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Biomedical subjects

S Fujimoto

Publications and source records attributed to S Fujimoto.

At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes with an improved alpha-fetoprotein monoclonal antibody kit.

We developed a new kit for detecting alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in leaked amniotic fluid (Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1995;58:67-72). Later, we developed an improved AFP kit utilizing the same AFP monoclonal antibody. We compared this improved AFP test with the nitrazine test for 137 patients. The nitrazine test correctly diagnosed 62.1% of the cases, but the improved AFP kit diagnosed 98.0% for < 37 weeks of gestation (P < 0.001). The nitrazine test showed a specificity of 58.3%, whereas the AFP kit showed a 100% rate for detecting > or = 37 weeks of gestation (P < 0.01). The reaction time with the AFP kit is 90 s. This study has confirmed a high clinical efficacy of the improved AFP test kit as a method of diagnosis of premature rupture of fetal membranes.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1995

Indication for splenectomy combined with total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: analysis of data on 249 gastric cancer patients.

This study analyzed intraoperative indication for splenectomy at the time of total gastrectomy, based on 249 gastric cancer patients. Data on these patients were studied with special reference to the relationship between intraoperative gross findings such as serosal invasion, tumor size, histologic patterns and nodal metastasis to the splenic hilus. Fifty-three of the 249 patients (21.3%) had a positive metastasis. The incidence of nodal metastasis to the splenic hilus was high in patients with a primary lesion in the entire stomach (26/72: 36.1%). In case of no serosal invasion of the primary lesion, there was no nodal involvement to the splenic hilus (0/42). The low incidence of nodal metastasis occurred in case of a tumor size of less than 40 mm in the largest diameter (1/60: 1.7%) and with histological findings of signet ring cell carcinoma (1/19: 5.3%). Although site and size of the primary tumor, depth of tumor penetration, and histologic findings are interdependent variables, these factors indicate probable nodal involvement to the splenic hilus and unnecessary splenectomy can be avoided.

Female↗
PubMed1995

[Advance of endoscopic surgery--practical technique by video and its replacement of conventional surgery].

The recent phenomenal success of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has led to replacement of conventional abdominal surgery as the standard treatment of gall bladder diseases. In an enterprising attempt to expand clinical indications for this minimally invasive form of surgery, physicians and surgeons of the various specialties have been looking to endoscopic operations for benign and/or malignant diseases. Endoscopic surgery usually combines the advantages of less postoperative pains and early return to routine activities with clinical efficacy equivalent to the conventional operation whenever its indication is right. This Symposium was held to discuss the practical technique demonstrated by videotape and its operative effectiveness in the areas of esophageal/gastric/colorectal cancers and intrathoracic/hepatobilliary/gynecological diseases, as well as in the fields of endourology and arthroscopic surgery in shoulder and knee joint. The physicians and even surgeons, a decade ago, seemed to have no inkling of the update endoscopic/laparoscopic revolution. We have, similarly, no imagination of knowing what comes to our surprise being stored in the 21st century. In evaluating any new surgical technique, randomized clinical trials are necessary to be carried out, comparing the new technique with the conventional one. Furthermore, we have to ask ourselves not only what we can do but why we should do it for the quality of life of our patients.

Endoscopy↗
PubMed1995

[Gynecologic endoscopic surgery].

Recently, endoscopic operation represents a major innovation in various fields of surgery. In the gynecologic fields, hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, ovarian cystectomy, myomectomy and even lymphadenectomy are performed under the assistance of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy at present. Based on our clinical experiences of endoscopy, we have started endoscopic operation since 1992. The endoscopic operation in our department was reviewed in regard to methods and clinical results.

Endoscopy↗
PubMed1995

[Abnormal E-cadherin expression as a risk factor for deep myometrial invasion and lymph node metastasis in endometrial carcinoma].

We examined expression of E-cadherin cell-cell adhesion molecule, which is supposed to have invasion-suppressing activity, in 53 cases with endometrial carcinoma. Fresh frozen sections were immunostained with a mouse monoclonal antibody to human E-cadherin (HECD-1). E-cadherin expression was inversely correlated with grade of tumor (p = 0.0267), depth of myometrial invasion (p = 0.0146) and pelvic and paraaortic node metastases (p = 0.0184 and p = 0.0419, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that among histologic grade, nuclear grade, and E-cadherin expression, E-cadherin expression was most strongly correlated with depth of myometrial invasion (p = 0.0491). These results suggest that decreased expression of E-cadherin facilitates invasion of endometrial carcinoma.

Cadherins↗
PubMed1995

[A case of primary orbital lymphoma with macroglobulinemia].

A rare case of primary orbital lymphoma with macroglobulinemia was reported. The patient was a 74-year-old male with bilateral orbital tumor. Exophthalmos and eye movement disturbance appeared in his left eye. Blood analysis showed a marked increase of serum immunoglobulin M. Immunochemical study showed 7,097 (mg/dl). The left tumor was partially removed and examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. H.E. staining revealed the proliferation of lymphoplasmacytoid cells. Immunocytochemical staining showed these cells to be immunoglobulin G (-), immunoglobulin A (-), immunoglobulin M (+), immunoglobulin light chi-chain (-), immunoglobulin light lambda-chain (+), LCA (+), L-26(PAN-B)(+), MT-1(-), and UCHL(-). Based on these results, our diagnosis was non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the diffuse small, lymphoplasmacytoid type.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[The relation between delivery method and prognosis for very low birth weight infants].

To further understand the relationship between perinatal factors and prognosis (neonatal and infantile death and major handicaps), we retrospectively studied 128 singletons weighing less than 1,500g (very low birth weight; VLBW) infants, without maternal complications, IUGR or major congenital anomalies. The gestational age (mean +/- SD) at delivery and the birth weight (mean +/- SD) of subjects were 27.1 +/- 2.0 weeks and 1,041.1 +/- 264.1g, respectively. The results of the current study were as follows: 1) Malpresentation, low Apgar score (APS) and Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were observed more frequently in non-intact survivors than in intact survivors with statistical significance. Although the occurrence of fetal distress was correlated with low pH in the umbilical artery, no significant correlation was evident between the prognosis and either of the two above mentioned factors. The intact survivors had a significantly high frequency of PROM despite no correlation with signs of infection (WBC, CRP). 2) As to delivery methods in terms of prognosis, a cephalic-vaginal group had the best prognosis and a breech-vaginal group had the worst, with statistical significance. A higher frequency of poor prognosis for infants was found in a malpresentation group with cesarean delivery and cervical dilation of more than 4cm. Thus, vaginal delivery is a possible option in case of cephalic VLBW infants.

Delivery, Obstetric↗
PubMed1995

The contraction of small arteries in the perimetrium by presurgical medication with the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist to patients with leiomyomas: an electron and immunoelectron microscopy.

The remarkable contraction of small arteries occurred in the perimetrium of the uteri with leiomyomas by a presurgical medication P6th the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist (buserelin). The contracted vessels showed a significant increase in number of the Weibel-Palade (WP) bodies which occasionally underwent the degranulation and the discharge in a manner of exocytosis. By immunoelectron microscopy, localizations of endothelin (ET)-1 immunoreactive gold particles on the WP bodies as well as on cisterns of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and Golgi apparatus were pronounced in the buserelin-medicated group when compared to the non-medicated one. These findings indicate that the increase of the WP bodies storing ET-1, of which synthesis in the rER-Golgi system enhances, predominantly occurred in the small arteries in the perimetrium by the buserelin-medication prior to the hysterectomy. ET-1, released into the subendothelial layer, seems to play an important role in the contraction of the vascular media in a manner of paracrine.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Vaginal and cervical pH in bacterial vaginosis and cervicitis during pregnancy.

The purpose of our study is to see whether vaginal and cervical pH are helpful to screen for bacterial vaginosis and cervicitis during pregnancy. One hundred and seven pregnant women underwent prospectively both vaginal pH and cervical pH measurement and screening for microbial infections of the lower genital tracts at 10, 20 and 30 gestational week between February 1993 and August 1993. The value of vaginal pH significantly elevated in bacterial vaginosis (P < 0.05). Vaginal pH values also significantly elevated in patients who had had sexual intercourse 2 days before the dates of examinations (P < 0.01). Cervical pH value exhibited no significant change in bacterial vaginosis and cervicitis. Vaginal pH is a valid indicator for screening of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. However, vaginal pH might be influenced by the presence of semen. Cervical pH is not a useful parameter for screening of cervicitis during pregnancy.

Cervix Uteri↗
PubMed1995

Reduction of platelet phospholipase C activity in patients with Alzheimer disease.

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) is a key enzyme in signal transduction. We have previously demonstrated that a PLC isozyme is abnormally accumulated in the brain tissue in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD has been suggested to be a systemic disease in which the expression of abnormalities is most prominent in neuronal tissues. In a recent study, we have revealed the increase of the cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) concentration in platelets of AD patients, suggesting the change of PLC, which is upstream to PKC in phosphoinositide metabolism. In this study, we examined phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC activity in platelets from patients with AD and age-matched controls by measuring the formation of radioactive inositol phosphate. The PLC activity was significantly lower in the AD platelets than in the controls. These findings suggest that aberrant phosphoinositide metabolism is present in nonneuronal tissues as well as the brain in AD.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Identification of 10-kDa proguanylin as a major guanylin molecule in human intestine and plasma and its increase in renal insufficiency.

Guanylin is a 15-amino acid peptide that acts on intestinal guanylate cyclase, thereby regulating intestinal fluid and electrolyte transport through the second messenger, cyclic GMP. Using synthetic rat guanylin, we prepared an antiserum that recognizes human and rat guanylin equally on a molar basis and developed a sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA). The major endogenous guanylin molecule in human intestine and plasma is 10-kDa proguanylin, 15-amino acid guanylin being a minor component. Human guanylin is distributed widely from the duodenum to colon, the highest contents being in the ileum and proximal colon. The plasma concentration of immunoreactive guanylin in the normal individuals tested was 31.2 +/- 3.0 fmol/ml (mean +/- SE) and that in patients with chronic renal failure who were undergoing hemodialysis 7,924 +/- 2,140 fmol/ml. The RIA we established is a promising tool for clarifying the physiological functions and pathophysiological significance of guanylin in water and electrolyte homeostasis.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Effects of pimobendan, its active metabolite UD-CG 212, and milrinone on isolated blood vessels.

The effects of pimobendan, 2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-5-(5-methyl-3-oxo-4,5-dihydo-2H-6-pyridazinyl ) benzimidazole (UD-CG 212), and milrinone were investigated on isometric contraction of vascular preparations in rats and guinea-pigs. The drugs dose dependently relaxed aortic, carotid and femoral arterial and mesenteric venous preparations precontracted with KCl or norepinephrine. The rank order of potency (negative log EC50 value) for these drugs was dependent upon the sources of the preparations and stimulants used. The relaxation response to milrinone was reversible, that to UD-CG 212 was poorly reversible, and that to pimobendan was intermediate. Relaxation responses to cromakalim were inhibited by 0.1 microM glibenclamide, whereas those to pimobendan, UD-CG 212 and milrinone were inhibited by glibenclamide only at doses as high as 10-30 microM. The drugs potentiated the relaxation response to isoproterenol but not glyceryl trinitrate, and noncompetitively inhibited arterial contractions accompanied by voltage-dependent Ca2+ influxes. It is suggested that the drugs are potent vasorelaxants, acting directly on vascular smooth muscle and that the vasorelaxant effects are mediated through cyclic AMP-dependent mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The endogenous substrate of low molecular weight acid phosphatase in the brain is an epidermal growth factor receptor.

We have recently reported that low molecular weight (LMW) acid phosphatase, which is supposed to possess phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase activity, showed a significant decrease of activity in Alzheimer brains compared to control brains [Ann. Neurol., 33 (1993) 616-621]. In the present study, we investigated the endogenous substrate of LMW acid phosphatase in the brain. LMW acid phosphatase was purified from bovine brain, and the enzyme was obtained with both a high specific activity and a good yield. The bovine brain enzyme was a monomer with a molecular mass of 17 kDa. We used a specific monoclonal anti-phosphotyrosine antibody to detect phosphotyrosine protein in rat brain extracts. The LMW acid phosphatase from bovine brain dephosphorylated a M(r) 170 kDa phosphotyrosine protein in rat brain extracts. This M(r) 170 kDa protein was considered to be the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor using a specific antibody. These results suggest that LMW acid phosphatase in the brain may regulate EGF receptor-dependent transmembrane signalling by dephosphorylating the phosphorylated receptor.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1994

Production of monoclonal antibodies recognizing cancer-associated antigens expressed on mucin-type sugar chains.

To obtain monoclonal antibodies directed to mucin-type sugar chains, mice were immunized with bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) that had been conjugated with ovalbumin. Conjugation of BSM with ovalbumin enhanced the antigenicity of BSM to about five to ten times that of intact BSM and resulted in the establishment of ten hybridomas, all of which secreted monoclonal antibodies toward BSM. Most of the antibodies secreted by these hybridomas did not react with glycolipids but did react with glycoproteins. Several antibodies lost their reactivity when sialic acid residues were removed from BSM, indicating that these antibodies recognize carbohydrate moieties of mucins. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that three of the antibodies recognized human ovarian cancer-associated carbohydrate antigens. In addition, one of these three antibodies reacted with a human cultured colonic cancer cell line. The protocol described in this paper was effective in producing monoclonal antibodies that recognize mucin-carbohydrates and some of the generated antibodies can be applied to the detection of cancers.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for human pulmonary surfactant protein D.

We developed a simple and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human pulmonary surfactant protein D (SP-D). Human SP-D was purified from bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Nine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were established from BALB/c mice immunized with the purified human SP-D. All MAbs were directed to either 43 kDa SP-D contained in lung lavage fluids of patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis or in amniotic fluids from healthy normal pregnancies. The ELISA is based on a sandwich method using two MAbs, 6B2 and 7C6. Cross-reactivity to human SP-A or rat SP-D was evaluated as below 0.6%. The recovery of different concentrations of SP-D ranged from 94.4% to 111.2%, and serial dilutions of amniotic fluids showed good linearity. SP-D concentrations in 21 amniotic fluids from normal pregnancies were measured by the ELISA. The mean concentration in amniotic fluids from pregnancies in the third trimester was significantly higher than that from earlier stages of gestation (p < 0.001), indicating that this ELISA may be applicable for prediction of fetal lung maturity.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1994

Efficient retrovirus-mediated gene transduction into murine hematopoietic stem cells and long-lasting expression using a Transwell coculture system.

The neomycin phosphotransferase (neo) gene was transduced into murine hematopoietic stem cells by culturing a recombinant retrovirus-producing cell line in a Transwell (Costar, Cambridge, MA) (bottomed with a porous membrane) hung into a Dexter-type long-term bone marrow (BM) culture. Gene transduction into stem cells retaining long-term reconstitution ability was successfully performed by using protocols of total 15 to 18 days of culture including establishment of the Dexter culture, transduction, and G418 selection. In the irradiated recipients of these cells, a large majority of the BM, thymus, and spleen cells as well as peripheral blood (PB) leukocytes were of donor origin and the neo gene was present in these organs up to 21 weeks after cell transfer. One third to two thirds of the in vitro colony-forming cells in the BM of the recipient mice were resistant to cultivation with G418. It was further found that the hematopoietic system of secondary recipients given BM cells from a primary recipient mouse was predominated by original donor-type cells. The transduced neo gene was detected in the PB, BM, thymus, and spleen cells of these secondary recipients. These results indicate that our procedure of retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer is highly effective in safely introducing a gene into pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells.

Animals↗