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Biomedical subjects

T Wada

Publications and source records attributed to T Wada.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Deficiency of fibrinolytic enzyme activities in the serum of patients with Alzheimer-type dementia.

Previously we reported that there is a kallikrein deficiency in the cerebral tissue of patients with Alzheimer-type dementia. The present study was performed to investigate protease changes in the serum of these patients. The results showed that the kallikrein activity was normal, but that the activities of plasmin and urokinase were significantly low. The present findings indicate a derangement in the clotting and fibrinolytic systems in Alzheimer patients.

Aged

Effects of GTP analogues and activation of endogenous protein kinases on photoaffinity labeling with [3H](+)PN200-110 of crude membranes from rat heart and brain.

The effects of GTP analogues and conditions in which various endogenous protein kinases were activated on photoaffinity labeling with [3H](+)PN200-110 (PN) of crude membranes from rat cardiac muscle and whole brain were investigated. Photoaffinity labeling with 20 nM [3H](+)PN of these crude membranes was decreased by 100 microM GTP-gamma-S, but not by 100 microM GTP or 100 microM GDP-beta-S. Similar results were obtained on the effects of GTP and its analogues on the specific binding of 20 nM [3H](+)PN to these crude membranes under the same conditions. Activation of endogenous protein kinases in these crude membranes did not influence the photoaffinity labeling with [3H](+)PN. These results suggested the binding sites, or DPH-sensitive, or L-type, calcium channels in curde membranes from rat cardiac muscle and whole brain are directly or indirectly modulated by endogenous GTP-binding protein, but not by various endogenous protein kinases in these crude membranes.

Affinity Labels

Clinicopathological study on combination therapy consisting of arterial infusion of lipiodol-dissolved SMANCS and transcatheter arterial embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Combination therapy (LpTAE) consisting of arterial infusion of a lipophilic anticancer drug, SMANCS, dissolved in an oily lymphographic agent, lipiodol (LPD), and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was studied with special reference to the pathological findings. A total of 32 patients were subjected to surgical resection after LpTAE. The pattern of LPD deposition in the tumor was examined by CT scan (Lipiodol CT, LpCT) at 7 days and/or 1 month after LpTAE. The resected materials were examined radiographically with soft X-rays and histologically. LPD was deposited in tiny daughter nodules with a diameter of less than 5 mm and in tumor thrombi as well as in the main tumors, which showed necrotic change. Part of the LPD flowed out from the main tumor via the drainage vein and was deposited in the capsular invasion, resulting in necrosis. LPD accumulated almost exclusively within the blood spaces of trabecular-type HCC, creating a pattern corresponding to a cast of the tumor vessels, which showed prominent necrosis. On the other hand, LPD was not deposited in scirrhous, compact, or well-differentiated HCC, which showed little or no necrosis. It was demonstrated that LpCT images, which accurately depicted the existence and the extent of LPD deposition and necrosis in the tumor, were useful for precise evaluation of the therapeutic effect. Our findings indicate that LpTAE and LpCT are valuable for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC and should play a central role in systemic therapeutic approaches to this disease.

Adult

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen in breast lesions: correlation of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein and EGF receptor and its clinicopathological significance in breast cancer.

Monoclonal anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA PC10), which is directed against a 36 kDa auxiliary protein for DNA polymerase delta specific for the S-phase of cell cycle, was used to measure tumour cell proliferation in 4 lactating breasts and 98 benign and malignant breast tumours. The percentage of PCNA-positive cells determined by point counting was significantly lower in the lactating breast [mean 3.6%, standard deviation (SD) 0.67, n = 5] than in fibroadenoma and mastopathy (mean 23.7, SD 5.0, n = 2). Primary breast carcinoma showed a PCNA index ranging from 2% to 36% (mean 12.3, SD 9.3, n = 50), whereas in recurrent carcinoma the index was mean 28.5, SD 4.0. A high index was correlated with c-erbB-2 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor membrane reactivity, worsening histological grade, poor survival and disease-free survival. The expression of c-erbB-2 and EGF receptor was associated with poor survival and disease-free survival in primary breast cancer patients.

Breast Neoplasms

Positive imaging of cardiomyopathy with 99mTc(V)-DMSA.

A case of histologically proven dilated cardiomyopathy and a case of clinically diagnosed cardiomyopathy (cardiac amyloidosis was strongly suspected but was not confirmed) were examined with 99mTc(V)-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). 99mTc(V)-DMSA accumulation in the damaged myocardium was clearly demonstrated. These results suggested the possibility that 99mTc(V)-DMSA could be used as a positive agent for cardiomyopathy.

Aged

Therapeutic effect of oral dipyridamole on myocardial perfusion and cardiac performance in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Recent studies have indicated that myocardial ischemia could occur and could play an important role in the pathophysiology of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We therefore investigated whether or not dipyridamole--a selective coronary vasodilating agent--could favorably modify myocardial perfusion and the clinical manifestations in 20 patients with HCM (19 nonobstructive and one mildly obstructive) with an average age of 50 years. Oral dipyridamole, 150 mg/day for 2 weeks, prevented reversible perfusion defects initially observed in six patients on baseline exercise thallium-201 (201TI) scintigraphy and significantly increased the 201TI clearance (40 +/- 13% to 44 +/- 12%), while one patient developed new reversible perfusion defects. There were significant increases in echocardiographic fractional shortening and treadmill exercise time and reductions in cardiac size and supraventricular arrhythmias with dipyridamole therapy. These observations suggest that coronary vasodilation with dipyridamole may improve myocardial perfusion and cardiac function in patients with HCM.

Administration, Oral

Effect of a new anxiolytic, DN-2327, on learning and memory in rats.

The effects of a new anxiolytic, (2-(7-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)-3- [(1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]dec-8-yl)-carbonylmethyl] isoindolin-1-one (DN-2327), on the execution of step-through passive avoidance and delayed spontaneous alternation tasks were assessed and compared with those of diazepam (DZP) and buspirone. DN-2327 and buspirone (both 10 and 20 mg/kg, PO) impaired performance in the 48-h passive avoidance recall test when given prior to the test session, but not when given before the training trial. DZP impaired the performance at doses of more than 5 and more than 10 mg/kg PO when given prior to the test session and when given before the training trial, respectively. The action of DZP (10 mg/kg PO) when given before the training trial was antagonized by flumazenil (20 mg/kg, IP) and tended to be antagonized by DN-2327 (10 and 30 mg/kg, PO), but was not affected by buspirone. No evidence for possible amnesic effects of DN-2327 or buspirone on working memory was found in the delayed spontaneous alternation task, but DZP (3 and 10 mg/kg, PO) caused significant impairment of working memory. Electroshock sensitivities detected by flinch, jump, and vocalization thresholds were not influenced significantly by DN-2327 (30 and 100 mg/kg, PO), DZP (10 and 30 mg/kg, PO) or buspirone (30 and 100 mg/kg, PO).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

In vivo measurement of spatial dose distribution with thermoluminescent sheet around high dose-rate intracavitary source: application to rectal cancer.

For intracavitary high dose-rate radiation therapy, a thermoluminescent [TL] sheet for in vivo measurement of spatial dose distribution around source has been recently developed. The TL sheet was found to have a linear response with a very wide dynamic range from at least 0.002 cGy to 5000 cGy for 60Co gamma-rays. This TL sheet (40 cm x 50 cm x 200 microns), which is composed of Teflon mixed with BaSO4:Eu doped powder, is very flexible and can be cut to the desired size. In addition, this sheet is easy to handle because of its insensitivity to room light. The spatial dose distribution is displayed in a color mode by using a newly developed TL sheet readout system. For a clinical application, the TL sheet was wrapped on an applicator for intracavitary radiation therapy of a rectal cancer and was inserted into the rectum. The location of the TL sheet could be confirmed with diagnostic X ray film. After irradiation with high dose-rate 60Co source, the in vivo relative dose distribution on the surface of the rectum was determined. This TL sheet provided a convenient means of measuring the relative dose distributions around 60Co sources of various patterns in intracavitary radiation therapy.

Brachytherapy

Direct purification of multiple ATF/E4TF3 polypeptides from HeLa cell crude nuclear extracts using DNA affinity latex particles.

We developed a method using affinity latex particles to rapidly and efficiently purify DNA-binding proteins directly from crude cell extracts. The particles are composed of a styrene core and a polyglycidyl methacrylate surface, to which DNA oligomers were immobilized by means of epoxy groups. Multiple polypeptides were copurified, which bound to the ATF/E4TF3-binding site from crude nuclear extracts of HeLa cells, within a few hours. Affinity-purified polypeptides stimulated transcription in vitro from a promoter in which ATF/E4TF3-binding sites were present. At least eight polypeptides with molecular masses of 116, 80, 65, 60, 55, 47, 45, and 43 kDa were copurified. About 2 micrograms of the 43-kDa protein was purified directly from 8 mg of crude nuclear extracts. All the polypeptides directly bound to the same DNA sequence and were thought to form a family. The results indicated that the particles are useful for quickly purifying various DNA-binding proteins directly from crude cell extracts.

Activating Transcription Factors

Up-regulated MHC-class II expression and gamma-IFN and soluble IL-2R in lupus nephritis.

Expression of MHC-class II molecules (HLA-DR and -DQ), serum gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels were studied in 35 Japanese patients with lupus nephritis (LN) to clarify intraglomerular cellular activation and cytokine involvement in human LN. In 11 normal kidney specimens, HLA-DR(Ia1) was noted in glomerular tufts, but HLA-DQ was either not or was faintly detected in glomeruli by the indirect immunofluorescence technique. HLA-DR and -DQ were observed mainly on the surface of glomerular endothelial cells in 100% and 50% of 28 lupus kidney specimens except for necrotic or sclerotic lesions. HLA-DQ was expressed in a high incidence of 67%, 86% in patients with proliferative LN (WHO Class III-IV) and active lesions, respectively. Serum gamma-IFN and sIL-2R levels were 1.2 +/- 0.2 U/ml and 190 +/- 24 U/ml (mean +/- SEM; N = 30) in normal controls, and elevated in patients with proliferative LN (4.1 +/- 1.0 U/ml, 383 +/- 81 U/ml, N = 25), especially with active lesions (6.2 +/- 1.5 U/ml, 500 +/- 110 U/ml, N = 14). Overall, glomerular lesions such as HLA-DQ expression, the activity index and leukocyte infiltration correlated positively with serum gamma-IFN levels (r = 0.55; P less than 0.01 for HLA-DQ, r = 0.68; P less than 0.001 for activity index, r = 0.38; P less than 0.05 for leukocyte infiltration), but not with serum sIL-2R levels, anti-DNA antibody titers and CH50 titers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent

The effect of crossed olivo-cochlear bundle stimulation on acoustic trauma.

To investigate whether the crossed olivo-cochlear bundle (COCB) functions in a protective manner, albino guinea pigs were exposed to sounds of varying intensity (110-130 dB SPL, 3-30 min) with or without electric stimulation of COCB, and the threshold shifts of the compound action potential (CAP) were examined. A statistically significant protective effect was observed in animals exposed to stimuli of intermediate intensity which induce threshold shifts of 50 to 55 dB on average. No protective effect was observed in the groups exposed to greater or milder stimuli. These results are discussed in the light of the available literature.

Acoustic Stimulation

Cooperative transcription activation between Ad1, a CRE-like element, and other elements in the CYP11B gene promoter.

We previously reported the presence of six different cis-acting elements (Ad1 to Ad6) in the promoter region of the bovine CYP11B gene. Although the Ad1 site (TGACGTGA) was similar to a palindromic CRE (TGACGTCA), two other upstream sequences, Ad3 and Ad4, were identified as the cAMP response sequences of the gene. We analyzed the functional relationship between the Ad1 site and the upstream elements. Mutation analyses of the Ad1 site indicated that the 5' half of the site (TGACG) was important for the transcription of the gene in vitro. In Y-1 cells, a plasmid with a mutated Ad1 showed no response to cAMP. The effect of the mutation at the Ad1 site on the cAMP response was almost the same as that of the deletion of Ad3 and Ad4, although the role of each element seemed to be different. These results indicated that both the Ad1 site and the upstream elements, Ad3 and Ad4, were necessary for the full response to cAMP of the CYP11B gene. When the Ad1 site in the promoter region was replaced with a palindromic CRE, elevated transcription activity was detected both in vitro and in vivo. Two kinds of CREBs (43 and 47 kDa) purified from a HeLa cell nuclear extract bound to the Ad1 site. The binding of the palindromic CRE to the nuclear factor(s) was stronger than that of Ad1.

Animals

Neurogenic bladder due to peripheral neuropathy and a visual disturbance in an elderly man with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A 63 year old man with central nervous system lupus with a neurogenic bladder and visual disturbance is described. The diagnosis of neurogenic bladder, attributed to peripheral neuropathy, was made on the basis of cystometrography and clinical symptoms. A brain magnetic resonance imaging scan showed gliosis along the cerebral vessels and the optic nerve. This case shows that systemic lupus erythematosus can be accompanied by a peripheral neurogenic bladder and visual disturbance, and that these symptoms may not improve despite the amelioration of other lupus symptoms on treatment with steroids.

Follow-Up Studies

Comparative study on the behavioral and EEG changes induced by diazepam, buspirone and a novel anxioselective anxiolytic, DN-2327, in the cat.

Behavioral and EEG effects of 2-(7-chloro-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)-3-[(1,4)-dioxa-8-(azas piro-[4.5]dec-8- yl)carbonylmethyl]isoindolin-1-one (DN-2327; 1, 5 and 20 mg/kg p.o.) were compared to those of diazepam (0.2 and 1 mg/kg p.o.) and buspirone (1 and 5 mg/kg p.o.) in freely moving cats. DN-2327 did not affect motor coordination or the relative percentages of the three sleep-wakefulness stages. Diazepam (1 mg/kg) increased wakefulness and non-REM sleep, and buspirone (5 mg/kg) also increased wakefulness and decreased REM sleep. In addition, diazepam (1 mg/kg) caused severe motor disturbance, but buspirone did not. The cortical EEG power density spectra during wakefulness were changed almost dose-dependently by DN-2327 (decreased: 2-7.75 Hz; increased: 20-49.75 Hz), and dose-dependently by diazepam (decreased: 2-7.75 Hz; increased 13-49.75 Hz) and buspirone (decreased: 4-9.75 and 13-19.75 Hz). The effect of DN-2327 on the cortical EEG varied with the sleep-wakefulness stage. The power of the 4- to 7.75-Hz frequency (theta) band of the hippocampal EEG during wakefulness was decreased by diazepam and buspirone but not by DN-2327, while the peak frequency of its spectra was decreased only by diazepam. On the other hand, during non-REM sleep, DN-2327 decreased the power of the theta band as did diazepam. These results indicate that the behavioral and EEG effects of DN-2327 differ completely from those of buspirone and considerably from those of diazepam and that the EEG effect of DN-2327 varies with the sleep-wakefulness stage.

Animals

Intraglomerular expression of MHC class II and Ki-67 antigens and serum gamma-interferon levels in IgA nephropathy.

In order to clarify intraglomerular cellular activation and cytokine involvement in IgA nephropathy, the glomerular expression of MHC class II antigens (HLA-DR and DQ) and cellular proliferative nuclear antigen (Ki-67), and serum gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) levels were evaluated in 49 patients with IgA nephropathy. HLA-DR was detected in all but 4 patients in whom glomerular sclerosis was present. HLA-DQ and Ki-67 were observed in 51 and 38% of the patients, respectively. Proteinuria, recent macroscopic hematuria, mesangial proliferation, and extracapillary and endocapillary lesions were more frequent and more severe in HLA-DQ-positive than in HLA-DQ-negative patients. In 10 patients with acute exacerbation, endocapillary lesions and HLA-DQ and Ki-67 expression were present in 70, 80 and 88%, respectively. Serum gamma-IFN levels were high in the patients (2.0 +/- 0.3 U/ml, n = 40), especially during acute exacerbation (3.4 +/- 1.1 U/ml, n = 9). Glomerular HLA-DO and Ki-67 expression correlated with serum gamma-IFN levels (r = 0.73, p less than 0.01 for HLA-DQ; r = 0.75, p less than 0.01 for Ki-67). Renal biopsy specimens taken before and after prednisolone and/or urokinase therapy were available from 4 patients. There was strong reactivity to HLA-DQ in the glomerular tufts of all 4 pretreatment samples. However, HLA-DQ reactivity disappeared after treatment in 3 samples, concomitant with normalization of serum gamma-IFN levels. We conclude that serum gamma-IFN levels are related to glomerular HLA-DQ and Ki-67 expression and acute exacerbation in patients with IgA nephropathy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent

Role of plasminogen activator inhibitor on nephrotoxic nephritis and its modulation by tumor necrosis factor.

To evaluate the suggested imbalance between coagulation and fibrinolysis in the development of glomerulonephritis, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity was studied in the plasma of rats with nephrotoxic nephritis. PAI activity rose within 1 h of the injection of nephrotoxic globulin (NTG), peaked at 2 h and returned to the normal range within 24 h. PAI activity was dependent on the dose of NTG and increased significantly during passage through the kidney. PAI activity was also detected in the culture supernatant from isolated glomeruli with nephrotoxic nephritis. Intracapillary fibrin deposits were formed within 2 h; their numbers increased gradually over 24 h. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) also induced a progressive increase in PAI activity in normal rats. The injection of TNF to rats with NTG synergistically accelerated both the increase in PAI activity and the prevalence of fibrin deposits. These results suggest that PAI may be released from the glomeruli affected by nephrotoxic nephritis and imply that PAI may play a role in the local coagulation in the capillaries of the nephritic kidneys, although this is probably not the only mechanism which explains the continued formation of the glomerular fibrin deposits.

Animals

Dose-dependent enzyme suppression in spleen induced by GM1 (monosialoganglioside 1) administration to mice.

Our previous studies suggested that the administration of exogenous gangliosides to the body modulates enzymatic networks in the brain. In the present study, we tested whether that is the case with another organ, spleen. By testing the dose response relationship, we found that there is a optimum dose for the effect of enzymatic modulation of GM1 (monosialoganglioside 1) administration. Although the optimum level varied depending on each of the examined hydrolytic enzymes, it usually fell in the range around 50 micrograms/kg body weight. The findings led us to conclude that the enzyme-modulating actions of gangliosides come not merely from the bizarre actions in vivo of high molecular exogenous substances.

Animals

Beneficial antiarrhythmic effect of beta-blockade in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Antiarrhythmic effects of beta-blockade (BB) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were compared with those of various antiarrhythmic agents using ambulatory Holter monitoring. The BB therapy effectively suppressed ventricular extrasystoles (VEs) in 85% of patients, as evidenced by improvement in Lown's grade or a reduction in the number of the highest grade VEs greater than 50%. In contrast, conventional antiarrhythmic agents, except flecainaid and amiodarone, were poorly effective in suppressing VEs. BB therapy gradually increased left ventricular fractional shortening (16 +/- 6% to 22 +/- 12%) and improved 12-month survival rates as compared with those receiving conventional therapy (93 vs 69%). This antiarrhythmic potency seemed to be an additional therapeutic efficacy of BB in the management of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, which frequently associated with serious VEs.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists