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T Kawashima

Publications and source records attributed to T Kawashima.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Induction of tumor necrosis factor in mice by recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

The effect of recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhM-CSF) on endogenous production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was investigated in mice. The intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after the administration of rhM-CSF via the same route induced the production of endogenous cytotoxic activity in serum as assessed by using TNF-sensitive murine L929 cells. The intravenous injection of LPS alone or rhM-CSF alone did not induce cytotoxic activity. The priming effect of rhM-CSF was transient and the optimal duration between injections of primer and trigger was 3 h, while the optimal duration between trigger injection and serum sampling was 1 h after LPS injection. Moreover, preinjection of rhM-CSF enhanced the priming effect of recombinant mouse interferon-gamma. No triggering effect of rhM-CSF was observed. The cytotoxic activity in the serum was completely neutralized by anti-mouse TNF-alpha polyclonal antibody. These results indicate that rhM-CSF can be used as a priming agent for endogenous production of TNF in vivo, and raise the possibility of using rhM-CSF in cancer immunotherapy.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Two cases of lung infection due to Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. abscessus].

Two cases of lung infection due to Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. abscessus are reported. Case 1, a 50-year-old female, was a secondary infection-type, and case 2, a 53-year-old female, was a primary infection-type. The 16 cases reported, between the ages of 29 and 76 years, there were 6 males and 10 females. The roentgenographic examinations, revealed that the ratio of the primary and secondary infection-type was 3:1. Effective agents for this organism has not been yet confirmed. In the present study, we treated two patients with AMK and IPM/CS, and obtained negative conversion of the sputum culture as well as improvement of roentgenographic features.

Female↗
PubMed1994

Inhibitory effect of pemirolast, a novel antiallergic drug, on leukotriene C4 and granule protein release from human eosinophils.

To determine whether pemirolast, a new antiallergic drug, inhibits the activation of eosinophils, we investigated the effect of pemirolast on the release of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) from human eosinophils. Calcium ionophore A23187 caused both LTC4 and ECP release from human eosinophils, whereas PAF and FMLP induced only ECP release from the eosinophils. Pemirolast (10(-6) to 10(-3) M) inhibited A23187-induced LTC4 release from the eosinophils in a dose-dependent fashion with 77% inhibition at 10(-3) M. Pemirolast (10(-5) to 10(-3) M) inhibited A23187-induced ECP release from the eosinophils in a dose-dependent fashion with 42% inhibition at 10(-3) M. Pemirolast (10(-4) and 10(-3) M) also inhibited PAF-induced and FMLP-induced ECP release from the eosinophils. We conclude that pemirolast prevents the activation of human eosinophils to inhibit LTC4 and ECP release. These results suggest that pemirolast might be useful in controlling allergic diseases by inhibiting eosinophil activation.

Asthma↗
PubMed1994

Impact of ultraviolet radiation on the cellular expression of Ro/SS-A-autoantigenic polypeptides.

Modulation of Ro/SS-A autoantigens in epidermal keratinocytes has been implicated in the pathogenesis of photosensitive forms of Ro/SS-A-antibody-associated cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) such as subacute cutaneous LE and neonatal LE. Since Ro/SS-A ribonucleoprotein particles have recently been shown to be very complex molecular structures, we have performed studies to determine whether the expression of three of the Ro/SS-A antigenic polypeptides might be differentially regulated in transformed human epidermal keratinocytes following UVB radiation. Our findings indicate that both total cellular and cell surface levels of calreticulin are upregulated by UVB exposure more so than are either the 52- or 60-kD Ro/SS-A antigens. These results suggest that calreticulin could be a critical component of the Ro/SS-A ribonucleoprotein complex involved in the pathogenesis of Ro/SS-A-antibody-associated LE skin lesions.

Autoantigens↗
PubMed1994

Proteoglycan form of macrophage colony-stimulating factor binds low density lipoprotein.

We recently isolated a proteoglycan form of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (PG-M-CSF) that carries a chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan chain. Here, we examined the interaction of PG-M-CSF with low density lipoprotein (LDL). When LDL preincubated with PG-M-CSF was fractionated by molecular size sieving chromatography, it was eluted earlier than untreated LDL. When LDL was preincubated with chondroitin sulfate-free 85-kD M-CSF instead of PG-M-CSF, the elution profile of LDL remained unchanged, indicating specific interaction between PG-M-CSF and LDL. The level of PG-M-CSF binding in the wells of a plastic microtitration plate precoated with LDL was significant, this binding being completely abolished by pretreatment of PG-M-CSF with chondroitinase AC, which degrades chondroitin sulfate. The addition of exogenous chondroitin sulfate or apolipoprotein B inhibited the binding of PG-M-CSF to LDL in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that the interaction between PG-M-CSF and LDL was mediated by the binding of the chondroitin sulfate chain of PG-M-CSF to LDL apolipoprotein B. PG-M-CSF was also demonstrated in the arterial wall, and there were increased amounts of PG-M-CSF in atherosclerotic lesions. The in vitro interaction between PG-M-CSF and LDL thus appears to have physiological significance.

Aorta↗
PubMed1994

Impact of ultraviolet irradiation on expression of SSA/Ro autoantigenic polypeptides in transformed human epidermal keratinocytes.

SSA/Ro autoantibodies are frequently found in various autoimmune disorders including subacute cutaneous and neonatal lupus erythematosus. SSA/Ro patient sera precipitate a ribonucleoprotein complex consisting of multiple polypeptides and small RNA molecules (hY RNA). Such sera react in Western blot with at least four antigenically distinct proteins having molecular weights of 52-60 kD. Several laboratories have reported increased binding of anti-SSA/Ro patient serum to viable cultured human epidermal keratinocytes following UVB irradiation. However, it is currently unknown which SSA/Ro molecule(s) might be responsible for this increased antibody binding to UVB irradiated keratinocytes. To address this question, we studied the effect of UVB irradiation on the expression of three different polypeptide components of the SSA/Roautoantigen complex (60 kD SSA/Ro, 52 kD SSA/Ro, and 46 kD SSA/Ro (calreticulin) in A431 cells, a transformed human epidermal keratinocytes cell line. Total cellular and cell surface expression of each SSA/Ro antigenic polypeptide was examined by a whole cell ELISA and FACS using rabbit anti-synthetic peptide antisera as probes. Our results suggest that both total cellular and cell surface calreticulin, but not the 60 and 52 kD SSA/Ro polypeptides, is increased after 100 J/M2 of UVB irradiation, indicating that perturbed calreticulin expression may be primarily responsible for the UVB-induced increased binding of anti-SSA/Ro to keratinocytes. These results suggest that calreticulin could be a critical component of the SSA/Ro ribonucleoprotein complex that is involved in the pathogenesis of anti-SSA/Ro-associated photosensitive LE skin lesions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

[Sudden deafness in the elderly].

We investigated the clinical features of 64 cases of sudden deafness in patients more than 60 years of age. Forty-eight cases (75%) had profound deafness, 13 moderate and three mild deafness. The audiograms of 25 cases showed a flat pattern, 13 a gradually descending curve, and 13 total deafness. In 60 cases, the unaffected ear also had hearing impairment of variable severity. Fifty-one of these 60 cases demonstrated a physiological hearing threshold shift termed presbycusis in the unaffected ear. Hearing impairment in 35 cases (55%) was cured or improved by medical treatment including steroids. But in the majority of cases, the hearing threshold level of the affected ear did not improve above that of the unaffected ear when the unaffected ear had a hearing impairment. In particular, hearing impairment in five cases with total deafness in the unaffected ear did not improve. The elderly often had various systemic complications, including nine cases of diabetes and seven of hypertension. We treated patients with diabetes using steroids under the consultation of diabetic specialists. As a result, there was no case of complications induced by steroids. We consider the effect of treatment of sudden deafness in the elderly to be best judged in various degrees of hearing impairment in the unaffected ear.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Histamine release induced by pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide from rat peritoneal mast cells.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide 38 (PACAP 38) and its fragments PACAP 27, PACAP 16-38, PACAP 28-38, PACAP 31-38 were compared for their histamine releasing effects on rat peritoneal mast cells. PACAP 38 and PACAP 16-38 were the most active peptides, followed by PACAP 27. PACAP 38 and PACAP 16-38 dose-dependently increased histamine release at a concentration of 1 x 10(-8) mol/l or higher, and these releasing activities were more than 100 times more potent than that of substance P. Extracellular calcium inhibited the substance P-induced histamine release. In contrast, PACAP 38- and PACAP 27-induced histamine releases were hardly inhibited by extracellular calcium.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Inhibitory effect of AS-35. a novel antiallergic drug, on chemical mediator release from human eosinophils].

To determine whether AS-35, a new antiallergic drug, inhibits the activation of eosinophils, we examined the effect of AS-35 on the release of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) from human eosinophils. Calcium ionophore A23187 caused both LTC4 and EPO release from human eosinophils. AS-35 (1 x 10(-5) M) inhibited A23187-induced LTC4 release from the eosinophils with 56% inhibition. AS-35 (1 x 10(-6) to 1 x 10(-5) M) also inhibited A23187-induced EPO release from the eosinophils in a dose-dependent fashion with 79% inhibition at 1 x 10(-5) M. We concluded that AS-35 prevents the activation of human eosinophils to inhibit LTC4 and EPO release. These results suggest that AS-35 might be useful in controlling allergic diseases by inhibiting eosinophil activation.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1994

[Concomitant graft replacement of the total aortic root and the transverse aortic arch for type A aortic dissection associated with Marfan syndrome: report of a case].

A 25-year-old man of Marfan syndrome with chronic stage aortic dissection of Stanford type A underwent concomitant graft replacement of the total aortic root and transverse aortic arch. The surgical procedure were performed with an aid of extracorporeal circulation, blood cardioplegia, using the techniques of "open distal anastomosis" under the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and continuous retrograde cerebral perfusion for cerebral protection during circulatory arrest. The operative techniques consisted of total aortic root replacement using a composite graft with Piehler's and Carrel patch technique for left and right coronary artery, and total arch replacement using en bloc distal arch reconstruction and a composite graft replacement for innominate artery. There were no neurological complications. In the case of Marfan syndrome, type A aortic dissection involving aortic arch should be treated by concomitant graft replacement of the total aortic root and the transverse aortic arch in order to reduce the late risk of aortic dissection or annular dilatation.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[The isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria and the pulmonary infections of nontuberculous mycobacteria in the general hospital].

In the past eight years, we experienced 94 cases of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolation from the specimens of sputum, gastric juice, pleural fluid and fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedure at Chiba Kaihin Municipal Hospital. The species of NTM were M. avium complex (MAC) in 23, M. gordonae in 15, M. kansasii in 12, M. fortuitum in 8, M. chelonae in 7, etc.. The number of isolation of NTM has increased, and it is worthwhile to mention that it had exceeded the number of isolation of M. tuberculosis since 1991. We experienced 28 cases of pulmonary infections caused by NTM during the same period. Thirteen cases were by M. avium complex, 11 cases by M. kansasii, one case by MAC and M. kansasii, one case by M. chelonae and two cases by unidentified NTM. Pulmonary infections by NTM also gradually increased. Thirteen cases (46.4%) had underlying diseases in the respiratory system. Most of them were progressive diseases with cavities and were easily diagnosed by mycobacterial examinations of the specimens such as sputum or gastric juice. We were unable to diagnose 12 cases (42.9%) by mycobacterial examinations. Most of them had no underlying diseases and showed small lesions without cavitation on the chest X-ray. Eight cases were diagnosed by the histopathological examination of TBLB (transbronchial lung biopsy) specimens. In such cases, these procedures were also useful for the early diagnosis. This study indicated the increase of the isolation of NTM and the pulmonary infections by NTM. Once the infections are established, they are progressive, and the early diagnosis of these infections are thought to be important.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Clinical efficacy of arbekacin on MRSA pneumonia].

Arbekacin sulfate (ABK) was administered by intravenous drip to pneumonia patients infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and the efficacy and the safety were objectively evaluated by the executive committee. The daily dose was determined in principle as 150-200 mg, two times a day, 30-90 minutes drip infusion, and the dose was to be changed at each special occasion. Combined therapy with other antibiotics was scheduled in severe cases at a decision of the physician in charge. Data of 18 cases were accumulated. The efficacy could be evaluated for 12 cases (4 cases with ABK alone, and 8 cases with combined therapy), and the safety was evaluated for 18 cases. The clinical efficacy was: excellent, 1; good, 4; fair, 5; and poor, 2. The efficacy rate was 41.7%. The bacteriological effect was: eradicated, 2 (16.7%); decreased, 2; and no change, 8. There found no side effects except 3 cases of abnormal laboratory data, two abnormal renal functions(11.1%) and one abnormal hepatic function (5.5%). In one of the renal disorders, decreased dose of ABK improved the function. In the other case, the impaired renal function lasted until death by heart failure. In the case of abnormal function, discontinuing the ABK therapy improved the hepatic function. In the 4 out of 5 cases that showed excellent or good clinical efficacy, patients recovered within relatively early days of ABK therapy. The average days for recovery was 7.8.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Intracranial blood flow measured with single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) during transient -6 degrees head-down tilt.

Regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) during a transient head-down tilt of -6 degrees (-6 degrees HDT) was measured with single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT). CBF was measured and averaged for both sides of the brain areas; e.g., the bilateral anterior cerebral artery (bACA) area, the middle cerebral artery (bMCA) area, the posterior cerebral artery (bPCA) area, bilateral basal ganglia, and the cerebellum. Among these areas, a significant increase in CBF was observed in the basal ganglia and the cerebellum during -6 degrees HDT compared to pre-HDT. When CBF was measured separately in the left or right brain area, these significances disappeared, although a trend of increase or decrease was still observable. A trend of increase was observed in the left anterior cerebral artery (IACA) area, the right middle cerebral artery (rMCA) area, the right posterior cerebral artery (rPCA) area, the left and right basal ganglia, and the cerebellum. In rACA, IMCA and IPCA areas, a slight decrease in CBF was observed. At the same time, cardiac parameters were measured. Heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) did not change significantly, although SV slightly increased and HR slightly decreased during -6 degrees HDT.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantification of Cry j I and Cry j II].

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were developed to specifically quantify the two major allergens from Japanese cedar pollen, Cry j I and Cry j II. Polystyrene microplates coated with antibodies specific for Cry j I or Cry j II were incubated with an allergen and then with biotinylated anti-Cry j I or Cry j II antibody. The bound allergen-biotin Ab complexes were detected with HRPO-conjugated streptavidin and an enzyme substrate. The working ranges of Cry j I ELISA and Cry j II ELISA were 0.3-20 ng/ml and 0.6-20 ng/ml, respectively. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation for reproducibility were 1.5-10.3% and 0.9-12.9%. These ELISA systems showed no cross-reactivity between Cry j I and Cry j II and showed little cross-reactivity with pollen allergens of plants botanically related to the Japanese cedar. Using the Cry j I ELISA and the Cry j II ELISA, it was possible to quantify Cry j I and Cry j II easily and accurately. These ELISA systems will be useful in various fields, especially for the analysis and standardization of the allergens necessary for diagnosis and treatment of Japanese cedar pollinosis.

Allergens↗
PubMed1994

[A successful case report of redo composite graft and total aortic arch replacement for active prosthetic graft endocarditis].

A successful redo composite graft and total aortic arch replacement for active prosthetic graft endocarditis is reported in the 31-year-old female with Marfan syndrome who had undergone Bentall procedure and proximal aortic arch replacement for type A acute aortic dissection 21 months previously. Echocardiography revealed massive vegetation in the composite graft and left ventricular outflow tract, and blood culture suggested Candida endocarditis. The composite graft and arch grafts were completely removed, and the reconstruction was carried out with a new composite graft using Piehler's technique. Finally, the total aortic arch was replaced and the all branches were reconstructed. The post-operative course has been uneventful, and she is now doing well 12 months after the operation without any evidence of recurrence of endocarditis.

Adult↗