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Biomedical subjects

N Ishikawa

Publications and source records attributed to N Ishikawa.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Effect of pre-and postoperative plasmapheresis on posttransplant recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in children.

BACKGROUND: Posttransplant recurrence is frequent in patients who received renal transplantation for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The recurrence has been ascribed to a circulating permeability factor or factors. We have used plasmapheresis (PP) to treat recurrent FSGS and also studied whether preoperative PP is effective in preventing recurrence of FSGS. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 21 allografts of 20 patients with nephrotic syndrome and biopsyproven FSGS. They were divided into two groups depending on whether they had prophylactic PP; a prophylactic (n=15) and a nonprophylactic group (n=6). PP was performed two to three times prophylactically and therapeutically until proteinuria was markedly reduced. In each session, 50-75 ml/kg of the patient's plasma was exchanged with 5-8% albumin. RESULTS: FSGS recurred in 9 of 21 allografts, 4 of 6 in the nonprophylactic group, and 5 of 15 in the prophylactic group. Therapeutic PP was performed in seven of nine recurrent patients without definite adverse effect, with satisfactory results except in one patient. Children lost proteinuria after 6 to > 100 sessions of PP and the number correlated with the pretreatment level of proteinuria. The mean follow-up periods were 62.7 and 41.6 months for the prophylactic and nonprophylactic groups, respectively. At the last follow-up, 66.7% of relapsing and 81.8% of nonrelapsing patients had a functioning graft. CONCLUSION: PP appears to be effective for the prevention and treatment of posttransplant recurrence of FSGS, although further consideration of cost/benefit and risks is required before a conclusive judgement can be made.

Child↗
PubMed2001

Image analysis of quick phase eye movements in nystagmus with high-speed video system.

There are several methods of measuring horizontal, vertical and torsional nystagmus for the diagnosis of vertigo. Using Frentzel glasses, electronystagmography (ENG) and video-oculography (VOG) are common methods for observing nystagmus. In this study, a high-speed video camera is used to analyse high-speed eye movements, including three components of nystagmus, in order to monitor precisely the amplitude and velocity of the quick phase of nystagmus. To confirm the accuracy of the analysis, images of optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) evoked by a stimulating device were analysed. We obtained a high linearity with regard to the relation between the horizontal nystagmus amplitude detected with the high-speed video system and ENG (R2= 0.99). On comparison of the maximum velocities detected with 30Hz and with 250 Hz at each amplitude, the velocities calculated at 30Hz were smaller than those calculated at 250 Hz. At an amplitude of 5 degrees , the 30 Hz velocity decreased by 50%, while a decrease of 35% was observed at 15 degrees. The vertical nystagmus data obtained using high-speed VOG was different in appearance to that obtained using ENG. The torsional component of nystagmus was also measured, and was recorded in the form of a large number of sampling points.

Electronystagmography↗
PubMed2001

Pulmonary blastoma in a child: report of a case.

We describe herein the case of a 2-year-old girl found to have a pulmonary blastoma (PB). The child was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaints of coughing and left-sided chest pain. On admission, a chest X-ray revealed a large mass in the left lung, which measured 10cm in diameter. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a marginally and heterogeneously enhanced tumor filling the left hemithorax. Pathologic findings of the fine-needle aspiration were suggestive of neuroblastoma. Subsequently, a left pneumonectomy with lymph node dissection was performed and histopathological examination confirmed that the tumor was a PB (type III). After the definitive diagnosis was made the patient received combination chemotherapy, and no evidence of recurrence has been seen in the 5 months since surgery.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2001

Effects of SM-20550, a selective Na+-H+ exchange inhibitor, on the ion transport of myocardial mitochondria.

The effect of a novel Na+-H+ exchange inhibitor, SM-20550 [N-(aminoiminomethyl)-1,4-dimethyl-1H-indole-2-carboxamide methanesulfonate] (SM) on the ion transport of myocardial mitochondria was studied using ion fluorometry and superfusion techniques. Isolated mitochondria from the guinea-pig heart were pre-loaded with fluoroprobes of either BCECF AM for H+, SBFI AM for Na+ or fura-2 AM for Ca2+. Initially, the treated mitochondria were superfused with a normal medium (MOPS-buffer, pH 7.4, 24 degrees C), subsequently fluorometric experiments on the Na+, H+, Ca2+ mobilization across the mitochondrial membrane were performed. The intramitochondrial pH (pHm) was increased by the superfusion of Na+ at physiological cytosolic concentrations of 10 mM, indicating the existence of a Na+-H+ exchange in mitochondrial membranes. The Na+ induced elevation of pH was dose-dependently inhibited by SM 1 microM (delta pHm; 45% as drug-free 100%), and 10 microM (delta pHm; 70%), as observed in our experiments with the myocardial sarcolemmal membrane. The selective Na+-H+ exchange inhibitor SM reduced such pHm elevations more markedly than that of EIPA [5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride]. The Na+-H+ exchange inhibitors, SM and EIPA suppressed the intramitochondrial Ca2+ elevation ([Ca2+]m) brought on by external Ca2+ concentration changes: The pretreatment with SM 1 microM, 10 microM and EIPA 10 microM reduced the [Ca2+]m influx by 28.3, 56.5 and 63%, respectively. Additionally, the [Ca2+]m elevation induced by acidification of the perfusate was reduced by the prior infusion of SM and EIPA. Pretreatment of mitochondria with SM or EIPA which had beneficial effects on the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) in the ischemia-reperfusion injury of Langendorff hearts, reduced the intramitochondrial Na+ and pHm levels, indicating interplay of the inhibitory mechanism of Ca2+-uptake into mitochondria coupled with Na+-H+ exchange. These findings suggested that protective effects of Na+-H+ exchange inhibitors on reperfused myocardium are due in part to the Ca2+-paradox at the mitochondria level.

Amidines↗
PubMed2001

A case of rapid progressive glomerulonephritis with IgA deposits after renal transplantation.

A 46-yr-old Japanese male who underwent a second cadaveric kidney transplantation on 31 October 1996 after suffering Type II diabetic mellitus for 25 yr was admitted to our institute on 23 January 1999, because of colicky abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort. Elevated levels of serum creatinine, severe proteinuria and microscopic haematuria were observed. The allograft biopsy specimen disclosed crescentic glomerulonephritis. Immunofluorescence showed granular deposits of mainly IgA and C3 along glomerular capillary walls and mesangial areas. Electron microscopy showed extensive subepithelial and mesangial electron dense deposits. Rapid and irreversible worsening of graft function led to resumption of haemodialysis on 31 May 1999. We speculated that this case was an atypical form of de novo Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) in transplanted kidney because of the histopathological findings of the allograft biopsy and clinical symptoms.

Cadaver↗
PubMed2001

Fas/FasL mediated apoptosis of thyrocytes in Graves' disease.

We examined in the present study the possible involvement of Fas and its ligand (FasL) in the process of Graves' disease. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that few normal thyrocytes expressed Fas but many thyrocytes in Graves' disease expressed this molecule. The percentage of FasL-positive thyrocytes in Graves' thyroids was, however, less than in normal thyroids. Several apoptotic thyrocytes and infiltrating mononuclear cells (MNCs) were detected scattered throughout Graves' thyroid tissues and abundant proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive thyrocytes were present. Apoptotic cells, as well as PCNA-positive cells, were scarcely detectable in normal thyroid glands, however. In vitro treatment of thyrocytes by IL-1beta a cytokine found to be expressed in Graves' thyroid glands, increased Fas but reduced FasL expression. IL-1beta-stimulated thyrocytes became sensitive to apoptosis by anti-Fas IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb). Activated T cells, which strongly expressed FasL, showed cytotoxic activity toward IL-1beta-stimulated thyrocytes but not toward unstimulated thyrocytes. This cytotoxic activity involved the Fas/FasL pathway. Importantly, unstimulated thyrocytes could kill activated, but not resting, T cells. IL-1beta-stimulated thyrocytes, with down-regulated FasL expression, could not efficiently kill activated T cells. The cytotoxic activity of unstimulated thyrocytes toward activated T cells was inhibited by anti-FasL mAb. Interestingly, unstimulated thyrocytes induced apoptosis in IL-1beta-stimulated thyrocytes but not in unstimulated thyrocytes. These interactions were also blocked by anti-FasL mAb. Our results suggest that the apoptotic cell death of both thyrocytes and infiltrating MNCs found in Graves' thyroid glands is regulated by IL-1beta through Fas/FasL interactions.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2001

Toxic multinodular goitre in a patient with generalized resistance to thyroid hormone who harbours the R429Q mutation in the thyroid hormone receptor beta gene.

The association of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) due to a receptor defect with toxic multinodular goitre or with carcinoma of the thyroid has not been previously reported. Previous histopathological studies of the thyroid gland in patients with RTH have revealed changes similar to multinodular goitre, probably due to continuous stimulation by TSH. We report here a case of generalized resistance to thyroid hormone associated with a multinodular goitre, which became toxic. The patient was a 46-year-old Japanese woman who noticed a goitre although she had no symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. Initial examination revealed elevated serum thyroid hormone levels and a normal TSH level. Ultrasonography disclosed a multinodular goitre with cystic lesions. Three years later, the patient complained that the goitre had become larger and that she had developed symptoms of thyrotoxicosis such as palpitation and hyperhydrosis. Progressive hyperthyroxinaemia with relatively suppressed TSH, increased radioiodine uptake and negative anti-TSH receptor antibodies led to the diagnosis of toxic multinodular goitre. Subtotal thyroidectomy was performed, and pathological examination revealed a micropapillary carcinoma within the multinodular goitre. Occurrence of thyroid carcinoma should be considered in RTH because its incidence is high in multinodular goitre. Molecular examination revealed the R429Q mutation in the thyroid hormone receptor beta gene, which is one of the mutations usually manifesting as the pituitary resistance phenotype. That thyrotoxic manifestations appeared only during toxic stage of multinodular goitre in this case suggests that the phenotype of this type of mutation can be dependent on the amount of thyroid hormone.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2001

Frequency of appearance of myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) in Graves' disease patients treated with propylthiouracil and the relationship between MPO-ANCA and clinical manifestations.

OBJECTIVE: Myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA)-positive vasculitis has been reported in patients with Graves' disease who were treated with propylthiouracil (PTU). The appearance of MPO-ANCA in these cases was suspected of being related to PTU because the titres of MPO-ANCA decreased when PTU was stopped. Nevertheless, there have been no studies on the temporal relationship between the appearance of MPO-ANCA and vasculitis during PTU therapy, or on the incidence of MPO-ANCA in untreated Graves' disease patients. Therefore, we sought to address these parameters in patients with Graves' disease. PATIENTS: We investigated 102 untreated patients with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease for the presence of MPO-ANCA, and for the development vasculitis after starting PTU therapy. Twenty-nine of them were later excluded because of adverse effects of PTU or because the observation period was less than 3 months. The remaining 73 patients (55 women and 18 men), all of whom were examined for more than 3 months, were adopted as the subjects of the investigation. The median observation period was 23.6 months (range: 3-37 months). MEASUREMENTS: MPO-ANCA was measured at intervals of 2-6 months. RESULTS: Before treatment, the MPO-ANCA titres of all 102 untreated Graves' disease patients were within the reference range (below 10 U/ml). Three (4.1%) of the 73 patients were positive for MPO-ANCA at 13, 16 and 17 months, respectively, after the start of PTU therapy. In two of them, the MPO-ANCA titres transiently increased to 12.8 and 15.0 U/ml, respectively, despite continued PTU therapy, but no vasculitic disorders developed. In the third patient, the MPO-ANCA titre increased to 204 U/ml and she developed a higher fever, oral ulcers and polyarthralgia, but the symptoms resolved 2 weeks after stopping PTU therapy, and the MPO-ANCA titre decreased to 20.7 U/ml by 4 months after discontinuing PTU. CONCLUSIONS: PTU therapy may be related to the appearance of MPO-ANCA, but MPO-ANCA does not appear to be closely related to vasculitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Benefits of ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy for the treatment of impacted ureteral stones.

PURPOSE: Although new forms of lithotripsy, such as new-generation shockwave and laser lithotripsies, have recently been developed, the optimal treatment for impacted ureteral stones (IUS) remains controversial. We investigated, retrospectively, the outcome of IUS treated with ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two IUS cases were treated using ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy. Of 22 stones, 8 (36%) were treated by ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy as initial treatment and 14 (64%) with pneumatic lithotripsy as an auxiliary treatment after SWL. The stone sizes ranged from 7 to 16 mm with 14 located in the proximal, 3 in the middle, and 5 in the distal ureter. RESULTS: Twenty stones (91%) were effectively fragmented by ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy and eliminated within 1 month after treatment. One stone could not be observed with the ureteroscope secondary to the kinking and stricture of the ureter under the stone, and the stone moved into the kidney during the procedure. The stone was subsequently treated successfully with SWL. One other stone was first fragmented into two pieces; and one big piece, which migrated into the kidney, was treated successfully with SWL. Complications such as bleeding, ureteral injury, and perforation did not occur. Although a few small fragments migrated into the kidney during the procedure in three cases, the overall stone-free rate at 1 month after a one-session treatment with pneumatic lithotripsy was 91%. CONCLUSION: Impacted ureteral stones can be treated effectively with ureteroscopic pneumatic lithotripsy in both the short and the long term.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Electrovaporization using a rollerball electrode for flat or small papillary tumors of the bladder: basic study in dogs.

PURPOSE: We investigated electrovaporization of flat bladder tumors with a rollerball electrode 3 mm in diameter as a substitute for conventional transurethral resection with a cutting loop. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A basic study of the action of electrovaporization was performed in dogs. The bladder was exposed under general anesthesia in three mongrel dogs. The rollerball electrode was attached to the resectoscope and inserted into the bladder via a cystostomy. Then electrovaporization was performed with a low or high pressure on the electrode tip and a speed of about 1 cm/sec using a Force 40 generator. The cutting mode power was set at 100 W or 200 W. The effects of the rollerball and cutting loop electrodes were also examined in the coagulation mode (45 W) as a control. RESULTS: A deeper vaporization zone was obtained by using a power of 200 W in the cutting mode than with a power of 100 W, and a desiccation zone was found below the vaporization zone (VZ). The VZ was thicker with a high contact pressure than with a low contact pressure. This VZ was deeper than the tissue defect and heat-affected zone obtained using a rollerball electrode or cutting loop electrode in the 45 W coagulation mode. CONCLUSION: Although caution is required because the VZ can become too deep with excessive pressure, the rollerball electrode seems to be safer and more useful than the cutting loop electrode for resection of flat or small papillary bladder tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Elevation of serum pro-gastrin-releasing peptide in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) arises from parafollicular or C cells of the thyroid gland and produces a variety of peptides such as calcitonin (CT) and gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP). Here we measured serum levels of pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (Pro-GRP), a more stable precursor of GRP, in 15 patients with MTC (4 males, 11 females) who did not show any clinical or radiologic signs of small cell lung cancer. Serum Pro-GRP levels were elevated in 80% (12/15) patients. Significant correlation was observed between serum Pro-GRP and CT (r = 0.52) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (r = 0.56). Serum Pro-GRP levels also correlated with tumor size (r = 0.70). Serum Pro-GRP levels also decreased below the cut-off range in one patient after surgical resection. Our data suggest that Pro-GRP, which is considered to be a specific marker for small cell lung carcinoma, seems to be also helpful and additional marker for the diagnosis and monitoring the response to therapy in patients with MTC in addition to calcitonin as the main tumor marker.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Role of central nervous system nitric oxide in the development of neurogenic pulmonary edema in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate roles of nitric oxide in the central nervous system in the development of neurogenic pulmonary edema. Nitric oxide donor compounds have been reported to be effective for controlling some kinds of pulmonary edema. DESIGN: Randomized trial. SETTING: Experimental university pharmacology laboratory. SUBJECTS: Wistar rats anesthetized with pentobarbital. INTERVENTIONS: Neurogenic pulmonary edema was induced by injections of fibrinogen and thrombin into the cisterna magna. Physiologic roles of nitric oxide were evaluated by using NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) or l-arginine (a nitric oxide donor compound). Vagus nerves were either left intact or bilaterally severed 20 mins before the injections of fibrinogen and thrombin. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Because enhanced sympathetic nerve activity mediates neurogenic pulmonary edema, the concentration of neuropeptide Y, a neurotransmitter, in edema fluid was measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To evaluate the severity of pulmonary edema and pulmonary vascular permeability, lung water content and protein concentration in edema fluid were analyzed. In rats with intact vagus nerves, injection of NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester into the cisterna magna worsened the pulmonary edema, whereas l-arginine had no effect. In contrast, in vagotomized rats, l-arginine abrogated pulmonary edema, whereas NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester exerted no influence. Likewise, the ratio of edema fluid protein to serum protein and the neuropeptide Y concentration were increased by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester in rats with the vagus nerves intact and were diminished by l-arginine in vagotomized rats. CONCLUSIONS: Neurogenic pulmonary edema is characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular permeability and may be inhibited by nitric oxide production in the medulla oblongata.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Protective effect of SM-20550, a selective Na+ - H+ exchange inhibitor, on ischemia-reperfusion-injured hearts.

The protective effects of Na+ - H+ exchange inhibitors SM-20550 (SM) and 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA) against ischemia-reperfusion injury were investigated in guinea pig Langendorff hearts. The changes in intracellular pH (pHi), high-energy phosphates, and biologic intracellular active ions ([Na+]i and [Ca2+]i) were regarded using the 31P-NMR and specific fluorescent signals from the heart tissues together with simultaneous recordings of the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP). The recovery rate of LVDP from ischemia (40 min) by reperfusion was 36.8% in the control experiments, whereas in the presence of SM 10(-7) M, a gradual increase to 75.9% (55.5% with 10(-8) M), in contrast to EIPA (10(-7) M), 47.5% was observed. SM 10(-7) M restored the ATP level by 70% in 40-min reperfusion, which was already higher than the control in the latter half (20-40 min) of the ischemic period. The recovery rate of phosphocreatine by pretreatment of the heart with SM 10(-7) M was 75% in 40 min reperfusion. The pHi estimated from Pi/phosphocreatine chemical shift became highly acidic in ischemic heart so that SM 10(-7) M caused slight but significant pHi reduction from control pHi of 5.89 to 5.75. The level returned to pHi at around 7.38 during 30-40 min reperfusion, and the recovery was significantly greater than the control pHi of 7.24. The fura-2 Ca2+ or SBFI-Na+ signals during Langendorff ischemia heart increased, and rapidly returned to the control level after the reperfusion. SM suppressed the [Na+]i or [Ca2+]i elevation induced in the late stage during ischemia, resulting in LVDP restoration after reperfusion; Diastolic Ca2+ in the end period of ischemia, SM 10(-7) M 194% versus drug-free 220.7%. Na+: SM 10(-7) M 121.6% versus drug-free 128.0%. The present results suggest that the selective Na+ - H+ exchange inhibitor SM is promising as a potent and specific protective agent against ischemia-reperfusion injuries with Ca2+ overload induced via Na+ - H+, Na+ - Ca2+ exchange.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2001

Protective effects of FK409, a novel nitric oxide donor, against postischemic myocardial dysfunction in guinea-pig hearts.

Effects of FK409 were investigated in perfused guinea-pig Langendorff hearts subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. Nitric oxide electrode, fluorometry, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance imaging were used to monitor changes in cellular high-phosphorous energy and nitric oxide and Ca2+ content in the heart together with simultaneous recordings of left ventricular developed pressure. After cardioplegic arrest with St. Thomas' Hospital solution, normothermic (37 degrees C) global ischemia was induced for 40 min, and hearts were reperfused for 40 min. FK409 at 10(-8) M, which has a minimum inotropic effect on nonischemic hearts, was added to the cardioplegic solution. Treatment with FK409 reduced left ventricular developed pressure during and after ischemia and improved postischemic recovery of left ventricular developed pressure from 55.4% at 40 min of reperfusion in FK409-free hearts up to 80.4% in hearts treated with FK409 (p < 0.01). Flow rate at 1.5 min after treatment with the cardioplegic solution was 27.7 ml/min in hearts treated with FK409 compared with 21.2 ml/min in drug-free hearts (p < 0.01). Treatment with FK409 significantly effected preservation of tissue level of beta-adenosine triphosphate at the end of ischemia or reperfusion. During ischemia, arrested with the cardioplegic solution, intracellular Ca2+ accumulation and nitric oxide release were reduced. At the end of ischemia in FK409-treated hearts, nitric oxide release was 86% greater than in drug-free hearts without reference to the Ca2+ concentration. In cardiac surgery, normothermic arrested hearts are subject to damage by oxygen free radicals in reperfusion injury. Therefore, nitric oxide exogenously supplied by FK409 was responsible for the cardioprotective action, presumably by acting directly as an oxygen radical scavenger during reperfusion. A specific nitric oxide donor, like FK409, may have therapeutic use as a nitric oxide-mediated vasorelaxant and additional protective action for reperfusion-injury hearts.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed2001

SGLT gene expression in primary lung cancers and their metastatic lesions.

Cancer cells show increased glucose uptake and utilization in comparison with their normal counterparts. Glucose transporters play an important role in glucose uptake. We previously reported the differential gene expression of the GLUT family in primary and metastatic lesions of lung cancer. To investigate the role of Na( +) / glucose cotransporter (SGLT) genes in cancers, we examined the levels of expression of SGLT1 and SGLT2 genes in primary lung cancers and their metastatic lesions. Ninety-six autopsy samples (35 primary lung cancers, 35 corresponding normal lung tissues, 10 metastatic liver lesions, and 16 metastatic lymph nodes) from 35 patients were analyzed for SGLT1 and SGLT2 expression by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There were no significant differences in the level of expression of either gene between the primary lung cancers and normal lung tissues. The level of SGLT1 expression in the metastatic lesions and primary lung cancers did not differ significantly. The level of SGLT2 expression was, however, significantly higher in the metastatic lesions of both the liver and lymph node than in the primary lung cancers. These results suggest that SGLT2 plays a role in glucose uptake in the metastatic lesions of lung cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Risk factors for stiffness of the wall of the thoracic aorta in patients with mild atherosis.

Previous studies have suggested that aging is associated with progressive arterial stiffness and widening of the pulse pressure, and pulse pressure has been found to be a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of age, blood pressure (including pulse pressure) or atherogenic factors on thoracic aortic wall stiffness in patients with mild atherosis are unclear, so the present study used transesophageal echocardiography to examine 103 consecutive patients with various cardiovascular diseases. The extent of atherosis was evaluated in terms of intima-medial thickness (IMT), and 2 indices of wall stiffness in the aorta were calculated: elastic modulus and stiffness parameter (beta). In subjects with mild atherosis (IMT <1.0mm), age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, triglyceride level, and hypertension were factors significantly associated with high wall stiffness, and multiple logistic stepwise analysis revealed that age, pulse pressure, and triglyceride level were particularly significant.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Absence of endothelium in invertebrate blood vessels: significance of endothelium and sympathetic nerve/medial smooth muscle in the vertebrate vascular system.

In the course of evolution, two remarkable changes seem to have occurred in vertebrate circulation: the appearance and development of the "endothelium or endothelial tubular system" and "sympathetic nerve/medial smooth muscle system". In the present article, some relevant literature is reviewed and discussed. Absence of endothelium in the vascular wall of most invertebrates had been known and was confirmed by recent electron microscopic studies. The medial smooth muscle is rather proper to vertebrate vessels. It seems to have appeared after emergence of and in association with the endothelial tubular system. Phylogenetically, the parasympathetic nervous system is thought to be older than the sympathetic system. The former is distributed to viscera and the latter developed in close relation with the vascular system. It is assumed that during evolution, a circulatory system composed of the heart and endothelial tubular system first formed in vertebrates, medial smooth muscle then appeared for regulation of the system, and innervation of the muscle tissue took place. This sequence of development assumed for phylogenesis is actually realized in the ontogenetic processes. We thus propose a hypothesis that the "sympathetic nerve/medial smooth muscle system" may be regarded as a new neuroeffector mechanism that developed for systemic regulation of the endothelium-lined closed vascular system in vertebrates. A few implications of the hypothesis are presented.

Animals↗