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Biomedical subjects

S Ichikawa

Publications and source records attributed to S Ichikawa.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

[Atherectomy in patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans: angiographic follow-up study of 186 lesions in 146 patients].

Atherectomy (ATE) is a new catheter-mediated technique for the removal of atheroma in patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). ATE was performed using 7-10 Fr. Simpson Peripheral Athero Track catheters at 186 sites in 146 patients, whose lesions involved 49 common iliac arteries, 66 external iliac arteries, 68 femoral arteries and three other arteries. The initial success rate was 94.1%. The mean percent of the diameter stenosis was reduced from 79.0 +/- 1.2% (mean +/- SD) to 22.7 +/- 1.0%. There were two cases of perforation that required surgical treatment (1.1%). The complication rate was 4.4%. The 0.5-, 1-, 2- and 3-year patency rates were 87.6%, 79.6%, 62.5% and 62.5%, respectively. The rate of long-term patency in each segment of arterial lesions revealed that the patency rate in the common iliac artery was significantly higher than the rates in the external iliac artery (p < 0.05) and femoral artery (p < 0.01). The patency rates for long lesions (> or = 2.0 cm) and occluded lesions were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than those for short lesions (< 2.0 cm). Diabetic patients had a higher re-stenosis rate than nondiabetic patients (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ATE is an effective new method for the treatment of patients with ASO.

Aged↗

Hydrophilic surroundings requisite for the solubilization of proteins related with their hydrophobicity in the AOT reversed micellar extraction.

The reversed micellar extraction (AOT/isooctane system) using the phase transfer method was investigated in relation to the AOT concentration and the water solubilization for ribonuclease A, lysozyme and cytochrome c. The minimal AOT concentration required for 100% forward extraction was obtained for these proteins. At the minimal AOT concentration, the hydrophilic surroundings, i.e. the molar ratio of water to extracted protein in the organic phase, were independent of the protein concentration for each protein. The hydrophilic surroundings of these proteins were linearly related with Fisher's polarity ratio, p, as an index of the hydrophobicity of the protein. Using this linear relation, a procedure to estimate the sufficient AOT concentration for the protein extraction was proposed. In the cases of cytochrome c and lysozyme, the water concentration was larger than that in the protein-free system in spite of the same AOT condition. On the contrary, in the case of ribonuclease A, this large water uptake in the organic phase was not observed. These differences of water uptake were discussed in relation to the location of the protein in the AOT reversed micelles.

Animals↗

Mutagenic synergism detected between dimethyl sulfate and X-rays but not found between N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and X-rays in the stamen hairs of Tradescantia clone BNL 4430.

Mutagenic interactions with X-rays of two monofunctional alkylating agents, dimethyl sulfate (DMS) and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), were studied in the stamen hairs of Tradescantia clone BNL 4430, a blue/pink heterozygote. The young inflorescence-bearing shoots with roots cultivated in the nutrient solution circulating growth chamber were used as tester plants. Synergism between two different mutagens was judged to have occurred when the mutation frequency observed after applying the two mutagens concurrently was statistically significantly higher than the mutation frequency expected from the additive effects of the two mutagens. Clear synergistic effects in inducing somatic pink mutations were detected with all combinations of doses of DMS and X-rays examined, even in a relatively low X-ray dose range (down to 299 mGy), resembling those confirmed earlier between ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and X-rays, but somewhat differing from the synergisms observed earlier between methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and X-rays. On the other hand, no mutagenic synergism was detected between MNU and X-rays, even in a relatively high X-ray dose range (up to 862 mGy). The presence or absence of mutagenic synergisms of these alkylating agents with X-rays could be related to the action mechanism of each alkylating agent.

Clone Cells↗

Synthesis of 2-imidazolidinylidene propanedinitrile derivatives as stimulators of gastrointestinal motility--III.

Recently, we reported that a ranitidine derivative 2 (fumarate: KW-5092), which had a 2-imidazolidinylidene propanedinitrile moiety (A), showed potent gastrointestinal motility enhancing activity. We have also found that introduction of substituents such as benzyl or 4-fluorobenzyl (i.e., giving 3 or 4) at the N-3 position of the moiety (A) significantly increased this activity. In this study, novel 2-imidazolidinylidene propanedinitrile derivatives possessing a thioether 5-15 were prepared and evaluated for in vitro assays; acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and potentiating action on electrically induced contractions of guinea pig ileum. Compound 5, in which a nitrogen atom of compound 2 was replaced by a sulfur atom, was more potent than 2 in these tests. Also, in a series of thioether derivatives, introduction of substituents at the N-3 position of the 2-imidazolidinylidene propanedinitrile moiety markedly influenced both activities. In particular, compounds 12 and 13, which showed an excellent potency during in vitro study (AChE IC50 = 3.6 and 2.7 nM; ES. EC30 = 2.1 and 2.5 nM, respectively), were found to be more active in the enhancement of gastrointestinal motility in anesthetized rabbits than their corresponding parent compounds 3 and 4, respectively. In addition, compounds 12 and 13 showed lower affinity for the histamine H2-receptor than ranitidine. Therefore, these compounds may be potent and selective stimulators of gastrointestinal motility.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Solution structure of cysteine-rich domain of protein kinase C alpha.

The three-dimensional structure of the second cysteine-rich domain of protein kinase C alpha (residues 95-159) was determined in aqueous solution by two-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance and simulated annealing based calculations. On the basis of 687 distance constraints derived from assigned nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) connectivities, a total of 10 converged structures were obtained from 40 runs of calculations. The atomic root-mean-square (RMS) difference about the mean coordinate positions (excluding residues 1-7, 16-17, 30-34, and 55-65) is 0.55 A for backbone atoms (N, C alpha, C') and 1.07 A for all non-hydrogen atoms. The molecular scaffold is maintained by triple-stranded and double-stranded twisted beta-sheets packed against an alpha-helix and two independent zincs are coordinated by His8, Cys38, Cys41, Cys57 and Cys21, Cys24, His46, Cys49, respectively. It should be noted that the metal ligands from the two sites are interleaved and this is thought to be a new structural motif of a zinc finger domain. Based on the resultant structure, we propose an interaction site of the cysteine-rich domain of protein kinase C with diacylglycerols and phorbol esters.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Immunochemical localization of type I VIP receptor and NK-1-type substance P receptor in rat lung.

Peptidergic nerves in the respiratory tract release vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP), which mediate physiological and immune functions. Antipeptide antibodies to type I VIP receptor (VIPR) and NK-1-type SP receptor (SPR) were used to identify these receptors in normal rat lungs. VIPRs and SPRs were detected on airway epithelium from the trachea to the respiratory bronchioles but not in alveoli, submucosal glands, or pulmonary smooth muscle, except for that of some pulmonary veins. VIPRs also were expressed on macrophages around capillaries, in tracheal and bronchial connective tissue, in alveolar walls, and in the subintima of pulmonary veins and some arterioles. The absence of receptors from airway smooth muscle and submucosal glands implies that mediation of some known effects of SP and VIP may be epithelial or macrophage dependent. Other types of VIPRs and SPRs on airway glands and smooth muscle may transduce direct effects. The similar localization of VIPRs and SPRs in rat lung suggests that VIP and SP may coordinately regulate some pulmonary functions.

Animals↗

Antidotal action of atropine sulfate against insecticide benfuracarb poisoning in rats.

The antidotal action of atropine sulfate and 2-pyridine aldoxime methiodide (2-PAM) against poisoning attributable to the new procarbamate insecticide benfuracarb [(ethyl N-[2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yloxycarbonyl (methyl) aminothio]-N-isopropyl-beta-alaninate] was compared utilizing rats as our experimental model. Both the intraperitoneal and oral administrations of these antidotes were examined after five, ten, fifteen and thirty minutes exposure periods, following treatment with benfuracarb at dose levels approximating LD50 and LD100. The results obtained demonstrate that both the intraperitoneal and oral administrations of atropine sulfate blocked or significantly reduced the toxic effects of benfuracarb and protected the animals from death. The intraperitoneal administration route appears to be more effective than was the oral route. In addition, the administration of atropine sulfate after the shorter period (up to 15 minutes), following exposure to benfuracarb, improved antidotal action, particularly with the LD100 dose of benfuracarb. It is suggested that atropine sulfate antagonizes benfuracarb poisoning by blocking acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, as many other carbamate insecticides, since benfuracarb was an in vivo cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor and the toxic effect of benfuracarb was reduced by atropine sulfate. 2-PAM, however, did not significantly block or reduce the toxic effects of benfuracarb.

Administration, Oral↗

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns of chicken serum in acute inflammation induced by intramuscular injection of turpentine.

To develop a method to detect hidden inflammation using serum protein in chickens, changes in serum proteins with acute inflammation were analyzed using a turpentine-induced inflammation model. Inflammation in the pectoral muscle of a 14-wk-old White Leghorn became apparent 3 h after the injection of turpentine and became more severe thereafter. Coincident with the development of inflammation, changes in serum proteins were analyzed by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gradient gels. The electrophoretic patterns were divided into 21 segments. Two of these segments increased remarkably. These were located near the center of the electrophoretic pattern and were identified as transferrin due to iron staining, correlation of movement against a commercial transferrin sample in SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotting. These results suggest that transferrin may serve as a marker for inflammation in chicken.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

[Analysis of cause of recent rise in number of foreigners reported to HIV/AIDS surveillance in Japan].

HIV/AIDS surveillance in Japan experienced a sharp and transient rise in 1991-92 in the number of foreign HIV positives but not of AIDS cases, for reasons of which remain unclear. Using the national HIV/AIDS surveillance data base the cause of the increase was studied by comparing the trends of foreign cases diagnosed in 1991-92 with those in 1985-90 in terms of gender, age, nationality, clinical stage, possible route of infection, possible place where the case contracted HIV and the place where the case was identified. Present analysis revealed: (1) In 1991-92 there was a large increase in the number of heterosexually-infected female HIV positive aged below 30 years reported from the areas surrounding Tokyo, of which the majority was of Asia origin. (2) A similar but moderate change was also seen in foreign males infected heterosexually but not in those infected homosexually. These were predominantly of U.S./Europe origin, aged > or = 30 and reported from Tokyo. (3) Although most of the foreign cases reportedly contracted HIV outside of Japan, those infected in Japan began being reported in 1991-1992. These results suggest that change in foreign cases seen in 1991-1992 was not only in number but also in gender, age, nationality, route of infection and geographical distribution. This should be taken into consideration in considering the HIV/AIDS prevention strategy in Japan.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Immunohistochemical localization of peptidergic nerve fibers and neuropeptide receptors in Peyer's patches of the cat ileum.

This study examined the distribution of peptidergic nerve fibers in Peyer's patches to determine whether appropriate receptors were present. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and receptors for VIP and SP were localized in lymphoid follicles of the cat ileum using a combined indirect horseradish peroxidase and streptavidin-biotin method. The margins of follicles were innervated by nerve fibers containing VIP, SP and CGRP. Nerve fibers were predominantly around lymphatics and high endothelial venules at the edges of follicles. Specific receptors for VIP and SP were present at the margins of follicles and in the lamina propria around crypts. VIP receptors were numerous on T cells within and around high endothelial venules and lymphatic vessels and at the margins of follicles. SP receptors were identified on a small number of T and B cells, granulocytes and macrophages, restricted to the margins of follicles. The defined distribution in ileal lymphoid tissue of nerve fibers containing VIP and SP and the corresponding localization of their appropriate receptors support immunoregulatory roles for neuropeptides in mucosal immunity.

Animals↗

Solution structure and ligand-binding site of the carboxy-terminal SH3 domain of GRB2.

BACKGROUND: Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2) is an adaptor protein with three Src homology (SH) domains in the order SH3-SH2-SH3. Both SH3 domains of GRB2 are necessary for interaction with the protein Son of sevenless (Sos), which acts as a Ras activator. Thus, GRB2 mediates signal transduction from growth factor receptors to Ras and is thought to be a key molecule in signal transduction. RESULTS: The three-dimensional structure of the carboxy-terminal SH3 domain of GRB2 (GRB2 C-SH3) was determined by NMR spectroscopy. The SH3 structure consists of six beta-strands arranged in two beta-sheets that are packed together perpendicularly with two additional beta-strands forming the third beta-sheet. GRB2 C-SH3 is very similar to SH3 domains from other proteins. The binding site of the ligand peptide (VPP-PVPPRRR) derived from the Sos protein was mapped on the GRB2 C-SH3 domain indirectly using 1H and 15N chemical shift changes, and directly using several intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effects. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the structural similarity among the known SH3 domains, the sequence alignment and the secondary structure assignments differ. We therefore propose a standard description of the SH3 structures to facilitate comparison of individual SH3 domains, based on their three-dimensional structures. The binding site of the ligand peptide on GRB2 C-SH3 is in good agreement with those found in other SH3 domains.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

beta 1-4N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase can synthesize both asialoglycosphingolipid GM2 and glycosphingolipid GM2 in vitro and in vivo: isolation and characterization of a beta 1-4N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase cDNA clone from rat ascites hepatoma cell line AH7974F.

We have cloned a cDNA encoding beta 1-4N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.92) (GalNAc-T) from rat ascites hepatoma of the free-cell type AH7974F. The cell line only expressed asialo-series glycosphingolipids (GSLs) including asialo-GM2 [Taki, T., Hirabayashi, Y., Ishiwata, Y., Matsumoto, M., and Kojima, K. (1979) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 572, 113-120]. The cDNA, pGNA56, was isolated by screening AH7974F cDNA library in lambda gt10 with a probe. The probe was obtained from AH7974F cDNA by PCR using primers with the nucleotide sequence of the human GalNAc-T cDNA. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of pGNA56 exhibited 88% similarity to the human GalNAc-T sequence. The enzyme was a typical type II membrane protein, which consisted of a short N-terminal residue, a transmembrane region, and a long C-terminal residue, including the catalytic domain. The substrate specificity of rat GalNAc-T was determined using homogenates from cells into which the cDNA clone was transfected. The enzyme catalysed not only the formation of GM2 and GD2 from GM3 and GD3 respectively, but also asialo-GM2 from CDH. It also acted on GSL substrates, including GM1b, sialylparagloboside and GD1 alpha. On the other hand, the enzyme did not transfer GalNAc to soluble substrates such as glycoproteins and oligosaccharide. The GSL compositional and immunocytochemical analyses of stable transfectants obtained by transfection of the cDNA showed simultaneous expression of asialo-GM2 and GM2 on the plasma membrane. Therefore, we concluded that the formation of asialo-GM2, GM2 and GD2 was catalysed by the single GalNAc-T. Northern-blot hybridization showed that the GalNAc-T mRNA was strongly expressed in rat brain, testis, and spleen. The gene was also expressed in rat normal liver to a lesser extent. We found the GSLs in asialo- and alpha-pathways such as asialo-GM1 and GD1 alpha in the rat tissues by using a sensitive t.l.c.-immunostaining method. These observations also supported our conclusion that the single GalNAc-T synthesizes asialo-GM2, GM2 and GD2 in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Human vasoactive intestinal peptide1 receptors expressed by stable transfectants couple to two distinct signaling pathways.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a potent neuropeptide mediator of central and peripheral nervous system function. A human VIP1 receptor (HVR) cDNA clone was previously obtained from HT29 intestinal epithelial cells and lung tissue. Stably-transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells and chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing about 10(6) HVRs per cell that bind [125I]VIP with a Kd of 0.2-0.8 nM, and specifically recognized by anti-HVR antibodies, were established and characterized. VIP induced increases in intracellular cAMP levels ([cAMP]i) dose-dependently with an EC50 of 0.2 nM in 293 and CHO stable transfectants and concurrently evoked dose-dependent increases in intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), as determined by fluorescence-dye spectroscopy. Untransfected 293 and CHO cells showed minimal binding or intracellular effects of VIP; however, native VIP1 receptors of HT29 cells also increased [cAMP]i and [Ca2+]i in dose-dependent responses to VIP. Thus recombinant and native human VIP1 receptors both couple to two distinct signal transduction pathways within a single cell type.

Animals↗