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T Nishimura

Publications and source records attributed to T Nishimura.

At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources

A pivotal role of IL-12 in Th1-dependent mouse liver injury.

Intravenous injection of Propionibacterium acnes and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with a 7 day interval caused CD4+ T cell-dependent severe liver injury in the C57BL/6 (H-2b) mouse strain. In contrast, BALB/c (H-2d) mice were resistant to P. acnes and LPS-induced liver injury. The different susceptibilities of the two mouse strains to liver injury appeared to be closely correlated with their different abilities to produce IFN-gamma after P. acnes priming. Namely, the sensitive C57BL/6 mouse strain produced a significant level of IFN-gamma 7-10 days after P. acnes injection, whereas no significant amount of serum IFN-gamma was detected in the resistant BALB/c mouse strain. The important role of IFN-gamma in liver injury was demonstrated from the finding that in vivo administration of anti-IFN-gamma mAb abrogated P. acnes and LPS-induced liver injury in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, it was demonstrated that in vivo administration of recombinant IL-12, a key cytokine for the induction of IFN-gamma, into mice induced P. acnes and LPS-induced liver injury in the resistant BALB/c mouse strain. Conversely, in vivo administration of anti-IL-12 mAb blocked the development of liver injury in the sensitive C57BL/6 mouse strain. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the failure of the induction of liver injury in BALB/c mice appeared to be derived from the lack of expression of IL-12 at the local site of liver in P. acnes-primed mice. These results strongly indicated that endogenous IL-12, which stimulates Th1-dominant cellular immunity and IFN-gamma production, may be an essential cytokine on the course of T cell-dependent liver injury.

Animals↗

Reduction of 123I-iomazenil uptake in haemodynamically and metabolically impaired brain areas in patients with cerebrovascular disease.

Iomazenil is a specific ligand for central-type benzodiazepine receptors (BZR). In order to determine the clinical significance of the findings of 123I-iomazenil single photon emission tomography (SPET) in cerebrovascular disease (CVD), we compared the cerebral uptake of 123I-iomazenil with oxygen metabolism measured by positron emission tomography (PET). Depending on the severity of the haemodynamic and/or metabolic impairment based on our institutional criteria [a reduction of < 30.6 ml 100g-1 min-1 in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and an increase of > 0.52 in the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF)], the cortical areas were classified into four groups as follows: Group I, normal CBF and OEF; Group II, normal CBF and increased OEF; Group III, reduced CBF and normal OEF; Group IV, reduced CBF and increased OEF. Seven patients (mean age 65 +/- 7 years) with CVD underwent both PET and 123I-iomazenil SPET within 8 days. The ratios of the mean counts in 14 regions of interest in the cerebral cortices to those in the cerebellar cortices (R/C ratios) were compared with the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2). The R/C ratios of Group IV were lower than those of Group I (P < 0.005). The R/C ratios correlated with CMRO2 in Group III (r = 0.577, P < 0.01) and in Group IV (r = 0.707, P < 0.005), but not in Groups I or II. These results suggests that reduced uptake in 123I-iomazenil SPET reflects oxidative hypometabolism causing neuronal damage in haemodynamically and metabolically impaired areas in patients with CVD. This information may be valuable when deciding therapeutic approaches.

Aged↗

Vasoreactive effect of acetazolamide as a function of time with sequential PET 15O-water measurement.

The accurate assessment of vascular flow reserve is crucial for the evaluation of risk among patients with cerebrovascular disease. In six patients with unilateral occlusion of the internal carotid artery and one patient with unilateral occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (mean +/- S.D. age = 68 +/- 3 years), we measured cerebral blood flow (CBF) after the administration of 940 MBq 15O-water using a remotely controlled power injector. Studies were performed at rest, after 10 min, and then 10, 20 and 30 min after the administration of 1 mg acetazolamide to evaluate the vasoreactive effect, as reflected by an increase in CBF. Sixteen regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn over the CBF images. These ROIs were as follows in each hemisphere: Area I, four areas in the cortical middle cerebral arterial territory (superior frontal, frontal, temporal and parietal areas); Area II, four areas of the deep middle cerebral and vertebral arterial territory (occipital area, basal ganglia, thalamus and cerebellum). Taking normalized resting CBF to be 100%, the mean CBF measured 10, 20 and 30 min post-injection using sequential positron emission tomography was as follows: Area I, 141.4 +/- 16.3, 127.7 +/- 15.3 and 128.2 +/- 17.4% for non-occluded sites and 116.3 +/- 22.8, 112.7 +/- 16.4 and 114.9 +/- 17.1% for occluded sites; Area II, 143.4 +/- 14.5, 126.2 +/- 10.4 and 125.0 +/- 12.9% for non-occluded sites and 141.9 +/- 28.9, 126.0 +/- 20.5 and 124.1 +/- 17.1% for occluded sites. A significant difference in mean CBF was noted between the non-occluded and occluded sites in Area I, the most marked difference of 25.1% being observed 10 min after the administration of the acetazolamide. We conclude that for an accurate assessment of vascular reserve in patients with cerebrovascular disease, CBF should be measured 10 min post-administration of the acetazolamide.

Acetazolamide↗

Murine asialo GM1+CD8+ T cells as novel interleukin-12-responsive killer T cell precursors.

Freshly isolated CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells, contained 20-30% of asialo GM1+ (ASGM1+) T cells which were distinct from ASGM1+NK1.1+ natural killer cells. This novel ASGM1+CD8+ T cell subpopulation showed a strong proliferative response to interleukin-12 (IL-12) in the presence of IL-2. Culture of ASGM1+CD8+ T cells with IL-12 plus IL-2 allowed the generation of anomalous killer T cells concomitantly with the accumulation of cytolytic molecules. Moreover, ASGM1+CD8+ T cells produced high levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), but not IL-4, upon stimulation with IL-12 plus IL-2. Such immune responses were not observed in ASGM1-CD8+ T cell subpopulations constituting the majority of CD8+ T cells. These results demonstrated that ASGM1+CD8+ T cells are a novel subpopulation of IL-12-responsive and IFN-gamma-producing killer T cell precursors.

Animals↗

Mutational screening of APP gene in patients with early-onset Alzheimer disease utilizing mismatched PCR-RFLP.

To elucidate the frequency of mutations of the beta/A4 amyloid protein precursor (APP) gene in early-onset Alzheimer disease, we designed a mismatched PCR-RFLP that can identify all kinds of missense mutations at codon 717 in addition to the seven kinds of known mutations at exon 17. When we screened mutations at exon 17 utilizing this method and the double missense mutations at exon 16 of the APP gene by PCR-RFLP, no cases revealed mutations of the APP gene among 13 familial and 54 sporadic cases, except one family (OS-1) that had previously been reported and used as a positive control of APP717(Val-->Ile). Our results support the hypothesis that mutations in the APP gene are not major causes in early-onset Alzheimer disease.

Adult↗

Analysis of nonlinear properties of immune network reactions.

On the basis of biochemical reaction dynamics, the temporal behavior of the immune network system was analyzed theoretically to promote the analysis of quantitative changes in the reactions of immune disorders and organ substitution. The idiotype immune network reaction system was expressed by 64 nonlinear differential equations that comprised four kinds of antibodies and B-cell subpopulations. All four kinds of antibodies decreased rapidly. With the progress of the reactions, they have increased gradually. The single and double bound antibodies increased rapidly from the onset of the reaction. The single-bound antibodies did not show a definite increase after the rapid increasing phase. The antibody-antibody complex increased parallel with the double bound antibodies. The effects of rate constant expand to all the immune complexes in the network system. The double bound antibodies and antibody-antibody complexes were oscillatory functions of a given antibody. Therefore, the idiotypic immune network system must be a chaotic one. The present theoretical method is available to evaluate the total ability of immune reaction system that operates as a network system.

Antibodies↗

Cellular uptake and biological effects of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide analogs targeted to herpes simplex virus.

In this study, we synthesized antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with phosphodiester, phosphorothioate (S-ODNs), or methylphosphonate linkages complementary to the splicing acceptor site of immediate-early pre-mRNA 5 of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The antiviral activity of each analog on cytopathic effect in cells infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 was assessed and compared with the cellular uptake of the analog. We found that antisense S-ODNs showed the most potent antiherpetic activity, with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 5 microM for HSV-1 and 0.25 microM for HSV-2. The antiviral effect of antisense S-ODNs was stronger and longer acting than that of acyclovir. Cell association of S-ODNs was the highest and paralleled antiviral activity. Furthermore, some fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled S-ODNs were recognized in the nuclei in HSV-1 infected cells by confocal laser scanning microscopy. S-ODNs located in the nucleus could access the targeted mRNA, which might be responsible for the antiviral activities. Although our study also showed non-sequence-specific activity, which implies that multiple mechanisms are involved, S-ODNs are a promising novel anti-herpetic agent.

Animals↗

Arrangement and identification of proteoglycans in basement membrane and intramuscular connective tissue of bovine semitendinosus muscle.

The arrangement and identification of PGs in the basement membrane and intra-muscular connective tissues of bovine semitendinosus muscle were studied electron-microscopically using cuprolinic blue, a cationic dye, to detect PGs. Three different types of PGs were observed in bovine semitendinosus muscle: The first, PGs of 20-40 nm in length, were arranged along the lamina lucida below the cell membrane. The second, PGs of 50-70 nm in length, were arranged randomly on the outer surface of the lamina densa. The third, PGs of 40-60 nm in length, were associated with collagen fibrils at regular intervals in the endomysium and perimysium. Cytochemical analysis using various GAG-degrading enzymes showed that PGs in the basement membrane were predominantly heparan sulfate PGs, and those associated with collagen fibrils in the perimysium were rich in chondroitin or dermatan sulfate, or both.

Animals↗

Assessment of early radiation effects on the liver. Comparison of SPECT and MR.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the early effects of radiation on the liver using single photon emission CT (SPECT) with 99mTc-phytate combined with a pinhole collimator and MR imaging with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and to compare 2 modalities regarding the assessment of the reticuloendothelial cell function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The right sides of the livers of 12 anesthetized rats were irradiated with X-rays (4000 cGy). On the 3rd and 4th days postirradiation, SPECT and MR imaging pre- and postcontrast were performed. RESULTS: On SPECT, the irradiated areas appeared as areas with reduced 99mTc-phytate uptake in 9 rats. In the remaining 3 rats, irradiated lesions were not evident on SPECT. On the early postcontrast MR images, differential negative enhancement of the irradiated and nonirradiated areas in the same 9 rats as on SPECT was apparent. However, on the later postcontrast images of 3 of these rats, the irradiated areas, which were brighter than the nonirradiated areas, were visually less clear than those on the earlier postcontrast images. In the remaining 3 rats, no radiation damage was evident on MR images. CONCLUSION: SPECT with 99mTc-phytate and early postcontrast MR imaging with SPIO can show early radiation damage of the liver. The serial assessment of the postcontrast MR images provides functional information on the Kupffer cells.

Animals↗

Acceptor specificity of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase from an alkalophilic Bacillus species and synthesis of glucosyl rhamnose.

Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase [1,4-alpha-D-glucan 4-alpha-D-(1,4-alpha-D-glucano)-transferase (cyclizing), EC 2. 4. 1. 19] from an alkalophilic Bacillus species A2-5a had a wider acceptor specificity than that from B. macerans, which was similar to those from B. stearothermophilus and B. circulans. Glucosyl rhamnose produced by the CGTase was identified as glucopyranosyl-alpha-1,4-rhamnopyranose by alpha- and beta-glucosidase treatments, and 1H- and 13C-NMR analyses.

Bacillus↗

Synthesis of neohesperidin glycosides and naringin glycosides by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase from an alkalophilic Bacillus species.

Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase from an alkalophilic Bacillus species produced neohesperidin monoglucoside and a series of its maltooligoglucosides by transglycosylation with neohesperidin as an acceptor and soluble starch as a donor. As the reaction using beta-CD as a donor at an alkaline pH was very effective for solubilizing neohesperidin, the amount of glycosides formed was increased. As a result, its amount with beta-CD at pH 10 was about 7 times greater than that with soluble starch at pH 5. Neohesperidin monoglucoside was purified from the reaction mixture by glucoamylase and naringinase treatments, an Amberlite XAD-16 column, a Sephadex LH20 column, and HPLC on an ODS column. The structure of the purified monoglucoside was identified as 3G-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl neohesperidin by FAB-MS, methylation analysis, and 1H- and 13C-NMR. The solubility of neohesperidin monoglucoside in water was approximately 1500 times higher than that of neohesperidin, and the bitterness of the monoglucoside was about 10 times less than that of neophesperidin. In addition, naringin was also glycosylated by the same method as neohesperidin, and its monoglucoside was identified as 3G-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl naringin. The solubility of naringin monoglucoside in water was also at least 1000 times higher than that of naringin without altering its bitterness.

Alkalies↗

Influence of high dose inhaled steroids on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis function in Japanese patients with asthma: a comparison over the course of time.

Although the influence of high dose inhaled steroids on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function in patients with asthma has been extensively studied worldwide, there has been limited information on Japanese asthmatics, especially in terms of a prospective analysis of HPA function in the course of time. We analyzed the changes in HPA function using 2 serial short tetracosactrin tests (STT) separated by an interval of one year in 11 Japanese asthmatics who were treated with high dose inhaled steroids alone [beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP); mean dose 982 micrograms/day] during the period between 2 STTs. Mean values of plasma cortisol before administration of ACTH, maximum cortisol and the rise in cortisol in response to ACTH in the 2 STTs were 7.8, 20.5 and 12.7 micrograms/dl for the 1st test, and 8.9, 23.6 and 14.7 micrograms/dl for the 2nd test, respectively. Overall, there was no significant change in the course of time in each of these 3 values. Although the results of the 1st STT proved to be abnormal in 3 patients who had been receiving systemic steroids before their 1st STT, they improved uniformly in their 2nd STT. In the remaining 8 patients, who had never received systemic steroids, 4 patients showed improvements while the other 4 showed deterioration in HPA function in their serial STTs over the course of time. The dose of BDP was 800 micrograms/day in the former 4 patients, while it was 1,200 micrograms/day in the latter 4. Furthermore, only one patient, in whom BDP had been increased from 800 micrograms/day to 1,200 micrograms/day between the 2 tests, developed an abnormal response in the 2nd STT. On the other hand, one patient whose BDP dose was increased from 800 micrograms/day to 1,600 micrograms/day showed an improvement in HPA function in the 2nd test. These results indicate that the threshold dose of BDP which may cause HPA suppression in Japanese asthmatics lies between 800-1,200 micrograms/day, although there is a large inter-individual variation in terms of such doses.

Administration, Inhalation↗

A case of hypertensive-diabetic cardiomyopathy demonstrating left ventricular wall motion abnormality.

We report a case of hypertensive-diabetic cardiomyopathy demonstrating left ventricular regional wall motion abnormality, with a normal coronary artery documented on coronary arteriography. Dipyridamole-infusion 201Tl scintigraphy demonstrated transient perfusion defects in the infero-posterior wall of the left ventricle, where reduced wall motion was demonstrated on contrast left ventriculography. Myocardial SPECT (single photon emission tomography) imaging with [123I] beta-methyliodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) and 201Tl demonstrated reduced [123I]BMIPP uptake compared with 201Tl uptake in the infero-posterior wall of left ventricle. These results suggest that the impairment of myocardial free fatty acid metabolism is an etiologic or contributory factor for regional wall motion abnormality, together with small-vessel coronary artery disease, in this patient.

Cardiomyopathies↗

[A case of sleep apnea syndrome due to a nasopharyngeal tumor].

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is children is commonly caused by upper airway obstruction, such as that caused by adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy. We report a rare case of SAS due to a nasopharyngeal tumor. The patient was a 10-year-old boy who complained of snoring and sleep apnea. The tumor was found in the nasopharynx and mesopharyngeal space. We diagnosed this case as OSAS by overnight sleep study (Apnea Hypopnea Index: AHI = 19.67). The tumor was removed under general anesthesia. Histopathology revealed features of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. After removal of the tumor, his symptoms resolved completely. A follow-up overnight sleep study confirmed resolution of OSAS. At the last follow up, conducted 17 months after the operation there were no signs of tumor recurrence.

Angiofibroma↗

Novel blockade of cell surface expression of virus glycoproteins by leucinostatin A.

The nonapeptide leucinostatin A (LSA) inhibited syncytium formation without profoundly affecting HN glycoprotein synthesis in Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-infected BHK cells. At similar doses of LSA, cytopathic effect and infectious virus production were suppressed in vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-infected BHK cells. Blockade by LSA of cell surface expression of NDV-HN and VSV-G glycoproteins was demonstrated, accompanied by intracellular accumulation of these virus glycoproteins. LSA acts as an inhibitor of mitochondrial F-type H(+)-translocating ATPase, a key enzyme in the generation of ATP, but its action against cell surface expression of virus glycoproteins was independent of the depletion of intracellular ATP. LSA also acts as an ionophore, but its action on intoxication by ricin and diphtheria toxin was different from that of monensin. This novel action of LSA is expected to be useful in investigation of the mechanism of intracellular trafficking of proteins.

Animals↗