Biomedical subjects

N Yagi

Publications and source records attributed to N Yagi.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Effects of oxygen radical scavengers on the quality of gastric ulcer healing in rats.

Oxygen free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal mucosal injury. However, their effect on the quality of experimental gastric ulcer healing has not been investigated previously. Gastric ulcers were produced on the anterior wall of the stomach of rats by submucosal injection of 20% acetic acid. To investigate the role of oxygen radicals, rats with gastric ulcers were treated with scavengers for 6 weeks. Rats received either a daily dose of 20,000 U/kg of recombinant human Cu,Zn-SOD, a 1% solution of DMSO administered orally ad libitum, or 50 mg/kg/day of allopurinol administered orally. The quality of ulcer healing was evaluated by histologic and biochemical parameters: ulcer area, lipid peroxide levels, abnormality of regenerated mucosa, angiogenesis, and fibrosis as assessed by Azan staining, mucin content as assessed by the PAS-positive area, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration. The treatments with SOD, DMSO, or allopurinol did not affect the ulcer area or lipid peroxide levels in the gastric mucosa, and SOD did not affect the histologic abnormality score, PMN infiltration in regenerated mucosa, the collagen fiber proliferation index, or the PAS-positive mucous score. DMSO and allopurinol significantly increased the collagen fiber proliferation index and the PAS-positive mucous score compared with controls. These results indicate that scavenging hydroxyl radicals or inhibiting xanthine oxidase enhances the quality but not the speed of gastric ulcer healing.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

DNA recognition code of transcription factors in the helix-turn-helix, probe helix, hormone receptor, and zinc finger families.

We have previously reported that in four transcription factor families the DNA-recognition rules can be described as (i) chemical rules, which list possible pairings between the 20 amino acid residues and the four DNA bases, and (ii) stereochemical rules, which describe the base and amino acid positions in contact. We have incorporated these rules into a computer program and examined the nature of the rules. Here we conclude that the DNA recognition rules are simple, logical, and consistent. The rules are specific enough to predict DNA-binding characteristics from a protein sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Precursor role of branched-chain amino acids in the biosynthesis of iso and anteiso fatty acids in rat skin.

Monoester fraction of rat skin surface lipid has been shown to contain more than trace amounts of branched-long-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) of the iso and anteiso series. These BCFAs are biosynthesized using either branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) or branched-chain alpha-keto acids (BCKAs), or using both of them as precursor. This study has been carried out to address which precursor, BCAAs or BCKAs in the circulation, are mainly utilized for biosynthesis of BCFAs. Dietary supplement of [14C]-valine and isoleucine-induced sharp rise of serum concentration of these two amino acids and their respective alpha-keto acids, and elevated the levels of related BCFAs and branched-chain fatty alcohols in the monoester fraction. A larger proportion of label in the total skin surface lipid was found in the monoester fraction in which fatty acid and alcohol accounted for approx. 80% of total radioactivity. Incorporation of intravenously administered [14C]-BCAAs and BCKAs into the monoester fraction revealed that BCAAs were far better as precursors than BCKAs for BCFA biosynthesis in rat skin. Among three BCAAs, leucine differed from valine or isoleucine in that this amino acid was primarily utilized for production of straight-chain fatty acids rather than for production of related BCFA.

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗

PubMed1994

Stereochemical basis of DNA recognition by Zn fingers.

DNA-recognition rules for Zn fingers are discussed in terms of crystal structures. The rules can explain the DNA-binding characteristics of a number of Zn finger proteins for which there are no crystal structures. The rules have two parts: chemical rules, which list the possible pairings between the 4 DNA bases and the 20 amino acid residues, and stereochemical rules, which describe the specific base positions contacted by several amino acid positions in the Zn finger. It is discussed that to maintain the correct binding geometry, in which the N-terminus of the recognition helix is closer to the DNA than the C-terminus, the residues facing the DNA on the helix must be larger near the C-terminus, and that two different types of fingers (A and B) bind to DNA in distinctly different ways and cover different numbers of base pairs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Prevention of autoimmune insulin-dependent diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice by anti-LFA-1 and anti-ICAM-1 mAb.

Diverse adhesion molecules participate in many important responses and thus would be implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. However, there is little evidence for the role of these molecules in autoimmune insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Here we present several lines of evidence suggesting that leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and its counter-receptor intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1), one of the most important pairs among these adhesion molecules, are involved in the development of autoimmune diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse. Immunohistochemical study showed the hyperexpression of ICAM-1 on islet-infiltrating mononuclear cells and vascular endothelium in NOD pancreas. In vivo administration of anti-LFA-1 or anti-ICAM-1 mAb from 5 to 30 (or 12) weeks of age exerted a very strong preventative effect on the development of spontaneous diabetes with a marked reduction of insulitis, whereas both antibodies, even combined to use simultaneously, could not prevent cyclophosphamide-induced diabetes. Adoptive transfer of insulitis and diabetes to young NOD mice following the injection of islet-derived mononuclear cells from diabetic donors was completely blocked by administration of both antibodies to recipients. The present study, therefore, provides the first evidence that immunointervention to LFA-1-ICAM-1 interaction has a strong prophylactic effect on autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

X-ray equatorial diffraction during ATP-induced Ca(2+)-free muscle contraction and the effect of ADP.

We examined the equatorial X-ray diffraction of skinned fibers from rat psoas muscle in isometric contraction induced by photorelease of 1.1 mM ATP at 24 degrees C in the absence of Ca2+. At 15-20 ms after release of ATP, tension peaked at 21% of the maximum active tension. From the equatorial intensity ratio (I1,0/I1,1), we estimated the amount of myosin heads associated with actin filaments (A.M) at the tension peak. It was 32% of that in rigor and about half of that in the maximum contraction. ADP (0.7 mM) enhanced the contraction: tension peaked at 47% of the maximum at 25-30 ms. The estimated A.M at this peak was 50% of that in rigor, which was close to that in the maximum contraction. These results indicate that the association of myosin heads with the actin filaments in the Ca(2+)-free contraction is more than expected from the tension size, both in the absence and presence of ADP.

Actins↗

PubMed1994

Role of ouabainlike compound in rats with reduced renal mass-saline hypertension.

Ouabainlike compound (OLC) has recently been identified as a likely mammalian endogenous digitalis-like factor (EDLF) from human plasma. In this study, plasma levels of OLC were determined to assess the role of OLC in a model known as volume-expanded, reduced renal mass (RRM)-saline (S) hypertension in rats with use of a newly developed radioimmunoassay for ouabain. In the first experiment, at 3 wk after subtotal nephrectomy and drinking 1% saline solution, sysolic blood pressure (SBP) of 18 rats with reduced renal mass (RRM-S rats) was significantly higher than in 17 sham-operated saline-drinking control (C-S) rats [154 +/- 4 (SE) vs. 132 +/- 2 mmHg; P < 0.01]. Plasma OLC levels were 355 +/- 68 pmol/l in RRM-S rats, sevenfold higher than in C-S rats (54 +/- 4 pmol/l; P < 0.01). In the second experiment, we measured plasma OLC levels of 10 RRM-S, 12 sham-operated control (C), and 10 subtotally nephrectomized rats drinking distilled water (RRM rats). Concomitant with a marked increase in blood pressure (203 +/- 5 mmHg), RRM-S rats showed significantly higher plasma OLC levels compared with C and RRM rats (RRM-S 114 +/- 24, C 47 +/- 11, and RRM 52 +/- 9 pmol/l; P < 0.05). In both experiments, plasma OLC levels correlated significantly with SBP (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that plasma OLC shows a similar behavior to that of EDLFs or Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase inhibitors reported in previous publications and may play a role in hypertensive mechanisms in rats with RRM and excess Na intake.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Participation of ouabainlike compound in reduced renal mass-saline hypertension.

We examined the role of ouabainlike compound in reduced renal mass-saline hypertension using a population of rats immunized with ouabain. To develop ouabain-immunized rats, ouabain-bovine serum albumin conjugates were injected subcutaneously three times at 4-week intervals. Titer determinations were made 2 weeks after the third immunization, and rats with high titers were used in the study. Immunoglobulin G fractions from ouabain-immunized rats effectively inhibited the contractile response of guinea pig aorta to exogenous ouabain (150 nmol). Fourteen ouabain-immunized and seven nonimmunized control rats underwent subtotal nephrectomy. An additional eight ouabain-immunized and six nonimmunized rats served as sham-operated rats. Four groups of rats drank 1% NaCl solution for 3 weeks, and systolic blood pressure was measured weekly by the tail-cuff method. Two groups of sham-operated rats remained normotensive. In contrast, two groups of subtotally nephrectomized rats developed hypertension. However, among these rats, systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in ouabain-immunized rats than in nonimmunized rats (161 +/- 5 versus 180 +/- 3 [+/- SEM) mm Hg, P < .01). The decrease in blood pressure was accompanied by a significant inhibition of aortic hypertrophy (P < .05). These results indicate that chronic blockade of circulating ouabainlike compound partly ameliorates reduced renal mass-saline hypertension and suggest that circulating ouabainlike compound may be involved in the pathophysiology in this model of hypertension.

Adrenal Glands↗

PubMed1994

Sustained release of phenytoin following the oral administration of phenytoin sodium/ethylcellulose microcapsules in human subjects and rabbits.

Phenytoin sodium was microencapsulated with ethylcellulose (EC) by a coacervation-phase separation method from ethyl acetate solution to develop a prolonged release dosage form of phenytoin. Release of phenytoin from the microcapsules (phenytoin sodium/EC) was evaluated by the JP dissolution test in JP disintegration media No. 1 and No. 2. The release rates of phenytoin from phenytoin sodium powders were extremely rapid in both media, however, the release rates from the microcapsules were much more retarded. Following the oral administration of microcapsules to rabbits, prolonged plasma concentrations of phenytoin were obtained, while microcapsules orally administered to human subjects showed prolonged urinary excretion of phenytoin metabolites.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1994

Synthesis of new immunosuppressive myriocin analogs, 2-epi-myriocin, 14-deoxomyriocin, Z-14-deoxomyriocin, and nor-deoxomyriocins: their structure-activity relationships.

Eight new myriocin analogs, 2-epi-myriocin, Z-14-deoxomyriocin, and nor-deoxomyriocins, and a known myriocin derivative, 14-deoxomyriocin, were synthesized from 2-deoxy-D-glucose via common intermediates in previous myriocin and Z-myriocin syntheses. The immunosuppressive activities of new myriocin analogs and Z-myriocin on mouse allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction were examined, and, by comparing with those of myriocin and 14-deoxomyriocin, some structure-activity relationships have been found.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

[Enhancement of rectal absorption of rifampicin by sodium para-aminosalicylate dihydrate in human subjects].

The suppositories of rifampicin (RFP) containing sodium para-aminosalicylate dihydrate (PAS-Na) were prepared in order to enhance the rectal absorption of RFP. By the addition of PAS-Na, the in vitro release of RFP from the suppositories was enhanced and the hardness of the suppositories decreased. The rectal absorption of RFP from the suppositories containing no PAS-Na (control suppositories) was significantly lower compared to oral administration of it (26%) in human subjects. When PAS-Na was added to the suppository (300 mg), both the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) increased significantly compared to those of the control suppositories. The rectal absorption of PAS-Na itself from the suppositories seemed to be fast. PAS-Na might increase the absorption of RFP dissolved in the rectal fluid from the suppositories, but not affect the undissolved RFP.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1994

[Cytogenetic subtyping of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma and carcinoma in pleomorphic adenoma].

Current research on salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma is aimed at grouping the cases by cytogenetical aberrations into several subtypes. In this report, 21 cases of pleomorphic adenomas were analysed cytogenetically and divided into 4 subtypes following Bullediek's method; normal karyotype (6 cases), 8q12 rearrangement (8 cases), 12q13-15 rearrangement (5 cases) and other aberrations (2 cases). The average occurrence age of each group was examined. The 8q12 rearrangement group (37.2 y.o.) was younger than the normal karyotype (49.2 y.o.) and 12q13-15 rearrangement groups (52.4 y.o.). Histological subtyping based on Seifert's classification was made and its relationship with the above cytogenetic subtypes was studied. In the 8q12 rearrangement group, Seifert's type-1 was predominant (88%), while in the normal karyotype and 12r13-15 rearrangement groups, Seifert's type-2 was the most common (50% and 80% respectively). We also examined 2 cases of carcinoma in pleomorphic adenoma. Although both showed some cytogenetic abnormalities, no aberrations specific to pleomorphic adenoma (8q12 or 12q13-15 rearrangement) were found. This suggests that original adenomas of these carcinomas showed a normal karyotype or other types of aberrations.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1993

An X-ray diffraction study of frog skeletal muscle during shortening near the maximum velocity.

Using an imaging plate exchanger and a synchrotron X-ray source, X-ray diffraction patterns were recorded from frog skeletal muscles shortening near the maximum velocity from a sarcomere length of 2.6 to 2.1 microns. The major findings were as follows: (1) the intensity of the second-order myosin meridional reflection, which decreased to 18% of the resting value during isometric contraction, increased to 34% during shortening, showing that the perturbation in the axial arrangement of myosin heads recovered. (2) The intensity of the third-order myosin meridional reflection increased by 32% on isometric contraction and decreased to 51% of the resting intensity during rapid shortening, showing disorder in the axial rearrangement of the myosin heads. (3) The axial Bragg spacing of the third-order meridional reflection, which increased by 1.22% during isometric contraction, was still 0.47% larger than the resting value during shortening, indicating that the increase is not entirely due to extension of the filament by tension. (4) The intensity ratio of the (1,0) and (1,1) equatorial reflections increased a small extent (from 0.57 to 0.62) during shortening, while the 5.9 nm and 5.1 nm actin layer-lines showed large intensity decreases (126 to 101% and 190 to 124% of the resting intensity, respectively), suggesting that considerable numbers of myosin heads are in the vicinity of the thin filament but not tightly bound to actin molecules during rapid shortening. These results are consistent with a model of muscle contraction in which myosin heads attach to actin in two different manners with weak and strong affinities and show that, during shortening, the number of tightly attached heads decreases by half, while the total number of attached heads decreases only slightly.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Current X-ray diffraction experiments using a synchrotron radiation source.

A Fuji imaging plate and synchrotron radiation are the most distinct innovations of the last twenty years in the X-ray diffraction experiments on biological materials. Here we present results of recent experiments on skeletal muscles made at Photon Factory, Tsukuba. It is now possible to record a two-dimensional X-ray diffraction pattern from a rabbit or frog single skinned fiber with a 30-sec exposure. Although weaker compared with those from whole muscles, it shows layer-lines up to 5.1 nm. When the fiber is activated by Ca2+, the pattern changes in a way similar to that observed when a live muscle is electrically stimulated. Use of single fibers makes various types of structural experiments much easier than using whole muscles or fiber bundles. Not only suitable for physiological experiments, better diffusion makes it also suitable for biochemical experiments using various kinds of labels. Time-resolved experiments with imaging plates are possible by using an imaging-plate exchanger devised by Dr. Y. Amemiya. By combining this and a fast-acting mechanical shutter, it is possible to record a two-dimensional diffraction pattern from a frog whole muscle shortening at the maximum speed. The pattern thus obtained shows weakening of the 5.1 and 5.9-nm actin layer-lines and the third (14.3 nm) and the sixth (7.2 nm) myosin meridional reflections, compared with the pattern from isometrically contracting muscles. On the other hand, the second meridional reflection from the thick filament is intensified. These results suggest very different arrangement of myosin heads during active shortening from that during isometric contraction.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

X-ray diffraction study on mammalian visceral smooth muscles in resting and activated states.

Structural changes of guinea pig taenia coli and rat anococcygeus muscle during contraction were studied by X-ray diffraction. The diffraction pattern of the taenia coli showed the 14.4-nm myosin reflection, the 5.9-nm actin layer-line and a diffuse equatorial peak at 1/11.4 nm-1. On application of carbachol, the muscle contracted and the intensity of the 14.4-nm reflection showed a concentration-dependent decrease: the maximum decrease was 24% at 2 x 10(-5) M. Such an intensity decrease was not observed in K-contracture (154 mM). The intensity of the 5.9-nm actin layer-line did not change appreciably on activation. The equatorial peak became broader during contraction. The 14.4-nm myosin reflection of the anococcygeus muscle was weak. Its intensity increased by 106% during contraction induced by 2 x 10(-5) M phenylephrine and by 75% during K-contracture. These results suggest that the number of myosin filaments may increase during contraction of rat anococcygeus muscle but not guinea pig taenia coli.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Fatty acid and lipid composition in vitro and in vivo of rat epidermis.

1. Fatty acid and lipid compositions of cultured rat keratinocytes were compared with those of intact epidermis prepared from newborn and adult rats. 2. The uniqueness of the lipid profile of cultured cell manifested itself in the accumulation of a novel lipid which co-migrated with monoalkyldiacylglyceride on thin-layer chromatography. 3. Concentration of the branched-chain fatty acid was specifically high in the cholesterol ester fraction of the intact cell, and was decreased by cultivation under submerged conditions.

Aging↗

PubMed1993

Digitalis-like factors from human urine.

We isolated two candidates for endogenous digitalis-like factors from human urine based on the inhibition of [3H]ouabain binding to intact human erythrocytes. The more-polar ouabain-displacing compound-1 (ODC-1) closely resembled ouabain in biological, physicochemical, and chromatographic properties. Moreover, anti-ouabain IgG dose-dependently neutralized the action of ODC-1. The less-polar ODC-2 behaved identically to digoxin in three analytical high-performance liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatography systems. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrum and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum supported the notion that ODC-2 may be indistinguishable from digoxin. The possibility that substances quite similar to cardenolides are synthesized in the mammalian body must be seriously considered.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed1993

Bioavailability and diuretic effect of bumetanide following rectal administration of suppositories containing weak acids in human subjects.

The bioavailability of bumetanide following the oral administration of tablets, or the rectal administration of either macrogol suppositories or suppositories with and without weak acids were evaluated in human subjects. The absorption of bumetanide from those suppositories containing bumetanide without weak acids (control suppositories) was extremely poor, while the absorption from those suppositories containing citric acid or tartaric acid was enhanced. The mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) following the rectal administration of the suppositories containing citric acid and tartaric acid was 52 and 62%, respectively, of that following the oral administration. On the other hand, the absorption rate constant (ka) and the mean residence time (MRT) following the rectal administration of the suppositories containing weak acids increased significantly compared to those administered orally. The time (Tmax) required to achieve the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) in the plasma following the rectal administration of the suppositories containing weak acids was significantly shortened compared to the time of those administered orally. These results indicated that the bumetanide contained in the suppositories containing weak acids might be absorbed rapidly after administration. The diuretic effect of bumetanide following the oral and rectal administration was also evaluated. Sufficient diuretic effects were obtained following the rectal administration of the suppositories containing weak acids.

Administration, Oral↗