Chromaffin cell survival prolonged by nerve growth factor from pretransected sciatic nerve.
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Adrenal Medulla↗
Biomedical subjects
T Ono
Publications and source records attributed to T Ono.
Phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) by proline-directed protein kinases and its dephosphorylation.
We identified two major substrates for the proline-directed protein kinases--cdc2 kinase and tau protein kinase II (TPKII)--in the cytosol fraction from rat brains. The molecular masses of the proteins were 80 and 46 kDa. Because the 80-kDa protein was phosphorylated by protein kinase C and was heat stable, we examined the possibility that the protein might be myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS). On the basis of a comparison between the properties of the 80-kDa protein and purified MARCKS, we concluded that the 80-kDa protein is indeed MARCKS. The amounts of phosphate incorporated into MARCKS by protein kinase C, cdc2 kinase, and TPKII were 1.7, 1.4, and 0.6 mol/mol of the protein, respectively. Two-dimensional tryptic peptide mapping indicated that phosphorylation sites by protein kinase C and proline-directed protein kinases completely differed. Only the seryl residue was phosphorylated by protein kinase C, whereas both seryl and threonyl residues were phosphorylated by cdc2 kinase and TPKII. Phosphorylation of MARCKS by protein kinase C inhibited the binding to calmodulin, whereas phosphorylation by cdc2 kinase and TPKII significantly increased the binding to calmodulin. The holoenzyme of protein phosphatase 2A dephosphorylated MARCKS that had been phosphorylated by protein kinase C, cdc2 kinase, or TPKII, whereas calcineurin was unable to dephosphorylate it. These results suggest that cdc2 kinase and TPKII regulate the functions of MARCKS in different ways from protein kinase C.
Animals↗
Combination therapy with traditional Chinese medicines and Streptococcus pyogenes products (OK 432) for endogenous tumor necrosis factor therapy. A preliminary report.
The antitumor activity of combination therapy with traditional Chinese medicines and OK432 (Streptococcus pyogenes) for cancer patients was investigated. Excellent antitumor activity of this treatment was achieved in one patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. The present report describes the clinical course of this patient and examines the contribution of production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon-gamma (IFN). Endogenous production of TNF could be observed after drip intravenous injection of OK 432 in the serum of patients treated by previous oral administration of traditional Chinese medicines. The serum levels of IFN were very low and remained at almost undetectable levels under these conditions. The selective use of immunostimulants such as traditional Chinese medicines may be of value in combination with other therapies such as drip infusion of OK 432, in the treatment of advanced cancer or of aged patients because of the low toxicity. One patient out of 12 revealed a partial response as assessed by the antitumor activity. However, with this treatment, patients did become free from pain and a good performance status was supported.
Aged↗
Dephosphorylation of fetal-tau and paired helical filaments-tau by protein phosphatases 1 and 2A and calcineurin.
We have reported that many sites of tau in fetal brain (fetal-tau) as well as in paired helical filaments (PHF-tau) are phosphorylated. In the present study, we used site-specific antibodies and peptide mapping to examine protein phosphatases involved in dephosphorylation of fetal-tau and PHF-tau. Immunoblot analysis and electrophoretic mobility showed that protein phosphatases 1 and 2A and calcineurin could dephosphorylate fetal-tau and PHF-tau. Phosphoserines 199, 202, 396, and 413 and phosphothreonine 231, numbered according to the longest human tau isoform, were dephosphorylated, as shown by the immunoblot analysis. Phosphoserine 422 was dephosphorylated by protein phosphatase 2A and calcineurin, but not by protein phosphatase 1. Peptide mapping with Achromobacter lyticus protease 1 showed that phosphoserines 199, 202, 235, and 396 and phosphothreonine 231 were dephosphorylated by protein phosphatases. Fetal-tau was more rapidly dephosphorylated by protein phosphatase 2A and calcineurin than PHF-tau. Interestingly, PHF-tau which had not been solubilized with guanidine HCl was little dephosphorylated by protein phosphatases. Thus, PHF-tau in neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's disease brain is likely to be resistant to dephosphorylation by protein phosphatases.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Epidermoid cyst with sweat ducts on the torso.
We report a case of an epidermoid cyst arising on the upper chest that had a remarkable histologic pattern composed of structures resembling eccrine ducts in the horny layer and an acrosyringium. The expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was also demonstrated immunohistochemically within these ductal structures. Eccrine ducts have been reported recently, in epidermoid cysts located in the palmoplantar region. The cyst described here suggests that epidermoid cysts derived from eccrine ducts may also appear on the torso.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗
Multiple giant molluscum contagiosa with cyst formation.
We report a case of multiple cystic tumors distributed on the scalp, face, neck, and upper trunk of a 68-year-old male. In all five cysts examined, the presence of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) was demonstrated electron microscopically, and the typical histological features of MCV infection were observed in the cyst wall. In one lesion, histological features suggesting a follicular origin of the cyst were seen.
Aged↗
In-vivo induction of apoptosis in murine lymphocytes by bacterial lipopolysaccharides.
The effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the lymphoid organs in C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice was investigated. In C3H/HeN mice, LPS induced apoptosis, characterised by morphological nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation resulting in thymic atrophy. Similar but less severe changes were also observed in the spleen and lymph nodes. In C3H/HeJ mice, only a slight depletion of lymphocyte numbers was observed in the lymphoid organs. The plasma endotoxin levels were dependent on the LPS dose regardless of mouse strain. On the other hand, the plasma TNF-alpha levels were significantly elevated in C3H/HeN mice 1 h post-injection and the time course of plasma corticosterone concentration correlated well with the development of apoptosis. These findings suggest that TNF-alpha and corticosterone may play an important role in LPS-induced apoptosis of lymphocytes.
Animals↗
Immediate allergy to rubber gloves: a questionnaire study of hospital personnel.
We conducted a questionnaire study of immediate allergy to natural rubber gloves among 2,408 medical workers who had used rubber gloves at Kumamoto University Hospital and allied hospitals. The response rate was 64.5% (1,321 workers). Among them, 8.5% (7.0-10.0% at 95% confidence limit) replied that they had experienced immediate allergy to rubber gloves. There were significant correlations among the frequency of rubber glove use, a history of atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, and the presence of skin lesions due to allergic reactions to rubber gloves. In 27 workers, skin lesions were associated with general symptoms. Of 59 workers who experienced immediate allergy and were tested for latex-specific IgE, 4 persons were positive. We conclude that the frequency of contact allergy to natural rubber products is substantially prevalent among Japanese hospital personnel and that education and awareness of this allergy are important.
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗
A statistical study of calcifying epithelioma, focusing on the sites of origin.
We statistically investigated 396 lesions taken from 355 cases of calcifying epithelioma. The distribution of these lesions did not correlate with the density of the hair follicles, but it was in accord with the distribution of intermediate hairs, such as those in the hair border. This relationship may have etiologic significance.
Adolescent↗
Group D xeroderma pigmentosum: a case with a number of nevocellular nevi.
A 12-year-old boy was diagnosed as having group D xeroderma pigmentosum based on the results of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) tests and complementation tests. More than 200 moles were distributed all over his body, including the unexposed areas of his torso and scalp. All of eight removed specimens were compatible histologically with nevocellular nevi.
Child↗
Acquired coccygeal nodule due to repeated stimulation by a bicycle saddle.
Four Japanese male students, aged 14, 16, 18 and 19, were found to have a nodule in their coccygeal regions. The typical lesion was a rugby-ball-shaped, normal-colored or slightly erythematous nodule measuring 5 to 6 cm in its long axis. Histopathologically, it showed hyperplasia of collagen fibers and slight acanthosis. All four students rode to school by bicycle over long distances and long periods; three of them developed the nodule after they started bicycle riding to school. We found that the nodule shape corresponded to the saddle of the bicycle. X-ray abnormalities included bending or anterior dislocation of the coccyx in all cases and spina bifida in two cases. These nodules may have developed as a result of irritation of this region by the saddle of the bicycle.
Adolescent↗
Molecular cloning of the leuB gene from Bacteroides fragilis by functional complementation in Escherichia coli.
Clones containing the Bacteroides fragilis leuB-complementing gene were isolated by screening of a B. fragilis genomic library constructed in Escherichia coli. One recombinant clone, designated pOT865, with the smallest DNA insert (4.5 kb) could complement three independent leuB mutations in E. coli and the leuB-complementing determinant in pOT865 was localized to a region of 1.5-kb DNA. The results of Southern blot analysis suggested that a single copy of the cloned gene was present in the B. fragilis genome. The cloned fragment appeared to contain a sequence that could function as promoter in E. coli and direct the synthesis of a 42-kDa protein. These results suggest that the cloned segment contains the structural gene for beta-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (leuB).
3-Isopropylmalate Dehydrogenase↗
A young woman with xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group F and a morphoeic basal cell carcinoma.
We report an 18-year-old Japanese woman who had mild photosensitivity and a facial tumour, which was shown to be a morphoeic basal cell carcinoma. Although a line of fibroblasts derived from the patient, Kps6 cells, were slightly more sensitive to UV irradiation than normal cells, their level of unscheduled DNA synthesis was about 20% that of normal cells, and recovery of RNA synthesis after UV irradiation was moderately depressed. Complementation tests, carried out by cell fusion or by microinjection of plasmids harbouring xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) genes, indicated that the patient had XP group F. To our knowledge, this is the youngest XP group F patient with a malignant tumour reported to date.
Adolescent↗
Detection of human papillomaviruses and eccrine ducts in palmoplantar epidermoid cysts.
Although epidermoid cysts of the palms and soles have long been assumed to develop following implantation of an epidermal fragment as a result of a penetrating injury, the pathogenic mechanism is still controversial, and the discovery of a more common aetiological agent is awaited. Clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and molecular biological studies were performed on 119 epidermoid cysts of palmoplantar location, in order to examine the role of the eccrine ducts, and human papillomavirus (HPV), in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Characteristic histological features were found, including intracytoplasmic eosinophilic bodies (ICB: in 14 cases, 12%) in the cyst wall, vacuolar structures (V: in 28 cases, 24%), or parakeratotic nuclei (P: in 85 cases, 71%) within the keratinous mass in the cyst cavity. Ductal structures suggesting eccrine ducts (E: in 63 cases, 53%) were also found in the cyst wall or in the cyst cavity. Either ductal structures or carcinoembryonic antigen expression (66 cases, 55%) were noted in a total of 73 cases (61%). Papillomavirus common antigens were detected in 36 cases (30%) showing one or more of the three distinct histological features, i.e. ICB, V and P. Subsequently, hybridization experiments to detect HPV DNA were performed in 47 cases, revealing an association between cysts showing ICB or V and the presence of HPV 60 DNA sequences. On the basis of our results, we propose that epidermoid cysts in the palmoplantar regions may develop from eccrine ducts, and that HPV and injury may play a role in their pathogenesis.
Adolescent↗
Basic study to develop the undulation pump for practical use: antithrombogenicity, hemolysis, and flow patterns inside the pump.
The undulation pump (formerly called the precessional displacement pump) is a continuous flow displacement-type blood pump that is being developed as an implantable total artificial heart. A new undulation pump was developed for chronic use and was examined with animal experiment and flow visualization studies. In the animal experiment using a left ventricular bypass in goats, severe hemolysis occurred. After driving for 12 h, thrombus formation inside the pump was found. In the flow visualization studies, the flow pattern showed that the flow inside the pump was a very complicated turbulent flow. Improvement of hemolysis and thrombus formation is important to realize implantable total artificial hearts using undulation pumps.
Animals↗
Development of a new apparatus to observe microcirculation chronically in continuous flow blood pump research.
To observe microcirculation chronically is an important key to the successful evaluation of the continuous flow blood pump. In this study, we succeeded in developing a new apparatus by which microcirculation could be observed chronically without a microscope in a conscious animal. The apparatus utilizes a charge coupled device (CCD). A thin living tissue, such as mesentery, is put directly on a highly integrated CCD and is lit up through the tissue with a light-emitting diode (LED). The vascular nets in the tissue are projected onto the CCD like a contact photograph, which is then sent to a television screen and which can be used to analyze their motion and function. A 0.5-inch CCD having 250,000 pixels was used in this study. The cover glass of the CCD was removed, and a fiber optic plate was fixed onto the surface of the CCD for the tissue to be able to contact with the apparatus surface without clearance. The CCD as well as the LED were molded with epoxy resin for electrical insulation. The apparatus was 35 mm wide and 12 mm high with a micro stand for an LED, which can be easily implanted into an animal. The apparatus was implanted into a rabbit for 12 h. The configuration of arterioles and venules, tens of micrometers in diameter, and their motions in subcutaneous tissue could be observed.
Animals↗
Cross-reactivity between human sialyl Lewis(x) oligosaccharide and common causative oral bacteria of infective endocarditis.
The expression of sialy-Lewis(x) (sLe(x); Neu5Ac alpha 2-3 Gal beta 1-4) (Fuc alpha 1-3) GlcNAc-R) on oral bacteria producing infective endocarditis was determined by a whole-cell enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and an immunoelectron microscopy using the well-characterized anti-sLe(x) monoclonal antibody SNH-3 (mAb SNH-3; IgM class). mAb SNH-3 reacted strongly with whole cells of oral bacteria: Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus constellatus, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Eikenella corrodens and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The negatively stained immuno-electron micrograph of Streptococcus pyogenes showed many reactive gold particles on the cell surface. Our findings demonstrated the existence of immunologic mimicry between the sLe(x) oligosaccharide and cell surface antigens of many species associated with infective endocarditis. We propose the hypothesis that if these bacteria escape their normal habitats, the surface components that mimic the sLe(x) oligosaccharide might bind to host antigens of the selectin family which could promote binding to endothelial cells and, consequently, initiation of the events leading to infective endocarditis.
Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
[Epidemic of influenza in Kyushu-Okinawa District (April 1994-March 1995)].
The prevalence of influenza in Kyushu-Okinawa District in April 1994- March 1995 was studied as the prevalence of influenza virus, to determine the sero-type of influenza viruses isolated in Kyushu- Okinawa District prefectures and cities. As a result, three sero-types of influenza viruses, i.e. type A/H1N1, type H3N2 and type B, were isolated in Kyushu-Okinawa District in this season, but most of the isolates were type A/H3N2 and type B. Weekly changes of reported influenza patients and period of virus isolation at local public health institutes revealed that influenza epidemics of the earlier part in this season was caused by type A/H3N2 and the latter part due to type B. Type A/H3N2 spread all over Kyushu-Okinawa District in a shorter period (about 2 weeks) through the westside of Kyushu and down south, and type B stayed about one month in northern Kyushu and took about 7 weeks to spread all over Kyushu-Okinawa District. Based on these results, the spread of influenza virus in Kyushu-Okinawa District was visualized on the isopleth maps.
Disease Outbreaks↗