Biomedical subjects

T Ohno

Publications and source records attributed to T Ohno.

At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources

PubMed1992

Structure and regulated expression of Kunitz chymotrypsin inhibitor genes in winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC].

We analyzed the structure and the expression of Kunitz chymotrypsin inhibitor (WCI) genes in winged bean. WCI was encoded by a multigene family which comprised at least seven members. From their primary structures, four genes (WCI-2, WCI-3a, WCI-3b, and WCI-x) were expected to be functional ones and the other three (WCI-P1, WCI-P2, and WCI-P3) to be pseudogenes. The nucleotide sequences of the WCI-3a and WCI-3b genes were nearly identical, and they encoded the WCI-3 protein, the major chymotrypsin inhibitor in seeds. The WCI-2 gene also encoded the chymotrypsin inhibitor found in seeds and the WCI-x gene was expected to encode an unidentified chymotrypsin inhibitor. WCI messenger RNA and protein accumulated mainly in developing seeds and tuberous roots, small amounts of WCI mRNA being present in stems and pericarps. In seeds, transient accumulation of WCI mRNA was observed during the seed maturation period. These results suggest that the expression of WCI genes is regulated organ-specifically and developmentally in winged bean.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Evidence of a role for phosphatidylinositol synthesis in human amnion cell proliferation.

Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) is the key precursor of phosphoinositide-derived intracellular mediators. The effects of changing the rate of PtdIns synthesis on mitogenic activity of human amnion-derived WISH cells were investigated. Incubation of the cells with [3H]inositol caused a time- and dose-dependent PtdIns labeling. Exogenous Ca2+ inhibited [3H]inositol incorporation in a dose-dependent fashion; half-maximal inhibition occurred with 0.3-1.0 mM Ca2+. In contrast, removal of cytosolic Ca2+ by ionophore A23187 and 1 mM EGTA induced enhancement of the PtdIns labeling as a function of A23187 concentration, perhaps through release of inhibitory effects of endogenous Ca2+. The A23187-stimulated PtdIns labeling with [3H]inositol was not abolished by additional unlabeled inositol, suggesting that [3H]inositol labeling of PtdIns occurred mainly through de novo synthesis catalyzed by PtdIns synthase (EC 2.7.8.11). In cells with PtdIns synthase activity decreased by exogenous Ca2+, [3H]thymidine incorporation was also inhibited, while A23187 caused dose-dependent enhancement of thymidine incorporation. The changes in PtdIns synthase activity occurred in parallel with changes in mitogenic activity caused by increasing the dose of exogenous Ca2+ or A23187. A similar lowering of mitogenic activity was observed upon suppression of PtdIns synthase by pemirolast potassium (9-methyl-3-1H-tetrazol-5yl-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyridin-4-one potassium) via a Ca(2+)-independent mechanism. These data demonstrate that changes in PtdIns synthase activity by some agents acting via different mechanisms are associated with parallel changes in thymidine incorporation, and suggest that PtdIns production is tightly coupled to cell proliferation in human amnion cells.

Amnion↗

PubMed1992

High sensitivity of human melanoma cell lines to the growth inhibitory activity of mycoplasmal arginine deiminase in vitro.

Arginine deiminase (AD) is a potent growth inhibitor for some but not all tumour cell lines in vitro. As AD catalyses the direct conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline, the AD-sensitivity of various tumour cells might be attributed to the levels of urea cycle enzymes involved in L-arginine biosynthesis. This study demonstrated that human melanoma cells were highly sensitive to the growth inhibitory activity of AD. Five melanoma cell lines tested also exhibited reduced argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) gene expression--being almost absent in four cell lines and at low level in one cell line. This resulted in an inability of the cells to utilize L-citrulline for growth. Based on the tissue-specific regulation of ASS gene, the feature of melanomas suggests that it might be possible to develop agents with strong AD activity for chemotherapeutic use for human melanomas in vivo.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1992

Arginine deiminase gene of an AIDS-associated mycoplasma, Mycoplasma incognitus.

Recently, we have demonstrated by molecular cloning that a strong immunosuppressive factor derived from Mycoplasma arginini is arginine deiminase. We show here that mycoplasma species identified in many of AIDS patients also bear the arginine deiminase gene. The implication of the arginine deiminase gene detected in AIDS-associated mycoplasma species is discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1992

Epidemiology of neonatal chronic lung disease in Japan.

A nationwide survey on the epidemiology of chronic lung disease (CLD) of the newborn was conducted. Questionnaires were sent to 391 level II and III neonatal centers in Japan and the registration of infants born in 1990 with chronic lung disease was requested. CLD was defined as an oxygen requirement greater than that obtainable in room air at 28 days after birth, with symptoms of persistent respiratory distress and a hazy or emphysematous and fibrous appearance on chest X-ray. A total of 301 neonatal centers (77.0%) responded and 50,290 infants at these centers were registered. Of these, 97% survived the first month and 1,135 of 48,762 neonatal survivors developed CLD. The mortality of infants with CLD was 6.2%. Survival rates at 28 days of age increased consistently with birthweight. Survival at 28 days of age in infants below 1,000 g at birth was 73.7%, but the rate was 93.9% in infants weighing 1,000-1,499 g. The incidence of CLD was inversely proportional to birthweight. Approximately one quarter of neonatal survivors with a birthweight below 1,500 g and approximately half of extremely small infants ( < 1,000 g) developed CLD. The analysis of CLD infants showed that 28.2% of them had a history of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and a typical fibrous appearance on chest X-ray (Type I), while 29.3% also had a history of RDS but had an atypical X-ray appearance (Type II).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed1992

Inhibitory effects of polyethers on human immunodeficiency virus replication.

We examined the inhibitory activities of 10 polyether antibiotics on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. These compounds caused concentration-dependent inhibition of HIV replication in primary infected cultures of human T-lymphoblastoid H9 cells. The ratio of 50% effective concentrations for cellular cytotoxicity (MTT assay) to antiviral activity (reverse transcriptase assay) was over 5. Anti-HIV activity was also observed in cultures of monocytic lineage U937 cells chronically infected with HIV.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1992

The effect of Ninjinyoeito on Werner's syndrome skin fibroblasts.

The effect of Ninjinyoeito on three cases of Werner's syndrome fibroblasts was investigated. In all three cases, groups which were treated with Ninjinyoeito showed improved life-span doubling levels compared to groups which were not treated with Ninjinyoeito. Also, all of the treated group in all three cases showed significantly higher values in the rates of DNA synthesis including two cases which showed significantly higher rates of protein synthesis.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Role of corpus luteum function in embryo implantation.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the role of corpus luteum function in the implantation process of cryopreserved embryos. Six patients with tubal infertility were studied, with a total of 27 fresh embryos being replaced following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and in vitro fertilization. These embryo transfers failed to produce pregnancy. From the patients, 22 supernumerary embryos were cryopreserved and 10 viable frozen-thawed embryos were transferred in a subsequent natural cycle, resulting in 2 pregnancies. In 1 of the pregnancies, the serum concentrations of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in the midluteal phase were 29 pg/ml and 5.6 ng/ml, respectively. These values were considered to be below the physiological range. These data suggest that a pregnancy can be achieved in spite of low circulating E2 and P4 levels during the luteal phase, which are generally indicative of the luteal phase defect.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Enhancement of growth-promoting activity in extract from uterine cancers by protein kinase C in human endometrial fibroblasts.

Uterine cervical and corpus cancers have been reported to synthesize and secrete a putative peptide mitogen, which elicits a potent proliferative response in fibroblasts by a mechanism independent of phosphoinositide turnover. The extract from human uterine cervical cancer stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into human endometrial fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Concomitant exposure of the fibroblasts to thrombin or fibroblast growth factor (FGF) led to synergistic enhancement of the extract-stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into fibroblasts. An apparent maximal activity of the extract in the presence of thrombin or FGF was 2-fold higher than that in the absence of them, implying that thrombin or FGF acted at a stage after the interaction of the mitogen in the extract with its specific receptor. Insulin or epidermal growth factor failed to augment the growth-promoting activity in the extract. The stimulatory action of thrombin or FGF was mimicked by protein kinase C activators, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) or 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl glycerol, but not by Ca2+ ionophore A23187. When the fibroblasts were first exposed to the extract for 4 h and then to PMA, PMA succeeded to augment the mitogenic activity in the same manner. The identical effects of protein kinase C activators with thrombin or FGF suggested that both types of ligand share a similar signaling cascade of action, activation of protein kinase C. These results demonstrated that the growth-promoting activity in uterine cancer extract could be enhanced by the agents which promote phosphoinositide metabolism through activation of protein kinase C. These findings could give a new insight into pathophysiology of the interaction between malignant cells and their stromal cells, fibroblasts.

Endometrium↗

PubMed1992

Successful outcomes of pregnancy complicated with dermatomyositis. Case reports.

There are few reports in the literature of pregnancy in dermatomyositis (DM), in contrast with those of other connective tissue diseases. We describe 2 patients who had an established diagnosis of DM and then became pregnant. In these cases, both the fetal and maternal outcome were good, and differed from those in previously reported cases.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Incomplete testicular feminization syndrome: studies of 17 beta-oestradiol-binding activity and aromatase activity in cultured genital fibroblasts showing impaired dihydrotestosterone-binding.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 17 beta-oestradiol binding, and aromatase activity were measured in cultured genital skin fibroblasts from two siblings with the incomplete testicular feminization syndrome. Whole-cell and nuclear DHT binding in the cells from both patients were reduced to 80% and 60%, respectively of those in a normal male subject. The nuclear oestradiol binding was not impaired in the fibroblasts from the patients whose plasma oestradiol was normal or a little elevated. Although gonadectomy led to a decrease in plasma testosterone concentration, the concentration of testosterone-binding globulin showed no change suggesting no apparent effect on testosterone-binding globulin synthesis by testicular steroids. There was no significant difference in aromatase activity of the fibroblasts between the patients and the normal male subjects. The relatively increased oestrogen concentration in the syndrome might result from oestrogen production in testes, but is unlikely to be from peripheral tissues such as fibroblasts. This is the first report to examine oestradiol binding and aromatase activity in the cells from the incomplete testicular feminization associated with impaired DHT binding. These findings may give new insight into the pathogenesis of abnormal male sexual differentiation in the patients with testicular feminization syndrome.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Effects of nitric oxide-related compounds and carperitide on hemodynamics and hematocrit in anesthetized rats.

Sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin and carperitide (alpha-human ANP) all reduced mean blood pressure, but only carperitide increased the hematocrit in rats with bilateral renal artery- and ureter-ligation. NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine, a selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, elevated the mean blood pressure but did not change the hematocrit significantly. These findings suggest that ANP has a physiological role in regulating circulatory blood volume distinct from that of NO, although both increase intracellular cyclic GMP in the vasculature.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed1992

Inheritance and breeding of the waltzing mutant in the musk shrew (Suncus murinus, Insectivora) characterized by the circling and head-shaking behaviors.

A behavioral mutant was found in the laboratory-bred musk shrew (Suncus murinus). The affected shrews were characterized by the behaviors of tight circling in both directions and frequent head shaking in horizontal. They could definitely be identified by at least day 10 after birth. These abnormal behaviors were steady and permanent through life. Mating experiments demonstrated that the mutant character is expressed by a single autosomal recessive gene in homozygote with complete penetrance. The pedigree analysis indicated that the gene was derived from one heterozygous male captured in Ginowan city, Okinawa. The name, waltzing, was proposed for this mutant character with the gene symbol wz. An abnormality of the balance organ was predicted for a cause of the abnormal behaviors, since, besides the circling and head shaking behaviors, the affected shrews could not keep the body stretching but twisted it frequently when they were held up by the tail and further they could not keep the head on the water surface at all. Nevertheless, the affected shrews were almost normal in gestation period, litter size, weaning ratio and body weight in comparison with the phenotypically normal ones. The mutant shrews have been maintained as a closed colony, the WZ line involved more than 30 individuals at every one generation.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Red-eyed dilution (rd), a novel coat-color mutant gene in the musk shrew (Suncus murinus, Insectivora).

A novel coat-color mutant was found in the musk shrew (Suncus murinus). Mutant shrews were characterized by light-gray coat, pinkish skin and red eyes. Mating experiment demonstrated that the mutant character was controlled by a single autosomal recessive gene. The gene could be traced back to at least four heterozygous carriers captured in Naha city, Okinawa in 1983. The name, red-eyed dilution, was proposed for this mutant character with the gene symbol rd. Linkage analysis proved no close relationship of the rd locus with the cr (cream coat color) and ch (curly hair) loci. The red-eyed dilution shrews (+/+, rd/rd) could easily be distinguished from the cream coat shrews with dark-red eyes (cr/cr, +/+) and the double homozygotes exhibiting light-cream coat with pink eyes (cr/cr, rd/rd). The rd gene has been maintained in the OKI line about at 75% of its frequency in every generation. We have started to develop a new line triple-homozygous for the cr, ch and rd genes.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Primary epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in clinical stage IEA presenting with paraplegia and showing complete recovery after combination therapy.

A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of paraplegia. A spinal epidural tumor (Th VII-XI) was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and resected. Histological examination of the tumor showed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the diffuse large cell type (Lymphoma Study Group classification), with a B cell phenotype. The clinical stage was IEA by the Ann Arbor classification. Radiation therapy of the involved field was performed (total dose: 40 Gy), followed by six courses of modified cyclophosphamide, adriamycine, vincristine, prednisolone (CHOP) therapy. He was discharged walking unaided 10 months later and has shown no evidence of relapse in the 26 months since discharge.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Primary esophageal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A 77-year-old woman with primary esophageal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in clinical stage IEA (Ann Arbor Classification) developed pain and difficulty in swallowing. An upper gastrointestinal examination revealed a submucosal tumor from the upper to the middle portion of the esophagus. Histopathological examination at endoscopic biopsy with endoscopic partial incision showed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (diffuse type--large cell). Immunohistological examination of tumor cells disclosed LCA (+), CD3(DAKO) (+), MT1 (+), UCHL1 (+), MB1 (+), MxPanB (-) and EMA (-) reactivity and showed T cell lymphoma. The clinical stage was determined to be IEA after further work-up. Improvement of swallowing difficulty and esophageal findings on upper gastrointestinal series were noted after modified CHOP therapy and radiotherapy (total 50 Gy).

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Effects of cold acclimation on cold-induced changes in lipid metabolism of rat brown adipose tissue.

Effects of acute cold exposure (0 degree C, 12 h) on lipid metabolism of the interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) were studied in warm controls (25 degrees C) (WC) and cold-acclimated rats (5 degrees C, 4 weeks) (CA). 1) We confirmed that cold acclimation brought about decreased BAT triglyceride (TG) level and increased BAT phospholipid (PL) level. The indexes of unsaturation, such as unsaturation index and polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratio, of bulky fatty acids (FA) (palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids) decreased in TG, while those increased in PL. Rare FA (eicosadienoic acid, homo-gamma-linoleinic acid, lignoceric acid) level, which were about five times higher in PL than TG in WC, decreased in both TG and PL in CA. 2) Effect of acute cold exposure in WC: The level as well as the amount of TG in BAT was greatly reduced and the indexes of unsaturation in TG-FA increased. The most part of reduced TG (85%) was explained by the bulky FA. Rare FA explained only 1.1% of reduced TG. PL level in BAT did not change, but its amount decreased. The indexes of unsaturation increased in PL-FA. 3) Effect of acute cold exposure in CA: CA was placed in warm temperature of 25 degrees C before cold exposure. In contrast with the cold-reduced TG in WC, either the level or the total amount of TG in BAT did not change, but the indexes of unsaturation in TG-FA decreased. The level as well as the total amount of PL in BAT increased. The arachidonic index and arachidonate in PL-FA decreased, but the indexes of unsaturation did not change. These results indicate as a whole that acute cold exposure as well as cold acclimation influences BAT lipid metabolism in FA compositions as well as amount of TG and PL, suggesting that such changes are related to thermogenic activity of this tissue.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed1992

Elevated gene expression of argininosuccinate synthetase in peripheral lymphocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) is a rate-limiting enzyme of urea cycle and functions primarily in the liver, whereas ASS activity is hardly detected in normal lymphocytes. In this study, we examined the level of ASS gene expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from human SLE patients by amplification of reverse-transcribed mRNA using the polymerase chain reaction. We have demonstrated that (a) approximately 40% of SLE patients exhibited 2.5 to 5 times higher expression of ASS gene in PBL than those of healthy PBL and (b) the elevation of ASS gene expression of PBL significantly correlates with the active pathogenesis of SLE patients according to the criteria of Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare (p < 0.001 by student's two-tailed t-test). Thus, it is suggested that ASS gene expression is a promising marker of hyperactivated lymphocytes uniquely generated in patients with systemic autoimmune disease.

Animals↗