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Biomedical subjects

S Yoshida

Publications and source records attributed to S Yoshida.

At least 595 records · Page 33Linked to original sources

Dual-isotope SPECT diagnosis of a skull-base metastasis causing isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy.

We describe a 48-year-old female with an isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by a skull base metastasis from breast cancer. The patient had a medical history of conservative breast therapy for breast cancer. Although the cause of such a neurological deficit includes various pathologies, the reports focusing on metastatic tumor have been limited in number. Radiologic investigation showed a mass involving both the right hypoglossal canal and the clival edge. Swelling of the hypoglossal nerve was observed in views including its canal. Three-dimensional CT images demonstrated the tumor protruding from the enlarged external orifice of the hypoglossal canal. In the present report we mentioned a nuclear medicine procedure to visualize and characterize the small, abnormal tissue in the skull base. Dual-isotope SPECT confirmed an abnormal uptake of 99mTc-HMDP around the hypoglossal canal and a 201Tl-positive elongated lesion running along the hypoglossal nerve.

Cranial Nerve Diseases↗

Brassinosteroids in Arabidopsis thaliana.

From the seeds and siliques of Arabidopsis thaliana, six brassinosteroids, brassinolide, castasterone, typhasterol, 6-deoxocastasterone, 6-deoxotyphasterol and 6-deoxoteasterone, were identified by GC-mass spectrometry or GC-selected ion monitoring. As the occurrence of castasterone, typhasterol, 6-deoxocastasterone and 6-deoxotyphasterol in the shoots of A. thaliana has already been reported, this study provides evidence for the occurrence of the above four brassinosteroids in different organs, seeds and siliques, and the first evidence for the occurrence of brassinolide and 6-deoxoteasterone in A. thaliana. All brassinosteroids identified in this study belong to important components of both the early and late C-6 oxidation pathways, which were established in the cultured cells of Catharanthus roseus. This suggests that both pathways are operating in A. thaliana to produce the most biologically active brassinosteroid, brassinolide, which is responsible for growth and development of the plant.

Arabidopsis↗

Immunohistochemical demonstration of lymphatic vessels in human dental pulp.

The existence of lymphatic vessels in dental pulp has been a matter of continuing controversy because of the difficulty of discriminating them in ordinary stained tissue sections. Recently, we have succeeded in establishing a new identification method for lymphatic vessels in human frozen sections by using a commercial monoclonal antibody specific for the human thoracic duct and anti-human laminin antiserum. The present study aimed to examine the lymphatic vessels in human dental pulp using the new immunostaining method, and compared the results with those in human small intestine. The study clearly demonstrated the distribution of lymphatic vessels in human dental pulp. Large lymphatic vessels are located in the central part of the pulp and there are small lymphatic vessels in the periphery of the pulp. This suggests that lymphatic drainage of the human dental pulp starts from the periphery of the pulp and collects in the central part of the pulp. A notable difference between the small intestine and dental pulp was found in the immunoreactivity of lymphatic vessels to anti-human laminin anti-serum. In small intestine, immunoreactivity was significantly weaker than that of the blood vessels, whereas in dental pulp, that of lymphatic vessels was almost the same as blood vessels, except for some lymphatic vessels showing very weak reactivity. These findings suggest that the development of the basement membrane in both the lymphatic and blood vessels of human dental pulp is not as marked as in other tissue.

Adolescent↗

Lymphatic endothelium expresses PECAM-1.

The expression of adhesion molecules on the lymphatic endothelium of human small intestine and submandibular lymph node was studied immunohistochemically with the antibodies for selectin family and Ig superfamily members. In both small intestine and submandibular lymph node, lymphatic endothelium did not express intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and endothelial cell-selectin but expressed platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). Though lymphatic vessels may not have a positive function in leukocyte rolling and adhesion, lymphatic endothelium may interact with leukocytes, with PECAM-1 playing a role.

Aged↗

Vascular endothelium of human dental pulp expresses diverse adhesion molecules for leukocyte emigration.

The expression of adhesion molecules on the vascular endothelium of healthy and inflamed human dental pulp was studied immunohistochemically using antibodies for selectin family and immunoglobulin super-family members. In healthy dental pulp, some vessels reacted very weakly with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, and E- and P-selectin, and many vessels reacted with platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), but no vessels reacted with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), ICAM-3 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). In inflamed pulp, a large number of vessels reacted strongly with MHC class II, E- and P-selectin, PECAM-1, ICAM-1, ICAM-3, and VCAM-1. This indicates that the vascular endothelium of the inflamed human dental pulp expresses diverse adhesion molecules for leukocyte emigration from the blood stream into tissue. Dental pulp is surrounded by dentin and isolated from other tissue, like an in vitro system, so dental pulp is an attractive model for studying the roles of adhesion molecules on the vascular endothelium in transendothelial migration of leukocytes.

Adolescent↗

Effect of acyclovir on bronchoconstriction and urinary leukotriene E4 excretion in aspirin-induced asthma.

BACKGROUND: Acyclovir (9-[2-hydroxyethoxymethyl] guanine), an inhibitor of the DNA polymerase of the herpes virus, has been reported to exhibit pharmacologic activity other than antiviral activity, including antiasthmatic effects. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of acyclovir on airway responsiveness to the sulpyrine provocation test and to investigate whether this protective activity is associated with a reduction in aspirin-induced excretion of urinary leukotriene E4 (u-LTE4 ), a marker of cysteinyl leukotriene (LT) overproduction that participates in the pathogenesis of aspirin-induced asthma. METHODS: We assessed the effects of pretreatment with acyclovir on bronchoconstriction precipitated by inhalation of sulpyrine in 16 adult patients with mild or moderate aspirin-induced asthma; those who were in stable clinical condition and were hyperresponsive to the sulpyrine provocation test were allocated to this study. A double-blind, randomized, cross-over design was used. u-LTE4 was measured by a combined reverse-phase HPLC enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Acyclovir protects against aspirin-induced attacks of asthma through mechanisms unrelated to its bronchodilator property but related to the improvement of bronchial hypersensitivity to sulpyrine; protection was nearly complete in all patients (P <.0001). By contrast, after acyclovir, the maximum level of u-LTE4 in patients was significantly lower than that in control subjects (P <. 01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that acyclovir is not only an antiviral drug but also an inhibitor of analgesic-induced bronchoconstriction, probably acting by inhibiting the release of cysteinyl LTs.

Acyclovir↗

Accelerated entry into S phase associated with up-regulation of cyclin D1 as a mechanism for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-induced apoptosis of murine myeloid leukemia cells.

We previously reported that injection of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) suppressed the development of leukemia in mice transplanted with C2M-A5 (C2M) myeloid leukemia cells and that the anti-leukemic effect of G-CSF was ascribed to the induction of apoptosis of C2M cells. These observations make a striking contrast with other previous reports on the biological activities of G-CSF. In the present study, in order to further clarify the G-CSF-induced apoptosis of C2M cells, we studied the effects of G-CSF on the cell cycle as well as the molecular events involving D-type cyclines and their cyclin-dependent kinases (cdk) in G-CSF-treated C2M cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed that G-CSF treatment of C2M cells resulted in accelerated entry from the first gap (G1) phase into the DNA synthesis (S) phase. Western blotting disclosed that G-CSF treatment resulted in down-regulation of cyclin D2 and cdk2 and up-regulation of cyclin D1 and cdk4. The reciprocal relationship between the up-regulation of cyclin D1 and down-regulation of cyclin D2 was closely associated with accelerated entry into S phase and subsequent apoptosis of C2M cells. These results suggest that G-CSF-induced apoptosis of C2M cells might be ascribed to imbalanced cell cycle progression due to deregulated expression of D-type cyclins and their cdks.

Animals↗

Retinoic acid differentially regulates interleukin-1beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist production by human alveolar macrophages.

Mechanism in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome which is the clinical feature of pulmonary involvement in retinoic acid (RA) syndrome has been investigated. Pulmonary infiltration of matured neutrophils and leukemic cells is thought to be associated with the pathogenesis of pulmonary involvement in RA syndrome; however. Little is known about the mechanism in pulmonary infiltration of these cells. In the present study, we examined the effect of RA on IL-1beta and IL-1ra production by human alveolar macrophages in order to clarify the mechanism in pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils, since IL-1 has been shown to initiate neutrophil recruitment into the lung through up-regulated expression of adhesion molecules on vascular endothelium. RA enhanced IL-1beta and inhibited IL-1ra production by 4beta phorbol 12beta-myristate-13alpha acetate (PMA)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human alveolar macrophages. These results show that RA differentially regulates IL-1beta and IL-1ra production by alveolar macrophages and indicate that an imbalanced production between IL-1beta and IL-1ra may contribute to initiating neutrophil recruitment into the lung through up-regulated expression of adhesion molecules.

Adult↗

The role of microglia and tumor-primed lymphocytes in the interaction between T lymphocytes and brain endothelial cells.

We investigated the role of IFN-gamma activated microglia in the passage of T lymphocytes across a monolayer of brain endothelial cells (EC) in vitro. Microglia isolated from Fisher 344 (F344) newborn rats were stimulated with IFN-gamma (100 U/ml) for 48 h. T lymphocytes primed with glioma cells were 51Cr-labeled, and added to the monolayer of F344 brain EC. In the adhesion assay, when EC were cultured in medium containing the supernatant of reactive microglia before the assay was carried out, the number of T lymphocytes adhering was increased. In addition, this adhesion was blocked by the addition of anti-ICAM-1 mAb to the EC. In the migration assay, performed using the double chamber system, when reactive microglia adhered to the other side of EC, the number of T lymphocytes migrating to the underwell was also increased. When T lymphocytes were primed to tumor cells in vivo, both their adhesion and migration were enhanced. These results suggest that some soluble factors from reactive microglia are capable of enhancing the expression of ICAM-1 on the brain EC. As a consequence, large numbers of tumor-primed T lymphocytes can adhere to EC and migrate across the EC monolayer.

Animals↗

Membrane properties of dissociated trigeminal mesencephalic neurons of the adult rat.

Electrophysiological properties of pseudounipolar trigeminal mesencephalic (Me5) neurons, dissociated from the rat brain, were studied under current-clamp conditions using the whole-cell configuration. Almost all Me5 neurons (37/38, 97%) exhibited a rapid adaptation in response to long depolarizing current pulses. Another firing type, slowly-adapting, was observed in only 3% of neurons (1/38). Most Me5 neurons (42/43) generated an overshooting action potential without a hump on the falling phase, and the remaining neuron (1/43) showed an action potential with a small hump. The action potential of Me5 neurons was reversibly blocked by 1 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX) or by removing Na+ from the bathing medium. When the outward K+ current was suppressed, two types of Ca2+ spikes were revealed. According to characteristic thresholds and sensitivity to inorganic (Ni2+, Cd2+) and organic (nifedipine, omega-conotoxin GVIA) Ca2+ channel blockers, these Ca2+ spikes were identified as T-type LTS (low-threshold spike) and L-type HTS (high-threshold spike). Also, a time-dependent inward rectification was observed in all Me5 neurons. It is concluded that the majority of Me5 neurons are of the rapidly-adapting type and generate a TTX-sensitive Na+ spike with negligible contribution of Ca2+, showing that the electrophysiological properties of Me5 neurons are more similar to those of CNS neurons than to those of PNS ganglion cells which have similar morphological features to Me5 neurons.

Action Potentials↗

The effect of neuronal perturbation on the uptake of [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose in brain slices of the rat.

The positron-emitting radionuclide 18F was used to label 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose producing [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG), and subsequently applied to sagittally-sectioned brain slices of the rat to evaluate the activity of neurons for up to 7 h in living brain slices. The amount of [18F]FDG uptake, which is proportional to the activity of neurons, was monitored every 20 min in five representative brain regions: frontal cortex, caudate-putamen, thalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum. The uptake of [18F]FDG linearly increased with time in these areas, showing constant glucose utilization. The rate of uptake was reversibly decreased by tetrodotoxin (TTX) regardless of brain region, but some uptake was insensitive to TTX. There was a tendency for the uptake to be decreased in Ca2+-free, 5 mM Mg2+ (2 mM EGTA) solution, suggesting some remaining functional synapses. Thus in sagittally-sectioned brain slices, most glucose metabolism is dedicated to neuronal firings and some metabolism to synaptic activities and to other functions of neurons and glial cells. When Cd2+ was applied to brain slices at 0.1-1 mM, the curve of [18F]FDG uptake irreversibly declined, indicating its toxic effect rather than its blocking action of transmitter release at synapses. The cerebellum was the most sensitive to Cd2+, and the caudate-putamen was the least sensitive. The present method, therefore, can be also used as a rapid examination system for checking neurotoxicity of substances.

Action Potentials↗

An atherogenic midband lipoprotein: a risk factor for coronary artery disease in diabetes mellitus with hyperlipidemia.

On polyacrylamide gel (PAG) disc electrophoresis of serum lipoproteins, the band(s) which migrates between pre beta- and beta-lipoproteins was more frequently observed in hyperlipidemics with diabetes mellitus (73%), than in those without diabetes mellitus (37%) (P < 0.01). Those bands were seen at three positions between pre beta- and beta-lipoproteins. A higher incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was observed in patients with midband as a shoulder of beta-lipoproteins (44%), than in those without midband (11%) (P < 0.05) after the matching of other risk factors. These results suggest that midband as a shoulder of beta-lipoproteins may be a risk factor for CAD in diabetes mellitus with hyperlipidemia.

Coronary Disease↗

Simple X-ray film holder for lateral view of the anterior jaws using dental X-ray apparatus.

A new X-ray apparatus, the occlusal X-ray film holder, was devised so that the lateral view of the jaw could be studied. This apparatus could easily be adjusted to a dental X-ray cone. In 21 cases of impacted teeth, cysts or foreign body in the maxilla and mandible and 6 cases that necessitated examination before or after implantation, the efficacy of this apparatus was confirmed. Its advantages are: it is applicable to dental X-ray equipment; it is cheap; there is no need for image intensifying to get a clear image; and follow-up examination is possible. We believe that this film holder would be useful for the diagnosis of lesions in the anterior maxilla and mandible as well as in the general dental clinic.

Foreign Bodies↗

Impairment of cliff avoidance reaction induced by subchronic methamphetamine administration and restraint stress: comparison between two inbred strains of rats.

1. The effects of subchronic methamphetamine (MAP) treatment and restraint stress on the behavioral sensitization in stereotypy (stereotypy sensitization) and cliff avoidance reaction (CAR) were examined in two inbred strains of male rats; Fischer 344/N (F344), and Lewis/N (LEW). 2. In experiment 1, the animals received 4 mg/kg/day MAP for 30 days. LEW rats developed stereotypy sensitization earlier than F344 rats. However, both strains plateaued at the same stereotypy rating score. Furthermore, F344 rats were susceptible to CAR impairment as a result of MAP treatment, whereas LEW rats were not. 3. In experiment 2, the animals were exposed to daily restraint stress of 2hr for 4 weeks. MAP was administered (4mg/kg) 7 days after the last treatment day. Repeated restraint stress induced almost the same degree of stereotypy sensitization in both strains. F344 rats were susceptible to CAR impairment induced by repeated stress, whereas LEW rats were not. 4. The effects of psychostimulant and stressors appear to be similar not only with respect to stereotypy sensitization but also CAR impairment. Differences in MAP- or stress-induced CAR impairment between the two inbred strains may be genetically linked and may be involved in the development of psychotic behavior.

Animals↗

Gemfibrozil reduces non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in exogenously hypercholesterolemic (ExHC) rats fed a high-cholesterol diet.

Gemfibrozil is a widely used drug prescribed to elevate serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and lower triacylglycerols. The present study was done to determine if the drug would alleviate hypercholesterolemia in exogenously hypercholesterolemic (ExHC) rats. In the drug-treated ExHC rats, the serum non-HDL cholesterol levels were lowered and the ratio of the non HDL cholesterol to serum triacylglycerols was decreased to the extent seen in the drug-treated SD rats. Liver cholesterol and triacylglycerols were lowered in the drug-treated rats. There was also an increase in fecal excretion of neutral sterols and bile acids, particularly chenodeoxycholic and beta-muricholic acids. The drug elevated cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity and mRNA abundance and acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase activity in the liver, but did not influence low-density lipoprotein receptor mRNA level in the liver. Thus, gemfibrozil is effective in alleviating hypercholesterolemia in exogenously hypercholesterolemic rats, by partitioning hepatic cholesterol into biliary excretion.

Animals↗

Individual growth in Class III malocclusions and its relationship to the chin cap effects.

Individual growth characteristics of the maxilla and the mandible in Class III malocclusions were investigated in terms of growth amount, growth direction, and timing of growth; chin cap effects were considered in the context of growth characteristics of the jaws. Longitudinal cephalograms of six untreated Japanese Class III subjects were used for the analysis of jaw growth from 8 to 14 years of age. The facial patterns were classified into the five groups with different effects of therapy by discriminant functions derived from our previous chin cap study. The results obtained were as follows: (1) Among the six subjects, inhibition of maxillary forward growth was found in four subjects at ages before the maximum pubertal growth in body height occurred, resulting from occlusal interference of anterior cross bite. The growth potential of the jaws appeared genetically normal, and the facial patterns were classified into groups in which chin caps have been found to be effective to some extent. (2) A subject with growth characteristics of strong mandibular downward growth was classified in a group showing backward growth of the mandible by chin caps. (3) One of the remaining sample showing the strongest mandibular forward growth was classified in a group where chin caps are not effective. (4) It was concluded that effects of chin cap therapy are closely related to growth characteristics of the mandible in Class III treatment.

Adolescent↗