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S Nagata

Publications and source records attributed to S Nagata.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

New algorithmic-based digital filter processing system for real-time continuous blood pressure measurement and analysis in conscious rats.

A new algorithmic-based digital filter processing system for real-time continuous blood pressure (BP) measurement and analysis in freely-moving conscious rats has been developed. Real-time recognition of BP waveforms, real-time noise rejection and determination of representative waveform indexes (WIs) at indicated time points using digital filters and Smirnov's rejection test were realized with this system. Digital filters were applied for two different purposes: waveform segmentation and smoothing the calculations of representative WIs. Smirnov's rejection test was used for real-time noise rejection and yielded an accurate rejection rate of 99.99%. The result was that the digital filter processing and Smirnov's rejection test realized accurate real-time BP measurement and analysis in freely-moving conscious rats using a personal computer.

Algorithms↗

Novel missense mutation in alpha-tropomyosin gene found in Japanese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

We have searched for mutations in alpha-tropomyosin gene in 50 Japanese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Two missense mutations of the alpha-tropomyosin gene were detected in Japanese patients with familial HCM. Sequencing analysis revealed a C to T transition at codon 63 leading to a replacement of Ala with Val residue, and a G to A transition with replacement of Asp by Asn at codon 175. These missense mutations were found at residues which were markedly conserved across the species, and have been reported to interact with troponin T. This is the first report on a mutant alpha-tropomyosin gene in a Japanese population. Familial HCM is a genetically heterogeneous disease in Japanese patients, similar to that reported in Caucasian kindreds.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Fas and Fas ligand: lpr and gld mutations.

Fas ligand (FasL) is a death factor that binds to its receptor, Fas, and induces apoptosis. Two mutations that accelerate autoimmune disease, lpr and gld, are known to correspond to mutations within genes encoding Fas and FasL, respectively. Here, Shigekazu Nagata and Takashi Suda summarize current knowledge of Fas and FasL, and discuss the physiological role of the Fas system in T-cell development, cytotoxicity and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated autoimmune disease.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Relationship between hepatitis C virus subtypes and clinical features of liver disease seen in alcoholics.

The influence of hepatitis C virus and its subtypes on the clinical course of liver disease in alcoholics was assessed. Hepatitis C virus infection was confirmed by a reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction method for the hepatitis C virus NS-5 region in the sera of alcoholics with various stages of histologically proven liver disease. The frequency of hepatitis C virus was significantly higher in alcoholics with chronic hepatitis (73%) than in those with liver fibrosis (18%), alcoholic hepatitis (17%), and fatty liver (0%). Hepatitis C virus subtypes, namely K1 and K2, were determined by dot-blot hybridization analysis of the polymerase chain reaction products with specific probes, and their frequencies were 68% and 32%, respectively. The proportion of patients whose serum transaminase levels returned to normal following 4 weeks of abstinence in hospital was significantly lower in alcoholics with hepatitis C virus viremia (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase: 53.8%; glutamic pyruvic transaminase: 42.3%) than in those without viremia (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase: 86.2%, p < 0.01; glutamic pyruvic transaminase: 89.7%, p < 0.01). When alcoholics with the K1 and K2 subtypes of hepatitis C virus were compared, normalization of transaminase levels was less frequent in alcoholics with K1 (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase: 42.8%; glutamic pyruvic transaminase: 28.6%) than in those with K2 (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase: 88.9%, p < 0.05; glutamic pyruvic transaminase: 77.8%, P < 0.05). These data indicate that hepatitis C virus infection is associated with a reduced rate of recovery of serum transminase levels following abstinence in subjects with alcoholic liver disease, more so in the K1 subtype than in the K2 subtype.

Alcohol Drinking↗

High prevalence of atrial fibrosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the extent of fibrotic changes in the left atrium of cardiomyopathic human hearts and investigated the relation of mechanical overload caused by left ventricular dysfunction to fibrosis of the left atrium. BACKGROUND: Left atrial dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathy may contribute to progression of heart failure. In contrast to fibrosis of the left ventricle, atrial fibrosis has not been extensively studied in cardiomyopathic hearts. METHODS: The extent of fibrosis in the left atrium and left ventricle was determined by an automatic image analyzer in 38 autopsied hearts obtained from 9 patients who died of noncardiac illness (control group), 16 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, 6 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with features mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy and 7 patients with a previous myocardial infarction. Transverse sections were obtained at the upper margins of the foramen ovale and left auricle in the left atrium and the median level of the left ventricle. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in extent of left atrial dilation, left ventricular dysfunction or duration of illness among the three groups with cardiac disease. Percent area of left atrial fibrosis (mean +/- SD) was significantly greater in the specimens from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (13.1 +/- 6.1%, p < 0.01) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy (26.5 +/- 9.5%, p < 0.01) than in those from patients with an old myocardial infarction (3.8 +/- 1.1%). Percent area of left ventricular fibrosis in hearts from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (12.9 +/- 8.6%) was significantly smaller than that in hearts from patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy (35.8 +/- 11.9%, p < 0.01) and a previous myocardial infarction (38.4 +/- 8.0%, p < 0.01). Percent area of atrial fibrosis was significantly correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction in the group with a previous myocardial infarction but not in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high degree of fibrotic change in the left atrium in the groups with dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy. Our findings suggest that atrial fibrosis in these patients may not have been related to mechanical overload of the left atrium but to some other, still unknown mechanisms.

Adult↗

Salutary effect of disopyramide on left ventricular diastolic function in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of disopyramide on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. BACKGROUND: Although disopyramide has been reported to lessen clinical symptoms in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, few data exist regarding its effect on diastolic function in these patients. METHODS: Thirteen patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (six with and seven without left ventricular outflow obstruction) were examined. Before and after intravenous disopyramide, hemodynamic and angiographic studies were performed. RESULTS: In patients with outflow obstruction, pressure gradient at the outflow tract decreased from a mean +/- SD of 100 +/- 45 to 26 +/- 33 mm Hg (p < 0.01). Although systolic function was similarly impaired in both groups, the time constant of left ventricular pressure decay (tau) shortened from 56 +/- 10 to 44 +/- 8 ms (p < 0.01) and the constant of left ventricular chamber stiffness (kc) decreased from 0.049 +/- 0.017 to 0.038 +/- 0.014 m2/ml (p < 0.01) only in patients with outflow obstruction. Shortening in tau correlated best with decrease in left ventricular systolic pressure (r = 0.84, p < 0.01). In contrast, tau was prolonged from 52 +/- 10 to 64 +/- 11 ms (p < 0.01) and kc was unchanged in patients without outflow obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The primary effects of disopyramide on the hypertrophied left ventricle were negative inotropic and negative lusitropic. However, left ventricular diastolic properties in patients with outflow obstruction were improved with a decrease in outflow pressure gradient. Relief of clinical symptoms in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with disopyramide might be due in part to improvement of diastolic function, which appears secondary to the reduction in ventricular afterload.

Adult↗

Production of monoclonal antibodies specific to the carboxyl terminal region of the 85 kDa subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase: use of the antibodies in recognition of mutant p85.

We have established two hybridomas producing mAb to the carboxyl terminal region of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase 85 kDa subunit type alpha (p85 alpha). Analysis using deletion mutants of p85 revealed that epitopes for the two mAb were located on the border of the src homology 2 (SH2) sequence located at the carboxyl end of p85. They immunoprecipitated free p85 efficiently, but reactivity to p85 bound to p110 was very weak. Together with the mAb which we have reported previously, a panel of mAb that covered the various parts of p85 alpha was obtained. Using this panel, we characterized two mutants of p85 (70 and 50 kDa) expressed in the human colon carcinoma cell line, HCC2998. No wild-type p85 was detected in these cells. A mAb specific to the carboxyl terminal region detected p70 but not p50, suggesting that this region is missing in p50. The panel of mAb is a useful tool to use to analyse mutant forms of p85.

Animals↗

Targeted mutation in the Fas gene causes hyperplasia in peripheral lymphoid organs and liver.

Fas, a type I membrane protein that transduces an apoptotic signal, is expressed in lymphocytes as well as in various tissues such as the liver, lung and heart. The mouse lymphoproliferation (lpr) mutation is a leaky mutation in Fas. By means of gene targeting, we generated a mouse strain which is completely deficient in Fas. In addition to the massive production of lymphocytes, the Fas-null mice showed substantial liver hyperplasia, which was accompanied by the enlargement of nuclei in hepatocytes. The Fas system seems to play a role in the apoptotic process to maintain homeostasis of the liver as well as the peripheral lymphoid organs.

Animals↗

Expression of Fas in B cells of the mouse germinal center and Fas-dependent killing of activated B cells.

Fas is a cell-surface protein of 45 kDa. Binding of the Fas ligand (FasL) to Fas induces apoptosis in Fas-bearing cells. Analysis of mouse mutants in either Fas or FasL have indicated that the Fas system is involved in apoptosis of lymphocytes. To identify the cells expressing Fas, mouse spleen sections were analyzed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Fas mRNA was detected in the T cells of the inner region of the periarterial lymphatic sheath and the inner lumen of the marginal zone. The cells in the outer region of the periarterial lymphatic sheath weakly expressed Fas mRNA, whereas it was abundant in the B cells of germinal centers. Immunizing mice with keyhole limpet hemocyanin induced formation of many germinal centers in the spleen. The B cells in the activated germinal center expressed abundant Fas and underwent apoptosis. The in vitro activation of splenocytes with lipopolysaccharide induced Fas expression in B cells and the B cells became sensitive to the Fas-mediated apoptosis. These results suggest that Fas is involved in the activation-induced death of B cells.

Animals↗

Fibronectin and 130-kDa molecule complex mimics snake venom botrocetin-like structure potentially modulating association between von Willebrand factor and vascular vessel wall.

We established seven hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against the venom from Bothrops jararaca. Six of them were demonstrated to specifically recognize botrocetin, a venom protein which binds with von Willebrand factor (vWf) and induces platelet agglutination. Two of them, BCT4-3 and BCT115-2 MoAbs, could significantly inhibit botrocetin binding with plasma vWf. BCT4-3 could react slightly with a monolayer of human endothelial cells (ECs), and BCT4-3 binding to ECs was drastically enhanced by the coexistence of human plasma in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that a biological modulator structurally resembling botrocetin is created initially on the EC surface complexed with some plasma proteins. Botrocetin-like components could be immuno-purified only by immobilized BCT4-3, but not by the other immobilized MoAbs, from umbilical vein extracts. Interestingly, the immunoisolated materials were identified to consist essentially of fibronectin (Fn) and a 130 kDa molecule, and this complex bound to vWf in the extracts. Depletion of Fn from plasma decreased BCT4-3 binding to ECs. The epitope of BCT4-3 expressed on the endothelial surface, comprising plasma Fn and the coisolated 130 kDa molecule, is proposed to be a physiological modulator structurally mimicking botrocetin, and essentially supporting vWf-binding to injured endothelium and subsequently to circulating platelets.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Quantitative analysis and immunohistochemical studies on small intestinal mucosa of food-sensitive enteropathy.

Quantitative analysis and immunohistochemical studies of small intestinal mucosa were performed to investigate the mechanism of mucosal damage in 10 patients with food-sensitive enteropathy. Jejunal biopsy specimens were taken before and after treatment and after clinical relapse following a challenge test. The low villous height of untreated patients normalized after introduction of an elimination diet but declined again to subnormal level after a challenge test. Several other types of cells were significantly increased in the untreated patients in comparison to controls. These included HLA-DR+ (DR+) CD4+ cells in the lamina propria and intraepithelial CD8+ cells. Moreover, those cell patterns, such as increased DR+ CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells, normalized with treatment but regressed to pretreatment levels when the patients were challenged. These findings suggest that activated CD4+ cells in the lamina propria of the small intestinal mucosa, probably by releasing cytokines, may play an important role in contributing to mucosal damage in patients with food-sensitive enteropathy.

Animals↗

23Na NMR spectroscopy of free Na+ in the halotolerant bacterium Brevibacterium sp. and Escherichia coli.

23Na NMR spectroscopy was used to determine free Na+ concentrations in a halotolerant bacterium, Brevibacterium sp., and Escherichia coli. The internal Na+ concentration of both strains depended little on the growth phases and was unchanged after 5 d storage at 2 degrees C. In Brevibacterium sp. the level of intracellular sodium increased gradually at higher extracellular NaCl concentrations in both the presence and absence of yeast extract in the growth medium. E. coli cells accumulated a higher concentration of free Na+ than those of Brevibacterium sp. The change of Na+ concentration in both strains was inverse to that of growth rate. When appropriate amounts of osmoprotectants (proline, glycine betaine, or gamma-aminobutyrate) were added with the NaCl, internal free Na+ levels in Brevibacterium sp. were lowered, but those of E. coli were unchanged. While addition of KCl to medium containing NaCl increased the intracellular level of free Na+, the total sodium concentration in the cells remained unchanged, indicating that sodium that had been bound or attached was made free in the cytosol. In Brevibacterium sp. grown in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl, free and bound sodium concentrations in the cytosol were estimated to be 0.14 and 0.23 mumol (mg protein)-1, respectively. As a result, visibility by 23Na NMR was 38%.

Brevibacterium↗

Effect of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, TCV-116, on neointimal formation following balloon injury in the SHR carotid artery.

1. In the present study, we examined the effect of a novel angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist, TCV-116, on carotid neointimal formation after balloon injury in SHR and WKY rats. 2. Oral administration of TCV-116 at a dose of 10 mg/kg per day reduced not only systolic blood pressure but also neointimal formation after carotid balloon injury. TCV-116 also suppressed cardiac hypertrophy. An angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, lisinopril (20 mg/kg per day), had a similar effect to that of TCV-116. 3. In the WKY experiment, both TCV-116 and lisinopril suppressed neointimal formation as well as systolic blood pressure, but did not suppress cardiac hypertrophy. 4. Although SHR showed markedly enhanced neointimal formation after balloon injury compared with age-matched WKY rat, both TCV-116 and lisinopril showed similar suppressive effects on neointimal formation in both SHR and WKY rats. 5. These results confirm the important role of angiotensin II in neointimal formation following balloon injury. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of the difference between SHR and WKY rats in the response of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Angiotensin II↗

Patterns of 24 h intragastric acidity in duodenal ulcers in children: the importance of monitoring and inhibiting nocturnal acidity.

The objective of this study was to compare the gastric acidity patterns of patients with duodenal ulcers and normal children. Eight patients with duodenal ulcer had their intragastric pH monitored for two consecutive 24 h periods using intragastric glass electrodes. The first 24 h period elucidated pH patterns in the absence of treatment and the second period evaluated the acid suppressive effect of 15 mg/kg of cimetidine when given in three divided doses. Results showed that the ulcer patients were hyperacidic, particularly at midnight. This finding was in marked contrast to the results obtained in the study of normal controls. The mean pH of normal children was above 3 around midnight. This phenomenon is known as intragastric pH inversion. The mean pH 3 time (the cumulative duration of the time for which gastric pH is maintained at > or = pH 3) was significantly shorter in patients with ulcers. However, pH 3 time of these patients significantly increased throughout the 24 h recording period during the daytime and at night after the introduction of cimetidine. This resulted in an induction of apparent nocturnal intragastric pH inversion for the ulcer patients. This study demonstrates the usefulness of 24 h continuous intragastric pH monitoring in children. The data showed that there was a pattern of gastric hyperacidity in pediatric ulcer patients which is clearly distinct from that of normal children, particularly in the patterns occurring at midnight. Cimetidine at 15 mg/kg per day in three divided doses was effective in suppressing secretion even at night.

Adolescent↗

Helicobacter pylori colonization in children with peptic ulcer disease. III. Diagnostic value of the 13C-urea breath test to detect gastric H. pylori colonization.

The efficiency of the 13C-Urea Breath Test (13C-UBT) for the detection of Helicobacter pylori colonization in gastric mucosa was evaluated. The 13C-UBT was performed in five pediatric and six adult subjects who had had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy within 2 weeks. H. pylori colonization was confirmed in two pediatric and three adult subjects with peptic ulcer combined with antral gastritis, by histological examination of antral biopsy specimens. When an individual with H. pylori colonization ingested a solution containing 13C-urea, a significant amount of 13CO2 appeared in the respiratory CO2 within 10 min. The mean cumulative percentage dose of 13C recovered in the breath over 30 min in the cases with H. pylori colonization was significantly higher than that in those who were not colonized (4.91 vs 0.41, P < 0.001). In addition, the effect of antibiotic on the eradication of H. pylori from gastric mucosa was monitored by 13C-UBT in two cases. The values of cumulative percentage dose of 13C over 30 min fell to the same levels as those observed in H. pylori negative subjects after just 2 weeks treatment with amoxicillin; however, positive results were obtained again 1 month after the withdrawal of amoxicillin. In summary, 13C-UBT is a simple, reliable, non-invasive method in the diagnosis of gastric H. pylori colonization especially for pediatric patients.

Adolescent↗

Atrial natriuretic peptide and antihypertensive action due to beta-blockade in essential hypertensive patients.

The effects of beta-blocker treatment on hemodynamics were studied in relation to plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels in 17 outpatients with essential hypertension. Administration of propranolol for twelve weeks to untreated subjects resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) rise in plasma ANP levels (from 37.9 +/- 21.2 to 66.7 +/- 46.2 pg/mL, mean +/- SD). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly decreased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Heart rate was also significantly decreased (P < 0.001). On the other hand, a significant reduction of cardiac index was detected (from 4.12 +/- 1.34 to 2.96 +/- 0.75 L/min/m2, P < 0.01) with chronic administration of propranolol, suggesting a reflection of decreased cardiac function. A significant negative correlation was observed between %changes in systolic blood pressure and %changes in plasma ANP (r = -0.594, P < 0.05). These results suggest that the increased plasma ANP levels may contribute to the antihypertensive effect with propranolol.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Perfusion lung scanning before and after percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy--early estimation of lung congestion relief.

Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) has recently been used to treat mitral stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of radionuclide perfusion lung scanning in assessing the effect of PTMC on the relief of lung congestion. We studied 30 patients (7 males and 23 females, mean age 55 years). Perfusion lung scannings were performed within 1 week before and after PTMC. We calculated the ratio of activity in the upper quarter to that in the lower quarter of the right lung (U/L) as an index of lung congestion. After PTMC, the mean mitral valve area increased from 1.1 +/- 0.3 to 1.9 +/- 0.4 cm2, the mean left atrial pressure decreased from 14.8 +/- 6.3 to 9.1 +/- 3.5 mmHg, the mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 22.7 +/- 8.6 to 17.4 +/- 6.3 mmHg, and the U/L ratio decreased significantly from 0.89 +/- 0.40 to 0.68 +/- 0.24 (p < 0.0001). The U/L ratio showed greater improvement (4.5%) in patients whose NYHA class improved (n = 19) than in those whose NYHA class did not improve after PTMC. The U/L ratio was closely related to mitral valve area, and left atrial and pulmonary artery pressures. The change in the U/L ration before and after PTMC also reflected symptomatic improvement. In conclusion, U/L ratios obtained from perfusion lung scannings before and after PTMC reflect mitral valve area and pressures, and can be used to assess lung congestion relief after PTMC.

Adult↗