Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to T Amano.
This is a report of an unusual case of acute cerebellar ataxia in which the ataxia recurred after a 6 week interval and the second episode of ataxia antedated the varicella exanthem by 19 days, suggesting the direct invasion of the central nervous system by the varicella virus.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The growth-promoting and/or differentiation-blocking activities of Kirsten (Ki-MSV) or Harvey murine sarcoma virus (Ha-MSV) on various types of cells in vitro are well documented. Here we report an unexpected effect of these viruses on a rat phaeochromocytoma cell line, PC12. PC12 cells, which multiply indefinitely in growth medium, are known to respond to nerve growth factor (NGF) by cessation of cell division and expression of several properties resembling those of differentiated sympathetic neurones. We have found that Ki- and Ha-MSV mimic some, if not all, of the activities of NGF in PC12 cells, and there is evidence that the viral oncogenes, v-Ki-ras and v-Ha-ras, are responsible for this phenomenon. This system may be of value for studying the mechanism of action of the v-ras genes as well as the regulatory mechanism of growth and differentiation in neuronal cells.
The small intestine of tadpoles is an organ that undergoes extensive changes during the process of morphogenesis. These changes include the transformation of the intestine from a single layer of larval epithelia with thin connective tissue to an extensively folded adult epithelia with a native connective tissue layer. To investigate the molecular events that lead to these dramatic morphological changes, a novel 5'-suppression subtraction hybridization method was developed. We succeeded in identifying 24 upregulated genes in the remodeling intestine, of which 22 genes were unique Xenopus homologues of genes previously identified in other organisms. The homologue genes included transcription factors, extracellular matrix proteins, immunosuppressant-binding proteins, enzymes, cell adhesion molecules, morphogenetic proteins, growth factors, member of the ubiquitin proteosome pathway, RNA-binding proteins, and signal-transduction proteins. This approach to study the molecular events of intestinal metamorphosis holds great potential for understanding this complex biological process.
Thirty-one cats were divided by age into 3 groups, young (Y), middle (M) and old (O). Continuous recordings of local cerebral blood volume (CBV) and frequent measurements of mean transit time of blood (t) were made from the Sylvian opercula after ischemia was produced by transorbital clipping of the middle cerebral artery at its origin (MCA occlusion). Control recordings were made simultaneously from the corresponding area of the contralateral cerebral hemisphere. MCA occlusion temporarily stopped cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the area supplied by the ipsilateral MCA, as indicated by a rapidly decreasing CBV and complete disappearance of hemodilution curves. Within 30 sec, CBF resumed with a dilatation of the vascular bed and reappearance of hemodilution curves through newly developed collateral channels. Despite a low CBF, below half the control, CBV recovered, overshooting the control level. The appearance of hyperemia in the ischemic area was statistically significant. Such "low perfusion hyperemia" was slower in appearance and of more diverse magnitude in group O than in group Y. This suggested that aging may lead to a decrease in rapidity of the vascular response to ischemia and impair the integrity of collateral vessels.
Non-invasive methods are described for estimating local cerebral blood flows (LCBF) and partition coefficients (L lambda) during inhalation of 35% stable xenon gas (Xes) in oxygen during CT scanning. After denitrogenation by 100% oxygen breathing, 35% Xes is breathed for 7-8 minutes to minimize subanesthetic effects. Mean changes in brain Hounsfield units extrapolated to 15 minutes were 7.7 units for white matter and 5.3 units for gray matter. They were measured from volumes 80 cubic mm (10 mm2 area x 8 mm), or larger with an EMI 1010 scanner at 1 minute intervals. These data were used for computing LCBFs and L lambdas. Irradiation measured at the center of brain slices was 1 rad per minute. To calculate L lambdas about 6 exposures are necessary, thereafter, each 1 minute scan provides LCBF measurements for 2 adjacent 8 mm slices. Reproducibility for LCBF was r = 0.85 (P less 0.001). Mean L lambdas were 0.86 +/- 0.08 for gray and 1.34 +/- 0.10 for white matter. Normative mean flows (mls/100 g brain/min) were: basal ganglia = 79.6 +/- 9.3, cortex = 82.3 +/- 8.5, white matter = 29.2 +/- 5.9, midbrain tegmentum = 94.3 +/- 14.8, cerebellar cortex = 80.1 +/- 10.9, dorsal pons = 89.3 +/- 4.7, brachium pontis = 35.0 +/- 4.2. Subject finger exercises produced increases of LCBF in contralateral pre-central and post-central gyri. Eye closure decreased flow values limited to the visual system. Gray matter flow values diffusely decreased in non-REM sleep but increased above normal in REM sleep. Cerebral infarction and hemorrhage resulted in zones of zero flow with borders having reduced lambdas and low flows attributed to edema.
Regional cerebral blood flow and vasomotor reactivity were measured in 33 patients with surgically remediable hemispheric ischemia by the 133Xe inhalation method prior to superficial temporal to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) by-pass. Thirteen patients also underwent LCBF and L lambda measurements by the stable xenon CT method for comparison. Twenty-four had proximal occlusion of one or both internal carotid arteries, 9 had intracranial occlusive disease (4 internal carotid, 5 middle cerebral). Measurements were repeated at intervals up to 30 months following surgery and compared to measurements in a similar group (N = 13) treated medically. In the surgically treated group 22 patients had recurrent TIAs, of whom 12 also had minor residual neurological deficits from recent small cerebral infarctions with potential for recovery (RINDs) while the remaining 11 had RINDs without TIAs. After surgery 28 improved with cessation of TIAs and/or neurological recovery, 3 remained unchanged, 2 cases worsened. Compared to age-matched normal hemispheric F1 (gray matter) values, pre-operative F1 values in the STA-MCA group were reduced in both ischemic and opposite hemispheres. Ischemic regions showed imparied vasomotor reactivity to 5% CO2 or 100% O2 inhalation. After surgery, mean hemispheric F1 values increased + 12.8% on the by-pass side and + 10.5% on the contralateral side. Mean F1 increases reached a maximum 3 months after by-pass, most evident in ipsilateral frontal regions (+ 24.2%). Vasomotor reactivity did not significantly improve. Medically treated cases did not show similar F1 increases. Thirteen with carotid occlusive disease (8 with TIAs, 5 with small recent infarcts) underwent CT LCBF and L lambda measurements before and after STA-MCA by-pass. Cases with recent infarcts showed reduced LCBF and L lambda values which increased significantly after STA-MCA by-pass, however the total group operated upon showed only trends for CBF increases, probably due to large standard deviations encountered in serial measurements.
A newly developed photoelectric method was used in 5 rhesus monkeys to measure the mean transit time of blood through the carotid and vertebral arteries, together with measurement of the blood flow through the tissues of the fronto-parietal area supplied by the carotid artery and of the cerebellar tonsil supplied by the vertebral artery. Following intravenous administration of betahistine mesylate, a histamine analog, the mean transit times of blood through the 2 arteries were equally shortened by 10%, despite a 20% decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure (P less than 0.05). The cerebral tissue and cerebellar tissue blood flow was increased by betahistine, from 70.4 to 81.4 ml/100g/min and from 73.2 to 84.0 ml/100g/min, respectively. Since histamine has been reported to produce a decrease in cardiac output, the increase in cerebral blood flow confirmed that betahistine is a selective cerebral vasodilating agent. However, by comparing the hemodynamic data for the two cerebral arterial systems, it can be concluded that the responses of the carotid and vertebral arterial systems to the vasodilating action of betahistine were essentially the same in extent.
We report a case of IgG multiple myeloma with selective complete Clq deficiency. The patient was a 75-year-old Japanese woman who exhibited urticaria on the arm and an absence of serum hemolytic complement activity (CH50). Further studies revealed no vasculitis in the urticarial lesion but showed selective complete deficiency of Clq without low molecular weight Clq precipitin. Addition of highly purified Clq restored the CH50 level of the patient's serum to normal. It is suggested that this abnormality was a primary Clq deficiency. We discussed a relationship between the Clq deficiency and myeloma and reviewed the literature.
Fluorescence spectra of human semen, seminal plasma, and spermatozoa were investigated. A total of 51 semen samples were obtained from 45 men, including 40 suspected subfertile men and 5 normal volunteers. Fluorescence spectra excited at 488 nm for each component in 10 mM phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were scanned in a range of 500 to 700 nm. Under these conditions, emission peaks from each component were observed at 622 nm. The intensity of emission peaks from spermatozoa at 622 nm correlated strongly with the concentration of spermatozoa (r = .837, p = .0001). Sperm motility also correlated significantly with fluorescence intensity emission peaks from spermatozoa (r = .369, p = .019) and semen plasma (r = .356, p = .024). To clarify the origin of emission peak of 622 nm with 488 nm excitation, some components in seminal plasma were dissolved in PBS and the fluorescence spectra were measured. The standard single solutions in PBS, such as citric acid, zinc, calcium, and riboflavin (vitamin B2), did not yield an emission peak of 622 nm with 488 nm excitation. However, blood plasmas and albumin revealed similar fluorescence peaks at 622 nm. Thus, the fluorescence spectra may originate from some protein complex.
Hochu-ekki-to is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for unexplained male infertility with some favorable clinical results. However, the detailed mechanisms of the effect of this medicine on male infertility have not been disclosed. This study investigated the effects of Hochu-ekki-to on sperm motility of human semen. Sixteen semen samples were obtained from 14 normal volunteers. Semen samples were incubated with 1, 10, and 100 micrograms/mL of Hochu-ekki-to solution in 5% CO2, 37 degrees C for 1-6 h, and the motility was compared with that of the control groups (the untreated semen and the semen incubated with phosphate-buffered saline). The motility of sperm in 10 and 100 micrograms/mL of Hochu-ekki-to solution for 1-6 h was significantly higher than that of the control groups. One microgram/milliliter of Hochu-ekki-to solution also maintained higher sperm motility after 4-6 h incubation compared with the control groups. Previous reports showed that sperm motility correlated significantly with fluorescence intensity peaks from both spermatozoa and semen plasma. However, the fluorescence intensity at 622 nm excited at 488 nm from spermatozoa fractions in each group was not significantly different. It would appear that the enhanced sperm motility induced by Hochu-ekki-to is mediated by improvement of the circumstances of semen rather than that of spermatozoa-related factors.
A rare case of primary gallbladder carcinoma is reported. A 67 year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for treatment of suspected duodenal carcinoma. A series of radiographic examinations demonstrated a giant tumor involving the duodenum, gallbladder, pancreatic head, and transverse colon. These extensions made it difficult to identify the primary origin of the carcinoma. Pancreatoduodenectomy, cholecystectomy, and resection of the transverse colon were performed. Macroscopically, ulcerative lesions were seen in both the gallbladder and the duodenum. Microscopic examination revealed adenosquamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder, invasive of the adjacent organs, including circumferential invasion of the second portion of the duodenum. The patient tolerated the operation well and was discharged 28 days post-operatively, but died of liver metastasis 4 months after surgery. Local invasion of the surrounding tissues is characteristic of adenosquamous/squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder. Although surgery for cure is deemed possible, the rapid growth rate of this type of tumor may cast doubt on the value of extensive radical surgery.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: One of the main problems in multimodal cancer treatment is the lack of prognostic parameters for the individual patient. This study was conducted to clarify the prognostic factors in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. METHODOLOGY: We examined DNA ploidy, Ki-67-derived growth fraction and the expression of CA 19-9, Sialyl Tn (STN) and carcinoembryonic antigens (CEA), along with standard clinicopathological variables including age, sex, tumor location, tumor size, cell differentiation, depth of invasion, and lymph node metastasis in 78 patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma, who underwent curative surgical resection. In addition, we determined the prognostic significance of these parameters. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (59.0%) showed aneuploidy and 32 (41.0%) showed diploidy. The Ki-67 labeling index ranged from 13.9-40.3% with a mean of 24.9%. The index was not correlated with standard clinicopathological variables. There was no significant correlation between seropositive rates for CEA, CA 19-9, or STN and standard clinicopathological variables except for age. In tumor tissue, the positive rates for these antigens were 62.8% for CA 19-9, 67.1% for STN, and 96.2% for CEA. There was no significant correlation between positive rates and clinicopathological variables. The expression of STN in serum had the strongest association with survival, followed by lymph node metastasis and expression of STN in tissue. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that not only lymph node metastasis but also STN expression are important prognostic factors in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma who undergo curative surgical resection.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Our aim was to investigate clinicopathological characteristics of a medullary cancer infiltration with scanty stroma type (por1) and a diffuse cancer infiltration with scirrhous stroma type (por2) of poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma, especially differences in lavage cytodiagnosis, lymph node metastasis pattern and nuclear DNA ploidy between them. METHODOLOGY: Age and gender of 168 patients (46: por1, 122: por2) and clinicopathological characteristics such as tumor site, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion and serosal involvement were compared. Lymph node metastasis patterns were classified into 1) marginal, 2) nodular, 3) diffuse, and 4) massive types. The whole abdominal cavity was intra-operatively washed with 200 ml of saline, Papanicolaou-stained and used for lavage cytodiagnosis. Nuclear DNA ploidy pattern of carcinoma was determined using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Lymph node metastasis rate was significantly higher in por2, especially in those with positive serosal invasion. Positive rate of lavage cytodiagnosis was significantly higher in por2 (38.9%), than that in por1 (9.1%). There were more hematogeneous recurrences in por1 more peritoneal disseminated recurrences in por2. Survival rate was better in por1. CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in lymph node metastasis, lavage cytodiagnosis and recurrence pattern between por1 and por2 even in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. These characteristics should be understood when selecting post-operative chemotherapy and also during follow-up.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to clarify the effects of treatment and toxicity between 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus bolus infusion of Cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-FU plus continuous infusion of low-dose CDDP in advanced gastric cancer. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-three patients with advanced gastric cancer were enrolled in this study to compare the antitumor effect and toxicity between the bolus infusion of CDDP and the continuous infusion of low-dose CDDP in combination with the continuous infusion of 5-FU. Sixty-five eligible patients were divided into two groups: group A: curative resection cases; and, group B: non-curative, recurrent or inoperable cases. Patients were classified into two arms in each group. One arm of treatment regimen is 5-FU and bolus infusion of CDDP (A-1, B-1) and the other arm is 5-FU and continuous infusion of low-dose CDDP (A-2, B-2). RESULTS: Response rates were 9.1% and 38.5% in arm B-1 and arm B-2, respectively, although the difference between the two was not at a significant level. Frequently observed toxicities during the treatment were gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. The incidence of side effects in arm A-2 and arm B-2 was almost the same as that in arm A-1 and arm B-1. CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed that there was no advantage of low-dose continuous infusion of CDDP with 5-FU in terms of response rate and clinical toxicity in our present study.
This paper reports a case in which endoscopic hemostasis of a bleeding colonic diverticula was successful with endoscopic hemoclip. The patient, a 53 year-old man with painless hematochezia, was urgently admitted to our institute. After colonic cleaning preparation, colonoscopic examination was performed. At the bottom of the diverticulum of the ascending colon, a vessel with oozing blood was endoscopically noted. Hemoclips were placed on and around the visible vessel and immediate hemostasis was completed. Endoscopic clipping method for management of bleeding diverticular vessel is an effective, simple, and safe procedure.
Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus, which is similar in appearance and behavior to its counterpart of the lung, is a rare tumor. We describe a 77 year-old woman whose esophagram revealed a well-defined mass in the lower third of the thoracic esophagus. A biopsy specimen showed an infiltration of small malignant cells. The individual cells were oval- or spindle-shaped with hyperchromatic nuclei and scant cytoplasm. Synaptophysin staining was positive. The mass was diagnosed as a small cell carcinoma of the esophagus. She underwent an esophagectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis. We discuss the treatment of small cell carcinoma of the esophagus.