Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

N Koyama

Publications and source records attributed to N Koyama.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

[A case of "familial" type cardiac myxoma].

We report a case of "Familial" type cardiac myxoma observed in mother and daughter. The mother had myxomas in the bilateral atrium, which were completely resected together with the peripheral tissue. Her first child (daughter) had myxoma in the outflow tract of the right ventricle. The wide range resection of tumor and tumor pedicle with the free wall of right ventricle and ventricular septum was tried, however, the resection range was limited for anatomical restriction. Cardiac echo, MRI and superhigh-speed CT are useful for detection of the site of tumor in presence, its mobility and the site to which the pedicle adhered and did not make us recognize necessity of cardiac catheter test. When "Familial" or "Complex" type lesion is suspected, it is necessary to investigate carefully other sites except a tissue with the tumor and the patient's family and recurrence after tumor resection.

Child↗

Stimulatory effect of NH4+ on the transport of leucine and glucose in an anaerobic alkaliphile.

An anaerobic alkaliphile, EP01, specifically requires NH4+ for the acceleration of amino acid and glucose transport [Koyama, N. (1988) FEBS Lett. 253, 187-189]. In this paper, we attempted to clarify how NH4+ is involved in the transport system. The bacterium acidifies the cytoplasm, which was suggested to result in NH4+ accumulation when NH4Cl was added to the medium. Increase of the NH4Cl concentration administered to the medium caused the acceleration of leucine and glucose transport, which was accompanied by an increase in the internal pH and the absolute internal concentration of NH4+, whereas a decrease in the concentration ratio of internal NH4+/external NH4+ was observed. The addition of 3 mM NH4Cl, which resulted in significant stimulation of leucine and glucose transport, raised the internal NH4+ concentration by 42 mM, but the internal pH only by 0.1 units. It seems more likely that leucine and glucose transport are accelerated depending on the increase in the internal NH4+ concentration rather than the increase in the internal pH. By the imposition of an inwardly directed Na+ gradient, the K(+)-loaded membrane vesicles accumulated leucine and glucose, indicating that a sodium chemical potential is available for active transport. The membrane of the bacterium exhibited a Na(+)-stimulated ATPase activity which was remarkably enhanced by the addition of NH4Cl, depending on its concentration, and was inhibited by vanadate. Leucine and glucose transport were inhibited by vanadate. Based on these results, we propose a mechanism in which NH4+ contributes internally to leucine and glucose transport, depending on its concentration, by the activation of a Na(+)-translocating ATPase responsible for the generation of a sodium chemical potential.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Purification and characterization of an autocrine migration factor for vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), SMC-derived migration factor.

Migration of medial smooth muscle cells (SMC) into the intima is a key step in intimal thickening of atherosclerotic tissues. We previously reported that cultured SMC secrete a potent migration factor for SMC, named SMC-derived migration factor (SDMF). We purified this factor to homogeneity from 20 liters of serum-free conditioned medium of cultured rat aortic SMC by sequential heparin-Sepharose column, red-Sepharose column, TSK-heparin high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column, and Superose 6 HPLC column chromatographies. SDMF was found to be a 58-kDa polypeptide by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Reduction by mercaptoethanol caused only a slight decrease in its molecular mass to 53 kDa. Preparative isoelectric focusing revealed that SDMF is a basic protein with a pI of approximately 10. Purified SDMF enhanced the migration of rat SMC dose dependently, its maximal activity being 4 times that of platelet-derived growth factor-BB. In contrast, SDMF did not enhance the migration of endothelial cells from either human umbilical cord vein or rabbit retinal tissue. SDMF had no effect on the proliferation of SMC. These findings suggest that SDMF enhances SMC migration in vascular walls and that the autocrine system of SMC migration contributes to the formation of intimal thickening in atheroma formation.

Animals↗

Angiogenic effects of advanced glycation end products of the Maillard reaction on cultured human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells.

The effects of advanced glycation end products (AGE) of the Maillard reaction on proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were studied. In an in vitro angiogenesis system, tube formation of HUVEC was dose-dependently stimulated by AGE at 0.5-50 micrograms/ml. Migration of HUVEC was also stimulated by AGE in a similar concentration range, and checkerboard analysis revealed that AGE were chemotactic but not chemokinetic. Proliferation of HUVEC was not affected by AGE. These data provide evidence that AGE are angiogenic.

Cell Movement↗

Ascending inhibition of nociceptive neurons in the nucleus ventralis posterolateralis following conditioning stimulation of the nucleus raphe magnus.

Recordings were made from neurons in the nucleus ventralis posterolateralis (VPL) of urethane-chloralose-anesthetized cats, following both noxious mechanical stimulation of the integument and electrical stimulation of the greater splanchnic nerve (SPL). The effects of stimulating the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) on responses obtained from these units were investigated. Units responding to noxious mechanical stimulation of the integument with SPL input were found in the posterior shell region of the VPL. Responses elicited from these units by electrical stimulation of the SPL were inhibited following conditioning stimulation in or near the NRM. Inhibition could still be demonstrated after bilateral section of the dorsolateral funiculi at the level of C3-C4. Responses of these units to electrical stimulation of the ventrolateral funiculus (VLF) of the cervical cord were also inhibited following conditioning stimulation in or near the NRM. These results suggest that inhibition of these units produced by conditioning NRM stimulation may be partially mediated by an ascending pathway, in addition to the well-known descending spinal pathways. Glutamate stimulation of the NRM inhibited responses of nociceptive VPL units to SPL stimulation, but responses of the same units to VLF stimulation were little affected by the glutamate stimulation of the NRM. Inhibition of responses of nociceptive VPL units to SPL stimulation may be due to anti-dromic excitation of brainstem neurons having efferent connection with the NRM.

Animals↗

Increased platelet activating factor in the tracheal aspirates from neonates with patent ductus arteriosus.

We investigated platelet-activating factor (PAF) in the tracheal aspirate from 3 intubated low birth weight infants with symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PAF increased with the onset of symptomatic PDA and decreased to the control range soon after the ductal closure. The concentration of PAF in 26 samples taken during symptomatic PDA (median 16 pg/micrograms lipid phosphorus, range 1.4-1,200 pg/micrograms lipid phosphorus) was significantly higher than that of 31 samples from the same three patients during the periods without symptomatic PDA (median 1.9 pg/micrograms lipid phosphorus, range 0-12 pg/micrograms lipid phosphorus; P < 0.001). All 3 infants later developed chronic lung disease. These results suggest that large shunting PDA provokes PAF release to the air way of the neonate and that PAF might play a role in chronic lung disease developing after symptomatic PDA.

Ductus Arteriosus, Patent↗

Nucleus ventralis posteromedialis neurons relaying somatosensory lingual input to the cerebral cortex in the cat.

The cortical projection of somatosensory lingual units in the nucleus ventralis posteromedialis (VPM) of the thalamus was studied in urethane-chloralose anesthetized cats. Ipsilateral lingual units were recorded from the lateral subdivision of nucleus ventralis posteromedialis parvocellularis (VPMpcl). They were antidromically excited following electrical stimulation of the ventral aspect of the coronal gyrus or its caudally adjacent orbital gyrus. From these same cortical areas, positive surface potentials were recorded following electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral lingual nerve. Electrical stimulation of the same cortical areas elicited jaw opening movement. Contralateral somatosensory lingual units were recorded from the VPM proper. They were antidromically excited following electrical stimulation of the SI somatosensory cortex.

Animals↗

Study of the efficacy of nicorandil in patients with ischaemic heart disease using Exercise-T1-201 myocardial tomography.

The effect of nicorandil on myocardial perfusion in ischaemic heart disease has been studied using exercise-load T1-201 myocardial SPECT (Ex-SPECT). Ex-SPECT was carried out in 12 patients with previous myocardial infarction (OMI) and 9 with angina pectoris (AP) before and after administration of nicorandil 15 mg/day, for three or more weeks; % T1 uptake and the washout rate in infarcted or ischaemic areas were calculated from short axial images using the Bull's eye method. In the OMI group, % T1 uptake and washout rates in the infarction areas improved significantly from 52.4% and 0.25 before nicorandil to 60.4% and 0.38 after it. In the AP group, too, % T1 uptake and washout rates showed a significant improvement from 56.9% and 0.10 before to 69.1% and 0.33 after administration. Six subjects who had not received the drug, and who showed negative washout rates, had high improvement rates when nicorandil was administered, suggesting that the drug could increase myocardial perfusion during exercise loading as well as suppressing coronary spasm. Ex-SPECT was done in 4 subjects before and after nicorandil and after subsequent surgical treatment (PTCA or CABG) and the effects of the two therapies were compared. The washout rate was improved from 0.01 to 0.34 by administration of nicorandil, and a notable increase in coronary artery blood flow was achieved compared to the level after surgical treatment, i.e. 0.50. It was concluded that, normal dosages of nicorandil have a powerful direct effect of dilating the coronary arteries without any influence on preload or afterload.

Adult↗

Cytokines in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which of the various cytokines interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) are important in endometriosis. METHODS: Peritoneal fluid (PF) samples were taken from 55 women at the time of either laparotomy or laparoscopy, and were examined for the levels of IL-5, IL-6 and IL-1 using each cytokine specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Thirty-two patients had pelvic endometriosis, eight post-pelvic inflammatory disease, four advanced cancer, three adenomyosis, three benign ovarian tumor, and other diseases. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann Whitney test, chi-square test or Fisher's test. RESULTS: Both IL-5 and IL-6 levels in PF specimens with endometriosis tended to be higher than normal, while the same specimens were mostly interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) negative. Of great interest was the negative correlation between log (IL-5) and IL-6 (Fisher's test, P < 0.04). CONCLUSION: These findings support the concept that IL-5 and IL-6 but not IL-1 are associated with endometriosis.

Adult↗

Electrophysiological study of dorsal column function in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats: comparison with 2,5-hexanedione intoxication.

Dorsal column function and peripheral motor and sensory conduction velocities (MCV, SCV) were evaluated in experimental diabetic rats and compared with those in 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) intoxicated rats. Hyperglycemia was induced by a single injection of streptozocin, and electrophysiological studies were performed 4 and 12 weeks after the injection. For 8 weeks 2,5-HD was administered daily by drinking water to make the 2,5-HD neuropathy rats. Age-matched rats were used as control. In diabetic rats, gracile surface potentials evoked by electrical stimulation of the lumbosacral trunk remained normal during the experimental period, whereas the N and P waves of the evoked potentials were suppressed and the duration of the N wave was prolonged in the 2,5-HD rats. In 4-week diabetic rats, the antidromic compound action potentials of the gracile tract recorded at the most proximal site of lumbosacral trunk were normal. In 12-week diabetic rats, the gracile tract conduction velocity (GTCV) was decreased, although the duration of these potentials was normal. By contrast, the GTCV was decreased and the duration was markedly prolonged in 2,5-HD rats. These findings might indicate that temporal dispersion of incoming volleys in the gracile tract is increased in 2,5-HD rats, but not in diabetic rats. These results suggest that diabetic myelopathy exists that but the magnitude and progression of this condition are quite different from those of 2,5-HD intoxication, typical dying-back-type neuropathy and that the dorsal column is less vulnerable than the peripheral nerve in diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗

Effects of growth hormone on follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and ovarian steroidogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of GH on follicle growth, oocyte maturation, ovulation, and ovarian steroidogenesis. DESIGN: In vitro perfused rabbit ovary. INTERVENTIONS: The rabbit ovaries were perfused with medium alone, with GH at 1, 10, 100, or 200 ng/mL, or with 50 IU hCG for 12 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The follicle diameter, the percent change in follicle diameter, the percentage of oocytes achieving germinal vesicle breakdown, and the production of P and E2 by the perfused rabbit ovaries. RESULTS: The addition of GH to the perfusate increased the follicle diameter at 12 hours after perfusion in a dose-dependent manner. The percent change in follicle diameter in GH-treated ovaries did not differ significantly from that in hCG-treated ovaries at each time point of perfusion. However, ovulation did not occur in either the control ovaries or the experimental ovaries treated with GH. Exposure to GH at a concentration of > 10 ng/mL significantly stimulated the resumption of meiosis, as compared with the contralateral control ovaries. Although the concentration of P in the perfusate did not differ significantly between GH-treated and control ovaries, GH stimulated E2 production by the perfused rabbit ovaries in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Growth hormone acts on the rabbit ovary to stimulate follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and ovarian E2 production.

Animals↗

Granulocyte elastase alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor complex measurement in very low birthweight infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage.

We investigated the relationship between the levels of granulocyte elastase alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor complex (E-alpha 1-PI) in plasma and severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in very low birthweight infants. The concentrations of E-alpha 1-PI and the ratio of the concentrations of E-alpha 1-PI to polymorphonuclear leucocyte counts within 24 h of birth in infants with severe IVH were significantly higher compared with those in infants without severe IVH. E-alpha 1-PI seems to be a useful indicator of IVH.

Cerebral Hemorrhage↗

Locally produced angiotensin II induces ovulation by stimulating prostaglandin production in in vitro perfused rabbit ovaries.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of exogenous and endogenous angiotensin II (Ang II) in ovarian steroidogenesis and production of prostaglandin (PG) in in vitro perfused rabbit ovaries. The addition of 100 or 10 micrograms Ang II at 2-h intervals to the perfusate did not stimulate progesterone production, but significantly stimulated estradiol (E2) production by perfused rabbit ovaries. When the specific antagonist of Ang II, saralasin at 2 x 10(-6) M, was added to the perfusate 30 min before the onset of Ang II administration, Ang II-stimulated production of E2 was significantly blocked. Ang II also significantly stimulated both PGE2 and PGF2 alpha production, while the addition of saralasin to the perfusate significantly inhibited the Ang II-stimulated production of PG. The levels of PGs in ovaries perfused with saralasin plus 100 micrograms Ang II did not differ significantly from those in control ovaries perfused with medium alone. Exposure to human CG (hCG) significantly stimulated production of progesterone and E2 by perfused rabbit ovaries, while the concomitant administration of 2 x 10(-6) M saralasin significantly reduced only E2 production. Addition of saralasin to the perfusate inhibited hCG-stimulated PG production in a dose-dependent manner. The ovulatory efficiency in ovaries treated with hCG alone or hCG plus saralasin was significantly correlated with PG production by perfused rabbit ovaries at 12 h after exposure to hCG. The production of PG stimulated by Ang II was completely reduced by indomethacin treatment during the entire perfusion period. Indomethacin completely blocked Ang II-induced ovulation, but not Ang II-stimulated oocyte maturation. Concurrent administration of staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, at 10(-6) M significantly inhibited Ang II-stimulated meiotic maturation of ovulated ova and follicular oocytes. In conclusion, these results indicate that Ang II has a direct role in ovarian production of E2 and PG. An intrinsic renin-angiotensin system in the rabbit ovary may act as an intermediary of gonadotropin-stimulated PG production. Locally produced Ang II may induce ovulation in the rabbit ovary, at least in part, by stimulating PG production.

Angiotensin II↗

Regulatory effects of platelet-derived growth factor-AA homodimer on migration of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Migration of medial smooth muscle cells (SMC) into the intima is important in intimal thickening of atherosclerotic tissues. To study the functions of three isoforms of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in atherosclerosis, we investigated their effects on SMC migration by Boyden's chamber method. Although PDGF-AB and PDGF-BB enhanced SMC migration dose-dependently, PDGF-AA did not enhance SMC migration, but instead inhibited SMC migration induced by PDGF-AB or PDGF-BB. PDGF-AA also inhibited SMC migration induced by two other migration factors, fibronectin and SMC-derived migration factor. PDGF-AA is considered to be coexpressed with transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 in atherosclerotic tissues. Treatment of SMC with TGF-beta 1 reduced an autocrine migration activity from SMC. Studies using anti-PDGF antibody revealed that an increased secretion of PDGF-AA by TGF-beta 1 caused the reduced migration activity. cAMP increase by forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP suppressed SMC migration, whereas cAMP decrease by pertussis toxin had no effects on PDGF-AA-suppressed migration. In contrast, staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, enhanced SMC migration and neutralized the inhibitory effect of PDGF-AA. These findings suggest that PDGF-AA regulates SMC migration in intimal thickening in atheroma formation and that protein kinase C may play an important role in the inhibitory mechanism of PDGF-AA.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Angiotensin II directly induces follicle rupture and oocyte maturation in the rabbit.

To investigate the possible direct involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II) in ovulation and oocyte maturation, Ang II at 100 or 10 micrograms was administered at 2-h intervals in the in-vitro perfused rabbit ovaries. The addition of Ang II in the perfusate induced ovulation in vitro in the absence of gonadotropin, while ovulation did not occur in any contralateral control ovaries. However, the ovulatory efficiency in the Ang II-treated ovaries was significantly lower than in hCG-treated ovaries. Ang II significantly stimulated the meiotic maturation of ovulated ova and follicular oocytes. Concomitant addition of the specific receptor antagonist of Ang II, saralasin, 30 min before the onset of Ang II administration blocked Ang II-induced ovulation in a complete manner. Although saralasin did not inhibit completely hCG-induced ovulation and oocyte maturation, these results suggest that Ang II produced in the ovary may act locally in the process of ovulation.

Angiotensin II↗

A CHO strain producing high-level human IL-6 with the 3' deletion construct.

A Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) strain producing high-level human interleukin 6 (IL-6) was obtained, by introduction of the IL-6 cDNA from which the 3' AU-rich region was deleted. The IL-6 mRNA of this strain was stable. The productivity was more than 15 times higher than the previously obtained clone, which has intact IL-6 cDNA in the same expression vector. This strain produced IL-6 at a high level of 30 micrograms ml-1 in batch culture, or a continuous 20 micrograms per 10(6) cells per day in microcarrier cultivation.

Animals↗

Direct effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists on the rabbit ovarian follicle.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a)-induced oocyte maturation and degeneration can be attributed to the direct actions on the follicle. DESIGN: Mature rabbit follicle culture. INTERVENTIONS: The mature follicles were cultured with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (100 ng/mL), buserelin acetate (10(-9) to 10(-6) M), leuprolide acetate (10(-9) to 10(-6) M), or buserelin acetate (10(-7) M) with a GnRH antagonist (10(-8) to 10(-6) M) for 14 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The percentage of oocytes achieving germinal vesicle breakdown, the oocyte degeneration rate, prostaglandins (PG) production by mature follicles, and the frequency of fertilization and embryonic development. RESULTS: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist induced the meiotic maturation of follicle-enclosed oocytes in a dose-dependent manner while concomitantly increasing oocyte degeneration. The simultaneous addition of GnRH antagonist inhibited significantly GnRH-a-induced oocyte maturation and PG production by the mature follicles. Furthermore, a GnRH antagonist reversed the oocyte degeneration rate that had been increased by GnRH-a. The rates of normal fertilization and early embryonic development were significantly reduced in the oocytes matured by GnRH-a as compared with those matured by hCG. CONCLUSIONS: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist acts directly on mature rabbit follicles to trigger the oocytes to undergo meiotic maturation, but oocytes matured in vitro by GnRH-a are not necessarily cytoplasmically mature.

Animals↗

Effects of prolactin on ovarian plasmin generation in the process of ovulation.

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of prolactin (PRL) on gonadotropin-induced plasmin generation in the in vitro-perfused rabbit ovary. The ovarian plasmin activity was determined by measuring plasmin bound to its major inhibitor, alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2 PI-Plm). In the first experiment, exposure to hCG enhanced ovarian alpha 2 PI-Plm generation from 1.2 +/- 0.3 ng/min/ovary in unstimulated ovaries to 2.9 +/- 0.3 ng within 2 h. The concentration of alpha 2 PI-Plm reached a maximum at 4 h and then declined. A second peak occurred 8 h after hCG administration; however, the ovarian alpha 2 PI-Plm generation without hCG was very low throughout the entire perfusion period. In the subsequent experiment, the addition of PRL(10-10(3) ng/ml) to the perfusate inhibited hCG-induced ovulation in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to PRL at 10(3) ng/ml significantly (p less than 0.05) inhibited hCG-induced alpha 2 PI-Plm generation in ovaries throughout the entire perfusion period. Furthermore, PRL inhibited hCG-stimulated alpha 2 PI-Plm generation at 4 h after hCG administration in the perfused rabbit ovaries in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, PRL directly inhibits hCG-induced ovulation in rabbit ovary, at least in part, by a mechanism depending upon inhibition of the plasmin-generating system in the preovulatory follicles.

Animals↗