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S Matsubara

Publications and source records attributed to S Matsubara.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Enzyme histochemically detectable NAD(P)H oxidase in human placental trophoblasts: normal, preeclamptic, and fetal growth restriction-complicated pregnancy.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the subcellular localization of NAD(P)H oxidase, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing enzyme, in the human placenta at various gestational ages. Ultrastructural enzyme histochemistry for NAD(P)H oxidase, using cerium as a capturing agent, was carried out. Placentas from patients with severe preeclampsia and patients who delivered infants with fetal growth restriction (FGR) were also studied. Electron-dense precipitates indicating NAD(P)H oxidase activity were visible in the microvillous membranes of the placentas, especially on the surface plasma membrane of the syncytiotrophoblast microvilli, after 25 weeks of gestation. The distribution pattern and enzyme intensities were apparently the same among normal, preeclamptic, and FGR placentas. Cytochemical control experiments ensured the specific detection of NAD(P)H oxidase activity. These observations indicated that syncytiotrophoblasts possessed NAD(P)H oxidase activity, and thus ROS-generating activity. Placental NAD(P)H oxidase may play a role in placental lipid peroxidation and the placental defense mechanism.

Cell Membrane↗
PubMed2001

A missense mutation in the exon 8 of lamin A/C gene in a Japanese case of autosomal dominant limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and cardiac conduction block.

A case of autosomal dominant limb-girdle muscular dystrophy with atrioventricular conduction block (LGMD1B) has been documented. In this family, 13 members, nine males and four females, had cardiac arrhythmia requiring pacemakers. The proband, a 67-year-old male, had longstanding proximal muscle weakness later associated with cardiac arrhythmia but showed neither rigid spine nor joint contracture. His muscle enzymes were within normal range and muscle biopsy showed myopathic changes. Gene analysis of the proband revealed Tyr481His mutation in the exon 8 of lamin A/C (LMNA) gene which is adjacent to the codon mutated in reported cases of familial partial lipodystrophy. This is the first report of muscular dystrophy shown to have a mutation of LMNA in a Japanese family as well as the first case of missense mutation in the exon 8 with LGMD1B phenotype.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of cytokine-inducing activity in a lipoteichoic acid-related molecule isolated from a penicillin-killed group A Streptococcus and from untreated bacteria.

We previously generated a monoclonal antibody, TS-2, that neutralizes the interferon (IFN)-gamma-inducing activity of OK-432, a penicillin-killed streptococcal preparation [J. Immunother. 13 (1993) 232]. Expression of the TS-2-binding antigen was markedly higher in the cell wall of the penicillin-treated Streptococcus pyogenes (OK-432) than in the untreated bacteria (Su-BBM). We here isolated the antigens from OK-432 and Su-BBM, designated OK-PSA and Su-PSA, respectively. OK-432 markedly induced IFN-gamma and interleukin (IL)-18 as compared with Su-BBM in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Furthermore, all of the Thl-type and Th1-inducing cytokines tested [IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-12 and IL-18] were secreted by OK-PSA-stimulated PBMC far better than by Su-PSA-treated PBMC. In addition, the cytolytic activities of the PBMC were accelerated by the stimulation with OK-432 or OK-PSA far better than by the stimulation with Su-BBM or Su-PSA. These findings strongly suggested that OK-PSA is a highly important molecule of OK-432 and may be a useful immunotherapeutic agent for the patients with malignant diseases as a potent Th inducer. It was also shown that penicillin treatment effectively enhances OK-PSA-induced anti-cancer immunity.

Caspase 1↗
PubMed2001

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is present in normal and pre-eclamptic placental trophoblasts: ultrastructural enzyme-histochemical evidence.

The present study investigated the localization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity in the human placenta at various gestational ages. Placentae from patients with severe pre-eclampsia were also studied. Ultrastructural enzyme-histochemical analysis was performed by newly developed G6PD histochemistry using copper ferrocyanide as a capturing agent. Precipitates indicative of G6PD activity were markedly visible in the cytotrophoblastic cytoplasm and faintly in the syncytiotrophoblastic cytoplasm of placentae at various gestational ages, as well as those from pre-eclampsia. Frequently, precipitations were localized on the cytosolic side of the endoplasmic reticular membranes of the cytotrophoblasts. Stringent cytochemical control experiments performed also ensured the specific detection of G6PD activity. The results indicated that cytochemically detectable G6PD was localized in cytotrophoblastic cytoplasm. This enzyme may play significant roles in the carbohydrate metabolism of the human placenta, and further maintenance of villous tree architecture. Combining the previous data, the human placenta has many carbohydrate metabolizing-enzymes, similar to the adult liver.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Cytochemically detectable glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is present in human fetal membrane chorion laeve trophoblasts.

We examined the ultrastructural localization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a NADPH-generating enzyme, in human fetal membranes at various gestational ages, using newly developed enzyme histochemistry (copper-ferrocyanide method). Electron-dense deposits indicative of G6PD activity were clearly visible in the cytoplasm and on the cytosolic side of the endoplasmic reticulum of chorion laeve cytotrophoblasts at various gestational ages. Positive and negative cytochemical controls ensured specific detection of enzyme activity. These observations indicated that chorion laeve trophoblasts were the site of NADPH production. Chorion laeve trophoblast G6PD may play a significant role in fetal membrane physiology, by delivering NADPH to NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases which these cells possess.

Chorion↗
PubMed2001

Enzyme-cytochemically detectable glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in human villous macrophages (Hofbauer cells).

Though various tissue macrophages possess high glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity, which plays an important role in their phagocytosis/bactericidal function, the presence of this enzyme in human placental villous macrophages (Hofbauer cells) has not been determined. We examined the ultrastructural localization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in Hofbauer cells in first and second trimester placental villi, using a newly developed enzyme-cytochemistry (copper-ferrocyanide) method. Electron-dense deposits indicative of G6PD activity were clearly visible in the cytoplasm and on the cytosolic side of the endoplasmic reticulum of Hofbauer cells. Positive and negative cytochemical controls ensured specific detection of enzyme activity. These observations indicated that Hofbauer cells abundantly possessed enzyme-cytochemically detectable G6PD activity. Hofbauer cell G6PD may play a role in placental defense, by supplying NADPH-dependent enzymes (i.e. nitric oxide synthase or NADPH oxidase) with NADPH. This enzyme may also fuel Hofbauer cells with ribose 5-phosphate during their cell proliferation and cell division.

Cytoplasm↗
PubMed2001

NAD(P)H oxidase in human fetal membrane chorion laeve trophoblasts with or without chorioamnionitis: ultrastructural enzyme histochemical study.

We examined the subcellular localizations of NAD(P)H oxidase, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing enzyme, in fetal membrane chorion laeve trophoblasts from preterm or term pregnant women with or without chorioamnionitis (CAM). Ultrastructural enzyme histochemistry for NAD(P)H oxidase was used. In fetal membranes without CAM, approximately one quarter of the chorion laeve trophoblasts (25.6%) showed NAD(P)H oxidase activity on their surface plasma membranes and microvillous membranes. In mild CAM, the proportion of these NAD(P)H oxidase-positive cells significantly increased, reaching about half (51.0%). Enzyme activity appeared on the plasma and microvillous membranes and also on both phagosomal membranes and intracellular vesico-tubular structures. Appearance of NAD(P)H oxidase on surface plasma membranes, phagosomal membranes, and vesico-tubular structures is strong cytochemical evidence of phagocytic cell activation. These observations indicate that chorion laeve trophoblasts possess NAD(P)H oxidase activity, and therefore that fetal membranes themselves have ROS-generating capacity. Further, in fetal membrane inflammation, chorion laeve trophoblasts exhibited enzyme distribution characteristic of activated professional phagocytes. Similar to phagocytes infiltrating to the intrauterine environment, chorion laeve trophoblast NAD(P)H oxidase may play a role both in the defence of chorioamnion against infection and in the pathogenesis or pathophysiology of CAM-related preterm delivery.

Chorioamnionitis↗
PubMed2001

Identification, cloning, and initial characterization of a novel mouse testicular germ cell-specific antigen.

A monoclonal antibody, designated TES101, was raised by immunizing BALB/c mice with an allogenic mouse testicular homogenate followed by immunohistochemical selection as the initial screening method. By searching the expressed sequence tag (EST) database with the N-terminal amino acid sequence of TES101 reactive protein, we found that the predicted amino acid sequence encoded by a mouse testicular EST clone matched the TES101 protein sequence. Sequence analysis of the clone revealed no homologous molecule in the DNA/protein database. Based on data obtained from N-terminal amino acid analysis of the TES101 protein, the derived amino acid sequence contained a signal peptide region of 25 amino acids and a mature protein region of 225 amino acids, which translated into a protein with a molecular weight of 24 093. Northern blot analysis showed that mRNA of the TES101 protein was found in testis but not in any other mouse tissues examined. Western blot analysis revealed that TES101 reacted with a 38-kDa band on SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions, and this reactivity was abrogated under reducing conditions. Immunoelectron microscopic studies demonstrated that the molecule was predominantly located on the plasma membrane of spermatocytes and spermatids but not in Sertoli cells or interstitial cells, including Leydig cells. Thus, the TES101 protein is a novel molecule present primarily on the surface of developing male germ cells. TES101 protein may play a role in the processes underlying male germ cell formation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

A case of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B undiagnosed for many years despite its typical phenotype.

We report the case of a 24-yr-old man with a typical phenotype of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B). The patient had previously undergone minor surgery to remove multiple tumors on the lip, but he had no further examinations. MEN 2B was suspected owing to characteristic multiple ganglioneuromatosis when the patient presented with a goiter associated with high levels of plasma calcitonin and CEA. Aspiration biopsy cytology revealed medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), and abdominal computed tomography and nuclear scanning with metaiodobenzylguanidine revealed bilateral adrenomedullary tumors. Adrenomedullary function tests showed high levels of serum and urinary fractionated catecholamines, and genetic analysis showed a point mutation in the codon 918 (M918T) of the RET gene. The patient was diagnosed with MEN 2B and underwent right adrenalectomy and total thyroidectomy. No distant metastasis of the MTC was noted although MEN 2B had remained undiagnosed since the ganglioneuromatosis was first noticed. MEN 2B is a rare hereditary disorder, but the occurrence of characteristic ganglioneuromatosis was quite helpful in making the diagnosis.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed2001

Effect of labor on maternal dehydration, starvation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis.

BACKGROUND: Dehydration, starvation, and enhanced blood coagulability may occur during labor. METHODS: We studied 60 women who gave birth vaginally to a healthy singleton infant at term. Sampling of urine and blood specimens was performed on admission to the hospital with labor pains and just after birth. Paired samples were available from 50 women for urine analysis and 29 women for blood analysis. Total fluid intake (oral and intravenous) during labor was recorded. Changes in various parameters in the urine and blood in relation to the total fluid intake were analyzed. RESULTS: Osmolality and creatinine concentration in the urine, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value, thrombin-antithrombin III complex, plasmin-alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor complex and D dimer significantly increased during labor. Ketone bodies were absent in the urine in 84% (42/50) of women on admission to the hospital whereas these were present in 74% (37/50) of women just after delivery (p < 0.01). The degree of these changes appeared to be smaller with an increase in fluid intake. CONCLUSION: Concentrated urine, hemoconcentration, starvation, and activation of the thrombogenic and fibrinolytic system occur in parturient women. Sufficient fluid intake during labor may ameliorate these unfavorable changes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after combined ophthalmic artery embolization and craniofacial surgery--case report.

A 57-year-old man developed visual loss following craniofacial surgery for an inflammatory ethmoidal sinus mass. Surgery was preceded by endovascular occlusion of the ophthalmic artery distal to central retinal artery (CRA). Routine angiography obtained immediately after endovascular ophthalmic artery occlusion showed patency of the CRA. He complained of visual loss one day after craniofacial surgery (2 days after embolization). Repeat emergency angiography confirmed the patent CRA. Ophthalmic examination and fluorescein angiography showed that the visual loss was due to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). Preservation of the CRA is critical during ophthalmic artery embolization to avoid visual complications. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the possibility of AION as a complication of ophthalmic artery embolization.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗
PubMed2001

Cerebellar hemorrhage caused by dural arteriovenous fistula: a review of five cases.

OBJECT: In this study the authors performed a retrospective analysis of five cases in which the patients (three women and two men) were treated for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) associated with cerebellar hemorrhage. On the basis of their findings, the authors evaluated the characteristics of this unusual symptom. METHODS: The dural AVFs were located in the right cavernous sinus in one patient, the left transverse-sigmoid sinus in three patients, and the right superior petrosal sinus (SPS) in one patient. All patients presented with severe headache and/or loss of consciousness. Computerized tomography scans revealed a small cerebellar hemorrhage near the fourth ventricle and hydrocephalus in four cases, and a massive hemispheric cerebellar hemorrhage in the remaining case. The four patients with small hemorrhages underwent ventriculostomy and endovascular treatment; all recovered. The patient suffering from a massive hemorrhage because of a dural AVF in the SPS was treated by suboccipital craniectomy, hematoma evacuation, and removal of the vascular anomaly. This patient remains in a persistent vegetative state. In four cases, results of angiography demonstrated retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainage through the SPS to the anastomotic lateral mesencephalic vein (ALMV) and/or to the vein of the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle (VLR4V). Retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainage to the ALMV and/or VLR4V was responsible for cerebellar hemorrhage in these cases. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it is important to consider dural AVF in cases in which there is even a small hemorrhage near the fourth ventricle accompanied by intraventricular perforation and a decreased level of consciousness.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Hyperperfusion phenomenon after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for atherosclerotic stenosis of the intracranial vertebral artery. Case report.

The authors report on a patient who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for stenosis of the intracranial vertebral artery (VA). This 67-year-old man's dizziness while walking was caused by infarction of the left cerebellar peduncle. On angiograms, his left VA manifested 90% stenosis at the intracranial portion and his right VA ended at the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Because single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) showed low perfusion and poor perfusion reserve in the posterior circulation, the authors performed PTA of the left VA, which was only 35% dilated due to stenosis. Although the patient's postoperative course was uneventful, postoperative hemodynamic studies (SPECT and transcranial Doppler [TCD] ultrasonography) revealed the hyperperfusion phenomenon. A 100% increase of regional cerebral blood flow in the posterior circulation was demonstrated on SPECT studies and TCD ultrasonography revealed a doubling of blood flow velocity in the VA compared with preoperative values. Careful control of the patient's blood pressure resulted in resolution of the hyperperfusion phenomenon within I week post-PTA. Although hyperperfusion syndrome following carotid endarterectomy is not rare, it is seldom seen after reconstruction of the posterior circulation, and the possibility of its occurrence must be kept in mind when the posterior circulation is reconstructed.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Hypocholesterolemic effect of indigestible fraction of Chlorella regularis in cholesterol-fed rats.

The effects of Chlorella regularis powder (CP) and Chlorella regularis indigestible fraction (CIF) on serum and liver lipid concentrations and on fecal steroid excretion were estimated in rats fed diets containing 5 g/kg cholesterol and 2.5 g/kg sodium cholate. The ingestion of 12.7% CP or 5.3% CIF did not influence food intake or growth. CP and CIF decreased the levels of serum cholesterol, but had no effect on the levels of serum triacylglycerol and phospholipid. Liver cholesterol contents were lower in the CP and CIF groups than in the control group, but CP and CIF did not affect liver triacylglycerol content. CP and CIF increased the total amount of fecal neutral steroids excreted, but did not modify the total bile acid excretion. However, the soluble bile acid concentrations of reconstituted fecal water in the rats fed CP and CIF diets were lower than the control value. Moreover, CP and CIF had a high bile acid binding capacity in vitro. These results indicated that CIF had a hypocholesterolemic effect and enhanced fecal neutral steroid excretion while decreasing the soluble fecal bile acid concentration.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Chorion laeve trophoblasts of preeclamptic fetal membranes: histochemically detectable enzyme activities do not change at a subcellular level.

We examined the subcellular localization of ADP-degrading activity and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity in chorion laeve trophoblasts from term and near term human fetal membranes, and compared them with those from severe preeclamptic fetal membranes. The methods used for the detection of enzyme activities were the lead nitrate method for ADP-degrading activity and the diaminobenzidine method for CCO. Precipitates indicative of ADP-degrading activity were visible on surface microvillous plasma membranes of chorion laeve trophoblasts both from normal and preeclamptic fetal membranes. The intensity and distribution patterns were the same in the normal and preeclamptic subjects. CCO labeling was visible in almost all laeve trophoblastic mitochondria both in normal and preeclamptic cases. Previously, we demonstrated that in preeclamptic villous trophoblasts there were decreases in ADP-degrading activity and the presence of CCO-negative mitochondria, which were proposed to lead to dysfunction of each villous trophoblast, and finally to placental insufficiency in preeclampsia. Reductions or changes in enzyme intensities/distribution patterns, which are characteristic features of preeclamptic villous trophoblasts, were absent in chorion laeve trophoblasts in preeclampsia. These results suggest that in preeclampsia there are no, or at least less severe, abnormalities in the enzyme activities of chorion laeve trophoblasts, compared with villous trophoblasts, as far as enzyme-histochemically detectable enzymes are concerned.

Adult↗