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Biomedical subjects

N Kubo

Publications and source records attributed to N Kubo.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Lesions in side branches of arteries having undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: a histopathologic study.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) may cause occlusion in side branches. No histologic studies, however, have been made on side branches of the arteries in which PTCA has been performed. A histologic study was therefore made to explain the effect of PTCA on side branches. Histologic specimens were prepared by serial step sectioning from 15 side branches of 10 autopsied cases that had undergone PTCA. The results of examination by light microscope were as follows: (1) Stenoses due to PTCA were seen in seven branches (46.7%). (2) The stenoses were classified into three types: (a) stenosis due to blocking of the orifice of a side branch by the disrupted portion of the intima of the main artery (one branch); (b) stenosis due to medial dissection of the main artery or further dissection occurring even in the side branches (three branches); and (c) stenosis due to fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina of the main artery accompanied by proliferation of smooth muscle cells even in the side branch (three branches). It is now clear that stenosis is caused in side branches long after PTCA. Extra care is required when major side branches exist in the portion where this procedure is to be performed.

Adult↗

[Human respiratory tract infection by Pasteurella multocida subsp. multocida presumably derived from the cat].

Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative short rod-shaped bacteria that has been recognized as a pathogen of hemorrhagic septicemia and fowl cholera in the veterinary medicine. Infections by this microorganism as seen in the foreign literature vary widely from local infections due to bites and scratches by animals to general infections such as infections of the respiratory tract, sepsis, and meningitis. In Japan, reported cases of P. multocida infections are predominantly local infections, followed by respiratory infection. Recently, death of diabetic patients due to septicemia by this pathogen has also been reported. In this study, we experienced a case of respiratory tract infection in which the pathogen P. multocida subsp. multocida was suggested to have been transmitted from a pet cat by the agreement of the serotype of the bacterial isolates between the patient and the cat. This case was evaluated from the zoonotic viewpoint. The patient was a 68-year-old male who had been followed up since 1982 with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis. After his referral to our hospital, P. multocida subsp. multocida was isolated from his bloody sputum and, then, from the cat kept by the patient. The tow isolates were identical in terms of the biochemical properties, drug susceptibility profile, and serotype (-:1), and the derivation of P. multocida subsp. multocida infection from cat was established for the first time in this report. The incidence of P. multocida infections is increasing in Japan, and particular attention is considered to be needed about these conditions as zoonoses as indicated in "Preventive Measures against Zoonoses Derived from Pet Animals (Dog, Cat)", an official communication from the Ministry of Health and Welfare to related institutions in 1989. Also, to check whether the patient keeps any pet at the clinical inquiry is a practice of bacteriological importance in all fields of medicine.

Aged↗

[Studies on the giardiasis as the zoonosis].

To obtain basic data on the route of Giardia infection as zoonosis, we examined feces from 80 dogs and 16 cats for Giardia cysts and evaluated the detection rates. In addition, familial infection was studied in 3 family members of the patient with giardiasis. Giardia cysts were detected in 10 of the 80 dogs (12.5%) but none of the cats. Of the 10 dogs from which Giardia cysts were isolated, 6 had been maintained by the breeders. Tow other dogs were for examination in the research institutions. None of the family members of the patient with giardiasis had this infection. Since the detection rates of Giardia cysts in the dogs and cats were low, the possibility that human infection is acquired from dogs or cats seemed to be low. However, some of patients with giardiasis we encountered had never been abroad. This fact together with the presence of Giardia cysts in the dogs despite the low detection rates suggest that attention should be paid to the possible association between human giardiasis and pets since the number of people keeping pets is increasing.

Animals↗

Restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty--a histopathological study using autopsied hearts.

Restenosis was studied histopathologically by serial step sectioning of 22 coronary arteries from 21 patients in whom percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) had been performed (9 arteries from patients who had died shortly after PTCA and 13 from those who had died considerably later). Nine of the 13 arteries from the patients who had died long after PTCA were immunohistochemically stained using anti-actin antibody for examination of spindle-shaped cells proliferating in the intima. In the patients who had died shortly after PTCA, all 9 arteries showed fresh thrombus formation. In the patients who had died considerably later after PTCA, however, there was fragmentation of the internal elastic lamina (IEL) in 9 arteries. In each of these 9 arteries, a remarkable proliferation of intimal cells was observed on the intimal side, mainly at the site of the IEL fragmentation. These spindle-shaped cells were identified as smooth muscle cells (SMC) because they stained reddish-brown with Masson's trichrome, and because immunohistochemical staining with anti-actin antibody was also positive. In 2 arteries, proliferation of SMC and elastic fibers was observed on the luminal side of the intima, despite absence of fragmentation in the IEL. Proliferation of SMC in false lumens was identified in 2 patients with medial dissection. From the above findings, the following 4 forms of restenosis after PTCA have been identified: 1. thrombus formation; 2. proliferation of SMC on the intimal side, mainly around fragmentation in the IEL; 3. proliferation of SMC on the luminal side of the intima where there was no fragmentation of the IEL; and 4. proliferation of SMC in dissected false lumen. The proliferation of SMC on the intimal side of the disrupted IEL was thought to have been a result of migration of SMC from the media to the intima, because SMC proliferation was seen around the disrupted region.

Adult↗

Highly sensitive determination of PLP in human plasma with HPLC method.

To investigate the validity of using HPLC procedure with the fluorescence detection for the estimation of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) concentration in human blood plasma, we modified the conditions of our previous HPLC method for PLP. By changing the pH of the mobile phase (pH 5.5) and by altering the detection wavelengths in fluorescence (excitation at 322 nm and emission at 417 nm), both the improved sensitivity for pyridoxic acid 5'-phosphate and elimination of interfering extraneous peaks were attained. We reported the total vitamin B6 content of healthy adult volunteers obtained by this HPLC method.

Adolescent↗

[Acute lymphocytic leukemia having surface phenotype of CD 2 and NKH-1 with rapid clinical course].

Abnormal expansion of large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) was observed in peripheral blood and bone marrow in a 28-year-old man. He had general lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Surface phenotypical analysis of LGLs showed that these LGLs express CD 2, Ia and NKH-1 but not express CD 3, CD 4, CD 8 and Leu 7. Cytochemical analysis of these LGLs revealed positive acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase reaction but negative alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase reaction. These LGLs showed very weak NK activity against only MOLT-4 but showed no cytotoxic activity against K 562. An beta-receptor gene rearrangement of human T-cell receptor was not found by Southern blot analysis. Rapid and fetal clinical course with the results of theses analytical studies showed that this case is highly suggestive of acute leukemia of LGLs which is committed to NK cell lineage.

Adult↗

[Inflammatory reaction and laboratory tests: hematologic examination].

The leukocyte count, the differential leukocyte count and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are the more commonly used tests for diagnosing or managing an inflammatory process. Measurements of acute-phase proteins has an advantage over that of the leukocyte count and ESR. Especially microscopic examination of peripheral blood smear can be time consuming, but the simple and inexpensive technique is still clinically useful when a high grade bacteremia is likely to be present. Although the results are examiner dependent, it should be reliable in the proper clinical setting. In the guidelines for the selection of laboratory tests for monitoring the acute phase response, published in 1988, the International Committee for Standardization in hematology (ICSH) considered the biohazzard of ESR. Therefore the ESR should not routinely be performed on blood samples from patients who show a positive test for hepatitis virus or human immunodeficiency virus. The subcommittee for laboratory tests in daily care situations in Japan Society of Clinical Pathology published the "Essential Laboratory Tests" in 1989. We conclude that the differential leukocyte counts and the ESR should be used to follow the activity and response to treatment of certain inflammatory disorders when other objective indicators are not available.

Blood Sedimentation↗

Influence of diet on the development of antral gastrin-like immunoreactivity in the stomach of rats.

The effects of individual food constituents on antral gastrin-like immunoreactivity concentrations were studied in young rats. Rats aged 7 to 20 days were given only rat breast milk and then weaned by various nutrients (regular laboratory chow, protein (ovalbumin)-, fat- or carbohydrate (starch)-rich food). Rats receiving rat breast milk only until 27 days of age were also studied. In rats on regular laboratory chow, antral gastrin-like immunoreactivity increased and reached adult levels on day 25. In rats on ovalbumin, fat-rich food or starch, it increased on day 23 but dropped thereafter. The increment by laboratory chow was higher than that by the individual nutrients. No increase was observed during milk feeding alone. Gel filtration of antral gastrin-like immunoreactivity from 25-day-old rats on laboratory chow or three essential nutrients showed the same results.

Age Factors↗

Functional disturbances of the sympathetic nerve in experimentally-induced nasal hypersensitivity.

Norepinephrine, alpha-1 and beta adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa of toluene-diisocyanate sensitized guinea-pigs were evaluated quantitatively at specific points in time during a pre-determined sensitization period. At 4, 8 and 12 weeks, the norepinephrine content was reduced. The concentration of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors significantly decreased in 8- and 12-week groups. A lower density of beta adrenergic receptors was shown in the 12-week group. Signs of a return to normalcy were observed by four weeks post-sensitization. These results led us to speculate that excess norepinephrine release, which may be promoted by allergy-inducing histamine, depleted the norepinephrine at the sympathetic nerve terminal and caused a lowering of the concentration of sympathetic receptors. Functional disturbance of the sympathetic nerve was suggested by clinical findings of nonspecific nasal hypersensitivity, congestion and nasal discharge.

Animals↗

Enhanced parasympathetic nerve activities in experimentally-induced nasal hypersensitivity.

In order to verify the role of cholinergic nerves in nasal allergy and nonspecific nasal hypersensitivity we have evaluated the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and the activity of choline acetyltransferase in nasal mucosa of TDI-sensitized guinea-pigs at specific points in time during a pre-determined sensitization period. The density of muscarinic receptors was significantly elevated in animals sensitized for 8 and/or 12 weeks as well as in the group which received 12 weeks of sensitization followed by a 4 week rest period. Choline acetyltransferase activity was also enhanced at 4-, 8- and 12 weeks. These observations provide biochemical evidence of the hyperactivity of cholinergic nerves in nasal allergy which has been suggested by clinical and pharmacological studies, and lead to the speculation that enhanced parasympathetic nerve function is implicated in causing and maintaining hypersensitivity and hypersecretion in nasal allergy.

Animals↗

Histamine content and histamine H1 receptor in experimentally-induced nasal hypersensitivity.

Quantitative evaluations of histamine and histamine H1 receptor were carried out in nasal mucosa of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) sensitized guinea-pigs at specific points in time during a pre-determined sensitization period. Histamine content is significantly increased at 1 week and definitely elevated after 2 weeks of sensitization. This increase was maintained throughout the sensitization period. It decreased to normal by four weeks post-sensitization. Also the relatively low histamine content immediately after TDI challenge indicated that a certain amount of histamine was released by TDI challenge. On the other hand, the density and affinity of the histamine H1 receptor was not found to be altered during TDI sensitization. These results suggest that enhanced histamine has a role in the development of nasal allergy, whereas the relevance of quantitative-alteration of the H1 receptor to histamine hypersensitivity observed in nasal allergy has not been demonstrated.

Animals↗

Histamine and acetylcholine regulation of sympathetic nerve activity in guinea-pig nasal mucosa.

The regulating effects of histamine and acetylcholine (Ach) in norepinephrine (NE) transmission in nasal mucosa were investigated by analyzing 3H-NE release from isolated guinea-pig tissues. In addition, localization of the histamine H1 receptor and the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor on the sympathetic nerve in the guinea-pig nasal mucosa were examined by quantitatively evaluating these receptors after the unilateral removal of the superior cervical ganglion. Ach inhibited electrically-stimulated 3H-NE release in a concentration-dependent manner, and this effect was blocked by atropine. Histamine inhibited electrically-induced 3H-NE release at a concentration of 10(-5) M but enhanced it in concentration of 10(-3) M. Histamine increased the spontaneous release of 3H-NE in a dose-dependent manner, which was inhibited by pyrilamine (H1 antagonist) and excess Ach, but was not altered by cimetidine (H2 antagonist). These results suggest the following: 1) Local regulation of NE transmission in nasal mucosa involved excitatory H1 receptors, inhibitory H2 receptors and inhibitory muscarine receptors which can be facilitated by sensory stimulation with histamine. 2) Histamine regulation may vary with a balance between the excitatory and inhibitory effects. 3) Histamine in the high concentrations seen in cases of nasal allergy, may shift this balance causing increased NE release; at low concentrations, NE release is inhibited. In the second series of this study, we were unable to demonstrate a decreased number of either H1 or muscarine receptors on the side affected by unilateral cervical ganglia sympathectomy.

Acetylcholine↗

Norepinephrine content in guinea-pig nasal mucosa response to histamine and methacholine provocation.

The effects of histamine and methacholine (cholinergic substance) on norepinephrine (NE) content in nasal mucosa of the guinea-pig has been investigated. Histamine application for seven consecutive days was found to reduce NE content on both sides of nasal mucosa with bilateral provocation and on the affected side with unilateral stimulation, whereas NE content increased on the unaffected side with unilateral application. Methacholine provocation enhanced NE content on both sides after the bilateral application to nasal mucosa and the affected side after the unilateral application, whereas there was no effect on the other side. Time course evaluation of NE content after unilateral histamine application demonstrated that NE content on the affected side was decreased 30 min after application, but was restored to a normal level by 120 min after application; there was no change on the other side. These results suggest that histamine promotes NE release in nasal mucosa although it possesses the inhibitory effect mediated by the parasympathetic nerve, suggesting that repeated histamine stimulation may deplete NE content and cause a functional disturbance of the sympathetic nerve predisposing patients to the non-specific nasal hypersensitivity observed in nasal allergy.

Animals↗

CD4/Leu7 and CD8/Leu7 large granular lymphocytosis: comparative studies between NK cells and T cells.

Lymphocytes, co-expressing CD4/Leu7 and CD8/Leu7 markers respectively, taken from two patients having large granular lymphocytosis taking an indolent clinical course have been comparatively studied for function as NK cells and T cells. Both large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) were acid phosphatase positive and showed a beta-glucuronidase reaction in their cytoplasmic granules. Studies on case 1 indicated that the CD4/Leu7 lymphocytosis with LGL morphology takes a benign clinical course with mild neutropenia as well as those of CD8/Leu7 LG lymphocytosis. Both CD4/Leu7 and CD8/Leu7 LGLs behave similarly in their lack of NK activity, and manifest decreased IL-2 production in vitro and show a low IL-2 receptor expression unrelated to their T cell phenotype, but behave differently in influencing the immunoglobulin production in vitro and the ADCC activity, depending on their T cell phenotype and on the expression of Fc receptor, respectively. Furthermore, the altered Fc receptors which were undetectable by the Leul 1 antibody but were still effective for ADCC activity might be present in case 2 LGLs.

Aged↗

Participation of autonomic nerve in tonsillar focal infection.

Participation of the autonomic nerve in tonsillar focal infection was investigated by measuring neurotransmitters, receptors and microvibration. In focal infection patients, the volume of norepinephrine in the tonsil increased significantly and the number of a-adrenergic receptors decreased. These findings suggest that the focally infected tonsil exhibits a high degree of sympathetic nerve activity. The ratio of N-type in microvibration decreased systematically, which indicates some imbalance or immaturity of the autonomic nervous system in focal infection patients. Based on this data, the production mechanism of tonsillar focal infection was speculated from the point of view of the autonomic nerve.

Autonomic Nervous System↗