Gender and underlying diseases affect the frequency of the concurrence of adult polymyositis/dermatomyositis and interstitial pneumonia.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to T Iwata.
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Several lines of recent evidence have suggested that transferrin plays a significant role in tissue interaction or morphogenesis at early stages of embryo development. In the present study, an anti-chicken transferrin antibody was produced and its basic characteristics were clarified as a basis for use in further studies. An antiserum termed Toraji 3 was raised against chicken transferrin and purified into IgG and ligand-affinity-purified fractions. These three preparations of the antibody gave an intense immunohistochemical signal in visceral yolk sac and developing liver, both of which are known to be major producers of transferrin in early development. In immunoblot analysis, these three preparations detected 70-kDa transferrin, whereas the ligand-affinity-purified preparation showed higher specificity. It was also demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting that Toraji 3 antibody bound preferentially to chicken transferrin and showed a negligible binding to human transferrin.
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One hundred and thirty-six cardiac valves obtained surgically from 124 patients (aged 15-77 years) were examined. Microdeposition of amyloid was present in sclerotic or sclerocalcific lesions of aortic valves in 38 out of 75 (51%) and mitral valves in 21 out of 61 (34%). Amyloid deposition was not significantly related to the age of the patients. An antiserum raised against a low molecular weight protein extracted from amyloid-laden valvular tissues (about 20 g) reacted positively to amyloid in the cardiac valves. It did not react to amyloid deposition containing fibril proteins including light chain related amyloidosis, reactive amyloidosis, systemic senile amyloidosis, isolated atrial amyloidosis, beta-2-microglobulin related amyloidosis and beta protein related amyloidosis. Further, amyloid in the cardiac valves failed to react immunohistochemically to anti-AA, anti-AL, anti-TTR, anti-ANF, anti-beta 2M and anti-beta protein antibodies. These findings suggest that an unknown amyloid protein is involved in the damaged valves.
Two cases of trochlear nerve neurinoma without Recklinghausen's disease are described. A 60-year-old male had a left-side sensory disturbance and a hemiparesis. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed a cystic enhancing mass in the right tentorial incisura. A 57-year-old male had a gait disturbance and a left-side facial numbness. CT scan and MRI showed a solitary enhancing mass in the right tentorial incisura. These tumors were subtotally removed, and the intraoperative diagnosis of two patients was trochlear nerve neurinoma. Unique clinical manifestations of trochlear nerve neurinoma are discussed with a brief review of 11 cases reported in the literature.
A 57-year-old man who had been complicated with achalasia for thirty years was admitted because of back pain and low grade fever. Chest X-p and Chest CT showed consolidation in the left lower lung field. His respiratory condition was diagnosed as lung abscess preoperatively. After systemic chemotherapy, surgical management was done for both achalasia and this inflammatory respiratory disease. In the operation by left thoracotomy, it was revealed that this case had empyema, not lung abscess. Thus decortication of left lung and esophagomyotomy were performed simultaneously. In the treatment of achalasia, respiratory complications due to aspiration may appear. In addition, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish empyema from lung abscess preoperatively. Therefore much care should be taken during operation in order to treat these respiratory diseases.
Tetrazole-myoglobin (Tet-Mb), a site selectively modified myoglobin with tetrazole anion (-CN4-) covalently attached to the imidazole N epsilon of the distal histidine 64(E7) (see Fig. 1; Kamiya, N., Shiro, Y., Iwata, T., Iizuka, T., and Iwasaki, H. (1991) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 113, 1826-1829), exhibited unique properties in the reduction from ferric to ferrous states and in the reaction of its deoxy form with O2. The redox potential of Tet-Mb is obtained to be -193 mV, which is much lower than that of unmodified (native) myoglobin (50 mV), possibly due to the electrostatic interaction between the heme iron and the tetrazole group. The ferrous deoxy form of Tet-Mb was rapidly oxidized to its ferric form in the reaction with O2 at room temperature through an intermediary formation of its oxy form and with the generation of O2-. The oxy form of Tet-Mb can be detected by the optical spectral measurement at -12 degrees C, the rapid scan measurement at room temperature, and the electron spin resonance measurement of its cobalt-substituted derivative (Tet-Mb(Co2+)) at 77 K. In the kinetic measurement of the O2 binding reaction to Tet-Mb, its association and dissociation rate constants in the bimolecular reaction were 6.1 x 10(7) M-1 s-1 and 2200 s-1, respectively, showing that the tetrazole modification of His-64 extremely accelerates its association and dissociation rates. Taken together with the extremely fast autoxidation rate (53 h-1) obtained, these kinetic results suggested that the channel of O2 from the solvent region to the protein interior is open enough to pass the external ligand. The structure is discussed in relation to those of some genetic mutants. Taking these properties, we demonstrated that Tet-Mb can catalyze O2 consumption to generate O2-, coupled with the NADH-supported enzymatic reduction system of cytochrome P-450cam under an aerobic condition.
A synthetic model peptide, H-(Leu-Al alpha-Arg-Leu)3-(Leu-Arg-Al alpha-Leu)3-OH (4(6)) can form ion channels in planar lipid bilayers by taking an amphipathic alpha-helix (Agawa, Y., Lee, S., Ono, S., Aoyagi, H., Ohno, M., Taniguchi, T., Anzai, K. and Kirino, Y. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 20218-20222). For further study of ion channels formed by this type of peptides, we planned to synthesize [Trp1]-4(6)(Ser) and [Trp12]-4(6)(Ser) in which a hydrophilic amino acid, Ser, was introduced in several positions of 4(6) instead of hydrophobic ones. This modification was expected to decrease the ability of membrane perturbation and to simplify various current levels of the channel observed for 4(6). Furthermore, additional Trp was introduced to the N-terminus or position 12 to monitor the lipid-peptide interaction. CD study showed that both peptides formed a random structure in buffer, but an alpha-helix in the presence of egg PC and a beta-structure in egg PC/egg PG (3:1). Moreover, addition of NaCl to the acidic liposomes induced the conformational transition in the peptide from beta-structure to alpha-helix. Salt-induced conformational transition in the presence of acidic liposomes was discussed in terms of membrane binding and ion-channel formation in planar lipid bilayer. Despite introduction of hydrophilic residues instead of hydrophobic residues in 4(6), the peptide showed nearly the same dye-release ability from egg PC- egg PG liposomes as 4(6). [Trp12]-4(6)(Ser) was able to form cation-selective ion channels with two levels of conductance (mainly 250 and occasionally 125 pS) in asolectin planar lipid bilayer, suggesting that appropriate orientation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues in amphipathic peptide can simplify channel current levels.
A beta-amyloid protein fragment AP21-35 (tetradeapeptide with amino acid residues 21-35) was found to be a highly selective agonist of substance P receptors (NK-1) among three tachykinin receptor subtypes. This peptide fragment contracted the smooth muscle preparations of guinea pig ileum in a dose dependent manner (EC50 = 22 microM). This activity was completely reversed by CP-96,345-1, a specific antagonist of NK-1 receptors, whereas atropine for NK-3 had no effect. The peptide was inactive in rat vas deferens which contains predominantly NK-2 receptors. These results indicated that AP21-35 is a highly selective agonist for NK-1 receptors. In the radio-ligand receptor binding assay using [125I]-Bolton-Hunter substance P to membranes from guinea pig ileum, the fragment exhibited a distinct dose-response curve (IC50 = 11 microM). All the present data strongly suggest that beta-amyloid protein function as a peptide ligand of substance P receptors with some pathophysiologic activities.
An ultrastructural study of amyloid deposits in four cases of squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix was performed. The amyloid deposits reacted with anti-keratin antiserum on frozen sections. Amyloid deposits showed nodular (4 cases) and star-like forms (3 cases). Nodular amyloid deposits were composed of slightly whorled fibrils, measuring 7-10 nm in width. Some of them contained cellular debris and thicker, more electron-dense filaments than amyloid fibrils. In three cases, filamentous tumour cells and filamentous masses were observed together with amyloid. Star-like amyloid deposits were composed of bundles of straight amyloid fibrils. Some of the tumour cells in contact with star-like amyloid deposits had deep cytoplasmic invaginations, where closely packed amyloid fibrils were arrayed in parallel fashion. In addition, a few tumour cells had membrane-bound amyloid fibrils in the cytoplasm. It is suggested that nodular amyloid deposits are derived from the tumour cells through filamentous degeneration. Amyloid fibrils in star-like amyloid deposits are thought to be formed within the cytoplasm or in the vicinity of invaginated cytoplasmic membranes of the tumour cells.
We studied the effect of oral calcium supplementation on renal tubular dopaminergic activity in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. Fifteen patients aged 45 to 68 years (nine men and six women, mean age 59 +/- 7 [SD]) participated in the study. We orally administered calcium (1.0 g per day for 1 week) during hospitalization. The change in 24-h blood pressure (BP), measured by ambulatory BP monitoring, and excretions of electrolytes and catecholamines were investigated before and after 1 week of oral calcium supplementation. The mean values of 24-h systolic and diastolic BP showed no significant changes by calcium loading. Daily urinary excretion of free dopamine, sodium clearance (CNa), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), and urinary volume were significantly increased by oral calcium supplementation. Urinary excretions of epinephrine and norepinephrine and creatinine clearance showed no significant changes by oral calcium treatment. CNa and FENa showed significant correlations with urinary excretion of free dopamine. These results suggest that oral calcium supplementation induces natriuresis partly through augmentation of renal tubular dopaminergic activity.
Eisenin (L-pyroGlu-L-Gln-L-Ala), a tripeptide extracted from a brown marine alga (Eisenia bicyclis Setchell) showed the immunological activity to augment natural cytotoxicity of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in humans. This activity could be seen when it was added directly to 51Cr release assay, and also when PBLs alone were incubated with this compound for 0.5-1 h before addition to the 51Cr release assay. The resulting augmented cytotoxicity can be attributed to natural killer cells because treatment of eisenin-stimulated PBLs with anti-Leu 11b monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus complement completely abolished the augmented cytotoxicity, and, moreover, deletion of Leu 19-positive cells with anti-Leu 19 mAb (mouse IgG1) and anti-mouse IgG-coated magnetic beads showed the same effect. Eisenin could not augment natural cytotoxicity of Sephadex G-10 column-eluted cells. Eisenin rendered K-562 target cells resistant to lysis by PBLs stimulated by eisenin. Both amino acids, L-pyroglutamic acid and L-alanine, as well as a mixture of the three component amino acids of eisenin could augment the natural cytotoxicity. Therefore, it is considered that the structure responsible for the augmentation of natural cytotoxicity by eisenin may be that of the amino acids.
We measured the levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in sera from patients with bronchial asthma. sICAM-1 levels in sera from atopic asthmatic patients in stable conditions were higher than in normal control subjects. Furthermore, the sICAM-1 levels in sera obtained during bronchial asthma attacks were higher than those in sera obtained in stable conditions. These results suggest that higher levels of sICAM-1 in sera reflect the upregulation of ICAM-1 expression in allergic inflammation.
A response to treatment and long-term course of 14 adults with delayed sleep phase syndrome were investigated with the use of their hospital records and mailed questionnaires. Six patients treated with chronotherapy showed full recovery just after the treatment. In three of them the delay of sleep phase relapsed one year afterwards. Four of five patients treated with pharmacotherapy alone showed partial recovery. Six of nine patients followed for periods of longer than three years after treatment showed good prognoses, though all of them still had a mild phase delay and had to shorten their sleep time in order to work full-time. The three others had poor prognoses and one of them was under psychiatric treatment for affective instability. These findings suggest that a long-term follow-up is needed to judge the effect of the treatment.
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We present a case of tuberculous pericarditis that was diagnosed early by a high titer of adenosine deaminase activity in the pericardial fluid and by a strongly positive tuberculin test. Within 2 weeks of initiation of treatment, pericardial effusion gradually decreased while clinical symptoms improved markedly. Culture from sputum, gastric juice, urine, and pericardial fluid were negative for tubercle bacillus. Measurement of adenosine deaminase activity in the pericardial fluid is a supplementary diagnostic test which is as important as for tuberculous pericarditis as it is for tuberculous pleuritis, because negative Ziehl Neelsen staining and culture for tubercle bacillus are common in tuberculous pericarditis.
Rats were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (5% lard, 0.5% cholesterol, and 0.25% sodium cholate) containing 5% of dietary phospholipid as safflower phospholipid (SAP), soybean phospholipid (SOP), or egg yolk phospholipid (EGP), or 5% of soybean oil (SO) as a control for 4 weeks. The concentrations of plasma cholesterol were significantly higher in rats fed the EGP diet than those of the other diets. Similarly, the concentrations of chylomicron plus very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol were higher in rats fed the EGP diet. The phospholipid diets induced a significant increase of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in comparison with the SO diet. The concentrations of liver cholesterol were significantly lower in rats fed the phospholipid diets than those of the SO diet. Among phospholipid-fed rats, the SAP and SOP diets decreased the concentrations of liver cholesterol compared with the EGP diet. The activity of plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) was significantly increased in rats fed the phospholipid diets. The phospholipid diets caused an enhanced excretion of neutral steroids into feces. Among phospholipid-fed rats, the SAP and SOP diets increased the excretion of fecal neutral steroids compared with the EGP diet. The fatty acid composition of HDL phospholipid was slightly reflected by the major dietary fat source. These results suggest that SAP and SOP inhibit markedly the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine of hypercholesterolemic rats and that the effect of SAP and SOP on plasma cholesterol metabolism may be different from that of EGP.