[Analysis of the mechanism of the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and an attempt to prevent its onset by the functional T cell molecules].
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
N Yasuda
Publications and source records attributed to N Yasuda.
Mobilization of myeloblasts with 5q-anomaly during treatment with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF)
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Cell Division↗
Significance of aminopyrine breath test as a parameter of hepatic functional reserve in 40% partial hepatectomy of rats with CCl4-induced liver injury.
Rats with CCl4-induced liver injury underwent partial (40%) hepatectomy. The [14C]aminopyrine breath test (ABT) values in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury were reduced by 34% compared with those in rats with normal liver. Preoperative ABT values clearly discriminated between survivors and those that died following 40% partial hepatectomy in rats CCl4-induced liver injury (P < 0.05). Hepatic protein synthesis was remarkably enhanced in CCl4-induced liver injury compared with normal liver (P < 0.001), and this was inversely correlated with ABT values (P < 0.001). These data show that the enhanced hepatic protein synthesis could induce a decrease of hepatic functional reserve. ABT seems to be a useful preoperative test for predicting surgical mortality following hepatectomy.
Alanine Transaminase↗
Suppression by prolactin of the electrically induced erectile response through its direct effect on the corpus cavernosum penis in the dog.
PURPOSE: Men become impotent when exposed to hyperprolactinemia. To clarify its mechanisms the effects of intracorporal infusion of prolactin on electrically induced penile erection were evaluated in 12 male dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prolactin (10 micrograms./ml.) or control saline was directly infused into the corpus cavernosum penis 5 minutes before electrical pulse stimulation of the pelvic nerve and the intracorporal pressure was monitored. RESULTS: In 8 dogs erection was markedly suppressed or completely abolished by prolactin. In the remaining 4, this effect of prolactin became manifest only when the ipsilateral internal pudenal artery was ligated. Saline infusion was without effect. CONCLUSIONS: An excess of prolactin directly inhibited the smooth muscle relaxation of corpus cavernosum penis.
Animals↗
In vitro antitumor activity of polymyxin acylase from Pseudomonas sp. M-6-3.
Polymyxin acylase from Pseudomonas sp. M-6-3 can deacylate not only polymyxin group antibiotics, but also the long-chain fatty acyl group of proteins and peptides. We found the in vitro antitumor activity of polymyxin acylase against murine and human tumor cells, especially KB cells. The mechanism of the antitumor activity remains equivocal, but we speculate that it may result from the affinity of polymyxin acylase for long-chain fatty acyl proteins in human carcinoma cells.
Amidohydrolases↗
[Inhibitory effects of prostaglandin E1.alpha-cyclodextrin (PGE1.CD) on dimethylnitrosamine-induced acute liver damage in rats].
The effects of PGE1.CD on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced acute liver damage with intravascular coagulation in rats were biochemically and histopathologically investigated. PGE1.CD was administered i.v. from 30 min before to 24 hr after DMN-intoxication (pretreatment) and from 30 min after or from 4 hr after to 24 hr after DMN-intoxication (post-treatment). Pretreatment with PGE1.CD (0.2-2 micrograms/kg/min) dose-dependently suppressed the decrease of platelet counts and the elevation of blood biochemical parameters (PT, HPT, GOT, GPT, LDH, LAP, T-Bil) caused by DMN-intoxication. PGE1.CD (0.5 microgram/kg/min and over) significantly suppressed the DMN-induced histopathological changes (occurrence of hemorrhage and necrosis). Post-treatment with PGE1.CD (2 micrograms/kg/min) also suppressed the liver damage. Furthermore, pretreatment with PGE1.CD (2 micrograms/kg/min) not only suppressed the disruption of hepatocytes, but also prevented the damages of sinusoidal endothelial cells and lysosomal membrane, and it reduced the increase of lipid peroxidation. PGE1.CD (1 microgram/kg/min and over) significantly suppressed the decrease of hepatic tissue blood flow caused by DMN-intoxication. These results demonstrate that PGE1.CD has therapeutically efficacy against DMN-induced acute liver damage in rats; Therefore, it will be clinically useful for the treatment of severe hepatitis such as fulminant hepatitis with intravascular coagulation in the sinusoid.
Acute Disease↗
[Life satisfaction and its related factors among institutionalized patients at a Hansen's disease sanatorium].
We conducted a questionnaire survey on life styles and health status for 293 patients with Hansen's disease. They were admitted to the wards for disabled and physically able patients of Ohshima Seishoen, in Kagawa prefecture, in 1991. This institution is one of Japan's national leprosy sanitarians. We measured patients' life satisfaction with the Delighted-Terrible Scale. In this report, the distribution of life satisfaction and its associated factors were examined for 210(71.7%) respondents. Factors examined were length of treatment, physical health, and social aspects of life at the sanatorium. The major findings were as follows; 1. The patients aged under 60 had lower proportions of being satisfied with life than those aged 60 or older. The proportions of life satisfaction of the 40-59 age group were 17% for men and 22% for women, while for the 60 or older age groups were 33-44% for men and 41-45% for women. The proportions of life satisfaction in the 60 or older age groups were lower than those of community dwelling elderly persons. 2. We examined factors associated with life satisfaction for the respondents aged 60 or older. Dependence on activities of daily living (ADL) was associated with life satisfaction in some ADL items. Care and aid provided by the staff of the sanatorium may modify the relationship between ADL impairment and life satisfaction. For social aspects of life at the sanatorium, both having networks with family members and having resources other than family were associated with life satisfaction. Going out and positively spending their daily lives were associated with life satisfaction, too. These associations were significant for men. Similar patterns of association were observed for women, but were insignificant. This finding suggests that it is important for the health and medical care staff to pay attention to the social aspects of the life of elderly patients with Hansen's disease.
Activities of Daily Living↗
Work-related factors of low back pain among nursing aides in nursing homes for the elderly.
This survey was performed in December 1991 on 555 nursing aides (NAs) in 32 Special Nursing Homes for the Elderly (SNHs) in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. The purpose of the survey was to establish the relationship between low back pain among NAs in SNHs, and the degree of dependency in the activities of daily living (ADL) of the patients under their care. In order to investigate the work-related factors of low back pain, a questionnaire was sent to the NAs, requesting information on the NAs' low back pain condition. Another questionnaire was sent to the 32 SNHs, concerning the status of patients in the respective SNHs. Of the 463 NAs questionnaires which were returned, 443 female NAs' responses were analyzed. The following findings were observed. The prevalence of low back pain among the NAs was high (the one month prevalence was 77.0%), and of the afflicted NAs, 98 (24.5%) were visiting a health care provider. The NAs with low back pain experienced difficulty in completing their care-giving tasks, and complained about their working conditions and working environment more often than the NAs without low back pain. In addition, this study showed that, at SNHs where the proportions of dependence in patients' ADL were high, the prevalence of low back pain among their NAs was high. This fact was also confirmed by multiple logistic regression. We, therefore, suggest in this study that patients' care needs are associated with low back pain among NAs.
Activities of Daily Living↗
[Effect of a combination treatment using imipenem/cilastatin sodium with G-CSF on infections in neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies].
The clinical effectiveness of a combination treatment using imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) with G-CSF was studied in neutropenic patients (< 500/mm3) with hematological malignancies and secondary infections. Thirty seven patients were entered in the trial, and 30 patients were eligible. This combination was effective in 20 patients, thus the overall efficacy rate was 66.7 percent. The combination was effective in all 6 cases with septicemia, in 10 case out of 15 cases with fever after chemotherapy (efficacy rate; 66.7%), in 3 out of 8 cases with respiratory infections including 7 cases with pneumonia (efficacy rate; 37.5%), and a case with laryngopharyngitis. According to the order of the administration, the efficacy rates were 60.0% in 5 cases in whom G-CSF treatment was started before IPM/CS, 66.7% in 21 cases given both G-CSF and IPM/CS simultaneously, and 75.0% in 4 cases in whom IPM/CS was started before G-CSF. The difference was statistically not significant on the efficacy rates in the three groups. The efficacy in 18 cases treated with monotherapy on antibiotic was 72.2% and that in 12 cases treated with IPM/CS in combination with other antibiotics was 58.3%, and the difference in the efficacy rates in these two groups was not statistically significant. According to the neutrophil counts before and after the treatment, high response rate (60.0%) was obtained in cases of severe neutropenia (less than 100/mm3). Bacteriological examinations showed that all of bacteria detected as pathogens (10 strains of Gram-positive bacteria and 6 strains of Gram-negative bacteria) were eradicated, though 3 strains were replaced by other pathogens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
Improving workplace environments and working conditions at worksites providing school lunch service in Japan.
With the cooperation of All Japan Prefectural and Municipal Workers' Union, we have started an overall program on occupational safety and health from 1984. This program has several strategies aimed at preventing occupational injuries and work-related diseases. At first, we analyzed the relationship between work-related hazards and occupational factors, and to identify dangerous or hazardous factors in the workplace. Second, we have conducted a couple of intervention studies at worksites and evaluated these improvements. Third, we discussed the priority, feasibility and cost of improvements with Workers' Union members and school lunch workers. Fourth, during the last decade, Workers' Union and many researchers have demanded that regulations be implemented which would establish comprehensive safety and health programs. Fifth, we provided the workers with procedures on how to improve working environments and conditions. These education and training programs are provided for small-group working ("safety and health circle"), and demonstrate to workers their abilities to solve occupational safety and health problems and to empower them with respect to health-related issues. Finally, we discussed and evaluated the preventive effects of improving workplace environments and working conditions. The overall program on occupational safety and health at worksites is developing nationwide and is gradually taking effect.
Cooking↗
Chromosome mapping of the human (RECA) and mouse (Reca) homologs of the yeast RAD51 and Escherichia coli recA genes to human (15q15.1) and mouse (2F1) chromosomes by direct R-banding fluorescence in situ hybridization.
We mapped the human (RECA) and mouse (Reca) homologs of the yeast RAD51 and Escherichia coli recA genes to human and mouse chromosomes by direct R-banding fluorescence in situ hybridization. This gene was assigned to human chromosome 15q15.1 and to mouse chromosome 2F1, respectively. This is the first report on the precise localization of this gene to human and mouse chromosomes. This gene was mapped to a region on human chromosome 15q15.1 and mouse 2F1 that is believed to be a conserved syntenic group.
Animals↗
IgD myelomas involving the prostate.
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Aged↗
Segregation analysis of IgE responses to Cryptomeria japonica pollen antigen in vivo.
The IgE response to Cryptomeria japonica pollen antigen (CPAg) in vivo was determined by radioimmunoassay of the plasma of 525 members from 98 families with known nasal allergies. Based on responses, patients were classified into a non-responder or low-responder group (non/low) and a high-responder group. Segregation analysis revealed that the IgE non/low responsiveness to CPAg involved a single dominant trait. The gene frequency was calculated to be 0.44-0.60. The IgE non/low response to CPAg was found to be mediated by CPAg-specific suppressor T cells. These findings demonstrated that the phenotypic variation of IgE responsiveness to CPAg is not due the immune response gene, but rather is mediated by the immune suppression gene for CPAg, via CPAg-specific suppressor T cells.
Adolescent↗
Impaired cell-mediated immunity to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in leukemic children with prolonged CMV viruria.
To determine the role of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in leukemic children after CMV infection, CMI to CMV antigen was studied using CMV-specific lymphocyte blastogenic responses (LBR) and interferon (IFN) production. Four children, who continuously secreted CMV in urine more than 2 years after symptomatic CMV infection (CMV disease) (group 1), showed impaired LBR to CMV antigen, though they had normal LBR to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A). Impairment of LBR either to AD-169 strains or autologous and heterologous wild strains was observed. IFN production was not detected in three of four children. Six leukemic children, who had no viruria after cessation of CMV disease (group 2), showed good responses to CMV antigens. IFN was detected in all six children in group 2. Eight leukemic children, who were seropositive to CMV at the onset of leukemia (group 3), showed good responses to CMV antigens and IFN production. These results suggest that impaired cell-mediated immunity to CMV antigen might contribute to prolonged excretion of CMV in urine in leukemic children.
Adolescent↗
Age-related hearing impairment in senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM).
The auditory brainstem response and histopathology of the cochlea were investigated in an accelerated senescence-prone strain, SAM-P/1 mice and a senescence-resistant strain, SAM-R/1 mice. Each strain displayed an age-related auditory loss expressed as elevated thresholds similar to human hearing loss in that high-frequency losses occurred earlier than middle- or low-frequency losses. SAM-P/1 showed a more rapid decline of hearing with age than did SAM-R/1. Interpeak intervals I-III and I-IV were prolonged with age in both strains, especially at high frequency. The prolongation was more marked in SAM-P/1 than in SAM-R/1. The decrease in amplitude of wave I observed in both strains was greater in SAM-P/1 than in SAM-R/1. The auditory function assessed by thresholds, interpeak intervals and amplitudes of wave I in SAM-P/1 at 12 months of age corresponded roughly to that in SAM-R/1 at 20 months of age. In morphological studies, there was an age-related decrease in the cell density as well as in the size of spiral ganglion neurons in both strains, but these changes were more pronounced in SAM-P/1 than in SAM-R/1. These results reveal that age-related hearing impairment associated with morphological changes in the cochlea is manifested earlier and progresses more rapidly in SAM-P/1 than in SAM-R/1. Thus, the SAM-P/1 strain should prove useful as a model of presbycusis.
Aging↗
beta-Mercaptoethanol differentially acts on the rat somatotrophs and lactotrophs in primary culture to suppress the secretion of immunoreactive hormones.
We previously reported that beta-mercaptoethanol (ME) reduced the content of immunoreactive prolactin (iPRL) within the adenohypophyseal cells, primarily through its direct effect on the disulfide bonding of the PRL molecule. Because of the structural similarities between PRL and growth hormone (GH), the effects of ME on the hormonal dynamics of iGH were compared to those of iPRL. ME reduced secretion and intracellular content of both iGH and iPRL in the cultured rat adenohypophyseal cells. However, iGH was more resistant to the suppressive effects of ME than iPRL. This was particularly so with regard to the intracellular hormonal contents. While 0.01% ME caused approximately 90% reduction in the iPRL content of the lactotrophic cells, the highest tested dose of ME, i.e. 0.1%, showed only 20% reduction in the iGH content of the somatotrophic cells. Also, the minimum effective dose of ME to suppress iGH secretion was 10-fold higher than that required for the suppression of iPRL secretion. Significant suppression of iGH secretion was not observed until 120 min after the onset of ME incubation as opposed to 2-9 min for the suppression of iPRL. These findings, together with the lack of any direct effects of ME on the iGH molecule itself, strongly suggested that ME acted via different mechanisms and/or pathways in the somatotrophs and lactotrophs to suppress respective hormonal dynamics.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Loss of contractile activity of endothelin-1 induced by electrical field stimulation-generated free radicals.
1. Electrical field stimulation (EFS; 10 V, 10 Hz, 2 ms) of porcine coronary artery strips precontracted with 10 nM endothelin-1 (ET-1) for 5 min caused a biphasic response, consisting of a slight contraction during EFS and a marked and irreversible relaxation just after EFS. This irreversible relaxation after EFS has never been investigated. In the present study, we have investigated the mechanism of the relaxation after EFS. 2. The EFS-induced response was not affected by the presence or absence of endothelium and was insensitive to 10 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX). 3. In the presence of free radical scavengers (40 u ml-1 superoxide dismutase (SOD), 1200 u ml-1 catalase or 80 mM D-mannitol), the relaxation after EFS was significantly inhibited. Moreover, relaxation after EFS was not observed in porcine coronary artery strips precontracted with 20 mM KCl. 4. In a cascade experiment, EFS of Krebs-Ringer solution containing 10 nM ET-1 induced marked suppression of the contractile activity of ET-1 in porcine coronary artery strips, which was in accord with the observed decrease in release of immunoreactive ET-1 (ir-ET-1). This effect of EFS was significantly inhibited by each of the free radical scavengers, 3 mM vitamin C, 40 u ml-1 SOD, 1200 u ml-1 catalase and 80 mM D-mannitol. 5. The exchange of 95% O2/5% CO2 gas for 95% N2/5% CO2 gas significantly inhibited the EFS-induced decrease in release of ir-ET-1. 6. Neither superoxide anions generated by xanthine (10 JM) plus xanthine oxidase (0.1 micro ml-1) nor hydrogen peroxide (10 microM) exogenously added to Krebs-Ringer solution containing 10 nM ET-1 affected the level of ir-ET-1.7. Generation of hydroxyl radicals was detected in the EFS-applied Krebs-Ringer solution. The EFS-induced generation of hydroxyl radicals was dependent on the period of stimulation and 02-bubbling, and significant generation of hydroxyl radicals was detectable with stimulation of over 5 min.Moreover, hydroxyl radicals generated in 50 mM NaCl solution containing 10 nM ET-1 by H202 plus Fe2 , i.e. the Fenton reaction, significantly decreased the level of ir-ET-l.8. These findings suggest that oxygen-derived hydroxyl radicals generated by EFS of porcine coronary artery strips inactivate ET-1, probably by structural modification. Thus, porcine coronary artery strips precontracted with ET-1 are potently relaxed by EFS.
Animals↗
[Clinical evaluation of aciclovir granules in the treatment of chickenpox in otherwise healthy children].
The efficacy and safety of aciclovir granules (containing 40% w/w aciclovir) were evaluated in the treatment of chickenpox in otherwise healthy children. Patients presenting with chickenpox received aciclovir granules at a dose of 20 mg/kg four times daily for five to seven days. Overall 51 children received treatment with aciclovir. A further 53 patients receiving conventional symptomatic therapy acted as a control. In the aciclovir group the overall efficacy rate was 92.2%. There were reductions in the numbers of lesions, fever, itching and the duration of symptoms. No adverse experiences were reported. Overall this formulation of aciclovir appears to be a safe and effective treatment for chickenpox in this patient population. However the need for anti-viral therapy in otherwise healthy children is still the subject of debate and it might be appropriate to identify sub-groups for whom such therapy is justified.
Acyclovir↗