[Apoptosis in the reproductive system].
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Androgens↗
Biomedical subjects
R Nakano
Publications and source records attributed to R Nakano.
[Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma: a case report].
We experienced a case of ganglioneuroma. A 37-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for right flank pain. Computed tomography (CT) showed a low density mass near the upper pole of the right kidney. Selective renal arteriography did not demonstrate any tumor vessels in the right kidney. An endocrinological study revealed high values of noradrenaline and dopamine in urine. Under the preoperative diagnosis of a retroperitoneal tumor or right adrenal tumor, tumor resection was performed. The tumor was found in the retroperitoneal space on surgical exploration. The histopathological diagnosis was ganglioneuroma.
Biomarkers, Tumor↗
[Dementia and visual information processing].
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Alzheimer Disease↗
Marked detergents effects on safranine T-mediated photo-induced electron transfer in cytochrome P-450 1A2.
Cytochrome P-450 accepts electrons from electron transfer proteins to facilitate monooxidation reactions. It is suggested that basic amino acids such as Lys and Arg on the P-450 molecular surface interact with acidic amino acids such as Glu and Asp of the electron transfer protein. Safranine T is a basic compound which mediates electron transfer with illumination. It was found with flash photolysis that an electron from photo-reduced safranine T quickly reaches the heme iron of cytochrome P-450 1A2 (P-450 1A2). The photo-induced reduction kinetics of P-450 1A2 were analyzed by the Runge-Kutta method on the second order assumption. The electron-transfer rate constant from safranine T to P-450 1A2 was 2.1 x 10(6) M-1s-1. The rate constant was remarkably increased up to 3.1 x 10(8) M-1s-1 by adding cholic acid, while that was drastically reduced down to 3.5 x 10(4) M-1s-1 by adding Emulgen 913. The electron-transfer rate of a His163-Glu mutant, which has a 40 mV lower redox potential than that of the wild type, was the same as that of the wild type in the absence of the detergents, although the reduced fraction of the mutant was 30% lower than that of the wild type. The electron-transfer rate of the mutant also changed significantly by adding the detergents in the same way as the wild type. Based on these results, together with optical absorbance and fluorescence data, we discuss the inter- and intramolecular electron-transfer mechanism of P-450 1A2.
Animals↗
Effect of balloon occluded arterial infusion of anticancer drugs on the prognosis of cervical cancer treated with radiation therapy.
PURPOSE: The effect of local injection of anticancer drugs by balloon catheter, i.e., balloon occluded arterial infusion (BOAI), on the prognosis of cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy were retrospectively estimated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sixty-five patients with cervical cancer (Stage I-IV) treated by irradiation were included in the study. Among the 65 cases, 2 were in Stage I, 13 in Stage II, 40 in Stage III, and 10 in Stage IV. Patients who received surgical resection were excluded. Thirty-nine patients received BOAI and 44 received brachytherapy. Twenty-six patients were not indicated for BOAI because of insufficient renal function, hepatic complications, hematological complications, and refusal from the patients. Cisplatin (0.9-1.7 mg/kg), Adriamycin (0.7-0.9 mg/kg), and Pepleomycin (0.4-0.6 mg/kg) were administered simultaneously into the bilateral internal iliac arteries by BOAI. External irradiation was given by 10 MV x-ray. Total dose administered to the regional lymph nodes by the external irradiation was 48.3 +/- 8.7 Gy. Radium was used at brachytherapy. The dose delivered by the brachytherapy at point A was 45.3 +/- 14.9 Gy. Patients without brachytherapy received 26.1 +/- 19.1 Gy of boost irradiation by the external photon beam. The survival probabilities of the patients were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The 5-year survival rates of the Stage III patients with and without BOAI were 53 +/- 13% and 24 +/- 18%, respectively (p = 0.036). By multivariate analyses using Cox's proportional hazard model, stage and BOAI were selected as significant predictors of the prognosis. Transient bone marrow suppression was observed in about half of the patients with BOAI. No significant increase of the incidence of the late radiation damage by BOAI in rectum or in urinary bladder was observed. CONCLUSION: Balloon occluded arterial infusion of anticancer drugs may improve the prognosis of the patients with cervical cancer without increasing the incidence of the late radiation damage. A larger scale prospective randomized study is desired.
Actuarial Analysis↗
Possible function of Ah receptor nuclear translocator (Arnt) homodimer in transcriptional regulation.
Arnt (Ah receptor nuclear translocator) is a member of a transcription factor family having characteristic motifs designated bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) and PAS and was originally found as a factor forming a complex with Ah receptor (AhR) to bind the specific xenobiotic responsive element (XRE) sequence for induction of drug-metabolizing P4501A1. We have examined interaction of Arnt with other PAS proteins--Drosophila Per, Sim, and AhR--by the coimmunoprecipitation method. Arnt formed a homodimer with itself as well as heterodimers with the others by means of the PAS and HLH domains in a cooperative way. The Arnt homodimer binds the sequence of adenovirus major late promoter (MLP) with the E box core sequence CACGTG, suggesting that the CAC half of the XRE, CACGCN(A/T), recognized by the AhR-Arnt heterodimer is a target for Arnt. Cotransfection experiments using CV-1 cells with an Arnt expression plasmid and a MLP chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter plasmid revealed that Arnt markedly activated CAT expression, indicative of a newly discovered regulatory role of Arnt.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma with sarcoma-like mural nodules.
A rare case of ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma with sarcoma-like mural nodules is reported. Macroscopically, nodular or granular lesions were scattered over the inner surface of a huge, multilocular tumor in the left ovary. The histopathological features were consistent with those of previously documented cases, except significant squamous metaplasia in the present case. The pleomorphic sarcoma-like cells showed a positive reaction for vimentin and alpha-antichymotrypsin but were negative for carcinoembryonic antigen and common epithelial membrane antigen by immunohistochemistry. Electron microscopically, the tumor cells had neither desmosomes nor secretory granules, but they possessed abundant intermediate filaments. Both immunostaining and ultrastructure suggested that the sarcoma-like nodules were derived from reactive proliferation of fibrohistiocytic cells. The fibrohistiocytic reaction seemed to occur in response to hemorrhage, because hemorrhage was reported to be associated with the mural nodules in most of the previous cases as well as ours.
Cystadenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗
Changing pattern of mental health utilization in Hachijojima.
We have reviewed retrospectively 229 patients interviewed by the mental health team in the Hachijojima since the establishment of our services in 1987. The 6 year observation period was classified into three chronological stages for the purposes of identifying any change in the utilization pattern of the mental health services of the island. The rate of schizophrenia was observed to have decreased from 48% in the first 2 years of the study period to 28% in the last 2 years; while that of other mental disorders increased yearly. Interestingly, an increasing number of patients were referred to our services by professionals in areas other than mental health (from 42 to 77%), and patients without any history of psychiatric treatment were more frequently seen (from 36 to 75%) in the later part of the study period. These changes suggest the importance of access to mental health services.
Adolescent↗
Increased serum levels of type IV collagen and laminin in a patient with a giant retroperitoneal schwannoma.
A 63 year old woman presented with a giant abdominal tumor. Ultrasonography, computerized tomography and drop-infused pyelography revealed a suspected retroperitoneal tumor. The tumor was removed surgically and weighted 2800 g. The pathological diagnosis of the tumor was schwannoma. Strong immunohistochemical staining specific for type IV collagen and laminin was observed in the tumor, and these components were localized in the pericellular region of Schwann cells. The serum levels of these antigens, as determined by radio-immunoassay, were very high before the operation but decreased rapidly thereafter.
Adolescent↗
Analysis of expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma by in situ hybridization.
The gene expression of two type IV collagenases (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-2, a 72 kd type IV collagenase, and MMP-9, a 92 kd type IV collagenase) was investigated in carcinomas of the hypopharynx. We examined 27 cases operated on in our hospital by an in situ hybridization technique to detect their messenger RNA signals in cancer cells and surrounding stroma. Both signals were detected in all cancer nests and in stromal cells in the same specimens. Clinicopathologic studies showed a significant relationship between MMP-2 expression in the primary cancer and the outcome of treatment. Our present study suggests that hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma producing MMP-2 has a high potential for invasion and metastasis and a poor outcome. The analysis of MMPs will be useful for treatment planning in hypopharyngeal carcinoma and for prognosis.
Adult↗
Expression of luteinizing hormone and chorionic gonadotropin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in human corpora lutea during menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
In the present study, we examined the expression of LH and CG receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) in human corpora lutea (CL) during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Poly(A)-enriched RNA was extracted from CL and analyzed by Northern and slot blots, using a radiolabeled complementary RNA probe derived from the human LH receptor complementary DNA. Northern blot analysis indicated the presence of multiple LH receptor mRNA transcripts with molecular sizes of 8.0, 7.0 and 4.5 kilobases in human CL during the menstrual cycle. The predominant transcript was 4.5 kilobases in size. However, no hybridization signals were observed in nongonadal tissues (heart, liver, and kidney). Densitometric analyses revealed that the levels of LH receptor mRNA increased from early luteal phase to midluteal phase and subsequently decreased during late luteal phase. After the onset of menstruation, the LH receptor mRNA level was undetectable in the regressing CL. Moreover, radioligand receptor assay (RRA) showed a close parallelism between LH receptor mRNA levels and LH receptor content in CL throughout the menstrual cycle. LH receptor mRNA expression was also found in CL during early pregnancy. The level of LH receptor mRNA was relatively high in early pregnancy CL, whereas LH receptor content was low. Using in situ hybridization, LH receptor mRNAs were uniformly expressed in both large and small luteal cells during early and midluteal phase and early pregnancy, but not in regressing CL. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that the regulation of LH receptor content in human CL during luteal phase is associated with similar changes in the receptor message levels, suggesting the physiological roles for LH receptor mRNA during the menstrual cycle in the human. In addition, the expression of LH receptor mRNA was demonstrated in human CL during early pregnancy.
Adult↗
Immunohistochemical localization of inhibin alpha- and beta A-subunits in the ovary of immature female rats.
Immunohistochemical localization of inhibin alpha- and beta A-subunits was examined in the ovaries of immature female rats. The granulosa cells in various sized ovarian follicles obtained from rats that were 10-24 days old exhibited positive staining for inhibin alpha- and beta A-subunits. The relative intensities of immunostaining for alpha- and beta A-subunits increased during follicular growth and maturation. Ova and internal thecal cells did not show any immunostaining for inhibin alpha- and/or beta A-subunits. These results suggest that granulosa cells of immature rat ovaries may produce inhibin from the 10th day after birth, and that an increase in the number of mature ovarian follicles results in an increase in inhibin production in the immature rat ovary during prepubertal development.
Aging↗
[3H]naloxone binding sites in porcine ovarian follicles and corpora lutea during the ovarian cycle.
We demonstrated the presence of opioid receptors in the porcine ovary using [3H]naloxone. We also examined the change in the number of opioid receptors during follicular maturation. In addition, we found specific binding of [3H]naloxone in the porcine ovary using naloxone, beta-endorphin, methionine-enkephalin and dynorphin. The binding of [3H]naloxone to porcine granulosa cells and the 2000-g subcellular fraction of corpora lutea was examined to demonstrate the presence of specific [3H]naloxone binding in the porcine ovary. Binding of [3H]naloxone to porcine granulosa cells was displaced by cold naloxone and beta-endorphin but not by dynorphin and methionine-enkephalin. A similar phenomenon was also demonstrated in the 2000 g subcellular fraction of porcine corpora lutea. However, Scatchard analyses revealed a single class of high-affinity (Kd = 28.5 x 10(-9) mol/l) and low-capacity binding sites (Bmax = 30.5 fmol/5 x 10(6) cells) in porcine granulosa cells. Similar binding parameters were obtained in the 2000-g subcellular fraction of porcine luteal tissue (Kd = 28.3 x 10(-9) mol/l, Bmax = 59.3 nmol/kg protein). [3H]Naloxone binding sites in the porcine ovary showed binding characteristics similar to those of opioid receptors in other organs like brain, uterus and placenta. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the specific binding sites of [3H]naloxone in porcine granulosa cells decreased during follicular maturation. Opioid receptors have been detected in the uterus, placenta and Sertoli cell cultures in some species. However, there is no detailed study on opioid receptors in granulosa cells and luteal tissues in any species. Our data suggest a relationship between folliculogenesis and ovarian opioid peptides.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
[Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and a mutation of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene].
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Amino Acid Sequence↗
Expression of the histamine H1 receptor gene in relation to atherosclerosis.
Histamine in serum and arterial tissue contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the formation of coronary artery vasospasm. As the effect of histamine at a given site will be mediated by its specific receptors, we investigated by in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis the expression and localization of human histamine H1 receptor mRNA in the arterial wall and in cultured human aortic intimal smooth muscle cells (SMC) and immortalized SMC (ISS10) and endothelial cells (SE1). In situ hybridization showed that SMC and endothelial cells expressed H1 receptor mRNA in vivo and that the expression was increased in SMC in the thickened intima of atherosclerotic foci in both the aorta and coronary artery. By Northern blot analysis, we also detected histamine H1 receptor mRNA in cultured SMC, ISS10, and SE1 and found that platelet-derived growth factor stimulated SMC to increase their expression of the mRNA in vitro. These results suggest that up-regulation of histamine H1 receptor expression by platelet-derived growth factor plays an important role in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases.
Aorta↗
Establishment and characterization of immortalized human coronary endothelial cells.
We established an immortalized cell line from endothelial cells derived from a human coronary artery, isolated at autopsy from 76-year-old male, by transfecting the cells with origin-minus simian virus 40 DNA. These cells showed SV40 T antigen in the nuclei and Ulex europaeus I agglutinin and factor VIII-related antigen, as endothelial cell markers, in their cytoplasm. This cell line synthesized prostacyclin, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) as well as produced the proform of matrix metalloproteinase 1, which was activated by cultivating the cells with plasminogen. These findings reveal that this immortalized endothelial cell line retains characteristics of human coronary endothelial cells, indicating that this cell line is useful for studying atherogenesis of the coronary artery.
Aged↗
[Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene].
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting primarily upper and lower motor neurons. In all cases of ALS, approximately 5-10% of cases are familial (FALS). Missense mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene on chromosome 21 have been demonstrated in some families of FALS since 1993. We have also identified a novel missense mutation (substitution of Thr for Ala4) in exon 1 in a Japanese FALS family, and clarified the pathological findings of a patient in this family were typical of FALS with posterior column involvement. However, the mechanism by which the mutations in SOD1 lead to ALS is unknown. It is now clear that the mutations in SOD1 reduce total SOD activities only by 30-60%, and there is doubt whether a reduction in enzymatic function of this magnitude suffices to cause the neuronal loss. Recently, transgenic mice expressing the mutant SOD1 demonstrate motor neuron degeneration despite an increased level of SOD activity. The process of motor neuron degeneration in FALS might be mediated by some novel functions of the mutant SOD1 protein.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗
Possible existence of luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptors in human corpora lutea during early pregnancy.
In order to evaluate the possible existence of receptors for luteinizing hormone (LH)/chorionic gonadotropin (CG) in human corpora lutea of pregnancy, the specific binding of [125I]hLH to luteal pellets of 6-7 weeks' gestation and the effect of neuraminidase pretreatment on [125I]hLH binding were investigated. A relatively low capacity of hLH binding to luteal tissue of pregnancy was observed. In addition, the specific binding of hLH to luteal pellets significantly increased following neuraminidase pretreatment. The results obtained in this study suggest the possible existence of LH/CG receptors in human corpora lutea of pregnancy.
Adult↗