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Biomedical subjects

T Minami

Publications and source records attributed to T Minami.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Low testosterone levels in diabetic men and animals: a possible role in testicular impotence.

Poorly controlled NOD spontaneously diabetic mice were proven to have significantly less plasma and testicular testosterone than well-controlled diabetic mice (489 +/- 15 ng/dl and 3.89 +/- 0.79 micrograms/100 g tissue, vs. 176 +/- 24 and 9.00 +/- 1.24, respectively), and these in turn had significantly less than NOD non-diabetic control mice. These data were consistent with our previous observation of a decrease in total plasma and testicular testosterone levels in streptozotocin diabetic rats. A greater difference between total plasma testosterone levels and free testosterone levels was found in streptozotocin diabetic rats (17 +/- 4 ng/dl vs. 91 +/- 7 ng/dl) than in control rats (660 +/- 141 vs. 352 +/- 77). Fat droplets, depicting blocked testosterone synthesis, were found in the testicular Leydig cells of streptozotocin diabetic rats and disappeared with insulin treatment. No difference was found among plasma total testosterone concentrations in people in different stages of diabetes, as had been previously reported. However, human diabetic males, free of complications but poorly controlled, had less free testosterone than those without complications but well controlled (18.0 +/- 2.0 pg/ml vs. 22.8 +/- 1.3), who in turn had significantly less than age-matched controls (25.3 +/- 1.1 pg/ml). These data suggest gonadal dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Correlation between the infection rate of the vector tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis and the parasitaemia of cattle infected with Theileria sergenti.

The infection rate of Theileria sergenti in salivary glands of nymphal Haemaphysalis longicornis which had dropped from cattle showing different piroplasm parasitaemias was examined by the methyl green-pyronin staining method. The results suggested that there was some correlation between parasitaemia and the subsequent infection rate in salivary glands of ticks. It seemed possible that the parasitaemia in cattle, especially the number of parasitized erythrocytes in blood imbibed by ticks, might be an important influence on the number of infected acini of ticks.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Purification and characterization of cell-associated glucosyltransferase synthesizing water-insoluble glucan from serotype c Streptococcus mutans.

Strains of Streptococcus mutans (serotypes c, e and f) were found to possess high levels of glucosyltransferase (GTase) activity, both cell-associated and in the culture medium, when grown in either sucrose-free or sucrose-containing broth media. The cell-associated GTase of S. mutans MT8148 (serotype c) was effectively extracted by treatment with 8 M-urea at 25 degrees C for 1 h. Approximately 95% of the GTase activity was solubilized by this treatment. The crude extract was purified by DEAE-Sephacel and hydroxylapatite column chromatography. For comparison, extracellular GTase was also purified from the culture supernatant of the same strain by ammonium sulphate precipitation, chromatofocusing and hydroxylapatite chromatography. The molecular masses of the cell-associated and extracellular GTase proteins were similar (156 kDa) as determined by SDS-PAGE. However, the pH optima for maximum GTase activity were different: pH 6.7 to 7.0 for the cell-associated enzyme and pH 5.5 to 6.5 for the extracellular enzyme. The product of cell-associated GTase from sucrose was almost exclusively water-insoluble glucan. On the other hand, extracellular GTase produced mainly water-soluble glucan from sucrose. This indicates that GTase synthesizing water-insoluble glucan is present primarily in a cell-associated form in serotype c S. mutans. Insoluble glucan synthesis by the cell-associated GTase from sucrose was not enhanced by addition of primer dextran T10 to the reaction mixture. The extracellular and cell-associated GTases were immunologically unrelated as determined by ELISA using monoclonal antibodies.

Chromatography↗
PubMed1989

Enhanced parasympathetic nerve activities in experimentally-induced nasal hypersensitivity.

In order to verify the role of cholinergic nerves in nasal allergy and nonspecific nasal hypersensitivity we have evaluated the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and the activity of choline acetyltransferase in nasal mucosa of TDI-sensitized guinea-pigs at specific points in time during a pre-determined sensitization period. The density of muscarinic receptors was significantly elevated in animals sensitized for 8 and/or 12 weeks as well as in the group which received 12 weeks of sensitization followed by a 4 week rest period. Choline acetyltransferase activity was also enhanced at 4-, 8- and 12 weeks. These observations provide biochemical evidence of the hyperactivity of cholinergic nerves in nasal allergy which has been suggested by clinical and pharmacological studies, and lead to the speculation that enhanced parasympathetic nerve function is implicated in causing and maintaining hypersensitivity and hypersecretion in nasal allergy.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Histamine and acetylcholine regulation of sympathetic nerve activity in guinea-pig nasal mucosa.

The regulating effects of histamine and acetylcholine (Ach) in norepinephrine (NE) transmission in nasal mucosa were investigated by analyzing 3H-NE release from isolated guinea-pig tissues. In addition, localization of the histamine H1 receptor and the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor on the sympathetic nerve in the guinea-pig nasal mucosa were examined by quantitatively evaluating these receptors after the unilateral removal of the superior cervical ganglion. Ach inhibited electrically-stimulated 3H-NE release in a concentration-dependent manner, and this effect was blocked by atropine. Histamine inhibited electrically-induced 3H-NE release at a concentration of 10(-5) M but enhanced it in concentration of 10(-3) M. Histamine increased the spontaneous release of 3H-NE in a dose-dependent manner, which was inhibited by pyrilamine (H1 antagonist) and excess Ach, but was not altered by cimetidine (H2 antagonist). These results suggest the following: 1) Local regulation of NE transmission in nasal mucosa involved excitatory H1 receptors, inhibitory H2 receptors and inhibitory muscarine receptors which can be facilitated by sensory stimulation with histamine. 2) Histamine regulation may vary with a balance between the excitatory and inhibitory effects. 3) Histamine in the high concentrations seen in cases of nasal allergy, may shift this balance causing increased NE release; at low concentrations, NE release is inhibited. In the second series of this study, we were unable to demonstrate a decreased number of either H1 or muscarine receptors on the side affected by unilateral cervical ganglia sympathectomy.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1989

[Caries-inducing activity of isomaltooligosugar (IMOS) in in vitro and rat experiments].

The caries-inducing activity of Isomaltooligosugar (IMOS: a isomaltose rich sugar mixture) was examined in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Strains of Streptococcus mutans MT8148R and Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 fermented IMOS and produced acids. IMOS inhibited the glucan synthesis from sucrose by glucosyltransferases from both of S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Furthermore, IMOS inhibited sucrose-dependent adherence of those mutans streptococci. IMOS was found to induce significant but minimal caries SPF Sprague-Dawley rats infected with either MT8148R and 6715. However, IMOS did not inhibit the caries which was induced by sucrose.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Non-cariogenicity of maltitol in vitro and animal experiments].

The caries inducing activity of maltitol was examined in in vitro and animal experiments. Fifteen strains of oral streptococci were not able to ferment maltitol. Also, maltitol inhibited the glucan synthesis from sucrose by GTases from mutans streptococci. However, the inhibition of growing-cell adherence was not so marked with the addition of maltitol to sucrose culture. In the animal experiments, maltitol did not induced dental caries in rats infected with mutans streptococci. Furthermore, maltitol significantly inhibited the sucrose-induced dental caries in rats infected with S. sobrinus 6715. However, there was no significant difference in rats infected with S. mutans MT8148R. These results indicated that maltitol is useful as a non-cariogenic sucrose substitute.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Chemo-embolization therapy of unresectable liver metastases using implantable infusion port].

Since 1987, 14 patients (10 colorectal, 3 gastric and 1 lung cancer) with unresectable liver metastases received intra-arterial infusion chemo-embolization therapy using implantable infusion port. All patients had more than one lesion in bilateral lobe (H2 and H3). Infusion catheters were placed in the proper hepatic artery through the gastroduodenal artery on laparotomy. Infusion ports were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall. Various kinds of chemotherapeutic agents such as MMC, ADR, THP-ADR, CDDP and 5-FU were injected with embolization material (DSM or Lipiodol), every 1 to 4 weeks at the outpatient clinic. Among 10 cases of H2 grade metastases, 1 CR and 3 PR (40% clinical response) were obtained. However, all 4 cases of H3 grade were judged PD. All patients except one with H2 grade metastases are still alive, but 3 out of 4 with H3 grade died within 7 to 11 months. Catheter occlusion was observed in 4 cases for 3 to 7 months. Infection around the port occurred in 1 patient. A patient with metastatic liver cancer was treated by intermittent bolus injection with MMC and DSM. Partial response was confirmed by CT and tumor markers. Histological response was demonstrated in the specimen obtained at partial hepatectomy. It is concluded that this treatment is variable to prolong the survival of patients with H2 grade metastatic liver cancer, together with maintenance of the quality of life.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

[Cervico-thoracic-abdominal lymph node dissection for carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus].

Over the period from 1982 to 1988, 127 cases with carcinoma in the thoracic esophagus underwent curative resection through a right thoracotomy. Cervicothoracic-abdominal lymph node dissection was performed in twenty-seven cases. No operative death occurred and only one hospital death (4%) was recorded. The only postoperative complication was recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Based on the adjusted survival-rate curves using Cox's method, there was significant difference in prognosis in favor of these 27 cases that received cervicothoracic-abdominal lymph node dissection over those that did not. The survival rate of all curatively operated cases was noticeably improved by using this procedure. Of those that underwent dissection only, or dissection with postoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy, the best prognosis could be reached by a combination of the cervicothoracic-abdominal lymph node dissection and postoperative chemotherapy. From follow-up data regarding recurrence rates, a more extended dissection and complete removal of lymph nodes in the left upper mediastinum and retroperitoneum should further improve the long-term prognosis.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1989

[Acute myelogenous leukemia accompanied by HTLV-I associated myelopathy (HAM) caused by blood transfusion].

A case of AML accompanied by HTLV-I associated myelopathy (HAM) is reported. A 37-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in April 1985 because of severe anemia, general malaise and fever. On admission, anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis consisting of 32% myeloblasts and 6% promyelocytes were noted. A bone marrow study revealed marked myeloid hyperplasia, and a diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (M2) was made. In order to improve the patient's severe anemia and thrombocytopenia, a large amount of blood transfusion was applied at once. Thereafter BHAC-DMP therapy was commenced resulting in complete remission 3 months after initiating chemotherapy. Hematological improvement has continued (as of May 1988). In June 1986 the patient showed a gait disturbance of slowly progressive course. Neurological examination revealed hyperactive knee and ankle jerks with a positive Babinski's sign, and foot clonus were also noted bilaterally. Sphincter impairment was detected. A CSF sample contained slight pleocytosis with some abnormal lymphocytes similar to those found in adult T cell leukemia. Antibodies to HTLV-I were found in the CSF and serum by EIA method. According to these findings we diagnosed the patient's illness as HAM, referring to the new clinical entity named by Osame. This patient had undergone a blood transfusion 14 months before the onset of this myelopathy, therefore the transmission of exogenous antigens through blood transfusion may be the cause of HAM. Corticosteroid pulse treatment was administered and striking improvements countering gait disturbance resulted in this patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Immunological studies on the patients with Crohn's disease and a new attempt of interferon treatment].

Natural Killer cell activity and lymphocyte subset in peripheral blood were studied in 16 patients with Crohn's disease. The effect of interferon administration was evaluated in 4 patients with Crohn's disease. In the patients with active Crohn's disease, natural killer cell activity was significantly lower in level compared to that in normal controls. Those without increase of natural killer cell activity in non-active stage, had trend of early relapsing. Peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations of OKT4, OKT8, OKIal, OKT4/8 and Leu7 by flow-cytometry showed no significant differences between the patients and the normal controls. Clinical remission was maintained in 2 out of 4 patients for the period from 7 to 21 months after the interferon administration. Benefit of interferon administration was suggested in patients with Crohn's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Traumatic transection of the left main bronchus and laryngeal fracture resulting from blunt trauma--a successful case of emergency operation].

A 18-year-old female, who had incomplete transection of the left main bronchus and laryngeal fracture, due to blunt trauma, is reported. Chest X-ray on admission showed subcutaneous emphysema extending to the cervical soft tissues and marked pneumomediastinum. Bronchoscopic examination revealed disruption of the left main bronchus, leaving only the membranous portion. An emergency operation was performed 5 hours after the injury. A week later, bronchoscopic reexamination revealed tracheal stenosis just below the vocal cord, due to fracture of the cricoid and thyroid cartilages, which was enlarged to a certain extent by laryngoscopic intervention under cooperation of the laryngologist. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and two months later, was well with tracheostomy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Direct effects of 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid gamma-lactone and 2,4,5-trihydroxypentanoic acid gamma-lactone on lateral and ventromedial hypothalamic neurons.

The mechanism of central actions of endogenous sugar acids, 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid gamma-lactone (3,4-DB) and 2,4,5-trihydroxypentanoic acid gamma-lactone (2,4,5-TP) which have been newly identified as satiety and hunger substances respectively, was investigated. Intracellular recordings were made from neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of rats and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) of guinea pigs, brain areas referred to as feeding and satiety centers, respectively. The LHA neurons hyperpolarized by 3,4-DB show no change in membrane input resistance while the depolarized VMH neurons are associated with an increase in membrane resistance. The mechanisms related to the action of 3,4-DB on these hypothalamic neurons are similar to those in case of glucose on the glucose-sensitive neuron in the LHA and the glucoreceptor neuron in the VMH. 2,4,5-TP depolarized LHA neurons but hyperpolarized VMH neurons with a decrease in the membrane resistance. Our findings indicate that 3,4-DB and 2,4,5-TP have reciprocal effects on each LHA and VMH neurons, with regard to neuronal excitability.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1988

Impaired catecholamine secretion as a cause of diabetic autonomic neuropathy.

Human and animal studies were performed to investigate the causes of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Human diabetics, with and without autonomic neuropathy, were measured for plasma catecholamine response to insulin hypoglycemia and for urinary catecholamine excretion. In streptozotocin-diabetic rats, plasma catecholamine response and tissue catecholamine concentrations were measured at various stages of the disease. As the duration of the diabetic state lengthens in rats, there is a time-proportional stepwise decrease in plasma catecholamine response. This is similar to the clinical course observed in human diabetics, which also includes a reduction of catecholamine excretion after the appearance of autonomic neuropathy. After 6 weeks of diabetes, rat tissue is found to have an increased concentration of catecholamines; this may represent a compensatory reaction to the difficulties of secretion. At 13 weeks of diabetes, tissue catecholamine concentrations return to almost normal, when plasma responses have disappeared. These results suggest that the impaired secretion of catecholamines in diabetics may be a cause of diabetic autonomic neuropathy.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using solubilised antigen for detection of antibodies to Anaplasma marginale.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies against Anaplasma marginale. A marginale bodies were separated from parasitised erythrocytes by a modified nitrogen decompression method, sonicated, then solubilised with Triton X-100 and used as the ELISA antigen. In this ELISA system the required amount of antigen protein was 16.2 ng for each well. In the course of experimental infections, of calves, significant antibody levels were detected by ELISA and the complement fixation test (CFT) at almost the same time. Antibodies against A. marginale were detectable for longer periods using the ELISA than using the CFT. Sera from calves infected with Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. ovata, Theileria sergenti and Eperythrozoon wenyoni gave no reaction; however, antisera against A. centrale did react with the A. marginale ELISA antigen.

Anaplasma↗