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Biomedical subjects

Y Okada

Publications and source records attributed to Y Okada.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources

Voiding function of orthotopic ileal neobladder in women.

OBJECTIVES: Although the advent of orthotopic lower urinary reconstruction in women is a major achievement in the evolution of urinary diversion, the mechanism of voiding dysfunction remains incompletely understood. We report on the voiding function of ileal neobladder in 12 female patients. METHODS: A neobladder was constructed using an ileal segment. Voiding function was evaluated in terms of voiding pattern and continence. Chain cystography was performed postoperatively to detect the existence of urethral angulation. Median follow-up was 33.2 months (range 8.4 to 77.4). RESULTS: Of the 1 2 patients, 10 (83.3%) achieved excellent daytime continence, and 6 (50%) had nighttime incontinence despite regular voiding during the night. Three patients (25%) sometimes or often performed self-catheterization because of difficulty in urinating. One patient (8.3%) was unable to void and required regular intermittent catheterization. Chain cystogram revealed urethral angulation in the 3 patients with difficulty in urinating or hypercontinence. CONCLUSIONS: An orthotopic neobladder can be constructed in women with excellent functional results. Urethral angulation appears to be one of the main mechanisms for voiding dysfunction, and further studies on the functional anatomy of the female urethra are needed to improve the voiding function of the orthotopic neobladder in women.

Aged↗

Abnormal nodal flow precedes situs inversus in iv and inv mice.

We examined the nodal flow of well-characterized mouse mutants, inversus viscerum (iv) and inversion of embryonic turning (inv), and found that their laterality defects are always accompanied by an abnormality in nodal flow. In a randomized laterality mutant, iv, the nodal cilia were immotile and the nodal flow was absent. In a situs inversus mutant, inv, the nodal cilia was motile but could only produce very weak leftward nodal flow. These results consistently support our hypothesis that the nodal flow produces the gradient of putative morphogen and triggers the first L-R determination event.

Animals↗

Characterization of a truncated recombinant form of human membrane type 3 matrix metalloproteinase.

Membrane type 3 matrix metalloproteinase (MT3-MMP), an activator for the zymogen of MMP-2 (proMMP-2, or progelatinase A), is known to be expressed in human placenta, brain, lung and rat vascular smooth muscle cells, but information about its biochemical properties is limited. In the present study, we expressed and purified a truncated form of MT3-MMP lacking the transmembrane and intracytoplasmic domain (DeltaMT3) and characterized the enzyme biochemically. DeltaMT3 digested type III collagen into characteristic 3/4- and 1/4-fragments by cleaving the Gly781-Ile782 and Gly784-Ile785 bonds of alpha1(III) chains. Although DeltaMT3 did not have such an activity against type I collagen, it attacked the Gly4-Ile5 bond of the triple helical portion of alpha2(I) chains, leading to removal of the crosslink containing N-terminal telopeptides. By quantitative analyses of the activities of DeltaMT3 and a similar deletion mutant of MT1-MMP (DeltaMT1), DeltaMT3 was approximately fivefold more efficient at cleaving type III collagen. DeltaMT3 also digested cartilage proteoglycan, gelatin, fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin-1, alpha1-proteinase inhibitor and alpha2-macroglobulin into almost identical fragments to those given by DeltaMT1, although carboxymethylated transferrin digestion by DeltaMT3 generated some extra fragments. The activity of DeltaMT3 was inhibited by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) and TIMP-3 in a 1 : 1 stoichiometry, but not by TIMP-1. ProMMP-2 was partially activated by DeltaMT3 to give the intermediate form. These results indicate that, like MT1-MMP, MT3-MMP exhibits proteolytic activities against a wide range of extracellular matrix molecules. However, differences in the proMMP-2 activation and tissue distribution suggest that MT3-MMP and MT1-MMP play different roles in the pathophysiological digestion of extracellular matrix.

Collagen↗

Psoas abscess associated with iliac vein thrombosis and piriformis and gluteal abscesses.

BACKGROUND: A 14-year-old boy was admitted because of lumbago and high fever. METHODS/RESULTS: Computed tomography scans revealed psoas, piriformis and gluteal abscesses as well as right iliac vein thrombus. A right femoral venogram demonstrated compression from the psoas abscess and thrombosis of the common iliac vein. Appropriate surgical drainage, administration of antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy were effective in the present case. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of primary psoas abscess associated with vein thrombosis and is also unique in that abscesses were multiple without predisposing diseases or trauma.

Abscess↗

Expression of transitional cell-specific genes, uroplakin Ia and II, in bladder cancer: detection of circulating cancer cells in the peripheral blood of metastatic patients.

BACKGROUND: Uroplakins (UP), urothelium-specific transmembrane proteins, are present only in urothelia and may be good candidates as tumor markers specific for transitional cell carcinomas (TCC). We investigated the expression of UP-Ia and UP-II genes in the tissues and peripheral blood of patients with TCC. METHODS: We investigated UP-Ia and UP-II gene expression in tissues from 12 patients with TCC by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). HT1197, a TCC cell line, was used as an indicated cell line to assess a detection system for the UP-II gene-expressing cancer cells by nested RT-PCR. We also investigated UP-II gene expression in the peripheral blood of 12 other patients with TCC by nested RT-PCR. RESULTS: Prior to the investigation of UP-Ia and UP-II gene expression, a partial nucleotide sequence of human UP-II gene cDNA was determined to prepare the primers for RT-PCR. Uroplakin genes were expressed in both cancerous and non-cancerous urothelia taken from all patients examined by RT-PCR. The detection sensitivity of our assay showed that one cancer cell could be detected in 5 mL peripheral blood. UP-II gene-expression was detected in the peripheral blood from all three patients with metastatic TCC but not from the nine patients with non-metastatic TCC nor the three healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Uroplakins may be employed as tumor markers for transitional cell cancer, because they are highly conserved and well expressed, not only in non-cancerous cells but also in cancer cells. Furthermore, detection of UP-II gene expression in blood by nested RT-PCR may provide helpful information in the diagnosis and management of TCC.

Adult↗

Orthotopic ileal neobladder in male patients: functional outcomes of 66 cases.

BACKGROUND: Orthotopic urinary diversion has become the preferred form of bladder reconstruction after cystectomy. We report on our experience with 66 male patients undergoing this procedure from November 1990 to February 1998. METHODS: A neobladder was constructed using an ileal segment with a Hautmann type bladder. Complications were assessed and subdivided into early and late types. Voiding function was evaluated in terms of voiding pattern and continence. Median follow up was 19.5 (range 3.5-87.7) months. RESULTS: There was one (1.5%) perioperative death. The most frequent pouch-related and unrelated early complications were persistent urine leak (7.6%) and prolonged ileus (16.7%), respectively, the majority of cases of which were managed conservatively. Analysis of late complications revealed 6.2% ureteroileal stenosis and 1.5% urethrointestinal stenosis rates, but no case of bladder stone formation. Of the 61 patients in whom voiding function was evaluable, 95.1% achieved excellent daytime continence, while only 67.2% had night-time continence. With regard to posture at voiding, 23 (37.7%) voided in a sitting position. Three of the patients (4.9%) were unable to void and required regular intermittent catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: An orthotopic neobladder can be constructed with acceptable morbidity and excellent functional results. We believe that orthotopic urinary diversion offers an attractive alternative to a bladder substitute when cystectomy is required.

Adult↗

A case of renal pseudotumor associated with chronic pachymeningitis.

BACKGROUND: A 56-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a left renal mass. METHODS/RESULTS: Radiologic studies demonstrated a solitary space-occupying lesion in the left kidney and a malignant tumor was suspected. Left radical nephrectomy was then performed. Pathological examination revealed a sclerotic fibrous lesion with a rather distinct margin and no evidence of malignancy. These pathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of a renal pseudotumor. CONCLUSIONS: This patient had a history of chronic pachymeningitis that formed a thoracic epidural focus causing spinal cord compression and the histologic appearance of this focus was similar to the renal lesion. It was concluded that this was a rare case of a renal pseudotumor associated with multifocal fibrosclerosis.

Chronic Disease↗

National trend of the incidence of urolithiasis in Japan from 1965 to 1995.

BACKGROUND: A nationwide survey of urolithiasis in Japan was made in order to evaluate the chronological trend of upper urinary tract stones in the Japanese. It succeeded previous studies done in 1955, 1966, 1979, and 1990. METHODS: All outpatient visits to urologists that resulted in a diagnosis of first-episode upper urinary tract stones in the years 1990 and 1995 were enumerated, irrespective of admission and treatment. The study enrolled all of the Japanese Board of Urology-approved hospitals, thereby covering nearly all urologists practicing in Japan. The annual incidence by sex and age was estimated and compared with the incidences in the previous nationwide surveys. RESULTS: The age-adjusted annual incidence of first-episode upper urinary tract stones in 1995 was estimated as 68.9 per 100,000 (100.1 in men and 55.4 in women), a steady increase from 54.2 in 1965. The annual incidence has increased in all age groups, except in those of the first three decades. The peak age for both sexes has shifted in toward the older population's direction. Estimations of longitudinal changes between 1965 and 1995 showed that the annual incidence has more than doubled for the cohort of the 1965 census population (from 43.7 in 1965 to 110.9 in 1995) and that younger generations have had progressively higher annual incidences. CONCLUSIONS: The annual incidence of upper urinary tract stones in Japan has increased steadily over the past 30 years and will continue to do so in the near future, but it still is lower than in the United States.

Adolescent↗

Immunolocalization of transcription factor AP1 in human ocular surface epithelia.

PURPOSE: The present study examined whether normal human ocular surfcae epithelia express AP1 components. Changes in expression patterns of these components in a case of ocular surface epithelial dysplasia was also evaluated before and after topical mitomycin C treatment. METHODS: Specimens of normal corneas (n = 2) and conjunctiva (n = 4) were obtained from 4 patients during cataract surgery or post mortem, while specimens of dysplastic epithelial tissue from the limbus were obtained from one patient. Specimens were immunohistochemically studied using antibodies against components of AP1. RESULTS: The normal corneal epithelium showed no staining with antibodies against c-Fos, Fra-2, FosB, c-Jun or JunB, whereas the limbal and bulbar conjunctival epithelia were positive for c-Fos, Fra-2, and c-Jun. Anti-FosB and -JunB antibodies reacted weakly with the conjunctival epithelium. JunD was absent in normal corneal and conjunctival epithelia. The dsyplastic epithelium showed positive labelling for c-Fos, Fra-2, c-Jun, and JunD throughout its thickness. Fra-1 was present in all specimens of epithelia examined. The dysplastic epithelium treated with mitomycin C was not labeled by anti-c-Fos or -Fra-2 antibody. CONCLUSION: Individual AP1 components show specific expression patterns in normal ocular surface epithelia and a case of dysplastic epithelium before and after topical MMC treatment, implying that these factors may play important roles in modulating epithelial cell function, e.g., proliferation and differentiation.

Adult↗

Swelling-induced, CFTR-independent ATP release from a human epithelial cell line: lack of correlation with volume-sensitive cl(-) channels.

To examine a possible relation between the swelling-induced ATP release pathway and the volume-sensitive Cl(-) channel, we measured the extracellular concentration of ATP released upon osmotic swelling and whole-cell volume-sensitive Cl(-) currents in a human epithelial cell line, Intestine 407, which lacks expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Significant release of ATP was observed within several minutes after a hypotonic challenge (56-80% osmolality) by the luciferin/luciferase assay. A carboxylate analogue Cl(-) channel blocker, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate, suppressed ATP release in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibition concentration of 6.3 microM. However, swelling-induced ATP release was not affected by a stilbene-derivative Cl(-) channel blocker, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene at 100 microM. Glibenclamide (500 microM) and arachidonic acid (100 microM), which are known to block volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) Cl(-) channels, were also ineffective in inhibiting the swelling-induced ATP release. Gd(3+), a putative blocker of stretch-activated channels, inhibited swelling-induced ATP release in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the trivalent lanthanide failed to inhibit VSOR Cl(-) currents. Upon osmotic swelling, the local ATP concentration in the immediate vicinity of the cell surface was found to reach approximately 13 microM by a biosensor technique using P2X(2) receptors expressed in PC12 cells. We have raised antibodies that inhibit swelling-induced ATP release from Intestine 407 cells. Earlier treatment with the antibodies almost completely suppressed swelling-induced ATP release, whereas the activity of VSOR Cl(-) channel was not affected by pretreatment with the antibodies. Taking the above results together, the following conclusions were reached: first, in a CFTR-lacking human epithelial cell line, osmotic swelling induces ATP release and increases the cell surface ATP concentration over 10 microM, which is high enough to stimulate purinergic receptors; second, the pathway of ATP release is distinct from the pore of the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying Cl(-) channel; and third, the ATP release is not a prerequisite to activation of the Cl(-) channel.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

p53 mutations in tumor and non-tumor tissues of thorotrast recipients: a model for cellular selection during radiation carcinogenesis in the liver.

Concerns over cancer development from exposure to environmental sources of densely ionizing, high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, such as alpha-particles from radon, is a current public health issue. The study of tumors attributable to high LET irradiation would greatly augment our insights into the biological mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Chronic low-dose-rate internal exposure to alpha-radiation from thorium dioxide deposits following intravascular administration of the radiographic contrast agent Thorotrast is known to markedly increase the risk of cancer development, especially that of hepatic angiosarcomas and cholangiocarcinomas. Although the mechanism is hypothesized to be via cellular damage, DNA being a major target, wrought by the high LET alpha-particles, the specific genes and the actual sequence of events involved in the process of transforming a normal cell into a malignant one are largely unknown. To shed some light on the molecular mechanisms of cancer development during a lifetime exposure to alpha-radiation, we analyzed the most commonly affected tumor suppressor gene in humans, p53, in 20 Thorotrast recipients who developed cancer, mostly of hepatic bile duct and blood vessel origin. Of the 20 cases, 19 were found to harbor p53 point mutations. Moreover, the accompanying non-tumor tissues from these patients also had p53 mutations, albeit at lower frequency. The distribution pattern of the point mutations was significantly different between the non-tumor and tumor tissues, with most mutations in malignant tissues located in the highly conserved domains of the p53 gene. Our results support the idea that p53 mutations are important in the genesis of Thorotrast-induced tumors but that these point mutations are a secondary outcome of genomic instability induced by the irradiation. Additionally, non-tumor cells harboring p53 mutations may gain some survival advantage in situ but mutations in the domains responsible for the formation of structural elements critical in binding DNA may be necessary for a cell to reach full malignancy.

Aged↗

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of dysplastic epithelium of human ocular surface: basement membrane and intermediate filament.

PURPOSE: The dysplastic corneal epithelium is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells. The phenotypes of these cells have not been elucidated. We investigated whether such epithelium expresses the phenotypes of corneal or conjunctival epithelial cells. METHODS: The corneas and conjunctivae from four normal subjects and from one patient with epithelial dysplasia of the central cornea were immunostained for IV and VII collagens and for cytokeratins. Monoclonal antibodies against collagen IV reacted to the [alpha1(IV)]2alpha2(IV) or alpha5(IV) molecule. Anti-cytokeratin antibodies were used to define epithelial cell types. The ultrastructure of the basement membrane (BM) of each specimen also was examined. RESULTS: Type VII collagen immunoreactivity was detected in all the specimens of epithelial BM. The anti-collagen IV [alpha1(IV)]2alpha2(IV) antibody labeled the conjunctival BMs, not the BMs of the corneal epithelia, of each subject. The normal corneal epithelial BM, not the BM of the conjunctival or dysplastic corneal epithelium, was immunolabeled with anti-alpha5(IV) antibody. The pattern of cytokeratin expression in the corneal epithelial dysplasia resembled that seen in the normal conjunctivae. Small breaks in the BM of dysplastic corneal epithelium were ultrastructurally revealed. The number of hemidesmosomes in the dysplastic corneal epithelium was decreased as compared with that in the normal BM. CONCLUSION: The composition of collagen types within the BM and the cellular phenotype of the dysplastic epithelium in the cornea resembled those of conjunctival epithelium, not of the cornea.

Adult↗

Ets-1 positively regulates expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and invasiveness of astrocytic tumors.

Acquisition of invasive/metastatic potential through protease expression is an essential event in tumor progression. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is often expressed in human tumors including astrocytic tumors. To elucidate the possible regulation mechanism of uPA gene expression in astrocytic tumors, quantitative RT-PCR was performed to monitor the gene expression of uPA and the transcription factor Ets-1. Expression of uPA and Ets-1 genes was up-regulated in astrocytic tumors, but was not detected in normal brain. Expression levels of uPA correlated with those of Ets-1, and also with the degree of malignancy of the tumors. Glioma cell lines U251, U87, and T98G also expressed both uPA and Ets-1 genes. Expression of a dominant negative mutant of Ets-1, which competitively inhibits Ets-1 function, abolished uPA expression in U251 cells. Parental U251 cells showed invasive growth in 3-dimensional collagen gel, however, cells expressing dominant negative Ets-1 failed to grow invasively in the collagen gel. Treatment of U251 cells with the uPA inhibitor aprotinin also inhibited spreading of cells into collagen gel. These results suggest that Ets-1 plays an essential role in regulation of uPA gene expression, which in turn contributes to the invasive growth of astrocytic tumors.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Antihypertensive properties of KRN4884, a novel long-lasting potassium channel opener.

The antihypertensive action of KRN4884 (5-amino-N-[2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-N'-cyano-3-pyridinecarboxamidine ), a newly synthesized 3-pyridine derivative was examined in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). A single administration of KRN4884 (0.5, 1.5 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose-dependent and long-lasting antihypertensive effect. The 7-day repeated administration of KRN4884 (0.5, 1.5 mg/kg, p.o.) did not diminish antihypertensive activity during the treatment period or induce rebound hypertension after the discontinuation of treatment. To examine the mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of KRN4884, we studied its vasorelaxing effects in rat isolated aortae precontracted with 25 mM KCl. Single application of KRN4884 showed a slower onset of inhibitory action than that of levcromakalim. KRN4884 was approximately 26-fold more potent than levcromakalim and 10-fold less potent than nilvadipine. KRN4884- and levcromakalim-induced vasorelaxation were antagonized by glibenclamide. Furthermore, we observed the recovery of the contraction inhibited by these drugs after repeated washing. The inhibitory effect of KRN4884 was restored only after four washes, whereas that of levcromakalim was completely restored after one wash. The nilvadipine-induced inhibitory effect was the most resistant to washing among these drugs. These results suggest that KRN4884 shows a long-lasting antihypertensive effect based on its potent potassium channel-opening action. The long-lasting action may be due to a slow association/dissociation with/from the binding sites on vascular smooth muscle.

Animals↗

Fenestrated oculomotor nerve caused by meningioma around the cavernous sinus: a surgical pitfall in tumor removal: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: The preservation of oculomotor nerves is one of the most significant issues regarding the resection of meningiomas around the cavernous sinus. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report the case of a patient whose oculomotor nerve was fenestrated, caused by a large meningioma around the cavernous sinus. The nerve function remained intact until surgery. INTERVENTION: During surgery, one trunk of the fenestrated nerve behind the tumor was sacrificed. The fenestrated shape of the nerve led us to the misjudgment that the preserved other trunk located along the upper margin of the tumor was the whole nerve. CONCLUSION: Although fenestrated oculomotor nerves may be rare, their possibility should be kept in mind during surgery around the cavernous sinus.

Aged↗

Comparison of transcranial Doppler investigation of aneurysmal vasospasm with digital subtraction angiographic and clinical findings.

OBJECTIVE: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) findings for evaluation of the severity of vasospasm (VSP) in patients with ruptured aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are controversial. To clarify these TCD findings, intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography was used to simultaneously investigate the angiographic features of cerebral vessels and the cerebral circulation time (CCT). METHODS: Fifty patients with ruptured aneurysms, for whom computed tomographic scans indicated Fisher Grade III subarachnoid hemorrhage, were investigated. Aneurysmal neck clipping was performed in the acute stage. The mean flow velocity (MFV) at the M1 segment was measured using TCD ultrasonography. Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography was used to simultaneously investigate angiographic features and CCTs on Days 7 to 13. The CCT was defined as the time difference between the two peaks in optical density curves recorded at the carotid artery (C3-C4 portion) and the ascending vein, after contrast material injection. Angiographic VSP was categorized using a modification of the Fisher classification. RESULTS: Angiograms for 9, 25, and 16 patients showed no, slight to moderate, and severe VSP, respectively. The MFVs of the patients with no, slight to moderate, and severe VSP were 70, 115, and 116 cm/s, respectively. No significant difference among the three groups could be observed. The mean CCTs of the patients with no, slight to moderate, and severe VSP were 4.1, 4.6, and 6.5 seconds, respectively. The CCTs of the patients with severe VSP differed significantly from those of the patients with no or slight to moderate VSP. The patients with severe VSP were divided into two groups. One group included eight patients with severe VSP at proximal sites (the internal carotid artery to the M1 segment), and the other included eight patients with severe VSP extending to the M2 segment and more peripheral sites. The mean CCT of the former group (5.3 s) was significantly different from that of the latter (7.5 s), and the MFV of the former group (128 cm/s) was significantly higher than that of the latter (81 cm/s). The clinical outcomes for the latter patients were more serious than those for the former patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the MFV at the M1 segment is inadequate for estimation of the severity of VSP extending to vessels more peripheral than the M1 segment. Furthermore, severe VSP extending to more peripheral sites can produce more serious ischemic insults, compared with that localized to basal vessels. Patients with negative TCD results and clinical features suggesting the development of VSP should undergo quantitative investigation of cerebral circulatory parameters, such as the CCT, using intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography.

Aneurysm, Ruptured↗

Expression of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor/thymidine phosphorylase in human bladder cancer.

We investigated the expression of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor/thymidine phosphorylase (PD-ECGF/TP) in primary bladder cancer, its association with clinicopathologic findings, and their prognostic value. mRNA was extracted from 20 bladder cancer specimens and 6 normal bladder mucosal tissues. Relative amounts of PD-ECGF/TP mRNA were evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and compared with the level of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA (used as an internal standard). PD-ECGF/TP expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 85 patients who underwent cystectomy for bladder cancer. Serum PD-ECGF/TP levels were measured in 23 patients using a sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. By RT-PCR analysis, expression of PD-ECGF/TP was found to be 7-fold higher in invasive tumors than in superficial tumors (P<0.01) and 9-fold higher than in normal bladder (P<0.01). Out of 85 transitional cell carcinoma tissue samples, 69 (81%) were evaluated as PD-ECGF/TP-positive by immunohistochemical staining. PD-ECGF/TP expression correlated significantly with tumor grade (P = 0.001), depth of invasion (P = 0.012), and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.01). No correlation was found between expression of PD-ECGF/TP and the number of tumors, tumor configuration, lymph node involvement, venous invasion, c-erbB-2 expression, or overall survival. We could not detect a significant serum level of PD-ECGF/TP in any patient. The results suggest that PD-ECGF/TP might give valuable information for bladder cancer management, though it may not be a good new tumor marker for bladder cancer.

Adult↗

Shedding of membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase in a human breast carcinoma cell line.

Membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) with a transmembrane domain is a new member of the MMP gene family and is expressed on the cell surfaces of many carcinoma cells to activate the zymogen of MMP-2 (gelatinase A). We have previously reported that MT1-MMP is released into culture media in a complex form with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2) from a human breast carcinoma cell line, MDA-MB-231, treated with concanavalin A (Con A). In the present study, we further studied the release mechanism of MT1-MMP. Immunoblot analysis indicated that the amounts of MT1-MMP in culture media increase with the time of exposure and the concentration of Con A, and those in cell lysates conversely decrease in a similar way. Time- and dose-dependent release of MT1-MMP into the media was confirmed by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay specific to MT1-MMP. The molecular weight of the immunoreactive MTI-MMP in the media was Mr 56,000, which was 4,000-Mr smaller than that in the cell lysates. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the mRNA expression level of MT1-MMP is about 3-fold enhanced after a 24 h-exposure to Con A and this is maintained up to 72-h exposure. The release of MT1-MMP from the Con A-treated cells was inhibited by metalloproteinase inhibitors such as EDTA and o-phenanthroline, but not by MMP inhibitors including TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and BB94 or other proteinase inhibitors of serine, cysteine and aspartic proteinases. During the Con A treatment of the cells, cell viability decreased time- and dose-dependently and dead cells reacted positively in the TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) method. Con A-treated MDA cells showed apoptotic morphology when stained with Hoechst dye and hematoxylin and eosin. DNA ladder formation was detected by electrophoresis of the DNA from Con A-treated MDA cells. These results suggest that MT1-MMP release from Con A-treated cells is due to shedding mediated by metalloproteinase(s) other than MMPs, and is associated with apoptosis.

Apoptosis↗