Biomedical subjects

S Konno

Publications and source records attributed to S Konno.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Prognosis of stage 2 macular holes.

PURPOSE: We ascertained the natural course of stage 2 idiopathic macular holes to determine better treatment possibilities. METHODS: We reviewed 48 eyes with stage 2 idiopathic macular holes and followed them up for more than two years. At each examination, best-corrected Snellen visual acuity was measured by a physician masked to the hypothesis of the study. RESULTS: Stage 2 lesions progressed to stage 3 or 4 during the follow-up period in 32 (67%) and 14 (29%) of 48 eyes, respectively; two eyes (4%) remained in stage 2. In 41 (85%) of 48 eyes, the hole size enlarged during the follow-up: 32 (94%) of 34 eyes had vitreomacular attachment and nine (64%) of 14 eyes had vitreomacular separation at the final examination, for a statistically significant difference in prevalence (P = .03). Visual acuity decreased two or more Snellen lines during the follow-up period in 34 (71%) of 48 eyes, the prevalence of which was significantly higher in eyes with vitreomacular attachment at the final examination (28 of 34, 82%) than in eyes with vitreomacular separation at the final examination (six of 14, 43%) (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Even though vitreomacular separation may improve the prognosis of a macular hole, stage 2 lesions usually will develop an enlarged hole and decreased visual acuity.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Activated leukocytes, endothelial cells, and effects of pentoxifylline: observations by VEC-DIC microscopy.

Using video-enhanced contrast (VEC)-differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, ultrastructural observations were made of the activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), the interaction between activated PMNLs and endothelial cells (ECs), and the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX). The ECs were obtained from a commercial source as human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or were obtained from pig or rat brains. They were cultured on a coverglass with DMEM for about 1 week. The human PMNLs were obtained from the authors' venous blood. The control appearance of the PMNLs resembled an elastic ball covered with fine villi. The PMNL was activated spontaneously and became flattened on the glass surface within 10 min in the observation chamber. The activation of the PMNLs was estimated arbitrarily from the polymorphous changes in cell shape, agitation of the intracellular granules, and apparent increase in adhesiveness. Preadministered PTX prevented such PMNL activation, and the PMNLs remained round for more than 15 min. PMNL activation was accelerated by chemoattractants (PAF, fMLP, and PMA). In one case, a PMNL that had been activated by PMA tended to recover its round shape with PTX, but finally ended by swelling and bursting. When PMNLs were introduced into the EC-containing chamber, they became entrapped by the ECs and activated, with degranulation followed by release of a smoke-like material. After about 3 h, the EC with an attached PMNL shrank and fell into a state of coagulation necrosis. When PTX was introduced at the time of adhesion of the flattened PMNL, the PMNL appeared to be deactivated, becoming smaller and assuming its previous round shape, and detached from the EC. PTX prevented the spontaneous activation of PMNLs, and of deactivated PMNLs even after their adherence to the endothelium.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Role of the vitreous in central retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: The role of the vitreous in eyes with CRVO and its relationship to neovascularization and macular edema, in particular, were investigated. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of the vitreous condition of 136 patients (136 eyes) with CRVO was performed. Based on fluorescein angiography findings and color photographs, eyes with CRVO were classified as either ischemic or nonischemic. RESULTS: In ischemic cases, retinal or optic disc neovascularization or both developed in 8 (57%) of 14 eyes with no or partial posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) at the final examination. The prevalence of neovascularization was significantly higher than in eyes with complete PVD (0%, 0 of 38) at the final examination (P < 0.01). No significant relationship was found between iris neovascularization development and the vitreous condition or between the prevalence of PVD and macular edema. In nonischemic eyes, the prevalence of no PVD or partial PVD with vitreomacular attachment was significantly higher in those with macular edema (76%, 25 of 33) than in eyes without (25%, 13 of 51) at the final examination (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Complete PVD may protect against retinal or optic disc neovascularization in eyes with severe CRVO. Vitreomacular attachment may cause persistent macular edema in eyes with mild CRVO.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Optic nerve head circulation in untreated ocular hypertension.

AIMS: The laser Doppler technique was used to compare the capillary blood speed measured at localised sites of the optic nerve head in stable, untreated ocular hypertensive patients with that measured in healthy normal subjects. The stereophotogrammetric technique was also used to measure the retinal nerve fibre layer thickness at the disc margin in the eyes of the patients. METHODS: Doppler broadening measurements were made at superior and inferior temporal disc sites in 18 eyes of 10 ocular hypertensive patients and in 12 eyes of seven age and sex-matched normal subjects. RESULTS: On average, Doppler broadening and, hence, capillary blood speed were significantly higher (p = 0.018) in the patients than in the normal subjects. The largest values of Doppler broadening in the patients were measured at sites adjacent to the thinnest retinal nerve fibre layer. Linear regression analysis showed a significant inverse relation (p = 0.0004) between Doppler broadening and nerve fibre layer thickness in left eyes, and a nearly significant relation (p = 0.06) in right eyes. At temporal sites of the optic nerve head there is a compensatory relation between a thinning nerve fibre layer and a locally increasing blood supply to the optic nerve head. CONCLUSION: Together with previous observations of fluorescein filling defects in similar patients, these results indicate that there is spatial heterogeneity of blood flow in the optic nerve head in stable, untreated ocular hypertensive patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Effect of azelastine on endotoxin-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in mice.

We examined the role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the pulmonary inflammatory process in mice, including the release of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by macrophages, and investigated the mechanism of action of azelastine (AZ) on the release of these two cytokines. Intratracheal instillation of 1.0 microgram/ml LPS into BALB/c mice caused a significant increase in both IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in aqueous lung extracts. These changes were modified, under control conditions, by a single dose of 0.05 mg/kg of AZ administered 1 and 11 h after LPS infusion. Intratracheal instillation of LPS also caused a significant increase in bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine (Mch). AZ significantly inhibited Mch responsiveness in LPS-infused mice compared with nontreated control mice. Our results suggested that intratracheal instillation of LPS induces the secretion of macrophage cytokines in the airways of mice, accounting, at least partly, for LPS-induced airway hyperresponsiveness. Our results also indicate that the attenuating effect of AZ on LPS-induced airway hyperresponsiveness could be explained by its inhibitory effect on macrophage cytokine production.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1995

Growth attenuation in a human prostate cell line mediated by a phorbol ester.

Human prostatic cancer cells JCA-1 were induced with a phorbol ester 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), and cell growth differentiation were analyzed. Within hours of exposure to TPA, cell proliferation decreased and reached approximately 80% reduction after 3 days, as determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell counting. Cell cycle analysis revealed a blocking of cells entering into the replicating S and G2M phases from the G1 phase. The TPA induced cells had a reduced growth rate but remained viable. The growth-modulating activity of TPA was similarly observed with LNCaP cells. Agarose gel electrophoresis of the chromosomal DNA from induced cells exhibited a non-fragmented pattern excluding the possibility of cell apoptosis. In parallel to the growth reduction, the TPA induced cells became larger in size showing dendrite like cytoplasmic extensions. Furthermore, JCA-1 cells treated with TPA acquired the expression of cytokeratin 18 and increased the expression of actin and vimentin by 300%. These results indicate an induced growth reduction accompanied by cellular differentiation of the prostatic cancer cells.

Cell Cycle↗

PubMed1995

[A case of advanced esophageal cancer made resectable by preoperative combination therapy with 5-FU and CDDP].

The authors experienced a case of advanced esophageal cancer made resectable by combination therapy with 5-FU and CDDP as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patient was a 69-year-old-man suffering from esophageal cancer of A3.N4 (+).Pl0.M0 at stage IV. At this case was diagnosed to be radically unresectable, this form of combination therapy was used. The patient showed PR after 2 courses and the operation could then be conducted. The intraoperative findings revealed fibrous fusion of tumor with the aorta, but no direct invasion. The metastatic lymph nodes were necrotized and reduced. It was evaluated as Grade 3 in accordance with the "Histologic criteria for the effects of anticancer chemotherapy." The postoperative course was favorable without recurrence. This therapy caused no adverse reactions and seems effective as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Effect of IPD-1151T (Suplatast Tosilate) on airway hyperresponsiveness in mice.

We investigated the effect of IPD-1151T (Suplatast Tosilate, (+/-)-[2-[4-(3-ethoxy-2-hydroxypropoxy) phenyl-carbamoyl]-ethyl] dimethylsulfonium p-toluenesulfonate) against allergic bronchoconstriction induced by allergen and methacholine (MCh).BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 microgram of keyhold limpet hemocyanin mixed with Al(OH)3. IPD-1151T was administered orally once a day for 5 or 14 days in doses of 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg body weight. Bronchoconstriction was measured 24 hrs after the final drug administration. IPD-1151T inhibited both antigen-mediated allergic bronchoconstriction and induction of bronchial hyperresponsiveness after sensitization or allergen challenge in actively sensitized mice. The degree of inhibition was proportional to the dose and frequency of oral administration of the agent.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1995

[Vitreous videography with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope].

We used a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) to attempt better visualization of the posterior vitreous than conventional biomicroscopy. We observed the posterior vitreous using the SLO in patients with age- or disease-related vitreous changes. We compared the results using lasers of several wavelengths. The detailed structure of the posterior hyaloid membrane, its collagen mesh structure with premacular defect, and the prepapillary glial ring were clearly visualized by direct laser illumination. Persistent attachment of the vitreous gel to the macula through the oval defect in the posterior hyaloid membrane was seen even with repeated eye rotations. Short wavelength laser was preferable to a long wavelength one for observing the posterior hyaloid membrane. Vitreous opacities were clearly visualized with all lasers as dark spots with fundus monitoring by retro illumination. Thus in vivo visualization of the posterior hyaloid membrane and vitreous gel was achieved using this new technique, which is more advantageous than the conventional biomicroscopy because of its monochromatic laser delivery system with confocal light detection.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

[Study on pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) activity in resected tissues of patients with gastric cancer].

Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) activity was measured in gastric cancer tissue from 25 patients who underwent resections of gastric cancer. The relation between the activity and host and tumor factors in gastric cancer was studied, and the following results were obtained. 1. PyNPase activity was 128.3 +/- 99.5 in cancer tissue and 37.2 +/- 23.1 in non-cancer tissue. The level was significantly higher in cancer tissue (p < 0.0001). 2. With respect to host factors, the PyNPase activity tended to be high in patients in whom cell-mediated immune response was maintained. 3. With respect to tumor factors, the values tended to be high in patients who were positive for lymph vessel and venous invasion, and positive for lymph node metastasis. 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine(5'-DFUR) is an anticancer agent which manifests antitumor effects when it is transformed into 5-FU by PyNPase. When this agent is administered to gastric cancer patients, it can be expected to be more effective in the above types of patients because of its characteristics.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Differential diagnosis of macular breaks by microperimetry with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope].

To improve differential diagnosis of macular breaks, microperimetry with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) was performed. Fifty consecutive macular breaks were detected by biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy, and SLO microperimetry was performed on each. Of the 50 eyes, 22 eyes were diagnosed with idiopathic macular breaks by biopmicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy because of a cuff. SLO microperimetry also showed dense scotoma within the macular break and relative scotoma on the cuff in the 22 eyes. However, diagnosis was not done only by biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy in the other 28 eyes because of the absence of a cuff. SLO microperimetry differentiated the full thickness macular breaks from pseudo-or lamellar breaks in these eyes. SLO microperimetry is useful for differentiating their prognosis, and determining the need for surgical treatment.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Effect of roxithromycin on respiratory bacterial infection in mice.

The effects of roxithromycin (RXM), an antibiotic of the macrolide family, on respiratory bacterial infection in mice were examined. BALB/c mice were administered with RXM orally at a dose of 5.0 or 2.5 mg/kg once per day for 14 days. On day 2 after the final drug administration, the mice were nasally infected with Haemophilus influenzae. RXM dose dependently inhibited the pathological changes in lung tissues induced by H. influenzae infection. RXM also enhanced 2',5'-oligoadenilate synthetase production in response to infection.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

[Removal of infected pacemaker leads in the elderly under extracorporeal circulation: two case reports and review of Japanese literature].

Two elder cases in whom infected pacemaker leads were removed under extracorporeal circulation (ECC) are reported. The leads could not be with drawn without direct sharp dissection under ECC because they had become firmly encased with fibrous tissue within the right ventricle. Postoperative courses were uneventful and neither of these patients has experienced recurrent infection to date. Removal with ECC seems to be a safe and effective procedure even in the elderly, provided that cardiac function is good.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1995

[Influence of intratumor administration of OK-432 on the tumor selectivity of 5'-DFUR].

The influence of intratumor administration of OK-432 on the tumor-selective antitumor effect of 5'-DFUR was studied in 49 patients with advanced gastric cancer. The patients were divided into 4 groups that received oral 5'-DFUR, intratumor OK-432, oral 5'-DFUR plus intratumor and intracutaneous OK-432, or no therapy before operation. Using surgical specimens, the PyNPase activity and 5-FU content were measured, and the localization of PyNPase was determined immunohistologically. The results were as follows: 1) 5'-DFUR therapy decreased intratumor PyNPase activity whereas administration of OK-432 increased it. 2) PyNPase activity was higher in cancer tissue than in normal tissue for all groups. 3) The 5-FU content of cancer tissue was higher in patients receiving OK-432 plus 5'-DFUR than in patients receiving 5'-DFUR alone. 4) In the resected tumors, PyNPase was mainly localized in the cancer cells of some patients and in the stromal cells of others. Thus, the localization of PyNPase showed two major patterns.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1995

Vitreous videography using the scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

To establish the method of vitreous videography using the scanning laser ophthalmoscope, we observed the vitreous in patients with age- or disease-related vitreous changes. We compared the results using four laser wavelengths. The detailed structures of the posterior vitreous cortex, a premacular defect, and a prepapillary glial ring were clearly shown under direct laser illumination. A short wavelength laser was found to be superior to a long wavelength laser for observing the posterior vitreous cortex. Vitreous opacities were clearly shown as dark spots under retroillumination using any of the four laser wavelengths. In vivo visualization of the vitreous was achieved using this new technique, which is superior to conventional biomicroscopy because of its monochromatic laser delivery system and confocal light detection capacity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Inhibition of cytokine production from human peripheral blood leukocytes by anti-allergic agents in vitro.

The influence of anti-allergic drugs on lymphocyte function was investigated by examining the blastic activity and cytokine production of human peripheral blood leukocytes in response to concanavalin A stimulation in vitro. Addition of ketotifen, disodium cromoglycate and oxatomide did not influence peripheral blood leukocyte blastic activity even when high concentrations (10.0 micrograms/ml) of these drugs were added to cell cultures. However, azelastine and terfenadine caused inhibition of peripheral blood leukocyte activation. Interleukin-2, interleukin-3, interleukin-4 and interleukin-5 production from peripheral blood leukocytes was strongly suppressed when the cells were cultured in the presence of these agents. This suppression was observed even when lower concentrations (1.0 and 0.5 micrograms/ml) of these agents were added to the cultures.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed1994

The relationship between intramuscular pressure of the paraspinal muscles and low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: The relationship between lumbar intramuscular pressure and backache with degenerative lumbar spine diseases was examined. Lumbar intramuscular pressure in 102 patients with low back pain and in 20 normal adults was compared in different positions using Miller's microtip catheter transducer. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to study the relationship between intramuscular pressure of the lumbar back muscles and degenerative lumbar diseases. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Measurement of intramuscular pressure is an objective technique for diagnosing lumbar compartment syndrome. The diagnosis of chronic compartment syndrome of the lumbar back muscles is confirmed when an association between an increase in intramuscular pressure and the onset of back pain is established. As spinal alignment changes from lordosis to kyphosis, the intramuscular pressure increases and blood flow decreases. METHODS: Intramuscular pressure measurements of the lumbar back muscles were performed in various positions and loading. Results in patients with low back pain and in normal adults were compared. RESULTS: The intramuscular pressure levels were found to be closely related to position and loading. The pattern of changes in pressure depended on the type of disease. The changes in intramuscular pressure in the patients with backache were classified into four distinct patterns. Chronic compartment syndrome of the lumbar back muscles showed two pattern: waxing and plateau. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of intramuscular pressure of the lumbar back muscles might be an important method of obtaining a greater knowledge about backache.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed1994

Dilatation of cerebral microvessels mediated by endothelin ETB receptor and nitric oxide in cats.

The functional role of the endothelin (ET)B receptor in the cerebral microvessels was examined in seven anesthetized cats. The effects of intracarotidly injected IRL1620, a selective ETB receptor agonist, on the cerebral blood volume (CBV) in the cortex were examined by a photoelectric method. CBV reflects the cumulative dimensions of the cerebral microvessels. High doses of IRL1620 (0.1-1 nmol/kg) elicited a transient fall in CBV, followed by a marked and dose-related increase of CBV (P < 0.01). The CBV increase was significantly inhibited (P < 0.01) by simultaneous administration of 0.35 mg/kg/min NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis. The marked, but transient, depressor effect of IRL1620 was also attenuated (P < 0.01) by L-NMMA. The ETB receptor subtype and production of nitric oxide, probably in the endothelium, mediate the vasodilatory action of ET in the cerebral microvessels.

Animals↗