Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Tohyama

Publications and source records attributed to M Tohyama.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

The differential osmoregulation and localization of taurine transporter mRNA and Na+/myo-inositol cotransporter mRNA in rat eyes.

We studied the cellular localization and osmotic regulation of taurine transporter (TauT) mRNA in the rat eyes using in situ hybridization. TauT mRNA signals were expressed in the ciliary body, and the outer part of the inner nuclear layer (INL), the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and the inner segment (IS) of the adult rat retina. Chronic hypernatrema, induced by gavaging with 1 ml/100 g body weight of 5% NaCl every other day for 7 days, markedly increased in TauT mRNA in the retina compared with control rats. However, there was little change in TauT mRNA in the eyes in acute hypernatremic state that is induced by single injection of high concentration of NaCl. On the contrary, acute hypernatremic rats displayed markedly elevated Na+/myo-inositol cotransporter (SMIT) mRNA in the retina and the iris-ciliary body and the lens epithelium. Under chronic hypernatremic conditions, there was no significant increase in SMIT mRNA in rat eyes. These findings suggest that TauT mRNA is osmotically regulated in vivo to protect retinal neuronal function, especially against chronic hypernatremic conditions, in contrast to rapid up-regulation of SMIT mRNA in acute hypernatremic rats.

Animals↗

Comparison of tissue distribution of two novel serine/threonine kinase genes containing the LIM motif (LIMK-1 and LIMK-2) in the developing rat.

We previously isolated two novel serine/threonine kinase genes containing the LIM motif (LIMK-1 and LIMK-2) from a rat cDNA library. To examine the functions of these genes, we performed in situ hybridization in the developing rat nervous system. LIMK-1 and LIMK-2 mRNAs mostly co-localized during development and are expressed preferentially in the central nervous system during mid-to-late gestation but the signals decreased during the post-natal period. However, differential gene expression was observed in some nuclei in the CNS; LIMK-1 mRNA was intensely expressed in the facial motor nucleus, the hypoglossal nucleus, deep nuclei of the cerebellum and the layers 3, 5 and 6 of the adult cerebral cortex while only LIMK-2 mRNA was preferentially expressed in the some parts of the epithelium. In the nasal cavity, LIMK-1 and LIMK-2 mRNAs were expressed complementarily. Our results suggest that LIMK-1 and LIMK-2 may have different functions in these regions during development.

Aging↗

Differential expression patterns of GABA transporters (GAT1-3) in the rat olfactory bulb.

The localization of GABA transporters 1-3 (GAT1-3) was investigated in the rat olfactory bulb by using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. In the glomerular and the internal granular layers, GAT1 mRNA was expressed in most of periglomerular and granule cells, which are known to be GABAergic. In addition, we compared GAT1 mRNA expression with that of glutamic acid decarboxylase67 (GAD67) mRNA. The expressions were very similar in these two layers, indicating that GAT1 mRNA is mainly expressed in GABAergic neurons. However, in the external plexiform and the olfactory nerve layers, we observed more GAT1 mRNA-positive cells than GAD67 ones, suggesting that GAT1 mRNA is also expressed in non-GABAergic neurons and in glial cells. GAT3 mRNA expression was observed in small glial-like cells which might be involved in GABAergic neurotransmission throughout the olfactory bulb. This was confirmed by double-immunostaining studies which showed the expression of both GAT3 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNAs in astrocytes. Moreover, GAT2 mRNA was expressed only in the ependyma and arachnoid. These findings suggest that the expression patterns of GABA transporters differ with the type of cells in the rat olfactory bulb where GAT1 and GAT3 may play an imporatant role in GABA-mediated transmission, such as lateral inhibition.

Animals↗

Localization of molecules involved in cytokine receptor signaling in the rat trigeminal ganglion.

The localization of some cytokine receptors and their downstream intracellular signaling molecules was examined in the trigeminal ganglia of rats. Among cytokine receptor components, we examined signal transduction subchain, gp130, IL-2Rgamma and IL-5Rbeta, which are common to respective groups of cytokine receptors. Most of the sensory ganglion neurons expressed gp130, but not IL-2Rgamma nor IL-5Rbeta. We further examined the localization of Janus kinase (JAK) family members which were reported to be associated with various kind of cytokine receptors and are thought to be implicated in major cytokine receptor-signaling pathways [6,9,11,13]. While JAK1 and Tyk2 were expressed in all the type of neurons, JAK2 was predominantly expressed in the small neurons. In addition, JAK3 immunoreactivity was only found in satellite cells. The present results indicate that most of neurons express gp130, and that the localization of JAK family members differs with the cell type. This also suggests that the cytokine receptor-signaling pathway may be different in neuronal and glial cells.

Animals↗

Induction of Na+/myo-inositol co-transporter mRNA after rat cryogenic injury.

Myo-inositol is one of the major organic osmolytes in the brain. It is stored in the cells by the Na+/myo-inositol co-transporter (SMIT) which is regulated by extracellular osmolality. First, in order to confirm that local change of the osmolality induces alteration of the SMIT mRNA in brain, we examined change of SMIT mRNA of the animals with hypertonic NaCl application to the cortex. Application of hypertonic NaCl up-regulated the SMIT mRNA expression widely surrounding the application site. We next investigated the role of SMIT in brain during vasogenic edema, we examined expression of SMIT mRNA in the rat brain after cryogenic injury. The expression of SMIT mRNA was markedly increased 12 h after surgery and the induction of the mRNA extended to the entire cortex of the affected side. Up-regulated expression was found predominantly in the neurons in remote areas. The induction of SMIT mRNA was found until the 3rd day after surgery. These findings suggest that osmotic stress may spread over a wide area in the cortex in case of vasogenic edema produced by cryogenic injury and that the cells respond to this stress by increasing SMIT expression.

Animals↗

Developmental regulation of Na+ / myo-inositol cotransporter gene expression.

myo-Inositol plays a role in many important aspects of cellular regulation including membrane structure, signal transduction and osmoregulation. It is taken up into the cells by the Na+ / myo-inositol cotransporter (SMIT). We investigated developmental changes in the expression of SMIT mRNA and protein in the rat. In the fetal rat brain, SMIT mRNA was abundantly and diffusely expressed throughout the whole brain and the spinal cord. Positive signals were expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal cells in these regions. SMIT is gradually down-regulated nearer birth, but intense signals were still detected in the brain at postnatal day one. In the adult rat brain, very weak hybridization signals were detected throughout whole brain except for the choroid plexus where SMIT mRNA expression remained high. In contrast, the pattern of developmental regulation of SMIT gene expression in the kidney was opposite to that seen in the brain. Signals in the kidney were very weak during embryonic stages, whereas SMIT expression increased significantly after birth. These results suggest that myo-inositol and its transporter play an important role in the CNS developmental stage.

Aging↗

Effects of partial nephrectomy on the expression of osmolyte transporters.

Na+/myo-inositol cotransporter (SMIT) and Na+/Cl-/betaine-gamma-amino-n-butyric acid transporter (BGT-1) are the major osmolyte transporters that are regulated by extracellular osmolarity. We have recently shown localization and rapid regulation of the mRNAs for these transporters in rat kidney. In the present study, we examined the expression of SMIT and BGT-1 in partial nephrectomized rats in order to assess the change in local osmolarity following reduction of renal mass. Four weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy (NX), the rats were compared to sham-operated control animals (CONT). Northern analysis using RNA of whole kidney indicated that there were little differences in the levels of SMIT and BGT-1 mRNAs between the two groups. In situ hybridization revealed that signals for both transporter mRNAs were markedly reduced in the inner medulla of the remnant kidney. In contrast, these signals in the outer medulla increased following nephrectomy. SMIT signals in the cortex increased as well. Grain density, determined by counting grain number per cell, revealed that the signals in the inner medullary collecting ducts were markedly reduced whereas those in the thick ascending limbs of Henle (TAL) as well as macula densa cells were significantly increased. The signals in the TAL and macula densa were reduced by furosemide administration. The increased expression in NX rats may reflect the increased NaCl transport and high local osmolarity in this segment.

Animals↗

Expression of cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA in the lungs of mice infected with Cryptococcus neoformans: effects of interleukin-12.

We have recently established a murine model of pulmonary and disseminated infection with a highly virulent strain of Cryptococcus neoformans and demonstrated that administration of interleukin-12 (IL-12) protected the animals against infection. In this study, we extended these studies by investigating the host defense mechanisms. In particular, we examined the expression of mRNA for helper T-cell 1 (Th1) cytokines (IL-2, lymphotoxin, and gamma interferon [IFN-gamma]), Th2 cytokines (IL-4, -6, and -10), macrophage-derived cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], IL-1beta, transforming growth factor beta [TGF-beta, IL-12p40, and IFN-gamma-inducing factor [IGIF]), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the lungs on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after infection and following treatment with IL-12. There was little or no expression of mRNAs for Th1 cytokines, TNF-alpha, IL-12p40, IGIF, and iNOS in the infected mice, but expression increased markedly after treatment with IL-12. In contrast, the mRNAs for Th2 cytokines, IL-1beta, and TGF-beta were detected at considerable levels during the early stages of infection, and, interestingly, expression was not suppressed by IL-12 but rather augmented, particularly during the late stage. Similar results were also obtained for IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-alpha measured in the lung homogenates by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These results suggest that the predominance of expression of Th2 cytokines and TGF-beta over Th1 cytokines, TNF-alpha, IL-12p40, IGIF, and iNOS is associated with severe lethal infection in mice and that administration of IL-12 protects infected animals by stimulating Th1 cytokines.

Animals↗

LIM-homeodomain gene family in neural development.

In the present study, we isolated five murine LIM-homeodomain (LH) genes including a novel gene designated as L3 which is expressed specifically in the medial ganglionic eminence of the embryonic brain and the mesenchyme surrounding the oral cavity. The comparison of the expression domains in the embryonic forebrain using in situ hybridization histochemistry proved that three LH genes (LH-2, lim-1, and L3) share sharp boundaries. In addition to the prosomeric boundaries in the diencephalon, this gene family defines novel boundaries in the basal telencephalon, the mesencephalon, and the rhombencephalon. These mutually exclusive expression domains suggest that this family might be involved in controlling the early compartmentalization and boundary formation of the developing central nervous system.

Animals↗

[Stress response of cultured astrocytes to hypoxia/reoxygenation].

As the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes play a major role in the host defense mechanism even in situations associated with ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. Cultured rat astrocytes exposed to hypoxia (pO2 = 8-10 torr) expressed a set of stress proteins whose Mrs are 28, 33, 78, 94, and 150 kDa. Northern/western blot analysis indicated that these stress proteins are identical to heme oxygenase-1 (33 kDa), 78-kDa glucose regulated protein (GRP78) and GRP94 (94 kDa), respectively. The amino acid sequence analysis of the 150-kDa protein revealed that it (ORP150: oxygen regulated protein) is a novel stress protein belonging to the heat shock protein family. The induction of this stress protein was seen in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mainly regulated by the decline of atmospheric oxygen tension, not by other chemical stimuli. The abundant expression of these ER-localized stress proteins (ORP150, GRP94 and GRP78) suggest that the stress response of these astrocytes to hypoxia may focus on the restoration of ER function. The unique expression of these stress proteins may provide a clue to understand the role of this cell type in ischemic cerebrovascular accidents.

Animals↗

[A case of pulmonary sarcoidosis mimicking relapse of pulmonary tuberculosis].

A 61-year-old woman was suspected of relapse of pulmonary tuberculosis. A chest X-ray film taken at a regular health check-up suggested relapse of pulmonary tuberculosis in a 61-year-old woman. Chest X-ray revealed irregular shadow with calcification in the upper lobe of the left lung and pulmonary tuberculosis was initially diagnosed a despite a negative reaction for acid-fast bacilli on examination of her sputum and bronchial lavage. Chest CT revealed thickened bronchi and blood vessels and nodules in the lung field. Transbronchial by biopsy failed to reveal caseating epithelioid cell granulomas transbronchial lung biopsy. Past history of facial palsy, uveitis, high plasma levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (31.6IU/L), and abnormal HRCT levels. Bronchoalveolar lavage analysis revealed an increase in lymphocytes and a CD4/CD8 ratio of 8.67. Sarcoidosis was diagnosed after a liver biopsy. This appears that HRCT findings are useful in the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Identification of a novel transmembrane semaphorin expressed on lymphocytes.

Semaphorin (also known as collapsin) members are thought to be involved in axon guidance during neural network formation. Here, we report the isolation of a novel member, mouse semaphorin G (M-sema G), which encodes a semaphorin domain followed by a single putative immunoglobulin-like domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. M-sema G is most closely related to M-sema F, which we previously reported, and semB and semC. These four members appear to constitute a transmembrane type subfamily in mouse semaphorins. In contrast to the predominant expression of M-sema F mRNAs in the nervous tissues, M-sema G mRNAs are strongly expressed in lymphoid tissues, especially in the thymus, as well as in the nervous tissues. The mRNAs are also detected in various cell lines from hematopoietic cells. By generating specific antibodies, we confirmed the strong expression of M-Sema G proteins on the surface of lymphocytes. These results provide the first evidence that semaphorin is expressed on lymphocytes and suggest that semaphorins may play an important role in the immune system, as well as in the nervous system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

GLAST mRNA expression in the periventricular area of experimental hydrocephalus.

Glutamate transporters play an important role in maintaining the extracellular glutamate concentration below the neurotoxic level. We investigated the expression of glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) mRNA in the periventricular region of rats with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus by in situ hybridization (ISH). The density of GLAST mRNA-positive cells and the level of hybridization signals per positive cell significantly increased in the acute stage of hydrocephalus. We also demonstrated co-localization of GLAST mRNA and GFAP immunoreactivity in a single cell using the combined methods of ISH and immunohistochemistry. These findings suggest that GLAST is expressed in the reactive astrocytes of the periventricular area and regulates extracellular glutamate concentration after hydrocephalic brain injury.

Amino Acid Transport System X-AG↗

cDNA cloning of a novel membrane glycoprotein that is expressed specifically in glial cells in the mouse brain. LIG-1, a protein with leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains.

A cDNA encoding a protein designated as LIG-1 has been cloned and characterized. A fragment of this cDNA was found previously in a screen for genes up-regulated during neural differentiation in mouse P19 embryonal carcinoma cells. Comparative sequence analysis revealed LIG-1 to be a novel integral membrane glycoprotein (1091 amino acids) containing an extracellular region (794 amino acids) with a potential signal peptide, 15 leucine-rich repeats, 3 immnunoglobulin-like domains, and 7 potential N-glycosylation sites, a transmembrane region of 23 amino acids, and a cytoplasmic region of 274 amino acids. This protein, therefore, is a new member of both the leucine-rich repeat and the immunoglobulin superfamilies. Furthermore, Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses showed LIG-1 gene expression to be predominantly in the brain, restricted to a small subset of glial cells such as Bergmann glial cells of the cerebellum and glial cells in the nerve fiber layer of the olfactory bulb. On the basis of its structural features and expression pattern, we propose that LIG-1 functions as a cell type-specific adhesion molecule or receptor at the glial cell surface, and plays a role in the nervous system in for example neuroglial differentiation, development, and/or maintenance of neural functions where it is expressed.

Animals↗

Localization of bcl-2, bax, and bcl-x mRNAs in the developing inner ear of the mouse.

In situ hybridization was employed to study the expression of bcl-2 mRNA and its family members, bax and bcl-x mRNAs, in the developing inner ear. We found that in the cochlear structure, sensory epithelial cells, the spiral ganglion and stria vascularis expressed these mRNAs in postnatal period in a temporally similar manner, but in embryos, neither bax nor bcl-x mRNA were expressed in the sensory epithelium from embryonic day (E) 13 to 19. In contrast to these patterns, bcl-2 mRNA was expressed by E15 to E19, and the expression at E13 was below the lower limit of detection. Non-neuronal tissue (stria vascularis) also expressed these three transcripts during development. These results suggest that bcl-2 family members may be differentially involved in the differentiation of sensory epithelial cells, spiral ganglia, and stria vascularis. In particular, the differential expression patterns in the cochleovestibular neurons suggest that proliferating and differentiating neurons utilize distinct members of the bcl-2 family.

Animals↗

Differential expression of LIM-homeodomain genes in the embryonic murine brain.

Homeobox-containing genes are associated with the control of various stages in embryogenesis. LIM-homeodomain genes have been implicated in the control of differentiation of specific cell types in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues, yet there have been few studies comparing the expression domains of these genes in the developing brain of a single species. In the present study, we isolated murine LIM-homeodomain genes (LH-2, lim-1, and L3) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method and investigated their expression domains in the embryonic brain by in situ hybridization analysis. These mRNAs showed mutually exclusive expression patterns suggesting that these factors may be involved in region-specific differentiation in the developing brain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cellular localization of Na+/MYO-inositol co-transporter mRNA in the rat brain.

The distribution of Na+/MYO-inositol co-transporter (SMIT) mRNA in the rat brain was studied by in situ hybridization histochemistry. The highest levels of SMIT mRNA were observed in the choroid plexus. Intense hybridization signals were found in the pineal gland, the area postrema, the hippocampus, the locus coeruleus, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the olfactory bulb and the Purkinje cell and granule cell layers of the cerebellum. Low to moderate levels of labelling were detected in almost all neurones and small glia-like cells throughout the brain. These results suggest that almost all cells in the brain possess an SMIT-mediated osmotic and ionic regulatory system, and uneven densities of positive SMIT mRNA signals may reflect the differences in sensitivity of the cells to osmotic and ionic changes and also reflect differences in permeability of capillaries.

Animals↗