Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T Kumazawa

Publications and source records attributed to T Kumazawa.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

Rapid extraction of methamphetamine and amphetamine in body fluids with Bond Elut SCX cartridges before capillary gas chromatography.

A simple and rapid method for extraction of methamphetamine and amphetamine from human whole blood and urine with Bond Elut SCX cation exchanger cartridges is presented. Detection of the stimulants was made by capillary gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection after derivatization with trifluoroactic anhydride. The compound-containing samples, after mixing with 0.05 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.8), were directly applied to the cartridges, washed with 20 ml of 50% methanol in water and eluted with methanol-HCl (240:1). The recoveries of both methamphetamine and amphetamine were close to 100%. The background noises for Bond Elut SCX cartridge extraction were much smaller than those for Sep-Pak C18 cartridge and diethyl ether extractions.

Amphetamine↗

[Antitumor effect of LAK cells on CDDP resistant head and neck carcinoma cell line].

Antitumor effects of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells on cisplatin resistant oral carcinoma cell line were evaluated in vitro by 51Cr release assay and in vivo by nude mouse model. Oral carcinoma cell line (KB) and its subline KBrc resistant to cisplatin were used as target cells. We observed the antitumor effect of LAK cells on both KB and KBrc cells in terms of cytotoxicity of 51Cr release assay, and tumor growth inhibition of nude mouse assay. However, when we compared the antitumor effect between KB and KBrc cells, KBrc cells demonstrated a significant decrease in susceptibility to killing by LAK cells in the in vitro and in vivo model in comparison with the antitumor effect of LAK cells on KB cells. These results, which were not similar to the results of previous studies reported, suggest that alternations of characteristics of tumor cells such as acquired drug resistance result in the decrease in susceptibility of tumor cells against LAK cells.

Animals↗

Trace levels of pyrroloquinoline quinone in human and rat samples detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

A detailed procedure for the assay of free pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) in human and rat samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has been established with stable-isotopic PQQ as internal standard. PQQ was extracted from the samples, after addition of the internal standard, with butanol under acid conditions and with Sep-Pak C18 cartridges. After derivatization of PQQ with phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, molecular peaks at m/z 448 and 462 were used for detection of PQQ and [U-13C]PQQ by selected ion monitoring, respectively. Trace amounts of free PQQ were detected in eight organs, plasma and urine of the human, and in three organs of the rat. The PQQ level was highest in the human spleen (5.9 +/- 3.4 ng/g tissue, followed by the pancreas and lung, and it was below detection limits for human brain and heart. Trace levels of PQQ were also found in rat small intestine, liver and testis. Our data are far below those measured by the redox cycling method of Gallop's group for human plasma, adrenal and urine.

Animals↗

Effect of retinoid status on alpha, beta and gamma retinoic acid receptor mRNA levels in various rat tissues.

We have investigated the effects of retinoids, vitamin D and thyroid hormone on the levels of retinoic acid receptor (RAR)alpha, RAR beta and RAR gamma mRNAs in intact animals. Although vitamin A deficiency caused no significant changes in the levels of RAR alpha and RAR gamma mRNAs, the level of RAR beta transcripts was greatly decreased in various tissues of vitamin A-deficient rats, but was restored rapidly to a normal level after administration of retinoic acid. Retinol also restored the RAR beta mRNA level, but the magnitude and kinetics of the induction differed from those by retinoic acid. The use of specific inhibitors demonstrated that this autoregulation of RAR beta gene expression in vivo occurred at the transcriptional level. In addition, from these results it was postulated that the maintenance of the normal RAR beta mRNA levels seemed to require a threshold serum retinol concentration (about 25 micrograms/dl). Moreover, we found that administration of retinol and retinoic acid to normal rats caused the overexpression of RAR beta transcripts (2-15-fold) when compared with the control levels of RAR beta mRNA, although the levels of RAR alpha and RAR gamma mRNAs were not affected. Vitamin D and thyroid hormone did not modulate the levels of RAR transcripts. These findings clearly indicate the specific ligand regulation of RAR beta gene expression in intact animals. The altered levels of RAR beta according to retinoid status may affect retinoid-inducible gene expression.

Animals↗

Mapping of the cochlear nucleus subregions in the rat with neuronal Fos protein induced by acoustic stimulation with low tones.

To explore the mode of appearance of Fos, a gene product of proto-oncogene c-fos, in the cochlear nucleus, a pure tone was given to rats and Fos was detected by immunohistochemistry. Following low-tone stimuli applied with moderate ranges of sound intensity, neurons with Fos-label occurred band-like in the ventral subregions of the dorsal cochlear nucleus. Organization of low-to-high tones in the ventral-to-dorsal orientation became visible at the caudal level. Several other subnuclei consistently exhibited Fos with no topographic pattern. Neurons interspersed in the adjoining vestibulocochlear nerve were also found to elicit Fos. Low-tone stimuli with very high sound intensity led to a rather widespread distribution of Fos, making the tone-specific distribution less visible.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Synthesis and antiallergic activity of 11-(aminoalkylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin derivatives.

A new series of 11-substituted 6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin-2-carboxylic acid derivatives was synthesized and demonstrated to be orally active antiallergic agents. These compounds are structurally related to 1 (KW-4994), which we had reported previously to be a new antiallergic agent. Most compounds synthesized exhibited potent inhibitory effects on 48-h homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats and on IgG1-mediated bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. Additionally, compounds possessing a terminal carboxyl group at the 2-position of the dibenz[b,e]oxepin ring system exhibited inhibitory effects on specific [3H]pyrilamine binding to guinea pig cerebellum histamine H1 receptors, whereas these demonstrated negligible effects on specific [3H]QNB binding to rat striatum muscarinic acetylcholine M1 receptors. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the following key elements were required for enhanced antiallergic activities: (1) a 3-(dimethylamino)propylidene group as the side chain at the 11-position, (2) a terminal carboxyl moiety at the 2-position, and (3) a dibenzoxepin ring system. Among the compounds synthesized, (Z)-11-[3-(dimethylamino)propylidene]-6,11-dihydrodibenz [b,e]oxepin-2-acetic acid hydrochloride (16) was selected for further evaluation. It had an ED50 value of 0.049 mg/kg po in the PCA test in rats and an ID50 value of 0.030 mg/kg po in inhibiting anaphylactic bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs. Furthermore, it had a Ki value of 16 +/- 0.35 nM for the histamine H1 receptor, while it exhibited negligible CNS side effects up to a dose of 600 mg/kg po. Compound 16 is now under clinical evaluation as KW-4679.

Animals↗

Experimental and clinical evaluation by flow cytometry for the mechanism of combination therapy (cisplatin and peplomycin).

Pharmacologic effects of cisplatin (CDDP) and peplomycin (PEP) on tumor cell kinetics were studied both in vitro and in vivo with the aid of flow cytometry (FCM). Double staining with propidium iodide (PI) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to analyze the cell cycle, and the number of viable cells was determined with fluorescein diacetate (FDA). Effects of combining the 2 agents were also studied to establish the most effective method of combination therapy. Furthermore, these agents were tried clinically on the basis of experimental results. Results showed that CDDP exerted its action at the S and G2M phases in the cell cycle and PEP at the G2M phase. Among the combination regimens in the experiments with CDDP, PEP, and CDDP + PEP as analyzed by FCM, the strongest block on the G2M phase was shown in the one at a 2-day interval, resulting in the most effective killing of the tumor cells. Clinical trial of the combination therapy showed the same results as the in vitro experiment; the therapy proved useful for improving the patient's clinical condition and the results obtained with CT imaging and pathology.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Effects of propafenone on function and metabolism in the ischemic working rat heart.

We examined the effects of propafenone, a new anti-dysrhythmic agent, on myocardial function and metabolism in ischemic working rat heart preparations. In the treated hearts, propafenone, 0.3 micrograms/ml and 3 micrograms/ml, were added to Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer perfusate throughout the experiments. Whole heart ischemia was induced through a one-way aortic valve for 15 min followed by 'reperfusion for 30 min. After induction of ischemia, the cardiac output, peak aortic systolic pressure, left ventricular dP/dtmax, and myocardial ATP concentration were greater in the treated hearts than in the untreated ones. All hearts in the untreated group developed ventricular fibrillation (Vf) at the beginning of the reperfusion period. On the other hand, no treated hearts had Vf at any time during the experiment. However, propafenone, 3 micrograms/ml, evoked a negative inotropic effect before and after ischemia. These results indicate that propafenone may contribute to early recovery from ischemia in myocardial function and metabolism, although it has a negative inotropic action.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Potentiation of the cardiovascular effects of nicardipine by enflurane anesthesia in canine blood-perfused heart preparations.

The cardiovascular interaction between nicardipine (N) and enflurae (E) was examined with blood perfused isolated paplillary muscle preparations (PMP) and sinoatrial node preparations (SNP). Blood flow to these preparations was supplied by either conscious or 1.7% E-anesthetized-donor dogs. N was administered continuously at a rate of 2.0 microg.kg(-1).min(-1) into the donor dogs for 60 min. Measurements were as follows: mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (DHR), PQ interval (PQ) in the electrocardiogram, developed tension (DT) in PMP, sinoatrial rate (SAR) in SNP and blood flow (BF) to PMP and SNP. There were no significant differences in PQ, SAR and BF between two groups. However, N further decreased MAP, DHR and DT that were already decreased by E significantly. The authors conclude that the cardiovascular interaction between N and E was generally additive but that concerning negative inotropism was synergistic.

Journal Article↗

Cardiac and hepatic metabolism in spontaneously hypertensive rats following acute blood loss.

Seven spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and eight Wistar-St rats were used to assess the influence of hemorrhage on myocardial and hepatic energy metabolism. They received 2% halothane and pancuronium, 0.3 mg.kg(-1), during preparation. After discontinuation of halothane, blood (2 ml.100 g body weight(-1)) was gradually withdrawn over a 5 min period from a femoral artery. Thirty min after induction of hemorrhage, the heart and liver were removed and myocardial and hepatic metabolites (ATP, lactate, pyruvate and glycogen) were measured by the enzymatic methods. Acidosis and decreased hematocrit were noted in the both groups after hemorrhage. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) in SHR was significantly higher than that in Wistar rat before hemorrhage. However, there were no significant differences in MAP and heart rate between the two groups after hemorrhage. Although there were no significant differences in cardiac metabolites, a significant decrease of hepatic ATP and an increase of hepatic lactate/pyruvate ratio were found in SHR when compared with Wistar rat. These results suggest that human hypertensive disease may run a high risk in connection with acute hemorrhage.

Journal Article↗

Effects of prostacyclin analogue, OP-2507, on function and metabolism in the ischemic working rat heart.

We examined the effects of a new stable prostacyclin analogue, OP-2507, on myocardial function and metabolism in the ischemic working rat heart preparation. The hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate (KHB) buffer, and whole heart ischemia was induced by one-way aortic valve for 15 min follows by reperfusion for 30 min. In the treated hearts, OP-2507, 20 ng.ml(-1), was administered to KHB buffer from the beginning to the end of experiment. During ischemia, coronary flow in the OP-2507 group increased significantly more than that in the control group. The mechanical performance of both groups was impaired after ischemia. However, the recovery of coronary flow, cardiac output, peak systolic pressure and LV dP/dT(max) was significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group. The incidence of ventricular fibrillation during reperfusion was 100% and 25% in the control and the OP-2507 groups, respectively. Myocardial ATP content was significantly higher in the treated hearts than that in the control hearts. These results indicate that this stable prostacyclin analogue is beneficial in myocardial ischemia, even without its well known action of preventing platelet aggregation.

Journal Article↗

Quantitative immunoelectron microscopic localization of Na, K-ATPase alpha-subunit in the epithelial cells of rat vestibular apparatus.

Na, K-ATPase was quantitatively localized in the epithelial cells of rat vestibular apparatus such as macula utriculi, macula sacculi and crista ampullaris. Immunogold localization method was carried out at the saturation level of antibody using an affinity purified antibody against the alpha-subunit of rat kidney Na, K-ATPase. Numerous gold particles were found on the basolateral membrane of the dark cells, a small number of gold particles were found on the basolateral membrane of the transitional epithelium cells and hair cells, but the luminal surface membranes of the hair cells, transitional epithelium cells, planum semilunatum cells and dark cells were rarely labeled by gold particles. Significance of the abundant localization of Na, K-ATPase on the basolateral surface of the dark cells in the production of endolymph was discussed.

Animals↗

Rapid isolation with Sep-Pak C18 cartridges and capillary gas chromatography of triazine herbicides in human body fluids.

A simple and rapid method, for the isolation of eight triazine herbicides from human serum and urine, using Sep-Pak C18 cartridges is presented. After mixing with distilled water, serum and urine samples containing the herbicides, were loaded on Sep-Pak C18 cartridges and eluted with either chloroform only or chloroform/methanol (9:1). The herbicides were detected by capillary gas chromatography with both flame ionization detection (FID) and nitrogen-phosphorus detection (NPD). Separation of eight triazine herbicides from each other and from impurities was generally satisfactory with the use of a non-polar DB-1 capillary column. Recovery of most compounds was excellent for both chloroform and chloroform/methanol (9:1) as elution solvents. Backgrounds were cleaner and evaporation time was shorter for the chloroform only than for the chloroform/methanol (9:1). The NPD gave sensitivity more than 10-20 times higher than that of FID.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Delayed shortening and shrinkage of cochlear outer hair cells.

Slow shortening of cochlear outer hair cells has been speculated to modify cochlear sensitivity. Tetanic electrical field stimulation of isolated outer hair cells from guinea pigs shortened the cells for 2-3 min. Electrical stimulation reduced cell length and volume (-13.5 +/- 1.5 and -37.3 +/- 3.0% of initial values, respectively, n = 16) and decreased the intracellular Cl- concentration. Cytochalasin B (100 microM) inhibited electrical stimulation-induced shortening but not volume reduction. The following chemicals or manipulations inhibited the responses: 10 microM furosemide, 0.1 mM 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), 1 mM anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (AC9), 25 mM tetraethylammonium, 2.3 microM charybdotoxin (ChTX), 250 nM omega-conotoxin, and Ca(2+)-free medium. These findings suggest that both electrical stimulation-induced shortening and shrinkage of outer hair cells result not only from an actin-mediated contractile force, but also from Cl- efflux through furosemide-, DIDS-, and AC9-sensitive Cl- channels, and K+ efflux through ChTX-sensitive K+ channels.

Actins↗

Strong heat stimulation sensitizes the heat response as well as the bradykinin response of visceral polymodal receptors.

1. Hyperalgesia after thermal injury is a common phenomenon, but its mechanism is poorly understood. As a step toward understanding the mechanism for heat sensitization, we searched conditions that would induce sensitization consistently and studied changes in polymodal receptors in their responses to heat (45 and 48 degrees C) and to bradykinin. Experiments were conducted in vitro, with the use of testis-superior spermatic nerve preparations excised from anesthetized dogs. 2. Stimulation at 55 degrees C for 30 s induced clear augmentation of the responses to stimulations at 45 and 48 degrees C when tested within 10 min in 22 out of 24 testicular polymodal units. In the remaining two units, weak or delayed augmenting tendencies were observed. The response to stimulation at 45 degrees C increased from 0.28 +/- 0.08 to 2.99 +/- 0.46 (SE) imp/s, whereas at 48 degrees C it increased from 1.08 +/- 0.16 to 4.60 +/- 0.63 imp/s (P < 0.001, n = 24). A low-level ongoing discharge appeared in about one-half of the units studied. 3. Despite frequent rinsing of the receptive field, augmentation of the heat response observed after stimulation at 55 degrees C continued for up to approximately 3 h. 4. The response to bradykinin (94 nM) was also potentiated: the net mean discharge rate (NMDR) during a 1-min application period of bradykinin as well as the total number of impulses induced by one bradykinin application significantly increased from 0.91 +/- 0.27 to 1.97 +/- 0.32 imp/s and from 213.9 +/- 42.3 to 433.5 +/- 58.7 impulses, respectively (P < 0.001, n = 15).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Evidence of platelet-activating factor in nasal polyps.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) was measured in human nasal polyps obtained from patients with chronic sinusitis. PAF was quantitated by platelet-aggregating activity and was found to be 7.8 +/- 1.8 pg/micrograms phosphorus of polyp phospholipid (mean +/- SE; n = 23). In the polyps, phosphatidylcholine constituted 30% of the total phospholipids, of which 8.5% was the ether-linked type. Incubations of replicates of the fresh polyps in Tyrode's solution in the presence of calcium ionophore A23187 and antihuman immunoglobulin E resulted in 295 and 65% increases in the amount of PAF, respectively. Thus, nasal polyps in humans with chronic sinusitis possess PAF and have the potential to produce PAF upon stimulation. The participation of PAF in nasal polyp formation is discussed.

Adolescent↗