Biomedical subjects

S Kitamura

Publications and source records attributed to S Kitamura.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

A structural model for the mechanisms of elicitor release from fungal cell walls by plant beta-1,3-endoglucanase.

The release of elicitor-active carbohydrates from fungal cell walls by beta-1,3-endoglucanase contained in host tissues has been implicated as one of the earliest processes in the interaction between soybean (Glycine max) and the fungal pathogen Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glycinea leading to host defense responses such as phytoalexin production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the primary structure of the glucanase-released elicitor (RE). Gel-filtration chromatography of carbohydrates released from mycelial walls by purified soybean beta-1,3-endoglucanase resolved them into the four fractions (elicitor-active RE-I, -II, and -III and elicitor-inactive RE-IV). Sugar composition analysis indicated that all of the fractions were composed almost entirely of glucose. 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated the presence of both beta-1,3- and beta-1,6-linkages for the elicitor-active RE-I, -II, and -III fractions and only beta-1,3 linkage for the elicitor-inactive RE-IV fraction. Methylation analysis and degradation studies employing beta-1,3-endo- and beta-1,3-exoglucanase further suggested that the basic structure of elicitor-active RE consists of beta-1,6-linked glucan backbone chains of various lengths with frequent side branches composed of beta-1,3-linked one or two glucose moieties. From these structural analyses of RE, a structural model of how RE is originally present in fungal cell walls and released by host beta-1,3-endoglucanase is also proposed.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Potentiation by aminopeptidase P of blood pressure response to bradykinin.

We examined whether a specific aminopeptidase P (APP) inhibitor, apstatin, increases vasodepressor responses to bradykinin in anaesthetized rats, and whether it would augment blood pressure responses further after treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi), lisinopril. Apstatin doubled the maximum blood pressure response to bradykinin. The area under the curve (AUC), which incorporates both peak blood pressure changes and duration of response, was doubled in apstatin-treated rats vs controls and in the apstatin+lisinopril group vs lisinopril alone. These data demonstrate that APP is an important kinase in vivo.

Aminopeptidases↗

PubMed1995

Size-reduced cryopreserved pulmonary valve allograft for an RV-PA conduit: technical modification and functional evaluation.

Cryopreserved pulmonary allografts harvested from adults at the time of kidney donation were size reduced and used in two children with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect. A technical modification for the creation of size-reduced pulmonary allograft conduits is described. Postoperative ultrasonic and cineangiographic assessments revealed excellent function of the pulmonary bicuspid valved conduit with a minimal pressure gradient and essentially no regurgitation. Although the long-term fate of cryopreserved bicuspid pulmonary valve and conduit is unknown, this conduit provides excellent handling characteristics that render allograft conduits preferable to synthetic conduits. In addition, the remodeled bicuspid pulmonary allograft conduits have exhibited excellent hemodynamic characteristics and are a reasonable alternative to other types of conduits when an appropriate size allograft is not available.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a granulomatous interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of a variety of antigens and is characterized by a dramatic accumulation of inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, in the lung. The mechanisms implicated in the inflammatory cell recruitment observed in hypersensitivity pneumonitis are unknown. We examined the concentrations of two important chemokines, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCP-1/MCAF), in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (n = 8), and compared them with those in patients with sarcoidosis (n = 13) and with controls (n = 8). In the BALF of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis, the levels both of IL-8 and MCP-1 were significantly increased compared with levels measured in control subjects. On the other hand, compared to the control value, the MCP-1 level in the BALF of the sarcoidosis patients was significantly increased, but IL-8 was only slightly and nonsignificantly increased. Since IL-8 is a chemoattractant for neutrophils and T-lymphocytes, whereas MCP-1 acts mainly on monocytes/macrophages, our findings may indicate that these two chemokines participate in the cellular accumulation observed in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗

PubMed1995

[Pharmacological studies on KW-4679, an antiallergic drug. (1): Inhibitory effect on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and experimental asthma in rats and guinea pigs].

The present experiment was carried out to elucidate the antiallergic properties of KW-4679. Oral administration of KW-4679 showed a dose-dependent inhibition on the IgE-mediated 48-hr homologous PCA in rats, with an ID50 value of 0.04 mg/kg. Passive anaphylactic broncho-constriction in guinea pigs mediated by IgE-like homologous antibody against ovalbumin was prevented dose-dependently by treatment with KW-4679 at doses of 0.03-1 mg/kg, p.o. KW-4679 also inhibited the IgE-mediated active anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in rats. In passively sensitized guinea pigs, the inhalation of aerosol antigen decreased the dynamic compliance of the lung and increased the mean pulmonary resistance. Pretreatment with KW-4679 (0.03-1 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited antigen-induced airway obstructions. Oral administration of KW-4679 significantly protected rats from compound 48/80-induced lethality. These results indicate that KW-4679 might be useful in the treatment of allergic diseases such as asthma.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1995

[Effect of KW-4679, a novel antiallergic drug, on platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary cell accumulation in guinea pigs].

We assessed the effects of KW-4679 on bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF) in guinea pigs. (1) KW-4679 (1, 10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited PAF-induced bronchoconstriction in anesthetized, ventilated guinea pigs. Ketotifen (1, 10 mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly inhibited that reaction. (2) Intravenous administration of PAF (600 ng/kg/hr) to ventilated anesthetized guinea pigs induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine or substance P. PAF-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with KW-4679 (3 mg/kg, i.v.). (3) Exposure of guinea pigs to an aerosol of PAF induced an increase in the numbers of total leukocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in BAL fluid at 24 hr. KW-4679 (10 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the increase in eosinophils in BAL fluid. Ketotifen (10 mg/kg, p.o.) partially reduced the increase in eosinophils in BAL fluid. (4) KW-4679 did not inhibit PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation. These observations indicate that KW-4679 attenuates the PAF-induced pulmonary reactions in guinea pigs and that these actions may be beneficial for the treatment of allergic bronchial asthma.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Elevated levels of soluble ICAM-1 in serum and BAL fluid in patients with active sarcoidosis.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion molecules, plays an important role in inflammatory and immune diseases. The soluble form of ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) shed from the cell surface may be a marker of inflammatory response and may reflect the disease activity. We measured the levels of sICAM-1 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with sarcoidosis. Healthy volunteers were examined as controls. sICAM-1 concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit with two different monoclonal antibodies. Serum and BALF sICAM-1 levels in sarcoidosis were significantly higher than those in control. Serum sICAM-1 levels correlated with serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels (a marker of T-lymphocyte activation) but not with serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels. sICAM-1 levels in BALF correlated significantly with the percentage of lymphocytes in BALF. Some patients were examined twice during follow-up periods. In patients in whom the chest radiograph improved, serum and BALF sICAM-1 levels decreased. However, in patients in whom the radiograph worsened, sICAM-1 levels increased. These results suggest that measurement of sICAM-1 may be useful to investigate not only the pathogenic mechanisms, but also the clinical status and disease activity in patients with sarcoidosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

KL-6: a serum marker for interstitial pneumonia.

KL-6 is a mucinous high-molecular weight glycoprotein, expressed on type 2 pneumonocytes, which is reported to be elevated in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with interstital pneumonia. A total of 118 samples from 112 patients were measured, including 51 samples with three classes of interstital lung disease and 67 samples with 6 classes of noninterstital lung diseases, in order to clarify whether it was a useful marker of pneumonitis activity. The KL-6 level was significantly higher in patients with pneumonitis (1,187 +/- 689 U/mL; range, 224 to 2,656 U/mL) than in patients without pneumonitis (309 +/- 157 U/mL; range, 123 to 855 U/mL). The KL-6 level was also significantly higher in patients with clinically active pneumonitis (1,497 +/- 560) compared with inactive pneumonitis (441 +/- 276) (p < 0.001). The optimal criterion for separating patients with active pneumonitis from patients without pneumonitis was a KL-6 level of 500 to 700 U/mL according to receiver operating characteristic analysis. These results suggest that KL-6 is a useful marker for the clinical diagnosis of pneumonitis and for the evaluation of disease activity.

Antigens↗

PubMed1995

A salivary gland-type monomorphic adenoma with trabecular proliferation in the lung.

Salivary gland-type adenoma, especially monomorphic adenoma in the lung is very rare. We report a 66-year-old previously healthy woman who developed cough, hemosputum, and fever. Bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial mass in the proximal portion of the left lower lobe bronchus. Following left lower lobectomy, the pathological diagnosis was an unusual monomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland-type with trabecular proliferation.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1995

Evaluation of lymph nodes on computed tomography images in epidermoid lung cancer.

This study was undertaken to design the optimal criteria for practical guidelines for lymph node metastasis evaluation in epidermoid lung cancer. Resected lymph nodes (n = 214) were analyzed by preoperative computed tomography (CT) images and postoperative histopathological findings. Definite criteria were defined by efficiency, and possible criteria by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Statistical values of highest efficiency in 214 lymph nodes revealed that the minor axis offered the best criteria (minor axis 13 mm; efficiency 93%). ROC curve using the minor axis which showed the highest values of sensitivity and specificity in the optimal criteria (minor axis 9.3 mm; sensitivity 76%, specificity 76%). The criteria of the paratracheal lymph nodes were smaller than those of tracheobronchial and subcarinal nodes. In conclusion, it is desirable to evaluate metastasis of lymph nodes by the minor axis, and criteria should be considered changeable to accommodate the anatomical location in epidermoid lung cancer.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMed1995

[Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for rapidly spreading myeloma].

We report a case of rapidly spreading myeloma of immature cell morphology treated by peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). A 54-year-old man had a right orbital tumor, which subsequently was removed and proved to be plasmacytoma. Three years later a mass lesion appeared in his left lung and bilateral kidneys. The specimen obtained at lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of plasmacytoma. Serum M-protein, IgG lambda was increased, but there was no increase in plasma cells in the bone marrow. Since chemotherapy with VAD did not show any improvement, a high dose etoposide (500 mg/day, 4 days) was administered. When bone marrow suppression recovered, PBSCs were harvested (3.3 x 10(6)/kg). After conditioning therapy with cyclophosphamide (2.0 g/day, 2 days), etoposide (200 mg/day, 3 days) and ranimustine (200 mg/day, 2 days), the stored PBSCs were injected. Minor response was obtained and he was discharged. 2 months thereafter, it was found that plasma cells increased in the bone marrow. He died of pulmonary bleeding soon. Autopsy revealed immature plasma cell infiltration in multiple organs including the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, intestine, bone and bone marrow.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed1995

[Konno's operation for residual aortic stenosis following Nick's operation--a case report].

A 43-year-old woman successfully underwent the Konno's operation as a reoperative procedure for residual aortic stenosis following the Nicks' operation. The patient had had congenital valvular and subvalvular aortic stenosis and a patent ductus arteriosus previously divided. At age 33, she had undergone the Nicks' operation (posterior ring enlargement) and aortic valve replacement with a 19 mm Bicer valve prosthesis 9 years 6 months prior to the reoperation. The preoperative left ventricular-aortic pressure gradient was 120 mmHg which decreased but remained about 60 mmHg after the Nicks' procedure. The patient again developed heart failure and frequent episodes of atrial fibrillation which required repeated hospital admissions. Approximately 10 years following the original procedure, the Konno's operation (anterior ring enlargement) was performed using a 23 mm St. Judes Medical aortic prosthesis to manage residual aortic stenosis. The postoperative course was uneventful and the left ventricular-aortic pressure gradient reduced to 16 mmHg. We conclude that the Konno's operation can be safely performed for residual aortic stenosis following the Nicks' operation.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Rest and exercise performance of allografts, Bicer valves and St. Jude Medical valves in the aortic position].

Cardiac catheterization was performed to measure pressure gradients and hemodynamic parameters at rest and during supine bicycle exercise in 37 patients with aortic valve replacements, using allograft valves. Bicer prosthetic valves and SJM prosthetic valves of 19 to 27 mm diameter. Fourteen patients had an allograft valve replacement, 17 a Bicer valve, and 6 a St. Jude Medical valve. Patients were comparable for age, valve size, body surface area and left ventricular systolic function. There were no statistical differences among three groups for body surface area, left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volume indices, exercise cardiac index, exercise heart rate, or workload achieved. In all 37 patients left ventricular and ascending aortic pressures were measured simultaneously according to the Brockenbrough method. In a 21 mm valve size, the mean pressure gradient was higher for Bicer and St. Jude Medical prosthetic valves than for allograft valves, both at rest (8.0 +/- 3.5 mmHg for Bicer, 5.0 +/- 1.4 mmHg for St. Jude Medical versus 0 +/- 0 mmHg for allograft; p < 0.05) and during exercise (11.0 +/- 4.9 mmHg, 10.0 +/- 2.8 mmHg versus 0 +/- 0 mmHg, respectively: p < 0.05). In a 23 mm size, there were no significant differences among three groups for resting mean pressure gradient, but during exercise the mean pressure gradient was higher for Bicer and St. Jude Medical prosthetic valves than for allograft valves (8.4 +/- 9.3 mmHg, 5.5 +/- 4.4 mmHg versus 0 +/- 0 mmHg; p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[A case of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis associated with pneumothorax].

We report a case of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis. A 20-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital complaining of coughing, fever, and dyspnea on exertion. She had no underling disease or immunological abnormality. Chest X-ray film revealed bilateral diffuse infiltrative shadows, which were first believed to have been caused by a community-acquired pneumonia. Pulmonary cryptococcosis was diagnosed from the results of a transbronchial lung biopsy. After 2.5 years of anti-mycotic chemotherapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine, pneumothorax occurred in the left lung. Thoracotomy and open lung biopsy were done. Histological findings of the open lung biopsy specimens showed numerous broken cryptococcal organisms within alveolar macrophages. Diffuse fibrosis accompanied by multiple bullae may have punctured bullae or blebs and thus led to pneumothorax.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[A case of primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma showing a fine granular pattern around the main tumor on thin-slice CT].

A 61-year-old woman was admitted for evaluation of an abnormal shadow found incidentally on a chest radiograph. A 35 x 20 mm nodule with an ill-defined margin was found at the left hilum on conventional CT. Thin-slice (2 mm) CT was done, and a fine granular zone was found around the lesion. Left upper lobectomy was done and the lesion proved to be a primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (small cell type, B-cell). The granular pattern seen on CT was found to correspond to intraseptal micronodules scattered along the lymphatic vessels, a finding which is considered to be pathognomonic of pulmonary lymphomas by many pathologists. We know of no previous description of how these histologic characteristics can appear on high-resolution thin-slice CT. These findings will be helpful for the CT diagnosis of pulmonary lymphoma.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1995

[Relationship between cognitive function and regional CBF in hereditary spinocerebellar degeneration--comparison between Joseph disease and OPCA of Menzel type].

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured using positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with Machado-Joseph disease (Joseph disease), hereditary OPCA of Menzel type (Menzel type), and in normal control subjects in order to investigate relationship between cognitive function and rCBF in 2 subgroups of hereditary spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD). Though absolute rCBF in the cerebellar hemisphere and pons was significantly low in each of 2 subgroups of SCD compared to the control group, no difference was seen between 2 subgroups of SCD in these regions. In addition, absolute rCBF in the cerebral cortices did not show significant difference among all groups. However, when the rCBF data was normalized to the occipital cortex for relative rCBF, in the patient group with Menzel type, relative rCBF in the thalamus was significantly low value compared to the control group and relative rCBF in the frontal, temporal, and parietal cortex, especially in the frontal, was significantly low value compared to the patient group with Joseph disease. Moreover, clinically cognitive impairments were seen in patients of Menzel type, but not in patients of Joseph disease. These findings suggest that the measurement of rCBF by PET is useful for the understanding of the pathophysiology of hereditary SCD subgroups as well as for the differential diagnosis of these diseases.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Morphological examination of the lung tissue ablated with Nd;YAG laser in the treatment of bullous pulmonary disease].

We conducted a morphologic examination of ablated pleurae and bullae to assess the efficacy of Nd;YAG laser irradiation to the lung tissue for the treatment of bullous pulmonary disease. Pleurae and bullae from surgically resected lung tissue to treat pulmonary carcinoma were ablated using a Nd;YAG laser at a power of 10 watts and 1.5 seconds within a 1-centimeter-diameter circle (about 0.2 joule/cm2). Samples were analyzed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Nd;YAG laser irradiation caused elastic fiber-contraction and gel from collagen both in pleurae irradiated once and in bullae irradiated three times. We conclude that Nd;YAG laser irradiation can be applied to ablate pleurae and bullae into a tight and continuous structure which is important in preventing air leak from the pulmonary parenchyma.

Emphysema↗

PubMed1995

Elevation of tumour markers in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.

It is unclear whether tumour markers are generally increased in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). To clarify this point, levels of tumour markers were measured in the serum and BALF of patients with PAP. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigens sialyl Lewis (CA 19-9) and sialyl SSEA-1 (SLX) were assayed with radioimmunoassay kits. Cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Values for the tumour markers in serum, except for SCC, exceeded cut-off values in some PAP patients. Levels of the markers were higher in BALF compared with those in serum, and were significantly elevated in PAP patients compared with control subjects. There was a significant inverse correlation between CA19-9 level in BALF and arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) in PAP patients. A gradual elevation of CA19-9 and SLX was observed in a patient who showed a decrease in PaO2 level during the study period. In the light of these findings, it is possible that levels of tumour markers in BALF, especially levels of CA19-9 and SLX, may reflect the severity of the disease in PAP patients.

Adult↗