching point and by the congruence of all our data, which suggest that the period between successive speciations was sufficiently long for each SINE that had been amplified in the original species to become fixed in all individuals of that species.

Animals↗

Comparison of effects of calcitriol and calcium carbonate on secretion of interleukin-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha by uraemic peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

We studied 26 non-dialysed patients with chronic renal failure [creatinine clearance (CCr) 32.6 +/- 12.7 ml/min]. They were divided into three groups according to their CCr and serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and were given 0.5 micrograms/day oral calcitriol (calcitriol group, n = 8), 3 g/day calcium carbonate (CaCO3 group, n = 10), or neither (control uraemic group, n = 8). Serum intact PTH decreased from 154 +/- 75 to 90 +/- 43 pg/ml in the calcitriol group (P < 0.01) and from 162 +/- 97 to 77 +/- 62 pg/ml in the CaCO3 group (P < 0.001). Calcium carbonate was also effective in suppressing serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and intact osteocalcin levels, while calcitriol did not suppress serum osteocalcin. Secretion of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA)-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was greater in uraemic patients than in age-matched healthy controls (n = 8). Calcitriol was effective in suppressing secretion of both cytokines, while calcium carbonate was capable of suppressing only TNF-alpha secretion. CCr decreased from 37.4 +/- 15.4 to 33.0 +/- 11.8 ml/min (P < 0.05) in the CaCO3 group, while it did not decrease in either the calcitriol group or the control uraemic group during a 6 month period. These results suggest that supplementation with calcitriol is necessary to maintain bone formation and normalize IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha secretion by activated PBMC in uraemic patients.

Adult↗

Catecholamines, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and atrial natriuretic peptide at rest and during submaximal exercise in patients with congestive heart failure.

The aim of this study was to determine the responses of plasma catecholamines, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) activity, and plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) to exercise in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Cardiac and neurohormonal responses were assessed during submaximal treadmill exercise testing in 23 patients with CHF (New York Heart Association classes I-III) and 13 control subjects (without CHF). Plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (ATII), aldosterone, and ANP were measured at rest and immediately after exercise. Exercise duration was shorter in patients with CHF (control, 10.4 +/- 0.9 minute; CHF, 6.2 +/- 0.7 minute; P < 0.01). Heart rate and blood pressure responses were similar except for the smaller peak heart rate (control, 145 +/- 5 beats per minute; CHF, 129 +/- 4 beats per minute; P < 0.05) and higher systolic blood pressure at recovery stage (control, 122 +/- 4 mm Hg; CHF, 142 +/- 4 mm Hg; P < 0.01) in patients with CHF. At rest, plasma norepinephrine levels were insignificantly higher in patients with CHF (control, 110 +/- 10 pg/mL; CHF, 170 +/- 26 pg/mL; P = 0.09), and ANP levels (control, 40 +/- 5 pg/mL; CHF, 94 +/- 17 pg/mL; P < 0.05) and PRA levels (control, 0.77 +/- 0.11 ng/mL/hr; CHF, 4.33 +/- 1.25 ng/mL/hr; P < 0.05) were significantly higher. There were no differences in peak norepinephrine, epinephrine, or ANP between the two groups. Angiotensin II and aldosterone levels were similar between the two groups, although, in patients with CHF, there was a trend toward higher levels of ATII while at rest (control, 12.4 +/- 1.4 pg/mL; CHF, 20.3 +/- 3.3 pg/mL; P = 0.08) and at peak (control, 20.5 +/- 1.8 pg/mL; CHF, 41.0 +/- 9.4 pg/mL; P = 0.10). Peak values of PRA, ATII, and aldosterone positively correlated with respective resting values of PRA (r = 0.88 ng/mL/hr, P < 0.01), ATII (r = 0.63 pg/mL, P < 0.01), and aldosterone (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). Peak norepinephrine and peak ANP also positively correlated with respective resting values of norepinephrine (r = 0.58 pg/mL, P < 0.05) and ANP (r = 0.94, P < 0.01). Analysis of these results showed that patients with CHF had significantly higher levels of PRA and ANP at rest, and a trend toward augmentation in RAA system activity during exercise with less exercise workload. Basal level of neurohormones seemed to be an important determinant for the degree of exercise-induced neurohormonal activation in patients with CHF.

Atrial Natriuretic Factor↗

Reactivity of glomerular and serum IgA1 to jacalin in IgA nephropathy.

To analyze O-linked oligosaccharides (O-glycans) in the hinge region of IgA1 in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), the reactivity of IgA1 to jacalin, which specifically binds to O-glycans, was investigated. Initially, renal biopsy specimens from 5 patients with IgAN and 3 patients with other renal diseases were investigated in an immunofluorescence study with jacalin, monoclonal antihuman IgA1 and IgA2 antibodies. All of the renal biopsy specimens of IgAN and none of other renal diseases were positively stained by both FITC-labeled jacalin and monoclonal anti-IgA1 antibody. The glomerular staining patterns of FITC-jacalin were similar to those of the monoclonal anti-IgA1 antibody. IgA2 was negative in all specimens. Based on the positive reactivity of deposited IgA1 to jacalin, the binding ability of serum IgA1 to jacalin was evaluated by inhibition assay using D-galactose in patients with IgAN (n = 58), other primary glomerulonephritides (PGN) (n = 41), and healthy controls (n = 52). The frequencies of the patients with serum IgA1 having a high affinity for jacalin were significantly greater in IgAN (19/58, 32.8%) compared with the healthy controls (2/52, 3.8%) and other PGN (4/41, 9.8%). These results suggested that the increased reactivity of O-glycan(s) in the IgA1 hinge region to jacalin is due to an unusual glycosylation of serum IgA1 in IgAN.

Adult↗

Characterization of Magnesium Sulfate as an Antiarrhythmic Agent.

BACKGROUND: Recently, intravenous magnesium therapy has been used for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, but data to establish a causal link between the electrophysiological properties and the antiarrhythmic actions are lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: The acute antiarrhythmic effect of magnesium sulfate was assessed using epinephrine-, digitalis-, and coronary ligation-induced canine ventricular arrhythmia models. The intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate (100 mg/kg) reduced the incidence of the ventricular arrhythmias of all models. The antiarrhythmic effect on the epinephrine-induced arrhythmia was potent and long-lasting, while those on the other arrhythmia models were weak and transient. The direct cardiovascular effects were assessed using the canine isolated, blood-perfused sinus node, papillary muscle, and atrioventricular node preparations. The intracoronary administration of magnesium sulfate (0.1-30 mg) suppressed sinoatrial automaticity and ventricular contraction, while it increased atrio-His and His-ventricular conduction time, coronary blood flow, and the duration of monophasic action potential in a dose-dependent manner. The effects on His-ventricular conduction and monophasic action potential duration were less potent compared with the other cardiovascular effects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that magnesium sulfate possesses multiple electrophysiological properties and that the effects related to the calcium channel inhibition may be the most relevant for the antiarrhythmic actions.

Journal Article↗