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Biomedical subjects

Y Kitamura

Publications and source records attributed to Y Kitamura.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced cell death in PC12 cells: inhibitory effects of several drugs.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), an inducer of parkinsonism, causes degeneration of nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons by producing its neurotoxic metabolite, 1-methyl-4-phenylpiridium ion (MPP+), by monoamine oxidase B in glial cells. We used PC12 (rat pheochromocytoma cell line) as a model cell line of dopamine-containing neurons and investigated the effects of various drugs on MPP(+)-induced cell death in PC12 cells. To estimate the cell death, we measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity leaked into the culture medium from damaged cells. When PC12 cells were treated with MPP+ at 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mM for 24 h, MPP+ increased the leakage of LDH and the leakage by 1.0 and 3.0 mM MPP+ was significant compared to the control. High K+ (50 mM KCl) significantly inhibited both MPP(+)-induced leakage of LDH and [3H]MPP+ uptake into the cells, suggesting that high K+ inhibits MPP(+)-induced cell death by inhibition of MPP+ uptake. NGF, dibutyryl cAMP (diBu-cAMP), cycloheximide (CHX) and aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) significantly inhibited MPP(+)-induced leakage of LDH but did not inhibit [3H]MPP+ uptake, suggesting that these drugs inhibit MPP(+)-induced cell death at other sites than the one of MPP+ uptake.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗
PubMed1994

Localization of osteopontin in the otoconial organs of adult rats.

Although it is known that mammalian otoconia consist of calcium bicarbonate and organic materials, none of the protein components have been identified in mammals at the molecular level, and the mechanisms of morphogenesis and calcification of the otoconia is still unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated the presence of osteopontin (OPN) in rat otoconia by using immunohistochemistry, and detected OPN mRNA in the sensory hair cells by a non-radioisotopic in situ hybridization technique. These results indicate that OPN is one of the protein components in rat otoconia and suggest that sensory hair cells are involved in the production of otoconia.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Alterations in the expression of osteonectin, osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNAs during the development of skeletal tissues in vivo.

Heterogeneity in the expression of three members of non-collagenous matrix proteins in osteogenic and chondrogenic development in vivo were investigated by in situ hybridization. Sections of several skeletal tissues from mice at various stages of development were hybridized with digoxigenin-labeled complementary RNA probes encoding osteonectin (Osn), osteopontin (Osp) and osteocalcin (Osc). In calvariae and mandibulae, Osn messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected in cells in pre-osseous and osseous tissues before mineralization. Osp mRNA was found in cells attached to the mineralized bone matrix together with Osn mRNA followed by the expression Osc mRNA. In long bones, mRNAs for Osn, Osp and Osc were sequentially expressed with bone development from primary spongiosa to diaphyseal bone. In growth cartilage, Osn mRNA was observed in chondrocytes in non-mineralized cartilage, whereas Osp mRNA was detected in hypertrophic chondrocytes in mineralized cartilage matrix with a characteristic switch in expression. Osc mRNA was not detected in any chondrocytes. These results indicate that osteogenic differentiation in bone development in vivo is characterized by the sequential expression of these three genes, and suggest that these genes are expressed differentially and specifically, in association with extra-cellular matrix mineralization.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Intraglomerular expressions of IL-1 alpha and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-B) mRNA in experimental immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis.

Both PDGF and IL-1 play important roles as autocrine growth factors for cultured mesangial cells, and may be closely associated with the progression of glomerulonephritis. In this study we investigated intraglomerular expressions of PDGF-B and IL-1 alpha mRNA in mice with bovine serum albumin (BSA) nephritis, a model of immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis, using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. We also quantified intraglomerular PDGF-B mRNA by the competitive PCR and studied the correlation between the level of intraglomerular PDGF-B mRNA expression and the degree of observed glomerular injury. While expression of neither PDGF-B nor IL-1 alpha mRNA was detected in glomeruli from control mice, both were strongly expressed in glomeruli from mice with BSA nephritis. IL-1 alpha mRNA in glomeruli showed low accumulation in mice with mild glomerular injury, and was increased in mice with moderate glomerular injury. In contrast, high intraglomerular expression of PDGF-B mRNA occurred in all mice with mild glomerular injury and continued throughout the course of the disease. We observed no correlation between the level of PDGF-B mRNA expression and the histologic grade of renal damage. These results suggest that PDGF and IL-1 have different growth properties, and PDGF might play a role as a competence factor rather than a progression factor in the pathogenesis of immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Solid cell nests of the thyroid in medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Solid cell nests of the thyroid gland were studied in 44 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. In 10 (22.7%) patients, solid cell nests were revealed in the vicinity of tumour foci (five cases) or in the contralateral thyroid lobe and isthmus (four cases); in one case the location was indeterminate. In all seven cases in which immunohistochemical studies were carried out, solid cell nests showed negative staining for thyroglobulin, calcitonin and chromogranin A, findings which were distinct from those in medullary thyroid carcinoma. It is therefore suggested that solid cell nests of the thyroid are not precursors of this tumour.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Hepatic encephalopathy with increased cerebral blood flow in SPECT and MRI abnormalities in the basal ganglia.

A case of hepatic encephalopathy with increased cerebral blood flow in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and abnormalities upon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reported. SPECT showed increased blood flow exceeding 70 ml/100 g/min in the cerebellum, basal ganglia and cerebral cortex, with hyperammonemia and abnormal electroencephalographic signs showing severe generalized slowing. SPECT data and MRI might reflect abnormal metabolism and neuropathological changes in hepatic encephalopathy.

Antiparkinson Agents↗
PubMed1994

Role of nitroxidergic nerve in dog retinal arterioles in vivo and arteries in vitro.

Functional role and anatomic location of nitroxidergic nerves were determined in dog retinal arteries and arterioles. Isolated retinal central arteries responded to nicotine with relaxations that were not influenced by atropine, timolol, or indomethacin and damage of the endothelium, but were abolished by hexamethonium, methylene blue, and oxyhemoglobin. The relaxation was abolished by NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, and was restored by L-arginine. Relaxations caused by NO were not affected by L-NNA. Transmural electrical stimulation at 5 Hz relaxed the strips; the relaxation was abolished by L-NNA and tetrodotoxin. In anesthetized dogs, intraarterial injections of nicotine dilated retinal arterioles in the fundus oculi. This effect was abolished by L-NNA and restored by L-arginine. Intravenous injections of L-NNA constricted retinal arterioles, the effect being prevented by hexamethonium. There were nerve bundles and fibers containing NO synthase immunoreactivity in the adventitia and media in the retinal artery. These findings are consistent with our hypothesis that NO liberated from vasodilator nerves acts as neurotransmitter in dog retinal arteries and arterioles, and the arteriolar muscle tone is regulated by vasodilator nerve activity in vivo.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1994

Differential expression of protein kinase C genes in cultured mast cells derived from normal and mast-cell-deficient mice and mast cell lines.

We investigated the expression of mRNA of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, xi, and eta) in cultured mast cells (CMC) derived from normal (+/+) mice, CMC derived from genetically mast-cell-deficient (W/W, Wv/Wv, and mi/mi) mice, and murine mast cell lines (IC2, MC9, and P-815) by Northern blotting. In +/+ CMC, abundant expression of PKC delta and moderate expression of PKC alpha and beta was observed, while other PKCs (types gamma, epsilon, xi, and eta) were not detected. In vivo expression of PKC delta was demonstrated in the skin by in situ hybridization. In mast cell lines, the expression pattern of PKC isozymes was similar to that of +/+ CMC, except that the expression of PKC eta was detected in the IC2 cell line. The expression levels of PKC delta in CMC derived from c-kit-deficient mutants, W/W, Wv/Wv, and mi/mi, were lower than that of +/+ mice. These results indicate that PKC delta is the main isozyme in various types of murine mast cells and also suggest that the reduced level of PKC delta expression in mutant mice may be caused by a deficit in the signal transduction system through c-kit receptor.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Monoclonal antibodies to a zinc-binding protein of rat Paneth cells.

Paneth cells are morphologically well characterized but their function has been not elucidated. Previously, we identified and purified a 90 KD zinc-binding protein (ZBPP-1) in rat intestine that was localized to Paneth cell granules, consistent with their high zinc content. To further elucidate the structure and function of ZBPP-1, we immunized Balb/c mice with purified ZBPP-1 and identified four independent monoclonal antibodies (MAb) producing MAb ZIP-1 (IgM), ZIP-2 (IgG1), ZIP-3 (IgM), and ZIP-4 (IgM). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) with these MAb showed positive staining of Paneth cell cytoplasmic granules. MAb ZBPP-1 also stained a population of mononuclear cells in the lamina propria of digestive tract mucosa and a few cells in spleen, presumably a subset of macrophages. These MAb will provide a useful tool to study the function of Paneth cells in human health and disease, since they cross-reacted with human intestinal Paneth cells and mucosal mononuclear cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Site-specific expression of mRNAs for osteonectin, osteocalcin, and osteopontin revealed by in situ hybridization in rat periodontal ligament during physiological tooth movement.

We investigated the gene expression for non-collagenous proteins in periodontal ligament (PDL) by in situ hybridization histochemistry with a non-radioisotopic probe with cRNAs for osteocalcin (Osc), osteonectin (Osn), and osteopontin (Opn) in rat maxillary dento-alveolar unit containing molars and intact PDL. A highly intense positive signal for Osn and Osc mRNAs was expressed at all distal surfaces of the interradicular septum of buccal roots of the upper second molar in 7-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats. Cells showing positive signals for Osn and Osc mRNAs were osteoblasts and osteoprogenitor cells. The distribution of Opn mRNA-positive signal was demonstrable at the mesial surface of the interradicular septum of buccal roots, where physiological bone resorption was specifically restricted during physiological tooth movement. Opn mRNA was expressed in cells on the bone resorption surface, including osteoclasts, and osteocytes. A moderately intense positive signal for Osn mRNA was distributed in fibroblasts throughout the ligament. Odontoblasts and pre-mature odontoblasts exhibited a strong signal for Osn and Osc mRNA. Cementoblasts and cementocytes were positive for Osn, Osc, and Opn mRNAs. These findings suggest physiological roles of Osc, Osn, and Opn in bone remodeling, PDL remodeling, dentinogenesis, and cementogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Release of isosorbide dinitrate from polymer film dosage forms and absorption of this drug through the oral mucosa of rats.

In vitro release tests and in vivo absorption measurements of oral cavity dosage forms of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) prepared from mixed polymer film systems were conducted. Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) were used to make the films, and the tests were conducted with films made from various ratios of these two polymers. The effects of the addition of the accelerator glycyrrhizic acid (GL), on dissolution and absorption were also examined. The mean dissolution time (MDT) in the in vitro dissolution tests varied with the nature of the polymers and drug, as well as with the pH of the testing solution. The MDT for the polymer film system with GL was smaller than that without GL. In the in vivo absorption tests using rats, the absorption of ISDN through the oral mucosa was observed in all the systems. In the mixed polymer film systems, the mean residence time (MRT) increased with increasing the ratio of HPMCP/HPC. The values of the area under the curve (AUC) for the systems with GL was larger than for those without GL. A good correlation was demonstrated between the absorption rate constant, ka and the dissolution rate constant, kd.

Absorption↗
PubMed1994

Levoglucosan dehydrogenase involved in the assimilation of levoglucosan in Arthrobacter sp. I-552.

A levoglucosan (1,6-anhydro-beta-D-glucopyranose)-using bacterium, isolated from soil, was identified. It was shown to belong to the genus Arthrobacter and tentatively named Arthrobacter sp. I-552. A novel enzyme catalyzed the dehydrogenation of levoglucosan to form 1,6-anhydro-beta-D-ribo-hexopyranos-3-ulose (3-keto levoglucosan), using NAD+ as an electron acceptor, i.e. NAD+: 1,6-anhydro-beta-D-glucopyranose oxidoreductase (trivial name: levoglucosan dehydrogenase). This enzyme was purified and characterized. A possible reaction scheme for the glucose formation was proposed. This pathway for levoglucosan use is distinct from those in yeast and fungi.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Acquired idiopathic pure red cell aplasia in a hemodialyzed patient with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus.

A male patient suffered chronic renal failure due to lupus nephritis and was undergoing hemodialysis. Six years after beginning hemodialysis, anemia developed, which improved by erythropoietin. Unresponsiveness to erythropoietin gradually appeared, and with a suspicion of pure red cell aplasia, he was treated with a high-dose corticosteroid but the unresponsiveness did not improve. Neither his serum nor lymphocytes inhibited erythropoiesis of either normal bone marrow stem cells or his own in vitro. These observations suggest an impaired hematopoietic microenvironment in his bone marrow.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1994

Strial dysfunction in a melanocyte deficient mutant rat (Ws/Ws rat).

A homozygous mutant rat at the white spotting (Ws) locus showing a deficiency of melanocytes has recently been found (4, 5). The function and morphology of the inner ear of the Ws/Ws rat were examined by auditory brainstem response (ABR), endocochlear DC potential (EP), and electron microscopy. The mean ABR threshold of the Ws/Ws rat was significantly higher than that of the control +/+ rat. Most Ws/Ws rats showed no or very little EP. In electron microscopy, the stria vascularis of the Ws/Ws rat proved to be very thin and flat with poor interdigitation of marginal cells, and absence of intermediate cells. The organ of Corti appeared to be intact in both the +/+ rat and the Ws/Ws rat. These electrophysiological and morphological findings suggest that the Ws/Ws rat suffered from severe hearing loss caused by strial dysfunction.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1994

Novel retrovirus protease inhibitors, RPI-856 A, B, C and D, produced by Streptomyces sp. AL-322.

Four kinds of retrovirus protease inhibitors (RPI-856 A, B, C and D) were isolated as white powder from the culture filtrate of a soil isolate, Streptomyces sp. AL-322 by column chromatography using Diaion HP-20, Sephadex LH-20, ODS reversed phase HPLC and SP-2SW ion exchange HPLC. The structures of these inhibitors were elucidated by physico-chemical properties, chemical reactions and spectral analyses, as valyl-ADPAA-leucyl-AOPBA-valyl-valyl-aspartic acid (RPI-856 A and B) and valyl-ADPAA-leucyl-AOPBA-valyl-valine (RPI-856 C and D) [ADPAA = 2-amino-2-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)acetic acid, AOPBA = 3-amino-2-oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid]. RPI-856 A and B, and RPI-856 C and D were both determined to be diasteromers each other on the asymmetric carbon in AOPBA. These four inhibitors strongly inhibited in vitro HIV-1 protease and HTLV-I protease both derived from recombinant Escherichia coli with IC50 of 10(-7) approximately 10(-8) M.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Wn mutation of c-kit receptor affects its post-translational processing and extracellular expression.

The W locus of mice encodes the c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase. Recently, we characterized a novel mutant allele, Wn, and demonstrated that the c-kit protein synthesized in Wn/Wn cultured mast cells (CMC) was reduced in size and not expressed on their surface (Tsujimura et al., 1993). In this study, we further examined biochemical nature of the mutant form of c-kit protein, by using Wn/Wn CMC and 293T cells transfected with Wn-type c-kit cDNA (c-kitWn). The c-kit product synthesized in Wn/Wn CMC was truncated almost all cytoplasmic domain and was less glycosylated. In c-kitWn-transected cells, both glycosylation and extracellular expression of c-kit protein was also impaired, however, no truncation was detected. These results indicate that Wn-mutant form of c-kit product is insufficient in maturation, which is associated with impairments in the transport to the plasma membrane, and retention of the mutant protein in endoplasmic reticulum is suggested. This is the first demonstration of the c-kit mutation affecting posttranslational processing its product.

Alleles↗