Characterization of low-density-lipoprotein in apolipoprotein E deficiency in a patient without coronary atherosclerosis.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
S Suga
Publications and source records attributed to S Suga.
Magnetic circular dichroism of the S 2p, Co 2p, and Co 3p core absorption and orbital angular momentum of the Co 3d state in low-spin CoS2.
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Journal Article↗
[Case of tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus and hypothermia].
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
Excitatory and inhibitory actions of norepinephrine on the Ba2+ current through L-type Ca2+ channels of smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig vas deferens.
The effect of norepinephrine (NE) was examined on the whole-cell Ba2+ current through L-type Ca2+ channels of freshly isolated smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig vas deferens. The magnitude of maximum Ba2+ current [1Ba(max)] varied in different cells, although the capacitance of the cell membrane was similar (approximately 50 pF). Application of dbcAMP augmented 1Ba(max) by 37%, which was canceled by Rp-cAMPs, while PMA decreased the current by 32%, which was canceled by staurosporine. NE increased 1Ba(max) of the cells which originally showed relatively small 1Ba(max), and decreased the current of the cells which showed larger 1Ba(max). In the presence of phentolamine, NE increased 1Ba(max), and this effect was remarkable in cells showed smaller 1Ba(max). In the presence of propranolol, NE decreased 1Ba(max). The excitatory beta-adrenoceptor activation was canceled by Rp-cAMPs, and the inhibitory alpha-adrenoceptor effect was canceled by staurosporine. It is suggested that NE shows dual (excitatory and inhibitory) actions on the L-type Ca2+ channels of smooth muscle of guinea-pig vas deferens. The excitatory beta-adrenoceptor action mediated through cAMP/PKA is predominant in cells with lower density of the Ca2+ channels, while inhibitory alpha-adrenoceptor action mediated through PKC is predominant in cells with higher channel density.
Adrenergic Agonists↗
Binding of the V proteins to the nucleocapsid proteins of human parainfluenza type 2 virus.
Interaction of the nucleocapsid (NP) and V proteins of human parainfluenza type 2 virus (HPIV-2) was investigated using a transient expression system. When the NP proteins were co-expressed with the V proteins, some of the NP proteins were translocated into the nuclei. These findings suggest that the NP protein interact with the V proteins. We examined the interaction of the NP proteins and the P, V proteins or deletion mutants of V protein using immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation plus Western blotting analyses, and showed that the V proteins of HPIV-2 bind to the NP proteins and that the N-terminal domain of V protein interacts directly with the NP proteins. When the NP proteins were co-expressed with the V proteins or the N-terminal fragments (aa 1-46), the NP proteins were detected diffusely in the nuclei of the transfected cells, and were also detected in cytoplasmic inclusions. The NP and V proteins were co-localized in the nuclei or cytoplasm. Furthermore, the NP proteins were co-precipitated with the P, V, and V (1-164) proteins by a specific antibody. The P proteins interact more closely with the NP proteins than do the V proteins. These findings indicate that the V proteins have the ability to bind the NP proteins.
Binding Sites↗
Detection by polymerase chain reaction of wild-type measles virus genome in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with SSPE who had received measles vaccine.
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that approximately 4-5% of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) were given measles vaccination but had no history of natural measles. However, in the case who received measles vaccine, it has been extremely difficult to determine whether the actual cause of SSPE is the inoculated vaccine virus or not. OBJECTIVES: To detect the measles virus genome in a patient with SSPE and to analyze its nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence. STUDY DESIGN: We applied the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the measles virus genome in specimens from a 12-year-old boy with SSPE who had received measles vaccine 10 years before and had no history of apparent natural measles. The oligonucleotide primers for PCR were prepared based on the nucleotide sequence of the F and NP genes of the measles virus Edmonston strain. RESULTS: F and NP genes were detected in both the cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood lymphocytes. Nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence analysis of the F gene showed that the patient's virus was different from that of the vaccine strain. Judging from these results, it was likely that the SSPE-associated strain in this case was derived from the wild-type rather than the vaccine strain. CONCLUSIONS: PCR is a useful method to establish a definitive diagnosis of SSPE and to study the nature of the SSPE-associated virus.
Journal Article↗
Determination of the relative neutron sensitivity of a C-CO2 ionization chamber.
The neutron sensitivity of a C-CO2 ionization chamber has been experimentally determined in the neutron energy range of 0.1-1.2 MeV. Eleven kU data were obtained which ranged from 0.04 to 0.1 as a function of neutron energy. There were two peaks in the spectrum of the kU factor, and their positions corresponded to the resonance energies of the kerma factors of carbon dioxide, of which the energies are about 0.4 and 1 MeV. The present data agree with the data obtained at the National Institute for Radiological Sciences in Chiba, Japan (NIRS). The energy dependences of the sensitivity were calculated by using the kerma and the W-value ratios of gas to soft tissue for comparison. The experimental data were reproduced well by the calculations.
Biophysical Phenomena↗
Perioperative plasma concentrations of endothelin and natriuretic peptides in children undergoing living-related liver transplantation.
To investigate the clinical significance of endothelin (ET), natriuretic peptides, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in pediatric liver transplantation, we measured plasma levels of ET, atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP), aldosterone, and plasma renin activity in 18 patients (aged 0.5-12 yr; median 1 yr) undergoing living-related liver transplantation due to congenital biliary atresia and severe liver cirrhosis. Before transplantation, the plasma ET level (28.9 +/- 2.5 [mean +/- SEM] pg/mL) was increased compared with that of healthy children (10-18 pg/mL), but decreased during the anhepatic phase (22.5 +/- 1.6 pg/mL). It increased again after reperfusion and remained at high levels in the early postoperative period (postoperative day 3, 27.8 +/- 3.0 pg/mL). Plasma levels of ANP and BNP and aldosterone and plasma renin activity were also high before surgery. Plasma ANP and BNP did not change significantly during surgery. After transplantation, plasma BNP significantly increased, and plasma ANP tended to increase. Plasma aldosterone increased markedly during the anhepatic phase, although plasma renin activity decreased. After transplantation, plasma aldosterone and plasma renin activity both decreased to within normal levels. Mean arterial blood pressure increased gradually after reperfusion and surgery (postoperative day 3, 35.7 +/- 5.2% increase). No substantial differences in these variables occurred between the younger (< or = 1.0 yr, n = 9) and older patients (> 1.0 yr, n = 9). These results suggest that ET production in the cirrhotic liver is augmented and ET, natriuretic peptides, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system all play some role in the circulatory regulation during perioperative periods of pediatric liver transplantation.
Aldosterone↗
Eleven-year survey of safety and efficacy of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy using 2% sodium tetradecyl sulfate and contrast medium.
We conducted a retrospective 11-year survey to evaluate the post-treatment course in 285 patients with esophagogastric varices following administration of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy as an emergency, elective, or prophylactic procedure using freshly prepared 2% sodium tetradecyl sulfate not containing benzyl alcohol. These agents were injected into the varices and the supplying veins under fluoroscopic observation, usually in a single treatment. In all patients the variceal size was greatly reduced following one treatment. The amount of sclerosant necessary to fill the varices and the supplying veins varied widely among the patients. Acute variceal bleeding was controlled in 80 (96.4%) of the 83 patients, and the risk of rebleeding during the first month was 0.0548 in the emergency procedures. The serious complication of perforation was observed in one patient. The cause of death was established in the 122 patients who died and included esophageal variceal bleeding in eight (6.6%) and gastric variceal bleeding in one (0.8%). The overall 50% survival period was 5 years and 4 months. Multivariate analysis disclosed that the factors with the greatest negative effect on survival were poor hepatic status and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The method of preparation and the procedure itself may be considered safe and effective in the treatment of esophagogastric varices.
Aged↗
Regulation of secretion and clearance of C-type natriuretic peptide in the interaction of vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells.
OBJECTIVE: To clarify the significance of C-type natriuretic peptide in the interaction between endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells by investigating the endothelial production of C-type natriuretic peptide and the clearance mechanism of C-type natriuretic peptide using the endothelial cells-smooth muscle cells co-culture system. RESULTS: Secretion of C-type natriuretic peptide in the direct co-culture of endothelial cells with smooth muscle cells elicited as much as a 60-fold increase compared with endothelial cells alone. The accumulation of intracellular cyclic GMP in the co-culture was consequently increased and the elevation of cyclic GMP level in the co-culture was abolished by the anti-C-type natriuretic peptide monoclonal antibody. The elevated cyclic GMP production in the co-culture was abolished by the anti-transforming growth factor-beta neutralizing antibody. Candoxatrilat (10(-6)-10(-4) mol/l), a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, dose-dependently increased the concentrations of C-type natriuretic peptide in the culture medium with endothelial cells alone, but not in the endothelial cells-smooth muscle cells co-culture. The transcript of neutral endopeptidase messenger RNA was detected in endothelial cells but not in smooth muscle cells by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Treatment with C-atrial natriuretic factor4-23 (10(-9)-10(-6) mol/l), the specific ligand for the clearance receptor of the natriuretic peptides, resulted in dose-dependent augmentation of C-type natriuretic peptide concentration and concomitant intracellular cyclic GMP production in the endothelial cells-smooth muscle cells co-culture but not in endothelial cells alone. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that direct interaction between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells augments C-type natriuretic peptide secretion from endothelial cells through transforming growth factor-beta activation, and revealed that the enzymatic degradation is responsible for the steady state level of C-type natriuretic peptide in endothelial cells alone and that the receptor-mediated clearance mainly determines the augmented level of C-type natriuretic peptide in the interaction between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. The results taken together raise the possibility that endothelial C-type natriuretic peptide might play a role in regulation of vascular tone and remodelling.
Animals↗
Regulation of human immunodeficiency virus gp160-mediated cell fusion by antibodies against fusion regulatory protein 1.
We have isolated new MAbs directed against the human fusion regulatory protein 1 (FRP-1; CD98) molecule using human FRP-1-expressing L929 cells as antigens. The biological activities, and in particular the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-mediated fusion regulatory activity of seven anti-FRP-1/CD98 MAbs were analysed using the U937/gp160 cell line, which is a CD4+ U937 cell line expressing HIV gp160. Two MAbs induced multinucleated giant cell formation in U937/gp160 cells and the other five MAbs showed no fusion-inducing ability. However, four of these MAbs suppressed multinucleated giant cell formation of U937/gp160 cells induced by the activating anti-FRP-1 MAbs. Interestingly, five of the MAbs induced multinucleated giant cells in peripheral blood monocytes and one MAb showing fusion-inducing ability in U937/gp160 cells suppressed multinucleated giant cell formation of monocytes induced by anti-FRP-1 MAbs. Furthermore, four of the anti-FRP-1 MAbs suppressed cell fusion of Jurkat/gp160 cells, which are Jurkat cells expressing HIV gp160. Thus, FRP-1/CD98 is capable of either activating or inhibiting HIV-mediated cell fusion depending on whether an enhancing or inhibiting antibody is used, indicating that FRP-1/CD98 is a multipotential molecule. Thus, HIV-mediated cell fusion can be regulated by modification of the FRP-1 system. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates that the FRP-1 and FRP-2 systems are interdependent.
Animals↗
Distribution of human herpesvirus 6 and varicella-zoster virus in organs of a fatal case with exanthem subitum and varicella.
The distribution of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was examined in autopsy samples from a fatal case with both virus infections. A 9-month-old boy developed convulsive seizures followed by macular skin rashes, rapidly progressed to brain death, and died 15 days after the onset, when signs of varicella were noted. An isolation of HHV-6 from blood and evaluation of antibody activities to various viral agents including HHV-6 were performed before his death. Postmortem examinations included: (i) isolation of HHV-6 and VZV from tissues or organs; (ii) detection of both virus antigens in tissues or organs by an indirect immunofluorescent assay using monoclonal antibodies to both viruses; (iii) amplification of both viruses and human herpesvirus 7 DNA sequences by a nested polymerase chain reaction assay; and (iv) endonuclease digestion of amplified products of HHV-6 DNA for differentation of variants A and B. Human herpesvirus 6 DNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma obtained at the eruptive stage but present only in PBMC 15 days after, indicating the primary infection with HHV-6, although the virus was not isolated from the same blood sample and a significant rise in the antibody titers to HHV-6 was not observed. Both virus antigens and DNA were detected in various tissues or organs obtained at autopsy, but only VZV was isolated from these samples, suggesting disseminated infection with both viruses in an infant. All the amplified products of HHV-6 DNA were variant B. Among the findings for the distribution of virus antigens, it was noteworthy that HHV-6 antigen was demonstrated in the endothelial cells of small vessels in the frontal lobe of the brain. There was no evidence of HHV-7 infection. These data indicate that the primary HHV-6 infection closely followed by the primary VZV infection had the potential hazard of an unexpected and apparently life-threatening event, in which disseminated infections with both viruses were noted in multiple tissues or organs including the brain.
Antibodies, Viral↗
Comparison of specific immunities to varicella-zoster virus following post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella by oral acyclovir observed in a family.
An otherwise healthy 3-year-old girl developed severe varicella complicated by aseptic meningitis and received intravenous acyclovir (ACV) therapy. Her two siblings who were susceptible to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and closely exposed to VZV in the family received oral ACV (45 or 54 mg/kg per day in four divided doses for 7 days) starting 8 days after onset of the index case for post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella. They showed only five or seven papules over the body without fever 12 days after onset of the index case, while they had one-third or half the level of antibody titer and equal sized skin reactions to VZV antigen of the index case 2.5 months later.
Acyclovir↗
Dose-dependent effects of oral acyclovir in the incubation period of varicella.
Dose of acyclovir (ACV) and clinical features of varicella were evaluated in 65 household contacts (0.8-9 y) who received oral ACV (5-80 mg/kg daily in four divided doses) during the latter half of the incubation period of varicella. The severity of the disease was compared with that of 23 children who did not receive ACV. Infection was confirmed by a fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen assay. The antibody titers and the rate of apparent infection increased as the dose of ACV administered decreased. The number of skin lesions in patients who received ACV was significantly reduced when compared to the control group. These data suggest dose-dependence of ACV for modification of varicella during secondary viremia in the incubation of the disease.
Acyclovir↗
cDNA cloning and gene expression of human type Ialpha cGMP-dependent protein kinase.
The type I cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) is one of the major pathways for the cGMP cascade and has been demonstrated to inhibit platelet aggregation, relax smooth muscle cells, and control cardiocyte contractility. There are two subtypes of the type I cGK, cGKIalpha and cGKIbeta. The former is more sensitive to cGMP than the latter. In humans, cGKIbeta cDNA was isolated, but the full structure and tissue-specific gene expression of cGKIalpha have not been determined. The significance of cGK in human cardiovascular diseases has not been investigated at the molecular level. In the present study, we isolated the full-length human CGKIalpha cDNA (-36 to +2177; the translation start site: +1) enclosing the 671-amino acid protein. Nucleotides +267 to +2177 of the isolated cDNA were identical to the corresponding nucleotides of human cGKIbeta cDNA. Southern blot analysis suggested that human cGKIalpha and cGKIbeta are generated by alternative splicing of a single gene assigned to chromosome 10. By Northern blot analysis, we detected abundant human cGKIalpha mRNA (7.0 kb) in the aorta, heart, kidneys, and adrenals. In contrast, human cGKIbeta mRNA (7.0 kb) was detected abundantly only in the uterus. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, the type I cGK mRNA concentration was reduced to 10% of the basal level by 4 x 10(-10) mol/L platelet-derived growth factor. Angiotensin II (10(-8) mol/L), transforming growth factor-beta (4 x 10(-11) mol/L), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (6 x 10(-6) mol/L) also exhibited an inhibitory effect on type I cGK gene expression. These findings suggest a pathophysiological implication of the type I cGK in cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Regulation of endothelial production of C-type natriuretic peptide in coculture with vascular smooth muscle cells. Role of the vascular natriuretic peptide system in vascular growth inhibition.
Recently, we have demonstrated that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is produced in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). In the present study, we investigated the interaction of ECs and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) for endothelial production of CNP and its action on vascular growth, using the EC/SMC coculture system. The concentration of CNP-like immunoreactivity in the medium was increased 60-fold within 48 hours in the EC/SMC coculture with direct contact compared with that in EC alone. Northern blot analysis revealed the augmented expression of CNP mRNA in the EC/SMC coculture. The accumulation of intracellular cGMP in the coculture was concomitantly increased, and this response was blocked by anti-CNP monoclonal antibody and HS-142-1, a nonpeptide atrial natriuretic peptide receptor antagonist. The concentration of biologically active transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the culture medium of the coculture with direct contact of ECs and SMCs was elevated to the level to stimulate endothelial production of CNP. Actually, the neutralizing antibody against TGF-beta abrogated the cGMP accumulation in the coculture. These results show that endothelial production of CNP in the EC/SMC coculture is at least in part regulated by TGF-beta. Furthermore, the conditioned medium from ECs stimulated by TGF-beta was demonstrated to have a growth-inhibitory effect on SMCs, which was abolished by anti-CNP monoclonal antibody and HS-142-1. The treatment with anti-CNP monoclonal antibody and HS-142-1 also significantly increased the cell number of the EC/SMC coculture. The present study reveals the pathophysiological significance of endothelial CNP as a paracrine/autocrine vascular regulator for vascular growth in the interaction of ECs and SMCs.
Animals↗
Endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity and endothelin receptors in the human placenta from normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies.
The levels of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity (ET-1-LI) and characteristics of endothelin receptors in the chorionic villous tissue of human placenta were determined. The ET-1-LI level in chorionic villous tissue obtained from normal term placenta was 2,450 +/- 940 pg/g wet weight (mean +/- SD, n = 4). Further analysis using gel permeation chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography showed that the main ET-1-LI constituent of ET-1-LI in this tissue was ET-1. Scatchard analysis of [125I]ET-1 binding to the membrane fraction of chorionic villous tissue obtained from term placenta showed high affinity receptor sites with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 23.6 +/- 11.1 pM and a Bmax value of 388 +/- 238 fmol/mg protein (n = 5). The same binding study with [125I]ET 3 showed a Kd of 13.9 +/- 3.8 pM and a Bmax value of 176 +/- 78 fmol/mg protein (n = 5). These results suggest that both ET-A and ET-B receptors (ET-AR and ET-BR) are expressed in chorionic villous tissue. This finding was further confirmed by Northern blot analysis showing the expression of both ET-AR and ET-BR mRNAs in this tissue. ET-1-LI in the umbilical venous plasma of the newborns from women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (38.3 +/- 10.4 pg/mL, n = 5) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in the normal newborns from normotensive pregnant women (26.3 +/- 5.2 pg/mL, n = 12). However, in placental chorionic villous tissue obtained from PIH women, both ET-1-LI level and ET binding profile were not different from those in chorionic villous tissue from normotensive pregnant women. These results suggest that the abundant ET-ET receptor system is present in the placental chorionic villous tissue and that this system is not the major factor of the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction occurring in PIH because these systems are similar in normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies.
Chorionic Villi↗
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in scirrhous cancer of the stomach using uracil and tegafur and cisplatin.
We administered a mixture of uracil and tegafur (UFT)/cisplatin (CDDP) chemotherapy in 28 patients with scirrhous gastric cancer. In the regimen, UFT was orally administered at a dose of 200 mg/m2 twice a day. The CDDP was administered at a dose of 90 mg/m2 by 24-hour continuous infusion every 4 weeks. As a result, antitumor effects for primary gastric foci were achieved in 14 of the 28 patients (50%). Ascites from peritoneal dissemination disappeared completely in eight of 13 patients (62%). Total gastrectomy was performed in ten patients after 2 to 3 courses of chemotherapy. Histological response grades assessed on the resected specimen were Grade 2 in four, Grade 1b in three, Grade 1a in one and Grade 0 in two patients. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is feasible against scirrhous gastric cancer and a subsequent prospective randomized trial should be prepared to clarify the survival benefit of the treatment.
Adenocarcinoma, Scirrhous↗