Trazodone in the treatment of delirium.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Y Okamoto.
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The effect of 1alpha,25-dihydroxylumisterol3 (1alpha,25(OH)2lumisterol3) on insulin release from rat pancreatic beta-cells was measured to investigate the nongenomic action of vitamin D via the putative membrane vitamin D receptor (mVDR). 1Alpha,25(OH)2lumisterol3, a specific agonist of mVDR, dose-dependently augmented 16.7 mM glucose-induced insulin release from rat pancreatic islets and increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), though not increasing Ca2+ efficacy in the exocytotic system. These effects were completely abolished by an antagonist of mVDR, 1beta,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1beta,25(OH)2D3), or by a blocker of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, nitrendipine. Moreover, both [Ca2+]i elevation, caused by membrane depolarization, and sufficient intracellular glucose metabolism are required for the expression of these effects. 1Alpha,25(OH)2lumisterol3, therefore, has a rapid insulinotropic effect, through nongenomic signal transduction via mVDR, that would be dependent on the augmentation of Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels on the plasma membrane, being also linked to metabolic signals derived from glucose in pancreatic beta-cells. However, further investigations will be needed to discuss physiologically the meaning of insulinotropic effects of vitamin D through mVDR.
Based on the X-ray structure of the complex of Ac-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-H (L-709049) and interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE), we synthesized compounds which were derived from 2-NapCO-Val-Pro-Asp-CH2OPh (1) to obtain a potent inhibitor in the cell assay. Among these compounds, (3S)-N-methanesulfonyl-3-[[1-[N-(2-naphthoyl)-L-valyl]-L-prolyl]amino]- 4-oxobutanamide (27c) showed high potency not only in the enzyme assay but also cell assay with IC50 values of 38 nM and 0.23 microM, respectively. Compound 27c, with a c log P value of 1.76, had a more hydrophilic character compared with 1. Compound 27c also dose dependently inhibited LPS-primed ATP-induced IL-1 beta release in mice. The crystal structure of the complex of compound 27c and ICE revealed that compound 27c had further interactions with ICE in the naphthoyl group at the P4 position and in the methyl group of the methanesulfonamidecarbonyl group at the P1 position, compared with L-709049. To our knowledge, compound 27c is the first example that shows a strong inhibitory activity without the carboxyl group at the P1 position.
The aim of this study was to investigate catheter ablation of sino-atrial reentrant tachycardia (SART) and the electrophysiologic characteristics of the ablation sites. From January 1990 to October 1997, 651 patients with supraventricular tachycardia were referred and 11 patients were found to have SART. Ablation was successful in all cases with a mean number of 3.3 radiofrequency (RF) current pulses. SART terminated during 22 of 36 RF pulses. In spite of prompt termination, tachycardia could be re-induced in 3 of 11 patients with its earliest activation site shifted. At effective ablation sites, the electrograms during tachycardia were characterized as fractionated (75+/-17 ms), and 38+/-16 ms prior to surface P wave, and 42+/-18 ms prior to the high right atrium. Unipolar electrograms revealed a sharp negative unipolar deflection, so called QS pattern, in 15 of 20 sites during SART and 15 of 15 sites during sinus rhythm. During effective applications, atrial premature beats (APB) with activation sequences identical to sinus rhythm appeared in 14 of 22 cases. Effective ablation sites of SART showed fractionated electrograms during tachycardia and sinus rhythm. Unipolar electrogram with a QS pattern and APB during energy application could be an indicator of the optimal ablation sites.
1) We have recently shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates two types of Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channels (designated NSCC-1 and NSCC-2) and store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC). These channels can be pharmacologically discriminated using Ca2+ channel blockers such as SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. Here we characterized Ca2+ entry channels involved in ET-1-induced contractions of rat thoracic aortic rings and increases in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of single smooth muscle cells using these blockers. 2) LOE 908 or a blocker of voltage-operated Ca2+ channel nifedipine had no effect on the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by thapsigargin, whereas SK&F 96365 abolished them. 3) The contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by ET-1 depended on extracellular Ca2+ but were resistant to nifedipine. The responses to lower concentrations (< or = 0.1 nM) of ET-1 were abolished by either SK&F 96365 or LOE 908. The responses to higher concentrations (> or = 1 nM) were abolished by SK&F 96365, but were partially resistant to LOE 908. 4) These results show that the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i of rat aortic smooth muscles at lower concentrations of ET-1 involve only one Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 (NSCC-2), whereas those at higher concentrations of ET-1 involve another Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 but resistant to LOE 908 (SOCC) in addition to the former channel.
To clarify Ca2+ entry channels involved in the endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced increase in the intracellular concentration ([Ca2+]i), we performed whole-cell recordings of patch-clamp techniques and monitoring of [Ca2+]i with Ca2+ indicators fura-2 and fluo-3 in A7r5 cells (a cell line derived from rat thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells). With whole-cell recordings, lower concentrations (< or = 1 nM) of ET-1 activated a Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channel (designated NSCC-1). In contrast, higher concentrations (> or = 1 nM) of ET-1 activated two types of Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channel (designated NSCC-1 and NSCC-2) and store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC). Importantly, we found that these Ca2+ channels can be pharmacologically discriminated using blockers of the so-called receptor operated Ca2+ influx such as SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. That is, NSCC-1 is resistant to SK&F 96365 but sensitive to LOE 908; NSCC-2 is sensitive to both SK&F 96365 and LOE 908; SOCC is sensitive to SK&F 96365 but resistant to LOE 908. Using these blockers, we analyzed the ET-1-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. The increase in [Ca2+]i induced by lower concentrations of ET-1 was resistant to SK&F 96365 but sensitive to LOE 908. In contrast, the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by higher concentrations of ET-1 was partially suppressed to approximately 30% of controls by either SK&F 96365 or LOE 908 alone, and it was abolished by their combination. These results show that the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by lower concentrations (< or = 1 nM) of ET-1 results from Ca2+ influx through NSCC-1, whereas the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by higher concentrations (> or = 10 nM) of ET-1 results from Ca2+ influx through NSCC-1, NSCC-2 and SOCC.
The contraction of the rat aorta induced by endothelin-1 (ET-1) requires entry of extracellular Ca2+, but involvement of voltage-operated Ca2+ channel is minor. Using whole-cell recordings of patch-clamp and monitoring of the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), we characterized Ca2+ entry channels in A7r5 cells activated by ET-1. ET-1 activates three types of voltage-independent Ca2+ entry channels: two types of Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels (designated NSCC-1 and NSCC-2) and a store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC). Furthermore, it was found that these channels can be pharmacologically discriminated using Ca2+ channel blockers such as SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. NSCC-1 is resistant to SK&F 96365, but sensitive to LOE 908, whereas NSCC-2 is sensitive to both SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. SOCC is sensitive to SK&F 96365, but resistant to LOE 908. Using these channel blockers, we analyzed Ca2+ entry channels involved in the ET-1-induced contractions of rat thoracic aorta and increases in [Ca2+]i of single smooth muscle cells. The responses to lower concentrations of ET-1 (< or = 0.1 nM) were abolished by either SK&F 96365 or LOE 908 alone. In contrast, the responses to higher concentrations of ET-1 (> or = 1 nM) were suppressed by SK&F 96365 or LOE 908 to about 10% and 35% of controls, respectively, and abolished by combined treatment with SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. These results show that the responses of rat aorta to lower concentrations of ET-1 involve only one Ca2+ channel that is sensitive to SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 (NSCC-2), whereas those to higher concentrations of ET-1 involve NSCC-1, NSCC-2 and SOCC, contributing 10%, 55% and 35%, respectively, to total Ca2+ entry.
For objective evaluation in the lung arterial lesions, density histogram revealed by survey thoracic radiographies of fifteen canine filariosis and five normal canine were digitally analyzed, and preparation of pulmonary artery angiogram with inflated-fixed lung, the changes in the histogram and the pulmonary arterial lesion by a soft x-ray examination were compared. In the lung areas affected by filariosis, the density histogram increased the white level and decreased the black level in each part compared to a normal lung. In comparison with the normal parameters, those of the filariosis it were significantly increased in minimum grey level values (Min), maximum grey level values (Max), and the maximum frequency grey level values (Mode) and, it was significantly decreased in maximum frequency values (MaF). The pulmonary arterial lesion of the filariosis showed obvious morphological changes such as in distinction, pruning, angiectasis, and meandering. In the grade of pulmonary arterial lesion, the parameter Min, Max, Mode and MaF were changed significantly. From these results, it was clear that the methods for the lung arterial lesions analysis of x-ray images were confirmed to be highly beneficial in the lung arterial lesions for objective diagnosis.
It is well known that mood disorder such as depression occasionally develops during interferon (IFN) therapy for chronic viral hepatitis. So far, however, IFN-induced manic disorder has been rarely reported. We present a case of manic psychosis which developed during IFN treatment for chronic hepatitis C. A 35-year-old man with chronic hepatitis positive for hepatitis C virus RNA in serum was treated with natural IFN alpha with a daily dosage of 5 million units. Six weeks later he complained of insomnia, and then became exhilarated, talkative, restless and aggressive. Since the mental state was compatible with manic disorder, IFN therapy was immediately ceased. Simultaneously, psychotropic drugs were administered. One week later, the psychiatric disturbances disappeared. He has been keeping his usual social interactions without the psychotropic drugs after that. It is suggested that manic psychosis happened secondary to IFN alpha treatment.
A 52-year-old Japanese woman was evaluated for severe hypertriglyceridemia and recurrent acute pancreatitis. This hypertriglyceridemia was found to be due to the absence of serum apolipoprotein C-II (apo C-II) which was identified by Western blotting using polyclonal anti-apo C-II antiserum. DNA sequence analysis of the apo C-II gene from the patient revealed a homozygous nucleotide change: a thymidine (T) to cytosine (C) substitution in codon 26 (TGG->CGG) at the third exon of the apo C-II gene, that resulted in a Trp26 to Arg substitution. The mutation was also confirmed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with the restriction enzyme Hpa II. The same mutation has been found in a case previously reported in Japan, and was named apo C-II Wakayama. However, the case in Wakayama prefecture showed two concomitant point mutations at the 5'-flanking region upstream from the first exon, which were not identified in our case by RFLP analysis with the restriction enzyme BstXI. Considering that the prefectures of these two cases, Nara and Wakayama, are next to each other, the mutation in our case may be a genetic forebear of apo C-II Wakayama. However, no familial relationship between the two cases has been documented.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the features of asbestos-related lung cancer. PATIENTS: Thirty-one lung cancer patients with occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos fibers. They worked or had worked in one asbestos factory or its subcontracters. RESULT: All patients were male with mean age of 60.6 when diagnosed, and all except one were current or ex-'heavy' smokers. Histological types were fairly evenly divided into adeno-, squamous and small cell carcinoma and 24 (78%) of patients showed 'peripheral type' lung cancers. Regarding clinical stages, 20 patients (65%) were classified as III or IV (advanced stage). Tumor shadow(s) was detected on chest X-ray in 22 patients (71%), and in 5 patients with 'negative' chest X-ray, chest CT was necessary to recognize a primary tumor. Seventeen patients (55%) did not undergo periodical check-ups. CONCLUSION: Occupational asbestos exposure is interpreted as one of the important risks for lung cancer and frequent and accurate observation is necessary.
We report a case in which the completely obstructed ureter was successfully treated by endourological procedure. The patient was a 66-year-old male who had been admitted for panperitonitis caused by diverticulitis perforation of the sigmoid colon. About one month later, leakage of both stool and urine and left hydronephrosis were observed. Therefore, left percutaneous nephrostomy was performed and the artificial anus was created. Radiographic examination showed about 1 cm defect on the lower one-third of the left ureter. (1st Operation) A 9.5 Fr. rigid ureteroscope was inserted into the left ureter transurethrally and a 7.5 Fr. flexible ureteroscope was inserted percutaneously. Antegrade puncture using a stiff end of a 0.038-inch guidewire into the obstructed segment was failed. Then, we bit off the obliterated tissue with a biopsy forceps transurethrally towards the light from the flexible scope, and a 12 Fr. double-J stent was indwell. (2nd Operation) Eight weeks after the first operation, a 12 Fr. ureteroresectoscope was inserted transurethrally. Full-thickness cold-knife incision of the re-established ureter was failed, however. (3rd Operation) Two weeks after the second operation, a 12.5 Fr. ureteroscope was inserted transurethrally, and a full-thickness incision in the lateral position of the re-established ureter was successfully made by KTP-laser. Then, a 12 Fr. endopyelotomy stent was placed. (Result) Six weeks after the third operation, the stent was removed and DIP revealed the improvement in hydronephrosis. The patient presented no recurrence at 2-year follow up.
Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. aureolacrimosus SANK 60286 and SANK 60576 produce many kinds of milbemycins. Among them, milbemycin alpha11, alpha14, A3, and A4 have the most effective acaricidal activity. In this study, we investigated the terminal biosynthetic pathway to milbemycin alpha14 and A4 which accumulated as the final products in these strains. Using cerulenin, a specific inhibitor of fatty acid and polyketide biosynthesis, we conducted bioconversion experiments with cultures of several mutants, including milbemycin A4- and alpha14-producing strains. The bioconversions of milbemycin beta6 to milbemycin A4 and milbemycin A4 to milbemycin alpha14 could be identified. For the biosynthesis of milbemycin A4 from milbemycin beta6 in the milbemycin A4-high producing strain, there appeared to be two separate pathways exhibiting different sequences of furan ring formation and C-5 keto reduction steps.
Endothelin receptor is a good model for analysis of the function of heptahelical G-protein coupled receptor. In ligand binding to the heptahelical receptor, the receptor has two functions, i.e. 'message' and 'address' functions. Each function has been assigned to different domain of the receptor. A different part of the ligand structure also corresponds to each domain of the receptor. Classically, classification of receptor has been done according to the difference of address domain, i.e. affinity difference of the receptor. However, present results predict that the classification of receptor is also possible according to the message domain. After stimulation of ET receptor by a ligand, the receptor transmits a signal to G-protein. Several kinds of G-proteins can possibly be activated. Different structural domains of the receptor are assigned to the coupling of the different Galpha-protein. Activated G-protein transmits the message to effector. Each Galpha-protein acts on different target molecules, resulting in different responses. However, the activation of each Galpha-protein presumably depends on its intracellular level. Even if the same receptor is activated with the same ligand, resulting final response is different from cell to cell. Therefore, classification of receptor according to the function of the receptor is difficult.
We describe a case of biliary cystadenocarcinoma of the liver, a very rare malignant tumor, in a 40-year-old man referred to our hospital because of sporadic abdominal pain. A left lobectomy of the liver was performed, and macroscopic examination of the resected specimen revealed prominent papillary projections in a multiloculated cystic tumor containing mucinous material. Histologic examination of the specimen showed a biliary cystadenocarcinoma without mesenchymal stroma, associated with a cystadenoma. Cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma (CMS), which occurs exclusively in women, is generally regarded as a precancerous lesion, and patients with biliary cystadenocarcinoma with mesenchymal stroma have a good prognosis. Cystadenoma without mesenchymal stroma arises in both men and women. However, the origin and precancerous lesions of cystadenocarcinoma are unknown. Moreover, the prognosis of patients with biliary cystadenocarcinoma without mesenchymal stroma is poor, especially in men. The cystadenoma without mesenchymal stroma in our patient was considered a precancerous lesion. The present patient has shown no evidence of recurrence in the 8 years after hepatic resection. Previously reported cases of cystadenocarcinoma without mesenchymal stroma, especially those in men, have had a poor outcome. A good outcome in men is very rare.
We examined physical and blood statuses of 24 patients with pulmonary M. avium complex disease who entered our hospital from April 1993 to March 1997. Ten patients (41.7%) were diagnosed as primary infection type and 14 patients (58.3%) as secondary infection type. Twenty-four patients were classified to the following two groups: Group A was 14 patients who converted to MAC negative within six months after the admission and group B was 10 patients who continued to excrete MAC for more than six months after the admission. We made a comparison between group A and group B as to the results of physical and blood examinations on admission. Mean value of %IBW in group B was significantly lower (group B:74.4 +/- 8.9%, group A:82.9 +/- 12.7%, p < 0.05) than that of group A. The level of serum albumin in group B was significantly lower (group B: 3.39 +/- 0.53 g/dl, group A: 3.99 +/- 0.45 g/dl, p < 0.01) than that of group A. ChE in group B was significantly lower (group B: 321.2 +/- 94.5 IU/l, group A: 442.9 +/- 148.4 IU/l, p < 0.05) than that of group A. Group B was nutritionally depleted than group A. In conclusion, these findings suggested that nutritional support should be taken into consideration in combination with conventional chemotherapy in treating chronic, intractable MAC disease.
The reductive metabolism in vivo of a flavoring additive, trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one (PBO; trans-methyl styryl ketone) was investigated in rats and dogs. In both species, the double bond-reduced product, 4-phenyl-2-butanone (PBA), was detected by HPLC as the predominant species in blood after i.v. administration of PBO. PBA detected in rat blood was identified by comparison to the authentic sample. In contrast, the carbonyl-reduced product, trans-4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol (PBOL) was also detected as a minor metabolite of PBO in both species. The area under the curve of PBOL in rat blood was only 3% of that of PBA. PBO was mutagenic in the Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium TA 100 when S-9 mix was added, but PBA and PBOL were not. It appears that PBO is mainly metabolized to PBA in vivo in rats and dogs as a detoxification pathway.