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Biomedical subjects

Minoru Tanaka

Publications and source records attributed to Minoru Tanaka.

62 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Identification of a novel first exon of prolactin receptor gene expressed in the rat brain.

A novel first exon, E1(4), whose sequence was distinct from those of the three known first exons, E1(1), E1(2), and E1(3), of the rat PRL receptor (PRL-R) gene was identified by cDNA cloning for the 5'-end region of PRL-R mRNA expressed in the rat brain. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of two different length E1(4) cDNAs. The longer cDNA contained the 243-bp E1(4) sequence, and the shorter cDNA lacked the 139-bp sequence at the 5'-end of the longer one. Neither E1(4) cDNA has a second exon sequence, indicating that the E1(4) first exon is extensively spliced to the third exon. E1(4)-containing PRL-R mRNAs were detected only in the brain by RT-PCR and ribonuclease protection assay. The longer E1(4) mRNA was expressed as the major PRL-R mRNA species in the brain and was greatly increased in pregnant (d 18) and lactating (d 5) rats. A genomic clone containing the E1(4) first exon together with its 5'- and 3'-flanking regions was isolated from a rat kidney genomic library. Ribonuclease protection assay revealed that the position corresponding to the 5'-end of the shorter E1(4) cDNA is the major transcription start point for the E1(4) exon. The 5'-flanking region of E1(4) contained a TATA box-like element 23 bp upstream of the major transcription start point. Other putative transcription factor-binding sites, such as CCAAT, Sp1, and glucocorticoid-responsive elements, were observed at further upstream regions. These results suggest that PRL-R gene expression in rat brain is controlled by the promoter for the E1(4) first exon.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Exercise training increases the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in skeletal muscle of diabetic rats.

The effects of diabetes and exercise training on the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex in skeletal muscle were examined in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups as follows: non-diabetic sedentary, non-diabetic trained, diabetic sedentary, and diabetic trained groups. Diabetic rats were prepared by a bolus injection of intravenous streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). Exercise training was performed by having rats run on a treadmill at a speed of 25 m/min for 45 min/day, 6 days/wk for 4 wks. Exercise training decreased serum concentrations of glucose and non-esterified fatty acid in diabetic rats. GLUT4 content in skeletal muscle in sedentary rats was significantly decreased by diabetes; however, exercise training significantly increased the GLUT4 content in diabetic rats. The total and actual activities and the proportion of actual activity of the PDH complex were decreased in diabetic sedentary rats. Exercise training did not affect the total activity of the PDH complex in non-diabetic rats, whereas it increased the total activity in diabetic rats to the same level as that in non-diabetic rats. In diabetic rats, exercise training tended to increase the proportion of actual activity of the PDH complex from 2.7 +/- 0.4% to 4.7 +/- 0.8%, although the proportion of actual activity in non-diabetic rats was decreased by exercise training. The present study suggests that exercise training may improve glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscle of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats probably through the mechanisms of increasing both GLUT4 content and the activity of the PDH complex.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

A graft-versus-tumor effect in a patient with ependymoma who received an allogenic bone marrow transplant for therapy-related leukemia. Case report.

Graft-versus-leukemia effect is an immune-mediated antitumor phenomenon associated with allogenic bone marrow transplants (BMTs) for hematological malignancies, and recent findings have indicated that a similar effect could occur in some solid tumors such as breast cancers. The authors report on a 42-year-old man with a recurrent ependymoma who received an allogenic BMT for therapy-related leukemia. After transplantation, the patient developed chronic graft-versus-host disease, which was controlled with steroid agents. Interestingly, the recurrent ependymoma regressed steadily over the next 21 months posttransplant, until the tumor became almost undetectable on magnetic resonance images. This case indicates that the graft-versus-tumor effect, mediated by cytotoxic T cells, may be able to target intraparenchymal neuroepithelial tumors, despite the brain's generally recognized status as an immunoprivileged organ.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Central retinal vein occlusion caused by human herpesvirus 6.

We describe a 1-year-old girl with central retinal vein occlusion caused by human herpesvirus 6. She received systemic corticosteroid therapy. Although there was retinal recovery after the therapy, the visual acuity in her left eye still could not be measured.

DNA, Viral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Multifunction vitreous forceps (maculorrhexis forceps).

We developed novel multifunction vitreous forceps to decrease the frequency of forceps insertion and enable the removal of the internal limiting membrane and other intravitreal membranes for better surgical results. The basic forceps were conventional continuous curvelinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) forceps. The size of the shaft is 23G and its pointed end measures 500 microm in diameter. Additionally, there is a platform in its tip. The pointed end with platform helps to hold the membrane because the outer sheath can be moved while the tip of the forceps is fixed in position, and its pen hold type grip helps to reduce hand movement. The most advantageous thing is that the sharp point enables us to make an initial flap easily and the desired area of internal limiting membrane can be peeled off by firmly holding the platform.

Capsulorhexis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Efficacy of daunorubicin encapsulated in liposome for the treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of daunorubicin encapsulated in liposome as a drug delivery system to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental PVR model was made in pigmented rabbits by injecting a suspension of conjunctival fibroblasts and platelet-rich plasma into the vitreous cavity. Daunorubicin was encapsulated in newly developed empty liposome by mixing the empty liposome with the drug solution. Studies were performed 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after injection of daunorubicin encapsulated in empty liposome in an experimental PVR model. RESULTS: Compared with the control PVR model, daunorubicin prevented the formation of PVR. Although pathologic changes were observed in the eyes injected with daunorubicin alone, there were no adverse effects observed in the eyes injected with daunorubicin encapsulated in empty liposome. CONCLUSIONS: Daunorubicin encapsulated in empty liposome seems to be effective in preventing PVR without causing any adverse effects to the retina.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Retinal vessel changes in a patient with primary systemic nonfamilial amyloidosis.

A case is described that demonstrates retinal vessel changes and suggests the favorable effects of hemodialysis to treat pathology in a patient with primary systemic nonfamilial amyloidosis. A 47-year-old woman diagnosed as having primary systemic nonfamilial amyloidosis at the age of 30 years had linear and dot hemorrhage, venous dilatation, and tortuosity in the right eye. Fluorescein angiography revealed low-density amorphous areas in the walls of dilated veins near the optic disc. These findings diminished with hemodialysis.

Amyloidosis↗