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Biomedical subjects

Masaya Oda

Publications and source records attributed to Masaya Oda.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae organization regulated by myosin light chain kinase and Rho-kinase in cultured rat sinusoidal endothelial cells.

The presence of actin filaments in the neighborhood of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF) indicates that the cytoskeleton of sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) plays an important role in the modulation of SEF. We examined the roles of Rho-kinase and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in the organization of SEF. Cultured SEC were treated with MLCK inhibitor (ML-7) and Rho-kinase inhibitor (Y-27632). SEF morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. F-actin stress fibers were observed by confocal microscopy and heavy meromyosin-decorated reaction under transmission electron microscopy. Y-27632 caused disassembly of stress fibers in the center of the cell, while SEF clustered and dilated. However, stress fibers located in the periphery of the cell were not severely affected by Y-27632. ML-7 caused disruption and/or shortening of peripheral stress fibers, leaving the central stress fibers relatively intact. ML-7, but not Y-27632, caused cells to lose the spreading morphology, indicating that the peripheral fibers play a major role in keeping the flattened state of the cell. Thus, there are at least two different stress fiber systems in SEC. The central stress fiber system and SEF microfilaments depend more on the activity of Rho-kinase, while the peripheral stress fiber system depends on MLCK. These results indicate that Rho modulates fenestral changes in SEC via regulation of the actin cytoskeleton.

Journal Article↗

Rho modulates hepatic sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae via regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in rat endothelial cells.

The presence of actin-like microfilaments in the vicinity of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF) indicates that the cytoskeleton of sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) plays an important role in the modulation of SEF. Rho has emerged as an important regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, and consequently cell morphology. The present study aimed to examine how a Rho stimulator; lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and a Rho inhibitor; bacterial toxin C3 transferase (C3-transferase), affect the morphology of SEF. Monolayers of SEC culture were established by infusing a rat liver with collagenase for 30 min and then culturing in RMPI medium for 24 h. The cells were separated into three groups; control, LPA-treated (15 microM), and C3-transferase-treated (15 microg/ml) groups. SEF morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Formation of F-actin stress fibers was observed by confocal microscopy. Rho A and phosphorylated myosin light-chain kinase were analyzed by Western blotting. Active Rho was measured by Ren's modification. Treatment of SECs with LPA contracted the SEF, concomitant with increases in F-actin stress fiber and actin microfilament, and high expression of phosphorylated myosin light-chain kinase. Following treatment with C3-transferase, SEF dilated and fused, concomitant with a loss of F-actin and microfilament, and low expression of phosphorylated myosin light chain. Rho A expression does not change by both treatments. In conclusion, these results indicate that Rho modulates fenestral changes in SEC via regulation of the actin cytoskeleton.

Actins↗

POEMS syndrome demonstrating VEGF decrease by ticlopidine.

POEMS syndrome is a syndrome that presents with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-proteins and skin changes. Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has recently been reported in POEMS syndrome. We report a case of POEMS syndrome with high VEGF titers. Steroid, plasmapheresis and intravenous gamma-globulin had little effect. Various immunosuppressive agents were discontinued due to side effects. Although administration of aspirin did not decrease VEGF, ticlopidine decreased VEGF significantly. This case suggests that ticlopidine is a candidate for supportive therapy in POEMS syndrome and we should measure VEGF before and after the administration of ticlopidine in other cases.

Humans↗

[Two cases of Parkinson's disease in which visual hallucinations disappeared after cataract surgery].

We report two cases of Parkinson's disease in which visual hallucinations disappeared after cataract surgery. Patient 1 was a 72-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease, visual hallucinations and musical hallucinations. Patient 2 was a 77-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease and visual hallucinations. Both patients had severe bilateral cataracts. Though it was difficult to control their visual hallucinations with medication only, cataract surgery made them disappeared quickly. The visual hallucinations of Parkinson's disease are similar to those of Charles Bonnet syndrome. For example, both hallucinations often happen in dim light, at night and when patients are awake with eyes open. Though there have been many reports describing visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease, there have been few reports discussing the relation between these hallucinations and impaired visual acuity. Similar to the hallucinations of Charles Bonnet syndrome, impaired visual acuity should be related to the visual hallucinations of Parkinson's disease. When Parkinson's disease, visual hallucinations and severe cataract coexist, visual hallucinations may disappear after cataract surgery.

Aged↗

Immunoexpression of 14-3-3 proteins in glial cytoplasmic inclusions of multiple system atrophy.

Glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) are the histological hallmark of multiple system atrophy (MSA). In six postmortem brains of patients with MSA, 14-3-3-protein immunoreactivity was identified in GCIs predominately in the white matter tissue of the basal forebrain and cerebellum. Using double immunohistochemistry, co-localization of 14-3-3-protein and alpha-synuclein immunoreactivities in the GCIs was confirmed. The immunolabeling rate of GCIs with 14-3-3 proteins varied regionally from approximately 40% to 90%. Semiquantitative analysis yielded a significant negative correlation between degree of tissue degeneration and density of 14-3-3-protein-immunoreactive GCIs. The 14-3-3 proteins are active cofactors involved in cellular regulation through binding to phosphorylated motifs in target proteins and alpha-synuclein is a known target of 14-3-3. Our study suggests that 14-3-3 proteins are closely associated with alpha-synuclein in GCIs and 14-3-3 proteins may be candidate cofactors of alpha-synuclein in GCI formation.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

SCA8 repeat expansion: large CTA/CTG repeat alleles are more common in ataxic patients, including those with SCA6.

We analyzed the SCA8 CTA/CTG repeat in a large group of Japanese subjects. The frequency of large alleles (85-399 CTA/CTG repeats) was 1.9% in spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), 0.4% in Parkinson disease, 0.3% in Alzheimer disease, and 0% in a healthy control group; the frequency was significantly higher in the group with SCA than in the control group. Homozygotes for large alleles were observed only in the group with SCA. In five patients with SCA from two families, a large SCA8 CTA/CTG repeat and a large SCA6 CAG repeat coexisted. Age at onset was correlated with SCA8 repeats rather than SCA6 repeats in these five patients. In one of these families, at least one patient showed only a large SCA8 CTA/CTG repeat allele, with no large SCA6 CAG repeat allele. We speculate that the presence of a large SCA8 CTA/CTG repeat allele influences the function of channels such as alpha(1A)-voltage-dependent calcium channel through changing or aberrant splicing, resulting in the development of cerebellar ataxia, especially in homozygous patients.

Asian People↗

Elevated expression of caveolin-1 at protein and mRNA level in human cirrhotic liver: relation with nitric oxide.

BACKGROUND: Caveolin, the principal structural protein of caveolae, binds with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) leading to enzyme inhibition. This study examined the expression of caveolin and eNOS at the protein and mRNA levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis C-related cirrhosis, and in control noncirrhotic liver specimens obtained from patients with metastatic liver carcinoma. METHODS: Anti-eNOS, anti-caveolin-1, and anti-calmodulin antibodies were used for Western blotting. For in situ hybridization (ISH), human eNOS and caveolin-1 peptide nucleic acid probes were used with a catalyzed signal amplification system. RESULTS: Western blotting showed marked overexpression of caveolin-1 protein in cirrhotic liver, while caveolin-1 was almost undetectable in control liver tissue. Endothelial NOS was expressed at a slightly higher level in cirrhotic liver than in control liver tissue. Calmodulin was expressed abundantly in control liver tissue and at a low level in cirrhotic liver tissue. By ISH, eNOS mRNA was localized on portal vein and hepatic lining cells, and caveolin-1 mRNA was almost undetectable in normal liver tissue. In cirrhotic liver tissue, caveolin-1 mRNA was overexpressed on hepatic sinusoidal lining cells, while eNOS mRNA expression was similar to that in normal liver. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced caveolin-1 expression may be associated with a significant reduction in NO catalytic activity in cirrhosis.

Aged↗

Spindle cell carcinoma of the intrahepatic bile duct in a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

We present a case of spindle cell carcinoma of the intrahepatic bile duct that developed in a 34-year-old man with primary sclerosing cholangitis. At the time of presentation, the patient had a 10-year history of primary sclerosing cholangitis. A mass was found in the hepatic hilus and was resected surgically. The tumor was composed predominantly of spindle cells, and a small portion of the tumor appeared to be adenocarcinomatous by histology. Histological and immunohistochemical findings suggested that the spindle cells were epithelial in origin; thus, this tumor was identified as a spindle cell carcinoma. Spindle cell carcinomas arising in the bile duct are extremely rare. Furthermore, the coexistence of spindle cell carcinoma and primary sclerosing cholangitis has not been reported thus far. We were able to follow up the entire course of this rare case. In this case report, we describe the clinicopathological findings of this case and review the literature concerning this type of tumor.

Adult↗

Distribution and localization of caveolin-1 in sinusoidal cells in rat liver.

Caveolin, the principal structural protein in caveolae, is involved in signal transduction. The aim of the present study was to clarify the distribution and ultrastructural localization of caveolin-1 in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) and hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) by confocal microscopy and the electron immunogold method. Liver tissue sections were prepared from male Wistar rats. SECs and HSCs were isolated from rat livers by collagenase infusion. For immunohistochemistry, liver sections were reacted with anticaveolin-1 antibody. The localization and distribution of caveolin-1 were identified by confocal immunofluorescence. The ultrastructural localization of caveolin-1 on SECs and HSCs was identified by electron microscopy using the immunogold method. Immunohistochemical studies using liver tissues localized caveolin-1 in sinusoidal lining cells, bile canaliculi, portal vein, and hepatic artery. By confocal microscopy, caveolin-1 was mainly demonstrated at the Golgi complex in SECs and HSCs. Under an electron microscope, immunogold particles indicating the presence of caveolin-1 were demonstrated on the plasma membrane of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF) and vesicles in SECs. Under an electron microscope, immunogold particles indicating the presence of caveolin-1 were demonstrated on the plasma membrane of caveolae and vesicles in HSCs. We concluded that caveolin-1 is localized from SEFs to the Golgi complex in SECs and from caveolae to the Golgi complex in HSCs.

Animals↗

Endothelin-1 suppresses plasma membrane Ca++-ATPase, concomitant with contraction of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae.

Intracytoplasmic free calcium ions (Ca++) are maintained at a very low concentration in mammalian tissue by extruding Ca++ from the cytoplasm against a steep extracellular Ca++ concentration gradient, mainly through the activity of plasma membrane Ca++ pump-ATPase. The present study aimed to elucidate how endothelin-1 (ET-1) affects the morphology of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae and ultrastructural distribution of plasma membrane ATPases and intracytoplasmic free Ca++ in isolated rat hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells. Sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae were observed by scanning electron microscope. Ando's electron cytochemical method was used for ultrastructural localization of Ca++-Mg++-ATPase activity, electron immunogold postembedding method for Ca++ pump-ATPase immunoactivity, and antimonate method for intracytoplasmic free Ca++. Addition of ET-1 to sinusoidal endothelial cells significantly decreased Ca++-Mg++-ATPase activity and Ca++ pump-ATPase expression and increased intracytoplasmic free Ca++ concentration, concomitant with a decrease in diameter of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae. Co-treatment with Bosentan abolished the actions of ET-1. These results suggest that ET-1 suppresses Ca++-Mg++-ATPase activity and Ca++ pump-ATPase expression on the plasma membrane of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae, thereby attenuating the extrusion of intracytoplasmic free Ca++ into the extracellular space, leading to an increased concentration of intracytoplasmic free calcium ions and contraction of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae.

Animals↗

Peculiar form of cerebral microdysgenesis characterized by white matter neurons with perineuronal and perivascular glial satellitosis: A study using a variety of human autopsied brains.

Microdysgenesis (MD) is a neuropathological term that implies a variety of minor developmental abnormalities of the brain. Recently, MD has been used for pathological diagnosis of cerebral tissues surgically resected from epileptic patients. However, criteria or consensus on pathological diagnosis of MD is still vague and controversial because of the lack of control studies. Therefore, this study paid special attention to the presence of white matter neurons with perineuronal glial satellitosis (WMN-GS) and perivascular glial satellitosis (PVGS) in the white matter, which are occasionally observed in epileptic foci, in order to clarify whether they could be handled as definite findings of MD. The materials included 80 autopsied whole brains ranging from normal subjects to patients with cerebrovascular disorder, neurodegenerative diseases and malformations. In each case, the presence of WMN-GS and/or PVGS was searched in 10 gyri in all five lobes (rostral frontal lobe, caudal frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe and oc-cipital lobe) and evaluated. Statistically significant, WMN-GS and/or PVGS preferentially appeared in a diseased group consisting of neuronal migration disorder and related conditions, such as polymicrogyria, nodular heterotopia or tuberous sclerosis, leading to a suggestive conclusion that the presence of WMN-GS and/or PVGS could be a peculiar form of MD possibly derived from neuronal migrational arrest or related events, even if they appear alone without any other gross abnormalities.

Adolescent↗

Vascular endothelial growth factor increases fenestral permeability in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important regulator of vasculogenesis and vascular permeability. Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) possess sieve-like pores that form an anastomosing labyrinth structure by the deeply invaginated plasma membrane. Caveolin is the principal structural protein in caveolae. In this study, we examined the role of VEGF on the fenestration and permeability of SECs and the relation with caveolin-1. SECs isolated from rat livers by collagenase infusion method were cultured for 24 h with (10 or 100 ng/ml) or without VEGF. The cells were then examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (EM). The expression of caveolin was investigated by confocal immunofluorescence, immunogold EM, and Western blot. Endocytosis and intracellular traffic was studied using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) reaction as a marker of fluid phase transport in SECs. Both transmission and scanning EM showed an increased number of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF) in SECs cultured with VEGF. By confocal immunofluorescence, SECs cultured with VEGF displayed prominent caveolin-l-positive aggregates in the cytoplasm, especially surrounding the nucleus region. Immunogold EM depicted increased caveolin-1 reactivity on vesicles and vacuoles of VEGF-treated SECs compared with VEGF-nontreated cells. However, there was no change in the level of caveolin-1 protein expression on Western blot. After HRP injection, an increase of electron-dense tracer filled the SEF in cells treated with VEGF. Our results suggested that VEGF induced fenestration in SECs, accompanied by an increased number of caveolae-like vesicles. Increased caveolin-1 might be associated with vesicle formation but not with fenestration. Increased fenestration may augment hepatic sinusoidal permeability and transendothelial transport.

Animals↗

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 protein and messenger RNA in primary biliary cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) in the autoimmune process of bile duct destruction in the early stages of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten PBC liver samples and five control samples were studied. Immunohistochemical studies of ICAM-1 and LFA-1, and Western blot of ICAM-1 were performed. Immunoelectron microscopy was conducted using immunoglobulin-gold and silver staining. Human ICAM-land LFA-1 peptide nucleic acid probes were used for in situ hybridization. RESULTS: In PBC liver samples, immunohistochemistry showed aberrant ICAM-1 expression on bile duct epithelial plasma membrane and also luminal sites of endothelial plasma membrane of terminal portal venules. Western blot confirmed ICAM-1 protein expression. LFA-1-positive lymphocytes were associated with epithelial cells of septal and interlobular bile ducts. Immunoelectron microscopy localized ICAM-1 on the luminal and basal surfaces as well as on lymphocytes around damaged bile duct epithelial cells, and LFA-1 on lymphocytes around damaged bile ducts. Messenger RNA expression of ICAM-1 was demonstrated in bile ducts, and LFA-1 in lymphocytes around bile ducts. CONCLUSION: De novo expression of ICAM-1 and LFA-1 at protein and mRNA levels in PBC may imply an inductive role of ICAM-1 through binding with its ligand LFA-1 in the extravasation of activated lymphocytes and lymphocyte-mediated bile duct destruction.

Adult↗

Regulatory mechanisms of hepatic microcirculation.

Hepatic microvasculature receives blood from two types of afferent vessels: the terminal portal venule (TPVn) and the terminal hepatic arteriole (THAo). The TPVns directly connect with the capillary bed in the liver parenchyma, which is referred to as sinusoids. Hepatic arterial blood pours into the hepatic sinusoids not only indirectly via the anastomosis between the THAo and the portal venule (PVn), but also directly through the THAo or the capillaries derived from the arterial capillary network around the bile duct. From a regulatory point of view, the hepatic arterial system is considered to be supplementary, but hepatic arterial flow is essential for supplying oxygen to sinusoidal blood flow as well as to the bile ducts, portal venules and nerves in the portal tract. The main regulators of hepatic sinusoidal blood flow are present in the portal venous system. By intravital and scanning electron microscopy, it is evident that a potent vasoconstrictor endothelin (ET)-1 causes a contraction of the SEF via the ET_B receptors, as well as a significant contraction of the PVn and TPVn, resulting in an increase in sinusoidal and pre-sinusoidal microvascular resistance. This phenomenon implies that the TPVn, particularly the transitional part to the sinusoid, would provide an essential regulatory site for hepatic sinusoidal blood flow as an inlet sphincter-like function. The endothelial cell linings along the hepatic sinusoids are characterized by the presence of a large number of sieve plate-like pores, 100 nm in diameter, i.e. the sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF). The SEF are dynamic structures, forming the racemose invaginations of the endothelial plasma membrane across the endothelium, and regulating not only the permeability of hepatic sinusoids, but also the sinusoidal blood flow by the Ca++ -actomyosin-mediated contraction and dilatation of the SEF. Our recent immunoelectron microscopic and Western blot studies have revealed that caveolin-1, i.e. the principal structural protein of caveolae, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) co-exist in the plasma membrane of the SEF, implying that the SEF may correspond to a permanent (stationary) type of fused and interconnected caveolae, thus contributing to the local control of hepatic sinusoidal blood flow by the regulation of NO synthesis.

Animals↗