Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T Asano

Publications and source records attributed to T Asano.

At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Identification of three forms of the gamma subunit of G proteins isolated from bovine spleen.

We reported previously that G proteins from bovine spleen contain at least five forms of the gamma subunit (designated S1 through S5), among which S1 and S5 have been identified as novel gamma and gamma 2 subunits, respectively. In this study, we identified the other three forms of the gamma subunit, namely, S2, S3 and S4. Amino acid sequences of proteolytic fragments obtained from S2, S3 and S4 coincided exactly with internal sequences of gamma 7, gamma 5 and gamma 2, respectively. However, sequence analysis of undigested S4 revealed that S4 was an N-terminally truncated form of gamma 2, while analysis of the C-terminal fragment by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry revealed that the C-terminus of S4 seemed to be geranylgeranylated and carboxymethylated as is that of intact gamma 2. Thus, the three types of gamma subunit obtained from bovine spleen were identified as gamma 7, gamma 5, and an N-terminally truncated gamma 2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

The role of N-glycosylation in the targeting and stability of GLUT1 glucose transporter.

The cDNAs encoding the GLUT1 glucose transporter protein were altered by site-directed mutagenesis at consensus sites for the addition of N-linked glycosylation. These cDNAs were transfected into CHO cells with an expression vector and the subcellular distribution and stability of the expressed glycosylation-defective GLUT1 protein were analyzed. Immunohistochemical analysis with a specific antibody demonstrated that a significant portion of glycosylation-defective GLUT1 protein remained in the intracellular compartment. By contrast, most of the wild-type GLUT1 protein expressed with the same procedures resided in the plasma membranes. Metabolic labeling studies revealed that the half-life of the glycosylation-defective GLUT1 protein was significantly shorter than that of wild-type GLUT1 protein. These results indicate that N-glycosylation of the glucose transporter affects its intracellular targeting and protein stability.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Role of tryptophan-388 of GLUT1 glucose transporter in glucose-transport activity and photoaffinity-labelling with forskolin.

GLUT1 glucose-transporter cDNA was modified to substitute leucine for Trp-388 and transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells using the expression vector termed pMTHneo. This tryptophan residue is conserved among most of the facilitative glucose-transporter isoforms and has been proposed to be the photolabelling site of forskolin, a competitive inhibitor of glucose transport. In addition, this residue is located on membrane-spanning helix 10 which is suggested to contain the dynamic segment of the transporter. The mutated glucose transporter was expressed and inserted into the plasma membrane in a fashion similar to the wild-type. Unexpectedly, this mutation did not abolish photolabelling with forskolin. However, the mutation induced a marked decrease in 2-deoxyglucose uptake with a 4-fold decrease in turnover number and a 1.25-fold increase in Km compared with the wild-type GLUT1. A similar decrease in zero-trans influx activity was also observed for 3-O-methylglucose. In contrast, no apparent decrease was observed in zero trans efflux activity for 3-O-methylglucose. The mutation decreased the turnover number of the glucose transporter in equilibrium exchange influx for 3-O-methylglucose by 33% without any change in Km. These results indicate that (1) Trp-388 is not the photolabelling site for forskolin, if we assume that the labelling occurs at a single site and (2) Trp-388 is more likely to be involved in interconversion between the inward-facing and outward-facing conformers of GLUT1 than binding of glucose, and thus, substitution of leucine for Trp-388 in this dynamic segment would decrease the rate of alternating conformation, which would preferentially affect the influx activity.

3-O-Methylglucose↗
PubMed1993

Desensitization of canine histamine H2 receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Canine histamine H2 receptor DNA was transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells using an expression vector. Expression of H2 receptors was demonstrated by immunoblotting with specific antibodies and the binding of tiotidine, an H2 receptor antagonist. H2 receptor-specific cAMP production was observed only in the cells expressing canine H2 receptor with 10(-9)-10(-4) M histamine in a dose-dependent manner. Preincubation of transfected cells with 10 microM histamine for 10 min or 60 min at 37 degrees C decreased both the maximal response and the sensitivity of the subsequent histamine-stimulated cAMP production, showing desensitization. Under these circumstances, tiotidine binding was decreased by 25% in intact cells. A similar decrease in the tiotidine binding was observed also in the membrane without changes in the affinity, whereas no decrease in total H2 receptor number was observed. Thus, desensitization of histamine H2 receptor was associated with the sequestration of receptors.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1993

Possible involvement of C-kinase in occurrence of chronic cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The present study aimed to examine the turnover of phospholipids such as PI, PC and PE, the time course of PKC activity and the phosphorylation of 20 kDa MLC in the canine BA undergoing chronic VS. The phosphorylation of 20 kDa MLC was not augmented in the spastic BA. Turnover of PC and PE was detectably stimulated on day 7. The cytosolic PKC activity was down-regulated on days 4 and 7, while the membrane PKC activity remained unchanged during these periods. The present results indicate that a process which affected the membrane lipid metabolism, PKC metabolism and PKC activity occurred in spastic BA.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Pronounced direct inhibitory action mediated by adenosine A1 receptor and pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein on the ferret ventricular contraction.

An adenosine A1 receptor agonist R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) elicited a pronounced negative inotropic effect with the EC50 value of 0.69 mumol/l in the presence of a beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent bupranolol (0.3 mumol/l) in the isolated ferret papillary muscle. The negative inotropic effect of R-PIA was not associated with changes in cyclic AMP level. Adenosine and other A1 receptor agonists also elicited a negative inotropic effect. DPCPX (1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentyl xanthine) antagonized the negative inotropic effect of R-PIA in a competitive manner (pA2 value = 8.4). The inhibitory action of R-PIA was markedly attenuated in the ventricular muscle preparation isolated from ferrets pretreated with pertussis toxin that caused ADP-ribosylation of 39 kDa proteins in the membrane fraction. In the membrane fraction derived from the ferret ventricle, [3H]-DPCPX bound to a single binding site in a saturable and reversible manner with high affinity (Kd value = 1.21 +/- 0.41 nmol/l; Bmax = 12.8 +/- 3.02 fmol/mg protein; n = 7). The binding characteristics of [3H]-DPCPX in the rat ventricle (Kd value = 1.51 +/- 0.09 nmol/l; Bmax = 12.7 +/- 1.47 fmol/mg protein; n = 5) were similar to those in the ferret. On the other hand, the content of G(o), a major pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein in the ferret heart, was much higher in the ferret than in the rat ventricle. The present results indicate that adenosine receptors may play an important role in the inhibitory regulation of ventricular contractility in the ferret in contrast to other mammalian species. The signal transduction process subsequent to agonist binding to A1 receptors including the pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and ion channels may be responsible for the unique inhibitory action of adenosine in this species.

Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose↗
PubMed1993

The effects of HA1077, a novel protein kinase inhibitor, on reductions of cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism following acute and/or chronic bilateral carotid artery ligation in Wistar rats.

The effects of HA1077, a novel protein kinase inhibitor on local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) 2.5 h (acute) after permanent bilateral carotid artery ligation (BCAL) and on LCBF and local cerebral glucose utilisation (LCGU) one week (chronic) after BCAL were studied in conscious Wistar rats. Use was made of quantitative autoradiographic 14C-iodoantipyrine and the 14C-2-deoxyglucose techniques and 24 anatomically discrete regions of the brain. HA1077 (1 or 3 mg/kg) or saline was infused i.v. over a 30 min period. HA1077 significantly increased LCBF after acute BCAL in one of the 23 decreased regions in rats given 1 mg/kg, and in 14 of 23 decreased regions in rats given 3 mg/kg, compared to findings in the saline-treated group. Significant increases in LCBF and LCGU after chronic BCAL were noted in seven of the 13 decreased regions and in four of the 11 decreased regions in rats given 3 mg/kg, as compared to observations in the corresponding saline-treated group, respectively. The LCBF and LCGU reductions in forebrain regions with global ischaemia after acute and/or chronic BCAL were overcome by HA1077. These results suggest that HA1077 may be considered for treatment of subjects with acute and chronic cerebral ischaemia, with impairment in cerebral circulation and/or glucose metabolism.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
PubMed1993

Pancreatic beta cell line MIN6 exhibits characteristics of glucose metabolism and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion similar to those of normal islets.

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, glucose transport, glucose phosphorylation and glucose utilization have been characterized in the insulinoma cell line MIN6, which is derived from a transgenic mouse expressing the large T-antigen of SV40 in pancreatic beta cells. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion occurred progressively from 5 mmol/l glucose, reached the maximal level approximately seven-fold above the basal level at 25 mmol/l, and remained at this level up to 50 mmol/l. Glucose transport was very rapid with the half-maximal uptake of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose being reached within 15 s at 22 degrees C. Glucose phosphorylating activity in the cell homogenate was due mainly to glucokinase; the Vmax value of glucokinase activity was estimated to be 255 +/- 37 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1, constituting approximately 80% of total phosphorylating activity, whereas hexokinase activity constituted less than 20%. MIN6 cells exhibited mainly the high Km component of glucose utilization with a Vmax of 289 +/- 18 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1. Thus, glucose utilization quantitatively and qualitatively reflected glucose phosphorylation in MIN6 cells. In contrast, MIN7 cells, which exhibited only a small increase in insulin secretion in response to glucose, had 4.7-fold greater hexokinase activity than MIN6 cells with a comparable activity of glucokinase. These characteristics of MIN6 cells are very similar to those of isolated islets, indicating that this cell line is an appropriate model for studying the mechanism of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells.

3-O-Methylglucose↗
PubMed1993

Anti-(tumor necrosis factor) alters the response of human monocytes to liposomal muramyl tripeptide.

The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanisms by which liposome-encapsulated muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (L-MTP-PE) stimulates monocytes to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1). We have previously shown that secretion of TNF protein occurred 2-4 h following incubation of monocytes with L-MTP-PE and that this stimulation of TNF production was associated with an increase in TNF mRNA. Increased intracellular interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and IL-1 beta were not detected until 8 h after exposure to L-MTP-PE. To determine whether TNF played a role in the stimulation of IL-1 production by L-MTP-PE, normal human monocytes were incubated with L-MTP-PE or medium in the presence or absence of anti-TNF or anti IL-1 alpha plus anti IL-1 beta. Enhanced expression of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta mRNA was inhibited at 4 h but not 24 h when monocytes were incubated with L-MTP-PE plus anti-TNF compared with L-MTP-PE alone. By contrast, enhanced expression of TNF mRNA was not inhibited at any time when monocytes were incubated with L-MTP-PE and anti-IL-1 alpha plus anti-IL-1 beta. These data indicate that the up-regulation of IL-1 seen in monocytes following L-MTP-PE exposure may be due in part to the production of TNF. The up-regulation of TNF, however, appears to be independent of IL-1 production.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗
PubMed1993

Effect of Adriamycin on liposomal muramyl tripeptide's ability to up-regulate monocyte cytokine expression.

Liposomal muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (L-MTP-PE) is a biological agent in phase I and II trials for osteosarcoma and melanoma. Its mechanism of action has been linked to its ability to activate monocyte tumoricidal function and to stimulate monocyte production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukins(IL)-1, -6, and -8. Our ultimate goal is to combine L-MTP-PE with chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether doxorubicin (Adriamycin) interfered with the ability of L-MTP-PE to activate monocyte cytokine production. Human monocytes were cultured with or without 5-500 ng/ml of Adriamycin for 3 h and washed before being exposed to 2 micrograms/ml L-MTP-PE for 16 h. Cultured supernatants were collected and assayed for TNF, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8. The messenger RNA expression of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 was quantified with northern blot analysis. Adriamycin did not suppress the up-regulation of any of these cytokines. We concluded that combination therapy with L-MTP-PE and Adriamycin is feasible and that this combination warrants further investigation in a clinical setting.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗
PubMed1993

Postprandial change in canine blood viscosity.

1. Postprandial variation in blood viscosity was studied in beagle dogs. 2. Blood viscosity increased following feeding. This change was caused by haematocrit elevation, which resulted mainly from splenic contraction. 3. Haemoconcentration, plasma viscosity and erythrocyte deformability did not contribute to the postprandial increment in blood viscosity.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Alterations in protein kinase C activity and membrane lipid metabolism in cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Changes in protein kinase C (PKC) activity, membrane lipid metabolism, and the extent of 20-kDa myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation in spastic cerebral basilar arteries were examined by using the beagle "two-hemorrhage" model of subarachnoid hemorrhage. In spastic arteries at days 4 and 7, cytosolic PKC activity showed a decrease of 40-45% with no significant changes in membrane PKC activity as compared with nonspastic control arteries. Cytosolic PKC activity of the day 14 arteries returned toward the normal control level with the remission of vasospasm. Western blot analysis of the PKC isoforms revealed that the amounts of PKC alpha and PKC epsilon but not PKC zeta were decreased in spastic arteries. As compared with nonspastic arteries, spastic arteries showed higher rates of incorporation of [3H]choline into phosphatidylcholine (PC) and [14C]ethanolamine into phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), but not of [3H]myoinositol into phosphoinositides, suggesting the stimulated turn-over of PC and PE. The extent of 20-kDa MLC phosphorylation was not increased in the spastic arteries at days 4 or 7 as compared with that in the nonspastic control arteries. These results demonstrate that PKC activity and related membrane lipid metabolism are altered in spastic basilar arteries after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Development of preimplantation guinea-pig embryos in serum-free media.

This study was undertaken to determine how far preimplantation guinea-pig embryos can develop normally in vitro with serum-free media generally used for mouse (Whitten's medium, WM) and rabbit (Kane's medium, KM) embryos. Preimplantation guinea-pig embryos were recovered from naturally mated females at each day of pregnancy between Day 1 and Day 6, and were cultured in vitro with either WM or KM at 37 degrees C in 5% CO2 in air. One-cell (Day-1) and 2-cell (early Day 2) embryos cultured in WM developed to the 4-cell and morulae stages respectively, whereas the corresponding embryos cultured in KM arrested development at the 2-cell and 8-cell stages respectively. In contrast, 4-cell (late Day 2 and Day 3) embryos proceeded to the blastocyst stage in KM, but not in WM. Eight-cell embryos (Day 4) and morulae (Day 5) developed to blastocysts in either medium. However, hatching of the blastocysts and trophoblast outgrowth on the culture dish were supported only by KM even when collected at the blastocyst stage. The present study suggests that, in guinea-pig embryos, a distinct change in nutritional requirements occurs around the time of the second cell division and that, unlike in the mouse, trophoblast outgrowth in the guinea-pig requires no supplementation of serum or extracellular matrices.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Liposome-encapsulated MTP-PE: a novel biologic agent for cancer therapy.

Liposome-encapsulated muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (L-MTP-PE), a new biologic response modifier, was designed to target the immunomodulator to monocytes and macrophages. Human monocytes/macrophages phagocytize L-MTP-PE, with subsequent upregulation of interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and monocyte chemotactic and activating factor genes and with the production and secretion of these cytokines in vitro. L-MTP-PE-activated macrophages kill tumor but not normal cells in vitro. Following i.v. infusion of L-MTP-PE into cancer patients, its uptake was demonstrated in liver, spleen, lung, and in and around metastases to lung. We also investigated whether L-MTP-PE therapy administered in a neoadjuvant setting could improve the disease-free interval in relapsed osteosarcoma patients with lung metastasis. Patients received either a 12- or 24-week course of L-MTP-PE after surgical removal of all metastases. Following L-MTP-PE infusion, induction of circulating TNF-alpha, IL-6, neopterin, and C-reactive protein was demonstrated. Disease-free intervals were calculated from the day of surgery to the day of relapse in each group and were compared with the disease-free interval for a historical control group. Those patients receiving 24 weeks of L-MTP-PE showed a significant (p < 0.03) prolongation in time to relapse. These data indicate that L-MTP-PE is an active agent against osteosarcoma and warrants further investigation in an adjuvant setting.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗