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Biomedical subjects

Y Terada

Publications and source records attributed to Y Terada.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Localization of microfilaments during oocyte maturation of golden hamster.

The localization and changes in microfilaments (MF) during golden hamster oocyte maturation were examined by an immunofluorescein method and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). We also studied the relationship between the changes in MF and oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. During in vivo maturation, generalized submembranous MF were found initially which gradually became more prominent at the site of the first polar body extrusion. However, 43.7% of the in vitro matured metaphase 2 stage oocytes lacked the submembranous MF structure. This fact may partly account for the low fertilization rate of in vitro matured oocytes. MF were not found in the folicular oocytes cultured in cytochalasin D-containing medium, and metaphase-like chromosomes were located at the center of the oocyte and first polar body extrusion did not occur. Twenty-five percent of the oocytes, which were arrested at meiosis by hypoxanthine, synthesized submembranous MF structure although the nuclear stage of these oocytes was germinal vesicle. These facts suggest that MF plays a role in nuclear behavior but there are some differences in the changes taking place within the nucleus and MF. MF may play a role in oocyte cytoplasmic maturation although the details of this have yet to be established.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Use of the Bo-RBC-SCID mouse model for isolation of a Babesia parasite from grazing calves in Japan.

SCID mice with circulating bovine red blood cells (Bo-RBC-SCID mice) were used to isolate Babesia parasites from grazing calves in Japan. Although the initial blood samples obtained from the calves contained both Babesia and Theileria parasites, we were able to isolate only the Babesia parasites by repeated blood passages in Bo-RBC-SCID mice, taking advantage of the much more rapid growth of Babesia than of Theileria. The parasites isolated had characteristics of large-type Babesia, showing typical paired pyriform morphology. The Bo-RBC-SCID mice infected with the Babesia parasites developed a high level of parasitemia, showing severe clinical symptoms characterized by hemoglobinuria, jaundice, and hemolytic anemia. In addition, some mice exhibited nervous symptoms, particularly paralysis of both posterior limbs. The results demonstrated that the Bo-RBC-SCID mouse model was useful not only for isolating Babesia from cattle but also for studying the disease caused by the Babesia infection.

Agriculture↗

Laser vaporization of the ovarian surface in polycystic ovary disease results in reduced ovarian hyperstimulation and improved pregnancy rates.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine the efficacy of laser vaporization of the ovarian surface in polycystic ovary disease to reduce repeated ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and thereby improve pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-six infertile patients with polycystic ovary disease who previously had ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropin and who failed to conceive were studied. All patients were treated by potassium titanyl phosphate and neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser and evaluated. Patients not ovulating spontaneously after vaporization were treated with either clomiphene citrate or human menopausal gonadotropin. RESULTS: After vaporization spontaneous ovulation was confirmed in six patients. For ovulation induction three patients received clomiphene citrate and 17 received human menopausal gonadotropin. Of the patients treated with human menopausal gonadotropin, mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was found in three patients, and the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome decreased significantly. Pregnancy was confirmed in 19 of 26 patients. CONCLUSION: Laser vaporization is promising for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and improving pregnancy outcome in patients with polycystic ovary disease who have previously had ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Adult↗

Influence of bypass grafting to the infarct artery on late potentials in coronary operations.

BACKGROUND: Late potentials (LPs) after myocardial infarction identify the risk of arrhythmic events and sudden death, and the absence of anterograde flow in the infarct-causing occluded coronary artery frequently is associated with LPs on signal-averaged electrocardiography. The present study was designed to clarify the influence of revascularization of the infarct artery on the LPs in the late course after myocardial infarction. METHODS: We studied 21 patients after myocardial infarction with positive LPs who had at least one occluded infarct coronary artery. We investigated the LPs on signal-averaged electrocardiograms on the day of elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and 1 week after CABG. RESULTS: There were 25 infarct arteries in the study patients, 13 of which were grafted. The positive LPs disappeared soon after CABG in 13 patients, 10 of whom had grafts to all of the infarct arteries. The LPs persisted in 8, who received no graft to the infarct artery. One week after CABG, the LPs were still present in 4, all of whom had no graft to the infarct right coronary artery. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with positive LPs late after myocardial infarction, grafting to the infarct artery eliminated the LPs soon after CABG.

Aged↗

Clearance of Theileria sergenti-infected bovine red blood cells in severe combined immune deficiency mice.

Clearance of Theileria sergenti-infected bovine red blood cells (Bo-RBCs) from the blood circulation of severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice was studied to help understand the mechanisms of anemia developing in cattle infected with T. sergenti. For the clearance test, Bo-RBC samples having 2%, 58%, and 76% parasitemia and, as a control, parasite-free Bo-RBCs were prepared in the Bo-RBC-SCID mouse model. The T. sergenti-infected Bo-RBCs and the uninfected control Bo-RBCs were separately labeled with two, green and red, fluorescent dyes, mixed together, and injected intravenously into SCID mice. The blood samples collected at various time points were observed under a fluorescent microscope, and the numbers of green and red fluorescing RBCs were counted differentially to determine the clearance rates of T. sergenti-infected and uninfected Bo-RBCs. This test clearly demonstrated that the Bo-RBC samples having higher parasitemias were cleared faster from the blood circulation of SCID mice. The results suggest that the intravascular clearance system in SCID mice may have a mechanism by which T. sergenti-parasitized and non-parasitized Bo-RBCs are recognized and cleared differentially.

Animals↗

IL-4 upregulates Fc epsilon RI alpha-chain messenger RNA in eosinophils.

By using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot hybridization, we demonstrated that Fc epsilon RI alpha-chain (Fc epsilon RI alpha) messenger RNA was expressed in eosinophils purified from the peripheral blood of patients with allergic rhinitis and that this expression was enhanced by IL-4. However, studies in which flow cytometry or immunostaining was used did not reveal the expression of Fc epsilon RI alpha protein on eosinophils from peripheral blood. Neither IL-4 alone nor the combination of IL-4 and other cytokines could induce detectable Fc epsilon RI alpha protein; nevertheless, they do express Fc epsilon RI alpha mRNA. Double-labeling immunostaining on cryostat sections of nasal mucosa clearly demonstrated that some Fc epsilon RI alpha-positive cells were eosinophil cationic protein-positive, which confirms their eosinophilic nature. Not all the eosinophil cationic protein-positive cells express on Fc epsilon RI alpha signal. Considering that Fc epsilon RI alpha mRNA was detectable in four of five samples of eosinophils from those patients with nasal allergy and that only one of five eosinophil samples from normal subjects expressed Fc epsilon RI alpha mRNA, the level of Fc epsilon RI expression may be correlated with the activation of eosinophils. It seems very likely that some other unidentified factors are required for the process from the expression of Fc epsilon RI alpha mRNA to that of Fc epsilon RI as a protein.

Adolescent↗

AVP inhibits EGF-stimulated MAP kinase cascade in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

We investigated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) on Raf-1-MAP kinase cascade, including Raf-1-kinase (Raf-1-K), MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK), MAP kinase (MAPK) and S6 kinase (S6K) in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. In a dose-dependent manner (10(-10) M to 10(-6) M), EGF increased autophosphorylation of Raf-1-K and activated MAPKK, MAPK and S6K. Sequential activation of these kinases was indicated by their peak times of activation (Raf-1-K 5 min; MAPKK 10 min; MAPK 15 min; and S6K 30 min). AVP (10(-9) M to 10(-6) M) inhibited EGF-stimulated MAP kinase cascade. 8-Bromo-cyclic AMP (cAMP) could mimic the inhibitory effect of AVP on EGF-stimulated MAP kinase cascade. These results were confirmed using H-89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA) that blocked the effect of AVP on EGF-stimulated MAPK activity. We conclude that AVP inhibits EGF-stimulated Raf-1-K, MAPKK, MAPK, and S6K activity via cAMP in MDCK cells. Our results indicate that MAP kinase cascade may play an important role in integrating the effects of AVP and EGF on distal tubule function.

Animals↗

Sequential activation of MAP kinase cascade by angiotensin II in opossum kidney cells.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a potent regulator of proximal tubule functions, including transport, metabolism, and cell proliferation. The opossum kidney (OK) cell line is a useful model of renal proximal tubule. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are rapidly phosphorylated and activated in response to various agonists. We investigated Ang II effects on serine/threonine kinase cascades in OK cells. The major findings of the present study are that Ang II stimulated MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK), MAP kinase (MAPK), and S6 kinase activities, and that it increased phosphorylation of Raf-1 kinase and p42 MAP kinase in OK cells. These stimulations of kinases were dose-dependent (from 10(-6) to 10(-11) M). The time course of activation was sequential; the peak stimulation was reached at 5 to 10 minutes for Raf-1 kinase, MAPKK and MAPK, and at 20 minutes for S6 kinase. The activation of MAPK was inhibited by approximately 70% with prolonged 24-hour PMA pretreatment or in the presence of calphostin C or H-7. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein and herbimycin) did not inhibit AngII-induced MAPK activity. This activation of MAPK was also inhibited via AT1 receptor antagonist, Dup753 and pertussis toxin. This evidence suggests that the activation of serine/threonine cascades by Ang II is largely dependent on PMA-sensitive PKC, and is not dependent on tyrosine kinase and pertussis toxin.

Angiotensin II↗

Expression of mRNAs for different types of IP3 receptors in rat kidneys.

Cloning studies have extensively characterized two types of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors from the rat. An IP3 receptor from the cerebellum is referred to as type 1, and a second, recently described, receptor is referred to as the type 2 IP3 receptor. The significance of different types of IP3 receptors, especially in vivo in the kidney, is not fully understood. We investigated the localization of mRNAs encoding these two types of IP3 receptors in microdissected nephron segments of rats using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Southern blot analysis. Type 1 IP3 receptor mRNA displayed a widespread, although not uniform, distribution along the nephron. In contrast, type 2 IP3 receptor mRNA was confined almost exclusively to collecting ducts, suggesting specific expression of type 2 IP3 receptor in collecting ducts. We then detected mRNAs for the two types of IP3 receptors in collecting ducts in dehydrated rats. Dehydration downregulated type 2 IP3 receptor mRNA in cortical collecting duct, outer medullary collecting duct, and the initial part of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), but not in the terminal part of IMCD. It had no effect on type 1 IP3 receptor mRNA expression in collecting ducts. We propose that different types of IP3 receptors may have different functions in the rat kidney. the initial part of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), but not in the terminal part of IMCD. It had no effect on type 1 IP3 receptor mRNA expression in collecting ducts. We propose that different types of IP3 receptors may have different functions in the rat kidney.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical localization of V2 vasopressin receptor along the nephron and functional role of luminal V2 receptor in terminal inner medullary collecting ducts.

We investigated immunohistochemical localization of V2 vasopressin receptor along the nephron using a specific polyclonal antibody. Staining was observed in some of thick ascending limbs and all of principal and inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. Not only basolateral but also luminal membrane was stained in collecting ducts, especially in terminal IMCD (tIMCD). To learn the functional role of luminal V2 receptor in tIMCD, we studied the luminal effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on osmotic water permeability (Pf), urea permeability (Pu), and cAMP accumulation using isolated perfused rat tIMCD. In the absence of bath AVP, luminal AVP caused a small increase in cAMP accumulation, Pf and Pu, confirming the presence of V2 receptor in the lumen of tIMCD. In contrast, luminal AVP inhibited Pf and Pu by 30-65% in the presence of bath AVP by decreasing cAMP accumulation via V1a or oxytocin receptors and by an unknown mechanism via V2 receptors in the luminal membrane of tIMCD. These data show that V2 receptors are localized not only in the basolateral membrane but also in the luminal membrane of the distal nephron. Luminal AVP acts as a negative feedback system upon the basolateral action of AVP in tIMCD.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A topographical and ultrastructural study of sensory trigeminal nerve endings in the rat temporomandibular joint as demonstrated by anterograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP).

To extend our previous light microscopic observations concerning the distribution of trigeminal sensory nerves in the synovium of the rat temporomandibular joint, we investigated the detailed distribution and fine structure of sensory nerve endings at the light and electron microscopic level by the anterograde transport method using wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) injected into the trigeminal ganglion. At the light microscopic level, HRP-labeled nerve fibers were observed in the joint capsule and peripheral portion of the disc. The anterior portion of the disc was more densely innervated than the posterior portion, while no nerves were found in the central portion. At the electron microscopic level, HRP reaction products were observed intra-axonally in the thinly myelinated (A delta) and unmyelinated (C) axons in the anterior portion of the joint capsule, and were also localized in the extracellular space surrounding the unmyelinated fibers and terminals. In the subsynovial layer of the synovial membrane, the majority of labeled axons located near blood vessels or among the collagenous fibrils were covered by Schwann cell sheaths, although some naked axon terminals without sheaths were also found. These unsheathed terminals contained mitochondria, small clear vesicles, and large granular vesicles, and were close to the synovial A and/or B cells near the joint cavity. The minimum distance between the terminals and synovial cells was 75 nm. This is the first demonstration of trigeminal sensory nerve terminals close to synovial lining cells or joint cavity and suggests that neuropeptides such as substance P may be released close to the synovial lining cells or joint cavity.

Animals↗

Cloning and nucleotide sequence of a leaf ferredoxin-nitrite reductase cDNA of rice.

A ferredoxin-nitrite reductase (EC 1.7.7.1) cDNA was isolated and sequenced from a lambda gt 11 cDNA library constructed from nitrate-induced greening shoots of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA clone contains an open reading frame of 1788 nucleotides. There exists a strong bias for the third codon usage of G/C (95.5%) as in the case of the maize enzyme. The deduced amino acid sequence shows an overall homology to the maize (81%) and the dicot enzymes (70-74%), suggesting that the primary structure of ferredoxin-nitrite reductase is highly conserved in higher plants.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Resistibility to Theileria sergenti infection in Holstein and Japanese Black cattle.

To clarify the resistibility against Theileria sergenti infection in Holstein and Japanese Black cattle under controlled conditions in artificial environmental chambers, those breeds of calves were infected with T. sergenti by infestation with the same number of infected ticks. No apparent differences between the two breeds were observed in the feeding numbers and feeding periods of ticks infested. The level and duration of parasitemia were clearly less and shorter in Japanese Black than those in Holstein calves. With progress of parasitemia, packed cell volume (PCV) and erythrocyte number decreased in both breeds. However, the minimum PCV and erythrocyte number recorded in Japanese Black were higher than those in Holstein calves. These results suggest that the Japanese Black shows solider resistance to T. sergenti infection than the Holstein breed does under experimentally controlled condition without external factors.

Animals↗

Sperm motility characteristics and pregnancy outcome of artificial insemination with husband's semen for male infertility.

What parameter of semen has influence on the pregnancy outcome of artificial insemination with the husband's semen (AIH) with washed sperm for male infertility was investigated. Two hundred fifteen cycles in 62 patients of AIH with washed sperm for male infertility were prospectively studied. We compared six parameters (total sperm count, motility rate, sperm motile efficiency (SME) both before and after washing) in pregnant and non-pregnant cycles. SME of washed sperm was significantly higher in the pregnant than in the non-pregnant cycles (241.0 +/- 68.0 vs. 169.5 +/- 80.0). There were no differences in other five parameters between pregnant and non pregnant cycles. SME, the parameter of sperm motility characteristics, of washed sperm is closely related to the outcome of AIH for male infertility. Sperm motility characteristics after washing may be one of the important indexes of the result of AIH for male infertility.

Adult↗