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Biomedical subjects

N Watanabe

Publications and source records attributed to N Watanabe.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Endogenous tumor necrosis factor functions as a resistant factor against hyperthermic cytotoxicity.

One of the mechanisms of cytotoxicity by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is the induction of reactive oxygen molecules. Cells producing endogenous tumor necrosis factor (enTNF) show resistance to the cytotoxicity of exogenous TNF by scavenging the reactive oxygen molecules. The intracellular hydroxyl radical production is also known to be involved in the heat-induced cytotoxicity. In the present study, we therefore examined the possibility that enTNF may act as a protective protein against the heat-induced cytotoxicity in a manner similar to that of exogenous TNF. Heat-sensitive L-M (mouse tumorigenic fibroblast) cells, originally expressing no enTNF, were transfected with a human TNF expression vector to produce enTNF. The stable transfectants showed apparent resistance to heat treatment. Conversely, when HeLa (human uterine cervical cancer) cells, originally producing an appreciable amount of enTNF, were transfected with an antisense TNF mRNA expression vector to inhibit enTNF synthesis, their heat sensitivity was enhanced. Furthermore, L-M cells which were transfected with nonsecretory human TNF expression vector also acquired resistance to heat treatment. In these cells, heat resistance correlated well with expression of enTNF and intracellular levels of manganous superoxide dismutase. These results indicate that enTNF exerts its intracellular protective effect against the heat-induced cytotoxicity by scavenging reactive oxygen with induced manganous superoxide dismutase in a manner similar to that found in cells treated with exogenous TNF.

Animals

Tumor cytostasis mediated by LPS- or PSK-activated human plastic-adherent peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

We investigated the mechanism of cytostasis mediated by activated human plastic-adherent peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in two cell lines, L.P3 cells (TNF alpha sensitive) and A375 cells (TNF alpha insensitive), using two biological response modifiers, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and a protein-bound polysaccharide extracted from a fungus, PSK. In L.P3/LPS, L.P3/PSK, and A375/LPS cultures, the cytostatic effects were significantly reversed by anti-TNF alpha antibody, while in the A375/PSK culture they were not. In concordance with this, LPS was a good inducer of TNF alpha, but PSK was not. In A375/PSK culture, PSK-activated cells arrested A375 cells at the boundary between G1 and S, presumably through inhibition of polyamine synthesis. This growth inhibition may be mediated by an unknown soluble factor which is different from TNF alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and TGF beta.

Animals

Endogenous tumor necrosis factor exerts its protective function intracellularly against the cytotoxicity of exogenous tumor necrosis factor.

Based on the findings that expression of endogenous tumor necrosis factor (enTNF), which is not present in TNF-susceptible cells, was generally observed in TNF-resistant cells and that TNF gene transfection gives rise to TNF resistance, the assumption was made that enTNF may be a protective protein against the cytotoxicity of exogenous TNF. However, it remains unknown whether the protection by enTNF is exerted in an intracellular or extracellular (autocrine) manner. We therefore transfected a nonsecretory human TNF gene (pTNF delta pro) into highly TNF-sensitive mouse tumorigenic fibroblasts (L-M cells) and investigated their TNF susceptibility. The transfectants expressed enTNF which was not secreted into the medium and acquired an appreciable degree of resistance to exogenous TNF. A significant increase in the manganous superoxide dismutase level was also noted in the transfectants. These findings suggest that enTNF exerts its protective function intracellularly by inducing manganous superoxide dismutase production.

Animals

Glucagonlike peptide-1(7-36)amide suppresses glucagon secretion and decreases cyclic AMP concentration in cultured In-R1-G9 cells.

We previously reported that GLP-1(7-36)amide had glucagonostatic action as well as insulinotropic action in the perfused rat pancreas. In this study, we examined the effect of GLP-1(7-36)amide on glucagon secretion and cAMP concentration in glucagon-secreting cell line, In-R1-G9. GLP-1(7-36)amide (1nM) significantly suppressed glucagon secretion and decreased cAMP concentration in the cells. GLP-1(1-37) did not affect glucagon secretion. It is suggested that inhibitory effect of GLP-1(7-36)amide on glucagon secretion is at least partly mediated by adenylate cyclase system.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine

cDNA cloning and structure of mouse putative Ah receptor.

Mouse cDNA clones for a putative Ah receptor have been isolated from a cDNA library of mRNA from Hepa-1 cells by an oligonucleotide probe produced by PCR with a pair of primers which was synthesized according to the reported N-terminal sequence of 26 amino acids. The cDNA clones encode a polypeptide of 805 amino acids with a helix-loop-helix motif and with some similarity to a certain region designated PAS of Drosophila Per and Sim, and human Arnt protein. Cotransfection of an expression vector of the Ah receptor with a reporter plasmid pMC6.3k consisting of CYP1A1 promoter and CAT structural gene into CV-1 cells enhanced the CAT expression in response to added 3-methylcholanthrene.

Amino Acid Sequence

Induction of synthesis of manganous superoxide dismutase in L-M(pNTnF) cells carrying an inducible TNF gene.

Based on findings that the cytotoxic effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are closely related to levels of intracellular oxygen radicals, and on the results of TNF gene transfection studies, the hypothesis was made that endogenous TNF (enTNF) acts as a protective factor against exogenous TNF by inducing inhibitors or scavengers of oxygen radicals. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated the intracellular levels of manganous superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione (GSH) in L-M(pNTnF) cells carrying a TNF gene induced by dexamethasone (DM). When L-M(pNTnF) cells were treated with DM they expressed enTNF, and acquired resistance to exogenous TNF. There was no change in the GSH concentration after enTNF induction, but a 1.9- to 3.9-fold increase in MnSOD levels was noted. Our findings suggest that enTNF exerts its protective function against the cytocidal effect of exogenous TNF by inducing MnSOD production.

Animals

The 'second-codon rule' and autophosphorylation govern the stability and activity of Mos during the meiotic cell cycle in Xenopus oocytes.

The c-mos proto-oncogene product, Mos, functions in both early (germinal vesicle breakdown) and late (metaphase II arrest) steps during meiotic maturation in Xenopus oocytes. In the early step, Mos is only partially phosphorylated and metabolically unstable, while in the late step it is fully phosphorylated and highly stable. Using a number of Mos mutants expressed in oocytes, we show here that the instability of Mos in the early step is determined primarily by its penultimate N-terminal residue, or by a rule referred to here as the 'second-codon rule'. We demonstrate that unstable Mos is degraded by the ubiquitin-dependent pathway. In the late step, on the other hand, Mos is stabilized by autophosphorylation at Ser3, which probably acts to prevent the N-terminus of Mos from being recognized by a ubiquitin-protein ligase. Moreover, we show that Ser3 phosphorylation is essential for Mos to exert its full cytostatic factor (CSF) activity in fully mature oocytes. Thus, a few N-terminal amino acids are primary determinants of both the metabolic stability and physiological activity of Mos during the meiotic cell cycle.

Amino Acid Sequence

Structural determination of gangliosides that bind to influenza A, B, and C viruses by an improved binding assay: strain-specific receptor epitopes in sialo-sugar chains.

An improved binding assay for detection of ganglioside receptors for influenza A, B, and C viruses was developed. In this system, the virions bound to gangliosides that were developed on a silica gel thin-layer plate were detected by mouse monoclonal antibody against viral hemagglutinin and peroxidase-conjugated anti-mouse immunoglobin. No hydrolysis of the gangliosides by viral receptor-destroying enzyme was detected in the present condition. The reactivity of the viruses to gangliosides depended on the amount of developed gangliosides (10 pmols-10 nmols), the molecular species of sialic acid, and their sugar sequences. Human influenza A (PR/8/34), B (Lee/40), and C (Ann Arbor/1/50) viruses bound different receptor epitopes of sialo-sugar chains of gangliosides. The A/PR/8 virus bound most effectively to Neu5Ac-containing lacto-series gangliosides carrying type I and type II sugar chains, followed by ganglio-series and hematoside-series gangliosides. The A/PR/8 virus weakly bound to Neu5Ac alpha 2,6lactotetraosylceramide [IV6(Neu5Ac)Lc4Cer] and Neu5Ac alpha 2,6paragloboside [IV6(Neu5Ac)nLc4Cer] carrying Neu5Ac alpha 2,6Gal sequence, although their Neu5Ac alpha 2,3Gal derivatives were the most potent gangliosides tested. B/Lee/40 bound restrictively to IV6(Neu5Ac)Lc4Cer and IV6(Neu5Ac)nLc4Cer, which carry Neu5Ac alpha 2,6Gal sequence, and type I and type II lacto-series sugar chain, respectively. C/Ann Arbor/1/50 reacted only with 9-O-Ac-Neu5Ac-carrying sugar chains in all the gangliosides tested. This method also allowed the microanalysis of receptor gangliosides of unknown samples. ESK cells, sensitive to the influenza A viruses infection, expressed several kinds of receptor active gangliosides, while those from ESK-R cells, resistant to the virus infection, were undetectable.

Binding Sites

Changes of host cell infiltration into Meth A fibrosarcoma tumor during the course of regression induced by injections of a BCG nucleic acid fraction.

MY-1, which consists of DNA and RNA extracted and purified from Mycobacterium bovis strain BCG, causes the regression of various experimental syngeneic tumors when injected intratumorally. In order to identify the host cells involved in the antitumor mechanism(s) of MY-1, we examined Meth A tumors inoculated intradermally to BALB/c mice, which were given multiple injections of MY-1 following tumor inoculation. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed at several time points. On day 4 after inoculation, the MY-1-treated tumors were heavily infiltrated with a heterogeneous population of mononuclear cells with low density nuclei. The MY-1-injected tumors contained asialo-GM1-positive cells and Mac-1-positive cells, which indicated that the infiltrating mononuclear cells were natural killer cells and macrophages. On day 14 after inoculation, the tumors were infiltrated with a large number of L3T4-positive cells and fewer Lyt-2-positive cells, both of which were more abundant in the MY-1-treated tumors than in the control tumors. The observed sequence of host cell infiltration corresponded well with our previous studies which have indicated that the antitumor mechanism of MY-1 is divided into two phases, i.e. the early phase when natural killer cells and macrophages inhibit tumor growth, and the late phase when L3T4-positive cells act to induce tumor regression via a delayed-type hypersensitivity against tumor cells.

Animals

The accuracy and performance of the A&D TM 2421, a new ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device based on the cuff-oscillometric method and the Korotkoff sound technique.

The accuracy and performance of the A&D TM 2421, a new ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring device using both the cuff-oscillometric method (O) and the Korotkoff sound method (K) were evaluated. The device was tested for accuracy under static and dynamic conditions by simultaneous comparison with two observers using a standard mercury column sphygmomanometer (standard method) and by the objective recording method (ORM). The performance of the device was also evaluated under ordinary ambulatory conditions. The mean differences in BP of standard method from K-method were -1.2 +/- 4.7 mm Hg systole and 1.3 +/- 4.7 mm Hg diastole (n = 323, mean +/- SD) and those of standard method from O-method were -0.4 +/- 5.3 mm Hg systole and 1.4 +/- 5.1 mm Hg diastole (n = 323). The agreement between each of the two methods of the device and the standard method was within 10 mm Hg for more than 90% of both systolic and diastolic readings. During bicycle exercise, the mean differences in BP of standard method from K-method were -3.4 +/- 4.8 mm Hg systole and 1.8 +/- 5.2 mm Hg diastole (n = 71) and those of standard method from O-method were -1.1 +/- 7.3 mm Hg systole and 1.7 +/- 7.8 mm Hg diastole (n = 67). There was a greater scatter in the individual comparisons of the device and the standard method during exercise, especially in diastolic BP. The relation between the device and ORM was almost similar to that between the device and the standard method.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Bactericidal activity of cefclidin (E1040) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa under conditions simulating plasma pharmacokinetics: lack of development of chromosomally-mediated resistance to beta-lactams.

The bactericidal activity of cefclidin (E1040), a new cephalosporin, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was compared with that of ceftazidime and imipenem in an in-vitro model in which antibiotic concentration was varied continuously. A two-compartment open in-vitro model was used to simulate the plasma pharmacokinetics of each antibiotic in man for 12 h after a 1 h infusion of 1 g iv. The bactericidal activity of each antibiotic was observed for 6 h; however, it was diminished or absent after 6 h when the antibiotic concentration fell near to the MIC. With ceftazidime and imipenem, marked regrowth was observed after 6 h. Moreover, selection of resistant variants was observed with ceftazidime, and these variants produced 200 to 500 times more beta-lactamase than the corresponding wild-type strains. With cefclidin neither marked regrowth nor emergence of resistant variants was observed. The affinity of cefclidin for the chromosomal beta-lactamase produced by P. aeruginosa was much lower than the affinities of other new beta-lactams, and cefclidin was hydrolyzed more slowly than ceftazidime at a low concentration (2 microM). The high activity of cefclidin against P. aeruginosa, which results mainly from the low affinity of cefclidin for the pseudomonal beta-lactamase, and may play a major role in the absence of regrowth and lack of selection of resistant variants.

Ceftazidime

Comparative in-vitro activities of newer cephalosporins cefclidin, cefepime, and cefpirome against ceftazidime- or imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Three hundred and thirty-four recent clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were examined for susceptibility to cefclidin, cefepime, and cefpirome. Of these strains, 28.7% were resistant to ceftazidime, and 23.4% were resistant to imipenem. About half of those resistant to ceftazidime were also resistant to imipemem. Although 37.4% and 59.6% of the isolates were resistant to cefepime and cefpirome respectively, and most or all ceftazidime-resistant strains showed resistance to cefepime and cefpirome, only 3.9% were resistant to cefclidin. Ceftazidime-resistant, but cefclidin-susceptible, P. aeruginosa produced high levels of chromosomal cephalosporinases. Of the compounds tested, cefclidin showed the lowest affinity for these enzymes, suggesting that its high activity against P. aeruginosa resistant to several beta-lactams was mainly due to its high resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. Thirteen strains resistant to cefclidin were also resistant to both cefepime and cefpirome, and eight and three of these strains were resistant to ceftazidime and imipenem, respectively. A penicillinase, which hydrolyzed cefclidin, was detected in the cefclidin-resistant P. aeruginosa, which was similar to the OXA-1 beta-lactamase.

Cefepime

Transient unilateral reverse ventilation/perfusion mismatch in a patient with lung cancer.

The authors report a transient, unilateral reverse ventilation/perfusion (V/P) mismatch in a patient with squamous cell lung cancer. The right lung was well perfused but not ventilated (unilateral reverse V/P mismatch). However, lung imaging performed 3 days later demonstrated the absence of both perfusion and ventilation (V/P match). Reverse V/P mismatch may be a transient process.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell

Enhancement of lysosomal enzyme activity by recombinant human tumor necrosis factor and its role in tumor cell killing in vitro.

We investigated the effect of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on the lysosomal enzyme activity of various established cell lines in vitro. Incubation of 1 x 10(6) TNF-sensitive mouse tumorigenic fibroblasts (L-M cells) in the presence of TNF (100 U/ml) for 48 h increased the total (the sum of the enzyme activities in the lysosomes and the cytoplasm) acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase activities by 3.7- and 4.2-fold, respectively. The same increase was observed even when 1 U/ml of TNF was added to some cultures and no further augmentation occurred at 10 or 100 U/ml. Measurement of total and free enzyme activities showed that TNF stimulation not only enhanced the total intracellular enzyme activity but also accelerated the conversion into free (cytoplasmic) enzyme activity. Addition of a lysosomotropic agent (methylamine) suppressed both the enhancement of lysosomal enzyme activity and the cytotoxicity of TNF. A similar enhancement of lysosomal enzyme activities was also detected in various TNF-sensitive tumor cell lines, and a strong correlation (acid phosphatase: r = 0.836, beta-glucuronidase: r = 0.910) was observed between the enhancement of enzyme activity and sensitivity to TNF. No such increase was detected in TNF-resistant human diploid cells. These results show that TNF induces the activation and release of lysosomal enzymes in TNF-sensitive cells, and suggest that such events may play an important role in TNF-mediated cytotoxicity.

Acid Phosphatase

Mechanism of synergistic cytotoxic effect between tumor necrosis factor and hyperthermia.

We previously reported that recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rhTNF) and hyperthermia had a synergistic effect against tumors, in vitro and in vivo. We have now investigated the mechanism of this synergy by measuring the lysosomal enzyme activity and hydroxyl radical production of L-M cells treated with rhTNF and/or hyperthermia. A synergistic activation of lysosomal enzyme and the induction of hydroxyl radical production in L-M cells treated with both rhTNF and hyperthermia was observed. A synergistic cytotoxic effect was observed when rhTNF and hyperthermia were combined, and was inhibited by the addition of a reactive oxygen scavenger, dimethyl sulfoxide or bipyridine. The results show that the augmenting effect of hyperthermia on lysosomal enzyme activation and induction of hydroxyl radical production by rhTNF plays an important role in the synergistic cytotoxic effect.

Acid Phosphatase

Occurrence and characteristics of hypodense eosinophils in rats infected with Trichinella spiralis.

Hypodense eosinophils are observed in peripheral blood and tissue from patients with eosinophilia due to helminthic infections. In this study, the variation in eosinophil density was examined in rats during Trichinella spiralis infection. Hypodense eosinophils were observed in the peripheral blood in association with Trichinella infection. In peritoneal fluid, which was representative of tissue fluid, a majority of eosinophils were hypodense regardless of the infection. During the course of tissue eosinophilia after the infection, there was a particular increase in the lowest dense cells in the population of hypodense eosinophils. Eosinophils with lower density, demonstrated larger diameters and had more potent cytotoxic activity.

Animals

The 11q- syndrome with mosaic partial deletion of 11q.

A female child with mosaic partial deletion of 11q is reported. At 1 month of age she was presented with cogenital glaucoma, trigonocephaly and multiple minor anomalies. She exhibited growth retardation and the typical phenotype of 11q- syndrome. G-banding analysis failed to show any abnormality, although subsequent high resolution banding revealed the abnormal karyotype 46,XX,del(11)(q23.3 q24.2)/46,XX,del(11)(q23.3 q25). This case is a second case of mosaic 11q- syndrome and her karyotype suggests that the region of 11q23.3-11q24.2 is critical in 11q-syndrome. Congenital glaucoma has never been reported as a complication of 11q- syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple