Biomedical subjects

T Kawakami

Publications and source records attributed to T Kawakami.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Expression of prolactin gene in mouse placenta during late pregnancy: detection of mRNA and its translation product.

To examine the existence of PRL messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the mouse placenta during late pregnancy, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot analysis were carried out followed by nucleotide sequence analysis of cDNA. Total RNA extracted from each tissue was reverse-transcribed, followed by PCR with two oligonucleotide primers specific or a part of mouse PRL (mPRL) cDNA. An amplified RT-PCR product of predicted size was detected in all samples from the placenta of days 16 and 18 pregnant mice. This product was specifically hybridized with a probe overlapping an entire sequence of mPRL cDNA in Southern blot analysis. Nucleotide sequence analysis also provided evidence that the amplified cDNA had a nucleotide sequence completely identical to the mPRL cDNA sequence reported previously. Furthermore, mPRL with a slightly bigger molecular weight than that of pituitary PRL was detected in the placenta of days 12, 14, 16 and 18 pregnancy by immunoblot analysis. These results suggest that PRL mRNA and its translation product are synthesized in mouse placenta during late pregnancy.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Peptidergic innervation in human von Ebner's glands: an immunohistochemical study.

The occurrence and distribution of several neuropeptides were studied in human von Ebner's glands. Immunoreactivity for substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), galanin, and somatostatin was found in the nerve fibers around the acini, ducts, and blood vessels. VIP-immunoreactive varicose fibers were numerous compared with the other five neuropeptides. Most NPY fibers were associated with the vasculature in the gland. These findings suggest that the neuropeptides may regulate the secretion and vascular tone in human von Ebner's glands.

Humans↗

PubMed1997

Sharing positive experiences in making changes in work and life in a local district in Vietnam.

A series of research and training programmes were undertaken in a rural district in the Mekong Delta area in Vietnam so as to facilitate positive changes in the work and life under the initiatives of the local people. As in other parts of the area, it was amid rapid changes in life-style under the shift toward a market economy. Field research relying on direct observation methods were carried out in various rice field jobs and local small enterprises for understanding the improvement potentials in the work and lives of the local people. To strengthen the local improvement initiatives, participatory training programmes were developed and practiced. In the training programmes, joint walk-through observations using an action checklist were stressed. The results were discussed in small groups and meetings. Interactive communications between the local people, while visiting their own houses and workplaces, took place. Based on these field research results, various positive changes were successfully implemented. They included a wide range of improvements such as more efficient work methods, safer use of technologies, hygienic housing conditions, and improved household plans. Our experiences demonstrated that practical approaches relying on local initiatives could facilitate the implementation of positive changes in the local socio-cultural settings.

Agriculture↗

PubMed1997

Immunoelectron microscopic demonstration of regulated pathway for calcitonin and constitutive pathway for carcinoembryonic antigen in the same cells of human medullary carcinomas of thyroid glands.

The human medullary carcinomas are well known to secrete calcitonin (CT) as a neuroendocrine peptide and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a serum protein that is integrated into the cell membrane. This ultrastructural study is designed to elucidate whether CT and CEA are secreted via two different intracellular secretory pathways, a regulated pathway and a constitutive pathway. The immunoelectron microscopic postembedding method, performed on four cases of the human medullary carcinomas of the thyroid using plastic embedding material, disclosed two distinct different localization patterns for CT and CEA. CT was localized exclusively in dense cored secretory granules. CEA was present in the cell membrane and in the secretory vesicles. The secretory granules were completely negative for CEA. The trans-Golgi networks were also positive for CT and CEA. Electron microscopic double staining confirmed these localization in the same carcinoma cells. These observations suggest the presence of two distinct pathways in the endocrine cancer cells, i.e., the regulated pathway for CT and the constitutive pathway for CEA.

Biological Transport↗

PubMed1997

[The study of urgent pulmonary resections for lung cancer accompany with pneumonia].

We studied 10 lung cancer patients with pneumonia insusceptible of conservative treatment. All patients underwent urgent pulmonary resection to control their pneumonia induced by the tumor and to cure the cancer. The causes of pneumonia were bronchial obstruction by the tumor itself or aspiration of the tumor necrosis. The patients comprised 9 men and 1 women. The age range was 37 to 72 years with a median age of 57 years. There were obstructive pneumonia in 3 patients and aspiration pneumonia in 7 cases. The average size of tumor was about 4.7 and 7.5 cm, respectively. The histological type of lung cancer was squamous cell carcinoma in 6 and adenocarcinoma in 4. There were 1 stage 1,1 stage IIIA and 3 stage IIIB tumors. Lobectomy was performed in 8 patients and pneumonectomy in 2 patients. Nine patients underwent the operation under one-lung ventilation. A median period of preoperative administration of antibiotics was 6.2 days. The curative operation for lung cancer was performed in 3 patients and non-curative operation in 7 patients. Postoperative complications were pneumonia in 2, subcutaneous abscess in 2 and arrhythmia in a case of pneumonectomy. All non-curative patients died in 5 years, but two curative patients survived long time for 31 and 75 months, respectively. We performed urgent pulmonary resection for lung cancer patients to cure fatal pneumonia and cancer. There were no hospital death. Urgent pulmonary resection could prevent early death caused by fatal pneumonia by tumor itself.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1997

[Premixing lidocaine reduces the incidence and severity of pain on injection of propofol].

The purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of premixed lidocaine for the reduction of pain during injection of propofol in adult patients. We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial on 106 patients. In the study group (n = 54), lidocaine 40 mg (2 ml of lidocaine 2%) was added to 180 mg of propofol (18 ml). In the control group (n = 52), 2 ml of normal saline was added to 180 mg of propofol. The pain on injection was rated as none, mild, moderate, or severe. Eleven patients (20.4%) in the study group experienced pain compared with 25 (48.1%) in the control group. Thirteen in the control group complained moderate or severe pain compared with only one in the study group. In conclusion, lidocaine 40 mg premixed with 180 mg propofol significantly reduces the incidence and severity of pain associated with propofol injection.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[A case of ruptured aortic arch aneurysm with hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade].

The ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm is still a dramatic even with very poor outcome, whereby its survival depends largely on early diagnosis and operation. We report a successful case of aortic arch replacement for ruptured aortic arch aneurysm with cardiac tamponade. Lethal hemopericardium causing cardiac tamponade is most commonly seen as a complication of acute myocardial infarction or acute aortic dissection, and subsequent rupture of the heart or ascending aorta leads to the rapid accumulation of blood within the poorly distensible pericardial sac. Our case was operated upon emergency basis due to hemopericardium. On operative findings, the aortic aneurysm located the minor curvature of aortic arch and was a huge saccular shape. In surgical procedure, the total arch replacement was completed using selective cerebral antegrade perfusion with deep hypothermia. Postoperative course was uneventful and no cerebral complication was observed after surgery.

Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic↗

PubMed1997

A case of prostate cancer presenting as a symptomatic abdominal mass.

An 80-year-old man presented to our hospital complaining of an abdominal mass. On physical examination, a hard fist-sized mass was noted in the right lower abdomen. Needle biopsy of the prostate and abdominal mass showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The chest roentgenogram revealed multiple lung metastases. Clinical diagnosis was T3N3M1, stage D2. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level (8,600 ng/ml) normalized after 3 months of anti-androgen therapy. Lung metastases disappeared after 11 months, while the abdominal mass was reduced to 25% of the pretreatment size after followup of 30 months.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

PubMed1997

Comparison of cilostazol with warfarin as antithrombotic therapy after femoro-popliteal bypass surgery using an ePTFE graft.

BACKGROUND: Cilostazol (6-[4-(1-cyclohexyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)butoxy]-3,4- dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone) is a new antiplatelet agent with a vasodilating action. The purpose of this study was comparison of cilostazol with warfarin as antithrombotic therapy after femoro-popliteal bypass surgery using an expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) graft. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This report is a retrospective study and the patients were followed up for five years. SETTING: Outpatients of university hospital. METHODS: Sixteen arteriosclerosis obliterans patients, who were diagnosed as having only superficial femoral artery stenosis or occlusion, underwent femoro-popliteal (above the knee) bypass using an ePTFE graft 6 mm in diameter. Cilostazol (150-200 mg/day) was administered to 6 cases (9 bypasses), and warfarin (prothrombin time was controlled to 15-25%.) was administered to 10 cases (14 bypasses). RESULTS: No clinically characteristic differences were found between the two groups. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year primary and secondary graft patency rates were 69% and 80%, 69% and 80%, and, 69% and 80% in the cilostazol group, vs 61% and 91%, 51% and 91%, and, 51% and 91% in the warfarin group, respectively. These differences were not significant (p < 0.05). No hemorrhage complications were observed in the cilostazol group. The management of cilostazol administration was safe and simple. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of cases was small in this study, cilostazol was considered to be as effective as warfarin and suitable for the postoperative antithrombotic therapy after the ePTFE bypass surgery.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

[Neurotransmitter-mediated regulatory mechanisms of axoplasmic transport--acetylcholine and adrenaline].

It has not been known whether or not the axoplasmic transport depends on regulatory influences mediated by neurotransmitters. The video-enhanced microscope technique has made it possible to visualize the real-time movement of micro-particles along axons and thus to observe its quick response to external signals. Using this technique, the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) and adrenaline on the axoplasmic transport in cultured cervical ganglion (SCG) cells were examined. Application of ACh inhibited the transport in both anterograde and retrograde directions. This effect was mimicked by the muscarinic receptor agonist arecoline, but not by the nicotinic receptor agonist nicotine. The response to ACh was inhibited by QNX (3-quinuclidinyl-xanthine-9-carboxylate), a muscarinic receptor antagonist. Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization with anti-muscarinic receptor subtypes compounds demonstrated the expression of m2 receptors on the SCG cell. Islet-activation protein (IAP), a G-protein inhibitor, completely blocked the suppressive effect of ACh. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor KT-5720 induced a similar effect to that of ACh. In contrast to the effect of ACh, adrenaline increased both anterograde and retrograde transport. The beta 2-receptor agonist (albuterol), but not alpha-receptor agonists (phenylphrine and clonidine) or beta 1-receptor agonist (dobutamine), mimicked the effect of adrenaline. The beta 2-receptor antagonist butoxamine abolished the facilitatory response to adrenaline. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, a membrane permeable cAMP, and forskolin, an activator of adenylyl cyclase, induced a similiar effect to that of adrenaline. These results suggest that 1) ACh, acting through m2-receptors, activates Gi-protein and thus inhibits cAMP synthesis, 2) adrenaline, acting through beta 2-receptors, increases intracellular cAMP concentration, and 3) these changes in cyclic AMP levels inhibit or enhance the activity of PKA to phosphorylate proteins related to the axoplasmic transport.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1997

Primary structure of the novel bacterial rhodopsin from extremely halophilic archaeon Haloarcula japonica strain TR-1.

A novel bacterial rhodopsin was identified in Haloarcula japonica strain TR-1. The gene encoding the bacterial rhodopsin was cloned and sequenced. The structural gene consisted of an open reading frame of 750 nucleotides encoding 250 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Ha. japonica bacterial rhodopsin showed the highest homology to those of cruxrhodopsins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

[The clinical efficacy of imipenem/cilastatin sodium in orthopedic infections and drug levels in the bone tissue].

We evaluated the clinical efficacy of imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS--a carbapenem antibiotic) against orthopedic infections, and the drug levels of the bone tissues were determined. The clinical efficacies for 6 patients in the infection group were good in 3 cases, and fair in the other 3; giving an efficacy rate of 50%. Bacteriologically, 8 strains were isolated from patients with the infection and an eradication rate of 87.5% was obtained upon the treatment. In 39 patients that were given the drug prophylactically, no postoperative infections occurred. Mean IPM levels in the bone and the bone marrow at 1 hour after administration in 5 patients of the prophylactic group were 17.3 micrograms/ml and 5.9 micrograms/g, respectively. The ratio of concentrations the bone to those in the bone marrow was 34.6%. The results of this study suggest that IMP/CS reaches to the bone tissue providing sufficient concentrations and that the drug is efficacious for the prophylaxis and the treatment of orthopedic infections.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Ontogeny of regulatory neuropeptides in the bullfrog taste organ.

During metamorphic stages (stages XX-XXV), the first appearance of nerve fibers containing substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), galanin (GAL), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the bullfrog taste organs was different for each substance. CGRP fibers appeared first in association with the immature taste organs at stage XX. Up to stage XXV, the taste organs, epithelial disks, are close to their adult form, and SP, VIP and GAL fibers appeared within them. Throughout these stages, NPY fibers were absent, and no taste cells had immunoreactivity of the five neuropeptides. The present findings and previous physiological studies suggest that the immature taste organs in metamorphic stages already function as chemical and mechanical receptors and that these sensory mechanisms are under the control of peptidergic innervation.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Precise coexistence of regulatory peptides in the nerve fibers of the amphibian carotid labyrinth demonstrated by a combination of double immunofluorescence labelling and a multiple dye filter.

An application of double-immunolabelling in combination with a multiple dye filter system demonstrated new findings regarding the distribution pattern of peptidergic fibers in the carotid labyrinth to addition to our previous findings shown by the individual filter system. In high magnification images of about 10% of the yellowish fibers which represent the coexistence of two neuropeptides, there was a definite difference in localization between the fluorescence originating from rhodamine (substance P fibers) and from FITC (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and neuropeptide Y fibers), but it was clear that they are intertwined within a single nerve bundle. This combination method was able to discriminate two different peptidergic fibers which run side by side. The coexistence suggested previously by the individual filter system may actually be due to the phenomenon described above. This means that it is necessary to apply the multiple dye filter system for reliable evidence of coexistence of different two substances in a single nerve fiber.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Ontogeny of the peptidergic fibers in the male mouse submandibular gland.

The first appearance of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), galanin (GAL), leucine-enkephalin (1-ENK), and methionine-enkephalin (m-ENK) in the male mouse submandibular glands were different for each. VIP immunoreactive fibers first appeared on embryonic day 15 (E15), SP on E16, and CGRP fibers on E18. GAL, 1-ENK, and m-ENK fibers appeared in the early postnatal period, and NPY fibers occurred on postnatal day 21 (P21). From P0 to P21, VIP fibers rapidly increased in number, but SP and CGRP fibers increased only slightly. After P21, VIP, SP, and CGRP fibers decreased in number. ENK fibers were found only from P0 to P14. The number of these immunoreactive fibers in the adult phase was low in comparison with that in early postnatal phase. Around the blood vessels, SP, VIP, CGRP, NPY, and GAL fibers appeared by at least P7. These findings suggested that the transient high activity of VIP, CGRP, SP, and GAL and the transient appearance of ENKs in the nerve fibers may be related to the cell proliferation and differentiation of the functionally important structures of the mouse submandibular glands, and that the peptidergic innervation around the vasculature is probably involved in controlling local glandular circulation.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

The EMT/ITK/TSK (EMT) tyrosine kinase is activated during TCR signaling: LCK is required for optimal activation of EMT.

Functional T lymphocyte activation requires concurrent stimulation of the TCR complex and an accessory molecule, most frequently CD28. We have previously demonstrated that the TEC family tyrosine kinase EMT/ITK/TSK (EMT) is activated following cross-linking of CD28. We demonstrate herein that cross-linking of the CD3 component of the TCR complex also leads to EMT activation as indicated by a rapid and transient increase in EMT tyrosine phosphorylation and kinase activity in anti-EMT immunoprecipitates. However, although concurrent cross-linking of the TCR and CD28 results in a marked increase in production of the T cell growth factor IL-2, it does not result in a significant alteration in the magnitude or duration of EMT activation. Somatic cell mutants of the Jurkat T cell line, which lack the SRC family kinase LCK (JCaM1.6), fail to produce IL-2 when stimulated through the TCR complex. EMT activation, as evidenced by increased EMT tyrosine phosphorylation and EMT-associated kinase activity, was also greatly reduced following stimulation of the TCR in the JCaM1.6 Jurkat T cell mutants that lack LCK. In support of a role for LCK in EMT activation, reconstitution of the LCK-negative Jurkat T cell line by enforced expression of LCK restored TCR-mediated EMT activation. Taken together, the data indicate that the EMT tyrosine kinase is activated following cross-linking of the TCR, a process in which LCK likely plays an important role.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1996

Coexistence of nitric oxide synthase and neuropeptides in the mouse vomeronasal organ demonstrated by a combination of double immunofluorescence labeling and a multiple dye filter.

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-immunofluorescence techniques were applied to the mouse vomeronasal organ. Immunoreactivity for NOS was found in the nerve fibers distributed in the receptor-free epithelium, and around the blood vessels and glands in the cavernous tissue. No NOS fibers were seen in the receptor area. A combination of double immunofluorescence labeling and multiple dye filter revealed that a part of the substance P (SP)-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the cavernous tissue contained NOS and that all the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-immunoreactive nerve fibers around the blood vessels and glands in the cavernous tissue contained NOS. A few SP-immunoreactive cell bodies in the trigeminal ganglion showed coexistence with NOS, and almost all VIP-immunoreactive cell bodies in the sphenopalatine ganglion showed coexistence with NOS. Immunoreactivity for NOS without VIP in the cell bodies in the sphenopalatine ganglion was also found. These results suggest that NOS-immunoreactive nerve fibers in the mouse vomeronasal organ originate from the trigeminal and the sphenopalatine ganglia, and may modulate the vascular tone and the glandular secretion. In addition, these functions may be controlled in part by the interaction of nitric oxide and neuropeptides.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Two-dimensional electrophoresis of plant proteins and standardization of gel patterns.

Proteins of two plants, Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa) were subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis with two modifications: (i) comigration of external standard marker proteins with resultant horizontal and vertical stripes in the gel, and (ii) deblocking with a vapor of aqueous heptafluorobutyric acid for N-acetylserine. Approximately 5000 protein spots were separated from both the five tissues of Arabidopsis and the nine tissues of rice. Over one hundred spots were electroblotted for N-terminal sequencing. Among the newly sequenced proteins, 62 were from Arabidopsis and 51 from rice.

Amino Acid Sequence↗