Biomedical subjects

S Kano

Publications and source records attributed to S Kano.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

PubMed1990

Salivary gland echography in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Ultrasonographic examinations of salivary glands were performed on 24 patients with Sjögren's syndrome. On B-mode echographic images, the submandibular glands of 21 of the patients (88%) showed a heterogeneous pattern, whereas all of the control subjects had homogeneous patterns. This distinction was further confirmed by the results of the analysis of the histogram patterns of echo intensity and echo frequency of the submandibular glands, which showed that the width of the echo level at 0% and 10% of the maximum normalized frequency was significantly greater in patients with Sjögren's syndrome than in the control subjects. Similar histographic findings were present in the parotid glands, although the heterogeneous ultrasonographic pattern was observed in only 8 of the 24 patients (33%). These results indicate that ultrasonography may be useful in the evaluation of salivary gland involvement in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Mitogenic action of interleukin-1 alpha on vascular smooth muscle cells mediated by PDGF.

We have investigated the effect of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) isolated from rat aortae. Murine recombinant IL-1 alpha increased tritiated leucine incorporation into VSMC. IL-1 also stimulated tritiated thymidine uptake by VSMC in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, Ca2(+)-channel blocker, verapamil, inhibited the IL-1-induced thymidine uptake by VSMC with an IC50 of 10(-8) M. Antibody specific for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) also totally inhibited the IL-1-induced thymidine uptake. IL-1 showed no effects on the intracellular Ca2+ level in VSMC. Above results support the premise that IL-1 promotes the growth of VSMC via induction of endogenous PDGF production and might thus participate in the abnormal proliferation of VSMC that occurs early in atherogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

NADPH-dependent reaction of paraquat in mouse brain microsomes.

When paraquat was incubated with mouse brain microsomes in the presence of NADPH, a Nash-reagent-reactive substance (NRRS) (but not formalin) was produced. It was found that NRRS production was decreased in a dose-dependent manner by N-ethylmaleimide, a sulfhydryl reagent, which also inhibited NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in parallel with the decrease in NRRS production. NRRS production was reduced by radical scavengers (catechin, glutathione, mannitol, superoxide dismutase and catalase), or under anaerobic conditions. In addition, inhibitors of adrenal cortex mitochondrial cytochrome P-450 (metyrapone, aminoglutethimide and amphenone B) inhibited NRRS production without causing a significant decrease in NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase activity. These findings suggest that active oxygen species and the mixed-function oxidase system may play important roles in NRRS production from paraquat in brain microsomes.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Postmortem changes in the levels of monoamine metabolites in human cerebrospinal fluid.

Four monoamine metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were determined in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of cadavers, whose causes of death had been suicidal hanging (SH) or ischemic heart failure (IHF). The concentration of DOPAC increased in parallel with the increment of the postmortem interval (PMI) (r = 0.626), whereas the concentrations of HVA, MHPG and 5-HIAA did not. The correlation coefficient was further increased by considering each cause of death separately: i.e., SH, r = 0.761; IHF, r = 0.705. These findings suggest the possible usefulness of the DOPAC level in CSF for estimating PMI.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

PubMed1990

Dynamic movement of air tract fluid in lubrication of the larynx during phonation: a basic study using excised canine larynges and experimental air tract fluid by means of X-ray stroboscope system.

Experiments using excised canine larynges and experimental air tract fluid were conducted to clarify the movement of air tract fluid in association with vocal fold vibration by means of X-ray stroboscope system. It was thought that the movement of air tract fluid in lubricating of the larynx during phonation was closely correlated to vocal fold vibration, especially the wave motion of the mucous membrane of the vocal folds and the movement of air tract fluid on the glottis might be one of parameters to evaluate the flexibility of the mucous membrane of the vocal folds.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

[Pharmacological studies of celiprolol: I. Beta-blocking effect, intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, vasodilating and hypotensive effects].

The beta-blocking effect, intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), and vasodilating and hypotensive effects of celiprolol were tested. 1. Celiprolol competitively antagonized the isoproterenol-induced positive chronotropic and inotropic effects in guinea pig right atrial and papillary muscles and isoproterenol-induced guinea pig tracheal relaxation with pA2 values of 8.03, 7.98 and 6.43, respectively. 2. In dogs, isoproterenol-induced increases in cardiac contractility and heart rate were markedly inhibited by celiprolol (83.1 and 84.8%, respectively), while isoproterenol-induced hypotension was suppressed only by 16.8%. 3. Celiprolol increased the beating rate of the right atrium and relaxed the trachea isolated from normal and reserpinized guinea pigs. Celiprolol also potentiated the contractility of the left atrium isolated from reserpinized animals. These effects of celiprolol were antagonized by propranolol. 4. Celiprolol concentration-dependently relaxed rat femoral arteries contracted by methoxamine. The concentration-relaxation curve was shifted to the right by pretreatment with propranolol. 5. Orally administered celiprolol produced long lasting hypotension in conscious SHR without any heart rate change. 6. These results indicate that celiprolol is a highly cardioselective beta-blocker with a significant ISA, which contributes to its vasodilatory and hypotensive effects.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed1990

[Pharmacological studies of celiprolol: II. Alpha 2-Adrenoceptor blocking effects of a cardioselective beta-blocker, celiprolol].

alpha-Adrenoceptor blocking effects of the cardioselective beta-blocker celiprolol were tested. 1. Celiprolol antagonized the contractions induced by UK-14304, but not those by phenylephrine, in isolated rat tail arteries with a pA2 value of 4.95. 2. In the isolated rat vas deferens, twitch contractions elicited by the transmural electrical stimulation (TS) were almost blocked by TTX (10(-7) M). Clonidine inhibited the TTX-sensitive contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. Celiprolol produced little effect on the inhibitory effects of clonidine. The concentration-inhibition curve of clonidine was shifted to the right by yohimbine (10(-8) M), but not by prazosin (10(-8) M). 3. Although celiprolol slightly increased the 3H-efflux to TS from the [3H]-norepinephrine-loaded rat vas deferens, the increment was not significant. Yohimbine (10(-7) M) significantly increased the 3H-efflux. TTX (10(-7) M) and bretylium (3 x 10(-5) M) blocked the 3H-efflux. 4. In the spinal rat treated with propranolol (3 mg/kg, i.v.) and prazosin (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.), celiprolol (30 and 100 mg/kg, i.v.) and yohimbine (0.1-1 mg/kg, i.v.) inhibited the pressor response to clonidine. 5. These results indicate that celiprolol may have a weak alpha 2-blocking effect which was more effective on postsynaptic alpha 2-receptors than presynaptic ones.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

PubMed1990

Laryngostrobovideography using a flexible laryngofiberscope performed in conjunction with the phonatory examination.

The phonatory examination was performed while monitoring vocal fold vibration by laryngostrobovideography. Vocal fold vibration was video-taped by a laryngostroboscope and flexible laryngofiberscope inserted through the nasal cavity. Simultaneously, the phonatory examination was conducted with a phonation analyzer. The data were entered into a personal microcomputer via an A/D converter and analyzed to obtain the parameters of sound pitch, sound intensity and mean expiratory air flow volume, which were superimposed on the color video monitor screen.

Fiber Optic Technology↗

PubMed1990

An ABC-ELISA for malaria serology in the field.

An avidin biotin peroxidase complex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ABC-ELISA) was examined for the diagnosis of malaria in a controlled area in Sudan Gezira. The titers of the ABC-ELISA coincided with those of the IFAT. The method was more sensitive than the ordinary ELISA as the final enzyme reaction was amplified through the use of the ABC system. This allowed the resulting color spots on the dried plate wells to be read clearly with the naked eye. This test can be carried out without using major electrical equipment.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

[A case of mixed connective tissue disease exacerbated by griseofulvin complicating aseptic meningo-encephalitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation].

A variety of drugs have been implicated in causing or exacerbating SLE (drug-related lupus). Griseofulvin, the most commonly used agent in the treatment of fungal infections in the skin, has been shown to be a possible SLE-activating drug in several case reports. In the literature, however, any similar drug reactions have not been reported in MCTD, despite sharing features of SLE. The first case of drug (griseofulvin)-exacerbated MCTD was described and discussed. The patient was a 36-year-old woman with a six-year history of MCTD and subclinical Sjögren's syndrome. She developed aseptic meningo-encephalitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation after two weeks of continuous oral administration of griseofulvin 375 mg per day for trichophytosis of the feet. Following cessation of griseofulvin with anticoagulants, antibiotics, and high dose steroids at the same time, she greatly improved within one week.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

[Complement activation by killed polyvalent bacterial vaccine on the pleurodesis].

Broncasma Berna (B.B.) prepared from killed polyvalent bacterial vaccine is used as a pleural irritant for pleurodesis on patients with spontaneous pneumothorax. The effects of B.B. on the complement system in vivo after injections into pleural spaces were investigated. Five patients with spontaneous pneumothorax underwent intrapleural injections of B.B. Increased body temperatures with positive C-reactive proteins and increased polymorphonuclear leukocyte counts in peripheral blood were observed in all patients. Serum levels of complement components (Clq, Cls, C4, C3 and B), hemolytic activity of complement (CH50) and plasma levels of C3a were gradually elevated after intrapleural injections of B.B. Analysis of pleural fluids from 4 patients showed that levels of C3a and C5a were increased compared with plasma levels, and an accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes were observed. These findings suggest that intrapleural injections of B.B. activate the complement system and cause inflammatory reactions accompanied by an increase of C3a and C5a and an accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Such inflammatory reactions might inversely induce the synthesis of complement components and promote the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from bone marrow. The deposit of fibrin during these inflammatory processes might contribute to the development of pleurodesis. These inflammatory reactions might be mediated through the activation of the classical complement pathway by B.B.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

IL-7 promotes thymocyte proliferation and maintains immunocompetent thymocytes bearing alpha beta or gamma delta T-cell receptors in vitro: synergism with IL-2.

IL-7 induced the proliferation of normal thymocytes and the effect was synergistically potentiated by a small dose of IL-2, which by itself hardly affected thymocyte proliferation. No synergism was observed between IL-7 and any one of the other lymphokines including IL-1, IL-3, and IL-4. The thymocyte culture stimulated with IL-7 and IL-2 consisted of single positive (CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+) and double negative (CD4-CD8-) populations, and double positive (CD4+CD8+) cells were completely deleted. Both single positive and double negative thymocytes expressed CD3, but only the former exhibited V beta 8 and V beta 6 in an expected proportion (approximately 30% in BALB/c mice) and the latter none at all. Immunoprecipitation of the cultured thymocytes by anti-TCR gamma antibody, on the other hand, revealed the presence of a TCR gamma chain. Taken together, these results indicated that the thymocyte cultured with IL-7 and IL-2 consisted of mature T cells bearing alpha beta or gamma delta TCR. Experiments using preselected thymocyte subpopulations indicated that double negative cells responded to both IL-7 and IL-2 with positive synergism when combined, while thymocytes enriched for single positive cells preferentially responded to IL-7 with little response to IL-2 and no detectable synergism. Double positive thymocytes showed no proliferation in response to IL-7 and IL-2. In contrast to single positive thymocytes, splenic T cells hardly responded to IL-7, although significant proliferation was induced in the presence of a low dose of IL-2. Thymocytes cultured with IL-7 and IL-2 showed little nonspecific cytotoxic activity, but responded to Con A or alloantigen, whereas those stimulated with a high dose of IL-2 alone exhibited potent cytotoxic activity. These results indicated that IL-7 was involved in the generation of immunocompetent T cells in the thymus in concert with IL-2.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Decreased activation of carcinogens in the liver of carcinogen-resistant rats.

We have developed a new strain of rats (resistant rat) which exhibit resistance against the carcinogenic action of several carcinogenic compounds. In the present study, we compared the ability of resistant rat liver to activate 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene and 2-acetylaminofluorene to highly reactive metabolites, which can covalently bind to DNA, with that of carcinogen-sensitive parent strain rats (sensitive rat), using in vitro DNA binding assay. The covalent binding of these carcinogens to calf thymus DNA, catalyzed by the hepatic 9000 x g supernatant fraction from resistant rats pretreated with 3-methylcholanthrene, was about one-half of that catalyzed by the 9000 x g supernatant from sensitive rats which had received the same treatment. These results suggest that the ability of resistant rat liver to activate the carcinogens decreases compared to sensitive rat liver. Further experiments revealed that this decreased activation of the carcinogens in resistant rat livers is due to a low inducibility of 3-methylcholanthrene-inducible forms of cytochrome P-450 mRNA. The hepatic cytosolic Ah receptor concentrations in resistant rats were shown to be significantly lower than those of sensitive rats. Scatchard plot analysis demonstrated, however, that there is no significant difference between the affinity of Ah receptors for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in these two strains. These data implicate that the hepatic Ah receptor level may be an important factor in determining carcinogen sensitivity in rats.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

PubMed1989

Two types of antibodies inhibiting interleukin-2 production by normal lymphocytes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Decreased interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by lymphocytes in vitro has previously been demonstrated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the present study, we examined whether inhibitory factors in SLE patient sera are involved in defective IL-2 production. Our results indicate that purified IgG fractions of some SLE sera inhibit IL-2 production at 2 distinct phases of the IL-1-dependent IL-2 production system in vitro: first, by binding to adherent cells and probably inhibiting IL-1 production by macrophages, similar to the action of anti-HLA-DR antibodies, and second, by binding to T cells and blocking the interaction of IL-1 and T cells.

Autoantibodies↗

PubMed1989

Developmental regulation of the extrathymic differentiation potential of the progenitor cells for T cell lineage.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) generates T lineage cell lines (IL-3B series) directly from the isolated interleukin 3 (IL-3)-induced pluripotential progenitor colonies obtained form adult spleen in vitro. The phenomenon can be reproduced by the combined IL-3/IL-2 bulk culture system. In order to compare the differentiation potential of such progenitors in various ontogenical stages, we have established a number of cell lines from fetal livers (LFD series), fetal thymus (FTD15), newborn spleens (SED series), and adult spleens (SPB series) using the IL-3/IL-2 culture system. The phenotypes of cell lines varied depending upon the developmental stages; LFD lines, Thy1+CD3-CD4-CD8-B220+, FTD15, Thy1+CD3+CD4-CD8+B220-, and SPB and IL-3B lines, Thy1+CD3+CD4-CD8+B220+. Analysis of T cell receptor (TCR) genes revealed that all of the TCR genes (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) were in germ line configurations in LFD lines. In LFD17 and 19, from 17 and 19 gestation days (GD) respectively, however, germ line transcripts or TCR beta gene were detected, suggesting that they were in the earliest phase of T cell commitment. In LFD14 line from GD14 fetal liver, no such transcript could be detected. In contrast, FTD15 showed complete rearrangement of every TCR gene with full-length TCR alpha and beta gene mRNA. On the other hand, all of the SED, SPB, and IL-3B series of lines exhibited the rearrangement of every TCR gene with productive TCR alpha and beta gene mRNA. The results indicated that progenitors in postnatal spleen, in contrast to those in fetal liver, had the potential to rearrange and express the TCR genes in extrathymic conditions in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Air leak syndrome (ALS) as complication of asthma.

Twenty-eight patients suffered 32 episodes of ALS (air leak syndrome) between 1974 and 1985 at the Department of Pediatrics of the National Minami-Fukuoka Chest Hospital. The highest incidence was observed between ten and twelve years of age and in the autumn. Their chief complaints were chest pain, sore throat and some pains in other parts. Pneumomediastinum associated with subcutaneous emphysema was observed in 50%; this was the most common type of ALS. Chest X-ray findings showed free air in the left mediastinum in 20 of 22 patients with pneumomediastinum. Free air in the left mediastinum is considered to be a diagnostic finding for ALS.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

[Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria confirmed by semi-micro sensitivity test for chloroquine seen in a person returned from Nigeria to Japan].

A 39-year-old Japanese male engineer who stayed in Nigeria from August 17, 1987 through January 22, 1988, presented chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. He was taking oral chloroquine prophylactically. But he suffered from P. falciparum malaria in November, 1987 and early January, 1988. He was treated in Nigeria. After his return to Japan, he was admitted to our hospital with a fever of 39 degrees C on January 29, 1988. The peripheral blood smear on admission showed the presence of ring form P. falciparum. He was diagnosed as recrudescence of P. falciparum malaria. Laboratory examination revealed severe thrombocytopenia and biologic false-positive serological tests of syphilis. The level of 50% inhibitory concentration was 0.44 nmol/ml by in vitro chloroquine sensitivity test of the strain of P. falciparum obtained from this patient. Clinically, chloroquine was not effective. The patient was treated with intravenous quinine dihydrochloride followed by sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine tablets and recovered completely. As far as we know through our survey this patient was the first case of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria brought to Japan from Nigeria.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Amyloid urinary-tract calculi in patients on chronic dialysis.

Urinary calculi found in 4 patients on chronic hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were identified as protein calculi by infrared spectroscopic analysis. Positive Congo red staining and immunological assessment revealed that the calculi were composed of amyloid protein derived from beta 2-microglobulin. A comparison of the patients who excreted calculi with 10 patients on chronic dialysis without urinary calculi showed no significant differences in the urinary and serum levels of beta 2-microglobulin. The mechanism of amyloid calculus formation may involve factors independent of the concentration of beta 2-microglobulin in urine or serum. Urinary calculi found in patients on chronic hemodialysis or CAPD were composed of amyloid protein derived from beta 2-microglobulin.

Amyloid↗