Search PubMedSearch

Biomedical subjects

M Tsuda

Publications and source records attributed to M Tsuda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Expression of zinc transporter gene, ZnT-1, is induced after transient forebrain ischemia in the gerbil.

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal death after transient forebrain ischemia, we cloned genes expressed after transient forebrain ischemia in the Mongolian gerbil by a differential display method. A gerbil homolog of rat zinc transporter, ZnT-1, which transports intracellular Zn2+ out of cells, was isolated. Its expression became detectable exclusively in pyramidal neurons of the CA1 region 12 hr after ischemia and reached a maximum from day 1 to day 2 as shown by in situ hybridization. By day 7, expression had disappeared entirely from the cells in the CA1 region, because the neurons had died. No other brain regions exhibited such a significant level of ZnT-1 mRNA expression during this period. Zn2+ was shown to accumulate in CA1 pyramidal neurons expressing ZnT-1 mRNA after the ischemia by using zinquin, a zinc-specific fluorescent dye. When primary hippocampal neurons were exposed to a high dose of Zn2+, ZnT-1 mRNA accumulated. These results suggest that the induction of ZnT-1 mRNA observed in CA1 neurons was caused by an increase in the intracellular Zn2+ concentration. It was reported recently that Zn2+ chelator blocked neuronal death after ischemia and that the influx of Zn2+ might be a key mechanism underlying neuronal death. The induction of ZnT-1 mRNA in CA1 pyramidal neurons fated to die after transient ischemia is of interest to the study of postischemic events and the molecular mechanisms underlying delayed neuronal death.

Amino Acid Sequence

Molecular cloning of a novel polypeptide, DP5, induced during programmed neuronal death.

To study the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal programmed cell death (PCD), we performed differential display screening for genes, the expression of which was induced during PCD in the sympathetic neuron culture model deprived of NGF. We cloned a gene encoding a novel polypeptide (DP5) which consisted of 92 amino acids. DP5 polypeptide had no homology with any other known protein and contained no motif that would indicate its putative biochemical functions. DP5 mRNA levels peaked at 15 h after nerve growth factor withdrawal, concurrent with the time at which neurons were committed to die. The induction of DP5 gene expression was blocked when cell death was rescued by treatment with cycloheximide, KCl, or the cyclic AMP analogue CPTcAMP. Overexpression of the full-length DP5 in cultured sympathetic neurons was in itself sufficient to induce apoptosis. These results suggest that DP5 plays a role in programmed neuronal death.

Amino Acid Sequence

Fiber-optic-based biomonitoring of benzene derivatives by recombinant E. coli bearing luciferase gene-fused TOL-plasmid immobilized on the fiber-optic end.

TOL plasmid in Pseudomonas putida mt-2 has a series of genes for the degradation of xylene, toluene, and their derivatives to pyruvate and acetaldehyde (or propionaldehyde). Two operons, i.e., upper operon and meta operon, play indispensable roles for the digestion of xylene derivatives: When XyIR protein recognizes xylene derivatives, another controlling gene, xyIS, is activated, which results in the activation of meta operon. Therefore, we have constructed a fusion gene between TOL plasmid and the firefly luciferase gene under the control of XyIR and the promoter of xyIS gene; i.e., by using fusions of the meta operon with promotorless luciferase expression vector from firefly, we have constructed and tested biomonitors for benzene derivatives. Bioluminescence specified by Escherichia coli (pTSN316), carrying xyIR and xyIS promoters, Ampr and luc, was measured in either a benzene derivative-saturated or o-methylbenzyl alcohol-dissolved medium both in the case of cell suspension and in the case of immobilized cell form. The utility of the biosensing system for monitoring in chemical plant drainage was demonstrated with samples supplemented with benzene derivatives. The xyIR-xyIS promoter-lux fusion carried by pTSN316 responded to a benzene-related chemical in sample solutions. Immobilization of the transformed E. coli, at one end of fiber optic, bearing firefly luciferase gene fused to TOL plasmid, has been demonstrated to fabricate a luminescent remote biomonitoring device for the protection of environmental deterioration. Due to the luminescent detection, the detection limits for benzene-related aromatics that are recognized by a binding protein (XyIR) were parts-per-million. We had already submitted a preliminary report concerning the possibility of environmental monitoring based on the above idea by using the transformed E. coli in a cell-suspended solution. This paper describes mainly a fiber-optic-based biomonitoring device for the protection of environmental deterioration.

Bacterial Proteins

The role of mex-gene products in antibiotic extrusion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The antibiotic extrusion machinery in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is assembled from the mex-operon encoded proteins, OprM and MexA-MexB, connecting the outer and inner membranes. To envisage the role of these proteins in antibiotic extrusion and resistance, we employed the gene replacement technique to construct mutants deficient in mexA, mexB, or oprM, and all possible combinations of these genes. Using the Southern and the Western blotting methods, we confirmed that only the target genes were disrupted. All the mutants deficient in OprM exhibited a 4 to 16 times higher susceptibility against quinolone antibiotics, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin than the parent strain. The mutants deficient in MexA or MexB or both MexA and MexB were only 2 to 4 times more susceptible to these antibiotics than the parent strain. All the mutants lacking MexA, MexB, or OprM showed stereospecific hypersusceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics than the parent strain. However, the extent of susceptibility to each beta-lactam was comparable among the mutants. Strains lacking OprM accumulated the highest level of ciprofloxacin among all these isogenic strains. The strains lacking either MexA or MexB accumulated lower levels of ciprofloxacin than the mutant lacking OprM, but the levels were still higher than in the parent strain. The results are consistent with the antibiotic susceptibility of these strains. These results suggest that the extrusion of antibiotics occurs most efficiently with a whole assembly of MexA/B-OprM, but it remains a possibility that OprM interacts with a putative inner membrane pump(s).

4-Quinolones

Recovery of decreased seizure threshold for pentylenetetrazole during diazepam withdrawal by NMDA receptor antagonists.

The effects of several NMDA receptor antagonists on pentylenetetrazole-induced diazepam-withdrawal seizure were examined in mice. The decrease in the seizure threshold for pentylenetetrazole during diazepam withdrawal was inhibited by pretreatment with MK-801 ((+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cycloheptan-5,10-imine maleate), 7-chlorokynurenic acid and ifenprodil. Furthermore, MK-801 and ifenprodil, at doses which did not affect the threshold of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure in control mice, also significantly suppressed the decrease in the seizure threshold during diazepam withdrawal, whereas 7-chlorokynurenic acid did not. These findings suggest that overactivity of an ion channel site and an ifenprodil binding site on the NMDA receptor may play an important role in the hypersensitivity of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure in diazepam-withdrawn mice.

Animals

Determination of a new podophyllotoxin derivative, TOP-53, and its metabolite in rat plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of a new podophyllotoxin derivative, TOP-53 (I), and TOP-53 glucuronide (II) as its major metabolite in rat plasma and urine. For the analysis of I, the sample was chromatographed on a reversed-phase C18 column with electrochemical detection after consecutive two-step liquid-liquid extractions. Compound II was determined as I after enzymatic hydrolysis of II. This method was validated sufficiently with respect to specificity, accuracy, and precision. The limits of quantitation for both I and II were 2 ng/ml in plasma and 10 ng/ml in urine. The method is thus useful for the pharmacokinetic study of I.

Animals

Overexpression of SAP-1, a transmembrane-type protein tyrosine phosphatase, in human colorectal cancers.

SAP-1 is a human transmembrane-type protein tyrosine phosphatase that is abundant in colon and pancreatic cancer cell lines. The expression of SAP-1 in surgically excised human colorectal cancer specimens has now been investigated by immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization. Normal colon tissue or adenomas with mild dysplasia showed no detectable expression of SAP-1. In contrast, 2 of 17 adenomas with moderate or severe dysplasia and 19 of 48 (40%) adenocarcinomas expressed SAP-1, SAP-1 was localized predominantly to the apical surface of colonic cells in adenoma tissue showing moderate dysplasia, but it was also observed in the cytoplasm and at the basal surface of both adenoma cells showing severe dysplasia and adenocarcinoma cells. In situ hybridization with a SAP-1 antisense RNA probe detected SAP-1 mRNA in 6 of 9 colorectal cancers, but not in the surrounding mesenchymal tissue or normal mucosa. Sequencing of the K-RAS gene revealed that 10 of 15 (67%) SAP-1-positive cancers contained a mutation in codon 12. The serum concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen was normal in approximately half of the patients with SAP-1-positive colorectal cancers. These results suggest that SAP-1 is frequently overexpressed in human colorectal cancers and that such overexpression may occur relatively late in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Adenocarcinoma

Molecular cloning and expression of cDNA encoding human 3'-phosphoadenylylsulfate:galactosylceramide 3'-sulfotransferase.

We have isolated a cDNA clone encoding human 3'-phosphoadenylylsulfate:galactosylceramide 3'-sulfotransferase (EC 2.8.2.11). Degenerate oligonucleotides, based on amino acid sequence data for the purified enzyme, were used as primers to amplify fragments of the gene from human renal cancer cell cDNA by the polymerase chain reaction method. The amplified cDNA fragment was then used as probe to screen a human renal cancer cell cDNA library. The isolated cDNA clone contained an open reading frame encoding 423 amino acids including all of the peptides that were sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence predicts a type II transmembrane topology and contains two potential N-glycosylation sites. There is no significant homology between this sequence and either the sulfotransferases cloned to date or other known proteins. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that a 1.9-kilobase mRNA was unique to renal cancer cells. When the cDNA was inserted into the expression vector pSVK3 and transfected into COS-1 cells, galactosylceramide sulfotransferase activity in the transfected cells increased from 8- to 16-fold over that of controls, and the enzyme product, sulfatide, was expressed on the transformed cells.

Amino Acid Sequence

Role of the NMDA receptor complex in DMCM-induced seizure in mice.

We investigated the role of the NMDA receptor complex in DMCM (methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate)-induced seizures in mice. The seizure threshold of DMCM was evaluated using an i.v. infusion technique. Pretreatment with the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 ((+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(a,d) cycloheptan-5,10-imine maleate) or phencyclidine (PCP) significantly increased the seizure threshold for DMCM. Furthermore, the seizure threshold of DMCM was increased by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.), but not intrathecal (i.t.), pretreatment with MK-801. Moreover, 7-chlorokynurenic acid, a glycine site antagonist, also increased the seizure threshold of DMCM, whereas ifenprodil, a non-competitive polyamine site antagonist, did not. These findings indicate that the ion-channel binding site and the glycine binding site on the NMDA receptor complex in the brain may be involved in the expression of seizures induced by DMCM.

Animals

Structural dynamics of water and the peptide backbone around the Schiff base associated with the light-activated process of octopus rhodopsin.

Difference Fourier transform infrared spectra were recorded for the formation of the photointermediates and isorhodopsin from octopus rhodopsin at low temperatures. Analysis was done for H bonding of the Schiff base, internal water molecules, and the peptide backbone. The imine hydrogen of the Schiff base was in the same H bonding state throughout the photointermediates and the unphotolyzed state. In contrast, H bonding of the hydrogen of the water molecule whose oxygen might be complexed with the imine hydrogen of the Schiff base was altered upon the formation of bathorhodopsin. The same water molecule was in a different H bonding state in the subsequent intermediates, lumirhodopsin and mesorhodopsin. These intermediates were also characterized by a decrease in the C = N bond order of the Schiff base as a reflection of distorted structure around the Schiff base. The polar N-H bond in these intermediates could be also ascribed to the Schiff base. Some changes in H bonding of water and the perturbation of the polyene chain in lumirhodopsin and mesorhodopsin were also observed in isorhodopsin. Acid metarhodopsin exhibited extensive changes in the H bonding states of the peptide backbone and internal water molecules. A large part of these changes was extinguished in alkaline metarhodopsin with the unprotonated Schiff base, suggesting interaction of the protonated Schiff base with the peptide backbone and intramembrane water molecules in acid metarhodopsin.

Animals

CT and MR imaging of craniopharyngioma.

We reviewed imaging findings of CT and MR imaging in 20 cases of surgically confirmed craniopharyngioma in an attempt to determine their relation to patterns of tumor extent. The relationship between these patterns and the frequency of preoperative CT diagnosis and MR imaging diagnosis according to the surgical diagnosis were determined. The CT technique was superior to MR imaging in the detection of calcification. The MR imaging technique was superior to CT for determining tumor extent and provided valuable information about the relationships of the tumor to surrounding structures. Thus, CT and MR imaging have complementary roles in the diagnosis of craniopharyngiomas. In cases of possible craniopharyngioma, noncontrast sagittal T1-weighted images may enable the identification of the normal pituitary, possibly leading to the correct diagnosis.

Adolescent

Light-induced protein conformational changes in the photolysis of octopus rhodopsin.

Light-induced protein conformational changes in the photolysis of octopus rhodopsin were measured with a highly sensitive time-resolved transient UV absorption spectrophotometer with nanosecond time resolution. A negative band around 280 nm in the lumirhodopsin minus rhodopsin spectra suggests that alteration of the environment of some of the tryptophan residues has taken place before the formation of lumirhodopsin. A small recovery of the absorbance at 280 nm was observed in the transformation of lumirhodopsin to mesorhodopsin. Kinetic parameters suggest that major conformational changes have taken place in the transformation of mesorhodopsin to acid metarhodopsin. In this transformation, drastic changes of amplitude and a shift of a difference absorption band around 280 nm take place, which suggest that some of the tryptophan residues of rhodopsin become exposed to a hydrophilic environment.

Animals

Antinociceptive effect of buprenorphine in mu1-opioid receptor deficient CXBK mice.

The antinociceptive effect of buprenorphine was examined in mu1-opioid receptor-deficient CXBK mice. I.p. administration of buprenorphine at a dose of 3 mg/kg produced marked antinociception in the tail-flick test in C57BL/6 mice, a progenitor strain of CXBK mice. The antinociceptive effect of buprenorphine in C57BL/6 mice was antagonized by pretreatment with either beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA), a mu-opioid receptor antagonist, or naloxonazine (NXZ), a selective mu1-opioid receptor antagonist. The antinociceptive effect of buprenorphine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) in CXBK mice was significantly less than that in C57BL/6 mice. Neither beta-FNA nor NXZ reduced the antinociceptive effect of buprenorphine in CXBK mice. There was no significant difference between the buprenorphine-induced antinociceptive effect in CXBK mice and NXZ-treated C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, neither naltrindole, a selective delta-opioid receptor antagonist, nor norbinaltorphimine, a selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, had a significant effect on the antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine in both CXBK and C57BL/6 mice. These results support our previous hypothesis that mu1- rather than mu2-, delta- or kappa-opioid receptors are involved in the antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine.

Animals

Aggravation of DMCM-induced seizure by nitric oxide synthase inhibitors in mice.

The present study investigated the effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors on the seizure threshold of DMCM in mice. The seizure threshold of DMCM was evaluated using an intravenous infusion technique. The threshold of DMCM was significantly decreased by pretreatment with N-nitro-L-arginine (NOARG; 8 mg/kg) and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 100 mg/kg), but not with D-NAME. Furthermore, these NOS inhibitors also decreased the threshold for pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure. However, the threshold for caffeine-induced seizure was not affected by NOARG. These results suggest that the endogenous NO system may play an important role in the expression of seizure by GABA(A) receptor inhibitory agents (DMCM and PTZ).

Animals

Clinical and biochemical aspects of thiamine treatment for metabolic acidosis during total parenteral nutrition.

We encountered six cases of total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-associated lactic acidosis during the 6-y period of 1988-1993. The patients were characterized by severe disease of the digestive organs, minimal food intake before surgery, and postoperative TPN with no food intake and with no vitamin supplements. Within 4 wk of TPN, they developed hypotension (< or = 80/60 mmHg), Kussmaul's respiration, and clouding of consciousness, as well as abdominal pain not directly related to the underlying disease. Routine laboratory examinations revealed no acute aggravation in hepatic, renal, or pancreatic functions. Arterial blood gas analysis showed pH < or = 7.134 and base excess < or = -17.5 mmol/L. Additional laboratory examinations revealed serum lactate > or = 10.9 mmol/L, serum pyruvate > or = 159 mumol/L, and lactate/pyruvate ratio > or = 0.029. None of the patients responded to sodium bicarbonate or other conventional emergency treatments for shock and lactic acidosis. After the first case, we suspected that thiamine deficiency might be responsible for this pathologic condition, Serum thiamine was proved to be < or = 196 nmol/L in 5 patients. Thiamine replenishment at intravenous doses of 100 mg every 12 h resolved lactic acidosis and improved the clinical condition in 3 patients. This article includes a review of 11 relevant reports published from 1982-1992 and a discussion of the biochemical mechanism of onset of thiamine deficiency-associated lactic acidosis. We emphasize the needs (1) to supplement TPN with thiamine-containing vitamins for the patients whose food intake does not meet nutritional requirements; (2) to monitor the patients routinely measuring serum thiamine concentration and erythrocyte transketolase activity during TPN; and (3) to intravenously replenish using high-dose thiamine simultaneously with the manifestation of signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis.

Acidosis, Lactic

Increased solubility of high-molecular-mass neurofilament subunit by suppression of dephosphorylation: its relation to axonal transport.

To investigate the role of phosphorylation in the turnover and transport of neurofilament (NF) proteins in vivo, we studied their solubility properties and axonal transport in the rat sciatic nerve using phosphatase inhibitors to minimize dephosphorylation during preparation. About 20% of the 200-kDa subunit (NF-H) in the axon was soluble in the 1% Triton-containing buffer under the present conditions, whereas this amount was less and more variable in the absence of phosphatase inhibitors. The 68-kDa subunit (NF-L) was exclusively insoluble and not affected by the inhibitors. Such selective solubilization of NF-H by phosphorylation differed significantly from the in vitro phosphorylation with cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, which resulted in NF disassembly. The carboxy-terminal phosphorylation state of NF-H probed with the phosphorylation-sensitive antibodies was also not directly related to solubility. The solubility of NF-H did not differ along the nerve. In contrast, the solubility of L-[35S]methionine-labeled, transported NF-H was lowest at the peak of radioactivity. Higher solubility at the leading edge, regardless of its location along the nerve, indicates that NF-H solubility is positively correlated with the rate of NF transport.

Animals

Identification of two palmitoyl groups in octopus rhodopsin.

We determined the structure and site of fatty acid incorporated in octopus rhodopsin using a combination of fluorescence label and enzymatic cleavage methods in conjunction with fast-atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrometry. A single peptide containing two adjacent cysteines, Cys337 and Cys338, was successfully isolated using the fluorescence from a dye conjugated to Cys345. The FAB mass spectrometric analysis of the peptide (323Phe-340Phe) revealed that two palmitoyl groups are linked to Cys337 and Cys338 via thioester bonds in octopus rhodopsin as in bovine rhodopsin.

Amino Acid Sequence