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Biomedical subjects

T Hamano

Publications and source records attributed to T Hamano.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Receptor-mediated calcium signal playing a nuclear third messenger in the activation of antigen-specific B cells.

We have studied receptor-mediated calcium signals in antigen-specific B cells (trinitrophenol-specific B cell clone, TP67.21) using a confocal fluorescence microscope with an argon ion laser (488 nm) and a He-Cd laser (325 nm). Confocal fluorescence images of fluo-3 loaded B cells, excited by an argon ion laser, became much brighter and more nonhomogeneous than those before antigen stimulation. Time-dependent fluorescence changes in intensities were abrupt and quite similar to the patterns of the intracellular calcium ion concentration [Ca2+]i observed by a conventional fluorescence microscope using fura-2. From the morphological patterns of the calcium images, the parts of the bright fluorescence seemed to belong to the nucleus in B cells. To confirm the above events we measured the confocal fluorescence images of the nucleus. From the fluorescence images of co-loaded Hoechst 33342 (a DNA-specific fluorescent probe), which excited by a He-Cd laser, the brighter parts of the fluo-3 fluorescence intensities were identified to the nucleus in B cells. This suggested the possibility that the increased intranuclear calcium ions may play a nuclear third messenger in B cells.

Animals↗

Sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in foods.

A sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in foods is described. The method involves the reaction of EDTA with Fe3+ to produce the EDTA-Fe chelate, followed by the removal of excess of Fe3+ by a chelate extraction technique using chloroform and N-benzoyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine and the formation of a chromophore with 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline-disulfonic acid. The calibration graph was linear in the range 0.5-40.0 micrograms cm-3 of EDTA with a slope of 21.1. The relative standard deviation at 10 micrograms cm-3 of EDTA was 1.6% (n = 10). There was no interference from most of the common ingredients of commercial foods. More than 90% of EDTA added at two levels was recovered from real samples. The method was applied to the determination of EDTA in various foods, and the results obtained were compared with those given by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Edetic Acid↗

Characterization of water retentive properties of hyaluronan.

We examined the water retentive properties of hyaluronan because of its reported therapeutic effect in the treatment of dry eye. Hyaluronan dose dependently retarded water loss from a solution kept at constant temperature and humidity. Similarly, water loss was retarded when hyaluronan was placed atop an agar gel. These decreases in water loss were not related to changes in the molecular weight of hyaluronan. Unlike the in vitro models, the evaporation rate from the tears in normal subjects initially increased following the topical application of hyaluronan, and continued a higher rate than with the vehicle. These results suggest that hyaluronan enhances water retention on the corneal surface, and probably increases corneal wettability. Accordingly, hyaluronan eye drops may be useful in the treatment of dry eye.

Desiccation↗

[Evaluation of the effect of the sodium hyaluronate ophthalmic solution on tear film stability--non-contact specular microscopic evaluation].

Sodium hyaluronate solution is known to relieve various dry eye symptoms by suppressing the breakup of the preocular tear film. Using tear film stability as a parameter, we examined in 12 volunteers the time and concentration-dependent effects of sodium hyaluronate on their short precorneal tear film breakup time (BUT, 10 sec. or less) at a low tear volume (15 mm or less by using the phenol red thread test). Each subject underwent four separate study periods, receiving one of the following four ophthalmic solutions during each period: 0.05, 0.1, 0.3% w/v sodium hyaluronate (molecular weight, about 1,000,000) or the vehicle alone. BUT was measured non-invasively using a non-contact specular microscope before and 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after drug application. While BUT was not significantly prolonged after instilling either the vehicle or 0.05% solution, it was significantly increased at all times after applying either 0.1% or 0.3% solution, as compared to preinstillation. These results indicate that sodium hyaluronate solutions at concentrations of at least 0.1% can be effective in alleviating symptoms of dry eye.

Adult↗

Yolk vitronectin. Purification and differences from its blood homologue in molecular size, heparin binding, collagen binding, and bound carbohydrate.

This is the first report on a unique vitronectin molecule, yolk vitronectin, which is similar to its blood homologue in cell spreading activity but different in molecular size, bound carbohydrate, and heparin and collagen binding activity. Yolk vitronectin was purified 2,500-fold from chick egg yolk by a combination of hydroxylapatite, DEAE-cellulose, and anti-vitronectin-Sepharose column chromatographies. In SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, yolk vitronectin was separated into 54- and 45-kDa bands, which are 16 and 25 kDa smaller, respectively, than the 70-kDa major band of chick blood vitronectin. The 54-kDa band shares the same NH2-terminal sequence as chick blood vitronectin. In contrast, the NH2-terminal sequence of the 45-kDa band is somewhat homologous with the internal sequences of mammalian vitronectins beginning at the 50th amino acid from the NH2 terminus. The bound carbohydrate of the 54- and 45-kDa species of yolk vitronectin is similar to, but distinct from, that of blood vitronectin. Unlike blood vitronectin, yolk vitronectin cannot bind to either heparin or collagen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Heat and autoclave resistance of cell-spreading activity of vitronectin.

We have investigated the heat- and autoclave-resistant properties of the cell-spreading activity of vitronectin, a cell-spreading glycoprotein in animal blood plasma. Vitronectin heated at 100 degrees C for 10 min or autoclaved at 121 degrees C at 1.2 kg/cm2 for 20 min retained the same cell-spreading activity as native vitronectin. In contrast, fibronectin and type-I collagen treated in the same way lost their activity almost completely. GRGDSP remarkably inhibited the cell-spreading activity of native, heated and autoclaved vitronectins. GRGESP did not inhibit the activity of native vitronectin, but, unexpectedly, partially inhibited the activity of both heated and autoclaved vitronectins. In SDS-polyacrylamide gel analysis under reducing conditions, vitronectin heated at 100 degrees C migrated mainly as a monomer, but autoclaved vitronectin migrated at both the top and front of the gel instead of at the position of the monomer. The change in molecular size during the heat- and autoclave treatments was partially prevented by adding 10 mM dithiothreitol or 2% 2-mercaptoethanol to the protein solution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Direct interaction between an antigen-specific B cell clone and an MHC class II-reactive helper T cell clone.

TP67.14 established by somatic hybridization is a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (trinitrophenyl, TNP)-specific B cell clone with a receptor molecule for TNP on the cell membrane, and MS202 is an interleukin-2 (IL-2)-dependent T helper (Th) cell clone reactive to auto-MHC class II antigens (IAk and IEk) as previously reported. In the present study it was shown that MS202 considerably induced the maturation of TP67.14 into anti-TNP plaque-forming cells (PFCs), and this response was markedly augmented by the addition of TNP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Recombinant cytokines and the culture supernatant of MS202 with TP67.14 did not affect the generation of anti-TNP antibodies by TP67.14. Also, neither anti-IL-4 nor anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibited the maturation of TP67.14 mediated by MS202. The differentiative effect of MS202 on TP67.14 was completely lost when each cell was separately cultured using a semipermeable membrane. Monoclonal antibodies against LFA-1 beta molecules significantly blocked the development of anti-TNP PFCs induced by MS202, as well as anti-IAk and anti-IEk mAbs. Interestingly, the plasma membrane-enriched fraction (PM) derived from MS202 exhibited much more differentiative effects on TP67.14 treated with TNP-KLH than PM from other T cell lines and concanavalin A-induced T lymphoblasts. In addition, TNP-conjugated PM from MS202 by itself induced a great number of anti-TNP PFCs. The present findings indicate that MS202 is capable of inducing the maturation of TP67.14, which is considered to represent a population of B cells with antigen specificity in a late lineage of B cell maturation, through direct cell contact but not soluble factors. This suggests that B cells with antigen specificity, in the presence of antigen, can be induced to mature into antibody-secreting cells through direct contact with Th cells; in this process surface major histocompatibility complex class II and lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) molecules are directly involved and the cell membrane derived from Th cells provides a transductional signal for maturation of B cells with antigen specificity in the presence of antigen.

Animals↗

Functional role of self IA molecules in polyclonal B cell activation using an autoreactive B cell clone derived from (NZB X NZW) F1 mice.

The mechanism of polyclonal B cell activation in autoimmune diseases was investigated by using an autoreactive B cell clone established by somatic hybridization with B cells derived from NZB X NZW (B/W) F1 mice. Briefly, splenic B cells from B/W F1 mice were fused with M12.4.1, a mutant of a B cell line, in the presence of polyethylene glycol and DMSO. NW47.7, a subclone of a resulting hybridoma, expresses B cell surface antigens on the cell membrane, namely IAd, IgM, B220, the receptors for the C3 fragment of complement (C3R), and the Fc portion of IgG (Fc gamma R). It also possesses a receptor molecule for mouse red blood cells treated with bromelain (Br-MRBC) on its surface, by rosette-forming assay with Br-MRBC. In contrast, parental M12.4.1 does not express IAd and IgM on the cell membrane, and does not bind to Br-MRBC under the same conditions. Thus, it is likely that NW47.7 may be an autoreactive B cell clone specific for Br-MRBC. Interestingly, NW47.7 was induced to generate a significant number of IgM-secreting cells when treated with Br-MRBC and rIL-5. Furthermore, mAb against IAd molecules, but not IAk and KdDd, markedly inhibited the differentiative effect of polyclonal activators such as LPS and rIL-5. Also, when MHC identical irradiated B cells were added to the culture of NW47.7 as a stimulator, the induction of IgM-producing cells was greatly augmented, but this augmenting effect was lost by interfering with direct contact of NW47.7 cells with stimulator B cells using a semipermeable membrane, as well as by the addition of mAb against IAd molecules. In addition, irradiated NW47.7, but not M12.4.1, by itself could enhance the secretion of IgM by NW47.7 as a stimulator, but this enhancing effect markedly decreased in the presence of anti-IAd mAb. The present results suggest that surface IA molecules on B cells are involved during the differentiative response to polyclonal activators, and may directly provide a differentiative signal for maturation of B cells into IgM-secreting cells.

Animals↗

Physarum vitronectin-like protein: an Arg-Gly-Asp-dependent cell-spreading protein with a distinct NH2-terminal sequence.

A 70-kDa protein cross-reacted with anti-bovine vitronectin was isolated from slime mold Physarum polycephalum. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein, referred to as Physarum vitronectin-like protein, did not share any homology with those of animal vitronectins. It had cell-spreading activity, which was specifically inhibited by an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing peptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Enzymic method for the spectrophotometric determination of choline in liquor.

A sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of choline in liquor is described. The method involves the conversion of choline into formaldehyde by sequential enzymic reactions (choline oxidase and catalase), followed by the formation of a chromophore with 4-aminopent-3-en-2-one. The calibration graph was linear in the range 0.4-15 micrograms cm-3 of choline. The relative standard deviation at 5 micrograms cm-3 of choline was 1.3%. There was no interference from most of the common ingredients of liquor. More than 95% of choline added at two levels was recovered from real samples. The method is simple, and the detection limit was 2 micrograms g-1 when 5 g of sample were assayed.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

[Migrant sensory neuritis--electrophysiological and pathological study].

Migrant sensory neuritis, which was first proposed by Wartenberg, is very uncommon and only a few case reports have ever been published. We described one case of migrant sensory neuritis and discussed the pathogenesis of this disease. A 44-year-old man noticed numbness in the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the left foot in February 1985. Physically, there was hypoesthesia in the region of left sural nerve with positive Tinel's sign. During the next 4 years, pain, tingling sensation or hypoesthesia appeared in the regions of the right superficial radial nerve, right axillary nerve, left intercostal nerve, left lateral plantar nerve, digital nerve of the right second digit, left saphenous nerve, right superficial peroneal nerve, left superficial radial nerve, bilateral ulnar nerves and bilateral median antebrachial cutaneous nerves one after another in a migrating fashion. Tinel's sign was also positive at the right superficial radial nerve. In some occasions, decreased deep tendon reflexes were observed, but there had been no muscle weakness. Some nerves showed complete recovery, but others showed persistent involvement. Some nerves were affected repeatedly. Laboratory examination failed to clarify underlying disease except for mild liver dysfunction. Electrophysiological study showed reduced amplitude of the sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) of right sural nerve, left ulnar nerve, right superficial radial nerve and digital branch of right median nerve with preserved sensory nerve conduction velocity. SNAP of left sural nerve was absent. These findings mean the cause of the sensory disturbance is axonal degeneration rather than segmental demyelination. There were no abnormalities in motor nerve conduction study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Action Potentials↗

Membrane fluidity and lipid hapten structure of liposomes affect calcium signals in antigen-specific B cells.

Antigen-specific B-cell clones directed against a 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) hapten have been established [Hamano et al. (1990) J. Immunol. 144, 811-815]. We measured here the cytosolic free calcium ion concentration ([CA2+]i) in these B-cell clones after antigen stimulation. Trinitrophenylated liposomes with different length spacers between TNP and phosphatidylethanolamine (TNP-Cn-PE) increased cytosolic free calcium concentration in TNP-specific B cells (clone TP67.21). The magnitude of calcium signals depended on the length of the spacer. TNP-C6-PE in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes triggered larger calcium signals in B cells than TNP-Cn-PE with n = 0, 4, 8, or 12. The magnitude of the calcium signals was strongly dependent on the fluidity of the liposome membranes. TNP-C6-PE in the solid DPPC liposomes triggered the calcium signals in B cells 50-100 times as efficiently as TNP-C6-PE in the fluid dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes. The difference between the solid liposomes and the fluid liposomes was more pronounced in triggering calcium signals in B cells than in antibody binding to these liposomes.

Animals↗

Effects of dietary pantethine levels on contents of fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the liver of rats orally administered varying amounts of autoxidized linoleate.

The effects of dietary pantethine levels on the contents and compositions of fatty acids and on the levels of lipid peroxides were investigated with rat liver and its S-9 fraction under administration of 0 (non), 0.2 (low dose), and 0.35 ml (high dose) of autoxidized linoleate (AL) per 100 g body weight of the rats per day for 5 days. AL having 800 meq/kg of peroxide value (PV) and 1,700 meq/kg of carbonyl value (CV) was dosed to the rats of each group given drinking water containing 0 mg% (deficient), 6.25 mg% (adequate), and 125 mg% pantethine (excess). In the pantethine-deficient and -adequate groups, the contents of fatty acids both in the liver homogenate and in the S-9 fraction were correspondingly decreased by increasing dose levels of AL, and the decrease was remarkable especially in the pantethine-deficient group, but was not significant in the pantethine-excess group even by a high dose of AL. Particularly, in the high dose of AL, the notable decreases of oleic acid (C18:1) contents in both the liver and the S-9 fraction were observed in rats of the pantethine-deficient and -adequate groups. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values in the liver homogenate and the S-9 fraction were increased correspondingly by increasing dose levels of AL, and the increases were repressed in the pantethine-excess group.

Administration, Oral↗

[Treatment of focal dystonia with botulinum toxin].

We have studied the effect of botulinum toxin in patients with focal dystonia, not responding sufficiently to medical therapy. Injection of 5-100 units to the muscles, selected by EMG and clinical examination, invariably resulted in reduction of muscle tonus, although to a different degree depending on the dosage. The outcome after the first trial was best when dealing with small muscles in patients with blephalospasm or Meige's syndrome. In contrast, several attempts were required for the treatment of a large muscle as in torticollis, or multiple muscles as in writers' cramps. The effect lasted 1-3 months. With precise selection of the affected muscles and careful regulation of necessary dosages, this type of therapy may contribute to the treatment of focal dystonia.

Adult↗

Direct involvement of surface IA/E molecules during B cell maturation using an antigen-specific B cell clone.

TP67.14 is a subclone of a resulting B cell hybridoma established by somatic hybridization between splenic B cells of A/J mice immunized with TNP-LPS and 2.52 M, a HAT medium-sensitive mutant of a B cell line; it expresses IgM, B220, IAk, and IEk on the cell membrane and also possesses a receptor molecule for TNP on its surface derived from TNP-reactive B cells of A/J mice used for cell fusion. As shown previously, TP67.14 could be induced to generate a significant amount of anti-TNP antibodies when treated with TNP-conjugated protein such as TNP-BSA and TNP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin without T cell help as well as LPS. Our study was undertaken to investigate direct involvement of surface MHC class II molecules on B cells during B cell maturation by analysis with this Ag-specific B cell clone. The data demonstrate that mAb against IAk and IEk molecules, but not IAd and H-2k, markedly inhibited the differentiative effects of LPS on TP67.14. In contrast, both antibodies specifically augmented the secretion of anti-TNP antibodies by TP67.14 treated with TNP-BSA, although these antibodies alone failed to induce the generation of anti-TNP antibodies. Interestingly, TP67.14 significantly differentiated into anti-TNP antibody secreting cells when incubated with TNP-conjugated monoclonal anti-IAk or anti-IEk antibodies alone; this differentiative effect was much greater than that of TNP-conjugated anti-IAd mAb or purified mouse IgG under the same conditions. Our result suggests that surface IA/E molecules on B cells may be directly involved in a transductional signal for B cell maturation mediated by the cross-linkage of receptor molecules on B cells with Ag.

Animals↗

Distribution of lipid microspheres incorporating prostaglandin E1 to vascular lesions.

The intravascular distribution of 0.2 mu lipid microspheres (LM) containing prostaglandin E1 (lipo-PGE1) injected intravenously in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and arteriosclerotic rabbits was investigated by electron microscopic observation and quantification of radiolabelled compounds. LM were observed under an electron microscope to concentrate in subendothelial space of vascular walls, particularly in vascular lesions associated with hypertension or arteriosclerosis. Radiolabelled lipo-PGE1 accumulated more densely in the vascular walls than did free PGE1, and the difference was more conspicuous in vascular lesions. This indicates that lipo-PGE1 penetrates vascular endothelium and then accumulates in blood vessels to result in augmentation of the pharmacological action of prostaglandin. These findings suggest the usefulness of LM as a carrier of prostaglandin to vascular lesions.

Alprostadil↗

Enzymic method for the spectrophotometric determination of aspartame in beverages.

A sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of aspartame in beverages is described. The method involves the enzymic conversion of aspartame into formaldehyde by the alpha-chymotrypsin-alcohol oxidase system, followed by the formation of a chromophore with 4-aminopent-3-en-2-one. The calibration graph was linear in the range 2.0-30.0 micrograms ml-1 of aspartame. Many common ingredients of beverages do not interfere with the proposed method. The method was applied to the determination of the aspartame content of various real samples, and the results obtained were compared with those given by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Aspartame↗