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Biomedical subjects

Y Takeuchi

Publications and source records attributed to Y Takeuchi.

At least 685 records · Page 38Linked to original sources

Cytochrome P-45011 beta in rat brain.

The presence of cytochrome P-45011 beta in rat brain was studied by immunohistochemistry using polyclonal rabbit antibodies raised against purified bovine adrenocortical P-45011 beta, which is involved in the steroid 11 beta-hydroxylation and glucocorticoid formation. The results showed that cytochrome P-45011 beta immunoreactivity is selectively localized to the tracts of myelinated fibers throughout the brain. The specificity of immunohistochemical stainings with P-45011 beta antibodies was established by control tests including nonimmune rabbit immunoglobulin Gs and P-45011 beta antibodies absorbed with purified antigen. Western immunoblots of homogenates from different brain areas with P-45011 beta antibodies, together with biochemical enzymatic assays for cytochrome P-45011 beta monooxygenase activity in these homogenates, confirmed the selective localization of this enzyme observed with immunohistochemistry. Cytochrome P-45011 beta and 11 beta-hydroxylase activity were detected in a homogenate from the cortical white matter (brain area rich in myelinated fibers) as in that from the rat adrenal, but were not detectable in a homogenate from the cerebral cortex (brain area poor in myelinated fibers). Furthermore, quantitation of the P-45011 beta bands on the immunoblots by the areal density revealed that the cortical white matter contains approximately 1.4 pmol of cytochrome P-45011 beta/mg of tissue protein, the value of which was about one sixth of the corresponding value estimated in the rat adrenal. This relatively high content of cytochrome P-45011 beta was also reflected in a relatively high level of 11 beta-hydroxylase activity measured in a homogenate of this brain area by biochemical enzymatic assays using [4-14C]-11-deoxycorticosterone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenal Cortex↗

Diffusion-mediated persistence in three-species competition models with heteroclinic cycles.

We consider a model composed of two patches. One patch has three competing species forming a heteroclinic cycle within the path. The other is a refuge for one of the three species, which can diffuse between the two patches. The remaining two competitors are confined to the competitive patch and cannot diffuse. A new heteroclinic cycle can exist in the model, and the underlying cycle in the competitive patch cannot appear with a positive diffusion rate. It is proved that the model can be made persistent under appropriate diffusion conditions even if the underlying heteroclinic cycle is an attractor in the competitive patch and the patch is not persistent without the refuge. Further it is shown that the model with a specific structure is globally stable if the underlying cycle is a repeller.

Animals↗

Direct amygdaloid projections to the superior salivatory nucleus: a light and electron microscopic study in the cat.

Amygdaloid projections to the superior salivatory nucleus (SSN) were investigated in the cat by using the anterograde and retrograde tracing techniques of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). After HRP injections were made into the lingual nerve, retrogradely labeled SSN neurons were located in the lateral tegmental field medial to the spinal trigeminal nucleus from the middle level of the superior olivary nucleus to the caudal level of the facial nucleus. These labeled neurons, triangular, oval or polygonal in shape, were small to medium-sized (12-29 microns) and formed loosely packed clusters. In further HRP studies, HRP injections were made into the amygdala and in the reticular formation containing the SSN neurons. The results suggested that the SSN receives direct afferents from the central nucleus of the amygdala with ipsilateral predominance. Final proof of such direct connections from amygdala to the SSN can be obtained only by electron microscopic study. Therefore, HRP injections were made into the lingual nerve and in the amygdala in the same animal and electron microscopic observations were carried out on the SSN. It appeared that anterogradely labeled amygdalo-tegmental fibers formed axosomatic and axodendritic synaptic contacts with retrogradely labeled SSN neurons.

Afferent Pathways↗

Stimulation by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 of in vitro mineralization induced by osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells.

Although vitamin D is essential for mineralization of bone, it is as yet unclear whether vitamin D has a direct stimulatory effect on the bone mineralization process. In the present study, the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] on in vitro mineralization mediated by osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells was examined. MC3T3-E1 cells continued to grow after they reached confluency, and DNA content and alkaline phosphatase activity increased linearly until about 16 days of culture, whereas 45Ca accumulation into cell and matrix layer remained low. After this period, DNA content plateaued, and 45Ca accumulation increased sharply. Histological examination by von Kossa staining revealed that calcium was accumulated into extracellular matrix. In addition, needle-shaped mineral crystals similar to hydroxyapatite crystals could be demonstrated in between collagen fibrils by electron microscopy. Thus, MC3T3-E1 cells differentiate in vitro into cells with osteoblastic phenotype and exhibit mineralization. When MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 at this stage of culture, there was a dose-dependent stimulation of 45Ca accumulation by 1,25(OH)2D3, and a significant stimulation of 45Ca accumulation was observed with 3 x 10(-10) M 1,25(OH)2D3. Although 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen synthesis at the early phase of culture, it did not affect any of these parameters at the late phase when 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulated mineralization. Neither 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 nor human PTH(1-34) affected mineralization in the presence or absence of 1,25(OH)2D3. These results demonstrate that 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulates matrix mineralization induced by osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, and are consistent with the possibility that 1,25(OH)2D3 has a direct stimulatory effect on bone mineralization process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Hypocarbia as a pathogenic factor in pontosubicular necrosis.

In neonates pontosubicular necrosis (PSN) is one of the patterns of acute brain injury, the sites of maximum damage being the basis pontis and the subiculum of the hippocampus. A retrospective clinical and pathological study was performed on 16 preterm and 2 term neonates with PSN and compared with 16 age-matched controls. The results indicated that hypocarbia of less than 20 mmHg was one of the important factors in the pathogenesis of PSN.

Birth Weight↗

No promotion of urinary bladder carcinogenesis by sodium L-ascorbate in male ODS/Shi-od/od rats lacking L-ascorbic acid-synthesizing ability.

The promoting effects of sodium L-ascorbate (Na-AsA) on two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis were investigated in male ODS/Shi-od/od rats. This strain genetically lacks L-ascorbic acid-synthesizing ability, which is controlled by a single autosomal recessive od gene; heterozygous ODS/Shi(-)+/od, normal ODS/Shi(-)+/+ or F344 rats are able to synthesize L-ascorbic acid. In experiment 1, ODS/Shi-od/od and F344 rats were given 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) in their drinking water for 2 weeks and then basal CA-1 diet with or without 5% Na-AsA for 32 weeks. F344 rats were sensitive to the promoting effects of Na-AsA, whereas ODS/Shi-od/od rats were resistant. Administration of Na-AsA increased the urinary pH and the urinary concentrations of Na+ and total ascorbic acid in all strains. In experiment 2, DNA synthesis in the urinary bladder epithelium of F344 rats fed MF diet or CA-1 diet was increased by exposure to 5% Na-AsA for 8 weeks, but not in ODS/Shi-od/od rats fed CA-1 diet. In experiment 3, ODS/Shi-od/od, ODS/Shi(-)+/od and ODS/Shi(-)+/+ rats were given 0.05% BBN for 4 weeks and then CA-1 diet with or without 5% Na-AsA for 32 weeks. ODS/Shi-od/od, ODS/Shi(-)+/od and ODS/Shi(-)+/+ rats were resistant to the promoting effects of Na-AsA in two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis. The urinary pH and the urinary concentrations of Na+ and total ascorbic acid in ODS/Shi-od/od, ODS/Shi(-)+/od and ODS/Shi(-)+/+ rats were increased by the administration of Na-AsA. These results indicate that ODS/Shi-od/od rats are resistant to the promoting effects of Na-AsA in two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis, and that the susceptibilities of ODS/Shi-od/od rats are regulated by genes different from the gene at the od locus.

Animals↗

Molecular recognition at the active site of subtilisin BPN': crystallographic studies using genetically engineered proteinaceous inhibitor SSI (Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor).

Unlike trypsin-like serine proteases having only one conspicuous binding pocket in the active site, subtilisin BPN' has two such pockets, the S1 and S4 pockets, which accommodate the P1 and P4 residues of ligands (after Schechter and Berger notation) respectively. Using computer graphics, the geometrical nature of the two pockets was carefully examined and strategies for site-directed mutagenesis studies were set up against a protein SSI (Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor), which is a strong proteinaceous inhibitor (or a substrate analogue) of subtilisin BPN'. It was decided to convert the P1 residue, methionine 73, into lysine (M73K) with or without additional conversion of the P4 residue, methionine 70, into glycine (M70G). The crystal structures of the two complexes of subtilisin BPN', one with the single mutant SSI (M73K) and the other with the double mutant SSI (M73K, M70G) were solved showing that (i) small 'electrostatic induced-fit movement' occurs in the S1 pocket upon introducing the terminal plus charge of the lysine side chain, and (ii) large 'mechanical induced-fit movement' occurs in the S4 pocket upon reducing the size of the P4 side chain from methionine to glycine. In both (i) and (ii), the induced-fit movement occurred in a concerted fashion involving both the enzyme and 'substrate' amino acid residues. The term 'substrate-assisted stabilization' was coined to stress the cooperative nature of the induced-fit movements.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Bispecific antibody-directed antitumor activity of human CD4+ helper/killer T cells induced by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody plus interleukin 2.

Freshly isolated human CD4+ T cells can not respond to recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL-2) because of their lack of p75 IL-2 receptor expression. However, we succeeded in inducing a marked proliferation of purified CD4+ T cells by activation with rIL-2 plus anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) cross-linked to a plastic plate. The proliferated CD4+ T cells produced a significant amount of IL-2 upon stimulation with phorbol ester plus A23187. Interestingly, CD4+ T cells activated with anti-CD3 mAb plus rIL-2 revealed a strong cytotoxic activity against Fc receptor (FcR)-positive tumor cells in the presence of anti-CD3 mAb. Moreover, the CD4+ T cells could lyse FcR-negative glioma cells by targeting with bispecific mAb containing anti-CD3 mAb and anti-glioma mAb. Thus, we demonstrated that rIL-2 and immobilized anti-CD3 mAb allowed the rapid generation of human CD4+ helper/killer T cells, which may be useful for the development of a new adoptive tumor immunotherapy.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Renal pelvic carcinoma which shows metastatic potential to distant organs, induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine in NON/Shi mice.

Renal pelvic carcinoma was induced in mice by giving N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN). Initially, differences in renal pelvic carcinogenesis by BBN were examined in three male mouse strains: NON/Shi, which demonstrate spontaneous hydronephrosis with incidences of 10-30%, and DS/Shi and B6C3F1, which do not exhibit hydronephrosis. When mice of these strains were given 0.05% BBN in the drinking water for 12 weeks followed by water without BBN for 8 weeks, renal pelvic carcinoma morphologically similar to human carcinomas developed in 8 of 23 NON/Shi mice (35%). Metastasis to the lung was found in one of them (13%). B6C3F1 and DS/Shi mice had no pelvic tumors, but the response to urinary bladder carcinogenesis in NON/Shi mice was nearly equal to that in DS/Shi and B6C3F1 mice. These results suggest that renal pelvic carcinogenesis is related to the presence of stagnant urine containing carcinogen in the renal pelvis. In a second experiment, we examined renal pelvic carcinogenesis in NON/Shi mice given BBN for 4 weeks followed by water without BBN for 32 weeks. The incidence of renal pelvic carcinoma (28%) was similar to that in the first experiment, but the incidence of metastasis was markedly elevated to 60%. These results indicate that BBN treatment can induce renal pelvic carcinoma which often metastasizes to the lung in NON/Shi mice.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Expression of interleukin-2 receptor and HLA-DR on lymphocyte subsets of gingival crevicular fluid in patients with periodontitis.

Expression of interleukin-2 receptor (IL2R) and HLA-DR on lymphocytes of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was examined by two-color flow cytometric analysis. GCF from 15 patients with periodontitis was collected by crevicular washing. Mononuclear cells were isolated by Ficoll-paque gradient centrifugation from inflamed gingival tissue (GT) and peripheral blood (PB) sampled from each of the 15 patients. Lymphocyte subsets were detected by using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of Leu 12 (CD19), Leu 4 (CD3), Leu 3a (CD4) and Leu 2a (CD8) directed to B cells, T cells, helper/inducer T cells (Th) and suppressor/cytotoxic T cells (Ts), respectively. Anti-IL2R (CD25) and anti-HLA-DR were used as lymphocyte activation markers. IL2R- or HLA-DR-positive fractions in Th, Ts and B cells were calculated. Percentage of IL2R-positive fraction in Th (IL2R+ Th) of GCF (34.0%) was significantly higher than those of GT (18.4%) and PB (13.7%). IL2R-positive fraction in B cells (IL2R+ B) of GCF was the highest among the three groups (23.9% in GCF, 12.5% in GT, 6.3% in PB). Ts did not express IL2R regardless of the origin of the samples. Compared with PB and GT, GCF showed significantly higher HLA-DR expression on Th and Ts in GCF (PB: 8.7% and 27.1%; GT: 27.9% and 50.3%; GCF: 44.7% and 65.3%). These results suggest that lymphocytes in GCF were highly activated and are related to the local host immune response in periodontitis.

CD4-CD8 Ratio↗

[Simple and efficient method for clinical isolation of Bordetella pertussis].

Commercially available Amies transport medium with charcoal and three isolation media were tested to assess their efficiency in the clinical isolation of B. pertussis. First, the isolation rates of B. pertussis were compared between direct inoculation of nasopharyngeal specimens and inoculation after stored in Amies transport medium for 8 hours or less. The comparative isolation rates were 81% both (35 of 43 specimens from 29 patients) for direct inoculation and transport medium. Second, nasopharyngeal specimens were incubated for 5 days at 35 degrees C on the three media; Bordet-Gengou Medium (BG) with 5 micrograms of CEX per ml, Cyclodextrin Solid Medium (CSM) with 5 micrograms of CEX per ml, and Charcoal Agar with 40 micrograms of CEX per ml. The organism was detected from 44 nasopharyngeal specimens from 20 patients on at least one of the three tested media. The comparative isolation rates were 91% (40 of 44) on BG with 5 micrograms of CEX per ml, 93% (41 of 44) on CSM with 5 micrograms of CEX per ml, and 91% (40 of 44) on CA with 40 micrograms of CEX per ml. Although no differences in the isolation rates were observed among the three media, the appearance of the colonies was earlier by one day on BG than the rest of the two media. The detection of B. pertussis was occasionally easier on CA than the rest of the two because of its higher suppression for nasopharyngeal flora. CSM has its advantage in that it does not need any blood and can be prepared at anytime. Also, the shelf life of these three media proved to be at least one month when stored at 10 degrees C. We conclude that the clinical isolation of B. pertussis was highly successful with the following simple procedure: nasopharyngeal specimens stored in Amies transport medium and inoculated on one of the three media, BG, CSM, or CA, and then incubated for 5 days at 35 degrees C.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Host range mutant of human immunodeficiency virus type 1: modification of cell tropism by a single point mutation at the neutralization epitope in the env gene.

We have isolated a variant of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) which is highly infectious to fibroblastlike cells (BT cells) derived from human brain as well as CD4-positive T cells. This variant HIV-1, named HIV[GUN-1V], was obtained by infecting BT cells with a prototype HIV-1 isolate, named HIV[GUN-1WT], which is highly infectious to T cells but barely infectious to BT cells. HIV[GUN-1V] infects BT cells productively and this infection appeared to be mediated by CD4. To elucidate the viral gene responsible for the host range difference between the variant and prototype HIV-1s, we cloned and analyzed the provirus genomes of the two viruses. Examination of the infectivities of BT cells by various recombinant viruses and analyses of the nucleotide sequences of HIV[GUN-1V] and HIV[GUN-1WT] showed that a single nucleotide exchange was responsible for their difference in infectivity of BT cells: HIV[GUN-1V] contains a thymine residue instead of the cytosine residue in HIV[GUN-1WT] at position 931 of the env coding sequence. Replacement of cytosine by thymine at this position of the env coding sequence of the HIV[GUN-1WT] genome induced the ability to infect BT cells. The base exchange at this position was expected to change amino acid 311 of the envelope glycoprotein, gp120, from proline to serine, which is located in a variable region containing type-specific immunodominant epitopes. Thus, HIV[GUN-1V] acquired a wider host range than HIV[GUN-1WT] by a single point mutation in the env gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Determination of urinary 2,5-hexanedione concentration by an improved analytical method as an index of exposure to n-hexane.

2,5-Hexanedione is a main metabolite of n-hexane and is considered as the cause of n-hexane polyneuropathy. Therefore, it is useful to measure 2,5-hexanedione for biological monitoring of exposure to n-hexane. The analytical methods existing for n-hexane metabolites, however, were controversial and not established enough. Hence, a simple and precise method for determination of urinary 2,5-hexanedione has been developed. Five ml of urine was acidified to pH 0.5 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and heated for 30 minutes at 90-100 degrees C. After cooling in water, sodium chloride and dichloromethane containing internal standard were added. The sample was shaken and centrifuged. 2,5-Hexanedione concentration in an aliquot of dichloromethane extract was quantified by gas chromatography using a widebore column (DB-1701). Urinary concentration of 2,5-hexanedione showed a good correlation with exposure to n-hexane (n = 50, r = 0.973, p less than 0.001). This method is simple and precise for analysis of urinary 2,5-hexanedione as an index of exposure to n-hexane.

Adhesives↗

Chronic recording of electrophysiological manifestation of the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator activity in the goat.

A characteristic increase in multiple-unit activity (MUA volley) synchronized with the pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland was recorded from electrodes chronically implanted in the medial basal hypothalamus of ovariectomized goats. The MUA volley always preceded the LH pulse, and the temporal correlation was consistent even when the pulse frequency was altered with an anesthetic or exogenous steroids. The electrophysiological manifestation of the hypothalamic 'pulse generator' governing the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone was thus demonstrated in the ruminant.

Animals↗

Effect of alpha-chloralose on disposition and pharmacological action of orally administered chlorzoxazone in rats.

The pharmacodynamic behavior of orally administered chlorzoxazone (CZX) was studied in rats. From the time course of CZX plasma concentration data under alpha-chloralose (80 mg/kg, i.p.) anesthesia, it was found that CZX obeyed a one-compartment model with first-order absorption. The pharmacological response intensity of CZX on the crossed extensor reflex was closely related to the plasma concentration data via Hill's equation under alpha-chloralose (80 mg/kg) anesthesia, but not at a 150 mg/kg dose. The influence of alpha-chloralose at the latter dose on CZX pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics appeared to be due to the pharmacodynamic interaction of alpha-chloralose and CZX, thus suggesting that the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concept proposed by Smolen was not applicable to CZX's behavior at such a dose in rats. Under alpha-chloralose (80 mg/kg) anesthesia, the biophase compartment was determined to be identical to the central compartment using our proposed model. On the basis of the effect of anesthetics on drug behavior, one may select an appropriate anesthetic dose to evaluate the relationship between the plasma levels and the onset and duration of the drug action. At the higher dose of alpha-chloralose (150 mg/kg), the free fraction of CZX was increased and a possible enhancement in CZX action was suggested.

Administration, Oral↗

Synthesis and antitumor activity of 7-(N-glycosylamino)-indolo[3,2-b]quinolines.

Novel indolo[3,2-b]quinolines (1d-g), introduced at the 7-position with an N-glycosylamino group, were prepared and their antitumor activities against leukemia P388 in mice were examined. The N-Galactopyranosylamino derivative (1e) was a much more potent anti-leukemia compound (optimal dose = 25 mg/kg, T/C greater than 333%, cure 5/6) than lead compound 1a.

Animals↗

Effects of long-term beta-blockade (metoprolol) therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Twenty-two patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were treated with metoprolol and their clinical courses were compared with those of 26 patients untreated with beta-blocking agents (non beta group). Of the 22 patients treated with metoprolol, 19 (beta group) were treated for a long period, 3 patients left the study within its first 6 months. Using the NYHA classification, 4 patients of the beta group were evaluated as having clinically improved, while none was aggravated, excluding 2 cases of death which occurred during the follow up period. In the non-beta group, clinical improvement was found for 2 patients and aggravation in functional class for 10. The left ventricular diameter was significantly decreased and parameters of systolic function and exercise tolerance were significantly improved in patients of the beta group, while no such improvements occurred in patients of the non-beta group. Twenty-four-hour ECG monitoring demonstrated a significant reduction in incidences of ventricular extrasystole in the beta group but not in those of the non-beta group. Improvement of arrhythmias, evaluated using Lown's grading system, was also identified more frequently in the beta group than in the non-beta group. During the follow-up period, 2 patients of the beta group and 10 patients of the non-beta group died. The survival curve for patients of the beta group prepared using the Caplan Meier Method was better than that for patients of the non-beta group. Metoprolol was therefore found to be useful for treatment of DCM.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗