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Biomedical subjects

T Morimoto

Publications and source records attributed to T Morimoto.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

[A case of acute idiopathic pandysautonomia with SIADH].

We reported a 6-year-old girl with acute idiopathic pandysautonomia (AIPD) associated with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH). She showed various symptoms indicating the impairment of widespread sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous functions and SIADH, which followed common cold. Sural nerve biopsy showed severe reduction of both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. The main site of the lesion of AIPD has been assumed to be the peripheral autonomic nervous system. However, there are a few reports indicating the involvement of the central nervous system in AIPD. The present case also indicates the involvement of hypothalamus in addition to the peripheral autonomic nervous system.

Acute Disease↗

[Relationship between catecholamine levels in amniotic fluid and fetal blood flow in fetal distress].

Eighteen cases of complicated pregnancy with fetal distress and/or pregnancy toxemia who underwent Cesarean section (CS) before onset of labor were studied. The resistance indexes (RI) of the umbilical artery (UA) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured by Doppler echography prior to CS. UA blood and amniotic fluid (AF) were obtained during CS and the pH value for the UA and the concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) in AF were measured. A significant correlation between the pH value, MCA-RI/UA-RI ratio and the levels of NE and E in amniotic fluid was obtained. NE and E concentrations in AF obtained from the patients with fetal distress before the onset of labor were 1.92 +/- 0.54 and 1.48 +/- 0.28ng/ml and these concentrations were significantly higher then those from elective CS. The deviations (delta SD) of RI from the normal mean for corresponding gestational age in fetal distress were -4.21 +/- 0.94 in MCA and 1.31 +/- 0.48 in UA. A negative correlation between the pH value and delta SD (UA) was observed but the pH value correlated positively with delta SD (MCA). Furthermore, the MCA-RI/UA-RI ratio showed a significant negative correlation with the NE and E levels in AF. These results suggest that fetal catecholamine affects fetal blood flow in fetal distress.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance study on the barrier function of pig corneal epithelium and endothelium.

Using gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) as a tracer, the barrier function of the corneal epithelium and endothelium was evaluated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Whole pig eyes and cornea excised with scleral rim, which had been incubated in dextran-added Gd-DTPA solution, were subjected to T1 relaxation measurement and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After incubation, the T1 relaxation rate (1/T1) of the excised cornea increased to a steady value, whereas that of the cornea from the whole eye increased only slightly. These results indicated that the increase in the T1 relaxation rate of the excised cornea attributable to Gd-DTPA penetration from the corneal endothelium and that the corneal epithelium exhibited a strong barrier function against Gd-DTPA entry. The MRI study also confirmed the strong barrier, enhanced signals being detected within the aqueous fluid in the T1-weighted image only when the corneal epithelium was abraded. Since Gd-DTPA scarcely penetrates the intact corneal epithelium, Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRI shows potential as a quantitative tracer in evaluating epithelial barrier disruption.

Animals↗

Significant Correlation between the Presence of Type W Collagen in the Duct Wall and the Development of Wide Intraductal Cancerous Extension in Breast Cancer.

To identify the characteristics of cases with an wide intraductal cancerous extension (WICE), we examined the relationship between WICE and type IV collagen distribution, and the relationship between WICE and the content of the proliferation-associated proteins in human breast cancer. The immunohistochemical distribution of type IV collagen and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were investigated in formalin-fixed tissue sections from 21 breast cancer cases. We demonstrated a significant correlation (p=0.014) between the presence of WICE and immunostaining of type IV collagen in the cancerous ducts (ducts occupied by cancer cells) in the central invasive area of breast cancer. However, no correlation was found between the presence of WICE and the PCNA index (percentage of positive cells per 1000 tumor cells). These findings suggest that the lack of the process of the loss of type IV collagen in the duct wall is more important than the nature of the tumor cells in the development of WICE.

Journal Article↗

p53 alteration correlates with negative ER, negative PgR, and high histologic grade in breast cancer.

Seventy tumors of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast were examined for p53 alteration by the RT-PCR-SSCP method. Sixty-five samples (92.9%) were investigated in the regions of codons 101-200 and 201-300. In total, 16 samples (24.6%) showed p53 gene alteration. We found that p53 gene alteration showed a correlation with (1) a negative ER status, (2) a negative PgR status, and (3) a high histologic grade (especially numerous mitotic figures) of the tumor. However, we found no correlation between p53 gene alteration and the lymph node status or clinical stage. Thus, p53 gene alteration in breast cancer may occur in highly malignant breast cancer other than advanced clinical stage cancer or node-positive cancer.

Adult↗

Right atrial pressure and forearm blood flow during prolonged exercise in a hot environment.

Right atrial pressure (RAP) at rest is known to be reduced by an increase in skin blood flow (SkBF) in a hot environment. However, there is no clear evidence that this is so during exercise. To clarify the effect of the increase in SkBF on RAP during exercise, we measured forearm blood flow (FBF) (as an index of SkBF) and RAP continuously using a Swan-Ganz catheter in five male volunteers exercising on a cycle ergometer at 60% of peak aerobic power for 50 min in a hot environment (30 degrees C, relative humidity 20%). Cardiac output increased from 5.5 +/- 0.2 l/min at rest to 17.9 +/- 1.2 l/min (mean +/- SE, P < 0.01) in the first 10 min of exercise and then remained steady until the end of exercise. FBF did not change significantly during the first 5 min, but then increased from 2.7 +/- 0.5 ml/100 ml per min at rest to 10.8 +/- 1.7 ml/100 ml per min (P < 0.001) by 25 min as pulmonary arterial blood temperature (Tb) rose from 37.0 +/- 0.1 degrees C to 38.1 +/- 0.1 degrees C (P < 0.001). FBF then reached a plateau, despite a continuing increase in Tb. RAP increased significantly from 4.3 +/- 0.8 to 7.6 +/- 1.2 mm Hg (P < 0.001) during the first 5 min of exercise and then gradually declined to 6.1 +/- 1.0 mm Hg by 25 min (P < 0.001 vs. 5 min) and further to 5.7 +/- 1.0 mm Hg by 50 min, a value not significantly higher than at rest.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Management of dissecting aneurysms of the posterior circulation.

We analysed the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of our own 36 cases of posterior circulation dissecting aneurysms (DA) and discussed the surgical indications and procedures regarding posterior fossa DA. Twenty one cases were male, 15 cases were female. Their mean age was 54 +/- 14 years. Clinical manifestations were subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in 14 cases (39%) and ischaemic attacks in 22 cases (61%). Three of 14 SAH cases had rebleeding in the acute stage. Angiographic findings were aneurysmal dilatation in 16 cases, retention of contrast medium in 12 cases, string sign in 9 cases, double lumen in 4 cases, pearl and string sign in 3 cases, and occlusion of parent artery in 2 cases. Surgical treatment was performed on nineteen cases (53%). The operation was carried out in the acute stage on the SAH group; in the subacute or chronic stage on the ischaemic group. The surgical procedure was the proximal ligation, trapping and removal of DA with or without revascularization of the parent artery. 84% of the surgically managed patients and 71% of the nonsurgical cases had a favourable outcome (good recovery or moderate disability). Poor prognosis was revealed from the rebleeding and primary neurological stage. We recommend surgical treatment in the acute stage on the SAH group. On the ischaemic group surgical treatment in the subacute or chronic stage is recommended, if the DA has the risk of rupture or progression of the dissection.

Adolescent↗

Five-year results of a randomized clinical trial comparing modified radical mastectomy and extended radical mastectomy for stage II breast cancer.

A controlled cooperative study was carried out to assess the value of modified radical mastectomy for patients with stage II breast cancer. The data was analyzed from 11 institutions in the Shikoku District participating in a prospective clinical trial in which patients were randomly assigned either to a modified radical mastectomy group or an extended radical mastectomy group. These two groups of patients were similar to each other in terms of such background factors as age distribution, menopausal status, TNM classification, tumor size, location of the primary tumor, axillary nodal involvement, histological type, and estrogen receptor status. The median follow-up times in the modified and extended radical mastectomy groups were 4.7 and 4.5 years, respectively. The cumulative curves indicated no difference between the two groups in either disease-free survival or overall survival. The survival rates were classified according to the presence or absence of axillary nodal metastases. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups. These findings thus suggest that the routine removal of the grossly uninvolved major pectoral muscle and parasternal lymph nodes is not necessary in patients with stage II breast cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Advantageous effect of low-molecular-weight heparin administration on hepatic mitochondrial redox state.

The effect of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on hepatic mithocondrial metabolism was compared with that of unfractionated heparin (UH) after the intravenous administration of these two kinds of heparin to normal rabbits. The magnitude of decrease in blood triglyceride levels 5 min after administration of UH (200 U/kg) was significantly greater than after LMWH (200 U/kg). Free fatty acid levels in the blood were significantly higher after this dose of UH than after LMWH. Blood total ketone body levels (acetoacetate + 3-hydroxybutyrate) 15 min after injection of 50 U/kg of UH were significantly higher than those after a dose of 50 U/kg of LMWH, and levels after 200 U/kg of UH were significantly higher than those after 200 U/kg of LMWH at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. Enhanced ketogenesis was not noted after LMWH at any of the doses, or after UH at 3 U/kg. Arterial ketone body ratio (AKBR; acetoacetate/3-hydroxybutyrate), which reflects the hepatic mitochondrial oxidation-reduction state (NAD+/NADH), was maintained above 1.0 in all groups except in the U-200 group, while AKBR in that group was significantly decreased to 0.99 +/- 0.14 at 30 min, and further decreased to 0.80 +/- 0.08 at 60 min. These results indicate that LMWH has less effect on lipolysis than UH and does not enhance ketogenesis, resulting in less deterioration of mitochondrial redox state.

Animals↗

A new experimental model of specific liver hypoxia using membrane oxygenator.

The present study introduces a new experimental canine model of hepatic arterial deoxygenation using a membrane oxygenator to investigate the influence of hepatic arterial hypoxia on hepatic hemodynamics and energy metabolism. Eighteen mongrel dogs weighing 10 kg each were randomly divided into three groups: group A served as a control (118.0 +/- 9.0 mmHg of hepatic arterial O2 content), group B as a moderately deoxygenated group (40 mmHg of hepatic arterial O2 content), and group C as a severely deoxygenated group (25 mmHg of hepatic arterial O2 content). Deoxygenation was achieved by perfusion of a gas mixture of O2 and N2 through the membrane oxygenator, which was interposed between the femoral artery and the proper hepatic artery, for 60 min. In group C, hypoxia decreased the mean systemic arterial blood pressure and hepatic arterial blood flow. Arterial blood ketone body ratio (AKBR = acetoacetate/3-hydroxybutyrate), which reflects the hepatic mitochondrial redox state, rapidly decreased prior to the significant increase of glutamate oxaloacetate transminase, glutamate pyruvate transminase, and lactate dehydrogenase after the initiation of hypoxia. Hepatic arterial deoxygenation to 25 mmHg for 60 min induced injury to hepatic hemodynamics, resulting in the deterioration of systemic hemodynamics even after the termination of liver hypoxia. This in vivo temporal hepatic arterial hypoxic model without alteration of inflow volume might be useful for investigating the mechanism of hypoxic injury and the critical point of liver hypoxia on hepatic and/or systemic hemodynamics and liver viability.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Reversed behavioral effect of cholecystokinin after frontal decortication in rats.

Cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) is likely to possess opposite central action against cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8). In the present study, the behavioral effects of CCK-4 and CCK-8 were compared in frontal decorticated rats. In sham-operated rats, CCK-4 produced marked excitatory responses, while CCK-8 had no stimulatory effects. In frontal decorticated rats, CCK-4 did not cause any excitatory behaviors, while CCK-8 produced markedly enhanced responses. We speculate that an appropriate balance of these CCK peptides might be involved in the maintenance of normal mental states.

Analysis of Variance↗

Salt consumption and body fluid balance during cold exposure in rats.

We investigated the effect of exposure to cold on salt consumption and the role of salt consumption on the maintenance of body fluid balance in male Wistar rats. The rats were provided with both tap water and NaCl solution ad lib during 16-h exposure to cold (10 degrees C) and normal (25 degrees C) air temperature conditions. The concentration of the NaCl solution was 0.9% for one group (0.9% NaCl group; n = 7) and 1.8% for the other (1.8% NaCl group; n = 6). At 10 degrees C, weight loss was greater than that at 25 degrees C, and fluid and Na balance were negative in the 0.9% NaCl group. However, the calculated Na concentration of the fluid consumed in the 0.9% NaCl group was about 135 mEq/l Na (0.8% NaCl) at both 10 degrees C and 25 degrees C. In the 1.8% NaCl group, the values indicating fluid and Na balance under both temperature conditions were similar, while the calculated concentration of Na in fluid consumed at 10 degrees C (187 mEq/l Na: 1.1% NaCl) was higher than that at 25 degrees C (153 mEq/l Na: 0.9% NaCl). These results suggest that the consumption of hypertonic NaCl solution indicating increased salt appetite during exposure to cold counteracts the loss of body fluid and Na via urine.

Acclimatization↗

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of the alpha-amylase inhibitor coded 0.19 from wheat kernel.

The alpha-amylase inhibitor coded 0.19 (0.19AI) from wheat kernel is a dimeric protein which inactivates exogenous alpha-amylases. Crystals of 0.19AI were grown at room temperature and pH 7.0 from a protein solution with a low salt concentration. They were trigonal, belonged to space group P3(1) or P3(2), and had unit cell dimensions of a = b = 79.3 A and c = 60.8 A. The crystals diffract X-rays to at least 2.0 A resolution and are stable to X-ray beams. The asymmetric unit appears to contain two 0.19AI dimers. A potential heavy-atom derivative was prepared by soaking the crystal in a HgCl2 solution.

Crystallization↗

Prognostic values of preoperative and postoperative CEA and CA19.9 levels in pancreatic cancer.

Preoperative serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and/or carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA19.9) were measured in 90 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. CEA antigen was above the cutoff levels of 5.0 ng/ml in 51% of patients and CA19.9 was above the cutoff limit of 37 U/ml in 87% of patients. High preoperative CEA and CA19.9 levels were related to a poor prognosis of the patients. In multivariate analysis, the hazard rate was significantly higher in the high-CEA group (> 2.5 ng/ml) compared to the low-CEA group (< 2.4 ng/ml). An increase in CEA and/or CA19.9 within 1 month after the operation was also significantly related to the hazard rate. This study reconfirms the prognostic importance of preoperative and postoperative CEA and CA19.9.

CA-19-9 Antigen↗

High detection rate of breast cancer by mass screening using mammography in Japan.

A trial of mass screening for breast cancer using both mammography and physical examination (independently) was carried out in women over 50 years of age in Tokushima Prefecture. Breast cancer was detected in eight of a total of 950 examinees by mammography alone, and no cases of breast cancer were detected by physical examination. The detection rate of breast cancer was 0.84%, which is very much higher than that obtained by conventional mass screening using physical examination alone. The detection rate increased especially in the sixth and seventh decades of life. All eight detected breast cancers were in the early stage. Based on these results, it is recommended to employ mammography in breast cancer screening for asymptomatic women aged over 50 years.

Adult↗