[A case of hemodialysis-induced brain disease with intracranial calcinosis].
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
T Tamura
Publications and source records attributed to T Tamura.
Transluminal extraction atherectomy and adjunctive balloon angioplasty for restenosis after Palmaz-Schatz coronary stent implantation.
Two patients who developed restenosis after implantation of Palmaz-Schatz coronary stents were successfully treated by transluminal extraction atherectomy and there has been no recurrence on follow-up angiograms. The optimum strategy for managing restenosis after coronary stenting remains unclear, but transluminal extraction atherectomy appears to be a safe and effective option.
Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
New resorption assay with mouse osteoclast-like multinucleated cells formed in vitro.
We previously reported a procedure to obtain a preparation containing a large number of mouse osteoclast (OCL)-like multinucleated cells (MNCs) formed in cocultures of mouse osteoblastic and bone marrow cells in the presence of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3]. The MNCs satisfied major criteria of OCLs, such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, acid production, calcitonin (CT) receptors, and the ability to form resorption pits on bone slices. In this report, we describe a simple resorption assay system using MNC preparations. After culturing MNC preparations or disaggregated rat OCL preparations on dentin slices, they were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin. The stained area corresponded exactly with the resorption pits visualized by scanning electron microscopy and were measured using an image analysis system attached to a light microscope. Pit formation by MNCs was gradually enhanced by reducing the medium pH (pH 7.5 < 7.2 < 6.9). The plan area resorbed by MNCs increased linearly for up to 72 h. These results are very similar to those obtained with OCL preparations. In multiple standard assays with MNC preparations, more than 250 MNCs could be placed on a dentin slice, and the total area resorbed to a level of up to 9% of the whole surface within 48 h. In contrast, in multiple assays with OCL preparations, it was not easy to place more than 50 OCLs on a slice and the resorbed area was only 0.7% of the surface.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Acid Phosphatase↗
Synthesis and characterization of the selenium analog of glutathione disulfide.
We synthesized the selenium analog of glutathione disulfide by a liquid phase method and named it glutaselenone (i.e., gamma-L-glutamyl-L-selenocysteinylglycine) diselenide. The selenol of selenocysteine was protected by the p-methoxybenzyl group, which was removed by acidolysis with trifluoroacetic acid in the presence of thioanisol. The overall yield of the final product, glutaselenone diselenide, was about 9% based on the starting compound, Se-(p-methoxybenzyl)-L-selenocysteine. Glutaselenone diselenide showed a broad absorption band between 270 and 400 nm and circular dichroism bands around 270 nm (positive) and 330 nm (negative), which were attributable to diselenide bond.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
Immunolocalization of androgen receptor in the small, preovulatory, and postovulatory follicles of laying hens.
Previous studies have indicated that androgens may act directly on the ovarian follicles to regulate their functions. The aim of this study was to localize androgen receptor (AR) in the small, preovulatory and postovulatory follicles of laying hens by an immunocytochemical method and Western blot analysis. Small follicles embedded in the stroma (SF), small white follicles protruding from the surface of ovary (SWF), the third largest (F3) and largest follicles (F1), and the most recent postovulatory follicle (POF) were obtained from hens approximately 4 or 10 hr before the expected time of ovulation. Frozen sections of these follicles were immunostained by using anti-human AR antibody. Furthermore, the granulosa cells and theca tissue of preovulatory follicles (F1 and F2) approximately 4 hr before the expected time of ovulation were processed for western blot analysis for AR. The majority of granulosa cell of SF showed negligible AR immunoreaction, whereas all of the granulosa cells of SWF, F3, F1, and POF exhibited a strong AR immunoreaction. Thecal interstitial cells in SWF, F3, and F1 stained positive for AR, and those in POF showed only a weak immunoreaction. The thecal fibroblasts of SWF, F3, and F1 also showed a positive AR immunoreaction, whereas those of POF stained weakly. No significant difference in the AR localization in the ovary was observed between 4 and 10 hr before the expected time of ovulation. Western blot analysis indicated that the granulosa cells and thecal tissue contained AR protein of molecular weight of approximately 120,000.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗
Stimulation of prostaglandin E2 production and induction of specific protein synthesis in rat peritoneal macrophages by a tumor promoter staurosporine.
Staurosporine is a microbial anti-fungal alkaloid having potent inhibitory activity on protein kinase C and is a non 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-type tumor promoter in two-stage carcinogenesis experiments in mouse skin. Effects of staurosporine and its structurally related compounds K-252a, KT5720 and KT5822 on prostaglandin E2 production, release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, and uptake of [35S]methionine into intracellular proteins were examined in rat peritoneal macrophages. Among the four compounds, only staurosporine stimulated the production of prostaglandin E2 and release of arachidonic acid at concentrations of 1 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml. The uptake of [35S]methionine into cellular proteins, estimated to be 120 kDa and 125 kDa molecular mass, was also stimulated by staurosporine treatment, and the uptake was increased in parallel with the increase in prostaglandin E2 production. At higher concentrations (100 ng/ml and 1000 ng/ml), staurosporine inhibited prostaglandin E2 production and did not induce the specific protein synthesis. Other compounds neither stimulated prostaglandin E2 production nor induced specific protein synthesis. K-252a inhibited prostaglandin E2 production at concentrations above 10 ng/ml. These results suggest that the staurosporine-induced proteins might participate in the tumor promotion or at least in the staurosporine-induced stimulation of prostaglandin E2 production.
Alkaloids↗
Cosmid clones from microdissected human chromosomal region 15q11-q13.
A human chromosomal region, 15q11-q13, was microdissected, its DNA was amplified with the primer-linker PCR method, and the PCR products were cloned into a plasmid vector to construct a microclone library. Of 193 microclones analyzed with Southern blot hybridization on hybrid cell panels, 26 (13.5%) were either single-copy (unique) or low-repetitive fragments. By screening of a cosmid library of human genomic DNA using the 26 microclones as probes, 47 positive cosmids were obtained and underwent regional mapping with chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Sixteen cosmids gave FISH signals at 15p-cen, 5 at 15q11-q13, 6 at 15q22-q26, 3 at other chromosomes, and 17 no signal. These 27 cosmids mapped to chromosome 15 are useful additions to the inventory of DNA markers of this chromosome including the much interested Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome region.
Base Sequence↗
Evidence for estrogen synthesis in adenomyotic tissues.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate steroidogenesis in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues in adenomyosis. STUDY DESIGN: Aromatase and estrone sulfatase activities were determined by anion-exchange resin column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and cocrystallization. The effects of danazol on the activity of these enzymes were also examined. Moreover, localization of aromatase in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues was immunohistochemically examined with antihuman placental aromatase cytochrome P-450 antibody. RESULTS: Aromatase and estrone sulfatase activities were detected in ectopic endometrium. The activity of these enzymes was significantly suppressed by danazol. In addition, aromatase was immunohistochemically detected in glandular cells of eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that estrogen is synthesized in the eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues of women with uterine adenomyosis and that it may affect the growth of adenomyosis. Danazol suppressed synthesis of estrogen in vitro.
Adult↗
Dystrophin isoforms expressed in the mouse retina.
The dystrophin gene is expressed in various tissues of the mouse. Previous immunohistochemical studies suggested the existence of dystrophin protein in the outer plexiform layer of the retina. We analyzed mRNAs from the retina and other tissues of mice and detected the dystrophin transcripts (DT) with the use of the reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The 5' sequences, corresponding to the first exon, of DT in the retina was mainly the brain type, whereas in the 3' region of DT that corresponds to the C-terminal domain of dystrophin, some additional RT-PCR products were detected. Base sequences in three of them showed homology to those for previously reported human dystrophin isoforms. The DT variations in mice were identical between the retina and the brain. It was thus concluded that dystrophin really expresses in the mouse retina and most of the retinal dystrophin proteins belong to the brain type isoform.
Animals↗
Contradictory clinical implications between paradoxical growth hormone responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone and those to vasoactive intestinal peptide and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in acromegaly.
There is an almost general agreement on the clinical significance of TRH and bromocriptine (Br) tests in acromegaly. That is that positive GH responses to these tests (with an increase or a decrease, respectively) are known to be very frequently associated with the presence of PRL-containing somatotroph adenomas of the pituitary. In this context, however, very little is known about the clinical significance of paradoxical GH responses to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and LHRH in acromegaly. We therefore examined, as the principal objective of this study, whether a relationship exists among the GH (in some cases also PRL) responses to TRH, VIP, LHRH and Br in acromegaly. Another aim of this study was to examine whether a sexual difference exists in GH and PRL secretion in acromegaly. We examined a total of 24 patients comprising 8 men and 16 women. In agreement with previous reports, TRH-responders tended to have a higher level of basal PRL than TRH-nonresponders. In contrast, VIP-responders and LHRH-responders tended to have a lower PRL level than their respective counterparts. Although Br responsiveness was unexpectedly similar between TRH-responders and nonresponders, it was revealed that pure TRH-responders who were not responsive to VIP or LHRH were more sensitive to Br and more hyperprolactinemic than the remaining TRH-responders. This suggests that the simultaneous GH responsivity to VIP and/or LHRH in TRH-responders may be a factor which lowers their Br responsiveness and basal PRL levels. With respect to a sexual difference in GH and PRL secretion, it was revealed that female acromegalics had higher levels of basal GH and PRL than male patients. In addition, it was found that female acromegalics had supernormal levels of basal PRL, but a subnormal PRL responsiveness to TRH. As the major implication of this study, we hypothesize that the positive GH response to TRH associated with a high sensitivity to Br may, as already suggested, be characteristic of PRL-containing somatotroph adenomas, whereas the GH responsivity to VIP, and possibly also to LHRH, co-existing with no or low sensitivity to Br may be a feature of pure somatotroph adenomas. Although this study is devoid of immunohistochemical evidence to support this hypothesis, we suggest that the present in vivo data may be of some help in understanding the basis of the great variabilities in the GH responses to various dynamic testings in acromegaly.
Acromegaly↗
Re-adjustment of Japanese returnee children from an overseas sojourn.
A questionnaire survey which was devised from the MMPI which was administered to Japanese children aged between 6 and 18 who had returned from an overseas sojourn for the duration of no less than one year (n = 1941) and matched control groups from the same schools who had no overseas experiences (n = 1354). Returnee children showed more dissatisfaction with their lives in Japan, but there was no indication that returnee children had more adjustment difficulties than their counterparts. In fact, they were less worried about their academic achievement and interpersonal relationships. Positive effects of the transcultural relocation were discussed as well as the adjustment.
Adolescent↗
Neonatal cord serum alpha 2-macroglobulin and fetal size at birth.
Serum concentrations of alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) were measured in cord blood from neonates born in Alabama, USA and in Guatemala. Results indicate an inverse relationship between cord serum alpha 2M concentrations and birth weight of newborns in both locations. Infants with lower birth weight had higher cord serum alpha 2M concentrations as compared to those with higher birth weight. The results of the present study using cord serum are similar to those in our previous reports indicating an inverse relationship between maternal serum alpha 2M concentrations and birth weight. This distinctive and reproducible association between alpha 2M concentrations and fetal size in maternal as well as cord blood samples warrants further investigations to determine the mechanism of this relationship.
Alabama↗
Albumin levels in pregnancy: a hypothesis--decreased levels of albumin are related to increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein.
Serum albumin levels decrease during pregnancy while the concentration of most other maternal serum proteins of hepatic origin remain stable or increase. In a study of 289 women, most maternal characteristics such as race, age, smoking, a history of previous low birth-weight, infant sex and gestational age at delivery were not related to maternal serum albumin levels at 18 or 30 weeks' gestational age. The degree of maternal obesity significantly correlated with the concentration of albumin. There was a significant negative correlation in individual women between maternal serum levels of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein, with high levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein predicting lower levels of albumin. We hypothesize that there may be a negative feedback effect of alpha-fetoprotein of fetal origin on the maternal production of albumin during pregnancy.
Body Mass Index↗
Percutaneous angioplasty of stenosed gastroepiploic artery grafts.
OBJECTIVES: This report describes our early experience and results with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of gastroepiploic artery grafts in 12 patients. BACKGROUND: Angioplasty has been successfully performed in saphenous vein and internal thoracic artery grafts; however, experience with angioplasty in gastroepiploic artery/coronary artery bypass grafts is limited. METHODS: Balloon angioplasty was performed in 12 patients (11 men, 1 woman; mean age 58 +/- 8 years) with either total occlusion (6 patients) or severe stenosis (6 patients) of a gastroepiploic artery/coronary artery anastomosis. In seven patients, a guide wire/balloon catheter system was used through a 7F sheath inserted into the celiac trunk. In seven patients, including two who had unsuccessful wire/balloon angioplasty, an over the wire system was used through a 6.5F Cobra or 7F JR4 guide catheter, selectively inserted into the gastroduodenal artery. RESULTS: Angioplasty was successful in five (83%) of six patients with stenosis and in one of six patients with total occlusion (p = 0.08, 1 - beta = 0.68). The guide wire could not be advanced through the lesion in five patients, and the balloon catheter did not cross the lesion in one patient whose gastroepiploic artery was tortuous. Catheters exhibited better trackability and pushability when the over the wire system was used, and five of the six successes were achieved using this approach. Follow-up arteriography was performed in five patients, and all of the gastroepiploic artery grafts were patent without stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Angioplasty can be safely performed in stenosed gastroepiploic artery grafts. An over the wire system that uses a thin balloon catheter inserted through a guide catheter in the gastroduodenal artery seems optimal.
Aged↗
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy lowers aromatase cytochrome P-450 in the human placenta.
To clarify whether cigarette smoking during pregnancy causes an organic alteration in placental estrogen producing ability, we determined the catalytic activity of aromatase by the tritiated water assay, and tissue level of aromatase cytochrome P-450 (P-450arom) by the specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in placental samples from nonsmokers and smokers. As pregnancy progressed, both aromatase activity and P-450arom concentration increased in placentas from nonsmokers and smokers. However, the gradient of the increase was significantly less in heavy smokers (> or = 20 cigarettes a day) than in normal and moderate smokers (< 20 cigarettes a day). At term, the mean aromatase activity and P-450arom concentration in placentas from heavy smokers were significantly lower than in nonsmokers and moderate smokers, while aromatase activity per P-450arom (turnover rate) and the mean placental weight were comparable among the three groups. In contrast, the ratio of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity to aromatase activity was higher in placentas from heavy smokers. Immunohistochemical studies showed that P-450arom was localized in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts of chorionic villi in placentas from both nonsmokers and smokers. These results suggest that the induction of placental P-450arom during gestation is suppressed by maternal smoking, resulting in a reduction in estrogen producing ability, while placental xenobiotic P-450 is induced.
Aromatase↗
Estrogen productivity of endometrium and endometrial cancer tissue; influence of aromatase on proliferation of endometrial cancer cells.
Aromatase, estrone (E1) sulfatase and E1 sulfotransferase activities were examined in endometrium and endometrial cancer tissue preparations. Aromatase and E1 sulfatase activities in endometrial cancer tissues were found to be significantly higher than in normal endometrial tissues. However, E1 sulfotransferase activity did not differ between benign and malignant tissue. We also examined the effect of testosterone (T) on aromatase activity and tritiated thymidine uptake (DNA synthesis) in various cultured cervical or corpus endometrial cancer cell lines (OMC-4, HHUA, Ishikawa, HEC-59). The results demonstrated that only the HEC-59 cell line had high aromatase activity and increased its DNA synthesis in response to T. This increase of DNA synthesis by T was not suppressed by simultaneous addition of cyproterone acetate, but was by tamoxifen. These data suggest that in situ estrogen production in endometrial cancer tissue is biologically important and that aromatase in cancer cells may contribute partially to cell proliferation if androgen substrate is provided.
Aromatase↗
Relationship between aromatase activity and steroid receptor levels in ovarian tumors from postmenopausal women.
Aromatase activity, as well as steroid receptors, exists in nonfunctional ovarian tumors. Steroid receptor status has been reported to be related to prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. We determined aromatase activity and progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER) levels in 43 ovarian tumors obtained from postmenopausal women. Aromatase activity was detected in 35 tumors (81%), PR in 21 tumors (49%) and ER in 13 tumors (30%). Eighty-three percent (10/12) of mucinous cystadenoma tissues showed positive PR with high aromatase activity, while 93% (13/14) of malignant tumors showed negative PR and low aromatase activity. Aromatase activity was detected in 95% (20/21) of PR-positive tumors, being greater than in PR-negative tumors (P < 0.002). There was a positive correlation between aromatase activity and PR (rs = 0.49, P < 0.001). However, there was no correlation between aromatase activity and ER. In 17 patients (43%), the serum estradiol level was higher than 30 pg/ml and there was a positive correlation among estradiol, estrone, androstenedione and testosterone. However, serum steroid levels were not correlated with aromatase activity, PR or ER. Aminoglutethimide inhibited aromatase activity of benign and malignant ovarian tumors, uterine myoma, choriocarcinoma cells and purified human placental P-450arom in a similar manner. These results suggest that aromatase activity is correlated with PR in ovarian tumors of postmenopausal women. In addition to steroid receptor status, aromatase activity may be a useful prognostic factor in ovarian cancers.
Adult↗
A system for monitoring temperature distribution in bed and its application to the assessment of body movement.
For the assessment of body movements during sleep, a system for monitoring the temperature in bed was developed. The system consists of 16 temperature sensors and a data logger with a memory card. Fifteen of the temperature sensors were arranged in line 6 cm apart on a flat cable. The temperatures at these 15 points in the bed, and the room temperature measured by the additional sensor, were stored on the memory card at predetermined intervals. The data were transferred into a microcomputer and analysed. Changes in posture and body movement were recognizable from the changes in the temperature profile, and well visualized using a three-dimensional display of the successive temperature profiles in the bed. The time of body movement was estimated from the derivative of the temperature profile. Comparison between this estimation and the video recording showed good agreement. The linear arrangement of the sensors provides a high-resolution temperature profile during sleep.
Adult↗