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Biomedical subjects

Y Tsuji

Publications and source records attributed to Y Tsuji.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

Maternal transmission of HTLV-1 other than through breast milk: discrepancy between the polymerase chain reaction positivity of cord blood samples for HTLV-1 and the subsequent seropositivity of individuals.

We used a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose HTLV-1 carriers. The DNA isolated from the nuclear extract obtained from frozen whole blood was found appropriate for PCR study both qualitatively and quantitatively. The use of freshly frozen whole blood made the field work much easier, and the use of a nuclear extraction procedure allowed DNA isolation in just 4 microcentrifuge tubes. We could not attain sufficient sensitivity to detect a single molecule with single-step PCR, but nested PCR was confirmed to detect a single molecule/reaction. All samples of the seropositive group including 94 blood donors, 66 mothers, and 13 children were positive in the nested PCR, while none of the seronegative group, including 198 blood donors and 285 children, was positive. Although 18/717 (2.5%) cord blood samples obtained from babies born to carrier mothers were PCR-positive, none of 5 formula-fed children tested who had been PCR-positive in the cord blood gave evidence of infection later on. Furthermore, all of 4 seropositive infected children who were formula-fed had been PCR-negative in their cord blood. The results are not consistent with intrauterine infection, but suggest the presence of a perinatal or postnatal infection route other than through breast milk.

Base Sequence↗

Immunohistochemical localization of calmodulin in the human testis [corrected].

The localization of calmodulin in the normal human testis was studied by the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Three different types of fixative were used: phosphate-buffered formalin, Bouin's solution or Carnoy's solution. Immunoreactivity specific for calmodulin was not detectable in the testis fixed in Carnoy's solution. The specimens fixed in phosphate-buffered formalin and in Bouin's solution were stained. The immunostaining for calmodulin was observed in pachytene spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and round spermatids but not in spermatogonia, or in pre-leptotene, leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes, elongated spermatids, spermatozoa or Leydig cells. Sertoli cells were not stained or were stained slightly. Among pachytene spermatocytes, the cells at the early stage were barely stained but those at the middle and late stages were slightly and intensely stained, respectively. The present report provides the first confirmation of the localization of calmodulin in the human testis.

Adult↗

Oscillatory variations of cutaneous blood flow in newborns using a laser Doppler flowmeter.

Oscillatory variations of cutaneous blood flow were studied using laser Doppler flowmetry in 20 newborns. Simultaneous monitoring of cardiorespiratory state was also performed. The frequency and amplitude of oscillatory curve varied, even on identical skin regions in each infant. When their respiration and heart rate were irregular, the frequencies of oscillatory curves were significantly higher and with a larger amplitude than when cardiorespiratory function was regular. The frequencies of oscillatory curves at two symmetrical points of an individual were not different, but a significant difference in the oscillatory cycle was recognized at two asymmetrical points. Distributions of peak-to-peak time periods of oscillatory curves were studied in nine healthy and four sick newborns. Seven of nine healthy newborns had more than two peaks in their distributions, while only one peak with a narrowly-spread distribution was observed in the four sick newborns with almost exclusively periodic breathing throughout monitoring. In conclusion, we speculate that cardiorespiratory state and some neurogenic control affects the variations observed. In addition, the narrowly-spread distribution of each time period appeared to be an important indicator of morbidity.

Heart Rate↗

Serum tumor necrosis factor activity in inflammatory bowel disease.

Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels in 33 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were measured by using a sensitive enzyme immunoassay. Four of five Crohn's diseases (CD) and nine of twenty eight ulcerative colitis (UC) had elevated levels of serum TNF. In active CD or UC, a greater fraction of patients studied had significantly increased serum TNF levels (3/3 for CD and 8/11 for UC). Production of TNF by peripheral blood monocytes when stimulated by lipopolysaccharide was also increased in these patients and correlated with their serum TNF levels. These results suggest that TNF may have some pathoetiological meaning in IBD.

Adult↗

Patterns of renal function in hypertension due to unilateral renal artery occlusion.

We performed renal function studies in dogs with chronic renovascular hypertension produced by complete occlusion of a renal artery. In addition, we evaluated in anesthetized dogs the acute effects of a novel angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, CGS 16,617, on renal function and plasma neurohormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine and vasopressin) 4 weeks after initiation of 2 kidney, 1 clip hypertension. CGS 16,617 effectively decreased blood pressure in renal hypertensive animals. This response was associated with suppression of angiotensin II indicating effective converting enzyme inhibition. In the non-clipped kidney, acute administration of CGS 16,617 increased effective renal plasma flow but not glomerular filtration rate and urinary sodium excretion. In the clipped kidney, CGS 16,617 caused no change in any parameter of renal function. Plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine and vasopressin were unaffected by administration of CGS 16,617. These studies showed that chronic occlusion of a renal artery does not result in renal infarction because of a compensatory increase in the amount of blood provided through capsular collateral vessels. The collateral circulation which has developed in the clipped kidney explains the lack of a converting enzyme inhibitor effect.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

[Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies of cefprozil fine granules in children].

Cefprozil (CFPZ, BMY-28100) is a new oral cephem antibiotic without an ester linkage. Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies using CFPZ 10% fine granules were performed in pediatric patients. 1. Pharmacokinetic investigation Peak serum concentrations of CFPZ after dose of 7.5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg were, respectively, 3.65 +/- 0.24 micrograms/ml and 6.38 +/- 3.23 micrograms/ml at 1-2 hours. The average half-life with 7.5 mg/kg administration was 0.90 +/- 0.16 hours and that with 10 mg/kg was 1.29 +/- 0.50 hours. The urinary excretion of CFPZ was about 45% (35.3-50.0%) in 6 hours. 2. Clinical investigation Enrolled in the study were 22 patients including 4 with pharyngitis, 3 with tonsillitis, 3 with bronchitis, 5 with pneumonia, 4 with urinary tract infection, and 1 each with pertussis, purulent lymphadenitis and otitis media. Responses were excellent in 14 patients, good in 5 patients and fair in 1 patient. In the assessment of the bacteriological efficacy, 8 out of 17 strains of organism identified previous to the treatment were eradicated, 5 strains were found replaced by other bacteria and 4 strains persisted, hence the eradication rate was 76.5%. 3. No adverse reactions attributable to the drug were observed. From the above results, it has been concluded that CFPZ is a highly effective and safe agent for moderate respiratory and urinary tract infections in children.

Administration, Oral↗

Effect of intra-aortic balloon pumping after cardiac surgery: comparative study of use in coronary bypass and valve replacement.

To compare the effects of intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) between use for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and for valve replacement, the results were reviewed in 513 patients who underwent CABG (n = 215) or valve replacement (n = 298). The rate of weaning from IABP and in-hospital survival after IABP support were excellent in CABG patients, where all 21 CABG patients (100%) and 17 out of 25 valve replacement patients (68%) could be weaned from IABP, and 19 out of 21 CABG patients (90%) and 14 out of 25 valve replacement patients (56%) survived for a long period. From comparative studies of pre- and postoperative data, the duration of IABP support in patients who could be weaned from IABP or who achieved in-hospital survival tended to be more prolonged in patients with valve replacement than in those with CABG. Among patients having IABP postoperatively, 4 CABG patients and 8 valve replacement patients had definite indications for IABP support. In the other 34 patients, preoperatively depressed cardiac function was observed in 12 patients where most of them were patients with valve replacement. Postoperative improvements in cardiac index were not as marked in patients undergoing valve replacement with IABP. The outcome for patients who had definite causes of post-operative cardiac failure, which were more numerous in the valve replacement group, was poor even if they could be weaned from much longer IABP support. In conclusion, the IABP was more effective in patients with CABG compared with those with valve replacement, because the number of patients who had a depressed cardiac function during the pre- and postoperative periods was lower in the CABG group and the incidence of serious perioperative complications was less frequent in these patients.

Adult↗

[Cell kinetic effect of carcinostatic agents using BrdU and its monoclonal antibody].

We have investigated the cell kinetic effect of four carcinostatic agents (MMC, CDDP, ADR and 5-FU) on the human gastric cancer cell line (KATO-III; signet ring cell carcinoma) by means of flow cytometry (FCM), using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and its monoclonal antibody. Cancer cells in the S phase were first labelled with BrdU and then the bivariate DNA/BrdU distribution was examined to analyze the effect on the cell cycle. Furthermore, cells were reincubated at 24 hours after labelling to evaluate the cell turnover during FCM. MMC, CDDP and ADR assembled the cells into late S phase and G2M phase, while 5-FU assembled them into S phase. after 24 hours, cells with cessation of cell cycle had inhibited their proliferation. We conclude that this technique can be usefully applied as a susceptibility test of carcinostatic agents, since it could define the phase where carcinostatic agents acted on cancer cells.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

[Antiandrogen therapy of benign prostatic hypertrophy: clinical effects of allylestrenol evaluated by transrectal ultrasonographic measurement].

A multicenter trial was carried out on 100 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy to elucidate the efficacy of anti-androgen therapy with allylestrenol (AE). AE was administered at a daily dose of 50 mg for 16 weeks to the patients and its efficacy was evaluated with subjective symptom scores, residual urine volume and uroflow rates. The effects of AE on prostatic volume and morphology were evaluated using transrectal ultrasound. Of these patients 65 completed the protocol, and only three patients withdrew from the study owing to side effects. Very modest adverse effects on sexual performance were seen in one patient. In this study, significant beneficial effects of AE on symptom scores, residual urine, maximum flow rate, and prostate size were demonstrated. However, volumetric reduction was not associated with urodynamic improvement. Prostatic shape was not changed throughout the study. These findings suggest that allylestrenol can be used as an alternative to prostatectomy in patients who are at high risk for surgery.

Aged↗

[A case of unusually muscle localization of 99mTc-hydroxy methylene diphosphonate scintigraphy in a patient with acute rhabdomyolysis].

A 85-year-old man was admitted with a history of right upper arm pain following trauma. Laboratory studies included an initial CPK level of 5,385 IU/liter. Other laboratory values were GOT, 114 IU/L; LDH, 701 IU/L; myoglobin, 1,100 ng/ml; aldolase, 13.8 IU/L. The patient was presumed to have have rhabdomyolysis. A 99mTc-hydroxy methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-HMDP) scan revealed an increased uptake in the right shoulder area. 99mTc-HMDP scan is a sensitive indicator of local skeletal muscle injury in rhabdomyolysis.

Acute Disease↗

[Successful treatment of prolonged anemia after major ABO incompatible bone marrow transplantation for a case of myelodysplastic syndrome with recombinant erythropoietin].

A delay in red cell recovery after ABO-incompatible bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is often observed. The authors experienced a case of prolonged anemia after a major ABO incompatible BMT for myelodysplastic syndrome which was successfully treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo). Effects of Epo were confirmed by the recurrence of anemia after withdrawal of Epo as well as the rapid reincrease in reticulocytes on readministration. The patient received a dose of Epo which was similar to the amount used for renal anemia, however serum concentration of Epo after administration exceeded endogenous Epo levels. Epo may have a beneficial role in the treatment of prolonged anemia after BMT.

Anemia↗

The effect of hypophysectomy on proluminal movement of 3H-androgens across the epididymal epithelium in the rat.

The effect of hypophysectomy on transepithelial movement of 3H-androgen in the rat epididymis was examined by using in vivo microperifusion of 3H-testosterone followed by in vivo micropuncture to obtain peritubular and intraluminal fluids. Experiments were performed on animals without hypophysectomy or on animals 5-6 days after hypophysectomy and 9-10 days after hypophysectomy. Tubules were perifused with Minimum Essential Medium containing 3H-testosterone. 14C-polyethyleneglycol was included in the perifusion fluid as a marker for contamination of the intraluminal fluid by peritubular fluid. Radioactivity of isotopes in the interstitial and intraluminal fluid was determined at 1 and 2 hours after perifusion and the percentage of peritubular isotopes appearing in the intraluminal fluid was determined. A sperm concentration microassay was performed on micropuncture samples from the epididymal tubules to assess testicular contribution to the lumen content. Proluminal movement of 3H-androgen and intratubular sperm concentrations in the caput epididymal tubules of rats 9-10 days after hypophysectomy were significantly decreased. Proluminal movement of 3H-androgen and intratubular sperm concentrations in the cauda epididymal tubules of rats 9-10 days after hypophysectomy were significantly increased. These results suggest that proluminal androgen movement is controlled by the presence of some testicular product in the epididymal lumen.

Androgens↗

[Usefulness of 0.02 percent epinephrine solution to widen the nasal cavity].

There are many reports describing how to use epinephrine solution before nasal intubation, but there are few reports showing how much of the nasal cavity is widened by using epinephrine solution. The purpose of this study is to examine the usefulness of epinephrine solution to widen the nasal cavity before nasal intubation by measuring the decrease of the nasal concha. Twenty patients who were scheduled for nasal intubation were divided into two groups: 0.02 percent (1:5000) epinephrine solution (0.02 group, n = 10). 0.033 percent (1:3000) epinephrine solution (0.033 group, n = 10). The solutions were instilled on long cotton-tipped applicators that were slowly inserted until they reached posterior wall of the nasopharynx. We examined the area of the inferior nasal concha on X-P before and after inserting applicators in two groups. The area of the inferior nasal concha on X-P decreased 25 percent and 27 percent after using epinephrine solution in 0.02 group and 0.033 group, respectively and the decreases of the area were significant. But there was no significant difference between two groups. We conclude that 0.02 percent epinephrine solution is useful and adequate to widen the nasal cavity before nasal intubation.

Adolescent↗

[Immunohistochemical studies on the thyroid C-cells in primary hyperparathyroidism].

This study was conducted in order to establish whether C cells, which are responsible for secretion of calcitonin within the thyroid gland, change either in volume or morphology under conditions of chronic hypercalcemia in primary hyperparathyroidism. Out of 106 primary hyperparathyroid patients undergoing surgery, in 11 cases the thyroids were excised and examined for changes in the C cell. As a control group we used thyroids removed in another 14 cases undergoing thyroidectomy or laryngectomy. Calcitonin in the C cell was observed by optical microscope after immuno staining using the indirect peroxidase-labeled antibody technique. C cells are not evenly distributed within the thyroid. However, there is excellent positive correlation (p less than 0.001) between the C-cell index, which is the average of two tissue samples excised from the area at the border between the upper 1/3 and middle 1/3 of the thyroid lobe (the area where most C cells are found), and the total number of C cells. The C-cell index can thus be used as an indicator of the total number of C cells in the thyroid. The number of C cells decreased (p less than 0.01) as the level of calcium in serum increased. In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, this decrease in C cells was significantly greater (p less than 0.025) than in the controls. Focal C cell hyperplasia and diffuse C cell hyperplasia were present in both the control group and primary hyperparathyroid group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups as to the frequency of occurrence. For both these conditions the rate of occurrence was considered within normal ranges for C cell morphology. We concluded that the decrease in C-cell count in primary hyperparathyroidism patients with chronic hypercalcemia is due to consumption of calcitonin in the C cell.

Adult↗

Iron-independent induction of ferritin H chain by tumor necrosis factor.

Iron increases the synthesis of the iron-storage protein, ferritin, largely by promoting translation of preexisting mRNAs for both the H and L ferritin isoforms (H, heavy, heart, acidic; L, light, liver, basic). We have recently cloned and sequenced a full-length cDNA to murine ferritin H and identified ferritin H as a gene induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha, cachectin). Using primary human myoblasts, we have now examined the relationship between TNF-alpha and iron in regulating ferritin. Four lines of evidence suggest that TNF-alpha regulates ferritin independently of iron. First, evaluation of mRNA showed that TNF-alpha increased ferritin H chain specifically, provoking no change in steady-state levels of ferritin L mRNA; iron, in contrast, increased the mRNA of both isoforms. Second, the increase in ferritin H protein synthesis observed during TNF-alpha treatment was dependent on an increase in ferritin H mRNA: actinomycin D blocked the TNF-alpha-induced changes in ferritin H but did not inhibit the translational induction of ferritin seen with iron treatment. Third, equal ferritin mRNA induction was observed in iron-loaded cells and in cells depleted of iron by a permeant chelator, 2,2'-dipyridyl. Fourth, ferritin H induction by TNF-alpha and iron was additive over the entire range of iron concentrations, even at TNF-alpha doses known to maximally stimulate ferritin H mRNA levels. Nonetheless, the role of iron in translational regulation of ferritin was retained in TNF-alpha-treated cells; effective biosynthesis of TNF-alpha-induced, H-subunit-predominant ferritin protein required iron and could be enhanced by treatment of the cells with additional iron or blocked by 2,2'-dipyridyl. Finally, we observed that the TNF-alpha-mediated increase in ferritin synthesis peaked at 8 hr and was followed by a decrease in both H and L isoferritin synthesis; the addition of iron, however, reversed the late-occurring depression in ferritin synthesis. This suggests that TNF-alpha-induced synthesis of H-rich ferritin may reduce the regulatory pool of intracellular iron, secondarily inhibiting iron-mediated translation of ferritin mRNA. We conclude that TNF-alpha acts independently of iron in its induction of ferritin H mRNA but requires the presence of iron for this effect to be fully expressed at the protein level.

2,2'-Dipyridyl↗

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1-alpha regulate transferrin receptor in human diploid fibroblasts. Relationship to the induction of ferritin heavy chain.

We have studied transferrin receptor expression in MRC5 human fibroblasts in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF, cachectin) or interleukin 1-alpha (IL-1). Treatment of exponentially growing MRC5 cells with these cytokines led to a 3-4-fold increase in transferrin receptor mRNA and a coordinate increase in transferrin receptor protein by 24 h. Under these conditions, stimulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation was minimal, suggesting that the induction of transferrin receptor by TNF and IL-1 is mediated by a growth-independent regulatory mechanism. A study of the time course of this response showed that cytokine-mediated increases in transferrin receptor mRNA and protein proceeded after a lag of 12-24 h. A simultaneous analysis of the effects of TNF and IL-1 on ferritin in MRC5 cells was also performed. Ferritin L mRNA levels were unchanged. However, induction of ferritin H mRNA was seen within 4 h, preceding the induction of the transferrin receptor. The synthesis of ferritin H (but not ferritin L) protein peaked at 8 h after TNF or IL-1 treatment, followed by a rapid decrease in both ferritin H and L protein synthesis. As ferritin H synthesis declined, levels of transferrin receptor protein increased, reaching a maximum by 24 h. These results suggest that the cytokine-dependent induction of ferritin H and subsequent increase in the transferrin receptor are related and possibly interdependent events. This study demonstrates that the complex role of TNF and IL-1 in iron homeostasis includes modulation of the transferrin receptor.

Cell Division↗