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Biomedical subjects

T Fukumoto

Publications and source records attributed to T Fukumoto.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Administration of neutralizing antibody against rabbit IL-1 receptor antagonist exacerbates lipopolysaccharide-induced arthritis in rabbits.

Endogenous IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) may down-regulate part of IL-1 actions. We examined the participation of endogenous IL-1ra in the production of IL-1 beta in vitro. Macrophages cultured on adherent IgG produced a 100-fold molar excess of IL-1ra, compared with IL-1 beta. In the presence of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) against rabbit IL-1ra, the production of antigenic IL-1 beta increased by 20-60%. Since the molar ratio of IL-1ra over IL-1 was 160- to 400-fold in synovial fluid (SF) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced arthritis, we examined the functional role of endogenous IL-1ra in the regulation of inflammatory responses. When measured in the presence of anti-IL-1ra mAb, masked IL-1 activity in SF became evident, with a 3- to 4-fold increment. The administration of anti-IL-1ra mAb with LPS into rabbit knee joints increased the IL-1 activity 4-fold and the production of antigenic IL-1 beta by 30-50%. The treatment also enhanced by 20-40% LPS-induced leukocyte infiltration and protein leakage. Therefore, endogenous IL-1ra apparently acts as a down-regulating factor for limiting deleterious effects of IL-1 by masking the biological activity and by inhibiting the production.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Successful 14-day preservation of rat skin using a two-layer cold-storage method.

Skin-graft preservation for the purpose of delayed autografting to burn patients is a basic tool of plastic and burn surgery. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the two-layer (physiological saline/perfluorochemical (PFC)) cold-storage method for skin preservation. In Wistar rats, a full-thickness skin graft, 3 cm in diameter, was harvested from the back, and separated from the dermis to obtain the epidermal sheet. This epidermal sheet was preserved at 4 degrees C using physiological saline (group 1, n = 15), physiological saline bubbled with a 95 per cent oxygen, 5 per cent carbon dioxide mixture (group 2, n = 15) or a two-layer method with bubbling with 95 per cent oxygen and 5 per cent carbon dioxide mixture (group 3, n = 15). The epidermal skin sheets were then autotransplanted to the backs of the original donor rats 7, 10 and 14 days after the start of preservation. The success rate of the skin autotransplantation was determined by measuring the ratio of viable area to total graft area 7 days after grafting. In group I, the success rates after 7, 10 and 14 days' perservation were 56.4, 47.4 and 0.09 per cent, respectively. In group 2, the corresponding success rates were 62.0, 48.4 and 0.8 per cent respectively, showing no improvement with oxygenated saline. In clear contrast, the success rates were significantly improved by the two-layer method, the values being 92.1, 87.9 and 77.6 per cent after 7, 10 and 14 days of perservation, respectively (P < 0.01 vs. groups 1 and 2 for all preservation durations). Based on these results, we concluded that the two-layer method is useful for not only improving the quality of the skin graft but also extending the preservation time of the skin graft up to 14 days.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Anti-Ro/SSA associated recurrent annular erythema: autoimmune response to recombinant 60- and 52-kDa Ro/SSA proteins.

Recurrent annular erythema associated with anti-Ro/SSA antibody response has recently been recognized as a distinct clinical entity. Serum samples from 15 anti-Ro/SSA positive patients with recurrent annular erythema were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for reactivity with full-length recombinant human 60-kDa and 52-kDa Ro/SSA proteins. All the 15 sera were positive for anti-60-kDa Ro/SSA, and 11 sera (73.3%) contained anti-52-kDa Ro/SSA. These results suggest the importance of 60-kDa polypeptide component of the Ro/SSA particle as a potential target in anti-Ro/SSA associated annular erythema.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Influence of continuous interleukin-2 administration via the portal vein on liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy in rats.

We have reported the efficacy of intraarterial-combined immunochemotherapy including interleukin-2 (IL-2) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To further test this therapy for prevention of intrahepatic recurrence after hepatectomy, the influence of IL-2 on liver regeneration was examined using mitotic index (MI) and the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling index (LI) in 70% hepatectomized Donryu rats. In addition, gap junction appearance, which may change during liver regeneration, was analyzed using a monoclonal antibody (HAM8). Serum albumin, alanine transaminase, and total bilirubin (TB) levels were also evaluated. IL-2 (45,000 Japanese reference units [JRU]/d) or saline was administered continuously via the portal vein immediately after hepatectomy using an infusion pump. We also examined the influence of IL-2 on liver regeneration after hepatectomy with splenectomy. No difference in the weight of the liver, serum albumin, alanine transaminase, or TB was observed in any groups at 1, 2, or 4 days after hepatectomy. Neither IL-2 nor splenectomy influenced MI and BrdU LI at all three points. Gap junctions began to disappear after hepatectomy and reached a minimum on day 2 in all groups. Four days after hepatectomy, the density of the reappearing gap junctions was markedly lower in groups treated with IL-2 than in those receiving saline with or without splenectomy. However, the density returned to close to preoperative levels 6 days after hepatectomy in all groups. Continuous portal infusion of IL-2 transiently disturbed gap junction reappearance during liver regeneration. However, no other parameters of liver regeneration or liver functions differed. These results suggest that the liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy may be suppressed by the administration of IL-2, even though the suppression may not be harmful for overall recovery of the resected liver. However, it seems that hepatic IL-2 administration can be performed without serious complications after hepatectomy.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1996

Ultrasonographic detection of lymph-node metastases in superficial carcinoma of the esophagus.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The presence or absence of lymph-node metastasis is the single most important factor in determining the strategy for treating superficial carcinoma of the esophagus. In this study, ultrasound (US) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) were used in the diagnosis of lymph-node metastases, and the accuracy and limitations of these methods were assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospectively, 37 patients with superficial esophageal cancer were studied by US and EUS before surgery, and the results were compared with the histological findings. Twelve of the patients had histologically confirmed lymph-node metastases. Ultrasonographic images of the lymph nodes were classified into three types, based on their boundaries and internal echoes. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of predicting mediastinal lymph-node metastasis by EUS diagnosis were 80.0%, 87.5%, and 86.5%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US in the assessment of cervical and abdominal lymph-node metastasis were 71.4%, 86.7%, and 83.3%, respectively. In cases in which there was a solitary metastatic lymph node, the detection rate was higher than in cases with two or more positive nodes. Most metastatic lymph nodes correctly diagnosed by US and EUS were larger than 6 mm and had tumor involving more than one-third of their cross-sectional area. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with superficial esophageal carcinomas, US is accurate in staging cervical and abdominal lymph nodes. EUS is accurate in staging mediastinal lymph nodes.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1996

Assessment of tumor invasion of the distal esophagus in carcinoma of the cardia using endoscopic ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Esophageal invasion by carcinoma of the cardia may affect the surgical approach. Accurate assessment of esophageal invasion is difficult using endoscopy, computed tomography, or barium contrast radiography. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the prediction of esophageal invasion by carcinoma of the cardia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: EUS (using a linear-array scanner) was carried out prospectively in 47 patients with carcinoma of the cardia who underwent subsequent surgical resection. The findings were correlated with the histopathological assessment of tumor infiltration in the esophagus in the resected specimen. RESULTS: An absence of esophageal invasion was correctly predicted by EUS in 12 of 13 patients. Histopathologically confirmed invasion of the esophagus was correctly predicted in 32 of 34 patients. With a margin of error of 10 mm, the accuracy of EUS in predicting or excluding histologically confirmed invasion of the esophagus was 85.1% (40 of 47 patients). False-positive results with EUS occurred in patients with prominent edematous or fibrous changes in the distal esophagus; false-negative results with EUS were seen in patients with scattered infiltration of a small number of tumor cells into the mucosal or submucosal layer. CONCLUSIONS: EUS can provide the surgeon with additional information on the extent of esophageal infiltration in patients with carcinoma of the gastric cardia, and can therefore assist in the selection of the surgical approach.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Prophylactic action of allopurinol against chemotherapy-induced stomatitis--inhibition of superoxide dismutase and proteases.

The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and several proteases were measured in kidney of mice treated with allopurinol in order to elucidate the mechanism of prophylactic action of allopurinol against chemotherapy-induced stomatitis. The following results were obtained. Following 3 day administration of allopurinol 20 mg/day per os (Group C), the concentrations of allopurinol and oxipurinol in the renal tissue were 203.9 +/- 52.1 and 1141.7 +/- 194.8 micrograms/g, respectively. The SOD activity was significantly lower in Group C than in the untreated control group (p < 0.01). The enzyme activities of papain and trypsin were suppressed in Group C. However, the other proteases tested were not affected by the administration of allopurinol, indicating only weak anti-protease action of allopurinol. These results suggest that allopurinol may be effective to prevent chemotherapy-associated stomatitis via both direct and indirect actions to oral mucosa, that include inhibitory actions on xanthine oxidase as well as protease.

Allopurinol↗
PubMed1996

Immune response to Streptococcus pyogenes and the susceptibility to psoriasis.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against type 12 Group A streptococcal cell wall antigens cross-react with nuclei and cytoplasm of cells from skin and synovium from controls, uninvolved skin of psoriatics and psoriatic plaques. Patients with psoriasis had high serum titres of antibody against the M12 (C-region) streptococcal antigen compared to controls. An abnormal immune response directed against a "self' antigen after initiation by Group A streptococcal infection may play an important role in the exacerbation or development of psoriasis.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1996

Common carotid artery wall properties in Takayasu's arteritis.

The vessel wall properties of the common carotid artery have been noninvasively and quantitatively assessed with an ultrasonic instrument. Stiffness parameter beta, which represents the mechanical properties of the vessel, was calculated from the relationship between blood pressure and the diameter of the artery. There are no reports that quantitatively assess wall properties in Takayasu's arteritis. The authors compared, in vivo, the vessel wall properties of the common carotid artery in 14 patients with Takayasu's arteritis versus those in 60 normal subjects (controls). They measured changes in the inner diameter of the artery between systole and diastole with an ultrasonic, phase-locked, echo-tracking system. Beta was significantly higher in Takayasu's arteritis than in normal subjects (better than a 99% confidence interval). The findings for each decade were as follows: 3rd decade (20s): 35.7 +/- 28.9 vs 5.01-6.46, P=0.0001; 4th decade (30s): 19.5 +/- 9.71 vs 6.09-7.80, P=0.02; 5th decade (40s): 26.2 +/- 11.3 vs 7.26-9.28, P = 0.0001; 6th decade (50s): 19.1 +/- 4.27 vs 8.66-11.25, P = 0.0001. Takayasu's arteritis significantly impaired the mechanical performance of the common carotid artery. Thus, beta shows promise as a useful diagnostic indicator of Takayasu's arteritis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Major histocompatibility complex expression in muscle of rats with graft-versus-host disease.

Immunohistochemical examination of rat skeletal muscle during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a systemic immune reaction, was performed to investigate specific immune reactivities focusing on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression and inflammatory cell infiltration of skeletal muscle during a systemic immune reaction. MHC class II expression and inflammatory cell infiltration did not increase. MHC class I was expressed along the contour of muscle fibres, and most strongly expressed by the cells which were distributed throughout the endomysium and perimysium. Seventy-six percent of these MHC class I+ cells carried endothelial cell-markers, while 24% of them did not. The latter cells were revealed not to be inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes, granulocytes or macrophages when examined by immunostaining using several exudate-cell markers. Neither were they myosatellite cells because they were located outside the basement membrane. These results may be useful for considering animal models of inflammatory myopathies such as polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Antimicrobial activities of meropenem against clinically isolated strains].

In order to evaluate antimicrobial activity of meropenem (MEPM), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MEPM and control drugs were determined against clinical isolates in 1993. The results were as follows; 1. Antimicrobial activities of MEPM against Gram-positive bacteria were stronger than those of cephems (CEPs), were approximately equal to those of panipenem (PAPM), and were weaker than those of imipenem (IPM). 2. Carbapenems showed strong antimicrobial activities against Enterobacteriaccae, glucose non-fermentative Gram-negative rods and Bacteroides fragilis group that were multiple drug resistant including the third generation CEPs. Antimicrobial activities of MEPM against these organisms were stronger than those of IPM and PAPM. 3. MIC-ranges of MEPM against Enterobacteriaceae and Haemophilus influenzae were lower than those of IPM and PAPM. We observed that MEPM had better permeability into the cells of H. influenzae, higher affinities to 3 to 5 different penicillin-binding protein and high stability against beta-lactamase than those of IPM and PAPM.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1996

Hypergammaglobulinaemic purpura of Waldenström and Ro/SSA autoantibodies.

Seven out of nine patients (78%), seen over a 13-year period with hypergammaglobulinaemic purpura of Waldenström were found to have antibodies to Ro/SSA. Over this period we saw 175 patients who had antibodies to Ro/SSA. In six of the seven patients, associated diseases were recognized. Five had Sjögren's syndrome, and one had systemic lupus erythematosus with Sjögren's syndrome and thyroiditis (and died 19 years after initial presentation from cerebral infarction). Screening for antibodies to Ro/SSA is important in the diagnosis of patients with hypergamma-globulinaemic purpura, and is helpful in predicting prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Evaluation of tissue oxygenation utilizing a tonometer in the stomach tube or colon used in substitutive esophagus after surgery for esophageal cancer].

We measured serial changes in mucosal pH (pHi) as an index of blood flow of the stomach tube or the colon in a substitutive esophagus using a tonometer in 18 patients following surgery for esophageal cancer. The pHi showed the lowest level at the postoperative 1 hr (PO 1 hr) and increased significantly at PO 6 hr. At PO 12 hr, pHi showed the level of more than pHi 7.3 which increased significantly compared with PO 6 hr. The oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption increased significantly from PO 1 hr at PO 6 hr but not changed between 6 and 12 hr. It was suggested that the blood flow was inadequate in the stomach tube or the colon as a substitutive esophagus within PO 12 hr following operation despite of adequate oxygen delivery systemically. In this series, the decreased pHi were shown in 2 patients with minor leakage of anastomosis and in one patients with the perforation of stomach tube. The correlation between pHi and modified respiratory index was recognized at PO 12 hr and 24 hr suggesting that pHi was associated with the pulmonary dysfunction. Therefore, it was suggested that the value and change of pHi is an useful predicting index of occurrence of anastomotic leakage or respiratory failure which may be a fatal postoperative complication after surgery for esophageal cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Antimicrobial activities of meropenem against clinically isolated strains. The result against strains isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid].

In order to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of meropenem (MEPM), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MEPM and control drugs were determined against clinical isolates from blood and cerebrospinal fluid that were obtained from January, 1993 to December, 1994. The results are summarized as follows; 1. The MIC-range, 50% MIC (MIC50) and 90% MIC (MIC90) of MEPM were equal to those of imipenem (IPM) and panipenem (PAPM) against Streptococcus pneumoniae including benzylpenicillin (PCG)-insensitive or -resistant S. pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae and Listeria monocytogenes which are Gram-positive strains, and were stronger than those of ampicillin (ABPC) and cefotaxime (CTX). 2. The MIC-range, MIC50 and MIC90 of these 3 drugs of carbapenems (MEPM, IPM and PAPM) were different against Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae which are Gram-negative strains. The MIC90 of MEPM was < or = 0.025 microgram/ml and those of IPM and PAPM were 0.2 microgram/ml against E. coli. The MIC90 of MEPM was 0.1 microgram/ml, that of IPM was 25 micrograms/ml and that of PAPM was 6.25 micrograms/ml against H. influenzae. Thus, the antimicrobial activity of MEPM was stronger than those of IPM and PAPM. The MIC90's of IPM and PAPM against H. influenzae were high with the MIC of IPM at 12.5 approximately 25 micrograms/ml and the MIC of PAPM at 3.13 approximately 12.5 micrograms/ml against 3 IPM-resistant strains among 17 isolates. 3. The MIC90 of ABPC was 0.39 microgram/ml and that of CTX was 0.1 microgram/ml against 20 strains of S. pneumoniae including 6 strains of PCG-insensitive or resistant S. pneumoniae. The MIC90 of ABPC and CTX were higher than those of 3 carbapenem drugs. There were E. coli of 8 strains with ABPC-high resistance (the MIC of ABPC was > 100 micrograms/ml) and 2 strains for which MIC of CTX were 0.39 microgram/ml and 3.13 micrograms/ml. It was found that 29.4% of H. influenzae were beta-lactamase producing strains. 4. It appeared that antimicrobial activities of carbapenems, particularly MEPM were strong against clinical isolates from blood and cerebrospinal fluid. MEPM will be first choice drug by empiric therapy in infections including sepsis and purulent meningitis.

Ampicillin↗
PubMed1996

[Antimicrobial activities of tosufloxacin against recently obtained clinical isolates].

To evaluate antimicrobial activities of tosufloxacin (TFLX), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of TFLX and other drugs were determined against clinical isolates that were obtained in our laboratory from February of 1993 to January of 1994 (Period I), and from February of 1995 to January of 1996 (Period II). The results are summarized as follows: 1. Compared to MIC90's reported by others for TFLX in the 1980's, those obtained by us against beta-streptococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Peptostreptococcus spp., Haemophilus influenzae and Salmonella spp. were similar to, but those obtained against other bacteria were higher than those reported values. 2. Detection frequencies of resistant strains to TFLX were compared between Period I and Period II. MIC90's of TFLX against Staphylococcus spp., Morganella morganii, Providencia spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, beta-streptococci, S. pneumoniae and Peptostreptococcus spp. were lower in Period II than in Period I. TFLX-insensitive or -resistant H. influenzae were found among strains isolated in either of the Periods. 3. Most of the TFLX-resistant Gram-negative organisms tested were also resistant to other NQ's. 4. TFLX showed strong antimicrobial activities against penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed1996

[Antimicrobial activities of ceftriaxone against fresh, clinically isolated strains].

In order to evaluate antimicrobial activity of ceftriaxone (CTRX), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CTRX and control drugs were determined against clinically isolated strains including those from purulent meningitis and liver and biliary tract infections in 1995. The results are summarized as follows; 1. MIC90 of CTRX was 0.05 micrograms/ml against benzylpenicillin (PCG)-insensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae or PCG-resistant S. pneumoniae and it was < or = 0.025 micrograms/ml against beta-lactamase producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae. Antimicrobial activities of CTRX against these strains were stronger than control drugs. 2. MIC distribution of CTRX was in a lower concentration range than those of ceftazidime and flomoxef against extend broad-spectrum beta-lactamase (EBLA)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae. 3. These results suggested that CTRX will be effective against community-acquired pneumonia, purulent meningitis and liver & biliary tract infections.

Biliary Tract Diseases↗