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Biomedical subjects

R Takayanagi

Publications and source records attributed to R Takayanagi.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Presence of non-selective type of endothelin receptor on vascular endothelium and its linkage to vasodilation.

We studied the role of non-selective type (ETB) of endothelin (ET) receptor in the vasculature, using a ligand specific to the ETB receptor, [Glu9]-sarafotoxin S6b ([Glu9]SRTb). Endothelium-containing rat thoracic aorta possessed specific binding sites for 125I-[Glu9]SRTb, which were almost eliminated by removal of the endothelium, while ET-3-specific binding sites were not detected in the endothelium-intact rat aorta. Only ETB receptor was detected in the membranes from the endothelium of porcine thoracic aorta. [Glu9]SRTb exerted only vasodilation in rat aortic ring. These findings indicate that ETB receptors are located on vascular endothelium and linked to vasodilation.

Animals↗

Multiple subtypes of endothelin receptors in porcine tissues: characterization by ligand binding, affinity labeling and regional distribution.

To clarify the existence and the distribution of endothelin (ET) receptor subtypes, we have examined the pharmacological properties and the molecular weight (Mr) of 125I-ET-1 and 125I-ET-3 binding sites in various tissues of pigs. ET-1 and ET-2 showed almost identical potencies in displacing the bound 125I-ET-1 in all the tissues examined. ET-3, sarafotoxin S6b (SRT-b) and sarafotoxin S6c (SRT-c) displaced the 125I-ET-1 with the same sensitivity as ET-1 (IC50 = 0.1-1.4 nM) in brain, kidney, liver and adrenal, whereas the three peptides showed very weak competition (IC50 = 40-500 nM) against 125I-ET-1 binding in cardiac atria, aorta, lung, stomach and uterus. The computer analyses of the binding data suggested the presence of high (Kd1 = 0.04-0.29 nM) and low (Kd2 = 60-190 nM) affinity binding sites for ET-3 and SRT-b in lung and stomach. 125I-ET-3 bound to the high affinity sites in lung and stomach was displaced by ET/SRT isopeptides almost equipotently. Two proteins with Mr of 47,000 and 35,000 were affinity-labeled with 125I-ET-1 in cerebellum, while a protein with Mr of 123,000, in addition to the two proteins, was predominantly labeled in lung. The above findings indicated that two distinct subclasses of ET receptors, namely, ET-1-specific and ET/SRT family-common receptors were distributed in various proportions in mammalian tissues, and suggested that their molecular forms are also different.

Affinity Labels↗

Atrial and brain natriuretic peptide in adrenal steroidogenesis.

We elucidated the role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in human and bovine adrenocortical steroidogenesis. The urinary volume, sodium excretion and cyclic GMP (cGMP) excretion and plasma cGMP were markedly increased by the synthetic alpha-human ANP (alpha-hANP) infusion in healthy volunteers. Plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) and aldosterone levels were significantly suppressed. Both ANP and BNP inhibited aldosterone, 19-OH-androstenedione, cortisol and DHEA secretion dose-dependently and increased the accumulation of intracellular cGMP in cultured human and bovine adrenal cells. alpha-hANP significantly suppressed P450scc-mRNA in cultured bovine adrenal cells stimulated by ACTH. Autoradiography and affinity labeling of [125I]hANP, and Scatchard plot demonstrated a specific ANP receptor in bovine and human adrenal glands. Purified ANP receptor from bovine adrenal glands identified two distinct types of ANP receptors, one is biologically active, the other is silent. A specific BNP receptor was also identified on the human and bovine adrenocortical cell membranes. The binding sites were displaced by unlabelled ANP as well as BNP. BNP showed an effect possibly via a receptor which may be shared with ANP. The mean basal plasma alpha-hANP level was 25 +/- 5 pg/ml in young men. We confirmed the presence of ANP and BNP in bovine and porcine adrenal medulla. Plasma or medullary ANP or BNP may directly modulate the adrenocortical steroidogenesis. We demonstrated that the lack of inhibitory effect of alpha-hANP on cultured aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) cells was due to the decrease of ANP-specific receptor, which caused the loss of suppression of aldosterone and an increase in intracellular cGMP.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Conversion of big endothelin isopeptides to mature endothelin isopeptides by cultured bovine endothelial cells.

Both the soluble and membrane fractions prepared from cultured bovine endothelial cells (ECs) possessed the converting activities to metabolize big endothelin-1 (big ET-1) to endothelin-1 (ET-1) at neutral pH. Metal chelators inhibited the activities of both fractions, whereas phosphoramidon, a metalloprotease inhibitor, strongly inhibited only the activity of the membrane fraction. Phosphoramidon reduced the secretion of ET-1 and concomitantly enhanced the release of big ET-1 from cultured ECs. The incubations of big ET-1, big ET-2, and big ET-3 with cultured ECs resulted in their conversions to mature ETs. Phosphoramidon also abolished these conversions. These results indicate that vascular endothelium can convert not only endogenous big ET-1 but also exogenous big ET isopeptides to their mature ETs through a phosphoramidon-sensitive neutral metalloprotease.

Animals↗

Multiple subtypes of endothelin receptors in human and porcine tissues: characterization by ligand binding, affinity labeling, and regional distribution.

To characterize the properties and the distribution of endothelin (ET) receptor subtypes, we have examined the ligand selectivity and the molecular weight (Mr) of [125I]ET-1 and [125I]ET-3 binding sites in various tissues of human and pigs. ET-1 and ET-2 showed almost identical potencies in displacing the bound [125I]ET-1 in all of the tissues examined. ET-3, sarafotoxin S6b (SRTX-b), and sarafotoxin S6C (SRTX-c) displaced the [125I]ET-1 with nearly the same sensitivity as ET-1 (IC50 = 0.07-3.0 nM) in brain, kidney, liver, and adrenal, whereas the three peptides showed very weak competition (IC50 = 40-500 nM) against [125I]ET-1 binding in atria, aorta, lung, stomach, and uterus. The Bmax value for [125I]ET-3 was 83% of that for [125I]ET-1 in human liver membranes, whereas the Bmax for [125I]ET-3 was only 12% of that for [125I]ET-1 in human atrial membranes. [125I]ET-3 bound to liver and atrial membranes was displaced by ET/SRTX isopeptides almost equipotently. Two proteins with Mr of 110 and 50 kDa were specifically affinity-labeled with [125I]ET-1 in porcine lung membranes. The above findings indicated that two distinct subclasses of ET receptors, namely ET-1/ET-2-specific and ET/SRT family common receptors, were distributed in various proportions in mammalian tissues.

Affinity Labels↗

Decreased binding capacity for alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide in aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma.

The previous study demonstrated that the aldosterone secretion of aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma failed to be suppressed by human atrial natriuretic peptide, based on the data in synthetic alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide infusion in vivo and the effect on in vitro secretion from cultured adenoma cells. Using the membrane fractions prepared from human adrenal tissues and an aldosterone-producing adenoma tissues, we characterized the binding sites for [125I] alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide by the binding study and affinity-labeling of [125I] alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide. Both normal adrenal and adenoma tissue membrane fractions possessed specific binding sites, however the relative binding capacity for [125I] alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide in the adenoma preparations was markedly lower than that in the normal adrenal tissue preparation. The specific binding sites for [125I] alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide were detected at the region of 140 KD and 67-70 KD only in the normal adrenal membrane fractions. Our data suggest that the refractoriness to the effect of atrial peptide may be due to the reduced receptor sites in aldosterone-producing adenoma cells.

Adenoma↗

[A case of thyrotoxicosis with prolonged muscle cramp and hypocalcemia after treatment with methimazole].

We report a case of thyrotoxicosis with prolonged post-treatment muscle cramp and hypocalcemia. A 36 year-old woman with hyperthyroidism was treated with Methimazole (MMI). As plasma levels of T4 and T3 were normalized, hypocalcemia was noted and severe cramp of skeletal muscle appeared so that the patient was unable to walk. The cramp was gradually relieved as the levels of thyroid hormones re-increased by discontinuance of MMI, and recurred as the hormone levels were normalized by readministration of MMI. The plasma levels of free calcium ion was positively correlated with those of thyroid hormones, and the muscle cramp was worsened with lowering of the calcium level. Serum examination also revealed vitamin D-deficiency, which was probably due to an unbalanced diet of the patient. A therapeutic trial with 1 alpha-vitamin D3 and calcium lactate in addition to MMI improved both thyrotoxicosis and muscle cramp. These findings suggested that hypocalcemia due to vitamin D-deficiency was involved in the exceptionally prolonged muscle cramp associated with the treatment of hypothyroidism in this patient.

Adult↗

Cultured bovine endothelial cells convert big endothelin isopeptides to mature endothelin isopeptides.

The incubation of big endothelin-1 (big ET-1), big ET-2 or big ET-3 with cultured bovine endothelial cells (ECs) resulted in their conversions to mature endothelins (ETs). These conversions apparently exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics as a function of each big ET isopeptide. The conversions of big ETs were abolished by phosphoramidon. These results indicate that vascular endothelium can convert exogenous big ET-1 to mature ET-1 through a phosphoramidon-sensitive metalloprotease, and that this enzyme has also high affinities for big ET-2 and big ET-3.

Animals↗

Enhanced secretion of endothelin-1 by elevated glucose levels from cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells.

We have investigated the effect of glucose on the release of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity (ET-1-LI) from cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. Elevation of glucose concentrations in cultured media from 5.5 to 11.1 or 22.2 mM significantly stimulated ET-1-LI release from cultured endothelial cells. An aldose reductase inhibitor did not affect the high glucose-induced ET-1-LI release. These findings suggest the possibility that hyperglycemia in diabetic patients enhances ET-1-LI release at the local site of vascular endothelium, which might be involved in the developments of vascular complications and atherosclerosis.

Animals↗

Identification and characterization of endothelin converting activity in cultured bovine endothelial cells.

Using a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the carboxyl terminal tail of endothelin (ET) (His16-Trp21), we have confirmed the presence of the converting activity from synthetic human big ET-1 to ET-1 in the homogenate of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. The optimal pHs for the converting activities were found at pH 3.0 and pH 7.0. The activity at pH 3.0 was completely inhibited by pepstatin A, whereas the activity at pH 7.0 was not affected by known various protease inhibitors except EDTA and EGTA. When the products from big ET-1 were analyzed on an ODS and a CN columns, only ET-1 was detected at pH 7.0, but various ET-like immunoreactivities other than ET-1 were detected at pH 3.0. These findings strongly suggest that mature ET-1 is formed from big ET-1 in the endothelial cells by a metal-dependent neutral protease.

Animals↗

Regional distribution of endothelin receptor in porcine cardiovascular tissues.

To clarify effecting sites of endothelin (ET) in a circulation system, we have identified specific receptors for porcine ET(ET-1) and investigated the distribution in the porcine cardiovascular tissues. Scatchard analysis of 125I-porcine ET binding indicated the presence of a single class of high-affinity binding sites. The binding was highly specific for ET-1, because (1) none of the other various peptides or Ca2+-channel antagonists affected the binding, (2) the scission of disulfide bonds, the digestion of the C-terminal 6-amino acid residues, or nitrophenylsulfenylization of the C-terminal Trp21 of ET-1 markedly reduced the binding ability and, (3) ET-1 showed the highest affinity for the vascular receptor among three ET isopeptides. Cardiac atria possessed the highest density (2.7 pmol/mg protein) of ET receptors of all the tissues examined, including thoracic aorta, cardiac atria and cardiac ventriculi, basilar, renal, coronary and pulmonary branch arteries, coronary, renal and jugular veins, and small vessels of pia mater encephali. Small vessels, renal and coronary arteries also showed relatively high density (0.8-1.4 pmol/mg protein). Various veins examined also showed considerable density (0.45-0.74 pmol/mg protein). The apparent Kd of cardiac ET receptors (0.76 nM) was significantly greater than that of the receptors of the other tissue (0.06-0.14 nM). The extensive distribution and the local enrichment of ET receptor in a cardiovascular system strongly suggests that ET is one of the essential endogenous substances to control the tone of the vasculature.

Aged↗

Decreased levels of steroid 21-hydroxylase [P450(c21)] and its mRNA in an adrenocortical adenoma associated with 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Adrenocortical adenoma incidentally found in a 37-yr-old female patient, with simple virilizing form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, was studied. Cultured adenoma cells revealed excessive secretion of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in response to 10(-8) M ACTH, compared with those of 11-deoxycortisol and cortisol, which indicated impaired activity of the 21-hydroxylase. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of this defective 21-hydroxylase in the adenoma, we analyzed the gene encoding specific cytochrome P450 (P450c21) for steroid 21-hydroxylation and its expression. DNA and RNA were extracted from the adrenal adenoma and were hybridized with a probe of human P450c21 gene, by Southern and Northern blot analysis. In Southern blot analysis with Taq I, Bgl II or Bam HI, there was no difference between the pattern of restriction fragments in DNA from the adenoma and normal peripheral leucocytes. Northern blot analysis of the adenoma showed the same size of P450c21 mRNA as in the normal adrenal gland, but the amount was low--about a half that of the normal adrenal. In Western blot analysis with polyclonal antibody to P450c21, only a small amount of P450c21 protein was detected in the adenoma, although it was found to be of the same molecular weight as that in the normal adrenal gland. In view of these findings it is conceivable as one of possibilities that a mild and small mutation in the structural or promotor region of the P450c21 gene may cause the decreased 21-hydroxylase activity in this adenoma.

Adenoma↗

[A case of hypopituitarism associated with empty sella and agenesis of corpus callosum, a variant form of septo-optic-pituitary dysplasia].

A 41-year-old man was referred to Kyushu University Hospital for evaluation of hypothyroidism and hypocortisolemia. Pituitary function test revealed the deficiency of GH(growth hormone), ACTH(adrenocorticotropic hormone), prolactin and TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone). MRI showed empty sella and agenesis of corpus callosum. Clinical diagnosis was hypopituitarism with midline brain anomaly. Septo-optic-pituitary dysplasia (SOPD) is a syndrome characterized by agenesis of septum pellucidum or corpus callosum, optic nerve hypoplasia and congenital hypothalamic-pituitary insufficiency. Our case had no ocular anomalies, but today it is regarded as a variant form of SOPD. Evaluation of the integrity of midline brain structures in patients with congenital hypopituitarism is thus thought to be important for their etiology.

Adult↗

Structure-receptor binding relationships of sarafotoxin and endothelin in porcine cardiovascular tissues.

The specific binding of 125I-sarafotoxin S6b was observed in the microsomal fractions from porcine thoracic aorta, and two vasoconstrictive peptides with strikingly homologous structures, sarafotoxin (SRT) and endothelin (ET), interact with a common receptor of the vasculature. The order of the potency of an each endothelin or sarafotoxin analogue as a competitor against 125I-sarafotoxin S6b binding was ET-1 greater than ET-2 greater than SRT S6b greater than ET-3 much greater than SRT S6c. The hydrophobic carboxyl-terminal tail and intramolecular disulfide bridges are essential for the binding activity. In addition, Ser4, Ser5 and Lys9 seem to be important for the activity while the 6th residue does not affect the activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Structure and function of the receptor for human atrial natriuretic peptide in cultured human skin fibroblasts].

Cultured human skin fibroblasts possessed the high-affinity and low-capacity binding sites for [125I]alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), in which the dissociation constant and maximal binding capacity were computed to 68.7 +/- 11.3 pM and 7.3 +/- 1.2 fmols/mg protein, respectively, from Scatchard plot analysis. The specific [125I] alpha-hANP binding sites of cultured human fibroblast were displaced by unlabeled atriopeptin I, a truncated analogue, to the same extent as the case of alpha-hANP. In human adrenal membrane fractions, [125I] alpha-hANP binding sites were suppressed only by unlabeled alpha-hANP, while the high concentrations of atriopeptin I could slightly inhibit the binding sites for alpha-hANP. As it was reported that atriopeptin I had more significant affinity to the low-molecular weight ANP receptor (60-70 KD) than that to the high-molecular weight form (130-140 KD), the specific bindings may be attributed by the low-molecular weight ANP receptor in cultured human fibroblasts. Furthermore, alpha-hANP up to 10(-8)M failed to induce the significant cGMP formation in cultured human skin fibroblasts. The molecular weight of [125I]alpha-hANP binding sites of human fibroblasts was identified only at the region of 67 KD and no radioactive band was visualized around the region of large molecular weight ANP receptor in the SDS gel electrophoresis of a crosslinked [125I]alpha-hANP-receptor complex. In contrast, the affinity labeling of [125I]alpha-hANP to the human adrenal membrane fractions showed that 135 KD binding sites were responsible to the human adrenal ANP receptor. In conclusion, cultured human skin fibroblasts have a high-affinity low-capacity receptor for ANP. The molecular weight of ANP receptor is approximately 67 KD, and ANP-specific guanylate cyclase may not be linked to the receptor, suggestive that so-called C receptor may be localized in cultured human fibroblasts.

Adrenal Glands↗

[Two cases of Turner's syndrome with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia like bone appearance].

We report two cases of mosaic karyotype (45XO/46XiXq) Turner's syndrome with unique bone appearance. The cases were 44 and 34 year-old women and latter was complicated by Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism). Following the systemic bone surveys, we found the patients showed not only osteoporotic bone change and short stature, but also spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) like bone appearance (thinness of vertebral bodies, irregularity of vertebral end-plates, shortness of femoral necks, Coxa valga, Coxa magna and hypoplasia of acetabula). Those findings can not be explained by degenerative bone changes like osteoporosis, rather are suggestive the sequelae of malgrowth of the bone system in Turner's syndrome.

Adult↗

Discovery of atrial natriuretic factor in the brain: its characterization and cardiovascular implication.

1. We have devised a radioimmunoassay for atrial natriueretic factor (ANF). Its application to rat brain extract led to the discovery of ANF in the brain. In addition to the hypothalamus and the pontine medullary region, it was widely distributed. 2. ANF in the brain is stored in a low molecular weight form, in contrast to pro-ANF in the atria. Thus, the processing of pro-ANF in the bran neuronal cells is different from that in the atria. 3. ANF was found in the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary, the peripheral ganglia, adrenergic neurons, and the adrenal medulla. 4. Brain ANF suppressed stimulated dipsogenesis, basal and stimulated vasopressin release, and angiotensin II-stimulated pressor effects. 5. ANF in the peripheral neuronal system inhibits catecholamine synthesis and release. Thus, central ANF functions to reduce the peripheral fluid volume and vascular tone in concert with the peripheral ANF.

Animals↗