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Biomedical subjects

T Taniguchi

Publications and source records attributed to T Taniguchi.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

CD8(+) T cell-mediated skin disease in mice lacking IRF-2, the transcriptional attenuator of interferon-alpha/beta signaling.

The balanced action of cytokines is known to be critical for the maintenance of homeostatic immune responses. Here, we report the development of an inflammatory skin disease involving CD8(+) T cells, in mice lacking the transcription factor, interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF-2). CD8(+) T cells exhibit in vitro hyper-responsiveness to antigen stimulation, accompanied with a notable upregulation of the expression of genes induced by interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta). Furthermore, both disease development and CD8(+) T cell abnormality are suppressed by the introduction of nullizygosity to the genes that positively regulate the IFN-alpha/beta signaling pathway. IRF-2 may represent a unique negative regulator, attenuating IFN-alpha/beta-induced gene transcription, which is necessary for balancing the beneficial and harmful effects of IFN-alpha/beta signaling in the immune system.

Animals↗

Splice isoforms of alpha(1a)-adrenoceptor in rabbit.

Two splice isoforms of rabbit alpha(1a)-adrenergic receptor (AR), (named alpha(1a)-OCU.2-AR and alpha(1a)-OCU.3-AR) have been isolated from the liver cDNA library in addition to the previously reported isoform (alpha(1a)-OCU.1-AR). Although they have the identical splice position with human alpha(1a)-AR isoforms, the C-terminal sequences are distinct from those of human isoforms. Among these rabbit alpha(1a)-AR isoforms, there are no significant differences in pharmacological properties: high affinity for prazosin, WB4101, KMD-3213 and YM617 and low affinity for BMY7378, using COS-7 cells expressing each isoform by radioligand binding assay. Competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT - PCR) analysis revealed that mRNA of alpha(1a)-ARs was expressed in liver, thoracic aorta, brain stem and thalamus of rabbit. The splice isoforms exhibited a distinct distribution pattern in rabbit; alpha(1a)-OCU. 1-AR was expressed most abundantly in those tissues. CHO clones, stably expressing each isoforms with receptor density 740 fmol mg(-1) protein in alpha(1a)-OCU.1-AR, 1200 fmol mg(-1) in alpha(1a)-OCU.2-AR and 570 fmol mg(-1) in alpha(1a)-OCU.3-AR, respectively, showed a noradrenaline-induced increase in inositol trisphosphate which was suppressed by prazosin. Noradrenaline elicited a concentration-dependent increase in extracellular acidification rate (EAR) in the CHO clones with pEC(50) values of 6. 19 for alpha(1a)-OCU.1-AR, 6.49 for alpha(1a)-OCU.2-AR and 6.58 for alpha(1a)-OCU.3-AR, respectively. Noradrenaline caused a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in the CHO clones with pEC(50) values of 6. 14 for alpha(1a)-OCU.1-AR, 7.25 for alpha(1a)-OCU.2-AR and 7.70 for alpha(1a)-OCU.3-AR, respectively. In conclusion, the present study shows the occurrence of three splice isoforms of rabbit alpha(1a)-AR, which are unique in C-terminal sequence and in tissue distribution. They show similar pharmacological profiles in binding studies but alpha(1a)-OCU.3-AR had the highest potency of noradrenaline in functional studies in spite of the lowest receptor density. These findings suggest that the structure of C-terminus of alpha(1a)-ARs may give the characteristic functional profile.

Alternative Splicing↗

Inverse agonism and neutral antagonism at a constitutively active alpha-1a adrenoceptor.

We have studied the antagonist action of prazosin and KMD-3213 in a constitutively active mutant of the human alpha-1a adrenoceptor in which Ala(271) was substituted to Thr and was expressed in CHO cells. Inverse agonism was characterized by up-regulation of receptor density, a decrease in basal GTPgammaS binding, and a reduction in basal inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) level. According to the above criteria, prazosin acted as an inverse agonist, whilst KMD-3213 behaved as a neutral antagonist. Compared with the wild-type receptor, mutant receptor exhibited single affinity sites for [(3)H]-prazosin, [(3)H]-KMD and the non-radioactive ligands tested, and displayed significantly higher affinities for several agonists but not for the two antagonists. Administration of KMD-3213 to prazosin-treated CHO cells expressing the mutant receptor reversed the inverse agonism of prazosin resulting in rapid increases in cellular IP(3), in intracellular [Ca(2+)] and in the rate of extracellular acidification. These results indicated that a neutral antagonist can reverse the action of an inverse agonist at the receptor site. The distinct properties of inverse agonist and neutral antagonist in affecting receptor function may be important for the clinical use of such antagonists.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists↗

Autoimmune pancreatitis detected as a mass in the tail of the pancreas.

A mass in the tail of the pancreas was detected in a 62-year-old male patient who had hypergammaglobulinaemia, and was positive for antinuclear antigen and anti-SS-A antibody. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography revealed focal irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in the tail of the pancreas. Dynamic computed tomography showed swelling of the pancreatic tail, which was enhanced on delayed phase. Autoimmune pancreatitis was suspected and corticosteroid therapy was commenced. This led to significant resolution of the pancreatic stricture. It is important to recognize this clinical entity as corticosteroid therapy may avoid unnecessary surgery.

Autoantibodies↗

Gastric mucosal damage caused by monochloramine in the rat and protective effect of taurine: endoscopic observation through gastric fistula.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The mechanism of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric mucosal injury is unknown, but H. pylori infection is conducive to accumulation in the stomach of monochloramine, a cytotoxic substance. The present study involved morphological investigation of the damaging effects of monochloramine on rat gastric mucosa, using endoscopic observations through a gastric fistula. The study also examined the protective effect of taurine against monochloramine-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of monochloramine in rats were studied by administering the substance via a gastrostomy, which was then used to conduct a series of endoscopic observations. Local blood flow was measured using a laser Doppler method. Histological examination was carried out after 24 hours. Various monochloramine concentrations were used, and some animals were pretreated with taurine, a monochloramine scavenger, via the gastrostomy. RESULTS: Endoscopically, monochloramine was found to produce hemorrhagic mucosal erosions, mainly in the gastric body, in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. Blood flow was decreased in advance of mucosal erosion. Taurine prevented mucosal injury by 30 mM monochloramine, the highest concentration tested. CONCLUSIONS: Although only the first 24 hours of mucosal injury were observed in the present study, the most likely mechanisms by which monochloramine caused injury to the gastric mucosa appeared to be both oxidative damage and a reduction in blood flow, impairing the mucosal defense mechanism.

Analysis of Variance↗

Significance of acidic sugar chains of apolipoprotein B-100 in cellular metabolism of low-density lipoproteins.

We have elucidated the carbohydrate structures of the N-linked sugar chains of human and rabbit apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100), which is similar in composition to oligosaccharides (Arch Biochem Biophys 1989;273:197-205, Arteriosclerosis 1990; 10:386-93). We have also shown the negative correlation of the ratio of acidic sugar chains of apo B-100 to the serum cholesterol levels in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits (Atherosclerosis 1992;93:229-35). The acidity of sugar chains is determined by the existence of sialic acid residues at the terminal of oligosaccharides. In the present study we investigated N-linked sugar chains of apo B-100 from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who had moderate hypercholesterolemia (less than 400 mg/dL). There was no difference in the structure of their oligosaccharides and the ratio of acidic sugar chains of apo B-100 from CAD patients as compared with that from healthy individuals reported previously. To clarify the role of sialic acid residues in apo B-100 for lipoprotein metabolism, we studied cellular uptake of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) treated with sialidase (desialylated LDL). Desialylated LDLs were taken up and degraded to a 2-fold greater degree than control LDL by human monocyte-derived macrophages and stimulated cholesterol esterification in these cells. These results indicate that sialic acid residues of apo B- 100 play an important role in cellular uptake and degradation of LDL.

Animals↗

Reduced E-cadherin expression and enlargement of cancer nuclei strongly correlate with hematogenic metastasis in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Synchronous and metachronous hematogenic metastases are frequently detected in patients with colorectal carcinoma. Once these metastases have developed, the prognoses of patients are poor. Previously, we reported that enlargement of cancer nuclei significantly correlated with metastatic potential of gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, recently it has been reported that reduced expression of E-cadherin is associated with tumor metastasis. To evaluate the correlation between nuclear area (NA) of cancer cells and expression of E-cadherin, and to elucidate whether these factors correlate with clinical outcome in patients with colorectal carcinoma, 105 consecutive patients were investigated. METHODS: In each case, the NAs of 600 cancer nuclei were analyzed by means of a computer-assisted image analysis system and E-cadherin expression was detected immunohistochemically by an anti-E-cadherin monoclonal antibody. The expression levels of E-cadherin were divided into three groups according to the percentages of E-cadherin-positive cells (level 0: positive cells < or = 50%, level 1: 50% < positive cells < or = 80%, level 2: positive cells > 80%). RESULTS: The mean NA of cancer cells in 105 tumors was 57 microm2. The NAs of cancer cells enlarged in proportion to the decrease of E-cadherin expression levels (level 0, n = 48, 62 microm2; level 1, n = 35, 57 microm2, level 2, n = 22, 46 microm2, P = 0.002). The 10-year survival rates decreased in proportion to the reduced E-cadherin expression levels (80% in level 2, 64% in level 1, and 42% in level 0, P = 0.004). Moreover, the 10-year survival rate of 54 patients with large NA tumors (< or = 54 microm2, 36%) was significantly poorer than that of 51 patients with small NA tumors (< 54 microm2, 80%, P < 0.001). The NA of cancer cells was recognized as an important predictor for prognosis and hematogenic metastasis. Although reduced E-cadherin expression was not recognized as the risk factor for hematogenic metastasis, 80% of patients who developed hematogenic metastasis had tumors with both enlarged cancer nuclei and reduced E-cadherin expression. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of NA of cancer cells and E-cadherin expression in patients with colorectal carcinoma may reveal important information for hematogenic metastasis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Chorioamnionitis decreased incidence of respiratory distress syndrome by elevating fetal interleukin-6 serum concentration.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of newborns is one of the most important factors determining neonatal morbidity and mortality. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) titre in cord sera of RDS-free neonates born to mothers with histological chorioamnionitis was significantly higher than that in RDS-complicated neonates without chorioamnionitis. Maternal administration of glucocorticoid suppressed the IL-6 concentrations in the cord sera of fetuses with chorioamnionitis. The fetuses without chorioamnionitis who suffered from RDS even after maternal glucocorticoid administration showed a similar IL-6 titre to that of RDS-affected neonates without chorioamnionitis. Examination of the mechanism by which IL-6 decreased the incidence of fetal RDS revealed that H441-4, a human pulmonary adenocarcinoma cell line, stimulated with recombinant (r)-IL-6 started the synthesis of mRNA and protein of pulmonary surfactant protein (SP)-A. The present study shows that IL-6 elevation in fetuses with chorioamnionitis promotes fetal lung maturation by inducing SP-A synthesis, thereby decreasing the incidence of RDS in the preterm neonates.

Cell Line↗

Elongated uvula with a pleomorphic adenoma: a rare cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

The authors encountered a case of elongated uvula with a pleomorphic adenoma originating from the minor salivary gland, causing frequent upper airway obstruction. A 75-year-old woman had obstructive sleep apnea syndrome brought about by the swallowing impact of the pendulous tumor into the hypopharyngeal and supralaryngeal spaces. Although there are some case reports about tumors originating from the uvula, this is the first reported to cause obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

Effects of lidocaine administration on hemodynamics and cytokine responses to endotoxemia in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of lidocaine administration on hemodynamics and cytokine concentrations in Escherichia coli endotoxemia in rabbits. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective laboratory study. SETTING: University laboratory. SUBJECTS: Thirty-two Japanese rabbits anesthetized with urethane and ventilated mechanically. INTERVENTIONS: Animals were randomly assigned to one of four groups: endotoxemic controls (n = 8), receiving intravenous E. coli endotoxin (0.5 mg/kg bolus) via the mesenteric vein; laparotomy controls (n = 8), treated identically to the endotoxemic controls except for the substitution of 0.9% saline for endotoxin; lidocaine controls (n = 8), treated identically to the laparotomy controls with the addition of intravenous lidocaine (3 mg/kg bolus followed by infusion at 2 mg/kg/hr) administered immediately after the injection of 0.9% saline; and lidocaine-treated rabbits (n = 8), treated identically to the endotoxemic controls with the addition of intravenous lidocaine (3 mg/kg bolus followed by infusion at 2 mg/kg/hr) administered immediately after the injection of endotoxin. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We compared the cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, blood gases, and plasma cytokine concentrations (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-8) for each group. After endotoxin injection, the mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance decreased progressively in the endotoxemic controls. At 4 hrs after injection, all of the variables except the heart rate and central venous pressure were lower in the endotoxemic controls than in the other groups. At 4 hrs after endotoxin injection, both IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations increased in all groups. However, the mean concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in the endotoxemic controls significantly exceeded those in the other groups. No significant differences existed between the laparotomy controls and lidocaine-treated rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine had a profound inhibitory effect on the hemodynamic and cytokine responses to endotoxemia when it was administered immediately after exposure to endotoxin. Our results demonstrate the potential usefulness of lidocaine as an anti-inflammatory agent in endotoxemia.

Animals↗

Effects of propofol on hemodynamic and inflammatory responses to endotoxemia in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To document the effects of propofol on the hemodynamic and inflammatory responses to endotoxemia in an animal model. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective laboratory study. SETTING: University experimental laboratory. SUBJECTS: Thirty-two male rats. INTERVENTIONS: The animals were randomly assigned to one of four groups: a) endotoxemia group (n = 8), which received intravenous Escherichia coli endotoxin (15 mg/kg over 2 mins); b) control group (n = 8), which was treated identically to the endotoxemia group except for the substitution of 0.9% saline for endotoxin; c) propofol group (n = 8), which was treated identically to the control group but also received propofol (10 mg/kg bolus, followed by infusion at 10 mg/kg/hr) immediately after the injection of 0.9% saline; and d) propofol-endotoxemia group (n = 8), which was treated identically to the endotoxemia group with the additional administration of propofol (10 mg/kg bolus, followed by infusion at 10 mg/kg/hr) immediately after endotoxin injection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hemodynamics, arterial blood gases, and acid-base status were recorded and the blood propofol concentrations and plasma cytokine concentrations were measured during the 5-hr observation. Microscopic findings of lung tissue for each group were obtained at necropsy. The systolic arterial pressure and heart rate of the propofol-endotoxemia group were similar to those of the endotoxemia group. The increases in the plasma cytokine (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10) concentrations, in the base deficit, and in the infiltration of neutrophils in the air space or vessel walls of the lungs were attenuated in the propofol-endotoxemia group compared with the endotoxemia group. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol attenuated cytokine responses, base deficit, and activation of neutrophils to endotoxemia. These findings suggest that propofol may inhibit inflammatory response and prevent the development of metabolic acidosis during endotoxemia.

Animals↗

Glibenclamide inhibits accumulation of cholesteryl ester in THP-1 human macrophages.

Glibenclamide is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channel inhibitor that is widely used in treating diabetes mellitus. However, the effects of this drug on cholesterol metabolism and atherogenesis are not well known. We investigated the effects of this agent on the cellular cholesterol metabolism in cultured human macrophages. The effect of glibenclamide was evaluated by the measurement of the cellular contents of total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and cholesteryl ester in the presence of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The effect on the degradation and association of 125I-labeled LDL (125I-LDL) also were determined. Cholesterol efflux was measured in the absence and the presence of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The secretion of apolipoprotein E also was determined. The synthesis and hydrolysis of cholesteryl ester were evaluated. Glibenclamide stimulated both synthesis and hydrolysis of cholesteryl ester, and inhibited the net accumulation of cholesteryl ester by LDL in a concentration-dependent manner and even decreased its content compared with time 0 control. This drug had no effect on the degradation or association of 125I-LDL. Glibenclamide promoted the HDL-independent cholesterol efflux by decreasing esterified cholesterol and increasing the release of free cholesterol and secretion of apolipoprotein E into the medium. The other potassium channel inhibitors or openers had no effect on the cellular cholesterol levels. These results suggest that glibenclamide inhibits the accumulation of cholesteryl ester in macrophages by enhancing the hydrolysis of cholesteryl ester as well as by increasing cholesterol efflux, and possibly, by increasing the secretion of apolipoprotein E. These effects appeared to be unrelated to an effect on the potassium channel. Inhibition of accumulation of cellular cholesterol by glibenclamide might be favorable for the prevention of atherosclerotic disease.

Analysis of Variance↗

Characterization of the endothelin receptor subtypes in human prostate.

Endothelin (ET) receptor subtypes in human prostate with benign prostatic hyperplasia were investigated by binding and functional studies. In the displacement experiment, LU224332 [endothelin-A/-B (ET(A)/ET(B)) nonselective antagonist] competed for [125I]ET-1 binding with a monophasic curve. On the other hand, LU135252 (ET(A)-selective antagonist) and sarafotoxin S6c (S6c, ET(B)-selective agonist) competed for [125I]ET-1 binding with shallow and biphasic curves. The analysis of the displacement curves for LU135252 and S6c showed that both ET(A) and ET(B) subtypes coexist but that ET(A) is the dominantly expressed receptor. In human prostate strips, 10 microM of both LU135252 and LU224332 strongly inhibited the contractile response to ET-1 with equal potency. However, 10 microM of BQ788 (ET(B)-selective antagonist) did not show a clear inhibition. S6c also produced a contractile response, which was potently inhibited by LU224332 or BQ788, and slightly suppressed by LU135252. These results suggest that in human prostate both ET(A) and ET(B) subtypes are functional receptors mediating contraction, but that ET-1-mediated contractions are predominantly mediated by activation of dominant receptor subtype, ET(A).

Aged↗

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of Erysipelothrix spp.

The usefulness of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA method (RAPD) to identify each species of genus Erysipelothrix and for epidemiological analysis of this genus was studied. Eighty-one strains and 18 random primers were tested. Among the tested primers, the primers NK51 (GGTGGTGGTATC) and NK6 (CCCGCGCCCC) produced noticeable results. The primer NK51 revealed four species-specific RAPD patterns. Of the 66 strains of E. rhusiopathiae, 64 had the same unique band of 884 bp. Of the 12 strains of E. tonsillarum, 11 produced a 1,265-bp band. In addition, two strains, previously thought to be E. rhusiopathiae, produced the 1,265-bp band, suggesting that they had been misclassified. One strain of E. tonsillarum produced the 884-bp band, suggesting that it too was E. rhusiopathiae. The E. rhusiopathiae strain of serovar 13 produced a 650-bp band, and the strain of serovar 18 produced a clear 420-bp band as well as three weak bands of 1,265, 918, and 444 bp. The primer NK6 revealed 14 RAPD patterns that were not serovar specific. However, different patterns were produced among strains of the same serovar showing that the RAPD method is able to identify the genetic variations of strains of this genus and can rapidly and easily differentiate strains of the same serovar. Based on these results, we concluded that the RAPD method with primers NK51 and NK6 is a rapid and reliable method to identify the species of this genus; we also concluded that this method might be a useful tool for the epidemiological analysis of the Erysipelothrix species.

Erysipelothrix↗

Pharmacological analysis of neurogenic, sympathetic responses mediated through alpha-1-, alpha-2-adrenergic and purinergic receptors in the dog saphenous vein.

Electrical transmural stimulation evoked a sympathetic contraction in the isolated dog saphenous vein. This contraction consisted of three components (alpha(1)-adrenergic, alpha(2)-adrenergic and purinergic), which were separately observed under combined treatments either with yohimbine (blockade of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor) and alpha,beta-methylene ATP (desensitization of P(2X)-purinoceptors), with prazosin (blockade of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor) and alpha,beta-methylene ATP, or with prazosin and yohimbine, respectively. The alpha(1)-adrenergic and purinergic contractions immediately developed after the start of stimulation and reached a peak rapidly. In contrast, the alpha(2)-adrenergic contraction developed slowly, thus the time to peak contraction was longer than the other two components. The relationship between the peak amplitudes of contraction and stimulus frequencies were similar between alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenergic components, but the purinergic contraction was smaller than the other components at all frequencies (0.1-30 Hz). Cocaine, a neuronal uptake inhibitor of noradrenaline, significantly potentiated alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenergic components and prolonged their duration with a relatively greater effect on the alpha(2)-adrenergic component. In contrast, the purinergic component was not affected by cocaine. Exogenous noradrenaline produced concentration-dependent contraction, which was inhibited more effectively after combined treatment with combination of prazosin and yohimbine than either blocker given alone. Cocaine potentiated the attenuated contractile response to noradrenaline in the presence of prazosin, resulting in the recovery of response to the control level. Exogenous ATP produced a transient contraction, which was abolished under conditions where postjunctional P(2X)-purinoceptors were desensitized with alpha,beta-methylene ATP. Cocaine did not affect the ATP-induced contraction. These results suggest that sympathetic contraction of the dog saphenous vein is caused through three distinct routes (alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors and P(2X)-purinoceptors).

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The parkinsonian models: invertebrates to mammals.

In contrast to Alzheimer's disease, effective therapeutic options are available for Parkinson's disease. Therapy of dopamine replacement such as levodopa improves the symptoms of this disease, but does not inhibit neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra. Numerous studies have suggested that endogenous and environmental neurotoxins, and oxidative stress may participate in this disease, but the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Recent genetic studies in familial Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism show several gene mutations. This new information regarding pathogenesis offers novel prospects for therapy. To develop novel neuroprotective drugs, it is necessary to have a model for each type of parkinsonism. This review summarizes current findings regarding parkinsonian models in vertebrates and invertebrates and discusses their value.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗